Abstract: A gate control system that provides repeatable and reliable gate position sensing in a fully open position, a fully closed position, or both. In various embodiments, proximity sensors are maintained in biased contact (continuously or intermittently) with the gate panel throughout the travel range of the gate panel. The system may also include anti-fouling or “self-cleaning” of the proximity sensor(s), whereby the proximity sensors are cleared of materials that would otherwise interfere with the repeatability of the position sensing.

Abstract: A variable gate with control for grain elevator applications utilizes a sliding gate panel. Two proximity sensors are arranged to provide full sensing and control functions of the gate remotely located. A first proximity sensor confirms gate is shut, and a second proximity sensor outputs a serial pulse train signal for detecting movement of the gate panel. The second proximity sensor can be operatively coupled with gear teeth inherent to the drive mechanism (e.g., rack and pinion mechanism), or with a passive device such as a free sprocket on the motor shaft to sense the passage of each sprocket teeth, or may be placed at a linear portion that moves with the gate that has sequential indicating positions, such as metal or no metal positions. In one embodiment, the controller tracks the direction of the gate as pulses are receive, allowing the subsequent positioning of the gate.

Abstract: A grain distributor including a timer coupled to a distribution spout that generates a series of particular time values. The control processor is programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows. The control processor is programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory and the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each of the proof windows in a long term memory. The grain distributor is also self programming.

Abstract: A grain distributor including a timer coupled to a distribution spout that generates a series of particular time values. The control processor is programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows. The control processor is programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory and the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each of the proof windows in a long term memory. The grain distributor is also self programming.

Abstract: A grain distributor including a timer coupled to a distribution spout that generates a series of particular time values. The control processor is programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows. The control processor is programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory and the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each of the proof windows in a long term memory. The grain distributor is also self programming.

Abstract: A grain distributor including a timer coupled to a distribution spout that generates a series of particular time values. The control processor is programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows. The control processor is programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory and the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each of the proof windows in a long term memory. The grain distributor is also self programming.

Abstract: A grain distributor including a timer coupled to a distribution spout that generates a series of particular time values. The control processor is programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows. The control processor is programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory and the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each of the proof windows in a long term memory. The grain distributor is also self programming.

Abstract: An enclosed belt conveyor having a high strength take-up section that maintains proper belt alignment with the use of just two take-up screws, while still allowing for the take up section housing to be made of lighter weight, less expensive materials. The take-up section of the present invention can be installed at a head section or tail section of an enclosed belt conveyor. The take-up section of the present invention generally includes two support arms slidably mounted in guides that maintain the support arms in a straight orientation and two take-up screws that adjust the support arms within the guides while maintaining proper alignment of the take-up section without the necessity of separate leveling screws.

Abstract: A grain distribution apparatus and method is disclosed for positive positional control of the providing distribution of grain among a plurality of receiving ducts. A housing contains a distribution spout rotated by a drive motor among discharge positions at each receiving duct. A control wheel connected to the spout rotates with the spout to a selected discharge position. The control wheel has a plurality of sensible code clusters and position proof windows, one of each for each discharge position. Each code cluster has a unique series of data digits and a series of sequencing digits adjacent the data digits. The data digits and sequencing digits are serially read by a sensor. The sensor is connected to a control processor for identifying the position of the spout. The control wheel is configured as a driven sprocket and is engaged by the upper portion of a double wide roller chain around the entire periphery of the control wheel.

Abstract: A conveyor device particularly designed for the conveying of mass loads such as grains, powders and the like which may be termed semi-solids which device includes an extending housing having a substantially flat support bed with a conveying mechanism engaging the upper surface thereof for the conveying of material thereover and wherein the conveying elements are of a predetermined minimal height in comparison to the load or height of material in the conveyor which is to be conveyed and an intermediate discharge for the conveyor which is arranged on the support bed thereof which includes a pair of door members hinged at their respective ends and opening downwardly from their mating edge which doors extend the full width of the conveyor and which are interlinked for simultaneous opening and closing to provide in their closed condition a smooth surface continual with the support bed of the the conveyor and which provide when open, an opening without ledges or other areas in which material may lie or become lodge

Abstract: A detector unit for mounting on conveyors for automatic shut off of the drive portion of the conveyor which includes a detection and control device attachable to the tail or idler sprocket of the conveyor such that if the tail sprocket is moved forwardly, the detector will trip a switching control mechanism to shut down the drive portion of the conveyor and further, if the chain should break, the detector is provided with an automatic return mechanism to trip the switching control mechanism to again shut down the drive portion of the conveyor. The detector basically includes a movable tail sprocket assembly having a first range of adjustable movement and having a detector arranged to move with the sprocket over the adjustable range of movement such that when the sprocket is shifted beyond this adjustable movement area the switching control mechanism will be tripped to shut off the driving portion of the conveyor.