Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and accurately monitoring the wear of a continuous conveyor chain without having to stop the chain. The present invention provides first and sensors means fixedly spaced along the conveyor chain at a predetermined distance. The first and second sensors generate signals corresponding to the presence and absence of successive links provided in the conveyor chain. The generated signals are received and processed and the necessary time intervals are calculated for providing an output indicative of chain wear of any portion of the chain several parameters of chain wear may be calculated, including chain stretch and instantaneous chain speed. The calculated chain wear values may be compared to predetermined values previously input and stored, and if the calculated values exceed the predetermined values, an indicator means indicates that the conveyor chain should be serviced.

Abstract: A conveyor lubrication apparatus, for a conveyor having a plurality of interconnected and moveable elements arranged in a continuous closed loop and moveable in successive cycles about the loop, applies lubrication once for each pre-determined number of cycles of the conveyor past the lubrication apparatus. The apparatus includes a lubricant supply reservoir, fluid flow conduit connected to the lubricant supply reservoir for conducting lubricant to a position in proximity with the conveyor, valves disposed in the conduit and in proximity with the conveyor for controlling the application of lubricant to the conveyor, a conveyor driven pump for pressurizing and storing a quantity of lubricant under pressure in fluid communication with the valves, and a control circuit for controlling activation of the valves, which when activated release a portion of the lubricant under pressure onto the moveable elements of the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor lubrication apparatus includes a counter for energizing lubrication devices once for each predetermined number of cycles of the conveyor past a lubrication station. Timers energized by the counter activate control valves for a predetermined period of time to supply lubricant to parts of the conveyor as each part reaches the lubrication station. A current sense circuit detects current flow to the control valves and energizes the central lubricant supply pump to pressurize the lubricant flow lines for a predetermined period of time, at the end of which the pump is de-energized until the next control valve is energized. A pressure sensor is disposed in the lubricant flow lines to detect a low pressure level and causes the pump to be de-energized and an alarm to be activated.