The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 03, 2001
Filed:
Nov. 05, 1998
David W. Bogle, Destrehan, LA (US);
Paul L. Horton, Metairie, LA (US);
Dorian F. Steeber, Anderson, SC (US);
Olivier Duterte, Greer, SC (US);
The Laitram Corporation, Harahan, LA (US);
Abstract
This invention provides integrated knuckle drive link conveyor belt systems with improved long wear-high load bearing link coupling joints of a universal joint nature for permitting the belts to travel on straight or curvaceous paths which also feature expedited insertion of spindle rods extending through the knuckles, diverse sprocket drive capabilities and replaceable load conveying platform accessories of the plug-in or snap-in variety. A cylindrical knuckle, when the loaded belt is under tension, has a substantially semi-cylindrical high wear contact surface that handles heavy peak loads. That knuckle is installed expeditiously at a joint between end-to-end connected links constituting a special interfitted jig comprising a seat in the nose end of a link resting the knuckle in a registered operational position to receive the connecting spindle rod through trailing edge bifurcated arms of a leading modular link without a concurrent manual orientation of the knuckle. Diverse sprocket drive structure permits the belt to be driven from beneath or on either lateral side. The knuckle and surrounding seat provides three dimensional moving tolerances to provide the universal joint type operation at each link joint. Other features include side rollers to reduce friction on inner curve radii, and hold down flanges that keep the belt from fluttering off a base support surface. The rugged molded resulting plastic links are long wearing and resist catastrophic failure. The versatility and ruggedness of the system is significantly enhanced by the removable platform structure for heavy industrial use.