Abstract: A system is for monitoring a conveyor belt configured to be used as an at least partially enclosed belt conveyor and defining a longitudinal direction. An antenna is embedded in the conveyor belt and extends in the longitudinal direction. The system includes a transmitter for inducing an electrical field in the antenna and a detector for detecting the electrical field induced in the antenna. The transmitter and the detector are arranged in a spaced relationship with respect to the longitudinal direction so as to reduce cross talk between the transmitter and the detector. The conveyor belt is configured to move in the longitudinal direction and convey the antenna past the detector and the transmitter. The spaced relationship and the length of the antenna are mutually configured such that the antenna couples the transmitter to the detector longitudinally as the antenna moves past the detector and the transmitter.

Abstract: A conveyor belt comprising (1) an elastomeric body having a load carrying surface and a parallel pulley engaging surface; (2) a reinforcement ply disposed within the elastomeric body; (3) a rip detection sensor in the form of a microcoil sensor wire which is configured in an endless loop, wherein the microcoil sensor wire is comprised of an elastomeric core having an electrically conductive wire spirally wrapped around the elastomeric core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conveyor belts having rip detection systems which utilize microcoil sensor wires which offer improved durability as compared to conventional microcoil sensor wires. This higher degree of durability increases service life of the rip detection system and allows for the conveyor belt to be used reliably over an extended time period without the need to replace damaged microcoil sensor wires within the rip detection system of the conveyor belt. The present invention more specifically discloses a conveyor belt comprising (1) an elastomeric body having a load carrying surface and a parallel pulley engaging surface; (2) a reinforcement ply disposed within the elastomeric body; and (3) a rip detection sensor in the form of a microcoil sensor wire which is configured in an endless loop, wherein the microcoil sensor wire is comprised of an elastomeric core having an electrically conductive wire spirally wrapped around the elastomeric core.