Abstract: Apparatus and method that allows a conveyor belt operator to manually adjust a moving conveyor belt pitch around a curve in a confined space such as a tunnel, while also automatically adjusting skew to restore conveyor belt drift. The apparatus includes a rail pair between which a set of trough rollers, and a lower elevated return roller set, are adjustably mounted. The trough roller set is releasably and adjustably secured to brackets that can slide along a respective rail while the return rollers are also releasably coupled to respective sliding brackets on respective rails. Couplings are used to adjustably secure the trough roller set, and return roller set, to respective brackets by either selecting different bracket elevation attachment points and/or by changing couplings' length. A second set of trough rollers can also be slidably/adjustably mounted on the rails with the return rollers being located between the two trough roller sets.

Abstract: An apparatus/method for a conveyor belt lifter apparatus that can be manually-configured to accommodate differently-sized conveyor belts of conveyor systems. The apparatus includes a pair of lifts in between which a trough-shaped adjustable conveyor belt support arm is releasably-secured. An adjustable shaft coupler connects the lifts to allow simultaneous activation and movement of both lifts by an operator engaging only one lift. An adjustable base also allows the apparatus to be adjusted for the conveyor system size. These adjustable components comprise segments that can be releasably secured using quick-release pins. The height of the ends of the conveyor belt support arm can also be manually adjusted to eliminate any gap between the conveyor belt and the support arm before lift activation. Each lift comprises a manually-controlled screw jack with an extender formed thereon to allow the lifter apparatus to raise or lower the particular conveyor belt once the lifter apparatus is installed.

Abstract: An apparatus/method for a conveyor belt lifter apparatus that can be manually-configured to accommodate differently-sized conveyor belts of conveyor systems. The apparatus includes a pair of lifts in between which a trough-shaped adjustable conveyor belt support arm is releasably-secured. An adjustable shaft coupler connects the lifts to allow simultaneous activation and movement of both lifts by an operator engaging only one lift. An adjustable base also allows the apparatus to be adjusted for the conveyor system size. These adjustable components comprise segments that can be releasably secured using quick-release pins. The height of the ends of the conveyor belt support arm can also be manually adjusted to eliminate any gap between the conveyor belt and the support arm before lift activation. Each lift comprises a manually-controlled screw jack with an extender formed thereon to allow the lifter apparatus to raise or lower the particular conveyor belt once the lifter apparatus is installed.

Abstract: An apparatus/method for a conveyor belt lifter apparatus that can be manually-configured to accommodate differently-sized conveyor belts of conveyor systems. The apparatus includes a pair of lifts in between which a trough-shaped adjustable conveyor belt support arm is releasably-secured. An adjustable shaft coupler connects the lifts to allow simultaneous activation and movement of both lifts by an operator engaging only one lift. An adjustable base also allows the apparatus to be adjusted for the conveyor system size. These adjustable components comprise segments that can be releasably secured using quick-release pins. The height of the ends of the conveyor belt support arm can also be manually adjusted to eliminate any gap between the conveyor belt and the support arm before lift activation. Each lift comprises a manually-controlled screw jack with an extender formed thereon to allow the lifter apparatus to raise or lower the particular conveyor belt once the lifter apparatus is installed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting the trough angle of a conveyor belt transport mechanism and for automatically correcting for conveyor belt creep along the conveyor belt sides during belt operation. The apparatus and method are directed to an idler assembly that pivots through a high point over a base frame. The idler assembly includes a horizontal base strut and angled wing struts on each side of the base strut. Rotatably mounted on the horizontal base strut are a pair of parallel centered rollers that surround a centrally-located pivot point. Rotatably mounted on each angled wing strut is a respective conical-shaped wing roller wherein a lower end of the wing roller remains at a fixed distance from the wing element whereas the distance between the upper end and the angled wing strut is adjustable via a threaded rod using jam nuts to releasably secure the angled wing rollers at a desired angle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting the trough angle of a conveyor belt transport mechanism and for automatically correcting for conveyor belt creep along the conveyor belt sides during belt operation. The apparatus and method are directed to an idler assembly that pivots through a high point over a base frame. The idler assembly includes a horizontal base strut and angled wing struts on each side of the base strut. Rotatably mounted on the horizontal base strut are a pair of parallel centered rollers that surround a centrally-located pivot point. Rotatably mounted on each angled wing strut is a respective conical-shaped wing roller wherein a lower end of the wing roller remains at a fixed distance from the wing element whereas the distance between the upper end and the angled wing strut is adjustable via a threaded rod using jam nuts to releasably secure the angled wing rollers at a desired angle.

Abstract: A side wall and cover system for conveyor assemblies for containing particulates during conveyor operation. The invention utilizes rollers that are centrally positioned on corresponding support members which support a pair of angled wings the roller sides. These angled wings support impact bars that are aligned in the direction of conveyor movement and support a troughed conveyor belt. Side walls are secured to the angled wings and include an upper surface to which a cover is releasably secured. Seals and gaskets are positioned between confronting surfaces of these components to prevent dust particulates from emanating between the surfaces. The side walls permit additional conveying volume at the sides of the conveyor and a roller hanger is also provided to facilitate the servicing of such rollers without the need to lift the conveyor belt. Plural side wall/cover systems can be releasably secured together using side wall-projecting flanges and interlocking tabs.

Abstract: A side wall and cover system is provided for use with conveyor assemblies in order to minimize dust dispersion that tends to concentrate around conveyor equipment when aggregate and particulate materials are deposited onto and transported by a conveyor belt. To that end, the present invention utilizes conveyor rollers that are centrally positioned on corresponding support members which also support a pair of angled wings each side of each roller. These angled wings support impact bars that run on each side of conveyor and are aligned in the direction of conveyor movement and support a troughing configuration for the conveyor belt. Side walls are secured to the angled wings and the side walls include an upper surface to which a cover is releasably secured. Seals and gaskets are positioned between confronting surfaces of these components to prevent dust particulates from emanating between the surfaces.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a return roller is provided. The mounting apparatus is positioned beneath a return side of a conveyor belt, the return side of the conveyor belt having a near side along one edge of the return side of the conveyor belt and a far side along an opposite edge of the return side of the conveyor belt. The mounting apparatus has a return roller support structure and a return roller supported on the return roller support structure. The return roller support structure is slidable from the mounting apparatus in a direction towards the near side of the return side of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a return roller is provided. The mounting apparatus is positioned beneath a return side of a conveyor belt, the return side of the conveyor belt having a near side along one edge of the return side of the conveyor belt and a far side along an opposite edge of the return side of the conveyor belt. The mounting apparatus has a return roller support structure and a return roller supported on the return roller support structure. The return roller support structure is slidable from the mounting apparatus in a direction towards the near side of the return side of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A cushion for a scraper blade may comprise: a support plate having one or more members for engaging a support; a mounting plate opposite the support plate having a first end to which a scraper blade is mountable and having a second end remote from the first end; and a resilient cushioning material between and adhering to the support plate and the mounting plate. The cushion may further include one or more springs extending between the support plate and the mounting plate, or the resilient cushioning material surrounding the one or more springs, or the mounting plate having holes filled by the resilient cushioning material, or the second end of the mounting plate being formed to extend towards the support plate, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a return roller is provided. The mounting apparatus is positioned beneath a return side of a conveyor belt, the return side of the conveyor belt having a near side along one edge of the return side of the conveyor belt and a far side along an opposite edge of the return side of the conveyor belt. The mounting apparatus has a return roller support structure and a return roller supported on the return roller support structure. The return roller support structure is slidable from the mounting apparatus in a direction towards the near side of the return side of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A conveyor belt support for a conveyor may comprise: a mandrel mountable to the far side of the conveyor and extending transversely toward the near side thereof; a member mountable to the mandrel from the near side of the conveyor that is slideable on and rotatable about the mandrel; and a roller supported by the member, wherein the roller is transverse to the conveyor belt when the member is mounted to the mandrel, wherein rotating the member in a first direction moves the roller to an operating position for supporting the conveyor belt and rotating the member in a second direction moves the roller to a position wherein the member and roller are removable from the support mandrel.

Abstract: A conveyor belt support for a conveyor may comprise: a mandrel mountable to the far side of the conveyor and extending transversely toward the near side thereof; a member mountable to the mandrel from the near side of the conveyor that is slideable on and rotatable about the mandrel; and a roller supported by the member, wherein the roller is transverse to the conveyor belt when the member is mounted to the mandrel, wherein rotating the member in a first direction moves the roller to an operating position for supporting the conveyor belt and rotating the member in a second direction moves the roller to a position wherein the member and roller are removable from the support mandrel.