Abstract: A linear reciprocating conveyor system includes an elongated tray connected to a linear electric motor, the tray and motor each being supported on linkages allowing linear reciprocating motion without transferring vibration to system support structure. The linear electric motor is adapted for control by a method which provides a current profile to effect reciprocation of the motor to convey articles or material with the tray in one direction and acceleration of the tray in the opposite direction to provide slippage of the material or articles, thus causing the material or articles to move toward a tray discharge end. The motor armature may be supported with respect to the motor stator by an air bearing system. Plural motors may be connected to the tray and also supported by an air bearing system.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly having a conveying member made substantially of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene material. The conveying member can be provided with a support structure for supporting the conveying member. At least one biasing member and at least one securing member can be used to secure the conveying member to the support structure. The biasing member and the securing member, along with the support structure, form an arrangement which can allow the conveying device to accommodate the growths and deformities of the conveying member.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly having a conveying member made substantially of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene material. The conveying member can be provided with a support structure for supporting the conveying member. At least one biasing member and at least one securing member can be used to secure the conveying member to the support structure. The biasing member and the securing member, along with the support structure, form an arrangement which can allow the conveying device to accommodate the growths and deformities of the conveying member.

Abstract: A conveyor for materials uses a gearset to generate horizontal differential conveying motion in a conveying member. The conveying motion includes an advancing stroke in a conveying direction and a retracting stroke in a direction opposite to the conveying direction. The linear velocity of the retracting stroke is greater than the linear velocity of the advancing stroke to move materials along the conveying member in the conveying direction. The gearset is preferably a ring gear and a pinion.

Abstract: Conveying apparatus and methods employ a continuously vibrating element and a plurality of longitudinally aligned, overlapping, inclined conveyor pans, each of which has its own independently operable discharge gate. Material may be moved by the conveyor from a source to one or more material discharge destinations by selectively coupling and uncoupling predetermined conveyor pans to the continuously vibrating element. When not coupled to the continuously vibrating element, the conveyor pans are at rest in motionless isolation from the pans that are vibrating.

Abstract: Comminuting apparatus for waste and scrap materials such as rubber and worn tires has intermeshed spaced cutters mounted on oppositely rotating shafts. Multi part circular material clearing rings surround the shafts in the spaces between the cutters. The parts of the rings are held together by fasteners that can be removed in the field with simple tools. This eliminates the need for dissassembly of the apparatus and removal of the cutters in order to replace worn or defective clearing rings. Methods of assembling and disassembling the clearing rings are disclosed.

Abstract: A vibrating conveyor for moving agglutinous particulate materials that pack into large accumulations which adhere to its surface, eventually blocking the conveyor pan, is cleared of such accumulations by placing a flexible hose along its bottom. A flexible sheet lines the conveyor pan on top of the hose. The hose is inflated periodically so as to lift the sheet and thus break up the packed accumulations of material.

Abstract: A material shredder (20) includes a cutting chamber (40) having a pair of counterrotatable cutter units (42, 44) for shredding material fed therebetween. A hopper (30) leads to the cutting chamber for directing material to be shredded thereto. A gate structure (130) includes a barrier plate (138) movable from a first position adjacent one wall of the hopper to a second position at least partially blocking the passageway between the hopper and the cutting chamber. Control structure is provided for exerting a selectable pressure on the barrier plate (138) urging the plate into its second position against any material in its path of movement from its first position to its second position. The plate acts to support the material thereabove, as well as compress the material in its path causing a head of material to be supported above the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting overstroke, understroke and/or overspeed, underspeed conditions in vibratory equipment includes a vibratory member mounted on the equipment to vibrate therewith and to operate solid-state switches over a large number of cycles. The preferred switches are Hall effect switches operable by a magnet carried by the vibratory member. During normal vibratory motion, a normal stroke Hall effect switch resets a timing means which will operate as a missing pulse detector and will generate an abnormal pulse if it is not reset during a predetermined period of time. If the amplitude is too large, the overstroke Hall effect switch is operated and causes an abnormal condition pulse. A control circuit means is operable by an abnormal pulse to generate an alarm and/or shut down the vibrating equipment.