Seed lifting and rotating system for use in crystal growth
AssigneeLinton Crystal Technologies Corp.
InventorsJohn A. Reese, Joel C. Stefl
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A roller guide assembly for use in lifting a seed coupled to a cable includes a mounting plate, a shaft, and a roller guide. The mounting plate has a throughhole. The shaft is coupled to the mounting plate such that the shaft is movable relative to the mounting plate in a direction that is generally perpendicular to a central axis of the shaft. The roller guide is rotationally coupled about the shaft and generally positioned within the throughhole of the mounting plate such that at least a portion of the roller guide extends out of the throughhole.
Claims25
A lift assembly for use in lifting a seed coupled to a cable, the assembly comprising:
- a lift housing forming a cable exit port therein;
- a drum positioned within the lift housing, the drum forming a helical groove about an exterior surface of the drum, the drum extending from a first end to a second opposing end;
- a floating roller guide assembly including:
- a mounting plate coupled to the lift housing and having a throughhole;
- a floating shaft coupled to the mounting plate such that the floating shaft is movable relative to the mounting plate in a direction that is generally perpendicular to a central axis of the floating shaft;
- and
- a floating roller guide rotationally coupled about the floating shaft and generally positioned within the throughhole of the mounting plate such that at least a portion of the floating roller guide is configured to engage at least a portion of the helical groove of the drum;
- and
- a drive shaft coupled to the drum and configured to cause (i) the drum to rotate and (ii) a translate via an engagement of the helical groove of the drum with the floating roller guide.
(canceled)
8-11. (canceled)
15-16. (canceled)
A roller guide assembly for use in lifting a seed coupled to a cable, the roller guide assembly comprising:
- a mounting plate having a throughhole;
- a shaft coupled to the mounting plate such that the shaft is movable relative to the mounting plate in a direction that is generally perpendicular to a central axis of the shaft;
- and
- a roller guide rotationally coupled about the shaft and generally positioned within the throughhole of the mounting plate such that at least a portion of the roller guide extends out of the throughhole.
22-25. (canceled)
28-29. (canceled)
A lift assembly for use in lifting a seed coupled to a cable, the assembly comprising:
- a lift housing;
- a first plate coupled to a first side of the lift housing, an inner surface of the first plate forming a first slot therein;
- a second plate coupled to a second opposing side of the lift housing, an inner surface of the second plate forming a second slot therein;
- a drum positioned within the lift housing, the drum forming a helical groove about an exterior surface of the drum, the drum extending from a first end to a second opposing end;
- a first anti-binding pin coupled to and extending from the first end of the drum and being configured to engage the first slot in the first plate to limit translation of the drum in a first linear direction;
- and
- a second anti-binding pin coupled to and extending from the second opposing end of the drum and being configured to engage the second slot in the second plate to limit translation of the drum in a second linear direction that is opposite the first linear direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.