Abstract: The velocity of a photoreceptor belt is measured by sensing the passing of illuminated slits in the belt, as the belt moves in a process direction. Two linear position sensors are positioned so as to view the passing of the illuminated slits. The sensors are aligned in a staggered configuration so that there is an overlap region. The slits are positioned so that as one slit is moving off of a downstream sensor, a second slit is moving over the upstream sensor. The output from an illuminated sensor is alternately switched to the second sensor. The sensor outputs are differentiated to provide an output signal representing a belt velocity. The velocity is compared to said velocity in the belt drive system and error signals generated to compensate for detected changes in the belt velocity.

Abstract: A safety system for automatically shutting off the power-take-off of a tractor in an emergency to thereby stop the machine being driven by the power-take-off. The system includes at least one machine sensor for detecting the presence of a foreign body adjacent a portion of the machine, and a shut-off, responsive to the sensor, for shutting off the power-take-off when the sensor detects the presence of a foreign body adjacent the machine. Sensors can also be provided to monitor the power-take-off shaft The sensors are preferably a photocell. The system optionally include an alarm that sounds when the sensor detects the presence of a foreign body adjacent the machine.

Abstract: A hopper loader interfaced with a variety of hoppers/feeders having a horizontal infeed conveyor with a hand-feed belt section near the input end movable between an operative position for hand-feed operation and a lowered position to facilitate automatic feeding. A positioning actuator is coupled between the hopper loader and the hopper to provide for automatic fine-tuning adjustment of the jogger position as well as for machine make-ready to accommodate changing product size. A single controller is provided for simultaneously positioning a plurality of loaders. The controller has adjustable stops for accommodating frequently used product formats. Automatic air delay shut-off saves energy by shutting off the air blast system a predetermiend delay after the loader is halted. further automatic means saves energy and prevents "over jogging" and damage to the product by turning off the jogger a predetermined delay interval after the loader stops.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for controlling the displacement of a steerable driven trailing machine with respect to a leading machine by measuring the separation between the machines and inputting such measurement to the trailing machine drive control, and measuring the angular disposition of the trailing machine and inputting the steering control of the trailing machine.

Abstract: Mining apparatus comprises two rigid elongate members joined together in an articulated manner and a signalling device arranged to provide information dependent upon the relationship of one of the members with respect to the other of the members. The invention is particularly applicable to measure the relationship between adjacent pans and an articulated mine conveyor, for example to assist in the alignment of the conveyor. The signalling device may have two base members which, in use are respectively bolted to two adjacent pans of an articulated conveyor. Relative movement between the members is translated by components into movement detectable by rectilinear potentiometers.

Abstract: A safety system for a conveyor system used for transporting luggage or the like wherein a switch and relay are provided for stopping a conveyor in response to luggage becoming jammed in the conveyor system.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an automatic loading/unloading material mover. The mover includes a wheeled vehicle having a tiltable bed with a live floor and a non-driven wheel and is used to load and unload heavy objects, such as cotton modules. Pulse-generating magnetic sensors are used to measure the displacement of both the non-driven wheel, and hence the vehicle, and the live floor. The displacement of the live floor is controlled by the synchronization system and method which includes a digital processor to match the displacement of the vehicle so that heavy modules being loaded or unloaded are not torn apart.

Abstract: A system carried in a harvesting machine and adapted to align crops in a row so as to enhance harvesting, comprises a crop aggregating means which aggregates the crops by bringing first and second crop engaging means into engagement with right and left sides of the crops as the crops pass rearwardly. The system further comprises a locomotion means, which provides the main locomotion for the harvesting machine, an aggregating drive means to drive the crop engaging means rearwardly and a control means, connected together in a fluid circuit. The control means comprises a pressure differential valve, and first and second sensors. The pressure sensors are adapted to sense first and second fluid pressures, respectively, at first and second sides of the aggregating drive means and to actuate the pressure differential valve. The pressure differential valve relieves pressure in the fluid circuit when there is a pre-determined pressure difference between the first and second fluid pressures.

Abstract: A sod harvester in which sod is cut, conveyed upwardly, and then travels downwardly over a floppy conveyor and falls into a roll forming enclosure formed by a bottom conveyor and a vertical conveyor. The floppy conveyor swings downwardly at the start of roll forming, to reduce the free fall of the sod, and swings upwardly as the roll grows. When the roll is formed, the bottom conveyor is unlatched and tilts downwardly to discharge the roll, at the same time pulling into cocked position a core tube injector arm. When the roll discharges, the bottom conveyor snaps upwardly, releasing the core tube injector arm which injects a fresh core tube into the roll forming enclosure. The sod is rolled with its grass side outwardly to facilitate laying and to protect the grass roots. A tray on a cart at the end of the harvester receives the discharged roll and can convey it to either side of the cart.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to hydraulic and electrical systems for aircraft belt loaders and more particularly to such systems with interlocks to facilitate efficient and safe operation. The present invention provides a hydraulic and electrical system for battery powered aircraft belt loaders which precludes actuation of the electric traction drive motors when the brake is applied or set, or without the operator seat being occupied, which precludes actuation of the belt conveyor if the brake is not set, which controls conveyor run time and requires that the conveyor be reset to neutral before being actuated the hydraulic pump to permit power steering when the operator seat is occupied, and which requires that the directional control lever for traction drive be reset to neutral after demounting the seat before the electric traction drive motors can be energized.

Abstract: This invention describes a steering apparatus for a tramming conveyor having at least one end articulated about a vertical axis so that said articulated end can deviate angularly in either direction about the longitudinal axis of the conveyor. The steering apparatus basically comprises a control apparatus which is coupled to an external apparatus in a manner to communicate a deviation of the articulated end of the tramming conveyor from alignment with the external apparatus. The control apparatus generates an output responsive to the steering apparatus which will result in a deviation of the articulated end either to the right or left of the external apparatus, such steering apparatus will continue the deviation of the articulated end of the tramming conveyor until the tramming conveyor is again realigned with the external apparatus.

Abstract: Lift apparatus is adapted for raising and lowering portable elevators and the like and includes both a power lift mechanism and an alternative manual lift mechanism. It also includes an upper limit stop for limiting the height to which the power lift mechanism can raise the elevator and a tie-down limit stop for tying the raised end of the elevator to an anchoring object for safety in addition to prohibiting the power lift mechanism from operating when the elevator lift apparatus which includes a cable for drawing a front frame member toward a rear frame member to effect raising the rear end of a grain elevator is provided on one end with a power driven winch for drawing the cable to effect lifting. A hydraulic fluid flow circuit is provided to supply the hydraulic motor with fluid, said circuit having an alternative one-way directional flow route for bypassing the hydraulic motor on the power lift mechanism.

Abstract: A self-powered vehicle especially adapted for handling modules of cotton comprising a single frame which serves not only as a chassis frame for the vehicle, but also serves as a conveyor frame. Apparatus is associated with one set of wheels, either the front or rear set, to raise and lower the frame relative to that set of wheels, thus to place one end of the frame closely adjacent the ground or to a pallet on which the module rests. Apparatus also is provided to drive the vehicle and the conveyor in opposite directions whereby the module may be loaded onto the conveyor without substantial translatory movement of the module. Further details include sensors effective to limit downward movement of the loading and unloading end of the frame; and a control cab mounted immediately adjacent the loading and unloading end of the frame and displaced laterally therefrom.

Abstract: An endless scraper chain carried by a bridge is provided with spaced scraper flights. The scraper chain is driven so as to move its lower course toward one end to thereby move bulk material to a roller bed extending under that one end. The roller bed is connected to the bridge to move therewith. An endless conveyor belt is supported on the roller bed and extends transversely of the bridge and has an upper course which extends under the one end of the scraper chain to receive the bulk material from the scraper chain. A conveyor type weigher is adapted to indicate the weight of bulk material lying on the upper course of the conveyor belt in a predetermined area thereof. Mutually opposite confining walls are disposed on opposite sides of said lower course of said scraper chain, and are mounted to the bridge to permit vertical movement of said confining walls.

Abstract: A conveyor unit comprises a conveyor carried by a movable support, which support also carries a conveyor drive. The conveyor drive is provided with a control including a light source and a detector cell for sensing the presence of an article on a predetermined region of the conveyor, and the conveyor drive is started and stopped in accordance with signals from the detector cell. A location bar which extends around the conveyor is used for connecting the conveyor unit with another such unit at either end or at the side thereof. The support also carries a services conduit which has an outlet enabling electrical power supply to be provided for the conveyor drive. The services conduit can be connected at each end with the services conduit of an adjoining conveyor unit.

Abstract: Lift apparatus is adapted for raising and lowering portable grain elevators and the like and includes both a power lift mechanism and an alternative manual lift mechanism. It also includes an upper limit stop for limiting the height to which the power lift mechanism can raise the elevator and a tie-down limit stop for tying the raised end of the elevator to an anchoring object for safety in addition to prohibiting the power lift mechanism from operating when the elevator is so anchored. In the disclosed embodiment, an elevator lift apparatus which includes a cable for drawing a front frame member toward a rear frame member to effect raising the rear end of a grain elevator is provided on one end with a power driven winch for drawing the cable to effect lifting, and it is also provided on its opposite end with a manual winch for also drawing the cable to effect lifting.

Abstract: A transversely movable belt conveyor assembly having an articulated frame supporting a single, endless conveyor belt for moving bulk particulate materials. The movable belt conveyor assembly is maintained perpendicular to a fixed reference, such as a receiving conveyor for the material contained thereon. The pivoted frames carrying the long endless belt are automatically maintained in a straight, end-to-end orientation relative to one another. The entire belt conveyor assembly is automatically maintained in a perpendicular relationship to the transverse fixed reference during movement of the assembly. Individual carriers for each segmented frame are independently driven and their relative speeds are controlled along the assembly to maintain the segmented frames in longitudinal alignment. The working flight is maintained laterally horizontal along its entire length to prevent spillage of material.

Abstract: Loading apparatus having vehicle body, inclined conveyor assembly extending upwardly and rearwardly from front of vehicle body, and hopper adjacent front of vehicle to direct material onto conveyor. Apparatus has extendable excavating assembly including a guide mounting a carrier which carries a hoeing assembly. The guide is mounted on vehicle body, and the carrier means cooperates with the guide for movement parallel to movement of conveyor when viewed from above. The hoeing assembly is carried on carrier means to be generally adjacent the hopper to draw material onto hopper for feeding onto conveyor. Carrier and guide can be carriage mounted on rails, or telescoping ram arrangement to provide extendable mount for hoeing assembly which increases reach thereof without requiring excessively long arms, and also facilitates operation of hoeing assembly for drawing material onto the hopper. Operator is positioned at front of vehicle for good visibility during operation of hoeing assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling the operation of a radial stacker which is adapted to dispense aggregate material in the form of a stack. The radial stacker includes a conveyor for dispensing the aggregate material which moves horizontally through a plurality of dispensing positions to form a level of the stack, and which moves vertically through a plurality of levels to form the stack. One end of the conveyor is supported at a fixed pivot so that it is capable of traversing a horizontal arc of up to 340.degree.. Preposition switches are provided so that the operator may manually set the vertical and horizontal starting point of a cycle. A horizontal drive moves the conveyor horizontally to each position in a level and is controlled by a first timer. A second timer controls the amount of time that the conveyor spends at each of the positions in a level dispensing material.

Abstract: A crossover dump and conveyor advancer for a main conveyor means supported by a movable pan line. The crossover dump includes a tunnel portion through which the pan line extends and entry and reentry ramps supporting portions of the main conveyor are provided for carrying the main conveyor over a secondary conveyor which extends cross-wise to and above the pan line. Material carried by the main conveyor is moved up the entry ramp where it then falls onto the secondary conveyor. A conveyor advancer is included to move the pan line relative to the crossover dump in order that the conveyor system may be advanced or retracted. The main conveyor is adapted to connect with a continuous mining machine by way of a bridge conveyor. The pan line supporting the main conveyor has limit switches near the tailpiece which when contacted by the bridge conveyor will cause the conveyor advancer to advance or retract the pan line.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing bulk material from a storage bed comprises a pivotal beam carrying a bucket wheel on one end for taking up the bulk material and an endless band conveying the bulk material to the other end of the beam, and a girder carrying an endless band conveying the bulk material received at one end of the girder to the other end thereof, whence it is removed. The one beam end is supported on a pair of driving wheels adjacent the bucket wheel, the driving wheels being symmetrically arranged with respect to the beam. A coupling supports the other end of the beam on the one end of the girder for pivoting about a vertical axis. Two wheels with stationary axles support the ends of the girder, the wheel axles extending parallel to the girder, one of the wheels being disposed in the vertical pivoting axis and the other wheel being a driving wheel supporting the other end of the girder.

Abstract: An automatic trash pickup assembly which may be attached to a forward portion of a vehicle such as a trash truck for use in picking up and conveying to a rear portion of the truck, trash, refuse, and the like, which may be packed in any disposable container. An inclined elevating conveyor assembly is attached to the vehicle at one point through a ball and socket assembly and to the front of the vehicle by a sliding bar and sleeve. A fully floating reel is carried above the forward end of the conveyor and is structured to move up or down in response to the size of the trash encountered. A revolving underroller, having extending and retracting cleats, is affixed to the forward end of the conveyor and counterrotates with the floating reel. The conveyor assembly is laterally movable from a position extending directly in front of the vehicle to a position wherein the conveyor swings outboard of the vehicle to remove trash from the sidewalk or curb adjacent the roadway.

Abstract: A mobile conveyor system having a series of articulately interconnected mobile conveyor units arranged in cascade relationship for conveying mined material from a movable mining machine to a remote stationary floor conveyor. The series includes inbye and outbye units which are bridge conveyors, and at least one intermediate unit. The discharge end of the inbye unit has a carriage supported for movement along the receiving portion of the adjacent intermediate unit. The articulated interconnection between the receiving end of the outbye unit and the discharge end of the adjacent intermediate unit has a fixed lapped relation, a bottom-engaging skid, and springs urging the adjacent units into alignment. Each intermediate unit has a pair of self-powered tram wheels, and a mine-bottom-engaged receiving end providing a stable three-point ground support both when moving and stationary. An automatic control powers the tram wheels in response to relative movement between adjacent units.