MARTIN ENGINEERING COMPANY Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140269150 | BULK MATERIAL HANDLING ASSEMBLY HAVING A CLAMP MOUNTED VIBRATOR AND METHOD RELATED TO THE SAME - A bulk material handling assembly comprises a pair of spaced-apart walls, an elongate vibrator, a pair of saddle clamps, and a pair of locking members. The saddle clamps encircle and releasably secure the axial end portions of the vibrator to the spaced-apart walls of the bulk material handling assembly. The locking members are secured to the saddle clamps and to the end portions of the vibrator. | 09-18-2014 |
20140083822 | Conveyor Belt Idler Assembly - A conveyor belt idler assembly comprises support structure, a strand of catenary idler rollers, and an outboard wing roller or slider bar. The strand of catenary idler rollers can take on various trough-shaped contours. The outboard wing roller or slider bar is attached to the support structure and is able to translate relative to the support structure only along a linear path. The translational movement of the outboard wing roller or slider bar along the linear path is at least partial dependent upon changes in the contour of the strand of catenary idler rollers. The structure is adjustable such that the strand of catenary idler rollers can be lowered and raised to facilitate servicing and installation. A plurality of idler assemblies can be connected to each other using connecting brackets that rigidly tie the assemblies to each other near the outermost idler rollers or slider bars. | 03-27-2014 |
20130283941 | Vibratory Device with Repositionable Weights and Method of Extending the Useful Life of Vibratory Devices - A method comprises accessing a vibratory device having a rotor and first and second eccentric weights. The first weight is initially attached to the rotor's shaft in a manner such that its center of the mass is offset from the shaft in a first radial direction. The second weight is initially attached to the shaft in a manner such that its center of the mass is also offset in the first radial direction. The method further comprises reorienting the first and second weights relative to the shaft in a manner such that their centers of the mass are offset in a second radial direction. By performing these steps, the location of greatest bearing surface wear rate on the shaft is circumferentially relocated about the shaft. As such, the service life of an eccentric weight vibratory device is thereby extended. | 10-31-2013 |
20130068258 | Air Cannon Assembly Having an Automated Blast Guard Valve - An air cannon has a pressure vessel, a discharge valve, and a discharge tube assembly. The discharge tube assembly comprises a fluid passageway and a blast guard valve. The discharge valve is capable of opening and closing and allows pressurized gas to be discharged from the pressure vessel into the fluid passageway of the discharge tube assembly only when open. The blast guard valve is capable of opening and closing and obstructs the fluid passageway of the discharge tube assembly when closed. The blast guard valve allows gas to pass through the fluid passageway when open. The discharge valve and the blast guard valve are operatively connected to each other in a manner such that the discharge valve can open only when the blast guard valve is open. | 03-21-2013 |
20130026008 | Conveyor Belt Scraper Assembly Comprising Scraper Members that are Clamped Together and Method Pertaining to the Same - A bulk material conveyor belt scraper assembly comprises a support member, at least two scraper members, and a clamping device. The support member has a length that extends along an axis. The scraper members each have a first end portion and an opposite second end portion. The first end portion of each of the scraper members is configured and adapted to engage a bulk material conveyor belt. The second end portion of each of the scraper members connects the scraper member to the support member in a manner such that the scraper member is slidable relative to the support member along the axis of the support member and is otherwise fixed relative to the support member. The clamping device is secured to the support member and is configured and adapted to squeeze the scraper members toward each other relative to the axis of the support member. | 01-31-2013 |
20120241288 | Bulk Material Conveyor Belt Scraper Having a Dust Skirt and Method of Using the Same - An improved bulk material conveyor belt scraper comprises a skirt that shields mounting surfaces from the bulk material dust. By shielding the mounting surfaces from bulk material dust, such dust does not interfere with the replacement of the scraper blade. The belt scraper also comprises an improved securing mechanism for attaching belt scrapers to belt scraper mounts. The improved securing mechanism comprises pegs that have an elongate transverse cross-section that more evenly distributes bearing loads between the belt scrapers and their respective mounts. This eliminates local yielding that can cause belt scrapers to become loose over time. | 09-27-2012 |
20120227232 | Conveyor Belt Roller Guard and Method of Using the Same - A conveyor belt roller guard comprises opposite first and second longitudinal side panels, opposite transverse side panels, and a bottom panel. The first and second longitudinal side panels, the transverse side panels, and the bottom panel are arranged in a manner adapted to define a u-shaped trough that comprises a cavity that is open from above. The first longitudinal side panel has a lower portion that is hinged relative to the transverse side panels about a first pivot axis in a manner such that the first longitudinal side panel can be swung downward while the bottom panel and the transverse side panels remain stationary. The first pivot axis extends substantially horizontal and parallel to the first longitudinal side panel. | 09-13-2012 |
20120125744 | Conveyor Belt Guard Panel Blank Having Integrally Formed Handles and Method of Forming a Conveyor Belt Guard Panel - A conveyor belt guard panel blank comprises a monolithic planar sheet of material of uniform thickness having opposite facing primary surfaces. The sheet of material has a plurality of openings extending therethrough in a manner creating a mesh. The sheet also comprises at least two handle formations that are adapted and configured to be altered in a manner such that the handle formations extend outward from one of the primary surfaces of the sheet of material. | 05-24-2012 |
20120031736 | Method of Adjusting Conveyor Belt Scrapers and Open Loop Control System for Conveyor Belt Scrapers - A bulk material handling system comprises a bulk material handling apparatus to convey bulk material, and a bulk material handling accessory that aids in the operation of the bulk material handling apparatus. The bulk material handling accessory comprises a controller having one or more sensors. The controller comprises a processor and a computer readable memory capable of: (i) generating a control signal indicative of an operating condition of the bulk material handling accessory during a cycle of operation of the accessory; (ii) storing in the memory of the controller a limit associated with an operating condition of the accessory; (iii) comparing the control signal to the limit; (iv) generating a signal indicative of an abnormal event associated with the operating condition when the control signal is beyond the limit; and (v) generating a response signal when a number of abnormal event signals generated exceeds a predetermined level of abnormal events. | 02-09-2012 |
20110247426 | Conveyor Belt Cleaner Scraper Blade with Sensor and Control System Therefor - A conveyor belt cleaner scraper blade for cleaning the surface of a conveyor belt and a method of manufacture of the scraper blade. The scraper blade includes a body having a base member adapted to be attached to a cross shaft of a conveyor belt cleaner and a scraping member which extends outwardly from the base member to a scraping tip. The scraper blade includes one or more electrical sensors that are embedded in an insert member. The insert member and the sensors are molded and embedded within the body of the scraper blade. Each of the sensors is adapted to provide an electrical output signal representing a physical condition of the scraper blade sensed by the sensor. A variety of sensor embodiments are described, as well as two embodiments of control and monitoring systems for use in conjunction with the various blade and sensor combinations. | 10-13-2011 |
20110085883 | ADJUSTABLE WEAR AND DIVERSION DEVICE FOR BULK MATERIAL TRANSFER SYSTEMS AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A wear device for a bulk material transfer system comprises a first wear member and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism is connected to the first wear member and is lockable in a manner that fixes the first wear member in a first position relative to the flow path of the bulk material. The attachment mechanism is also selectively unlockable in a manner such that the first wear member can be moved toward the flow path to a second position. Still further, the attachment mechanism is lockable in a manner that fixes the first wear member in the second position relative to the flow path. | 04-14-2011 |
20110049118 | Roof Edge Cable Raceway and Method of Forming Same - A raceway extends along an edge of roof of a structure and is adapted to house a cable, such as an industry standard ice and snow melt heating cable designed, Listed and approved for the purpose. An open side of the raceway exposes the cable and allows for the insertion, replacement and inspection of the cable per industry practice. A side of the raceway may have a radiused edge providing added resiliency to springably retain and/or removably secure the cable in raceway. In the case of a heating cable, heat is transferred to the surrounding structure, and may be concentrated at the drip edge to maximize ice melt efficiency. Methods of installation of the raceway are applicable to new construction and retrofitting existing structures, including drainage systems, bridge structures and other outdoor enclosures, and may be used with many types of roofing materials including asphalt, wood and metal. | 03-03-2011 |
20110047892 | Roof Edge Cable Raceway and Method of Forming Same - A raceway extends along an edge of roof of a structure and is adapted to house a cable, such as an industry standard ice and snow melt heating cable designed, Listed and approved for the purpose. An open side of the raceway exposes the cable and allows for the insertion, replacement and inspection of the cable per industry practice. A side of the raceway may have a radiused edge providing added resiliency to springably retain and/or removably secure the cable in raceway. In the case of a heating cable, heat is transferred to the surrounding structure, and may be concentrated at the drip edge to maximize ice melt efficiency. Methods of installation of the raceway are applicable to new construction and retro-fitting existing structures, including drainage systems, bridge structures and other outdoor enclosures, and may be used with many types of roofing materials including asphalt, wood and metal. | 03-03-2011 |
20110000936 | Air Cannon for Removal of Flowable Material from a Material Handling System - An air cannon or aerator comprises a tank, a valve, and a tube. The tank has opposite first and second openings and an interior chamber. The valve is rigidly attached to the first opening. The tube connects the valve to the second opening of the tank through the interior chamber of the tank. The tube is pivotally connected to each of the first and second openings and comprises a fluid passageway. The valve is configured and adapted to selectively allow gas to pass from the interior chamber of the tank into the fluid passageway of the tube and out of the tank through the second opening and to selectively prevent gas from passing from the interior of the tank into the fluid passageway of the tube. | 01-06-2011 |
20100072336 | Bracket for Bulk Material Transfer Systems and Method of Using the Same - A bracket assembly comprises a bracket and a stringer of a conveyor belt assembly. The bracket comprises a center mating surface and at least two outer mating surfaces. The center mating surface lies between the outer mating surfaces and is oriented at an obtuse angle relative to each of the outer mating surfaces. The stringer comprises a center mating surface and at least two outer mating surfaces. The outer mating surfaces of the bracket are clamped against the outer mating surfaces of the stringer in manner creating a load path for carrying vertical loads through contact forces. | 03-25-2010 |
20100072038 | Dust Buildup Resistant Access Door and Door Frame of a Bulk Material Handling System - A bulk material handling system comprising an enclosure, a door frame, and an access door. The door frame is secured to a wall of the enclosure adjacent an access opening. The exterior surface of the door frame is devoid of horizontal surface portions when the enclosure is oriented with the wall of the enclosure in a vertical position. The access door is releasably secured to the door frame and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The exterior surface of the door is devoid of horizontal surface portions when the access door is in the closed position and the enclosure is oriented with the wall of the enclosure in the vertical position. | 03-25-2010 |
20100072037 | Apparatus for and method of servicing conveyor belt return rollers during belt operation - A method comprises a step of accessing a conveyor belt system that has a belt, a return roller, and a return roller support assembly. The return roller is supported by the return roller support assembly. The return roller is engaged with the belt from beneath the return run. The method also comprises operating the return roller support assembly in a manner causing the return roller to lower relative to the belt to a position where the return roller is no longer engaged with the belt, without requiring any person to reach beneath the belt. The method still further comprises removing the return roller from the return roller support assembly by sliding the return roller out from under the belt after the return roller has been lowered, without requiring any person to reach beneath the belt. | 03-25-2010 |
20100072035 | Dual Apron Seal - A seal member for sealing a conveyor belt is a monolithic homogeneous piece of material having opposite first and second halves and comprises first and second primary seals and first and second secondary seals. The first secondary seal is resiliently movable relative to the first primary seal. The second secondary seal is resiliently movable relative to the second primary seal. The first primary seal and the first secondary seal are part of the first half of the seal member. The second primary seal and the second secondary seal are part of the second half of the seal member. When the seals on one of the first and second halves of the seal member become excessively worn, the seal member can be flipped so that the seals on the other half of the seal member can be utilized. | 03-25-2010 |
20100072034 | Exteriorly Mounted Wear Liner for Bulk Material Conveyor Belt Systems - A bulk material conveyor belt system comprises a belt, a skirt, and a wear liner. The belt forms a continuous loop having an upper transfer run and a lower return run. The belt defines a theoretical, vertically oriented, center plane about which the belt is generally symmetric. The skirt has a lower edge that extends above the transfer run. The wear liner is removably attached to the skirt in a manner such that the skirt lies between the wear liner and the center plane. The wear liner has a lower edge that that extends above the transfer run and beneath the lower edge of the skirt. | 03-25-2010 |
20100072033 | Apparatus for and Method of Mounting and Locking Devices to Conveyor Belt Systems - A bulk material conveyor belt system comprises a belt, a track mounted device, and a support device. The track mounted device comprises a first track. The support device comprises a second track and a locking device. The second track is engage with the first track in a manner such that the support device limits relative movement between the track mounted device and the belt while the support device also allows the track mounted device to slide relative to the support device along a path defined by the first and second tracks. The locking device comprises a movable portion that is movably attached to the second track and that can selectively bias the first track in a direction other than along the path in a manner creating sufficient friction between the first and second tracks that renders the first and second tracks immovable relative to each. | 03-25-2010 |
20100072032 | Conveyor Belt Training Idler with a Locking Mechanism - A conveyor belt training idler comprises a mount, a roller support frame, a roller, and a locking mechanism. The roller support frame is pivotally attached to the mount about a support frame axis for pivotal movement relative to the mount. The roller is rotatably attached to the roller support frame for rotation about a roller axis. The roller axis is pivotal with the roller support frame about the support frame axis relative to the mount. The locking mechanism has a plurality of discrete settings, each setting being configured and adapted to maintain the roller support frame at a discrete angular setting relative to the mount. | 03-25-2010 |
20090301844 | Device for and Method of Sampling the Amount of Carryback Material Transferred by a Bulk Material Belt Conveyor System - An assembly comprises a bulk material belt conveyor system and a carryback sampling device. The bulk material belt conveyor system comprises a belt and a structural frame. The belt is supported by the structural frame and has a downwardly facing portion. The belt is configured to traverse relative to the structural frame. The carryback sampling device comprises at least a first support member, a carryback receptacle, and a carryback scraper. The first support member is pivotally attached to the structural frame about an axis. The carryback scraper and the carryback receptacle are attached to the structural frame via the first support member in a manner such that pivotal movement of the first support member about the axis relative to the structural frame brings the carryback scraper into engagement with the downwardly facing portion of the belt with the carryback receptacle positioned therebeneath. | 12-10-2009 |
20090294252 | Bulk Material Handling System and Control - A bulk material handling system includes a bulk material handling apparatus to convey bulk material and a bulk material handling accessory to aid the bulk material handling apparatus in conveying the bulk material. The bulk material handling accessory includes a controller having one or more sensors. The controller generates a control signal to adjust operation of the bulk material handling accessory based upon at least one status signal of the one or more sensors. The controller also generates the control signal in accordance with a status signal to control signal response pattern defined by system parameter values. The system parameters include a minimum value to define a minimum level of the control signal associated with fail-safe operation and a maximum value to define a maximum level of the control signal associated with stable operation the bulk material handling accessory. | 12-03-2009 |
20090255559 | Gas Channeling Device for Directing Blasts of Gas Through Alternative Outlet Passageways and Method Therefor - A gas channeling device for selectively channeling blasts of gas from an air cannon to various locations comprises a stationary portion and a movable portion. The stationary portion comprises a fluid inlet passageway and at least first and second fluid outlet passageways. The movable portion comprises a fluid channeling passageway, and is pivotally movable about a pivot axis relative to the stationary portion in a manner such that the movable portion can be selectively positioned in alternative first and second positions relative to the stationary portion. The fluid channeling passageway operatively connects the fluid inlet passageway to the first fluid outlet passageway when the movable portion is in the first position. The fluid channeling passageway operatively connects the fluid inlet passageway to the second fluid outlet passageway when the movable portion is in the second position. | 10-15-2009 |
20090082904 | Bulk Material Handling System and Control - A bulk material handling system includes a bulk material handling apparatus to convey bulk material and a bulk material handling accessory to aid the bulk material handling apparatus in conveying the bulk material. The bulk material handling accessory includes a controller having one or more sensors. The controller generates a control signal to adjust operation of the bulk material handling accessory based upon at least one status signal of the one or more sensors. The controller also generates the control signal in accordance with a status signal to control signal response pattern defined by system parameter values. The system parameters include a minimum value to define a minimum level of the control signal associated with fail-safe operation and a maximum value to define a maximum level of the control signal associated with stable operation the bulk material handling accessory. | 03-26-2009 |
20090078539 | Bulk Material Handling System - A bulk material handling accessory such as a conveyor belt cleaner for use in connection with a bulk material handling system. The bulk material handling accessory includes a main frame, a scraping member including an arm and a scraper blade pivotally attached to the main frame, and a damper mechanism coupled at one end to the main frame and at another end to the scraping member. A mounting mechanism is attached to the main frame for providing linear and rotational movement of the main frame and the associated scraping member and damper mechanism. The damper mechanism includes a damper having a piston and a housing having a fluid chamber. The viscosity of the fluid within the fluid chamber is selectively changeable to change the damping characteristics of the damper mechanism to accommodate changes in operating conditions. | 03-26-2009 |
20090078538 | Bulk Material Handling System - A bulk material handling accessory such as a conveyor belt cleaner for use in connection with a bulk material handling system. The bulk material handling accessory includes a main frame, a scraping member including an arm and a scraper blade pivotally attached to the main frame, and a damper mechanism coupled at one end to the main frame and at another end to the scraping member. A mounting mechanism is attached to the main frame for providing linear and rotational movement of the main frame and the associated scraping member and damper mechanism. The damper mechanism includes a damper having a piston and a housing having a fluid chamber. The viscosity of the fluid within the fluid chamber is selectively changeable to change the damping characteristics of the damper mechanism to accommodate changes in operating conditions. | 03-26-2009 |
20090078537 | Bulk Material Handling System and Control - A bulk material handling system includes a bulk material handling apparatus to convey bulk material and a bulk material handling accessory to aid the bulk material handling apparatus in conveying the bulk material. The bulk material handling accessory includes a controller having one or more sensors. The controller generates a control signal to adjust operation of the bulk material handling accessory based upon at least one status signal of the one or more sensors. The controller also generates the control signal in accordance with a status signal to control signal response pattern defined by system parameter values. The system parameters include a minimum value to define a minimum level of the control signal associated with fail-safe operation and a maximum value to define a maximum level of the control signal associated with stable operation the bulk material handling accessory. | 03-26-2009 |
20090078536 | Bulk Material Handling System - A bulk material handling accessory such as a conveyor belt cleaner for use in connection with a bulk material handling system. The bulk material handling accessory includes a main frame, a scraping member including an arm and a scraper blade pivotally attached to the main frame, and a damper mechanism coupled at one end to the main frame and at another end to the scraping member. A mounting mechanism is attached to the main frame for providing linear and rotational movement of the main frame and the associated scraping member and damper mechanism. The damper mechanism includes a damper having a piston and a housing having a fluid chamber. The viscosity of the fluid within the fluid chamber is selectively changeable to change the damping characteristics of the damper mechanism to accommodate changes in operating conditions. | 03-26-2009 |
20090001097 | AIR CANNON FOR REMOVAL OF FLOWABLE MATERIAL FROM A MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEM - An air cannon or aerator has a first source of a pressurized gas, such as a tank, a discharge tube assembly, a valve assembly configured to regulate the flow of pressurized gas from the tank to the discharge tube assembly, and a receiving member or basket having a first end configured to receive and seat the valve assembly and a second end configured to releasably and securely mate with the discharge tube assembly. The discharge tube assembly, valve assembly, and basket are all concentrically aligned along a central, longitudinal axis extending substantially coaxial with the longitudinal center line of the tank. The positioning of the discharge tube assembly and valve assembly close to a longitudinal center line of the tank, thereby providing for a central location for the energy discharge, and the provision of large ports in the basket facilitating substantially unobstructed fluid communication between the tank and discharge tube assembly, together facilitate smooth discharge of the pressurized gas as well as increased efficiency and force output of the air cannon. | 01-01-2009 |
20080265066 | Removable Nozzle for Use With Air Cannons and Aerators and Method for Replacing Same - A nozzle for introducing pressurized fluids into an industrial vessel is releasably attachable to and detachable from a mounting member securedly attached to an exterior surface of the vessel. The mounting member is attached, via extension piping, to a source of pressurized gas, such as the exhaust valve of an air cannon. Both the nozzle and the mounting member include respective mating collars which engage each other in a twist lock manner. Additional securing members are provided to securely retain the nozzle and mounting member in twist lock engagement. Removal of the nozzle is performed by releasing the securing members, twisting the nozzle from inside of the vessel to unlock it from the mounting member, and uncoupling the nozzle from the mounting member. Installation of a replacement nozzle is performed by performing the foregoing steps in the reverse order. For high temperature applications, the removal of existing refractory material may be necessary prior to removal of a worn nozzle, and new refractory material may be applied to the interior surface of the vessel following attachment of the replacement nozzle. | 10-30-2008 |