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:
Nov. 25, 2003
Filed:
Apr. 30, 2002
Terry M. Thomas, Franklin, PA (US);
Gregory M. Chandler, Franklin, PA (US);
Joy MM Delaware, Inc., Wilmington, DE (US);
Abstract
A material conveying system capable of traversing a floor along a curvilinear path, the system comprising a plurality of framework members arranged in tandem on the surface along a portion of the path to form an elongated longitudinally extending conveyor train; and connector means on each framework member cooperate with connector means on each adjacent framework member for coupling the plurality of framework members, the connector means permitting movement between adjacent framework members. The conveying system also includes a plurality of the framework members including a crawler chain assembly comprising a plurality of crawler chain pads interconnected by chain links to form an endless loop. The crawler chain assembly extends over a lower portion of each of the plurality of framework members wherein the crawler chain pads are maintained in engagement with the floor, and over an upper portion having an upper surface that supports the chain pads. The adjacent framework members include cooperating means for limiting the articulation between adjacent framework members in the horizontal, vertical and longitudinal directions, such cooperating means comprising outboard side tubes having a trapping on one end, the trapping being received in the hollow other end of the side tube of the next adjacent frame member. The framework members also include means for supporting an orbitally moveable endless conveyor belt above the crawler chain assembly, the conveying run of the orbitally moveable conveyor belt operable to convey material substantially throughout the longitudinal extent of the train.