Patent Description:
It is not uncommon to use slat-type springs in the manufacture of a vibratory apparatus, such as a vibratory conveyor. For example, <CIT> illustrates an embodiment of a vibratory conveyor where the trough is carried on a plurality of vertical legs. As explained therein, because the legs are constructed of a dimension in the direction transverse to the path of conveyance much larger than a dimension (i.e., its thickness) in the direction along the path of conveyance, the legs are caused to act as resilient means of a leaf-spring type. This leaf-type spring permits displacement of the trough only in the direction of conveyance.

Such slat-type springs present certain disadvantages relative to other resilient members, or springs, such as coil springs. The slat-type springs are more difficult to connect to the trough, adding to the expense of the vibratory apparatus. Furthermore, there are higher localized stresses at the point of attachment for slat-type springs, which can increase the potential for early replacement. As a consequence, coil springs are used in many applications.

Coil springs present a separate set of issues, however. For example, because of the manufacturing processes used to make coil springs, not all materials can be used, because not all materials can be formed into coil springs using conventional manufacturing methods. Furthermore, coil springs typically are available only in standard sizes, causing issues should a non-standard sized spring be a more optimal solution for a particular apparatus. In addition, coil springs can present issues for installation/maintenance/replacement, considering that coil springs typically have a loop formed at either end, which loop can be difficult to reach using conventional tools. <CIT> relates to a vibrating conveyor with a vibrating plate suitable, for example, for holding a container.

It would be advantageous to overcome or substantially ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of such existing springs, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

The above is achieved at least partially by the subject-matter of the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are the subject-matter of the dependent claims. Any "aspect", "embodiment", "example" etc. described in the following and not falling within the scope of the claimed invention is to be interpreted as background information provided to facilitate the understanding of the claimed invention. According to the first aspect, the invention refers to a vibratory apparatus according to claim <NUM>.

It is believed that the disclosure will be more fully understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Some of the figures may have been simplified by the omission of selected elements for the purpose of more clearly showing other elements. Such omissions of elements in some figures are not necessarily indicative of the presence or absence of particular elements in any of the exemplary embodiments, except as may be explicitly delineated in the corresponding written description. None of the drawings is necessarily to scale.

A single deck conveyor according to embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>.

The embodiment of a single deck apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> is a two-mass vibratory apparatus, including a first mass (or exciter) <NUM> and a second mass (or trough) <NUM>. Connected between the first mass <NUM> and the second mass <NUM> are a number of resilient members <NUM> (or reactor springs), which are formed from structural elements of the apparatus <NUM>. While the embodiment of the single deck apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> is a two-mass feeder, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to feeders, but may be applicable to other types of vibratory apparatuses, such as conveyors, screens, shakeouts and the like.

The exciter <NUM> may include a base <NUM> that is supported on a reference surface. In particular, the base <NUM> may be supported on the reference surface by resilient members <NUM>, such as coil springs or marshmallow springs, which resilient members or springs <NUM> may also be referred to as isolation members or springs. According to certain embodiments, the isolation members may be simply rubber pads. For the reasons provided below, the isolation springs <NUM> even may be omitted from embodiments of the present apparatus <NUM>.

As best seen in <FIG>, the base <NUM> may include a platform <NUM> and first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM> that are coupled to the platform <NUM> along opposing edges of the platform <NUM>. The platform <NUM> extends from a first end to a second end, and the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> also extend or depend from the first end to the second end of the platform <NUM>, although the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> may not extend or depend from the first end to the second end.

The side walls <NUM>, <NUM> are used to couple the exciter <NUM> to the trough <NUM> as explained below.

The remainder of the exciter <NUM> is coupled, mounted or supported on the platform <NUM>. The exciter <NUM> further includes a shaft <NUM> with a shaft axis <NUM> (see <FIG>) that is disposed coupled to the platform <NUM>, and may extend transverse to the path of travel along the trough <NUM>, further comprising one or more eccentric or eccentric weights <NUM> coupled to the shaft <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the shaft <NUM> is the shaft of an electric motor <NUM>, which motor is coupled <NUM> (e.g., by fasteners) to the platform <NUM>. According to other embodiments, the shaft <NUM> is coupled to a shaft of an electric motor, which motor is mounted off the apparatus (e.g., to the side of the apparatus).

It will be recognized that according to other embodiments, the exciter <NUM> may include a plurality of shafts, each with eccentric weights mounted thereon, with each of the shafts being defined by one of a plurality of motors. In addition, the motor (or motors) <NUM> may be electrically coupled to a controller <NUM> (see <FIG>), which controller <NUM> may include a microprocessor and memory. The controller <NUM> may be configured (e.g., programmed) to control the operation of the motor <NUM> (and thus the shaft <NUM>) to vary the motion of the material on the trough <NUM>.

The trough <NUM> includes a deck <NUM>, and to the extent the trough <NUM> is connected to the exciter <NUM> by the resilient members <NUM>, it may be said that the deck <NUM> is connected to the exciter <NUM> by the resilient members <NUM>. The deck <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, and material may be moved along the deck <NUM> with a path of travel between a first point and a second point, e.g., between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>. The deck <NUM> may have opposing surfaces, which for ease of illustration may be referred to as a first, or top, surface <NUM> and a second, or bottom, surface <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The top surface <NUM> of the deck <NUM> may be treated or may have one or more protective layers disposed thereon to protect the deck <NUM> as material is moved between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>. As a further alternative, the deck <NUM> may have openings or passages that extend between the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> to permit the separation of material moving over the top surface <NUM> of the deck <NUM>. Separation of materials may also be achieved with a deck <NUM> that is defined by spaced structures, such as fingers, that define openings between them and permit the passage of certain materials through the openings while retarding the passage of other materials therethrough.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first end <NUM> of the deck <NUM> is at substantially the same elevation as the second end <NUM> of the deck <NUM> relative to a reference surface (i.e., the deck is horizontal). The reference surface may be defined by a foundation, which in turn may be the ground story of a building or an upper story of such a structure. According to other embodiments, the first end <NUM> of the deck <NUM> may be above or below the second end <NUM> of the deck <NUM> (i.e., the deck <NUM> is tilted or sloped, for example to allow gravity to assist or retard motion of material along the deck <NUM>).

The trough <NUM> also includes a first side wall <NUM> and a second side wall <NUM> extending or depending from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, although the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> may not extend or depend from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>. The first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM> each have facing surfaces that with the surface <NUM> of the deck <NUM> define an open-topped volume (although according to certain embodiments, the trough <NUM> may also include a hood that closes or covers the open top). For example, the first side wall <NUM> has an inner-facing surface <NUM>, and the second side wall <NUM> has an inner-facing surface <NUM>, and the inner-facing surface <NUM> of the first side wall <NUM> faces (or opposes) the inner-facing surface <NUM> of the second side wall142.

The deck <NUM> is disposed between the first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM> (as illustrated) and is coupled to the first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM>. In this regard, the deck <NUM> is said to be coupled to the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> when the deck and side walls are directly connected or indirectly connected (for example, when the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> are connected by cross-members and the deck <NUM> is connected to the cross-members). As illustrated in <FIG>, the deck <NUM> has a first edge <NUM> that is coupled to the first side wall <NUM> (specifically, the inner-facing surface <NUM>) and a second edge <NUM> that is coupled to the second side wall <NUM> (specifically, the inner-facing surface <NUM>).

As also illustrated, the deck <NUM> is integrally connected to the first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM> so that the deck <NUM> and first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM> are part of a unitary (i.e. one-piece) assembly. The deck <NUM> and side walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed as a unitary assembly by bending a single piece of metal to define the deck <NUM> and side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, for example. This need not be the case for all embodiments of the apparatus <NUM>.

While the illustrated embodiment includes a deck <NUM> that defines a straight path between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>, it is possible that the deck <NUM> be curved instead. To this end, the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> may also be curved, to confine materials moving along the deck <NUM> to the curved path, although the materials may move along the deck <NUM> in a curved path without the need to include curved side walls <NUM>, <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> also includes a plurality of plates <NUM> disposed to a first side and a second side of the deck <NUM>. A plate <NUM> is a thin sheet of metal or other material, which may be flat or two-dimensional in quality (i.e., planar) or may be shaped (e.g., curved) to be three-dimensional in quality. Where the plate <NUM> is three-dimensional, the plate <NUM> retains a thickness that is considerably smaller in dimension that the length and/or width of the plate <NUM>. As illustrated, four plates <NUM> are arranged about the apparatus <NUM>, one pair at the first end <NUM> and one pair at the second end <NUM> with one plate <NUM> of each pair disposed on either the first side or the second side of the deck <NUM> (and thus the trough <NUM>).

The plates <NUM> are joined at a first end <NUM> to the exciter <NUM> (and in particular to one of the side walls <NUM>, <NUM>) and at a second end <NUM> to the trough <NUM> (and in particular to one of the side walls <NUM>, <NUM>). The plates <NUM> are joined to the exciter <NUM> and the trough <NUM> with fasteners (e.g., bolts/nuts, rivets, etc.), for example. The connection of the plates <NUM> to the sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the deck <NUM> as illustrated may provide for a better transfer of forces between the exciter <NUM> and the trough <NUM>, as the fastener (e.g. bolts) which may be used to join trough <NUM>, exciter <NUM>, and plates <NUM> together may perform better under the shear conditions created than in the compression/tension cycling created, for example, when slats are used and arranged transverse to the trough <NUM>. In addition, a spacer may be disposed between the plates <NUM> and the exciter <NUM> or the trough <NUM>. In particular, these spacers may be disposed between the first end <NUM> and the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the base <NUM> and the second end <NUM> and the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the trough <NUM>.

As illustrated, the plates <NUM> have at least one opening <NUM> formed in through the plate <NUM>. The opening <NUM> defines a plurality of webs <NUM> that join the exciter <NUM> to the trough <NUM>. These webs <NUM> have a thickness that is disposed transverse to the path of travel of material along the deck <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The thickness of the webs <NUM> is considerably smaller in dimension that the length and/or width of the plate <NUM>. The webs <NUM> define the plurality of resilient members or springs <NUM> coupled between the trough <NUM> and base <NUM> (and thus the exciter <NUM>).

As is also illustrated, the embodiment of <FIG> has plates <NUM> with three openings <NUM> each. While other embodiments may use other shapes, each opening <NUM> of this embodiment is of a generally oval shape, having a major axis <NUM>. The three openings <NUM> are arranged on the plate <NUM> with two of the openings disposed to the right and the left (as illustrated in <FIG>) of a central opening. The major axes <NUM> of the three openings <NUM> are parallel to each other. The three openings <NUM> define two webs <NUM> on either side of the central opening, and two additional webs <NUM>, one to the left of the leftmost opening and one to the right of the rightmost opening. The webs <NUM> have longitudinal axes between first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> that are substantially parallel to the major axes <NUM> of the openings <NUM>.

The removal of the material from the plate <NUM> defines an embodiment with webs <NUM> that have a width in the plane of the plate <NUM> that is comparable in dimension to the thickness in the direction transverse to the path of travel of material along the deck <NUM> (although other embodiments may have other dimensions). Consequently, each of the webs <NUM> thus formed is substantially smaller in thickness and width than in length (i.e., the dimension in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the web <NUM> between the ends <NUM>, <NUM>). In addition, because of the oval shape of the openings <NUM>, the illustrated webs <NUM> have ends <NUM>, <NUM> that are larger in width than at the midpoint of the webs <NUM>. In fact, as illustrated, the ends <NUM>, <NUM> taper toward the midpoint of the web <NUM>, although that may not be true of other embodiments. It fact, it will be recognized that the thickness of the plate <NUM> may be varied relative to a web <NUM> having a common (or identical) width to achieve certain spring characteristics, which could result in a family of springs with similar shape but differing spring rates. In addition or in the alternative, the web width may be varied to vary the spring characteristics, such as resultant rocking frequencies.

As is illustrated, each of the openings <NUM> and webs <NUM> is disposed at an angle to the path of travel of the materials along the deck <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. For example, the axes <NUM> are disposed at an angle to the path of travel of the materials along the deck <NUM>, and similarly the longitudinal axes of the webs <NUM> between the ends <NUM>, <NUM> would be so inclined. The specific angle of the openings <NUM> and the webs <NUM> need not be the same for other embodiments. For example, according to certain embodiments, the openings <NUM> and webs <NUM> may be oriented generally upright (i.e., perpendicular to the deck <NUM>).

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the webs <NUM> are generally of the same shape between the ends <NUM>, <NUM>. According to other embodiments, the webs <NUM> formed by the openings <NUM> may have different shapes, such that each individual web <NUM> may even have a different shape. However, certain advantages may be associated with a plate having webs <NUM> of a similar size and shape as illustrated.

The use of resilient members <NUM> in the form of webs <NUM> formed from the plates <NUM> may provide one or more of the following advantages.

Where the resilient member is not in the form of a coil spring, it is not necessary to limit the material selection according to the requirements of coil spring fabrication. Consequently, materials that might not be fabricated easily into a coil spring, such as stainless steel, may be used for the resilient members in the form of webs <NUM>. The use of stainless steel is particularly advantageous where the apparatus <NUM> is intended to meet a food-grade specification.

The webs <NUM> can be fashioned to provide a variety of stroke and spring rate characteristics based not only on the material selection, but also based on the amount of material removed/remaining (i.e., openings <NUM>/webs <NUM>). Consequently, a greater range of strokes and spring rates may be accommodated than may be the case with coil springs, which are conventionally manufactured in a standard set of sizes/rates. In fact, the greater range of strokes and spring rates possible provides for greater facility to customize a particular apparatus <NUM> to meet a customer's specific needs.

The manufacturing methods used to form openings <NUM> in the plates <NUM> may also be much simpler than the methods used to form coil springs. Forming the openings <NUM> (e.g., burning) in the plates <NUM> may also be more economically efficient and cost less.

In addition, the use of resilient members in the form of webs <NUM> permits the exciter <NUM> to provide high frequency (e.g., kHz range and above, or more particularly above <NUM>) vibration. Operation that provides high frequency, low stroke has a number of advantages.

High frequency vibration, for example, is better in certain applications, such as fines screening, and has a tendency to fluidize material and cause piled material to spread. High frequency may also be beneficial for use in conveying materials that are more fragile. High frequency operation may also lead to lower noise levels.

On the other hand, low stroke operation involves small dynamic forces. Consequently, the apparatus <NUM> can be disposed directly on the foundation without special requirements (e.g., without isolation springs <NUM>), other than accepting the static load of the machine. Alternatively, the mechanism used for isolation may be much simpler (e.g., rubber pads). Further, the transfer points on and off the apparatus <NUM> require very little clearance, with smoother start up and shut down and lower risk of injury to the operator. This in turn may lead to a lesser potential for accidents to occur around the transfer points. Low stroke operation may also have advantages when conveying fragile materials.

While the stroke and spring rate may be varied through the selection of materials and amount of material removed/retained to form the webs, according to the invention, at lest one additional plate <NUM> is added. These plates, like the plates <NUM>, have openings formed therethrough to define a particular stroke and spring rate. The plates are also mounted with their thickness transverse to the path of travel. The additional plates are mounted outwardly from the first set of plates170.

<FIG> illustrate the embodiment according to the invention wherein multiple plates are included. Because this embodiment is similar in structure to that of <FIG>, those elements in common with the first embodiment are numbered similarly, except that those of the embodiment of <FIG> are denoted with a prime. While two sets of plates are illustrated in the embodiment of <FIG>, it will be understood that additional sets of plates (e.g., three, four or more sets) may be used in a particular embodiment.

As seen in <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM>' includes an exciter <NUM>' and a trough <NUM>'. Similar to the embodiment of <FIG>, the exciter <NUM>' includes a base <NUM>' supported on isolation springs <NUM>', the base <NUM>' having a platform <NUM>' with side walls <NUM>', <NUM>', and a motor <NUM>' with shaft <NUM>' with eccentric weights <NUM>' disposed on the base <NUM>' (and in particular the platform <NUM>'). The trough <NUM>' has a deck <NUM>' and side walls <NUM>', <NUM>', the side walls <NUM>', <NUM>' coupled to the side edges <NUM>', <NUM>' of the deck <NUM>'. The motor <NUM>' may be coupled to a controller (not shown) as illustrated in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG> but better visualized in <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM>' also includes a set of inner plates <NUM> and a set of outer plates <NUM> disposed transversely outwardly from the inner plates <NUM>. The inner plates <NUM> include a first end <NUM> that is coupled to one of the side walls <NUM>', <NUM>', and a second end <NUM> that is coupled to one of the side walls <NUM>', <NUM>'. Similarly, the outer plates <NUM> include a first end <NUM> that is coupled to one of the side walls <NUM>', <NUM>', and a second end <NUM> that is coupled to one of the side walls <NUM>', <NUM>'. The plates <NUM>, <NUM> are joined to the exciter <NUM>' and the trough <NUM>' with fasteners (e.g., bolts/nuts, rivets, etc.), for example. As illustrated, common set of fasteners are used to attach both the inner plates <NUM> and the outer plates <NUM>.

The inner plates <NUM> and outer plates <NUM> have openings <NUM>, <NUM> and webs <NUM>, <NUM>, as best seen in <FIG>. As illustrated, the inner plates <NUM> and the outer plates <NUM> have openings <NUM>, <NUM> of generally the same shape and generally the same area in the plane of the respective plate <NUM>, <NUM>, with generally the same placement on the plate <NUM>, <NUM>. Consequently, the webs <NUM>, <NUM> have generally the same shape, size and placement as well. Consequently, it would be expected that the spring characteristics of the individual plates <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially the same.

According to other embodiments, the openings <NUM>, <NUM> may vary, for example, as to one or more of their shape (e.g., oval, rectangular, etc.), their area in the plane of the plate <NUM>, <NUM>, and their placement on the plate <NUM>, <NUM>. Consequently, the webs <NUM>, <NUM> would differ between the plates <NUM>, <NUM>. These differences may be used to vary the spring characteristics of the individual plates <NUM>, <NUM>, which thus could be used to vary the composite spring characteristics for the combined plates <NUM>, <NUM> relative to what could be obtained simply by using plates <NUM>, <NUM> with openings <NUM>, <NUM> having similar shape, size and placement. Moreover, the plates <NUM>, <NUM> may be made of different materials, so as to vary the spring characteristics of the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, and thus to vary the spring characteristics of the composite spring(s).

As can be seen in <FIG>, the plates <NUM>, <NUM> may be spaced from the base <NUM>' and the trough <NUM>', as well as from each other, according to certain embodiments. In particular, the illustrated embodiment includes spacers <NUM> that are disposed between the first end <NUM> of the inner plates <NUM> and the side walls <NUM>', <NUM>' of the base <NUM>', and spacers <NUM> are disposed between the second end <NUM> of the inner plates <NUM> and the side walls <NUM>', <NUM>' of the trough <NUM>' (i.e., to either side of the deck <NUM>'). In a similar fashion, spacers <NUM> are disposed between the first ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the plates <NUM>, <NUM> and spacers <NUM> are disposed between the second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the plates <NUM>, <NUM>.

According to still another embodiment, one or more of the plates may be formed as a single piece (i.e., integrally) with the side walls of the base <NUM>, <NUM>' (and thus the exciter <NUM>, <NUM>'). Such an embodiment would eliminate the need to fasten the first ends of the plates (and the first ends of the webs) to the side walls of the base <NUM>, <NUM>'. According to still another embodiment, one or more of the plates may be formed as a single piece (i.e., integrally) with the side walls of the trough <NUM>, <NUM>'. Such an embodiment would eliminate the need to fasten the second ends of the plates (and the second ends of the webs) to the side walls of the trough <NUM>, <NUM>'. In fact, a single embodiment may have the plates formed as a single piece with the side walls of the base <NUM>, <NUM>' and the side walls of the trough <NUM>, <NUM>'.

A linear, multi-deck apparatus <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. This embodiment also illustrates an embodiment that would be structurally and operationally similar to the one-deck apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM>' if the plates <NUM>, <NUM> were formed as a single piece with the side walls of the base <NUM>, <NUM>' and the trough <NUM>, <NUM>'.

The embodiment of a multi-deck apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> is a two-mass vibratory apparatus, including a first mass <NUM> and a second mass <NUM>. Connected between the first mass <NUM> and the second mass <NUM> are a number of resilient members <NUM> (or reactor springs), which are formed from structural elements of the apparatus <NUM>.

Each mass <NUM>, <NUM> defines a trough <NUM>, <NUM>. Each trough <NUM>, <NUM> includes a deck <NUM>, <NUM>. As illustrated, the second deck <NUM> is above, or at a higher elevation than the first deck <NUM> relative to a reference surface. The reference surface may be defined by a foundation, which in turn may be the ground story of a building or an upper story of such a structure. As such, the second deck <NUM> may be referred to as the top deck <NUM>, and the first deck <NUM> may be referred to as the bottom deck <NUM>.

Each deck <NUM>, <NUM> has a first end <NUM>, <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, <NUM>. Material may be moved along each deck <NUM>, <NUM> with a path of travel between a first point and a second point, e.g., between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The deck <NUM>, <NUM> also may have opposing surfaces, which for ease of illustration may be referred to as a first, or top, surface <NUM>, <NUM> and a second, or bottom, surface <NUM>, <NUM>, considering the orientation of the apparatus <NUM> in <FIG>.

As was the case above, the top surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the decks <NUM>, <NUM> may be treated or may have one or more protective layers disposed thereon to protect the deck <NUM>, <NUM> as material is moved between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> , <NUM>. The deck <NUM>, <NUM> may have openings or passages that extend between the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to permit the separation of material moving over the top surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the decks <NUM>, <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the deck <NUM> may have openings or passages, while the deck <NUM> does not; alternatively, the deck <NUM> may have openings or passages of a particular size or shape, and the deck <NUM> may have openings or passages of a different size or shape, such that one size of materials passes along deck <NUM>, a smaller sized material passes along deck <NUM>, and a still smaller sized material passes through the deck <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the decks <NUM>, <NUM> are at substantially the same elevation as the second end <NUM>, <NUM> of the decks <NUM>, <NUM> relative to a reference surface (i.e., the deck is horizontal). The reference surface may be defined by a foundation, which in turn may be the ground story of a building or an upper story of such a structure. According to other embodiments, the first end <NUM>, <NUM> of the deck <NUM>, <NUM> may be above or below the second end <NUM>, <NUM> of the deck <NUM>, <NUM> (i.e., the deck <NUM>, <NUM> is tilted or sloped, for example to allow gravity to assist or retard motion of material along the deck <NUM>, <NUM>). Further, it is not necessary that the slope or inclination of the deck <NUM> be the same or in the same direction as that of the deck <NUM>.

The trough <NUM> may also include a first side wall <NUM> and a second side wall <NUM> extending or depending from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, although not all embodiments of the apparatus <NUM> necessarily require such side walls <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> may not extend or depend from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>). The first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM> have facing surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> that with the surface <NUM> of the deck <NUM> and the surface <NUM> of the deck <NUM> define an closed-topped volume.

The trough <NUM> may also include a first side wall <NUM> and a second side wall <NUM> extending or depending from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, although the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> may not extend or depend from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>. The first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM> have facing surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> that with the surface <NUM> of the deck <NUM> define an open-topped volume (although other embodiments may include a hood.

The decks <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed between the first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and are coupled to the first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In this regard, the decks <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled to the side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> when the deck and side walls are directly connected or indirectly connected (for example, when the side walls are connected by cross-members and the deck is connected to the cross-members). As illustrated, the deck <NUM> has a first edge <NUM> that is coupled to the first side wall <NUM> (specifically, the inner-facing surface <NUM>) and a second edge <NUM> that is coupled to the second side edge <NUM> (specifically, the inner-facing surface <NUM>). Similarly, the deck <NUM> has a first edge <NUM> that is coupled to the first side wall <NUM> (specifically, the inner-facing surface <NUM>) and a second edge <NUM> that is coupled to the second side edge <NUM> (specifically, the inner-facing surface <NUM>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> also includes a shaft <NUM> which may be disposed transverse to the path of travel along the troughs <NUM>, <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is coupled to the mass <NUM>, and particularly the surface <NUM> of the deck <NUM>, and one or more eccentric or eccentric weights <NUM> are coupled to the shaft <NUM>. It will be recognized that an alternative arrangement, not forming part of the present invention, would be for the assembly of shaft <NUM> and weights <NUM> to be coupled instead to the mass <NUM>, as either option is acceptable. According to certain embodiments, the shaft <NUM> is the shaft of an electric motor <NUM>, which motor <NUM> is coupled (e.g., by fasteners) to the deck <NUM>. According to other embodiments, the shaft <NUM> is coupled to a shaft of an electric motor, which motor is mounted off the apparatus (e.g., to the side of the apparatus <NUM>). The shaft <NUM>, weights <NUM> and motor <NUM> have been omitted from <FIG> to simplify the discussion of certain other elements of the apparatus <NUM>.

According to other embodiments, a plurality of shafts may be used, each with eccentric weights mounted thereon, with each of the shafts being defined by one of a plurality of motors. In addition, the motor <NUM> may be electrically coupled to a controller <NUM>, which controller <NUM> may include a microprocessor and memory. The controller <NUM> may be configured (e.g., programmed) to control the operation of the motor <NUM> (and thus the shaft <NUM>) to vary the motion of the material on the decks <NUM>, <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the masses <NUM>, <NUM> may stroke <NUM> degrees out of phase to each other, but may convey materials in the same direction (e.g., from ends <NUM>, <NUM> to ends <NUM>, <NUM>).

As illustrated, in an example not forming part of the invention, the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> are formed from a single plate <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second plates <NUM>, <NUM> may have a plurality of openings <NUM> formed in through the plates <NUM>, <NUM>. The plurality of openings <NUM> may be generally disposed along a linear path from the first ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the decks <NUM>, <NUM> to the second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the decks <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular, the openings <NUM> may be disposed such that the openings are formed in the plates <NUM>, <NUM> between the attachment points between first and second deck sections <NUM>, <NUM> and the plates <NUM>, <NUM> (and thus the side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).

The openings <NUM> define a plurality of webs <NUM> that join the portion of the first side wall <NUM> and second side wall <NUM> supporting the first deck section <NUM> with the portions of the first side wall <NUM> and second side wall <NUM> supporting the second deck section <NUM>. These webs <NUM> have a thickness that is disposed transverse to the path of travel of material along the decks <NUM>, <NUM> between the first ends <NUM>, <NUM> and the second end <NUM>, <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the webs <NUM> may also have a width that is comparable to their thickness, both of which dimensions are smaller than the length of the webs <NUM> from one end of the web to the other. In fact, much of the discussion above relative to the webs <NUM> applies with equal force to the webs <NUM>.

The webs <NUM> thus define a plurality of resilient members or springs coupled between the side wall portions <NUM>, <NUM> supporting the first deck section <NUM> and the side wall portions <NUM>, <NUM> supporting the second deck section <NUM>. Alternatively, the side wall portions <NUM>, <NUM> and first deck section <NUM> may be referred to as the first tier, and the side wall portions <NUM>, <NUM> and the second deck section <NUM> may be referred to as the second tier. As such, the webs <NUM> may be described as being coupled to the first tier at a first end <NUM> and the second tier at a second end <NUM>.

While an embodiment having a first and second tier has been illustrated, it will be recognized that other embodiments of the conveyor according to the present disclosure may include additional decks defining additional tiers (e.g., third, fourth, fifth and sixth tiers). According to such embodiments, the plurality of webs may be disposed between the first and second tiers, such that the first tier defines the first mass and the second through sixth tiers define the second mass. As one alternative, the webs may be defined between the third and fourth tiers, such that the first, second, and third tiers define the first mass, and the fourth, fifth and sixth tiers define the second mass. Other alternatives are possible.

According to the invention, additional plates are attached outside the side walls of an apparatus, such as illustrated in <FIG>, to vary the spring characteristics. In this regard, the additional plates may be added as is illustrated in the embodiment of <FIG>, except that the inner set of plates would be defined by the side walls having openings therethrough to define the webs acting as springs, such as is illustrated in <FIG>. The outer set of plates may not depend or extend to the top and bottom of the side walls, but may be located only in that region of the apparatus that substantially overlies the webs formed in the side walls of the apparatus.

For that matter, it may be possible to design a multi-tier apparatus wherein the first and second tiers are coupled to plates, such as are illustrated in <FIG>, that are in turn secured to side walls, instead of forming the webs from plates that are formed as one piece (i.e., integrally) with the side walls.

The multi-deck or multi-tier embodiments of <FIG> are linear between the opposing ends. On the other hand, multi-tier embodiments may be defined for an apparatus having a curved deck. Certain multi-tier embodiments may be defined for an apparatus having a spiral deck. Preferably, the spiral deck has a continuous (or substantially continuous) deck between an inlet end and an outlet end.

A spiral conveyor <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. Spiral conveyors are often used to heat or cool work pieces or granular material. For example, red-hot castings (which may have a temperature of approximately <NUM> degrees F. or more) are fed into the spiral conveyor. Cool air is directed over the castings as the castings travel up the spiral, thereby to reduce the temperature of the castings.

The spiral conveyor <NUM> includes a curved deck <NUM> that extends between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. In particular, the curved deck <NUM> may have a spiral shape, and thus the conveyor <NUM> may be referred to as a spiral conveyor. As used herein, spiral includes helical and helicoid shapes.

The curved deck <NUM> may have opposing surfaces, which for ease of illustration may be referred to as a first, or top, surface <NUM> and a second, or bottom, surface <NUM>. In operation, material may move in a curved path of travel over the top surface <NUM> of the spiral deck <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the deck <NUM>. The top surface <NUM> of the spiral deck <NUM> may be treated or may have one or more protective layers disposed thereon to protect the deck <NUM> as material is moved between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>.

As material follows a curved path of travel along the spiral deck <NUM>, the elevation of the material may increase or decrease relative to a reference surface. The reference surface may be defined by a foundation, which in turn may be the ground story of a building or an upper story of such a structure. As illustrated, the spiral deck <NUM> may increase in elevation from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, such that a first deck section <NUM> may be disposed below a second deck section <NUM> relative to the reference surface on which the spiral conveyor <NUM> is disposed. As illustrated, the first end <NUM> of the deck <NUM> may be designated the lowest point or elevation, while the second end <NUM> of the deck <NUM> may be designated the highest point or elevation.

As illustrated, the first deck section <NUM> is joined to the second deck section <NUM> to form a substantially continuous surface between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the deck <NUM>. Moreover, given the increasing elevation of successive deck sections <NUM>, <NUM> as described relative to <FIG>, the top surface <NUM> of the first section <NUM> faces the bottom surface <NUM> of the second section <NUM>.

A shaft <NUM> with eccentric weights <NUM> mounted on the shaft <NUM> is coupled to the first section <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> may be defined by a motor <NUM>, similar to the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>. While only one assembly of shaft <NUM>, weights <NUM>, and motor <NUM> is illustrated, multiple assemblies will likely be mounted to the first section <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the action of the assembly of shaft <NUM>, weights <NUM>, and motor <NUM> moves material, such as work pieces (e.g., hot castings), from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> (i.e., upward or vertically upward). According to other embodiments, the assembly/assemblies may cause material to move along the top surface <NUM> of the spiral deck <NUM> from the second end <NUM> to the first end <NUM>, so that the material is conveyed vertically downward along the spiral deck <NUM>.

The spiral deck <NUM> may be coupled to a frame <NUM> that is supported on the reference surface. In particular, the frame <NUM> may be supported on the reference surface by resilient members <NUM>, such as coil springs or marshmallow springs, which resilient members or springs <NUM> may also be referred to as isolation members or springs. However, the springs <NUM> may be omitted according to other embodiments, and are considered optional in the illustrated embodiment.

The frame <NUM> may include a cylindrical inner wall <NUM> and a cylindrical outer wall <NUM>. The cylindrical inner wall <NUM> may have a first diameter, and the cylindrical outer wall <NUM> may have a second diameter. The first diameter may be smaller than the second diameter, such that the inner wall <NUM> may be disposed within the outer wall <NUM>. As illustrated, the inner wall <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM> may have a common center, although this need not be the case according to all embodiments.

The inner wall <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM> have inner-facing and outer-facing surfaces. For example, the inner wall <NUM> has an inner-facing surface <NUM> and an outer-facing surface <NUM>, and the outer wall <NUM> has an inner-facing surface <NUM> and an outer-facing surface <NUM>. As illustrated, the inner-facing surface <NUM> of the outer wall <NUM> faces the outer-facing surface <NUM> of the inner wall <NUM>.

The spiral deck <NUM> may have an inner edge <NUM> and an outer edge <NUM>, the inner edge <NUM> being closer to the center in a radial direction than the outer edge <NUM> (alternatively, the outer edge <NUM> is further from the center in a radial direction than the inner edge <NUM>). According to certain embodiments, a diameter taken at the inner edge <NUM> may be greater than or equal to the first diameter of the cylindrical inner wall <NUM>, and a diameter taken at the outer edge <NUM> may be less than or equal to the second diameter of the cylindrical outer wall <NUM>.

The spiral deck <NUM> is disposed between and coupled to the inner wall <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the spiral deck may be coupled to the inner and outer walls <NUM>, <NUM> directly. According to this embodiment, the inner edge <NUM> of the spiral deck <NUM> is joined to the outer-facing surface <NUM> of the inner wall <NUM>, and the outer edge <NUM> of the spiral deck <NUM> is joined to the inner-facing surface <NUM> of the outer wall <NUM>. The edges <NUM>, <NUM> and surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be joined by welding the edges <NUM>, <NUM> and surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, for example. As an alternative, the edges <NUM>, <NUM> may be coupled to the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> with clamps, as in <CIT>.

According to the illustrated embodiment in <FIG>, the inner and outer edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the spiral deck <NUM> are spaced from the inner and outer walls <NUM>, <NUM>. That is the inner edge <NUM> of the deck <NUM> is spaced from the outer-facing surface <NUM> of the inner wall <NUM>, and the outer edge <NUM> of the deck <NUM> is spaced from the inner-facing surface <NUM> of the outer wall <NUM> to form a first gap <NUM> between the inner edge/outer-facing surface <NUM>, <NUM> and a second gap <NUM> between the outer edge/inner-facing surface <NUM>, <NUM>. In such a circumstance, cross-supports <NUM> may be joined at a first end <NUM> to the inner wall <NUM> and at a second end <NUM> to the outer wall <NUM>, and the bottom surface <NUM> of the spiral deck <NUM> may be disposed on the cross-supports <NUM>. In fact, the bottom surface <NUM> of the spiral deck <NUM> may be directly connected (e.g., with fasteners) to the cross-supports <NUM>. According to such an embodiment, guide rails may be disposed at the inner and outer edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the spiral deck <NUM>.

As illustrated, the inner and outer walls <NUM>, <NUM> may have a plurality of openings <NUM> formed in through the inner and outer walls <NUM>, <NUM> (of which only the openings <NUM> in the outer wall <NUM> are visible in <FIG>). The plurality of openings <NUM> may be formed generally along a curved or spiral path through the inner and outer walls <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular, the openings <NUM> may be disposed such that the openings <NUM> are formed in the inner and outer walls <NUM>, <NUM> between the attachment points between first and second deck sections <NUM>, <NUM> and the inner and outer walls <NUM>, <NUM>.

The openings <NUM> define a plurality of webs <NUM> that join the portion of the inner wall <NUM> and outer wall <NUM> supporting the first deck section <NUM> with the portions of the inner wall <NUM> and outer wall <NUM> supporting the second deck section <NUM>. These webs <NUM> have a thickness that is disposed transverse to the path of travel of material along the curved deck <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> that is much smaller than the length and width of the walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The webs <NUM> may also have a width that is comparable to their thickness, both of which dimensions are smaller than the length of the webs <NUM> from one end of the web to the other. In fact, much of the discussion above relative to the webs <NUM> applies with equal force to the webs <NUM>.

The webs <NUM> thus define a plurality of resilient members or springs coupled between portions or sections of the inner and outer wall <NUM>, <NUM> supporting the first deck section <NUM> and the portions or sections of inner and outer wall <NUM>, <NUM> supporting the second deck section <NUM>. Furthermore, the inner and outer wall <NUM>, <NUM> and first deck section <NUM> may be referred to as the first tier, and the inner and outer wall <NUM>, <NUM> and the second deck section <NUM> may be referred to as the second tier. In particular, the first and second tier may be defined such that the length of the path of travel from the first end <NUM> to the junction between the first and second tiers is the same as the junction between the first and second tiers and the second end <NUM>. As such, the webs <NUM> may be described as being coupled to the first tier at a first end <NUM> and the second tier at a second end <NUM>.

According to such embodiments, the shafts/weights <NUM>, <NUM> may be coupled to the first tier directly, for example by providing cross-members that connect the inner and outer walls <NUM>, <NUM> below the bottom of the lowest portion of the spiral deck <NUM> and connecting the shafts/weights <NUM>, <NUM> directly to those cross-members. The assembly of shaft/weights <NUM>, <NUM> and the first tier of the conveyor may thus define a first mass of a two-mass vibratory conveyor, while the second tier defines the second mass of the two-mass vibratory conveyor.

While an embodiment having a first and second tier has been illustrated, it will be recognized that other embodiments of the spiral conveyor according to the present disclosure may include additional tiers (e.g., third, fourth, fifth and sixth tiers). According to such embodiments, the plurality of webs may be disposed between the first and second tiers, such that the first tier defines the first mass and the second through sixth tiers define the second mass. As one alternative, the webs may be defined between the third and fourth tiers, such that the first, second, and third tiers define the first mass, and the fourth, fifth and sixth tiers define the second mass. Other alternatives are possible.

A vibratory conveyor according to the above embodiments thus may provide one or more of the following advantages, some of which also may have been mentioned above. The cost of using resilient members in the form of webs, such as may be formed by forming an opening in a plate or side wall, may be much less than the cost of using coil springs, which are formed using a more complicated manufacturing process. In addition, materials may be used for the resilient members in the form of webs that are not suitable for use in coil springs, such as stainless steel. The resilient members in the form of webs both provide a particular spring rate and limit the direction of the motion, and consequently provide a reduced cost relative to apparatuses using coil springs, because a leg or linkage is required in such coil spring installations to limit the direction of motion and the additional equipment increases the overall cost. The resilient members in the form of webs disposed as the sides of the apparatus (i.e., parallel to the direction of motion instead of transverse) permit a less complicated, costly installation and limit or eliminate the localized stresses involved with the use of slat springs. According to the invention, the resilient member comprises at least one additional plate, which is disposed outside of the bulk of the apparatus. The at least one additional plate may be used to vary spring characteristics. When used as a two-mass vibratory apparatus, a smaller motor may be used than with vibratory apparatuses using a brute force arrangement with the motor directly driving the trough. The two-mass arrangement may also provide better load response and smoother start and stop, while still providing high frequency performance. In addition, brute force apparatuses can be limited in length by the effect of vertical deflections. The spring according to the present disclosure enables a design better able to distribute driving forces down the length of the unit. This may reduce cantilever length, unintended deflections, and stress making it possible to design longer high frequency units.

While certain equipment has been described relative to the illustrated embodiments, additional equipment could be included as well. For example, relative to the spiral conveyor, the cross-members <NUM> may be hollow and fitted with one or more nozzles. Cooling air, generated by a fan for example, may be passed through the hollow cross-members and nozzles, and directed on the material passing along the deck to cool the material. See, e.g., <CIT>. The spiral conveyor also be configured to provide a fines collection system, such as also is described in <CIT>.

Although the preceding text sets forth a detailed description of different embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment of the invention since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, as long as they are within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A vibratory apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a first mass (<NUM>) having a platform (<NUM>);
a second mass (<NUM>) having a deck (<NUM>) with a path of travel between a first point (<NUM>) and a second point (<NUM>) along the deck (<NUM>),
at least one resilient member (<NUM>) in the form of a plate (<NUM>) having a thickness, the plate (<NUM>) coupled at a first end (<NUM>) to the first mass (<NUM>) and at a second end (<NUM>) to the second mass (<NUM>) with the thickness disposed transverse to the path of travel along the deck (<NUM>), the plate (<NUM>) having at least one opening (<NUM>) formed therethrough to form a web (<NUM>) having a spring characteristic;
wherein the platform (<NUM>) has side walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the second mass (<NUM>) has side walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to either side of the deck (<NUM>),
characterized in that it further comprises
a shaft (<NUM>) coupled to the platform (<NUM>), the shaft (<NUM>) having at least one eccentric weight (<NUM>) coupled thereto; and
a motor (<NUM>) coupled to the shaft; wherein
the at least one resilient member (<NUM>) comprises at least two plates (<NUM>) comprising an inner plate (<NUM>) and an outer plate (<NUM>) disposed transversely outwardly from the inner plate (<NUM>),
the inner plate (<NUM>) and the outer plate (<NUM>) each having a first end (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to one of the side walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the platform (<NUM>) of the first mass (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>, <NUM>) to one of the side walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the second mass (<NUM>) with the thickness disposed transverse to the path of travel along the deck (<NUM>),
each plate (<NUM>, <NUM>) having at least one opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) formed therethrough to form a web (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a spring characteristic.