Abstract: A method (200) for detecting the clearance of a brake (100) of a motor vehicle, in particular a utility motor vehicle, includes the following steps: reading measurement signals of a wear sensor (115) disposed on the brake (100), determining an output signal value that is representative of the non-actuated state of the brake from the measurement signals, determining an event signal value that is representative of the braking state of the brake from the measurement signals, and determining the clearance from the difference between the event signal value and the output signal value, wherein the measurement signals of the wear sensor are examined for the presence of a characteristic signal oscillation that arises as a result of bringing into contact the brake lining with the counterpart thereof that is to be braked. A controller (10) carries out the method on a brake (100).

Abstract: In one example, a method of controlling a printing system is described, the method comprising activating a driver to advance a conveyor belt in a plurality of sub-turns. For each of the plurality of sub-turns, a first parameter associated with movement of the conveyor belt is determined, based on data obtained from the driver. For each of the plurality of sub-turns, a second parameter associated with movement of the conveyor belt is also determined, based on data obtained from an optical sensor. A per-sub-turn slippage parameter is calculated for each of the plurality of sub-turns, based on any difference between the first parameter and the second parameter. The method further comprises calculating a slippage metric based on the per-sub-turn slippage parameters for the plurality of sub-turns, and causing outputting of a conveyor belt tension adjustment indication.

Abstract: A system and method arranged for monitoring modular conveyor belts. The modular conveyer belt comprises a plurality of modules made from a plastic material and linked together to form a continuous path operated by a gear which in turn comprises a shaft. The system further comprises at least two sensors in such a way that a first sensor is configured for detecting the passage of reference element in the drive shaft, and at least a second sensor which is configured for detecting the passage of two consecutive reference elements inserted in the longitudinal edges of the modules.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for a catwalk assembly includes a carrier. The carrier assembly includes a skate to move a tubular member along the carrier. The carrier assembly includes a proximity sensor positioned to detect the end of the tubular member as it moves along the carrier. The carrier assembly includes a skate position sensor. The length of the tubular member may be determined by measuring the position of the skate relative to the proximity sensor when the end of the tubular member passes the proximity sensor.

Abstract: A controller is configured to receive a first signal indicative of a spatial locating speed or a spatial locating position for determining the spatial locating speed. The controller is configured to determine a sensed speed of the work vehicle based on a calibration and a second signal indicative of a rotational rate of a wheel of the work vehicle, and to determine whether a difference between the sensed speed and the spatial locating speed exceeds a calibration threshold. In response to determining that the difference exceeds the calibration threshold, the controller is configured to update the calibration such that the sensed speed is substantially equal to the spatial locating speed, and update the sensed speed based on the updated calibration and the second signal. Further, the controller is configured to instruct a speed control system to limit a ground speed of the work vehicle based on the sensed speed.

Abstract: The conveyor belt monitor includes sensors and motion detectors for monitoring the condition of the conveyor belt of a conveyor belt system. The monitor includes upper and lower sensors respectively positioned above and below the lower belt of the conveyor to transmit warning of belt damage or other problem(s) while allowing the conveyor to continue operation. An additional switch above the upper sensor detects extreme belt damage, and shuts down the conveyor if such damage or condition(s) is/are detected. A motion sensor may also be provided to detect rotation of the upper roller and to transmit a warning of material carried on the lower or return belt surface that causes the roller to rotate. The monitor thus automatically warns of an anomalous condition while allowing the conveyor to continue to operate, or shuts down the conveyor in the event of an extreme condition(s).

Abstract: A monitoring system for a conveyor of articles is provided. The conveyor of articles comprises a static portion and at least one respective endless transport chain adapted to be moved with respect to the static portion when the conveyor of articles is in operation. The system includes a reference element located on the transport chain, a first sensor integral with the static portion and a second sensor integral with the static portion. Said first and second sensors are distant to each other by a first distance; each sensor is configured for sensing the passage of the reference element close to the sensor itself during the operation of the conveyor. The system further includes counting means coupled with the sensors and configured to measure a first time corresponding to the time elapsed between a first passage of the reference element close to the first sensor and a first passage of the reference element close to the second sensor.

Abstract: The system and method comprising at least one idler wheel for use with a drag chain mechanism. The device for use with the idler wheel has a rotatable shaft for receiving the rotational force of the idler wheel, and transmits that force to a rotation indicator which is external to the enclosed space where the idler wheel is located. The rotation indicator thus provides a reliable method for indicating to an external sensor or operator whether an idler wheel is rotating within acceptable operational parameters.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the wear of a moving conveyor chain includes a first detector for detecting a leading end of a first link of the chain and providing a first signal corresponding thereto, a second detector for detecting a trailing end of the first link and providing a second signal corresponding thereto, and a third detector for detecting a leading end of a third link of the chain and providing a third signal corresponding thereto. The system processes the signal so as to determine a first distance D1 which is the distance between the leading end and trailing end of the first link, a second distance D2 which is the distance between the trailing end of the first link and the leading end of the third link, and a third distance D3 which is the distance between the leading end of the first link and the leading end of the third link.

Abstract: An apparatus, in particular a code reader, for the recording of images of objects (14) moved on a conveyor device (12), wherein the apparatus includes a line sensor (10), in particular a line camera, which can scan objects line wise for the generation of image data of the surfaces, as well as a speed determination device (26; 30), which can determine the speed of movement of the objects (14) with respect to the line sensor (10) or their conveyed distance. At the same time an evaluation unit (26) is provided, which is adapted to match the recording frequency of the line sensor (10) to the speed of movement.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for use with a piece of equipment. The safety arrangement includes a signal generating unit for generating an optical signal, an elongate element, and a signal detecting unit. The elongate element is disposed along, about, around or through the piece of equipment and is capable of transmitting an optical signal. The signal detecting unit detects an optical signal. The signal generating unit is connected to the signal detecting unit by the elongate element such that the signal detecting unit is in optical communication with the signal detecting unit. The signal detecting unit is arranged to detect a change in the optical signal transmitted by the elongate element as a consequence of movement of the elongate element and, upon detection of the change in the signal, the detecting unit is configured to effect a change in the operation of the piece of equipment.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt having magnetically permeable cords, has a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field to magnetize the cords, in use, a magnetic field sensing unit for sensing the magnetic field provided, in use, by the cords and for providing signals representative of the magnetic field, and a processor for performing a discrete wavelet transform on the signals. The wavelet may be a Morlet waveform. The sensing unit comprises an array of spaced magnetic field sensors, the transform being performed on signals supplied by the sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring a conveyor (1), comprising: a conveyor belt (2) made of elastomer material, having a carrying side (3) for the goods to be conveyed, and a running side (4), whereby the conveyor belt has, in particular, an embedded strength support; an optoelectronic system (5) that optically detects the carrying side (3) and/or the running side (4), particularly the carrying side, in that it recognizes damage during operation, and if a critical state of the conveyor belt is reached, triggers an acoustical and/or optical alarm (11) and/or, in particular, brings about an automatic shut-down of the system; a process computer (6), which is coupled with the optoelectronic system (5), for the purpose of evaluating all of the data, whereby the process computer is connected with the alarm (11) and/or a drive control (12); as well as other system parts, namely contact drums (8), support rollers (9), support scaffolding, as well as any other components that might be necessary.

Abstract: A conveyor system in which a modular belt or chain is driven by a drive element rotated at a predetermined variable angular speed to compensate for speed fluctuations due to chordal action. A speed signal generator generates a speed signal generally inverse to the uncompensated linear speed of a belt driven by drive elements rotated at a constant angular speed. The speed signal generator detects an encoded pattern rotating in known relationship to the drive element. The encoded pattern represents a predetermined speed profile that is used to compensate for belt speed fluctuations or to provide custom belt speed performance.

Abstract: A chain monitoring device is provided with a base, guiding posts fixed to the base, a member movable along the guiding posts, a chain sprocket rotatable with a chain with its teeth being engaged into the chain, springs for resiliently urging the member for the engagement of the teeth into the chain, and a sensor detecting a change in position of the member. The chain sprocket is rotatably mounted to the member.

Abstract: A control device for overhead conveyors equipped with at least two actuators (6, 7), specifically crane and crane trolley drive units, with transmission of control signals and transmission of safety signals from control unit (10) to actuators (6, 7) via a signal connection, with a control unit (10) exhibiting a safety switch unit emitting at least one safety signal, which can be triggered manually in order to shut down at least one actuator (6, 7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring a conveyor. The conveyor comprises a conveyor belt in an elastomeric material, with a carrying side for the transported material, a backing side and embedded reinforcements, as well as other components: namely, drive pulleys, return pulleys, reverse pulleys, conveyor pulleys, mounting structures feed chutes and other components, where necessary. According to the invention the device is characterized by comprising an opto-electronic system in the area where no material is transported, which optically records and signals any damage done to the conveyor belt, optionally with an automatic switching off of the conveyor.

Abstract: A retaining device (10) for a conveyor belt assembly (12) which includes a clamping means (14) for clamping a conveyor belt (36) of the conveyor belt assembly, and a biasing means (38,40) for displacing the clamping means between an inoperative condition and an operative retaining condition wherein the clamping means clamps a part of the belt to tension a material carrying portion of the belt in the event of a loss of tension in the belt.

Abstract: A method for controlling the run-up of a conveyor belt BY increasing a setpoint value of the belt's speed with an increasing acceleration in a first time interval, and with a decreasing acceleration in a second time interval, thereafter plotting a curve of the increasing acceleration against time which has a positive curvature in the second interval, a second time derivative of the acceleration in the first and the second time interval is at least approximately constant and at least approximately equal and opposite.

Abstract: A conveyor drive assembly including an elongated shaft having a first and second end and method of operating the conveyor drive assembly which reliably controls the speed of each end of the drive shaft and minimizes unequal loading of the conveyor belt. The method includes detecting the rotational position of the first end of the shaft, detecting the rotational position of the second end of the shaft, determining the rotational position of one of the first and second ends relative to the other of the first and second ends, and then rotationally driving at least one of the first and second ends of the shaft to maintain the rotational position of one of the first and second ends relative to the other of the first and second ends within a predetermined range. Advantageously, the present invention provides a conveyor drive assembly for use with wide conveyors which reliably controls the speed of each end of the drive shaft and minimizes unequal loading of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Conveyor systems are disclosed including a chain conveyor for carrying a predetermined load, a frame for the chain conveyor, a track, wheels for supporting the frame for movement along the track from a predetermined reference position, the chain conveyor being movably supported on the frame for movement from the predetermined reference position, and sensors for detecting the position of the conveyor along the track with respect to the first predetermined reference position without direct contact, or for detecting the position of the chain conveyor with respect to the second predetermined reference position without direct contact, the sensors delivering a train of pulses corresponding to a predetermined distance of movement of the conveyor along the track or of movement of the chain conveyor with respect to the frame, whereby the position of the conveyor along the track or of the chain carrier can be determined.

Abstract: A glass machine system in accordance with presently preferred embodiments of the invention includes a glassware manufacturing machine for manufacturing articles of glassware and transferring the articles to a linear conveyor, at least one linear chain conveyor for receiving and transporting such articles from the machine, and a speed sensor for monitoring linear speed of the conveyor. The speed sensor includes a magnetic energy source, a magnetic energy sensor and bracketry mounting the source and sensor adjacent to the conveyor. The chain conveyor teeth affect magnetic energy coupling between the source and sensor as the conveyor passes adjacent to the sensor. Electronic circuitry is responsive to signals from the sensor for determining linear speed of the conveyor and maintaining a constant linear speed at the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor for opencast installations, is described, the conveyor includes at least one conveyor belt driven by at least one drive, or a device resembling a conveyor belt. Overburden or raw materials such as coal, for example, is extracted by an extracting unit and transported further by the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A sheet transport array for advancing sheets along a track at a desired speed past a process station. A sheet speed measuring device is coupled to the process station. A drive roller assembly includes at least a drive roller and a drive idler, with the drive roller driving the advancing sheet at the desired speed toward the process station. A second roller assembly includes at least a second roller and a second idler, with the second idler moving at the speed of the advancing sheet. A floating roller assembly includes at least a floating roller and a floating idler. The floating idler is coupled to the second idler to move at the same speed as the second idler and the advancing sheet. The floating roller and the floating idler define a pinch point with a pinch force such that the floating roller and the floating idler move at the same speed.