Abstract: The present invention is a conveyor belt cleaning apparatus, comprising: a case, wherein the case is designed to secure to a conveyor belt assembly; a frame member, wherein the frame member is secured to the case; at least one applicator attached to the frame member; tubing attached to the frame member and directly in contact with the applicator; at least one pump connected to the tubing; a solution reservoir connected to the at least one pump.

Abstract: A secondary belt cleaner system for cleaning the surface of the return side of an endless conveyor belt. The system includes a plurality of blade devices that are rotatably biased against the return side surface using a respective torsion spring therein. Each blade device includes a head portion formed by a blade support and a replaceable blade tip that is releasably secured to the blade support. The head portion is connected to one end of a blade arm and the other end of the blade arm is coupled to a rotatable shaft inside a housing that is fixedly secured to a support shaft having mounting brackets at each end for mounting the system transversely to the conveyor belt frame. Adjacent blade devices have different blade arm lengths in order to have the blade coverage overlap with no gaps in between.

Abstract: An air-powered conveyor belt cleaner is configured with a spinner manifold with cleaning heads having nozzles that output air against a conveyor belt and an opposing catch tray assembly that catches dislodged sesame seeds and small debris or particles from the cleaned conveyor belt. A hanging bracket attaches to opposing sides of the conveyor belt’s frame and uses rollers to direct the conveyor belt in a temporarily vertical direction while the air-powered conveyor belt cleaner operates. Once the conveyor belt is vertically-oriented, plant air is directed to inlets at the spinner manifold, which is then output through nozzles perpendicularly arranged relative to the conveyor belt. The cleaning heads are adapted to rotate while operating to increase the agitation against the conveyor belt. The tips of the nozzles/tubes are bent at an obtuse angle to create a thrust caused by the output air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic sawing machine for cutting blocks of natural and/or concrete stone material, which comprises a single motorized conveyor belt having a conveyor plane for transporting the material to be cut and a driving wall placed substantially at 90° with respect to said conveyor plane so that all together contribute to give the conveyor belt a substantially “L”-shape. The machine comprises a support fixed to the machine and a rotatable crown element placed at the top of said support, provided of a plurality of protuberances spaced apart from each other so as to allow each of said protuberances to be inserted in turn into one of said slot obtained in one of said second portions of said strips, following the movement of the conveyor belt. Methods of cutting blocks of natural and/or concrete stone material with the automatic sawing machine are also provided.

Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaning apparatus, comprising; a case, wherein the case is designed to secure to a conveyor belt assembly; a frame member, wherein the frame member is secured to the case; at least one spray nozzle attached to the frame member; at least one pump connected to the at least one spray nozzle; a solution reservoir connected to the at least one pump; at least one applicator attached to the frame member and positioned relative to the at least one spray nozzle.

Abstract: A conveyor belt monitoring system includes an imaging device which sequentially images a longitudinal predetermined range of a conveyor belt in running from above the conveyor belt. Image data captured by the imaging device is displayed in a monitor, and then is sequentially input into a control unit as detection data. The control unit causes a meander suppressing device to reduce a meander width of the conveyor belt on the basis of the image data.

Abstract: There is provided a conveyor belt for marginal life prediction, in which wear of the degree of the conveyor belt can be well and visually recognized without stopping of the conveyor belt on operation, and the replacement time of the conveyor belt can be easily predicted in advance, thereby to predict and efficiently manage the life time of the conveyor belt. It was difficult to check abrasion extents step by step and exactly predict the life time in the conventional conveyor belts. Further, the accidents of carrying articles released out of the conveyor belt were frequently occurred since troughs of the conveyor belt are not formed enough, and the angle of the trough is so small.

Abstract: Surface image data relating to an upper cover rubber is continuously and successively captured by a surface camera device and input to a computation device. Each piece of surface image data is stored in a database in association with data on the circumferential position of that surface image data on a conveyor belt and data on the time at which that surface image data was captured. An input unit is used to display any piece of surface image data on a monitor, register surface image data in which a predetermined defect is present on the surface of the upper cover rubber in the database as data to be monitored, and automatically register in the database surface image data having the same circumferential position data as the data to be monitored as related data to be monitored. Such monitoring system determines the state of damage of a cover rubber surface.

Abstract: A safety switch mechanism for use on a conveyor system includes a lever adapted for pivotal attachment to a non-moving part of the conveyor system. A non-contact safety switch has a first switch part attached the lever and a second switch part fixed relative to the lever. The safety switch has an open position where the first switch part is angularly offset from the second switch part relative to a lever pivot axis and a closed position where the first switch part is aligned with the second switch part. A trigger block is adapted for attachment to a moving part of the conveyor system. The lever is configured as a pendulum and in an equilibrium position of the lever the safety switch is in the open position. The trigger block is configured to contact and pivot the lever moving the safety switch from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A belt replacement determination device includes a drive control section configured to drive, based on an evaluation operation set in advance, two or more motors out of a plurality of motors which drive joint shafts of a robot, the two or more motors including the motor which drives at least one of the joint shafts through pulleys and belts; a detection section configured to detect motor torques of the two or more motors which vary according to the evaluation operation; a torque difference calculation section configured to calculate a difference between the motor torques detected of the two or more motors; a difference variation amount calculation section configured to calculate a variation amount between two differences detected at two points of time; and a determination section configured to determine replacement of the belt upon an absolute value of the variation amount calculated exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method by means of which conveyor belts of belt conveyors, which can be loaded with a bulk material, have their operational behaviour and/or state and/or loading monitored during operation, wherein the belt conveyor has provided on it at least one radar-antenna combination, which consists of at least one transmitting antenna and one receiving antenna and is oriented onto the conveyor belt, wherein a radar-antenna combination arranged to the side of the conveyor belt periodically picks up the reflection from emitted radar beams by way of the side edge of the conveyor belt and/or the loading boundary of a bulk material located on the conveyor belt and communicates corresponding signals to a signal-processing unit, whereas a radar-antenna combination oriented onto the surface of the conveyor belt periodically picks up the reflection of emitted radar beams, on the one hand, by way of the surface of the conveyor belt and, on the other hand, by way of reinforcing supports embedded

Abstract: Tracking a target object to be tracked included in a plurality of consecutively captured images is performed by an image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus comprises an image acquisition unit and a tracking unit. The image tracking unit is configured to acquire an image. The tracking unit is configured to detect a target object to be tracked included in the image by matching and acquire over a plurality of the images an amount of movement of the target object to be tracked and a direction of the movement of the target object to be tracked. The tracking unit performs first matching by using a first template corresponding to the target object to be tracked, and performs second matching by using a second template, which is different in size or shape from the first template, in a case where a score of a result of the first matching is lower than a first threshold value.

Abstract: A belt conveyor and a method for determining an energy consumption of a belt conveyor on a basis of conveyor belt segments or on a basis of installation sections of the belt conveyor. The belt conveyor has at least one drive for driving a conveyor belt formed of conveyor belt segments. The belt conveyor has a control device, which is fed signals of a first sensor system for sensing the energy consumption of the drive and of a second sensor system for sensing a loading that can be assigned to a section of the conveyor belt and of a third sensor system for detecting connecting sections between conveyor belt segments. The control device determines an energy consumption on the basis of installation sections and/or conveyor belt segments.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing apparatus (10) including a display image generation unit (11) that generates a display image, a display unit (12) that displays the display image so as to be superimposed on a user's field of vision, an imaging unit (13) that generates a captured image so as to include the user's field of vision, and a recognition unit (14) that analyzes the captured image, and specifies an identification code included in the captured image. The display image generation unit (11) generates the display image having emphasis information displayed at a position corresponding to the specified identification code in the user's field of vision.

Abstract: The present invention improves the accuracy of detecting abnormality in a substrate processing apparatus. A failure detection apparatus 520 is provided with a data acquisition part 522 used to collect data detected by sensors 270-1 to 270-a, 370-1 to 370-b and 470-1 to 470-c disposed in a CMP apparatus. In addition, the failure detection apparatus 520 is provided with a determination part 524 used to read recipe data from a recipe storage part 512, to compare the recipe data thus read with the data collected by a data acquisition part 522, thereby determining that abnormality is present in the CMP apparatus if the two data items differ.

Abstract: A conveyor belt (8) and method for monitoring a moving conveyor belt (8), the conveyor belt (8) having a first edge region (2), a second edge region (4), and a load carrying region (6). The method functions to detect belt edge damage, changes in belt width, and changes in belt tracking by monitoring a magnetic field associated with a plurality of edge detection inserts (1,3) embedded within the conveyor belt (8). In one embodiment this is achieved by monitoring images of the magnetic field associated with the edge detection inserts (1,3) embedded within the conveyor belt (8). The method may utilize a magnetic sensor system to detect magnetic images of the edge detection inserts (1,3) where the edge detection inserts (1,3) are positioned longitudinally along the length of the conveyor belt (8) in the first edge region (2) and the second edge region (4) of the conveyor belt (8).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a conveying system which includes an endless conveyor belt and at least one non-destructive inspection device for inspecting the conveyor belt. The inspection device generates and outputs a result of the inspection. The conveying system has at least one adjustable conveying system element and at least one control unit which adjusts the adjustable conveying system element in dependence on the result of the inspection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling belt speed are provided. In one embodiment, a control system includes a driving mechanism configured to move a belt in a longitudinal direction, the belt having support portions separated from each other by gaps. The control system includes a sensing apparatus configured to optically detect the presence of the support portions and gaps when the belt is moved in the longitudinal direction. A processing device is configured to receive a detection signal from the sensing apparatus that is indicative of the presence of the support portions and gaps. The processing device is further configured to monitor belt speed based on a number of gaps detected over a predetermined amount of time. A controller is configured to receive control signals from the processing device and control the operation of the driving mechanism based on the number of gaps detected over the predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and visually monitoring the wear of a continuous conveyor chain without having to stop the conveyor chain. The method and apparatus provides first and second sensors fixedly spaced along the conveyor chain at a predetermined distance and first and second opposing visualization devices oppositely positioned at a point along the conveyor chain. 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 first and second visualization devices capture visual images of each of the links so as to visually inspect and identify any problems associated with the links.

Abstract: An optoelectronic apparatus (10) is provided in a stationary mounting at a monitored zone (14) with objects (12) to be detected, wherein the apparatus has an image sensor (18) for generating shots of the objects (12); a receiving optics (16) associated with the image sensor (18) and with an adaptive lens (42) having a variable tilt; and an evaluation unit (20) for determining object information from a shot. The evaluation unit (20) is in this respect configured to derive the movement behavior of an object (12) to be taken from an external input signal (28) and to tilt the adaptive lens (42) during a shot of the object (12) such that the movement of the object (12) is compensated.

Abstract: An image acquiring device for a sheet-type medium includes an upper passage plate and a lower passage plate, a gap being reserved between the upper passage plate and the lower passage plate to form a passage; at least two driving wheels mounted on the lower passage plate, and configured to drive the sheet-type medium entered into the passage to advance along the direction of the passage; at least two floating pinch rollers mounted on the upper passage plate, and each being mounted cooperatively with a respective driving wheel and being tangent to the driving wheel at a tangential point, and being configured to apply a pressure to the sheet-type medium to allow the sheet-type medium to cling to the driving wheel; and an image collecting device, mounted between two sets of the driving wheels and the floating pinch rollers, and configured to collect an image of the sheet-type medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting defects in conveyor belt splices having magnetically permeable metal cords embedded therein as the conveyor belt advances through a conveyor system, said conveyor belt having at least one splice, wherein a first set of magnetically permeable metal cords coming from a first side of the splice extend into a second side of the splice and have ends which are embedded in the second side of the splice, wherein a second set of magnetically permeable metal cords coming from the second side of the splice extend into the first side of the splice and have ends which are embedded in the first side of the splice.

Abstract: A conveyor belt having a sensor probe extending upward from an outer conveying surface into a mat of bulk products conveyed on the belt. The probe senses a condition of the product mat at a predetermined depth. The probe height above the conveying surface may be fixed or may be adjustable to be positioned at a critical depth within the product mat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a baggage drop system for depositing and checking of baggage into airline flights. The system comprises a conveyor (1), equipped with a static or dynamic weighing scale (17), comprising multiple, spaced apart load cells (18), and computing means adapted to compare the output of the weighing scale (17) with allowable baggage weights, and a substantially horizontal frame member (2?), mounted above the first conveyor (1) at a distance from the upper surface of the first conveyor (1) equal to the maximum allowable height of baggage, thereby forming a physical barrier for oversized baggage. The system allows to check for the presence of living creatures on the conveyor belt, and for conformity with baggage handling system requirements. The system may further comprise a baggage check-in apparatus (3) to allow automatic baggage check-in by a passenger, including means for payment (12) of excess and/or overweight baggage.

Abstract: A carrier element for use in a packaging device is provided wherein the carrier element is connectable with at least one transport device of the packaging device. The carrier element comprises at least one receiving surface for receiving at least one package. The receiving surface comprises at least one suction opening for fixing the package by suction. The carrier element further comprises at least one pressure reservoir connected to the suction opening. The carrier element further comprises at least one pressure sensor for measuring a pressure inside the pressure reservoir. A packaging device for packaging at least one product into at least one package is also disclosed. The packaging device comprises at least one carrier element and at least one transport device, wherein the carrier element is connected to the transport device.

Abstract: A conveyor has a belt arranged to be urged around conveyor rollers, and a belt cover formed of an endless loop of fabric material which is in frictional communication over the belt. The belt cover is formed of a polyester carcass that has a monofilament weft that is transverse to the direction of travel, and maintains alignment with the belt. The belt cover is installed to a tensile force of between 1 and 1.5 pounds/inch, corresponding to an overall elongation of approximately 0.1%, which allows frictional communication between cover and belt for load transmission without binding. The communication between the belt cover and the belt has a coefficient of friction of ˜0.50. A message is printed on the belt cover. In addition, an antimicrobial material is disposed on the belt cover, and is formed of silver nanoparticles embedded in a polyurethane film having a thickness of ˜0.5 mil.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a zone controller and a conveyor device which facilitate identification of a defective part when a defect occurs in a distributed control type conveyor device. There is provided a zone controller (10) which is used for a conveyor device (1) in which a plurality of zone conveyors (2) are arranged in series, which manages one or a plurality of the zone conveyors (2) to control an operation thereof, and which is configured to receive a signal from a different zone controller (10) and transmit a signal to the outside.

Abstract: Conveying systems and method for detecting the presence and amount of biological contaminants or additives on a conveyor belt. The conveyor system includes a conveyor belt having embedded biosensors. Transmitters co-located in the belt with the biosensors transmit biosensor signals to a remote controller. The remote controller allows remote monitoring of the contamination level on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying content in a conveyor system are provided. A content displaying conveyor plate includes a base plate and an upper plate that is configured to be releasably coupled to the base plate. The upper plate can be configured to display content, for example content that is integral to the base plate, content that is disposed between the upper plate and the base plate, or any combination thereof. The upper plate can be coupled to the base plate via one or more connection members defined on the upper plate and/or the base plate. Any, number, such as all of the base plates of an existing conveyor system can be replaced with respective content displaying conveyor plates. The base plate of the content displaying conveyor plate can define one or more recesses, the recesses configured to receive an attachment member and/or other components of a carousel therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor to convey animal products in an agricultural business, as well as a drive unit for such a conveyor. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method to convey animal products in an agricultural business by means of a conveyor. The conveyor comprises a conveyor belt, a belt drive for driving the conveyor belt in a minimum of one conveying direction, and a measuring unit that is designed and arranged to determine a load rate of the conveyor belt, wherein the load rate of the conveyor belt is a power value of the belt drive and/or a bearing reaction of a bearing in the belt drive.

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The system comprises a plurality of container carriers. The container carriers each comprise at least one magnetically active device such as, for example, at least one permanent magnet, and carry a sample container containing a sample. The system also comprises a transport device. The transport device comprises a transport plane to carry the plurality of container carriers and a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane. The electro-magnetic actuators move a container carrier placed on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the container carrier. The transport device also comprises a control device to control the movement of the container carriers on top of the transport plane by driving the electro-magnetic actuators. The control device controls the movement such that more than two container carriers are movable simultaneously and independently from one another.

Abstract: Tools for determining belt wear are provided. Specifically, non-contact based systems and processes are described which enable a quick and accurate measurement of belt wear. Based on the measurements of belt wear, a wear condition for the belt can be determined. Information regarding the wear condition can then be used to determine an appropriate remedial measure for responding to the determined wear condition.

Abstract: At least one single link of a conveyor chain is configured to support a tension load cell. A main body portion of the link includes a central cavity sized to contain the load cell, which has been inserted therein through an opening of the main body portion, and at least one auxiliary cavity to contain at least one battery cell and circuitry. A cap portion of the link closes off the opening into the cavity to enclose the load cell therein. One or both of the main body and cap portions may include a bore to receive a fastener for attaching to an end of the inserted load cell, and both portions include a bore oriented to receive a pin of a mating dual link of the conveyor chain. The cap portion may also include anti-rotation surfaces to mate with one or both of: the load cell and the opening.

Abstract: Device (10) for detecting wrong position of a container (2) in a container handling machine (1), comprising a movable contact element (11) provided with a trigger (34) coupled to an alarm sensor (33), said contact element (11) having a rest position wherein the trigger (34) blocks said alarm sensor (33), and a tilted position wherein the trigger (34) actuates the alarm sensor (33) to stop movement of the container (2).

Abstract: A conveying system includes a conveyor belt having a carrying-side cover plate for accommodating goods to be conveyed and a running-side cover plate free of goods. Each of the cover plates is made of polymer material having elastic characteristics. A drum engages the conveyor belt at one of the side cover plates whereat a spark can develop during operation of the conveying system. A device detects the spark and corresponds with an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is configured to transmit a signal to a fire-extinguishing unit upon detection of the spark.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling a conveyor belt condition monitoring system, and for automatically providing user alarms and system trips when sensed conditions exceed acceptable values. The system may use sensors to measure magnetic disruptions (“events”) in belt components and an algorithm may be used to monitor changes in these disruptions over time. The magnitude of these changes can then be used to predict when belt failures will occur. The system may also be used to sense when imminent failure of the belt will occur and to automatically stop the belt before failure occurs. An integrated display provides detailed information on the measured belt events and enables the user to customize alarm/trip levels and to assess problem as conditions via a virtual private network or the Internet while the belt is operating. The system is modular so that its features may be selectively integrated into existing facility-wide monitoring systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting items with a transport device having two belt conveyors arranged one behind the other for transporting items in a transport direction, wherein a slot is configured between the belt conveyors perpendicular to the transport direction, and with a scanning unit for the contactless optical scanning through the slot of a contact surface of the items being transported on the transport device, where the slot is covered at least partially by a protective rail and is arranged spaced apart from the belt conveyors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying content in a conveyor system are provided. A content displaying conveyor plate includes a base plate and an upper plate that is configured to be releasably coupled to the base plate. The upper plate can be configured to display content, for example content that is integral to the base plate, content that is disposed between the upper plate and the base plate, or any combination thereof. The upper plate can be coupled to the base plate via one or more connection members defined on the upper plate and/or the base plate. Any, number, such as all of the base plates of an existing conveyor system can be replaced with respective content displaying conveyor plates. The base plate of the content displaying conveyor plate can define one or more recesses, the recesses configured to receive an attachment member and/or other components of a carousel therein.

Abstract: An extraction device, particularly for mining, having two drive stations and a drive chain which extends between the sprockets thereof. So that hanging chain or chain wear to a conveyor chain, in the case of a conveyor device, or to a plow chain, in the case of a plow device, can be detected, magnetic sensor units for detecting at least one chain condition of the drive chain are provided, wherein each sensor unit includes a transmitter, which is formed by a static or dynamic magnetic field generator, and a detector field, which is provided with a plurality of magnetic field detectors, as a detector, the detector and the transmitter being arranged to the side of a passage for the run of the drive chain that is to be scanned. The invention also relates to a method for controlling an extraction device for preventing hanging chain.

Abstract: Conveying systems and method for detecting the presence and amount of biological contaminants or additives on a conveyor belt. The conveyor system includes a conveyor belt having embedded biosensors. Transmitters co-located in the belt with the biosensors transmit biosensor signals to a remote controller. The remote controller allows remote monitoring of the contamination level on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The system and method comprising at least one idler wheel for use with a drag chain mechanism. The device for use with the idler wheel has a rotatable shaft for receiving the rotational force of the idler wheel, and transmits that force to a rotation indicator which is external to the enclosed space where the idler wheel is located. The rotation indicator thus provides a reliable method for indicating to an external sensor or operator whether an idler wheel is rotating within acceptable operational parameters.

Abstract: A system is provided for feeding a stream of material. The system includes a feeding portion, a material density portion, a detector, a weight calculating portion and an indicator. The feeding portion can output a portion of the stream of the material from a first position to a second position. The material density portion can generate a density signal based on the density of the material. The detector can detect a volume of the portion of the stream of the material without contacting the portion of the stream of the material and can generate a volume signal based on the detected volume. The weight calculating portion can calculate a weight based on the density signal and the volume signal and can generate a weight signal.

Abstract: At least one single link of a conveyor chain is configured to support a tension load cell. A main body portion of the link includes a central cavity sized to contain the load cell, which has been inserted therein through an opening of the main body portion, and at least one auxiliary cavity to contain at least one battery cell and circuitry. A cap portion of the link closes off the opening into the cavity to enclose the load cell therein. One or both of the main body and cap portions may include a bore to receive a fastener for attaching to an end of the inserted load cell, and both portions include a bore oriented to receive a pin of a mating dual link of the conveyor chain. The cap portion may also include anti-rotation surfaces to mate with one or both of: the load cell and the opening.

Abstract: An information display system for a conveying device, the information display system comprising a driving mechanism, a flexible display loop driven by the driving mechanism to travel in a closed loop, and an image forming module configured to provide media to at least a section of the flexible display loop.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the wear of a moving conveyor chain includes a first detector for detecting a leading end of a first link of the chain and providing a first signal corresponding thereto, a second detector for detecting a trailing end of the first link and providing a second signal corresponding thereto, and a third detector for detecting a leading end of a third link of the chain and providing a third signal corresponding thereto. The system processes the signal so as to determine a first distance D1 which is the distance between the leading end and trailing end of the first link, a second distance D2 which is the distance between the trailing end of the first link and the leading end of the third link, and a third distance D3 which is the distance between the leading end of the first link and the leading end of the third link.

Abstract: A conveyor belt rip monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes at least one rip panel having a conductive loop positioned in or on a conveyor belt so that the loop extends substantially across the width of the belt. The conductive loops may be formed from metallic or non-metallic materials. An RFDD chip is electrically coupled to the loop and provides a signal to an RFID interrogation unit positioned on the conveyor structure indicative of the health of the conductive loop. If a break is sensed in the loop, the RFID chip sends an appropriate signal to the interrogation unit which passes the information to a processing system. A unique resistor or diode may be included in the circuit between the chip(s) and the legs of the loop so that the interrogation unit can distinguish one leg or loop from another. If the break in the loop is determined to be due to a rip in the conveyor belt, the processing system alerts a user of the rip condition via an attached display device.

Abstract: An apparatus, in particular a code reader, for the recording of images of objects (14) moved on a conveyor device (12), wherein the apparatus includes a line sensor (10), in particular a line camera, which can scan objects line wise for the generation of image data of the surfaces, as well as a speed determination device (26; 30), which can determine the speed of movement of the objects (14) with respect to the line sensor (10) or their conveyed distance. At the same time an evaluation unit (26) is provided, which is adapted to match the recording frequency of the line sensor (10) to the speed of movement.

Abstract: A bolt supply apparatus (1) recognizes images of bolts conveyed by a conveyor (22) using a camera (24) and feeds the recognized bolts to a next operation step using a robot (26). Bolts to be conveyed from a hopper (10) through a spiral feeder (14) are temporarily stored in a first storage box (16). Weight of the first storage box (16) is measured by a first weight measuring device (18). When the first weight measuring device (18) measures a given weight, the bolts of the first storage box (16) are supplied to the conveyor (22).

Abstract: A conveyor belt monitoring system is disclosed that uses sensors to measure magnetic disruptions (“events”) in a conveyor belt which are indicative of one or more splice joints, rip panels and reinforcing cord damage. The system may comprise a plurality of sensing components, including coils or Hall Effect sensors for sensing rip panels, splices and generalized reinforcing cord damage. The system may also have RFID-based rip panels and may use RFID chips to identify various belt components. A PLC-based control system may communicate with the aforementioned components via an Ethernet link Data received by the control system is used to chart belt wear and damage trends and to provide user alarms when signal levels exceed predetermined norms. The system may stop the belt when imminent belt failure is predicted. The PLC-based control system is highly scalable and will integrate easily into existing conveyor control systems and facility-wide monitoring systems.

Abstract: A carousel according to the invention uses a number of smaller, less expensive drive units at different locations along the carousel path in place of a single larger drive unit of comparable capacity. Closed loop control according to the invention allows individual drives to be de-energized when the power requirements do not demand their usage. When not energized, the drives may be disengaged from the chain, such as by way of a linear actuator as described hereafter. Benefits of such a system include reduced mechanical costs, longer drive life, better redundancy/higher availability, correct drive power, lower energy use, closed loop system monitoring and reduced collateral damage.