US 12,304,739 B2
Flexible conveyor system
William Martin Mackleit, Clarkston, WA (US)
Assigned to Western Skies Innovation, LLC, Clarkston, WA (US)
Filed by Western Skies Innovation, LLC, Clarkston, WA (US)
Filed on Apr. 17, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/135,702.
Prior Publication US 2024/0343493 A1, Oct. 17, 2024
Int. Cl. B65G 15/08 (2006.01); B65G 15/42 (2006.01); B65G 23/06 (2006.01); B65G 23/12 (2006.01); B65G 49/05 (2006.01)
CPC B65G 15/08 (2013.01) [B65G 15/42 (2013.01); B65G 23/06 (2013.01); B65G 23/12 (2013.01); B65G 49/05 (2013.01); B65G 2207/42 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A conveyance system comprising:
a conveyor component having a torus shape elongated along a central axis of the torus shape, the conveyor component including a flexible membrane configured such that a first portion of the flexible membrane is configured to rotate from an interior surface of the torus shape to an exterior surface of the torus shape;
a first roller assembly disposed within a cavity enclosed by the flexible membrane;
a second roller assembly disposed within the cavity;
a first end unit including:
a drive shaft configured to receive an input torque,
a drive wheel coupled to the drive shaft and configured to rotate in response to the input torque, the drive wheel configured to apply a force against the conveyor component and the first roller assembly, and
a first adjustment device that adjusts a position of the drive wheel along a direction parallel with the central axis; and
a second end unit including:
a retainer wheel that contacts the flexible membrane and applies a force against the flexible membrane and the second roller assembly, and
a second adjustment device that adjusts a position of the retainer wheel along the direction parallel with the central axis.