Abstract: A conveyor system of a type having a first pulley disposed for rotation about a first axis and a second pulley disposed for rotation about a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis. The continuous conveyor belt is disposed around the first and second pulleys. The first idler roller rotatably disposed along a third axis is substantially parallel to the first axis and parallel to the first axis is provided for supporting the weight of a conveyor belt and the materials moving thereon, said third axis being fixed with respect to the first axis. A second idler roller is disposed along a fourth axis, the fourth axis being substantially parallel to the first axis. The second roller is disposed below a bottom portion of the fixed axis conveyor belt for supporting the weight of the conveyor belt. An encoder is disposed on the stationary shaft inside one of the idler rollers for monitoring rotation of the idler rollers with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: An improved bearing apparatus including a housing having a bearing assembly contained therein. A sensor device is mounted to the housing for detecting the rotational rate of the shaft. The sensor device may be configured as a magnetic-type sensor operative to sense variations in magnetic characteristics produced during rotation of an annular detection element. Alternatively, the sensor device may be an optical sensor for detecting variations in optical characteristics produced by shaft rotation. In some presently preferred embodiments, the detection element is a nut or collar also utilized to effect securement of the bearing assembly to the shaft. Preferably, the shaft terminates at an interior location of the housing. In this case, the housing may include an end wall or cap for covering an end of the shaft.