Abstract: A proppant delivery assembly receives and supports a plurality of containers having proppant stored therein. A cradle has a top surface which receives and supports the plurality of containers when positioned thereon. The cradle enables the plurality of containers to dispense the proppant stored therein. A proppant mover is positioned to underlie and extend along the top surface of the cradle aligned with the plurality of containers to receive proppant from the plurality of containers. The proppant mover carries proppant away from the plurality of containers. A chute is coupled to the cradle for receiving proppant from the proppant mover and directing the proppant to a blender hopper. A hood assembly is disposed at an end of the chute opposite the proppant mover for directing a vacuum air flow that removes a volume of air containing proppant dust particles directed from the chute.

Abstract: A system and method that remotely monitors and controls proppant usage in a fracturing operation. The system and method allow operators to wirelessly monitor and control proppant storage units from inside a datavan through sensors and control mechanisms that interface with fracturing software to schedule the flow of the proppant. A sensor monitors the weight, container level, or volume of the proppant being used to keep the induced hydraulic fracture open. A serial to Ethernet converter converts this information and sends it wirelessly to a datavan. A user at the datavan controls the proppant usage through a display in the datavan of the storage units with the appropriate weight. The container monitoring software links with the fracturing software, providing real-time information about proppant usage so that the user can properly schedule proppant flow to the well through valves, conveyor belts, and other control mechanisms.

Abstract: In a first step of a method for bundling conveying streams on a material handling element including a number of incoming conveyor segments, at least one coupling to an outgoing conveyor segment, on which the incoming conveyor segments converge, and a number of holding devices for holding a conveying stream on the incoming conveyor segments, target arrival times, at which the objects arrive as planned at a destination, are calculated for the conveyed objects. A conveyed object is released at a release time which substantially corresponds to the target arrival time minus the target pass-through time required for the conveyed object to be transported as planned from a current position to the destination. A material handling element carries out the method.

Abstract: In a first step of a method for bundling conveyed streams on a material handling element including a number of incoming conveyor segments, at least one coupling to an outgoing conveyor segment, on which the incoming conveyor segments converge, and a number of holding devices for holding a conveyed stream on the incoming conveyor segments, the conveyed objects are vectorially combined in in ascending/descending order according to a desired sorting sequence. When a conveyed object passes the material handling element a vector corresponding to the actual sequence is entered in the vector combination. Conveyed objects are released if a ring with a constant direction is avoided in the vector combination. A material handling element carries out the method.

Abstract: A side loading packaging machine for packaging articles in containers including: a section for forming containers starting from die-cuttings, comprising at least one feeding device, a loading section, a closing section, substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the machine; a conveyor equipped with transportation members configured to carry at least one of said containers, wherein said conveyor includes a motor arranged to drive the advance of said transportation members or groups thereof in an independent manner, and the machine operates with: a continuous formation of boxes, said feeding member working with a continuous movement and with a constant rate over time, and said transportation members advancing with a continuous movement at said forming section; and a static loading, said transportation members being stationary during the loading of articles into the containers.

Abstract: A control system for an automated singulation system is provided. The control system detects a presence of a first item on a first conveyor and detects a presence of a second item on a second conveyor while the first item is present on the first conveyor. The second conveyor transfers items onto the first conveyor and is at a lower height than the second conveyor. The first conveyor is oriented perpendicularly with respect to the second conveyor. In response to detecting the presence of the second item, a location of the first item along a length of the first conveyor is determined. The first conveyor and the second conveyor are controlled based at least on the location of the first item.

Abstract: A metering device having a storage container and a discharge device. The storage container has an inlet opening, a perpendicular central axis, and an outlet opening. The discharge device is arranged so as to be rotatable about an outlet axis of the outlet opening of the storage container, said outlet axis running at a distance to the central axis of the storage container, and the outlet opening of the storage container corresponds to the loading point of the discharge device.

Abstract: A robotic carton unloader for automatic unloading of cartons from a carton pile stacked within a trailer. In various embodiments, a robotic carton unloader may comprise a conveyor system, a manipulator movably attached to an end of a robotic positioner and configured to dislodge one or more cartons from a carton pile; and a frame comprising a bumper configured to be pressed against the carton pile below one or more cartons being dislodged from the carton pile by the manipulator to stabilize the carton pile below the one or more cartons being dislodged; and a shelf configured to catch the one or more cartons dislodged from the carton pile and guide the one or more cartons dislodged from the carton pile onto the conveyor system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable medium containing instructions for operating a conveyor. One method includes receiving, by a controller, a signal from each of a plurality of substations. Each of the plurality of substations provides power to a motor drive unit driving a conveyor belt of the conveyor. The signal received by the controller indicates whether an isolation switch associated with each substation has been manually operated. The method also includes, when the signal received from one of the plurality of substations indicates that the isolation switch associated with the one of the plurality of substations has been manually operated, transmitting, by the controller, a signal to each of the plurality of substations, the signal instructing each of the plurality of substations to isolate the motor drive unit from a power source.

Abstract: An integrated granular-material scoop and near-vertical lifting feeder/conveyor includes special connections and skirts between a bullnose rotating scoop and an open-helical screw that provides the rotations and material lift and evacuation. A conical working-face of the bullnose rotating scoop has symmetrically distributed graters and vents to break loose and force-in granular material from natural deposits and cargo holds. The bullnose rotating scoop and the open-helical screw its attached to move the material into a continuous layer on the inside surface of an outer stationary sheathing. A motor drive attached to the open-helical screw above at the delivery end provides the lifting force necessary.

Abstract: A dead time detector detects when a dead time occurs in a switching regulator comprising a high-side switch and a low-side switch and generates an output signal based on a duration of the dead time. A first circuit generates a first turn-on signal to turn on the high-side switch and a first turn-off signal to turn off the low-side switch based on the output signal in response to a first edge of a pulse width modulated pulse. A second circuit generates a second turn-on signal to turn on the low-side switch and a second turn-off signal to turn off the high-side switch based on the output signal in response to a second edge of the pulse width modulated pulse. A controller generates drive signals to drive the high-side and low-side switches based on the first and second turn-on and turn-off signals.

Abstract: A dosing device for bulk material having a dosing scale fastened to an outlet opening of a bulk material container. The dosing device comprises a motor-driven conveyor, extending substantially horizontally, which is designed to convey the bulk material from an entry region to an exit region. The entry region is arranged under the bulk material container. The exit region is supported on at least one first measurement device which is arranged and designed to determine the weight load of the conveyor by the bulk material. The conveyor is attached in a free floating manner to the bulk material container at the entry region thereof.

Abstract: A device and a method for transferring printed products conveyed in a stream of individual products from a feed unit to a removal unit makes it possible to divert the printed products from a feed direction to a removal direction. The feed unit includes a first conveyor and a transfer region, and the removal unit includes a takeover region with a support surface for the printed products. The transfer region is located higher than the takeover region. The removal unit of the device includes at least a second conveyor which forms the support surface. A pressing element is arranged above the support surface which can be lowered toward the support surface or toward a printed product moving in the direction of the support surface. The pressing element can be lifted up from the support surface or a printed product positioned thereon.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly has a supply source from which a plurality of rolling objects is delivered to a conveyor belt, wherein the conveyor assembly is also configured such that the horizontal velocity of the rolling objects delivered to the conveyor belt is substantially the same as the horizontal velocity of the conveyor belt. Such configuration advantageously reduces, or even eliminates undesired movement of the objects on the conveyor belt and thus significantly improves quantification of the objects on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A device for eliminating fugitive material dust emanating from material being transferred from an upper conveyor, feeder or crusher to a lower position, or other location. The device allows adjustability of the chute's total flow capacity where increased capacity is required. The device has a sliding gate disposed in the hopper to control the rate of transfer of the material from the hopper. A chute is disposed below the hopper and is movable in both a lateral direction (transverse to the direction of belt travel), and movable in the axis of belt travel. A choke is slidably attached to the chute, and slidable therein. The gate is positioned to maintain a level of material in the hopper to prevent dust from emanating out of the hopper from the chute. The choke is positioned to reduce airflow through the material as it passes through the chute to a lower position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the individual distribution of small stick-shaped objects (7), this device (1) making use of: a conveyor (2) comprising an endless conveyor belt (3) circulating around at least two pulleys or rollers (4, 4?), the outer side of this belt (3) being provided with transversal separators (5) which delimit a succession of compartments (6); a hopper (9) wherein the small stick-shaped objects (7) contained in compartments (6) are successively dumped; an individual distributor (10) arranged in the base of hopper (9) and wherein the small stick-shaped objects (7) become engaged via gravity, and comprising: a support and guide casing (8) comprising a semi-cylindrical form, substantially coaxial to the downstream pulley (4?), this casing (8) being oriented in such a way that it maintains the small stick-shaped objects (7) inside their respective compartments (6) during the passing of the belt (3) on said pulley (4?); a flexible vertical partition (11) separating the internal spac

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus includes a first coin storage member with a coin dispensing unit operatively connected for dispensing coins. A second coin storage member is connected to the first coin storage member for receiving an overflow of coins. A coin transporter unit is operatively mounted in the second coin storage member to receive coins from a bottom surface below the first coin storage member and to translate the coins to a coin guide member that operatively lifts the coins back to re-charge the first coin storage member.

Abstract: An object loader system is provided for loading objects from storage into an object processing application. A first conveyor receives the objects from storage, and a second conveyor receives the objects from the first conveyor system at a predetermined location. A sensor determines detection of objects approximately relative to the predetermined location. The first conveyor conveys the objects to the second conveyor based upon the determined detection by the sensor.

Abstract: Bulk material is fed by a conveyor (10) into a hopper at the upper end of an upright extendible conduit (12). A fractionally opening gate (14) at the lower end of the conduit controls the rate at which the material in the conduit is discharged onto a discharge conveyor (15). Level sensors (13) detect the level of material in the hopper (18). A programmable logic controller (17) has its inputs connected to the sensors (13) and a belt weigher (11) associated with the conveyor (10), and controls the opening of the gate (14) to maintain a substantially full column of material in the conduit (12). The material discharged into the hopper (18) therefore moves slowly down the conduit in a controlled fashion, with minimal dust generation and product degradation.

Abstract: A grading unit divides a supply of objects into constituent portions and directs the divided portions to various predefined locations. At least one passageway is defined, being sufficiently inclined so that the supply of objects flows through the unit solely under the force of gravity. Diverting gates disposed along the passageway selectively divert objects from the passageway toward and through an associated secondary opening located adjacent the passageway. A dividing chute associated with each secondary opening is provided to direct the diverted objects to one of a plurality of different predefined locations.

Abstract: Apparatus having a let-down tube for dust free gravity transfer of bulk solids between upper and lower containers. A spool engageable with a discharge opening on the upper container has a lower end for slidably receiving an end of the let-down tube, the other end of which falls into the lower container. As solids flow from the upper to the lower container through the tube, the tube is progressively drawn up over the lower end of the spool, then longitudinally cut into sheets which are separately rolled up. The let-down tube permits transfer of the solids without demixing or aeration.

Abstract: A powder coating apparatus feeds fine powdered coating material such as thermoplastic type material to a succession of discrete articles passing by the apparatus which includes a vibratory feeder bowl and a spiral track for delivering a substantially constant supply of powdered coating material to the articles. A sensor is also used to regulate an amount of powdered coating material supplied by an auger to the vibratory feeder. The invention also provides a powder feed system that deposits an excess of powdered coating material than that required to form the coating and provides for recirculation of the powder not ultimately used to form the coating back to the powder feeding apparatus.

Abstract: In high-rise shelving, in the region of a feed or removal opening (2) there is disposed a collapsible table (7), to which a shelf-rack (5) can be temporarily transferred. The table (7) assumes, in addition to the supporting function, the function of an actuating member for a switch which opens and closes a feed circuit of a drive system for rollers (4) of two roller paths, which roller paths are disposed in the region of the base of the feed or removal opening (2).

Abstract: A batter board is interposed between an upper conveyor belt, that is discharging granular material, and a lower conveyor belt that is receiving it. The batter board is adapted to deflect the downwardly arching stream of material, to laterally adjust the location on the lower belt where the material is deposited. The extent of deflection practised is controlled in response to measurements which monitor the downstream belt side travel of the lower belt. The position of the batter board is adjusted with hydraulic actuators protected with a shock absorbing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the flow of bulk material in a bulk materials handling system is disclosed. A critical stage in the system is identified in which variations in flowability of the material might result in the entire system flow being impeded. Upstream from that critical stage, flow conditions in the critical stage are simulated so that the flow can be interrupted if unsatisfactory flowability conditions exist. A pivotable chute may be positioned at an angle to simulate the flow of particular materials at critical downstream points in a material handling system. If material conditions such as excess moisture impede the rate of flow of the material to a degree which would cause blockages in critical downstream points, the chute will pivot to a secondary position which will temporarily interrupt the material flow.

Abstract: A particulate product conveying apparatus includes a first endless belt, a portion of which moves in a generally horizontal direction, and second and third endless belts disposed at horizontally spaced-apart locations on either side of the first belt where it moves horizontally, in a generally facing relationship to extend in parallel with the first belt. The positioning of the first, second and third belt forms a moving trough or channel, having a moving bottom wall and moving side walls, to receive particulate product in the trough or channel and to carry it towards a destination. A motor or motors drive the first, second and third belts in the same direction and at substantially the same speed towards the destination to thereby efficiently deliver particulate product from a source to a destination.

Abstract: A mobile screening apparatus includes a horizontal rotary drum preferably fed by underflow from a prescreening device that is reversible endless belt of screening grizzly bars. The belt reverses for expelling oversize material caught between bars. Force needed to turn the drum is monitored, as a way of controlling drum feeding by the prescreening device, for preventing protracted over-filling of the drum. The screening drum includes an outer peripheral cage of longitudinal bars, at least some of which preferably are movably mounted. A set of wires is circumferentially wrapped about the bar cage, with sufficient flexibility to permit the wires to locally elastically flex away from the bars sufficient to pass slightly oversize material and facilitate cleaning of debris lodged in spaces among the bars and wires. Brushes help dislodge lodged debris.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for volumetric flow control of particulate and fiber-like materials, specifically tobacco. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus having a contractible chute or a tilting conveyor. The discharge end of the chute or conveyor travels across the top of a container space, building an even pile of tobacco. When the level of tobacco in the container space reaches a certain height, a device signals the chute or tilting conveyor and the discharge end of the chute or conveyor moves rearward. When the moving conveyor floor of the container space moves the pile of tobacco forward, one or two devices signal the chute or tilting convey or, and the discharge end of the chute or tilting conveyor moves forward. The effect of this rearward and forward movement of the chute or tilting conveyor is to maintain volumetric control over the tobacco contained within the container space.

Abstract: A system for handling agricultural chemicals, such as herbicides, pesticides, and the like which are supplied in dry form. A refillable tank includes an integral, internal auger that horizontally extends through the bottom portion of the tank and is adapted to feed dry chemicals from an outlet in one side of the integer auger, and an internal flow regulating system for apportioning the chemical into the auger. The internal tank auger is driven by a detachable drive motor which is connected to the drive end of the internal tank auger. A feeder hose having a flexible, internal auger detachably connects to the outlet end of the internal tank auger by a cam lock coupling provided on one end of the feeder hose and on the outlet end of the internal tank auger. An auger coupling extending from the cam lock coupling end of the feeder hose mateingly engages the internal tank auger when connected. A drybreak assembly connects the feeder hose with a planter hopper box for later dissemination.

Abstract: A control for regulating the AC voltage provide to a vibratory feeder, which includes electronic circuitry for generating a "desired" voltage signal, feedback circuitry for generating an "actual" voltage signal, a logic circuit for comparing the "desired" and "actual" voltage signals and generating a difference signal, and a controller which uses the difference signal to generate a control signal for regulating the AC voltage provided to the feeder. An initialization circuit enables the control a predetermined time after AC power is applied and an automatic relay couples a DC power source to the control for selective adjustment of the control output. A fault circuit automatically shuts down the control if the feedback signal is lost when the "desired" voltage signal is at or turned down to a predetermined level. A maximum AC output indicator identifies the optimum setting for a maximum output adjustment, regardless of load, and a ramp function determines the build-up and decay of the AC output voltage.

Abstract: An automatic rate matching system is provided such that the delivery of bulk material is matched with the quantity of bulk material required by a process. An optical probe is used which determines the depth of material delivered into a hopper, prior to its retrieval for use in the process. The probe and associated electronic components output a signal to a CPU which then varies the speed of a belt conveyor based upon the depth of material. As the material depth decreases, belt speed is increased. Conversely, as material depth increases, belt speed is decreased. Therefore, the delivery rate of bulk material is matched to the quantity required in a process by varying the speed of the conveyor belt, based upon the depth of material in the hopper.

Abstract: A horizontal storage silo or bin for particulate matter such as, for example, peanuts and cereal, includes a moving apron or floor and a dam for gently receiving product, controlling product deposit into the silo and supporting the rear face of the product pile during discharge to insure a uniform discharge rate throughout the discharge cycle. Full bin storage capacity is utilized. First-in, first-out processing is attained. Various alternative apparatus and methods are disclosed and various product infeed points and bin orientation are accommodated.

Abstract: A rotary valve for use in a particulate material handling system having an elevated device for holding a supply of the particulate material, a lower material receiving device and a remote control device. The rotary valve includes a housing having a rotor chamber, a side inlet communicating with the rotor chamber, a lower outlet communicating with the rotor chamber and communicable with the material receiving device, a rotor journalled in the rotor chamber having a plurality of radially disposed vanes and a slide valve disposed in the inlet for controlling the flow of material therethrough. The slide valve is operatively connected to the remote control device and is operated in response to the operating conditions sensed by sensing devices which are connected to the remote control device.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operating speed of a can machine having an input conveyor for temporarily storing cans while moving them along a path toward the machine includes a metal wire capacitance sensor. The wire may be arranged either as a linear sensor if it is desired to determine the number of cans in a single file queue; or it may be formed in a repeating pattern and serve as an area mass sensor. The capacitance formed by the sensor wire and the can is connected in a capacitance bridge circuit which is excited by an oscillator. A detector circuit coupled to the bridge circuit generates an output signal representative of the number of cans in the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying planar panels in single file. The conveyor system can be used for receiving panels from bulk storage to a workstation. The conveyor system includes a conveyor belt apparatus located to receive the panels at its upstream end from the bulk supply device. A panel turning device is located at the downstream discharge end of the conveyor device for receiving the panels from the conveying device and redirecting them into the inlet end of a chute. An accumulative device is located over the conveyor to maintain a steady supply of panels to the chute. A photo cell control at the chute controls the number of spacers stacked in end-to-end relationship in the chute.

Abstract: An improved storage and discharge apparatus (10) for receiving items to be stored and selectively discharging same. The storage and discharge apparatus (10) comprises a depositary (14) for receiving items to be stored, the depository (14) defining a forward end portion (22) defining a discharge opening (26). The depository (14) further defines a bottom portion comprising a discharge conveyor (16) for supporting the items stored and for selectively discharging the items through the discharge opening (26). The apparatus also comprises a traveling loading mechanism (12) disposed above the depository (14) for depositing items to be stored into the depository (14). The loading mechanism (12) is longitudinally movable along substantially the length of the depository (14) and is selectively driven by a suitable drive.

Abstract: An integrated circuit handler provides very high throughput rates and very low manual labor requirements. A sleeve handler portion provides nearly all of the sleeve handling needs of the handler, receiving periodic inputs of a plurality of sleeves, orienting and unloading the sleeves, reloading the sleeves and binning the sleeves according to output category. Once out of the sleeves, the integrated circuits are handled, in turn, by an input buffer, a transport mechanism which presents the integrated circuits to a workstation, a sort mechanism and an output buffer/sleeve loader mechanism. The particular embodiment disclosed in detail comprises a handler optimized for handling SOIC devices. No gravity-driven mechanisms are used in the handler. Throughput rates up to 60,000 parts per hour and more are possible.

Abstract: The position of a rod-like article of the tobacco industry is detected by measuring the delay in receiving sound transmitted towards and reflected from the article. In a preferred arrangement a stack level detector comprises a transmitter (22) for pulsed ultrasound (above 20 kHz), a receiver (24) and a circuit (10) for measuring the delay. The circuit (10) may include a latch (30) which generates regular pulses having duration corresponding to the delay.

Abstract: Apparatus for temporary storage of cigarettes has a collecting vessel with a lateral inlet for a mass flow of parallel cigarettes and with a vertical duct at the bottom for evacuation of a mass flow of cigarettes. The top portion of the vessel carries two pivotable flaps whose lower portions are connected with spaced-apart portions of a flexible membrane in the form of a wire mesh which rests on the supply of cigarettes in the vessel. That flap which is adjacent the inlet of the vessel is heavier than the other flap and carries the mobile portion of a level monitoring device serving to regulate the rate of admission and/or evacuation of cigarettes and/or to arrest the machine which makes the cigartettes.

Abstract: A novel suspended tilt switch method and apparatus for use in transporting bulk material and including a switch assembly having a plurality of parallel connected, position sensitive switch elements mounted in a predetermined configuration to provide normally open operation with actuation of the tilt switch by closing of the contacts of at least one switch element upon tilting of the switch structure in any direction from vertical to a predetermined actuation angle, and further a novel unitary tilt switch hanger which encases the electrical conductors extending from the switch to protect the conductors continuously from the switch to the connected controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging free-flowing and viscous materials from a belt conveyor comprises a discharge end of a conveyor having a discharge roll. a frame means is provided at the discharge end of the conveyor and supports a guide means provided downstream the discharge roll. A feed funnel-like means is provided on the frame means under the guide means. A tubular guide member made of a flexible material in the form of a hollow cylinder has one end thereof secured to the funnel-like means and is made with a longitudinal cut extending along the whole length thereof. The tubular guide member has means for interconnecting the extremities of the cut extending along the whole length thereof on either side of the cut, said means being disengageable when the load thereon becomes greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: The distributor of a cigarette maker has an upwardly travelling conveyor which transports particles of tobacco past a rotating paddle wheel serving to remove the surplus of particles and to return the removed surplus into the magazine of the distributor. The paddle wheel is connected with a tachometer generator or is designed to actuate a switch in response to a reduction of its rotational speed and/or in response to deflection by one or more foreign objects in the mass of tobacco particles on the conveyor. The signal which is generated by the tachometer generator or in response to actuation of the switch entails a stoppage of the motor for the conveyor and/or of the motor for the paddle wheel.

Abstract: A loader/unloader assembly for use with a vertical tiltable platform stores conveyor having a horizontal load position, a vertical stowed position and an intermediate inclined unload position. The load platform contains guide pins cooperating with a race track-shaped guide groove for selectably positioning the load platform in the three positions. When the load platform is in the unload position, a spring biased camming plate prevents displacement of one of the guide pins except upon application of a predetermined downward force to the load platform which serves to move the camming plate to an inhibit position and activate a switch to disconnect power from the conveyor system and stop conveyor movement. The force necessary to trigger the inhibit action may be selectably adjusted on the loader/unloader assembly.

Abstract: A device for feeding cylindrical components such as diodes, resistors or capacitors includes a buffer container for receiving components from a storage container, a horizontal exit track at the bottom of the buffer container, a delivery container for receiving components from the exit track, and a zig-zag delivery track. The storage container and buffer container have serpentine chambers and vibrator assemblies are employed to move components through the containers. The flow of components is halted by stopping the vibrators, thereby controlling the component flow rate and preventing jamming.

Abstract: A flexible membrane (54) confines the rod-like articles in a transition zone (10) (which may be the filling head of a tray filler). The membrane is extended or retracted under tension in response to pressure of articles in the zone. The amount of extension or retraction is used to generate a signal which controls a conveyor (18) feeding articles to the zone (10) or a conveyor (38) taking articles away from the zone (e.g. in trays 36). The signal may be generated by a rotary potentiometer (64) rotatable with a spiral spring (62) to which the membrane (54) is connected.

Abstract: A load sensor for a concrete conveyor having a tremie which sounds a signal and releases the tremie in case the tremie becomes overloaded. The device has a U-shaped deflection yoke between the tremie and the conveyor which deflects under the weight of the tremie to close switches and actuate the appropriate safety device. All parts are protected from concrete to insure proper functioning.

Abstract: A load-unload device is disclosed for use in a vertical conveyor system hng means for sensing a jam condition between a downward moving conveyor tray and an article that has failed to remove from the load-unload device. The device includes linkage means for creating an over-center locked condition automatically releasable at a preset force. A spring receives the load due to a jam and develops the force necessary to unlock the linkage and allow the platform to move to a position for relieving the overload. A limit switch opens the conveyor drive motor down circuit as the platform moves. Provision is made for presetting a limited amount of platform movement without shutting off the conveyor.

Abstract: A metal detector device for an auger feed granulator is provided in association with the auger trough and comprises a plurality of first conductive plate elements in spaced-apart disposition axially along the bottom portion of the auger trough and a plurality of second conductive plate elements in spaced apart disposition axially along the bottom portion of the auger trough with each second plate element being disposed between adjacent pairs of first plate elements. The first and second plate elements are electrically insulated and have an upper portion disposed adjacent but spaced from the outer circumferential edge of the auger. An electrical circuit for detecting any metal object simultaneously contacting any one of the first plate elements and any one of the second plate elements is electrically connected thereto.

Abstract: A number of identical articles, for example, coiled filaments for electric lamps are retained by a shutter member at a starting station. When the article is not present in a hopper station which is arranged at an intermittent feeding mechanism of an article assembling station and which temporarily retains the article, the shutter member is opened so as to feed the article from the starting station to the hopper station through two chutes which are slanted at different angles. The article is fed to the intermittent feeding mechanism of the article assembling mechanism from the hopper station at the operating timing of the intermittent feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A conveyor system for use in coal mines and the like for automatically sensing by means of a gob switch positioned above the conveyor belt when a build-up of coal occurs because of an obstruction on the belt, and automatically activating a reciprocable operable ram which pushes the obstacle from the conveyor belt. The ram is electrically operated by means of a drive chain and includes a reversing switch for reversing the direction of ram movement at the point of furthest ram extension. The obstruction removing apparatus may be positioned to push the obstruction in a direction parallel to or transversely of the direction of movement of the second belt.