Abstract: Disclosed herein are air-supported belt conveyors and independent conveyor subsystems that are selectively and independently designed to meet requirements that can change along the length of a conveyor, as well as from conveyor to conveyor.

Abstract: A friction reduction system for reducing friction of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) of a printing system, while the ITM is guided along the printing system by a guiding arrangement. The friction reduction system includes a fluid reservoir mounted within the printing system, a fluid depositing arrangement disposed along the ITM, and a control mechanism, adapted to control depositing of fluid, from the fluid depositing arrangement onto the guiding arrangement or onto at least a portion of the ITM. Depositing of the fluid reduces friction between the ITM and the guiding arrangement.

Abstract: A print target support assembly comprising a print platen structure providing an upper surface to support a print target as the print target passes under a print zone. The print zone is arranged across the surface perpendicular to a direction of print target advance. The surface comprises an inner belt area in the direction of print target advance, the inner belt area bounded on each side by an outer non-belt area. A belt advance mechanism, to advance a belt running across the inner belt area of the surface in the direction of print target advance, to advance the print target under the print zone. A flattening arrangement to flatten the print target onto the surface, under the print zone, across the inner belt area and the outer non-belt areas of the surface.

Abstract: A process is for the maintenance of a belt conveyor, which includes a longitudinal conveyor belt and a number of support stations for the conveyor belt distributed along the conveyor belt. Each support station includes a cradle on which the conveyor belt rests. The process includes inserting an inflatable pad in a deflated state below the conveyor belt, in a lifting position near one of the support stations, inflating the inflatable pad to an inflated state in which the conveyor belt rests directly on the inflatable pad and no longer rests on the cradle of the support station, performing a maintenance operation on the support station, and deflating the inflatable pad to its deflated state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are air-supported belt conveyors and independent conveyor subsystems that are selectively and independently designed to meet requirements that can change along the length of a conveyor, as well as from conveyor to conveyor.

Abstract: An exercise treadmill includes a frame, an endless belt, and a motor assembly for guiding the belt between front and rear ends of the frame while a user walks or runs on the belt. An impact absorbing assembly is supported beneath a region of the treadmill belt impacted by the user's feet when the user walks or runs on the belt. The assembly has physical properties that serve to define degrees of damping or springiness of the belt in the region impacted by the user. A control system including a user interface is coupled to the absorbing assembly, and the system is configured and operative to vary the physical properties of the assembly in response to an output from the user interface. The region of treadmill belt impacted by the user's feet then simulates a desired one of a number of different surfaces entered by the user on the interface.

Abstract: Holonomic bases, and drive shafts and roller assemblies that can be used in the holonomic bases. In some implementations, a holonomic base includes at least two pairs of roller assemblies, with each of the pairs being coupled to a corresponding drive shaft. In some of those implementations, each of the roller assemblies of each pair includes three roller segments that are each coupled to the corresponding drive shaft and that each include an exposed outward facing spherical zone that approximates a portion of the surface of a sphere. The roller segments of each roller assembly are in fixed relation to one another relative to the rotational axis of a drive shaft to which the roller assembly is coupled, but the roller segments each freely rotate about a corresponding roller segment rotational axis that extends outward from the drive shaft.

Abstract: A printing system is disclosed which includes a plurality of rollers configured to support and move a loop-shaped, flexible intermediate transfer member of at least 10 meters in length along a printing system path. The printing system further includes an image forming station configured to form an image on a portion of the intermediate transfer member, and an impression station configured to enable substantial transfer of the deposited image to a substrate. The printing system also includes at least one high-speed motor associated with the plurality of rollers and configured to move the loop-shaped flexible intermediate transfer member at a speed of at least about one meter per second. Moreover, the printing system includes guiding channels configured for exerting a lateral tensioning force on the loop-shaped intermediate transfer member as it is received within the guiding channels and circulates at the speed of at least about one meter per second.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for rotatably and horizontally suspending a running/walking surface over air without being supported by a deck and a treadmill including the same. The system may include a belt rotationally suspended between a pair of rails, the belt configured to support a user; a plurality of pairs of grommets spaced along a length of the belt proximate to an edge of the belt; a bracket attached to a corresponding pair of grommets by a cable, wherein the bracket and the pair of grommets are positioned in a triangular relationship; a transporter bolt extending from the bracket; and a roller rotatably attached to the transporter bolt, wherein the roller is configured to engage with the rail.

Abstract: A buffer board structure of a treadmill includes bamboo layers made by attaching bamboo sheets side by side, a bottom surface of which is adhered by a membrane layer whereby the bamboo sheets are firmly stuck on the membrane layer. Each membrane layer has an upper and lower faces respectively stuck between the bamboo layers. The bamboo sheets of each bamboo layer face the same juxtaposing direction, whereas bamboo layers juxtaposed lengthways provide a better buffer. By setting one membrane layer between two bamboo layers, contact faces of the bamboo layers and the membrane layer adhered together become smoother, and an adhesive fills in a gap more evenly. A slip resistant layer is stuck on the top bamboo layer. A smoother buffering effect and a stable juxtaposition are obtained when the bamboo layers are trodden to prevent the breakdown of buffer relations between the bamboo sheets and the membrane layers.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a green body of ceramic-forming material can comprise a support device including at least one air bearing including a support surface with a plurality of apertures. In one example, the support surface is configured to circumscribe greater than 180° of a support area for the green body. In another example, the plurality of apertures include at least a quantity of apertures oriented with a fluid emitting axis extending at an oblique angle with respect to an extrusion axis. In still another example, the air bearing is adjustable. Methods for producing a green body also provide an air cushion between a support surface and the green body.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a green body of ceramic-forming material can comprise a support device including at least one air bearing including a support surface with a plurality of apertures. In one example, the support surface is configured to circumscribe greater than 180° of a support area for the green body. In another example, the plurality of apertures include at least a quantity of apertures oriented with a fluid emitting axis extending at an oblique angle with respect to an extrusion axis. In still another example, the air bearing is adjustable. Methods for producing a green body also provide an air cushion between a support surface and the green body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cable track configured to be coupled to a moveable object and to be pushed and pulled by the movable object without buckling. The cable track is configured to transport at least one signal or material to or from the moveable object. The cable track has a fluid compartment defined between walls of the cable track. The walls of the cable track are configured to be separated when fluid is inserted into the fluid compartment and to approach one another in a bent portion of the cable track. The cable track may further include a web coupled to the walls, where the web is configured to limit the separation of the walls.

Abstract: A system for conveying an article along a transfer path includes at least a first and a second vortex suction unit disposed in sequence in a direction of the transfer path. A conveyor is configured to support the article relative to at least one of the suction units and a main controller is configured to separately control the vortex suction units so as to convey the article along the transfer path using the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveying system includes a conveyor belt having a carrying-side cover plate for accommodating goods to be conveyed and a running-side cover plate free of goods. Each of the cover plates is made of polymer material having elastic characteristics. A drum engages the conveyor belt at one of the side cover plates whereat a spark can develop during operation of the conveying system. A device detects the spark and corresponds with an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is configured to transmit a signal to a fire-extinguishing unit upon detection of the spark.

Abstract: An air cushion conveyor stacker reclaimer device and a method thereof, wherein burial of enclosed air cushion outfeed conveyors eliminates the need for costly, reinforced underground tunnels and walkways, wherein overhead suspension of air cushion infeed conveyors eliminates the need for construction of raised walkways and costly ground support structures, wherein lightweight air cushion conveyor stacker devices eliminate the need for massive counterweights, and wherein the fully exploited method for stacking and reclaiming bulk materials via enclosed tubular components, stacking boom curtains, and/or domed enclosures essentially eliminates adverse environmental impact.

Abstract: A sensor and controller for a belt moving about a path, the sensor and controller including an analog sensor including a medium that changes a characteristic to give a signal that varies continuously with any lateral belt edge position, thus yielding improved resolution of actual belt edge position, and a control mechanism responsive to the changes in characteristics of the medium for more accurate edge position control.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for separating a pile of tortillas and individually depositing the tortillas on a conveyor to form a row of tortillas. The apparatus may include an accumulating device, an elevating device that is operable to remove a pile of tortillas from the accumulating device and elevate the pile of tortillas towards a vacuum conveyor. The vacuum conveyor is operable to continuously remove an uppermost tortilla from the pile of tortillas and transport the separated tortillas to a receiving conveyor. The separated tortillas are deposited on the receiving conveyor and may be transported to a subsequent processing operation.

Abstract: A device for testing substrates includes magnetic elements, preferably printed products printed with magnetic printing ink. The device has a powered suction belt travelling around it, which transports the substrates under a measuring device and is assigned to the top of at least one extractable air space. At least one suction fan is assigned to the suction belt and is connected to the air space. At least the suction belt is made of a non-ferromagnetic material. Each suction fan assigned to the suction belt takes the form of a motorless fan, which is connected to a remote power source by way of a transmission.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing an apparatus capable of transferring a sheet while reducing wear and using a relatively small driving force. The present invention is also directed to providing an apparatus capable of effectively obtaining a vacuum suction force with a simple structure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vacuum belt conveyor for transferring veneer sheets under a vacuum effect. The conveyor consists of a vacuum box under a vacuum effect, having at least one perforation extending lane-like in the direction of conveyance of the conveyor. Conveying belts are running on both sides of the perforation. The belts are brought into contact with a veneer sheet to be transferred, whereby the veneer sheet and the belts line an underpessurized space, and the sheet is retained in contact with the belts. A lug movable in the direction of the vacuum lane is arranged at the perforation for keeping any jamming debris away.

Abstract: Vacuum belt conveying device for guiding a moving web, in particular a web threading strip of a paper or board web, having an air-permeable transport belt guided endlessly in a loop with an upper run and a lower run, and a device arranged within the loop for applying a vacuum to the inner side of one of the runs of the transport belt in order to hold the web firmly on the transport belt, in which the device for applying a vacuum is formed by means of at least one long-gap ejector, which in each case has an air jet injector having a large number of air outlet nozzles along the inlet side of the long gap and, on the inlet side, is positioned at a distance under the inner side of the run which is provided to hold the web firmly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vacuum belt conveyor for transferring veneer sheets under a vacuum effect. The conveyor consists of a vacuum box under a vacuum effect, having at least one perforation extending lane-like in the direction of conveyance of the conveyor. Conveying belts are running on both sides of the perforation. The belts are brought into contact with a veneer sheet to be transferred, whereby the veneer sheet and the belts line an underpressurized space, and the sheet is retained in contact with the belts. A lug movable in the direction of the vacuum lane is arranged at the perforation for keeping any jamming debris away.

Abstract: Disclosed is a belt conveyor capable of greatly reducing friction resistance between side portions of a belt and troughs, comprising troughs (5), a belt moving above the troughs (5) along a longitudinal direction thereof, belt bending members (12) provided outside on both sides of the belt in the width direction so as to be located upstream of an entrance (5a) of the troughs, for abutting with both side portions of the belt to be bent upwardly, load cells (14) for detecting a reactive force exerted by the belt with which the belt bending members (12) make contact, guide rails (16) engaged to cause the belt bending members (12) to be displaced to be fixed at a desired position so as to bend the side portions of the belt or restore the bent belt, and rails (20) for moving the guide rails (16) along the longitudinal direction of the belt.

Abstract: Disclosed is a belt conveyor capable of greatly reducing friction resistance between side portions of a belt and troughs, comprising troughs (5), a belt moving above the troughs (5) along a longitudinal direction thereof, belt bending members (12) provided outside on both sides of the belt in the width direction so as to be located upstream of an entrance (5a) of the troughs, for abutting with both side portions of the belt to be bent upwardly, load cells (14) for detecting a reactive force exerted by the belt with which the belt bending members (12) make contact, guide rails (16) engaged to cause the belt bending members (12) to be displaced to be fixed at a desired position so as to bend the side portions of the belt or restore the bent belt, and rails (20) for moving the guide rails (16) along the longitudinal direction of the belt.

Abstract: An improved air supported impact section for air supported belt conveyors that includes a cushioned pad incorporated into the plenum plate to cushion the impact form and minimize damage to the air supported belt conveyors.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic tensioner apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus including: a main drive belt; a chuck assembly, suspended from said main drive belt, having a spinning member and a drive contact portion; a first frictional drive belt in a first track in contact with said drive contact portion operative to spin said chuck assembly; a first tension adjusting device operative to apply pressure to said first frictional drive belt tangentially to said drive contact portion; a second frictional drive belt disposed in at least one idler roller on an opposite side of said chuck assembly to said first frictional drive belt, said second frictional drive belt in contact with said drive contact portion; and a second tension adjusting device operative to apply pressure to said second frictional drive belt tangentially to said drive contact portion.

Abstract: A lubrication device lubricates traveling lubrication sites, such as on a belt (1), in particular, on a roller or chain belt (1). The lubrication device includes a lubricating apparatus (2) having a catch (C) that is capable of assuming a resting position and a catching position relative to the belt (1). In the catching position, a lubricating head (D) of the lubricating apparatus (2) is moved to a lubrication site by relative lateral motion between the belt (1) and the lubricating apparatus (2) in order to supply lubricant to the lubricating site. At the end of the run path, the lubricating head (D) as well as the catch (C) moves relative to the belt (1) to return back to the resting position. Also, before or simultaneously while the catch (C) is brought into engagement with the belt (1), the lubricating apparatus (2) can be extended in a longitudinal direction of the lubrication site motion at a boosting speed, which is greater than zero and less than the speed of the belt (1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a belt conveyor capable of greatly reducing friction resistance between side portions of a belt and troughs, comprising troughs (5), a belt moving above the troughs (5) along a longitudinal direction thereof, belt bending members (12) provided outside on both sides of the belt in the width direction so as to be located upstream of an entrance (5a) of the troughs, for abutting with both side portions of the belt to be bent upwardly, load cells (14) for detecting a reactive force exerted by the belt with which the belt bending members (12) make contact, guide rails (16) engaged to cause the belt bending members (12) to be displaced to be fixed at a desired position so as to bend the side portions of the belt or restore the bent belt, and rails (20) for moving the guide rails (16) along the longitudinal direction of the belt.

Abstract: A multipressure plenum system for supporting a conveyor belt of a gas supported belt conveyor and method of operation. The multipressure plenum system includes a multipressure plenum having a support surface including a plurality of apertures and a chamber in fluid communication with the apertures. The chamber of the plenum is in selective fluid communication with a first source of gas at a first pressure, and is in selective fluid communication with a second source of gas at a second pressure. Gas from the first source of gas at the first pressure flows through the apertures in the plenum to form a gas cushion which supports the conveyor belt above the plenum. Gas from the second source of gas at the second pressure selectively flows through the apertures in the plenum to provide additional support to the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An pneumatic tensioner apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus including: a main drive belt; a chuck assembly, suspended from the main drive belt, having a spinning member and a drive contact portion; a first frictional drive belt in a first track, the first frictional drive belt in contact with the drive contact portion operative to spin the chuck assembly; and a first tension adjusting device having at least one pneumatic tension adjustment member operative to apply pressure to the first frictional drive belt tangentially to the drive contact portion.

Abstract: A multipressure plenum system for supporting a conveyor belt of a gas supported belt conveyor and method of operation. The multipressure plenum system includes a multipressure plenum having a support surface including a plurality of apertures and a chamber in fluid communication with the apertures. The chamber of the plenum is in selective fluid communication with a first source of gas at a first pressure, and is in selective fluid communication with a second source of gas at a second pressure. Gas from the first source of gas at the first pressure flows through the apertures in the plenum to form a gas cushion which supports the conveyor belt above the plenum. Gas from the second source of gas at the second pressure selectively flows through the apertures in the plenum to provide additional support to the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The invention concerns an air permeable paper sheet as support element for a layer of fabrics (mat) on a production line in particular during the cutting phase. The invention is characterized in that said sheet has in its thickness pores or fine perforations distributed over the whole surface thereof, said sheet having a bulkiness or hand more than 2.5 cm3/g, enabling it to allow air to pass through by the suction effect produced from beneath its lower surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a belt conveyor capable of greatly reducing friction resistance between side portions of a belt and troughs, comprising troughs (5), a belt moving above the troughs (5) along a longitudinal direction thereof, belt bending members (12) provided outside on both sides of the belt in the width direction so as to be located upstream of an entrance (5a) of the troughs, for abutting with both side portions of the belt to be bent upwardly, load cells (14) for detecting a reactive force exerted by the belt with which the belt bending members (12) make contact, guide rails (16) engaged to cause the belt bending members (12) to be displaced to be fixed at a desired position so as to bend the side portions of the belt or restore the bent belt, and rails (20) for moving the guide rails (16) along the longitudinal direction of the belt.

Abstract: A pneumatic weighing device has a weigh pan, which is supported for vertical movement by a load cell in response to the weight of an article; the weigh pan is provided with a plenum chamber having an apertured upper surface through which air under pressure is directed for purpose of providing an air cushion for supporting and transporting articles to be weighed. The weighing device additionally includes pneumatic means for rejecting articles of improper weight.

Abstract: A fluid plenum trough conveyor support that provides a near frictionless fluid film bearing to support a conveyor belt. The apparatus of the present invention may be used as a discrete conveyor belt support element. The discrete elements formed by the method of the present invention may also be sealingly joined to form a continuous trough conveyor path for a conveyor system. An improved particulate collection system is provided at termination points of the conveyor system for eliminating particulate emissions as the bulk materials transported by the conveyor are unloaded or transferred to receiving points.

Abstract: The transport apparatus for magnetic cards includes a belt drive with an endless belt having a portion bearing on the information-bearing card conveyed by it and an opposing retaining member opposite the belt drive, on which the portion bearing on the information-bearing card can press the card during further transport. The portion of the endless belt on the opposite side from the information-bearing card is acted on with pressurized gas, especially pressurized air, to press the endless belt against the information-bearing card. The opposing retaining member can be another belt drive with another endless belt bearing on the information-bearing card, which is also acted on by compressed gas to provide additional clamping force to hold the information-bearing card fixed without vibration during transport.

Abstract: An endless belt rotates between a tail pulley and a head pulley. The belt is floated in a tubular belt support by blowing air out of air blowing bores of the belt support, and runs from the tail pulley to the head pulley. A ultra-high molecular polyethylene layer is applied on the inner circumferential surface of the belt support, opposing to the belt, thereby assuring smooth running of the belt.

Abstract: A supporting arrangement for the transport belt in thin strip casting plants. The liquid steel is cast onto the circulating transport belt. On its underside, the transport belt has devices for generating a negative pressure and for supporting the belt as well as for cooling. In the past, rollers were used for supporting the belt. Between the supporting points of the belt on the rollers, upward curvatures of the belt may occur. This is avoided by the use of supports of which the spacings measured transversely to the transporting direction are greater than the lengths of the supports in this direction.

Abstract: An air supported conveyor, particularly adapted for conveying articles such as baggage or packages at a high rate of speed includes a plenum chamber and a belt support containing a plurality of orifices. Air or another pressurized fluid is supplied to the plenum chamber to provide a clearance or air bearing between the belt and the support during belt travel. The belt support has a generally flat center section with outer sections that curve or angle upwardly. Guides are mounted adjacent the angled outer sections. Disposed along the length of the belt and between an underside of each guide and the angled outer belt sections are elongated members. Each elongated member in conjunction with each guide underside and belt support acts as a belt edge guide by forming a recess which receives the belt edges during belt travel. Each recess directs air from the belt underside up and around the belt side edge, across the upper surface of the belt and out a slot egress.

Abstract: A unit for transferring products, wherein a conveyor belt successively feeds the products along a deformable conveying surface defined by the belt itself and extending through a product pickup station; and a deforming assembly is located beneath the conveying surface at the station, and provides for deforming the conveying surface to form, at the product fed through the station, two transverse dips, which are engaged by respective pickup elements to pick up the product.

Abstract: A material conveyor consisting of a belt supporting floor having a multiplicity of air cushion apertures therethrough, a walled chamber attached to the material conveyor, the upper wall of the walled chamber consisting of the belt supporting floor, the walled chamber having a plurality of partitions there across dividing the chamber into segmented air pressure control chambers; a branched air induction tube attached to the material conveyor such tube being capable of injecting pressurized air into the air pressure control chambers; a conveyor belt mounted on the material conveyor so that its interior surface is in contact with the belt supporting floor; and a belt driving motor capable of driving the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Hose belt conveyor (1), comprising an elongated belt 2) which can be folded to a closed hose. At the edges it is provided with thickened parts (3) which are placed resting against each other during the formation of the hose. These thickened parts bound a V-shaped part which widens in the direction away from the hose which has been formed by the belt (2). The V-shaped part is placed between two drive rollers (12). By selecting the angle of the V-shaped part between 30 and 90.degree., it has been found that it is possible to provide for the hose belt conveyor (1) to be driven like a V-belt. The invention also relates to a drive unit (7) for the above-described hose belt conveyor.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting the idler assemblies of an idler conveyor with an air plenum is shown. The method includes the steps of detaching the belt and removing a preselected number of idler assemblies from an existing frame of the idler conveyor. A number of bracket pairs are attached to the frame and an air plenum is attached to the brackets. An air source is attached to the plenum and the belt is reattached. An air plenum conveyor is also shown which includes a frame with a number of bracket pairs attached at spaced intervals along the frame. A V-shaped plenum is secured to the brackets. An air source is attached to the plenum to permit a continuous belt positioned about the plenum to be support by the plenum.

Abstract: The conveying apparatus is formed by two conveying sections which are arranged one behind the other, and are in the form of spirals that wind around a center such that the windings of the two conveying sections are nested one inside the other. Each spiral conveying section has a stationary guide surface which supports the articles to be conveyed on a surface that faces outwardly away from the center. Each spiral conveying section also includes a conveying system, that has at least one endless, flexible conveying element which is driven such that it circulates around the conveying section. The conveying element acts on the outer side of the articles to be conveyed. There is also an endless flexible support member between the articles to be conveyed and the guide surface, that circulates around the spiral conveying section, and is in the form of a band that overlays the guide surface. The support member is carried along by the articles being conveyed.

Abstract: A machine and method of using same for cutting soft sheet material, such as textile fabric, which includes a cutting table having a support surface with openings distributed thereover. An endless conveyor of relatively high air permeability overlays and is movable relative to the support surface for moving sheet material. An endless micro-porous support belt having a relatively low air permeability overlays the conveyor for corresponding movement therewith. A vacuum source is connected to the cutting table and cooperates with the micro-porous support belt to retain the sheet material thereon in a relatively fixed position during transporting and cutting thereof and to retain the micro-porous support belt in engagement with the conveyor for uniform movement therewith. A cutting tool is supported on a cutting table for cutting the sheet material. The cutting tool has a washer positioned adjacent the cutting wheel to limit the penetration of the cutting wheel in the micro-porous support belt.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically laying up veneer sheets for the manufacture of continuous veneer panels composed of a plurality of stacked sheets, optionally glued on their top face. The apparatus includes a frame, a conveyor for receiving the veneer sheets transversely and for successively feeding said veneer sheets in a timed manner into the apparatus, the conveyor having an alignment device for aligning the sheets and having lug members for pushing against the back transverse edge of each of said sheets, thereby urging said sheets forward. The conveyor running on a track having a upward trajectory portion and an inverted trajectory portion so that the sheets are gradually flipped top face down. The sheets are maintained against the conveyor by vacuum hoods mounted behind and between the conveyor. When reaching their inverted position, the sheets transfer onto a suction box having suction feet substantially straddling the inverted portion of the conveyor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for handling stretchable sheet material, to form a stack of leaves of such material. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention concerns the handling of dough sheets in the manufacture of biscuits or other baked foodstuffs. A first conveyor carries leaves of the material which are transferred to a second conveyor where the leaves are transported in a stacked configuration. Transfer is accomplished by use of an overhead permeable, suction surface movable between the first and second conveyor.

Abstract: A flexible conveyor belt is provided which can run in a curved shape which elongates along a lower inner wall of a circular pipe, while being completely supported above the lower inner wall by pressurized air introduced into a space between the belt and the lower inner wall. In the case where the flexible conveyor belt is mainly made of rubber, a trough index T (JIS K6322) which is obtained as a ratio of a deflection amount F to a width x of the belt is equal to or greater than 0.35. More strictly, it is preferable to set the thickness y (mm) and the width x (mm) of the belt to satisfy the relationship of y.ltoreq.0.143+6.486.times.10.sup.-3 x+7.904.times.10.sup.-6 x.sup.2. In the case where the flexible conveyor belt is made mainly of a resin, the trough index is equal to or greater than 0.30. The conveyor belts have sufficient flexibility.

Abstract: A bulk material analyzer of the type in which the bulk material is transported through the material analyzer assembly on a conveyor belt between at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector, includes a plurality of lower and upper modules that contain radiation shielding material and are so shaped as to define a passageway for the conveyor belt between the upper modules and the lower modules when the upper modules are placed on the lower modules. A primary centrally located lower module also includes the radiation sources and a primary centrally located upper module also includes the radiation detectors. Some of the outwardly located modules contain less radiation shielding material. The radiation shielding material includes a plurality of personally portable blocks. The conveyor belt is supported by compressed air passed through central upper wails in the outwardly located lower modules.