Abstract: A digital processor for use in a conveyor belt rip detector, which provides excitation signals at a selected frequency to inverted and noninverted sensor loops on a conveyor belt and then detects corresponding received signals from the sensor loops. The digital processor then performs FFTs on the corresponding received signals to provide respective received signal frequency spectrums. Next magnitude and phase values of the selected frequency in the respective received signal frequency spectrums are used to determine a qualitative state of the sensor loops. The selected frequency has a lowest detected ambient noise level, and the magnitude value is a normalized magnitude value.

Abstract: A digital processor for use in a conveyor belt rip detector, which provides excitation signals at a selected frequency to inverted and noninverted sensor loops on a conveyor belt and then detects corresponding received signals from the sensor loops. The digital processor then performs FFTs on the corresponding received signals to provide respective received signal frequency spectrums. Next magnitude and phase values of the selected frequency in the respective received signal frequency spectrums are used to determine a qualitative state of the sensor loops. The selected frequency has a lowest detected ambient noise level, and the magnitude value is a normalized magnitude value.

Abstract: A self-synchronizing system and method for conveyor belt sensor operation is disclosed based on the address of an RFID tag in the belt and the location of that tag in the system memory. A moving conveyor belt system has a plurality of sensors spaced along the belt and a sensor reader for detecting and identifying the presence of a sensor passing by the sensor reader. The belt further includes a plurality of identification tags spaced along the belt and a tag reader for detecting and identifying the presence of a tag passing by the tag reader. Associated time and distance target values are acquired from a calibration table for a next sensor (S1) based upon a detected and identified functional tag. Time and distance counters are initiated. The conveyor belt may be stopped in the event that the next sensor (S1) is not detected before the time and distance target values are exceeded.

Abstract: A digital processor for use in a conveyor belt rip detector, which provides excitation signals at a selected frequency to inverted and noninverted sensor loops on a conveyor belt and then, detects corresponding received signals from the sensor loops. The digital processor then performs FFTs on the corresponding received signals to provide respective received signal frequency spectrums. Next magnitude and phase values of the selected frequency in the respective received signal frequency spectrums are used to determine a qualitative state of the sensor loops. The selected frequency has a lowest detected ambient noise level, and the magnitude value is a normalized magnitude value.

Abstract: A digital processor for use in a conveyor belt rip detector, which provides excitation signals at a selected frequency to inverted and noninverted sensor loops on a conveyor belt and then, detects corresponding received signals from the sensor loops. The digital processor then performs FFTs on the corresponding received signals to provide respective received signal frequency spectrums. Next magnitude and phase values of the selected frequency in the respective received signal frequency spectrums are used to determine a qualitative state of the sensor loops. The selected frequency has a lowest detected ambient noise level, and the magnitude value is a normalized magnitude value.

Abstract: A conveyor belt includes a plurality of identification transponder chips embedded into the belt at spaced intervals. At least one conductive loop is embedded adjacent to and in electromagnetic coupled relationship with each transponder chip. The chip induces an identification signal into its respective conductor loop that is detected by a detector head and is cross-referenced by control circuitry to a specific loop and location on the belt. A second detector head may be mounted and coupled to the loop to monitor loop integrity by detecting or failing to detect the responsive identification signal from each transducer. Embedded transducer elements may further be utilized for wear rate monitoring and identification of exact locations in the belt.

Abstract: A pendulum device is used to test the rolling resistance of a material. The device includes a rolling unit for contact with the material being tested, an assembly for initiating pendulum motion of the device, and measuring the amplitude of the pendulum motion over time. The rate of decrease of the amplitude of the pendulum motion is a measure of the rolling resistance of the material.

Abstract: A conveyor belt with a microcoil springwire sensor, a method for manufacturing same, and a conveyor belt rip detection system incorporating same for monitoring the integrity of the conveyor belt. The system employs an external transmitter and an external receiver, the microcoil sensor configured substantially in a signal inverting configuration residing substantially in a single plane within the conveyor belt, said microcoil springwire sensor having loops coupled to the external transmitter, and to the external receiver. The microcoil springwire crosses through itself in at least one place such that the microcoil springwire resides substantially in a single plane throughout the sensor including the crossing places. Means may be provided to prevent short-circuiting of the conductor at the crossing places, the means including: adhesive, insulation coating the conductor, a tee having two grooves, and a tee having a first, second, third and fourth cylindrical dowel.