Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring alignment of a transverse member conveyor wherein the member is attached transversely at opposite end portions to two parallel endless chains and includes two position sensors affixed and located transversely adjacent to each chain and each other. One or more targets are attached to link of each chain, and at predetermined distances from the member. The position sensors inductively or magnetically sense the relative position of the target on each chain with respect to the respective position sensor adjacent the chain, and send a signal comparing the target and sensor proximity with respect to the target on each chain. This allows determination of whether the opposite end portions of the member attached to the respective chains are aligned transversely within predetermined tolerance limits. Another aspect is monitoring a single position on an endless chain. Another aspect monitors chain catenary.

Abstract: A powder carrier, to which a powder layer containing a metal powder is applied, is provided by an automatic powder carrier feed. A first joining partner is pressed onto the powder layer located on the powder carrier so as to bond a powder layer portion to the first joining partner. The first joining partner is raised from the powder carrier together with the powder layer portion bonded to the first joining partner, and the powder layer portion bonded to the first joining partner is arranged between the first and second joining partners. A sintered join is produced between the first and second joining partners by pressing the first and second joining partners against one another such that the powder layer portion makes contact with both the first and second joining partners. The powder layer portion is sintered as the joining partners are being pressed against one another.

Abstract: A sweep conveyor extends along a bin floor between a sump pivot about which the conveyor rotates, and an outer end adjacent the bin wall. During the conveyor's orbit about the floor, flights at the conveyor bottom sweep across the floor toward the sump pivot, whereby bin material in front of the conveyor is swept into a sump. The conveyor is preferably made in modular sections connected end-to-end, whereby different sections are combined to construct conveyors having different lengths and capabilities. Some sections are preferably hinged together, allowing different sections to adopt different inclinations as they travel about a non-level floor. The flights are preferably provided on a belted chain riding on sprockets at opposite ends of the conveyor, and the chain is not supported by idler sprockets along its length, allowing the chain (and its flights) to sag under gravity so the flights ride along the bin floor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for wine pomace extraction from wine processing tanks in a manner so as to minimize maceration of the wine pomace so as not to taint wine entrained within the pomace. In the present invention, wine pomace is mechanically transported out the processing tank by a conveyor means. Wine pomace is guided into the collecting path of the conveyor means by a mechanical sweeper attached to the conveyor means. In a preferred embodiment, a conveyor with sweeper wing attachments is mounted on a portable cart. The invention is positioned into the processing tank through an entry portal and secured to a tank containing pomace. The conveyor transports pomace to a receiver bin until the majority of pomace is extracted. Sweeper wings are deployed to guide remaining pomace into the collecting path of the conveyor.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine that comprises a crop processing mechanism and an elevator assembly for conveying harvested crop material to the crop processing mechanism is provided. The elevator assembly comprises an elevator housing, an elevator mechanism mounted in the housing, at least two flexible endless members, and a plurality of slats mounted transversely to the flexible members. The slats have an S-shaped cross section that provides additional strength tot the slats while reducing the chance of damage to the crop conveyed by these slats.