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: A conveyor maintenance system and method determines when a conveyor requires cleaning by determining when the conveyor is soiled beyond a predetermined threshold level. The system comprises a detector that collects optical data indicative of the amount of soil on a conveyor, a memory that stores reference data indicative of a clean conveyor, and a controller that compares the optical data indicative of the amount of soil on the conveyor to the reference data and determines whether the conveyor requires cleaning based on the comparison.

Abstract: A scraper blade for a conveyor may comprise: a blade body having a scraping edge and a base for mounting the scraper blade on a blade mount of a conveyor, wherein the blade body has a plurality of elongated recessed features extending across the rearward side thereof, wherein the elongated recessed features are spaced apart and are generally parallel to the scraping edge. Additionally, the base of the blade body may be affixed to a scraper blade mount having a shape of a “flattened W” defining a groove that has beveled edges to provide clearance for a fillet weld of a scraper blade support bar to which the scraper blade is mountable.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for use with a piece of equipment. The safety arrangement includes a signal generating unit for generating an optical signal, an elongate element, and a signal detecting unit. The elongate element is disposed along, about, around or through the piece of equipment and is capable of transmitting an optical signal. The signal detecting unit detects an optical signal. The signal generating unit is connected to the signal detecting unit by the elongate element such that the signal detecting unit is in optical communication with the signal detecting unit. The signal detecting unit is arranged to detect a change in the optical signal transmitted by the elongate element as a consequence of movement of the elongate element and, upon detection of the change in the signal, the detecting unit is configured to effect a change in the operation of the piece of equipment.

Abstract: A bulk material handling system comprises a bulk material handling apparatus to convey bulk material, and a bulk material handling accessory that aids in the operation of the bulk material handling apparatus. The bulk material handling accessory comprises a controller having one or more sensors. The controller comprises a processor and a computer readable memory capable of: (i) generating a control signal indicative of an operating condition of the bulk material handling accessory during a cycle of operation of the accessory; (ii) storing in the memory of the controller a limit associated with an operating condition of the accessory; (iii) comparing the control signal to the limit; (iv) generating a signal indicative of an abnormal event associated with the operating condition when the control signal is beyond the limit; and (v) generating a response signal when a number of abnormal event signals generated exceeds a predetermined level of abnormal events.

Abstract: In a conveyor device including a branch path, the number of articles sorted to the branch path is counted accurately. The conveyor device conveys a plurality of articles and includes a main conveyor, a first branch path, a first detector, a second detector, a detection information processing section, and a charging conveyor. The first branch path branches from the main conveyor at a first branch point. The first detector and the second detector are arranged upstream and downstream, respectively, of the branch point along a conveyance direction and are arranged to detect articles on the main conveyor. The detection information processing section is configured to calculate the number of articles sorted to the first branch path based on a difference between the number of articles detected by the first detector and the number of articles detected by the second detector.

Abstract: A system of monitoring operation for a conveyor belt installation includes a conveyor belt having steel or other relatively magnetically permeable reinforcing material, the system including, in proximity to the conveyor belt, a magnetic field generator, and a sensor unit at a position downstream from the field generator, the sensor unit sensing the magnetic field emanating from the passing conveyor belt, and a monitoring unit to receive data related to the magnetic field properties sensed by the sensor unit during a plurality of passages of each part of the length of the conveyor belt past the sensor unit, the monitoring unit incorporating comparison elements to compare a received set of data with an earlier received set of data, and output elements to provide an output signal representative of reinforcement damage or deterioration when subsequently received data has departed from earlier received data by more than a prescribed extent.

Abstract: Methods for initiating one or more maintenance procedures on a conveyer system employ a load cell assembly that is supported by a link of a conveyor chain of the system in order to collect tension measurements. According to preferred methods, one or more threshold values for a rate of change in tension along particular portions of a circuit, around which the chain is driven, and/or for a variation in tension profile, from one cycle to another around the circuit, are established for comparison with tension measurements that are collected and/or processed by the load cell assembly, in order to detect operating issues and initiate the appropriate maintenance procedure(s). According to some methods, plots of the rate of change of tension versus time are generated and displayed for an operator to view.

Abstract: A conveyor maintenance system and method determines when a conveyor requires cleaning by determining when the conveyor is soiled beyond a predetermined threshold level. The system comprises a detector that collects optical data indicative of the amount of soil on a conveyor, a memory that stores reference data indicative of a clean conveyor, and a controller that compares the optical data indicative of the amount of soil on the conveyor to the reference data and determines whether the conveyor requires cleaning based on the comparison.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying belt which is made of elastomeric material and has a load-bearing side (2) for the conveying material and a running side and, in particular, has a reinforcing support embedded within the conveying-belt core, wherein the conveying belt has at least one exchangeable part, wherein the invention provides for the exchangeable part to be a segment (6) which has a small surface area in relation to the load-bearing side (2) and/or running side as a whole and comprises a component support (7) and information carrier (8), the component support and information carrier forming a dedicated unit.

Abstract: A digital processor for use in a conveyor belt rip detector, which provides excitation signals at a selected frequency to inverted and noninverted sensor loops on a conveyor belt and then detects corresponding received signals from the sensor loops. The digital processor then performs FFTs on the corresponding received signals to provide respective received signal frequency spectrums. Next magnitude and phase values of the selected frequency in the respective received signal frequency spectrums are used to determine a qualitative state of the sensor loops. The selected frequency has a lowest detected ambient noise level, and the magnitude value is a normalized magnitude value.

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: A method of monitoring the tension of a continuous endless drive elongate member mounted to be moved over a closed-loop path and having a slack run along which it forms undulations, said method consisting in placing a sensor along said slack run for detecting undulations going past in the slack run, and in counting the number of undulations detected, said number serving as a magnitude for measuring the tension of the drive member.

Abstract: A baggage-information system is associated with a baggage-delivery belt in an airport. The system can be used analogously both in the arrivals area and in the departure area. In order to create a system which provides information in respect of the baggage fed to a baggage-delivery belt in an airport, it is provided that the baggage-information system contains at least one dynamically updatable display arrangement which is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the baggage-delivery belt and on which can be presented at least the current arrival times and/or the transit times of those baggage items which are located in the system of the baggage-conveying installation and are assigned to the relevant baggage-delivery belt.

Abstract: A method for verifying belt tension on a conveyor mechanism that includes a belt mounted under tension on rollers, includes steps of measuring selected physical status parameters associated with the conveyor mechanism and determining if the belt has reached a predetermined level of tension indirectly from such status parameters without direct measurement of belt tension.

Abstract: A conveyor (2) which has a plurality of slats (6) for transferring articles around the conveyor (2), some or all of the slats (6) having at least one visible surface (14) through which indicia is displayed.

Abstract: Lockout and monitoring system with SIL3 safety rating and method for lockout and monitoring of conveyor or any distributed plant are provided where pulse width modulation and amplitude modulation are used for communication between field devices (such as remote isolation switches deployed at various locations of a conveyor belt) and a central controller, and for indication of the device location. A fail safe redundant switching system for control circuit with additional transmitter and receiver modules are provided in combination with the means for accurate indication of switch location to achieve SIL 3 rating. The ability to provide control (analogue and digital outputs) for a distributed plant, for example along the length of a conveyor, is advantageously achieved, particularly when the control outputs are line powered by means of a field bus system that provides both power and signaling on the same network.

Abstract: A system for detecting wear in a gripper chain of a chain conveyor is provided. The system includes an optical sensing system having a detection path located vertically beneath a portion of the gripper chain at a predetermined location. The detection path is located such that, when the gripper chain becomes elongated and droops a predetermined amount due to wear of the gripper chain, the sensing system senses the presence of the gripper chain in the detection path.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt having magnetically permeable cords, has a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field to magnetize the cords, in use, a magnetic field sensing unit for sensing the magnetic field provided, in use, by the cords and for providing signals representative of the magnetic field, and a processor for performing a discrete wavelet transform on the signals. The wavelet may be a Morlet waveform. The sensing unit comprises an array of spaced magnetic field sensors, the transform being performed on signals supplied by the sensors.

Abstract: A digital processor for use in a conveyor belt rip detector, which provides excitation signals at a selected frequency to inverted and noninverted sensor loops on a conveyor belt and then, detects corresponding received signals from the sensor loops. The digital processor then performs FFTs on the corresponding received signals to provide respective received signal frequency spectrums. Next magnitude and phase values of the selected frequency in the respective received signal frequency spectrums are used to determine a qualitative state of the sensor loops. The selected frequency has a lowest detected ambient noise level, and the magnitude value is a normalized magnitude value.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt having magnetically permeable cords, has a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field to magnetize the cords, in use, a magnetic field sensing unit for sensing the magnetic field provided, in use, by the cords, the sensing unit comprising an array of spaced magnetic field sensors, the spacing of the sensors being sufficiently close to discriminate between adjacent cords. The spacing of the sensors depends on the spacing of the cords, and may be less than half the spacing between cords of a conveyor belt. The sensors may be direction sensitive and the sensors may be oriented in more than one direction, to sense the perpendicular and other components of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A bulk material handling system includes a bulk material handling apparatus to convey bulk material and a bulk material handling accessory to aid the bulk material handling apparatus in conveying the bulk material. The bulk material handling accessory includes a controller having one or more sensors. The controller generates a control signal to adjust operation of the bulk material handling accessory based upon at least one status signal of the one or more sensors. The controller also generates the control signal in accordance with a status signal to control signal response pattern defined by system parameter values. The system parameters include a minimum value to define a minimum level of the control signal associated with fail-safe operation and a maximum value to define a maximum level of the control signal associated with stable operation the bulk material handling accessory.

Abstract: A transition plate assembly and a position sensor assembly are used to detect a dislodged or removed transition plate from a gap between the discharge end of a conveyor and the first end of a run-out ramp. The position sensor assembly may detect a safe seated position of a hinged transition plate protecting the gap and generate a motor-enabling signal to a drive motor that drives the conveyor. An interrupted motor-enabling signal, corresponding to an unsafe condition, may turn off the drive motor to prevent damage to articles or persons until an enabling signal is restored. In one embodiment, the termination of the power to the drive motor continues until a delay period has elapsed following the detection of an enabling signal.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the tension of a continuous endless drive elongate member (13) mounted to be moved over a closed-loop path and having a slack run along which it forms undulations, said method consisting in placing a sensor (23) along said slack run for detecting undulations going past in the slack run, and in counting the number of undulations detected, said number serving as a magnitude for measuring the tension of the drive member.

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.

Abstract: A drive controller for controlling movement of a plurality of packages by an accumulation conveyor. The drive controller is configured to determine a length of each of the packages and to coordinate driving of a number of zones needed to accommodate the package. For example, a sensor in each of the conveyor zones communicates blockage by the packages to the drive controller. The drive controller determines a sequence of blockage of the sensors in adjacent zones. Blockage of the sensor in an upstream zone before the sensor in a downstream zone indicates an oversized package that extends longer than a zone length of the downstream zone and into the upstream zone. The drive controller is configured to drive the downstream zone and upstream zone simultaneously when detecting the oversized package.

Abstract: A gaming device is disclosed that includes a housing and a display device associated with the housing. The display device displays several indicia. A positioning mechanism is configured to move the display device. Several indicators are associated with the display device. A controller is in communication with the positioning mechanism and the indicators. The controller determines a game outcome and directs movement of the display device. The controller can illuminate at least one of the indicators in order to display the game outcome.

Abstract: An automated reading system for associating an RFID tag and product information includes a conveyor belt for moving a product having an RFID tag and a bar code. The system also includes an RFID scanner and a bar code scanner for reading information on the product as it travels down the conveyor belt. A collecting device is used for receiving the product, and a computer having a database is used for recording the association between the RFID tag and the product information.

Abstract: A conveyor system and method of measuring chain wear includes first and second sensing devices positioned at a conveyor line or path and directed toward a conveyor chain that is movable along the conveyor path. The first sensing device senses the presence of a first chain portion of the conveyor chain at a predetermined location as the conveyor chain moves along the conveyor line. The second sensing device senses a second chain portion of the conveyor chain as the conveyor chain moves along the conveyor line. The second sensing device is operable to sense a location of or distance to the second chain portion or may capture an image of the second portion. A controller is operable to determine a degree of wear of a section of chain extending between the first and second chain portions in response to the second sensing device.

Abstract: To provide a pipe conveyer in which a twist or depression of a rounded conveyer belt is simply and efficiently detected by effectively using permanent magnets and the closability of the conveyer belt is improved. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A conveyer belt (3) is rounded into a pipe, and both side edges (3a, 3b) of the conveyer belt (3) are laid on one the other. On both opposed surfaces of the edges, permanent magnets (6, 7) attaching each other are provided. A fixed body through which the rounded conveyer belt (3) passes is provided, and a plurality of magnetic sensors (8) are so circumferentially arranged on the fixed body as to surround the conveyer belt (3) and to detect the magnetic force strengths when the permanent magnets (6, 7) pass by the fixed body. Twist detecting means (11) for comparing the detected magnetic force strengths and detecting a twist of the conveyer belt (3) from the position of the magnetic sensor (8) which has detected the peak value (P1) is provided.

Abstract: A pallet arrangement for a people mover includes a pallet adapted to move on wheels and form part of a moving track. The pallet includes a pallet body having at least two profile sections joined together. A wear surface is coupled to the pallet body and the two profile sections have a form-lock coupling.

Abstract: An abrasion sensing type conveyor chain, in which a degree of abrasion in a roller rolling surface is easily judged by a visual or a tactile sensing during checking and maintaining of rollers of the conveyor chain so that a maintenance operation can be significantly reduced. An abrasion sensing type conveyor chain in which rollers which travel along a guide surface while rolling on a conveyor line, each comprise a roller rolling surface with a roller outer diameter of a required standard and an abrasion limiting surface with a smaller diameter than the roller outer diameter, the abrasion limiting surface being disposed adjacently and coaxially to the roller rolling surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying the condition of a conveyor belt (6) has a capturing device (12) which can be used to capture two-dimensional images (B) of successive belt sections (15) of the conveyor belt (6) during operation of the conveyor belt (6). The capturing device (12) and the evaluation device (13) have a data-processing connection, so that the captured images (B) can be transmitted to the evaluation device (13). The evaluation device (13) compares the images (B) transmitted to it with two-dimensional reference images (R) which are associated with the belt sections (15), determines at least one statement about the condition of the belt on the basis of the comparison, and outputs the statement about the condition of the belt.

Abstract: A rotating apparatus includes a separating member, at least one movable magnet, and at least one passive magnet. The separating member is made of a nonmagnetic material, and interposed between the movable magnet and the passive magnet. The movable magnet is relatively shifted from the separating member along one surface of the separating member, and N-pole and S-pole of the movable magnet are arranged along the one surface of the separating member. The passive magnet is placed on the other surface of the separating member, and coupled with the movable magnet by magnetic force. When the movable magnet and the separating member are shifted relatively to each other, the passive magnet is shifted along the movable magnet and rotated on the other surface of the separating member.

Abstract: A pallet arrangement for a travelator comprises a pallet body comprising a profiled bar having a predetermined size, at least one surface plate attached to the pallet body and forming a wearing surface, a wheel mounted on at least one end of the pallet body, and a fastening element mounted on at least one end of the pallet body. The fastening element is adapted to couple the pallet to an actuating device.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor is provided which comprises a machine frame, a twoarmed lever mounted on the frame for pivotal movement about an axis, a reaction base mounted on one arm of the lever, and a conveyor element for conveying a product from one end to the other. Leaf springs are connected between the conveyor element and the reaction base and arranged to vibrate so as to cause the conveyor element to convey product. A sensor is disposed between the said one arm and the machine frame for sensing the weight of product on the conveyor element. The lever and conveyor element are so arranged that a line connecting the axis of pivotal movement of the lever and the center of mass of the conveyor element runs perpendicular to the length of the leaf springs.

Abstract: A conveyor system and method of measuring chain wear includes first and second sensing devices positioned at a conveyor line or path and directed toward a conveyor chain that is movable along the conveyor path. The first sensing device senses the presence of a first chain portion of the conveyor chain at a predetermined location as the conveyor chain moves along the conveyor line. The second sensing device senses a second chain portion of the conveyor chain as the conveyor chain moves along the conveyor line. The second sensing device is operable to sense a location of or distance to the second chain portion or may capture an image of the second portion. A controller is operable to determine a degree of wear of a section of chain extending between the first and second chain portions in response to the second sensing device.

Abstract: An elongation measuring device 10 measures an elongation in a timing belt 4 included in a driving device 1 provided with a drive roller 2. The elongation measuring device 10 is provided with an encoder 11 and a microphotosensor 12. A present angular position of the drive roller 2 measured at a present-stage measuring cycle and a past angular position of the same measured at a past-stage measuring cycle. The difference between the present and the past angular position is due to the elongation of the timing belt 4. An elongation in the timing belt 4 is estimated on the basis of the difference between the present and the past angular position. Time when the timing belt 4 may possibly break is forecast on the basis of the elongation in the timing belt. The worn out timing belt 4 is replaced with a new one before the same breaks.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the condition of magnetically permeable reinforcing cords of a conveyor belt is disclosed. The cords are longitudinally magnetized with a substantially unidirectional magnetic field. The conveyor belt is then moved relative to a plurality of magnetic sensors spaced apart and extending transversely relative to the conveyor belt. Then the sensors are interrogated at spaced apart intervals of time and used to detect the presence of a north polarity fringing magnetic field, a south polarity fringing magnetic field, or no fringing magnetic field, the output of each of the senses being recorded. Alternatively, a wave form of the voltage or current induced in the sensors can be derived therefrom and the waveform used to represent a north polarity fringing magnetic field, a south polarity fringing magnetic filed, or no fringing magnetic field, the waveform being recorded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for a conveyor comprising an elastomeric conveyor belt which is provided with a carrying side for transporting material and a pulley side and comprises, in particular an embedded strength support, an optoelectronic system for optically detecting the belt surface, in particular the carrying side thereof in such a way that it is possible to identify a damage during functioning and to stop the conveyor in the case of a critical situation of the conveyor belt and timely repair it, a process control computer which is connected to said optoelectronic system and used for evaluating all data and interacts, in particular with a traction control, and different other elements of the conveyor, namely a non-driven drum, carrying rollers, a supporting structure and, if necessary other components.

Abstract: An automated reading system for associating an RFID tag and product information includes a conveyor belt for moving a product having an RFID tag and a bar code. The system also includes an RFID scanner and a bar code scanner for reading information on the product as it travels down the conveyor belt. A collecting device is used for receiving the product, and a computer having a database is used for recording the association between the RFID tag and the product information.

Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaner scraper blade for cleaning the surface of a conveyor belt and a method of manufacture of the scraper blade. The scraper blade includes a body having a base member adapted to be attached to a cross shaft of a conveyor belt cleaner and a scraping member which extends outwardly from the base member to a scraping tip. The scraper blade includes one or more electrical sensors that are embedded in an insert member. The insert member and the sensors are molded and embedded within the body of the scraper blade. Each of the sensors is adapted to provide an electrical output signal representing a physical condition of the scraper blade sensed by the sensor. A variety of sensor embodiments are described, as well as two embodiments of control and monitoring systems for use in conjunction with the various blade and sensor combinations.

Abstract: A device for detection and adjustment of the tension of a scraper chain of a chain conveyor, in particular of a face conveyor, having a tensionable return station, on which a spoked chainwheel to reverse the scraper chain, having chain links and scrapers attached thereto, is supported between the bottom race and the top race. The devices including a sensor which determines the tension of the scraper chain at the return station and the sensor having a swivellable sensor body coupled with a shaft encoder. The sensor body being in the top race and in contact with the upper face of the scraper chain in a measurement zone with provision being made in the measuring zone for vertical play for the run of the scrapers and/or the chain links.

Abstract: The invention refers to a hanging control device connected to a unit to be managed, specifically control switches or hanging control panels in order to control hoisting gear, by means of a control line, whereby the control line contains electrical lines (2) to transmit control signals and strain relief, which is supported at the top of the unit to absorb weight and traction forces. In order to create a hanging control device for which the length of the control line can be easily changed, we suggest that strain relief be created by means of hose (6), which can be folded flat and has the design of a type of textile hose, and that electrical lines (2) run through the inside of the hose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for automatically sensing the wear state of movable wheels or rollers (1) in conveying systems, for example baggage conveying systems. It achieves the object of easily and reliably sensing the wear state in an automatic fashion using measuring equipment when the roller to be checked runs through the system, by means of a measuring station (2,3) which is arranged in a stationary fashion in the conveying path of the system and in which diameter deviations of the wheel or of the roller (1) from a predefined set point diameter can be sensed in a contactless fashion and signaled.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for detecting and reporting conditions of a conveyor belt by receiving image data from at least one camera structured and arranged to capture an image of a portion of a conveyor belt, detecting an object in the portion of the conveyor belt based on the received image data, and generating status information associated with the portion of the conveyor belt based on the detected object.

Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaner scraper blade for cleaning the surface of a conveyor belt and a method of manufacture of the scraper blade. The scraper blade includes a body having a base member adapted to be attached to a cross shaft of a conveyor belt cleaner and a scraping member which extends outwardly from the base member to a scraping tip. The scraper blade includes one or more electrical sensors that are embedded in an insert member. The insert member and the sensors are molded and embedded within the body of the scraper blade. Each of the sensors is adapted to provide an electrical output signal representing a physical condition of the scraper blade sensed by the sensor. A variety of sensor embodiments are described, as well as two embodiments of control and monitoring systems for use in conjunction with the various blade and sensor combinations.

Abstract: A conveyor belt with advertising is fabricated by coating at least one flexible belting member with a vinyl size coating. A white base coat is applied over the vinyl size coating. Special white PVC coated belting material is also used. A variety of printing processes are used to print advertising images on the belting member. These processes include silkscreen, flexographic, offset and digital inkjet printing. The belting member may be coated with a clear coating material and cured under ultraviolet lighting. The belting members may be made in lengths shorter than the entire length of the conveyor belt with removable attachment means, permitting individual advertising images to be replaced without replacing the entire conveyor belt. Methods for fabricating the belting members including ink formulations, handling and drying steps are also described.

Abstract: An advertising panel system for a conveyor of the type comprised of a series of substantially identically shaped plates which move in a closed path. The system includes a plurality of advertising panels having substantially the same shape as the conveyor plates. Each panel includes a base carrier sheet having a lower surface and an upper surface, a transparent cover sheet having a lower surface and an upper surface and an advertising sheet interposed between the base carrier sheet and the transparent cover sheet. An adhesive on the lower surface of the base carrier connects the advertising panel to the conveyor plate. A plurality of apertures pass through the three sheets of each panel and connectors secure the sheets together. The connectors are comprised of a T-nut that passes upwardly from the lower surface of the base carrier sheet and a screw that passes downwardly through the upper surface of the cover sheet and is threaded into the T-nut.

Abstract: A rail position control system is provided that controls a conveyor system configuration to accommodate a plurality of differently sized substrates in an apparatus. The rail position control system includes at least one camera, which is mounted on a mounting surface located in close proximity to the conveyor system. The rail position control system further includes a computer system that is operatively coupled to the camera and to a motor. The motor is further coupled to at least one rail of the conveyor system. The camera is operative to view and provide a plurality of images of a conveyor lane width value to the computer system. The conveyor lane width value represents a space located between at least one pair of rails of the conveyor system.