Abstract: A shielding structure for a wheel having a turning axis, a rim, and a tire mounted to the rim for rolling against an underlying surface. The wheel has axially oppositely facing sides. A mounting assembly is attached to the rim to move as one piece therewith. A plurality of shielding components are attached to the mounting assembly to overlie at least a part of the tire at one of the axially oppositely facing sides of the wheel. At least one of the shielding components is made from a non-metal material and a reinforcing element.

Abstract: The combination of: a wheel with a tire mounted on a rim; a mounting assembly that moves with the rim and defines in conjunction with the rim a mounting unit; a plurality of shielding components, each having a reinforcing element and attached to the mounting assembly to overlie a part of the tire at one side of the wheel; and a first fastener securing each shielding component to the mounting assembly. The mounting unit and each shielding component have axially overlapping and oppositely facing surfaces in confronting relationship that cooperate and thereby confine relative movement between the shielding components and the mounting unit.

Abstract: A shielding structure for a wheel having a turning axis, a rim, and a tire mounted to the rim for rolling against an underlying surface. The wheel has axially oppositely facing sides. A mounting assembly is attached to the rim to move as one piece therewith. A plurality of shielding components are attached to the mounting assembly to overlie at least a part of the tire at one of the axially oppositely facing sides of the wheel. At least one of the shielding components is made from a non-metal material and a reinforcing element.

Abstract: A method of covering an opening through an exposed upwardly facing surface that defines an access opening to a conduit assembly defining a communication passage to a below surface location. The method includes the steps of: providing a cover assembly with a non-metallic component; and operatively joining the cover assembly with the conduit assembly so that the non-metallic component is placed against a metal component on the conduit assembly and transmits weight forces applied to at least one of: a) the exposed upwardly facing surface; and b) a surface defined by a cover component on the cover assembly that blocks the access opening and is substantially flush with the exposed upwardly facing surface, to the metal component on the conduit assembly.

Abstract: A method of covering an opening through an exposed upwardly facing surface that defines an access opening to a conduit assembly defining a communication passage to a below surface location. The method includes the steps of: providing a cover assembly with a non-metallic component; and operatively joining the cover assembly with the conduit assembly so that the non-metallic component is placed against a metal component on the conduit assembly and transmits weight forces applied to at least one of: a) the exposed upwardly facing surface; and b) a surface defined by a cover component on the cover assembly that blocks the access opening and is substantially flush with the exposed upwardly facing surface, to the metal component on the conduit assembly.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a conveying system between a conveying belt and a containment wall. The sealing assembly has a primary sealing subassembly, and a secondary sealing subassembly joined by a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly defines a locally flexible region whereat the sealing assembly can be reconfigured to allow selective movement of the primary and secondary sealing subassemblies, each relative to the other. The sealing assembly is configured so that with the sealing assembly in an operative position on a conveying system: a) the primary sealing subassembly is situated to block passage of material from a conveying portion of a conveying belt laterally beyond a containment wall; and b) the secondary sealing subassembly is situated to laterally confine material that has moved laterally beyond the containment wall from the conveying portion of the conveying belt, along a length of the conveying system.

Abstract: A tensioning system for a cleaning blade for a conveying belt. The tensioning system has a frame, a blade support, and a ratchet system. The blade support is movable around a first axis in a first direction to increase cleaning blade pressure and a second direction oppositely to the first direction to decrease cleaning blade pressure. Through the ratchet system, a position of the blade support can be maintained against pivoting in the second direction. The ratchet system has (a) a first ratchet assembly on one of the frame and blade support with at least one ratchet surface facing in a first circumferential direction relative to the first axis and (b) a second ratchet assembly on the other of the frame and blade support and having a first plurality of ratchet surfaces facing in a second circumferential direction oppositely to the first circumferential direction.