Abstract: An apparatus for continuously grouping or marshalling objects together on a conveyor includes the conveyor being divided into a first and a second conveyor section, where the second conveyor section has a higher speed than the first conveyor section. The conveyor sections have a common plane on which the objects are advanced. The conveyor sections each have two bending rollers in the common plane, each of which have a bending roller lying closely adjacent one another. Between the rollers placed adjacent one another is disposed an arrest member. The arrest member is movable through 90 degrees in relation to the common plane. The arrest member is moreover, together with the bending rollers, displaceable along the common plane.

Abstract: An extendable conveyor comprises a base conveyor section, at least two extendable conveyor sections selectively positionable relative to each other and the base conveyor section, a conveyor member arranged to provide a conveying surface on said conveyor sections, and a number of elongate drive members adapted to drive an associated extendable conveyor section in a forward or backward direction relative to the next inner extendable conveyor section or the base conveyor section, wherein an elongate drive member providing the forward movement of the associated extendable conveyor section comprises at least one anchor point disposed to a suitable height such that the elongate drive member is arranged above a bottom plane of the next inner extendable conveyor section.

Abstract: A storable transfer conveyor system for moving bundles from an upstream conveyor to a downstream conveyor utilizing a storable transfer conveyor which is movable from a first operative position, wherein the bundles are transferred to the downstream conveyor, to a second stored position on top of the downstream conveyor. When the storable transfer conveyor is in the second stored position, nearly all of the floor space occupied by the storable transfer conveyor when it was in the first operative position is vacated and available for another use and for operators to freely traverse the formerly occupied floor space. Transfer of the storable transfer conveyor is preferably nearly entirely by powered conveyors, requiring very minimal manual effort on the part of the operators of the equipment. In some applications, the storable transfer conveyor may be manually pushed or pulled in and out of a stored position.

Abstract: A track-and-trolley conveyor guidance system for collecting and moving material into or away from a selected bin (30a, 30b, 30c) that resides within an array of storage bins. The conveying system comprises three or more trolleys (90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95a, 95b, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108) that move along at least one track (79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d, 86e, 86f, 87a, 87b, 88a, 88b, 89) to create a guide assembly for a conveyor (60).

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus including a conveying member defining a loop that may be used for transferring a product into a container. The conveying member can be a belt, a chain, or plurality of hinged plates. The invention also includes first and second supporting members individually disposed at opposite sides of the loop and spaced a first distance apart from one another. The first and second supporting members support rotating movement of the conveying member. The invention also includes a moving device operable to translate the first and second supporting members concurrently along a path having at least one bend. The lengths of the portions of the conveying member disposed on opposite sides of the bend can be adjusted by the moving device.

Abstract: A conveying system for distributing material into any bin in a horizontal array of storage bins comprises a circular guide positioned over the array of bins (24), a linear guide (22) that rotates along the circular guide, and a conveyor (30) that is supported by the linear guide. By rotating the linear guide and attached conveyor along the circular guide and by shuttling the conveyor linearly, the conveyor has an infinite number of discharge points to fill any one of the underlying array of bins.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable telescoping conveyor conveys parcels from a supply source to the interior of a freight trailer or other load body. The conveyor includes a pair of elongated conveyor sections which are oriented in overlying relation when in retracted position. The lower conveyor section is extended longitudinally in relation to the upper conveyor section when in an extended position. Each conveyor section includes a declining conveyor structure extending from an elevated infeed end to a lower discharge end with each conveyor structure including a plurality of closely spaced, transversely extending parallel undriven rollers for movement of parcels or other items or materials by gravity throughout the length of the conveyor sections when the conveyor sections are in extended on partially extended relation.

Abstract: An adjustable length conveyor bed includes conveyor sections that are movably positioned relative to one another and that include at least one belt support or roller at an upper portion of the respective sidewalls. A fixed roller support is mounted to one section and has a fixed roller rotatably mounted thereto. A continuous belt is reeved along a belt routing path around the rollers and defines a conveying surface at and along the support rollers. A guide roller is movable with the other section and relative to the fixed roller to maintain a generally constant tension in the belt as the conveyor bed is adjusted. The sections are movable relative to one another and securable at a desired degree of extension by securing the other section relative to the fixed roller support.

Abstract: A portable radially stacking conveyor has a telescoping stinger, with the stinger and main section sharing a single conveyor belt having a single drive mechanism.

Abstract: A mobile feeder has a distributor conveyor band which is adjustable in at least a height direction. The distributor conveyor band is connected to a carrier frame and can be removed with the carrier frame from the mobile feeder. The mobile feeder is equipped with a mounting device for the distributor conveyor band. The mounting device at least temporarily is provided at the mobile feeder, can be set on the ground, and engages the carrier frame from below. Matching connection assemblies releasably connect the carrier frame to the mounting device. Drive assemblies at the mounting device adjust the carrier frame relative to the mobile feeder to a ground contact position of the distributor conveyor band.

Abstract: An extendable conveyor has an extendable conveyor section supported in a cantilevered manner including at least one extendable conveyor unit that is extendable between an extended position and a retracted position nested within the extendable conveyor section. The conveyor further includes a user interface section supported in a cantilevered manner from the extendable conveyor unit.

Abstract: Extendable and retractable conveyors feature guide members whose cooperation is substantially limited to that necessary for guiding the conveyor during extension and retraction. The conveyor may be formed by several nestable conveyor segments. The guide members are mounted to, or formed by, different portions of the conveyor segments such that they slidably cooperate to guide the conveyor during extension and retraction in different environments without the conveyor jamming or binding.

Abstract: Mobile conveyor modules are used for transporting aggregate over a long distance, or for transferring the aggregate to other modules, and for stacking the aggregate either linearly or radially. These modules may be used in various combinations by themselves or in combination with existing conveyor systems and bridge stackers to stack aggregate on and off multi-lift leach pads and on multi-lift dump sites. The mobile conveyor modules are designed to be steerable and self-propelled, providing increased maneuverability and reducing relocation/reformation time. Multiple stacking methods may be used with the mobile conveyor modules either separately, or at the same time, advance and retreat stacking, the stacking of a berm, or the filling in of a corridor, may be accomplished on a variety of terrain.

Abstract: A mobile feeder B has a distributor conveyor band V which at least is adjustable in height direction. The distributor conveyor band V is connected to a carrier frame T and can be removed with its carrier frame T from the mobile feeder B. The mobile feeder is equipped with a mounting device M, M′ for the distributor conveyor band V. The mounting device at least temporarily is provided at the mobile feeder, can be set on the ground 20 and engages from below under the carrier frame T. Matching connection assemblies A1, A2, A3, A1′, A2′, A3′ releasably connect the carrier frame T to the mounting device. Drive assemblies Z, Z1 at the mounting device and/or at the distributor conveyor band V serve to adjust the carrier frame relative to the mobile feeder to a ground contact position of the distributor conveyor band (V).

Abstract: An adjustable roller conveyor module includes a first support structure comprising first and second laterally spaced, longitudinally extending frame members. A first roller set supported by the first support structure includes rollers rotatable about lateral axes equi-spaced in accordance with a predetermined roller-axis spacing. A second support structure is carried between the first and second frame members of the first support structure for longitudinal reciprocation between fully retracted and extended positions. The second support structure supports a second roller set including rollers rotatable about lateral axes coplanar with the axes of the first roller set and equi-spaced in accordance with the predetermined roller-axis spacing. Selected rollers of the first roller set are removable to accommodate retraction of the second support structure.

Abstract: A chamber-type vacuum packaging machine (20) equipped with a conveyor assembly (28) is provided which has increased productivity and ease of use inasmuch as the assembly (28) permits rapid assembly-line transfer of packages between the loading station (52) and the sealing station (60) of the machine (20). The assembly (28) includes a continuous belt (90) presenting an upper run (94) and a lower run (96) together with end-mounted roller assemblies (98, 100) which support the belt (90) and permit selective shifting of the upper run (94) between the stations (52, 60) in order to transfer loaded packages to be sealed to the sealing station (60). In order to facilitate mounting of the assembly (28) and periodic breakdown thereof for cleaning and/or replacement of belt (90), the assembly (28) is configured so that the upper and lower runs (94, 96) are both located atop the table (24) of the machine (20).

Abstract: A chamber-type vacuum packaging machine (20) equipped with a conveyor assembly (28) is provided which has increased productivity and ease of use inasmuch as the assembly (28) permits rapid assembly-line transfer of packages between the loading station (52) and the sealing station (60) of the machine (20). The assembly (28) includes a continuous belt (90) presenting an upper run (94) and a lower run (96) together with end-mounted roller assemblies (98, 100) which support the belt (90) and permit selective shifting of the upper run (94) between the stations (52, 60) in order to transfer loaded packages to be sealed to the sealing station (60). In order to facilitate mounting of the assembly (28) and periodic breakdown thereof for cleaning and/or replacement of belt (90), the assembly (28) is configured so that the upper and lower runs (94, 96) are both located atop the table (24) of the machine (20).

Abstract: In an apparatus, a layer of powders bearing patterns is laid on a rest surface of a belt conveyor, the conveyor belt is introduced between the bottom die and the top die above a cell afforded in the bottom die, the layer of powders is unloaded into the cell by a swift withdrawal of the belt conveyor. The withdrawal of the unloading end of the conveyor belt is carried out with no relative dragging between the rest surface and the bottom of the layer of powders, by a movement which is parallel to the rest surface and which is very rapid.

Abstract: An adjustable roller conveyor module includes a first support structure comprising first and second laterally spaced, longitudinally extending frame members. A first roller set supported by the first support structure includes rollers rotatable about lateral axes equi-spaced in accordance with a predetermined roller-axis spacing. A second support structure is carried between the first and second frame members of the first support structure for longitudinal reciprocation between fully retracted and extended positions. The second support structure supports a second roller set including rollers rotatable about lateral axes coplanar with the axes of the first roller set and equi-spaced in accordance with the predetermined roller-axis spacing. Selected rollers of the first roller set are removable to accommodate retraction of the second support structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly loading vehicles or other load carrying compartments has an extensible conveyor attached to a base frame by means of a wheel and track design. The load may be applied to the extensible conveyor from any direction by a variety of means. Items are applied to the extensible conveyor until the load is substantially equivalent to the maximum load capacity of the load carrying compartment. The conveyor is then extended into the compartment and retracted. As it retracts, the load remains within the compartment. The device preferably has a number of safety features to avoid accidents.

Abstract: Equipment for feeding product groups to a conveyor for their packaging, wherein the groups of products (13), are divided and spaced, for transfer onto the conveyor (12). The equipment includes a transport unit (15) that is moveable in the direction of the conveyor (12) and may be lowered and lifted towards the conveyor. The transport unit (15) receives the divided and spaced product groups (13) and releases the divided and spaced product groups on belts (45) that continuously advance in the direction of a pusher tug conveyor (40, 41). The pusher tug conveyor is associated with and is a part of said conveyor (12). Motors (43, 25) for the pusher tug conveyor (40, 41), for the belts (45) and for the transport unit (15) are controllable in phase, by means of a common processor (49).

Abstract: An outer extendable boom or extension is implemented on an extendable conveyor of conventional design, which includes at least two extendable units, each of which is nested within the next inwardly positioned unit and adjustably positioned between an extended position and a retracted position. The outer boom includes a pair of opposite side members which extend within an outer conventional extendable unit and a conveying surface. A support system is provided to support the outer boom as it extends and retracts within the outer extendable unit. A forward support member of the support system is laterally aligned with the side members and a cantilever support member is vertically spaced from a rearward end of the side members, such that a reduced range in width and a reduced range in height of the extendable units may be achieved.

Abstract: An extendable conveyor has an extendable conveyor section supported in a cantilevered manner including at least one extendable conveyor unit that is extendable between an extended position and a retracted position nested within the extendable conveyor section. The conveyor further includes a user interface section supported in a cantilevered manner from the extendable conveyor unit. The user interface section is vertically adjustable about a horizontal axis and horizontally adjustable about a vertical axis. The extendable conveyor includes a conveying surface defined on the extendable conveyor section and the user interface section. The user interface section is vertically adjustable by an actuator that is preferably an electric motor type linear actuator that is horizontally oriented. This allows the actuator to fit within the side profile of the interface of the user interface section with the extendable conveyor unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for processing lumpy, essentially spherical material such as pellets, so that the lumpy material can be applied on a surface that is set in an essentially continuous motion, as an advantageous layer for the further processing of said material, said apparatus comprising means (1) for conveying the material and for feeding the material onto a surface (15) that is set in an essentially continuous motion. According to the invention, the conveyor (1) is installed movably in an alternating motion between two positions (3, 4) in order to feed the material conveyed by the conveyor (1) as a layer (16) that is advantageous both in thickness and in cross-section onto a surface (15) set in an essentially continuous motion.

Abstract: A portable telescoping radial stacking conveyor for stacking bulk material such as aggregate, sand, coal, wood chips, grain, and similar materials has a fully extended length of 150 feet and a towing length of 80 feet or less. The unit may be converted from a highway transportable configuration to an operating configuration by one individual in approximately twenty minutes. Hydraulically operated radial drive wheels, elevating struts and stinger positioner can be manually controlled or controlled with a programmable logic controller (PLC) to position the discharge point at the desired location at the desired time. Segregation of stacked material according to particle size can be controlled by appropriately relocating the conveyor discharge point at frequent intervals so that the material is deposited in small piles that form layers of stockpiled material instead of the usual single large stockpile.

Abstract: A stage (3) for holding a boom body (4), which is composed of a plurality of boom components (15, 41, 42), is mounted on a tower mast (2) so as to be turnable by means of a servomotor. A servomotor (56, 61) for turning the next boom component is provided on the distal end of each boom component. Each boom component is provided with a belt conveyor, and granule that is pulled up from the ground to the position of the stage (3) by means of a bucket (5) is transported by means of the conveyor and thrown out from a boom body end (66). As this is done, the respective turns of the stage 3 and each boom component are controlled in accordance with the rotation of the servomotor, and the boom body end (66) is controlled, whereby the granule can be thrown out into any desired position within a operable range.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a mobile bin device having a mobile bin with a first conveyor extending along the bottom of the bin beneath a bin opening to convey material in the bin to one end of the bin. A second belt conveyor has one end pivotally mounted to the one end of the bin to pivot relative to the bin upward and downward and to one side or the other. The second conveyor is slidably mounted in its pivotal mounting to side longitudinally in the mounting to along the one end of the bin beneath the one end of the first conveyor to shorten or lengthen the distance from the outer end of the first conveyor to the outlet end of the second conveyor at the one end of the bin. Power devices are provided to power the upward and downward movement of the second conveyor and the longitudinal movement of the second conveyor.

Abstract: A Method of stacking product directly from a conveyor, comprising the steps of conveying a product toward the end of a conveyor; supporting a leading edge of the produce as the leading edge exists the conveyor; releasing the leading edge and a following edge of the product with such timing as to cause the product to fall substantially flat onto a platform; and articulating the conveyor, whereby product is stacked in a pattern.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for excavating material from a mining or reclamation operation, and is generally considered useful in open cast mining operations. The apparatus has a first conveyor and a second conveyor attached to a chassis. The first conveyor is fitted with a material remover such as a excavator bucket on a first end. Material discharges from the first conveyor onto a second conveyor which is generally longitudinally aligned with the first conveyor and has a material receiving point located elevationally below the discharge point of the first conveyor. The first conveyor is moved in a forward direction by a crowder which consists of motion generally along the coincident longitudinal axes of the two conveyors. The first end of the first conveyor which is fitted with the excavating bucket is elevationally moved by virtue of a boom and cable configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable yoke assembly adapted to pivotally connect components of a continuous haulage system designed for use in underground excavation environments. The yoke assembly is vertically adjustable relative to the component it is carried on by selectively securing the assembly to the component through a series vertically aligned openings.

Abstract: A method for mounting food products or the like, has the steps of: (a) transferring food products on a continuously moving conveyor in a column; (b) detecting the food product by a food product detecting sensor attached to a predetermined position of the conveyor, wherein each food product is transferred with position data thereof given by a control unit; and (c) mounting each food product at a preset position on a receiving surface with a food product discharge end section of the conveyor being caused to withdraw at a speed corresponding to the position data thereof.

Abstract: A single endless belt lift conveyor has lower criss-cross return segments that are guided by vertically spaced guide rollers that rotate about vertical axes. The vertical guide rollers are mounted to adjacent towers spaced along a telescoping boom of the conveyor. This arrangement ensures that load carrying cleats on the belt clear each other and allows the boom to be leaned against a roof, gutter, or other supporting structure without the cleats striking the same.

Abstract: An extendable trailer for loading and unloading items from a truck trailer, or other type of transportation unit, includes a user interface section. The user interface section is cantilever supported and both longitudinally and horizontally movable. The user interface section is attached to a mechanically extendable section that includes a conveying surface separate from the conveying surface of the user interface section. The user interface section may be vertically pivotable and may include a locking system which allows longitudinal movement of the user interface section only when the mechanically extendable section is in a fully retracted position. A cable retracting unit is positioned on the mechanically extendable section adjacent the user interface section and takes up slack in the power cable supplying power to the user interface section.

Abstract: A low profile, wide belt mobilized bridge carrier is used in low vein mining operations. The mobilized bridge carrier of the present invention includes a carrier frame that carries the propulsion system and that supports the receiving boom, the discharge boom, the cab assembly and the canopy. The preferred mobilized bridge carrier is track propelled, and includes at least a pair of crawler track assemblies which are actuated by an electrically operated hydraulic motor. The receiving boom and the discharge boom are pinned together and each are pivotally mounted on carrier frame at a main pivot point. The carrier frame is of reinforced construction. The receiving boom and discharge boom of the present invention include low profile side panel assemblies which allow the present mobilized bridge carrier to be used in "low vein" mining applications.

Abstract: Telescoping rigid frame/scissor conveyors with suspension structures to accommodate less than totally flat surfaces, and for easy and ergonomic repositioning. Such conveyors are formed of a plurality of telescoping frame segments which may be positioned at any number of desired nested/unnested configurations. The frame segments bear a lazy tong or scissors conveyor structure which assures uniform roller spacing, and rollers positioned at one height along the conveyor rather than at different heights for each frame segment. The conveyors are adapted to bear greater weight than conventional lazy tongs conveyors, but contain suspension systems in order to conform to irregularities in factory and warehouse floors and slabs and for easy movement.

Abstract: A continuous unloader includes upper sprockets, lower sprockets located below the upper sprockets, and front sprockets located in front of the lower sprockets. An endless bucket conveyer is operatively taken on the upper, lower and front sprockets. A support frame supports the upper sprockets. An elevation/lowering mechanism is provided at a lower end of the support frame. A base part is operatively connected to the lower end of the support frame by way of the elevation/lowering mechanism such that the base part is raised and lowered by the elevation/lowering mechanism relative to the support frame. A link mechanism is connected to the front and lower sprockets such that the front and lower sprockets are lowered when the distance between the front and lower sprockets is narrowed and the front and lower sprockets are raised when the distance between the front and lower sprockets is widened.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly (11) for attachment to a conveyor belt boot end (10) for use in a mine. The conveyor assembly (11) includes two conveyor modules (12) and (13) which are towed by the boot end (10). The two conveyor modules (12) and (13) enable assembly of a conveyor structure (16) to support the conveyor belt (17). The conveyor structure (16) is constructed during movement of the boot end (10).

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel extension apparatus and method for providing a selectively adjustable conveying path for sheet articles between sheet processing apparatuses. The extension apparatus includes a base bracket with a pair of rotatably movable spring-loaded bracket arms attached to a shaft extending therethrough. A pair of bracket arm rollers are attached to each of the bracket arms. An extension plate is positioned above and slidably movable on the base bracket, and a pair of rotatable extension rollers are rotatably attached to a shaft extending through the extension plate such that slidable movement of the extension plate simultaneously and identically moves the extension rollers. A pair of rear rollers are utilized and are operatively aligned with an extension roller and a pair of the bracket arm rollers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extensible endless conveyor belt support structures and systems. A support structure has vertical support members (8) connected by V-shaped arrangements of pivotally connected (17, 19) link members (7, 9). By mounting at least the upper belt run rollers (4) on the vertical supports (8) the load can be more effectively supported whilst providing a relatively high ratio of extended to contracted length. By using telescopically extendable (14, 15) vertical supports (8), any increase in overall height of the support structure upon contraction thereof is minimized or avoided. By also having detachable lower belt run rollers (23) the support structure can be inserted into an endless conveyor belt installation without dismantling or even stopping running thereof. The invention also provides systems including setting devices for holding the support structures in their contracted form and deploying and collecting them into and from their extended conditions.

Abstract: A feed device for transporting material from a remote location to a feed lower end of a transportation auger comprises a belt carried on a support frame with that support frame being stored in a stored position on top of the main auger tube. The auger tube carries a guide track with a support head movable along the track from a raised position at the top of the track to a lowered position at the bottom of the track. The support head pushes the feed device along the track to a deployed position beyond the lower end of the track at which the support head carries the upper end of the feed device and hold it at a position so that the feed material carried by the feed device is deposited at the lower end of the auger tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing tablets or pills or the like issuing from a tablet or pill press and processing them further in a plurality of containers (125, 126, 127) standing cramped on a restricted area. After leaving the tablet or pill press, the tablets or pills are conveyed upwards and, by gravity alone without the application of further energy, pass from top to bottom through an oblique deburring and dust-removing station (12) and a distributing guide (15) to divide the flow of tablets or pills into two partial streams which are taken to either a metal testing device (18) or a tablet or pill testing device (19) with a sample collector (22); the tablets or pills found to be faultless are taken further by gravity to a belt conveyor (107, 112) which takes the tablets or pills to and inserts them in a predetermined container (125, 126, 127).

Abstract: The connecting belt bridge provided with the feed end side and the discharge side end each supported on their respective travelling means, the discharge side travelling means including a travelling unit which is not railbound, the connecting belt bridge being pivotally supported on the discharge side travelling means about a vertical as well as a horizontal axis and on the feed side travelling means by a longitudinally displaceable single point support including a support beam which can be horizontally aligned and has at its feed side end a feed jib hinged on by way of a horizontal transverse axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for producing smart cards, characterized in that it comprises a station (1) for milling recesses in batches of plastic cards associated with a station (3) for inlaying integrated circuits in said recesses, said milled cards being conveyed from milling station (1) to inlaying station (3) by a transfer system (2) making possible an adaptation to the speed differences of the stations (1, 3) and to the positioning differences of these stations (1, 3).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for arranging a plurality of containers into desired patterns and palletizing the containers onto pallets. The apparatus has an infeed conveyor and an orienting unit having a receiving end and a moveable discharge end. The orienting unit includes a pair of side-by-side orienting conveyor belts which have independent speed controls. A container on the pair of orienting conveyor belts can be rotated by controlling the differential speed of the pair of belts. The receiving end of the orienting unit is pivotably connected to a fixed stanchion so as to permit the discharge end of the orienting unit to rotate in a horizontal plane. The orienting unit is also constructed so that its length may be lengthened or shortened to discharge the container at any location on a pattern forming table. A pusher bar transfers a layer of containers from the forming table onto an adjacent surface. The adjacent surface is horizontally slid from beneath the layer of cartons onto a pallet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conveyor belt/cutting head advancement mechanism (10). Mechanism (10) comprises a conveyor belt support structure (11) connected at one end to a conveyor belt gathering structure (12). The conveyor belt support structure (11) is typically interconnected at its forward end to a self advancing conveyor return end (not shown). Material removed from a mine face by the cutting implement is delivered to a conveyor belt supported by the support structure (11). Structure (11) comprises a plurality of structural elements (18) pivotally interconnected in a scissor-like configuration. The mid points of elements (18) are pivotally interconnected at a point coinciding with the mounting location of a conveyor belt return roller (16). At the upper pivotally interconnected extremities of elements (18), the conveyor belt advancing rollers are supported. Mounted at a location nearby the lower ends of elements (18) are ground engaging wheels (17).

Abstract: A multiple section conveyor for the positioning of loose items for manual loading or stacking is, in combination, a first, telescoping gravity fed conveyor connected with a second powered elevated and delivery conveyor, controlled by the arrival of objects at the end of the second powered conveyor. The combination is coupled to a mobile, powered elevating work platform, to provide cargo items to a work crew at a controlled rate and at a proper height for safest handling, over the range of motions and elevations of the work platform.

Abstract: A flexible feeder conveyor system for removing material from a stockpile and transporting the removed material to a fixed conveyor. The system includes an underconveyor positioned below an excavator and having a loading hopper attached to its forward end to receive material and transport it beneath the excavator a rearward end of the underconveyor. A string of trailing conveyors is towed behind the underconveyor with the last trailing conveyor having its rearward end attached to a stationary terminal support positioned at the fixed conveyor. The underconveyor, the trailing conveyors, and the terminal support are connected together using transition hoppers. Each transition hopper includes an upper hopper mounted to the raised rearward end of the forward conveyor, and a lower hopper mounted to the forward end of the next rearward conveyor. The forward end of the conveyor is rollingly supported by a pair of caster wheels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a material handling apparatus, commonly known as a slewing bridge shiploader or linear shiploader, having front and rear pivotal supports and a movable boom traversing the bridge. The front end support of the bridge is movable along a front linear track extending parallel to the ship and the rear support is movable along a rear linear track extending in a direction perpendicular to the front linear track. The bridge contains a conveyor running along its length and also running on the boom, which conveyor is fed from the rear end of the bridge. The conveyor slopes upward from its feed point at the rear of the bridge to the height of the boom, thereby permitting a reduction in bridge span. As the front end of the bridge moves along the front track, the rear end and its support move longitudinally along the rear track, while simultaneously the rear end of the bridge pivots relative to the rear support. The conveyor feed point is oriented over the rear end pivot point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material handling apparatus, commonly known as a slewing bridge shiploader or more specifically a linear shiploader, having front and rear pivotal supports. The front end support of the bridge is movable along a linear track extending transversely to the bridge and the rear support is movable in a direction perpendicular to the linear track. The bridge contains a conveyor running along its length which is fed from the rear end of the bridge. The linear track supporting the front end is oriented parallel to the ship or carrier to be loaded, and the linear track supporting the rear end is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ship. As the front end of the bridge moves along the linear track in a direction parallel to the ship being loaded, the rear end simultaneously pivots and moves longitudinally in a direction perpendicular to the ship being loaded.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a material dislodging mechanism and a cascading conveyor system extending rearwardly on a mobile frame. The cascading conveyor system includes a fixed, main conveyor and a discharge conveyor underlying the main conveyor and pivotally connected to a stabilizer shoe of the machine for lateral swinging movement 90.degree. on either side of the longitudinal axis of the mining machine. The fixed conveyor and the discharge conveyor are in linear alignment in a first mode of operation. The discharge conveyor is also vertically pivotal on the stabilizer shoe to permit lateral and vertical displacement of the discharge conveyor relative to the main conveyor in a second mode of operation. A dust collecting system includes a longitudinal duct extending beneath the fixed, main conveyor with dual inlets extending above the tracks of the mining machine rearwardly of the dislodging mechanism.