Abstract: A disc for a cable conveyor comprised of a polymer formed from a resin including a blend of siloxane, and polyethylene. The siloxane may be a high molecular weight siloxane having a viscosity ranging from 10,000 cst. to 1,000,000 cst., preferably about 500,000 cst., and the polyethylene may be an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene having a molecular weight ranging from 3 million grams/mol. to 8 million grams/mol., preferably about 3.5 million grams/mol. The siloxane is present in the blend from 0.5 percent to 30.0, preferably about 3.0 percent.

Abstract: A disc for a cable conveyor comprised of a polymer formed from a resin including a blend of siloxane, and polyethylene. The siloxane may be a high molecular weight siloxane having a viscosity ranging from 10,000 cst. to 1,000,000 cst., preferably about 500,000 cst., and the polyethylene may be an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene having a molecular weight ranging from 3 million grams/mol. to 8 million grams/mol., preferably about 3.5 million grams/mol. The siloxane is present in the blend from 0.5 percent to 30.0, preferably about 3.0 percent.

Abstract: A close tolerance disc for a flexible member conveyor including a disc body member and a movable resilient ring. The ring is preferably formed of a durable polymer interlocking ring where the ring outer periphery closely matches the inside surface of the conveyor tubing. The resilience of the ring biases it to conform to the inside surface of the conveyor tubing to provide 100% conveyance of the material in the system. The ring can move in place within a groove in the body member of the disc, as well as distort to self-align and conform to the irregularities that are present in the manufacturing of the conveyor tubular components. The ring is easily removeable for quick replacement and cleaning. The interlocking ends of the ring keep the ring ends in place and in line to prevent the ends from being misaligned while passing through a partially cutaway portion of the tube.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for viewing problems occurring inside of a circuitous tube in a flexible member conveyor system or the like by attaching a camera to the flexible member or to one of the discs attached to the flexible member so that the camera can take photos or video to show views of the tube as the camera passes through the circuitous tube flexible member conveyor system, the flexible member typically being a cable or a chain.

Abstract: A conveyor system with an endless loop tubular system has an inlet provided for permitting material to be introduced into the tubular system. An endless loop flexible member extends through the tubular system and has inserts disposed thereon for moving material along the endless loop tubular system. A drive mechanism is provided for causing the endless loop flexible member and inserts to move in at least one direction through the endless loop tubular system. A novel outlet valve disposed in the endless loop tubular system is provided for selectively permitting the material to fall out of the endless loop tubular system by gravity, the outlet valve having an opening with an insert entry end and a insert exit end, a first side and a second side and wherein the insert entry end is larger than the insert exit end.

Abstract: An improvement to cable conveyor system using a pneumatic cylinder system for keeping a cable tight is provided for preventing damage to the system if the cable stretches/fails or is too loose. The fluid cylinder/piston applies a force on the cable proportionate to the pressure that is regulated to the cylinder during normal operation of the cable conveyor system. The relative position of a magnetic switch and a magnet on a piston in the cylinder, provides a way to sense a lack of tension in the cable and shut the system down before damage is done to the conveyor. Likewise, if the cable stretches or fails, a carriage having an idler thereon, will move close enough to a proximity switch to cause the proximity switch to shut down the system.

Abstract: A conveyor system with an endless loop tubular system has an inlet provided for permitting material to be introduced into the tubular system. An endless loop flexible member extends through the tubular system and has inserts disposed thereon for moving material along the endless loop tubular system. A drive mechanism is provided for causing the endless loop flexible member and inserts to move in at least one direction through the endless loop tubular system. A novel outlet valve disposed in the endless loop tubular system is provided for selectively permitting the material to fall out of the endless loop tubular system by gravity, the outlet valve having an opening with an insert entry end and a insert exit end, a first side and a second side and wherein the insert entry end is larger than the insert exit end.