Abstract: A testing system for conveyor belts where there is a plurality of testing sections positioned at various locations along the length of the belt to ascertain condition of the belt in these locations. Each test section comprises a radio frequency identification member so that when the test section passes through a monitoring region where there is a monitoring apparatus, the radio frequency identification member transmits an identification signal to indicate the presence of a testing device. The monitoring apparatus transmits an activating signal to the testing device which in turn directs an electric current through a conductive loop extending transversely across the belt. If there is a fault in the belt which severs the wire so that current does not flow, this is detected by the monitoring apparatus to indicate a fault.

Abstract: A method of winding a length of a conveyor belt onto a support structure which is delivered to the location where it is to be used, and then unwound. The length of conveyor belt is then spliced to other lengths of conveyor belt to form a continuous conveyor belt. The particular support structure has an elongate configuration so that when the belt is wound on the support structure, it extends along a winding path that has 180.degree. curves at opposite ends, these being joined by upper and lower straight path sections parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support structure. The use of this support structure, as well as the method of the present invention, provide greater efficiency and savings. Specifically, usually belt sections of greater lengths can be shipped, thus reducing costs of splicing the belt sections at the end location, as well as other advantages.

Abstract: A method for deploying a belt on a large conveyor belt system which extends down slope. A run of the belt is positioned at an upper position along the slope, and is engaged with a controllable brake which is configured to permit selective adjustment of the braking force which is exerted thereby on the belt. The belt is then lowered along the conveyor belt system using the weight of the run, and the rate at which the run of belt advances is controlled by selectively adjusting the braking force which is exerted by the controllable brake. The runs of belt may be lowered from adjacent high points in the conveyor belt system and spliced together where these meet in the valleys between the high points.