Abstract: A mobile conveyor machine is provided for a cascading conveyor system in the form of a series of mobile conveyor machines pivotably connected together in the form of a conveyor train.

Abstract: A mobile conveyor machine is provided for a cascading conveyor system in the form of a series of mobile conveyor machines pivotably connected together in the form of a conveyor train. The conveyor machine comprises an elongate supporting frame arranged substantially horizontally and having longitudinal side frame members and first and second ends. The supporting frame extends along a central longitudinal axis of the conveyor machine. A conveyor belt system is mounted on the supporting frame and arranged to convey materials from the first end to the second end. A pair of transversely aligned propelling devices are each separately connected to the supporting frame for pivotable movement about a generally vertical pivot axis. This pair is located near but spaced from the first end and has a common axis of rotation when the propelling devices are positioned to move the conveyor machine in a straightforward direction. The machine also comprises a power mechanism for steering the pair of propelling devices.

Abstract: A steering system and method are capable of steering a plurality of vehicles arranged in a train with adjacent vehicles pivotally connected to each other for movement about a vertical axis. Each vehicle has a pair of steerable wheels with one pair at one end of the train being a selected leading pair having its steering angle determined by an operator. An electrical control system automatically steers all of the wheels trailing behind the leading pair. Vehicle angle sensors measure intercar angles between adjacent vehicles and provide this information to the control system. An indicator provides the controller with the current distance traveled by the train. Wheel angle sensors provide signals indicative of the current steering angle for each wheel pair. The controller adjusts the actual steering angle for each trailing pair to a desired angle by calculating adjustments based on the measurement inputs.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus is provided for use on a first mobile machine such as a conveyor vehicle to be used with a second mobile machine connected to the first machine. The apparatus includes a track member adapted for mounting at an end of the first machine, this member providing a track having two opposite sides and bent to form a circular arc having a center of curvature. A hitch unit is mounted for rolling movement on the track and can pivotably connect the end of the first machine to the second machine. The hitch unit includes rollers for engaging both of the opposite sides so that the track is captured between the rollers. The first machine is able to pivot about a substantially vertical axis extending through the center of curvature relative to the second machine and is connected to the second machine for movement therewith.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for use with a conveyor belt includes an elongate conveyor support frame and a plurality of conveyor support devices mounted on this frame. These devices include a tail pulley mechanism having two tail pulley sections mounted on a pulley support for rotation about a common central axis of rotation. The pulley support includes a central support portion located at inner ends of the pulley sections and extending radially outwardly from these inner ends to a vertically extending pivot axis. An interconnecting support arrangement mounts the pulley support on the conveyor support frame and includes a pivot connector connecting the central support portion for pivotable movement about the pivot axis. An actuator can pivot the pulley support about the pivot axis to maintain the conveyor belt within a central region of the tail pulley.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus is provided for use on a first mobile machine such as a conveyor vehicle to be used with a second mobile machine connected to the first machine. The apparatus includes a track member adapted for mounting at an end of the first machine, this member providing a track having two opposite sides and bent to form a circular arc having a center of curvature. A hitch unit is mounted for rolling movement on the track and can pivotably connect the end of the first machine to the second machine. The hitch unit includes rollers for engaging both of the opposite sides so that the track is captured between the rollers. The first machine is able to pivot about a substantially vertical axis extending through the center of curvature relative to the second machine and is connected to the second machine for movement therewith.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for use with a conveyor belt includes an elongate conveyor support frame and a plurality of conveyor support devices mounted on this frame. These devices include a tail pulley mechanism having two tail pulley sections mounted on a pulley support for rotation about a common central axis of rotation. The pulley support includes a central support portion located at inner ends of the pulley sections and extending radially outwardly from these inner ends to a vertically extending pivot axis. An interconnecting support arrangement mounts the pulley support on the conveyor support frame and includes a pivot connector connecting the central support portion for pivotable movement about the pivot axis. An actuator can pivot the pulley support about the pivot axis to maintain the conveyor belt within a central region of the tail pulley.

Abstract: A steering system and method are capable of steering a plurality of vehicles arranged in a train with adjacent vehicles pivotally connected to each other for movement about a vertical axis. Each vehicle has a pair of steerable wheels with one pair at one end of the train being a selected leading pair having its steering angle determined by an operator. An electrical control system automatically steers all of the wheels trailing behind the leading pair. Vehicle angle sensors measure intercar angles between adjacent vehicles and provide this information to the control system. An indicator provides the controller with the current distance traveled by the train. Wheel angle sensors provide signals indicative of the current steering angle for each wheel pair. The controller adjusts the actual steering angle for each trailing pair to a desired angle by calculating adjustments based on the measurement inputs.

Abstract: A steerable conveyor vehicle for use with an endless conveyor belt includes an elongate conveyor mechanism having two opposite side frame members. A pair of transversely aligned wheel units for supporting the conveyor are provided with each unit having a wheel support structure detachably connected to a respective side frame member and a wheel mounted to this structure for pivotable movement about a vertical axis. The wheel support structure includes a vertical support plate having a set of fastener holes formed therein. At least some of these holes are aligned with at least some fastener holes formed in the adjacent side frame member for connecting the wheel unit at a selected one of at least two possible relative heights.

Abstract: An extensible support apparatus for extending the length of an endless conveyor belt system including a set of roller supporting frames arranged in a row with each having a vertically extending framework with rollers for the conveyor rotatably mounted thereon and a horizontally extending elongate frame member. Connectors are mounted on the frame members so that each is movable horizontally along the frame member of an adjacent supporting frame. A loading apparatus is also provided for arranging this support apparatus in the conveyor belt system. The loading apparatus includes a base frame, a loading frame pivotably mounted on one side of the base frame and a horizontally movable supporting frame capable of supporting the extensible support apparatus.

Abstract: A steering system for steering a plurality of conveyor vehicles connected together in the form of a train. The vehicle has a first pair of wheels which can be steered by an operator as the train moves. There are further pairs of steerable wheels connected to the second and subsequent vehicles in the train and supporting same. There are hydraulic cylinders for steering each of the pairs of steerable wheels on the second and subsequent vehicles and a control mechanism for controlling these cylinders in order to set the steering angle of each further pair. This control mechanism includes means for determining the current steering angle of the first pair of wheels and generating an electrical signal indicative thereof and means for storing a series of these electrical signals as the train is travelling.