Abstract: A materials handling system is disclosed which includes a pneumatic conveyor which feeds material onto a series of belt conveyors. The pneumatic conveyor includes a vertically movable nozzle for sucking up the material to be conveyed. Power is supplied to one of the belt conveyors from a power source and through that conveyor to the conveyors upstream of it. The pneumatic conveyor is connected to the first of the belt conveyors of the series so that it receives a signal indicating whether the first belt conveyor is powered. In the event that the signal received by the pneumatic conveyor indicates that the first belt conveyor is not powered, and the pneumatic conveyor is set for automatic operation, the nozzle is automatically lifted. Lifting continues for a predetermined period so that the nozzle is lifted clear of the material. Only when power is restored to the first belt conveyor, and this is signalled to the pneumatic conveyor, can the nozzle be lowered again.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprises a series of mobile conveyors arranged end-to-end, each mobile conveyor including an inclined belt, the material being conveyed being lifted by the belt of each conveyor in turn and discharged over the upper end of the belt onto the lower end of the belt of the next conveyor. The belts are driven by electric motors. A downstream conveyor of the series constitutes a master conveyor which is connected to a source of electrical power. Each upstream conveyor in the series is a slave conveyor, the first slave conveyor receiving power from the master conveyor and each subsequent slave conveyor receiving power from the slave conveyor(s) upstream thereof. The slave conveyors receive power at timed intervals so that the conveyor system starts in sequence from the downstream master conveyor. Safety means are provided for switching-off all the conveyors that are upstream of the conveyor that is disabled in an emergency.