Abstract: A steering system, method, and computer-readable medium for controlling a steerable, self-propelled vehicle for travelling in an end-to-end series of steerable, self-propelled vehicles, the vehicle including a plurality of individually controllable propelling devices connected at a generally vertical pivot to an axle of the vehicle. The steering system includes: an angle sensor for detecting an inter-vehicle angular position between two of the vehicles and providing a corresponding signal indicative thereof; a distance sensor for detecting an inter-vehicle distance between two of the vehicles and providing a corresponding signal indicative thereof; and a controller system. The controller system is configured to: receive the signals from the angle sensor and the distance sensor, control a speed of each propelling device based on the inter-vehicle distance, and control an angle of each propelling device based on the inter-vehicle angular position.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus for connecting a self-propelled trailing vehicle to a self-propelled leading vehicle and for measuring their relative positions is described. The hitch apparatus includes: a first hitch assembly for connecting a rear end of the leading vehicle to a front end of the trailing vehicle; a first angle sensor operatively connected to a pivot shaft and capable of measuring a horizontal angle between a centerline of a swivel base extending through a pivot shaft and a longitudinal centerline of the leading vehicle; a second hitch assembly for mounting on the front end of the trailing vehicle, the second hitch assembly including a connecting device mounted on the front end of the trailing vehicle and connectable to the swivel base of the leading vehicle; and a distance sensor for measuring a variable distance between a preselected point at the front end of said trailing vehicle and the swivel base.

Abstract: A steering system, method, and computer-readable medium for controlling a steerable, self-propelled vehicle for travelling in an end-to-end series of steerable, self-propelled vehicles, the vehicle including a plurality of individually controllable propelling devices connected at a generally vertical pivot to an axle of the vehicle. The steering system includes: an angle sensor for detecting an inter-vehicle angular position between two of the vehicles and providing a corresponding signal indicative thereof; a distance sensor for detecting an inter-vehicle distance between two of the vehicles and providing a corresponding signal indicative thereof; and a controller system.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus for connecting a self-propelled trailing vehicle to a self-propelled leading vehicle and for measuring their relative positions is described. The hitch apparatus includes: a first hitch assembly for connecting a rear end of the leading vehicle to a front end of the trailing vehicle; a first angle sensor operatively connected to a pivot shaft and capable of measuring a horizontal angle between a centerline of a swivel base extending through a pivot shaft and a longitudinal centerline of the leading vehicle; a second hitch assembly for mounting on the front end of the trailing vehicle, the second hitch assembly including a connecting device mounted on the front end of the trailing vehicle and connectible to the swivel base of the leading vehicle; and a distance sensor for measuring a variable distance between a preselected point at the front end of said trailing vehicle and the swivel base.

Abstract: A discharge chute and belt scraper for use at a head pulley end of a conveyor belt includes a chute (72) having a receiving end (74) and an opposite discharge end. The receiving end can be mounted adjacent the head pulley end of the belt. The belt scraper (82) is mounted on this receiving end so that the scraper will extend at least a major part of the width of the belt. Chute supporting members (100, 102) are arranged at opposite sides of the chute member. Link members (104, 106) pivotally connect each of the opposite sides of the chute to a respective one of the supporting members so that the receiving end of the chute is movable towards or away from the head pulley end. Coil springs (132, 134) bias the receiving end of the chute and the belt scraper towards the head pulley end.

Abstract: A mobile conveyor machine is provided for a cascading conveyor system in the form of a series of mobile conveyor machines pivotably connected together in the form of a conveyor train.

Abstract: A mobile conveyor machine is provided for a cascading conveyor system in the form of a series of mobile conveyor machines pivotably connected together in the form of a conveyor train. The conveyor machine comprises an elongate supporting frame arranged substantially horizontally and having longitudinal side frame members and first and second ends. The supporting frame extends along a central longitudinal axis of the conveyor machine. A conveyor belt system is mounted on the supporting frame and arranged to convey materials from the first end to the second end. A pair of transversely aligned propelling devices are each separately connected to the supporting frame for pivotable movement about a generally vertical pivot axis. This pair is located near but spaced from the first end and has a common axis of rotation when the propelling devices are positioned to move the conveyor machine in a straightforward direction. The machine also comprises a power mechanism for steering the pair of propelling devices.

Abstract: A steering system and method are capable of steering a plurality of vehicles arranged in a train with adjacent vehicles pivotally connected to each other for movement about a vertical axis. Each vehicle has a pair of steerable wheels with one pair at one end of the train being a selected leading pair having its steering angle determined by an operator. An electrical control system automatically steers all of the wheels trailing behind the leading pair. Vehicle angle sensors measure intercar angles between adjacent vehicles and provide this information to the control system. An indicator provides the controller with the current distance traveled by the train. Wheel angle sensors provide signals indicative of the current steering angle for each wheel pair. The controller adjusts the actual steering angle for each trailing pair to a desired angle by calculating adjustments based on the measurement inputs.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus is provided for use on a first mobile machine such as a conveyor vehicle to be used with a second mobile machine connected to the first machine. The apparatus includes a track member adapted for mounting at an end of the first machine, this member providing a track having two opposite sides and bent to form a circular arc having a center of curvature. A hitch unit is mounted for rolling movement on the track and can pivotably connect the end of the first machine to the second machine. The hitch unit includes rollers for engaging both of the opposite sides so that the track is captured between the rollers. The first machine is able to pivot about a substantially vertical axis extending through the center of curvature relative to the second machine and is connected to the second machine for movement therewith.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for use with a conveyor belt includes an elongate conveyor support frame and a plurality of conveyor support devices mounted on this frame. These devices include a tail pulley mechanism having two tail pulley sections mounted on a pulley support for rotation about a common central axis of rotation. The pulley support includes a central support portion located at inner ends of the pulley sections and extending radially outwardly from these inner ends to a vertically extending pivot axis. An interconnecting support arrangement mounts the pulley support on the conveyor support frame and includes a pivot connector connecting the central support portion for pivotable movement about the pivot axis. An actuator can pivot the pulley support about the pivot axis to maintain the conveyor belt within a central region of the tail pulley.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus is provided for use on a first mobile machine such as a conveyor vehicle to be used with a second mobile machine connected to the first machine. The apparatus includes a track member adapted for mounting at an end of the first machine, this member providing a track having two opposite sides and bent to form a circular arc having a center of curvature. A hitch unit is mounted for rolling movement on the track and can pivotably connect the end of the first machine to the second machine. The hitch unit includes rollers for engaging both of the opposite sides so that the track is captured between the rollers. The first machine is able to pivot about a substantially vertical axis extending through the center of curvature relative to the second machine and is connected to the second machine for movement therewith.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for use with a conveyor belt includes an elongate conveyor support frame and a plurality of conveyor support devices mounted on this frame. These devices include a tail pulley mechanism having two tail pulley sections mounted on a pulley support for rotation about a common central axis of rotation. The pulley support includes a central support portion located at inner ends of the pulley sections and extending radially outwardly from these inner ends to a vertically extending pivot axis. An interconnecting support arrangement mounts the pulley support on the conveyor support frame and includes a pivot connector connecting the central support portion for pivotable movement about the pivot axis. An actuator can pivot the pulley support about the pivot axis to maintain the conveyor belt within a central region of the tail pulley.

Abstract: A steering system and method are capable of steering a plurality of vehicles arranged in a train with adjacent vehicles pivotally connected to each other for movement about a vertical axis. Each vehicle has a pair of steerable wheels with one pair at one end of the train being a selected leading pair having its steering angle determined by an operator. An electrical control system automatically steers all of the wheels trailing behind the leading pair. Vehicle angle sensors measure intercar angles between adjacent vehicles and provide this information to the control system. An indicator provides the controller with the current distance traveled by the train. Wheel angle sensors provide signals indicative of the current steering angle for each wheel pair. The controller adjusts the actual steering angle for each trailing pair to a desired angle by calculating adjustments based on the measurement inputs.

Abstract: A steerable conveyor vehicle for use with an endless conveyor belt includes an elongate conveyor mechanism having two opposite side frame members. A pair of transversely aligned wheel units for supporting the conveyor are provided with each unit having a wheel support structure detachably connected to a respective side frame member and a wheel mounted to this structure for pivotable movement about a vertical axis. The wheel support structure includes a vertical support plate having a set of fastener holes formed therein. At least some of these holes are aligned with at least some fastener holes formed in the adjacent side frame member for connecting the wheel unit at a selected one of at least two possible relative heights.