Abstract: A system for measuring the conductivity of a flexible media positioned between a conductive backing and a conductive roller, wherein the conductive roller contacts the flexible media in a roller contact region. A pressure control mechanism presses the conductive roller against the second surface of the flexible media with a specified contact pressure, and a motion control system provide a relative motion between the conductive roller and the flexible media. A resistance measuring system connected to the conductive roller and the conductive backing measures the conductivity of the flexible media within the roller contact region. A data recording system records the measured conductivity of the media as a function of position.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus dispenses a precisely metered quantity of pellets or granular material from a hopper to a vessel. The hopper which holds the pellets or granular material has a conical bottom portion which terminates in a bottom opening that is in constant communication with a conveyor tube which leads to the vessel. The conveyor tube preferably extends horizontally below the hopper and is in communication with a bottom opening in the hopper. A venturi driven by compressed air is provided in the conveyor tube for creating a vacuum which carries the pellets or granular material from the hopper to the vessel. The pressure of the compressed air entering the venturi is precisely regulated so as to precisely control the amount of pellets or granulated material moved from the hopper to the vessel. Alternatively, a controller can be provided for regulating several conveyor tubes, each to feed a different type of pellet or granular material into the vessel.

Abstract: An elongatable conveyor belt having an internal stretch limiter is disclosed. The conveyor belt includes a lower layer of transverse reinforcing cords and an upper layer of transverse reinforcing cords disposed at opposing angles relative to the transverse axis of the conveyor belt. Preferably, depressions are formed in the upper transverse reinforcing cords to facilitate troughing of the conveyor belt. An internal stretch limiter such as an angularly woven fabric, sinusoidally disposed cords or stretchable cords are provided only in the central region of the belt. Because stretch limiting devices are only provided in the center of the conveyor belt, the belt remains in tension to retain material thereon during horizontal curves while enabling the outer edge to elongate to negotiate the curve.