Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bottom bearing may include forming a first half-cylinder and a second half-cylinder, the first half-cylinder including a first shoulder and a first inside surface and the second half-cylinder including a second shoulder and a second inside surface. The first shoulder and second shoulder are configured to bear the weight of a vertical shaft by exerting an upward force on a sleeve in mechanical communication with the vertical shaft.

Abstract: Systems and method for remotely monitoring a factory, manufacturing plant, or other facility are provided. In one implementation, a remote monitoring system comprises a central monitoring station located remote from a food handling facility. The remote monitoring system also comprises a plurality of sensors configured to sense parameters related to operational functions of equipment installed in the food handling facility. Also, the remote monitoring system includes a facility computer located at the food handling facility, wherein the facility computer is configured to receive signals from the plurality of sensors indicative of the sensed parameters. The facility computer is configured to analyze each parameter to determine if the respective parameter falls outside a predetermined normal range and is further configured to communicate an alert to the central monitoring station when the parameters that fall outside the predetermined normal range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling belt speed are provided. In one embodiment, a control system includes a driving mechanism configured to move a belt in a longitudinal direction, the belt having support portions separated from each other by gaps. The control system includes a sensing apparatus configured to optically detect the presence of the support portions and gaps when the belt is moved in the longitudinal direction. A processing device is configured to receive a detection signal from the sensing apparatus that is indicative of the presence of the support portions and gaps. The processing device is further configured to monitor belt speed based on a number of gaps detected over a predetermined amount of time. A controller is configured to receive control signals from the processing device and control the operation of the driving mechanism based on the number of gaps detected over the predetermined amount of time.