Abstract: A differential motion conveyor drive includes at least three pairs of drive shafts carrying eccentric weights that are selected to correspond to the terms of a Fourier series in order to achieve optimal conveying speed and efficiency. To approximate the Fourier series terms, in one preferred embodiment, each of the first pair of shafts carries a weight and rotates at a predetermined operating speed &ohgr;. Each of the second pair of shafts carries a smaller weight and rotates at an operating speed 2&ohgr;, and each of the third pair of shafts carries an even smaller weight and rotates at an operating speed 3&ohgr;. An appropriate weight distribution results in a differential motion conveyor drive that consistently produces a higher conveying speed compared to that produced by a prior art drive throughout a range of operating speeds.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor has an eccentric shaft drive system mounted at an angle relative to horizontal plane defined by the conveyor deck. Rotation of the drive shafts and associated eccentric weight elements causes a net force to be imparted to the conveyor deck at an angle relative to horizontal plane defined by the deck to convey material forward. The drive shafts are mounted and controlled such that changing the phase angle between the respective drive shafts causes a change in direction of the net force output of the drive system, thereby resulting in a directional or sideways conveying motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical vibrating drive system for supplying a consistent, elliptical driving force to a conveyor trough. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibrating conveyor has a set of vertical leaf springs connecting the conveyor trough to a vibratory frame, and a set of horizontal leaf springs connecting the vibratory frame to a stationary frame. The leaf springs amplify the motion initiated by a reversible motor, and the net result is a force output from the drive module that produces a uniform elliptical vibratory motion throughout the length of the conveyor trough. By reversing the motor, a symmetric elliptical motion for moving product in the opposite direction is generated without any further adjustments to the leaf springs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical vibrating drive system for supplying a consistent, elliptical driving force to a conveyor trough. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibrating conveyor has three parallel shafts, the intermediate shaft being located at the center of gravity for the vibrating conveyor, and the shafts are driven such that the outer shafts rotate in one direction while the intermediate shaft rotates in the opposite direction from the outer shafts. Each of the shafts bears essentially equal weight. The net result is a force output from the drive module that produces a uniform elliptical vibratory motion throughout the length of the conveyor trough. By reversing the motor, a symmetric elliptical motion for moving product in the opposite direction is generated without any further adjustments to the weights or shafts.

Abstract: A dynamic reaction reducer operably connected between spring isolated vibrating equipment and stationary support structure where the reducer permits the equipment to be operated within a range of operating frequencies with inducing excessive vibration to the support structure.

Abstract: The control system of the present invention is particularly usable with extended vibration conveyors and permits the installation of a multiple of drive vibratory drive units comprised of one or more vibratroy modules. Each module comprises a motor, one or more shafts mounting eccentric weights, and a shaft encoder device monitoring the "relative position" of each shaft with respect for each shaft. One shaft, a master shaft, is driven continuously driven at a predetermined speed from which the actual relative positions are compared.