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: An apparatus for mining aggregate material from a seam includes a miner for cutting material from the seam and a conveyor for conveying the won aggregate material from the miner for recovery. The conveyor is formed by a series of individual conveyor units that are coupled or interconnected in series so as to form a train. The coupling comprises cooperating clevises and tongues interconnected by locking pins. Each unit includes a main frame supported on ground engaging wheels. A belt conveyor is supported in the main frame and a conveyor drive mechanism is provided on each unit. The apparatus also includes a launch vehicle. The launch vehicle includes a frame holding a conveyor for receiving won aggregate material from the conveyor train and for delivering that material to a discharge conveyor. Additionally, the launch vehicle includes a reciprocating drive assembly to aid in advancing the conveyor train and miner into the seam face.

Abstract: An extendable conveyor for conveying product having a base unit, at least two extendable units selectively nested within each other and the base unit and a conveying member supported by the base unit and any extended portions of the extendable units, each of the extendable units is supported by a cantilever support system from the next most inward extendable unit or the base unit, the cantilever support system for each extendable unit including at least one rearward support member on each extendable unit engaging the next most inward extendable unit or the base unit and at least one forward support member on the next most inward extendable unit of the base unit supporting the extendable unit, at least the rearward support members or the forward support members being laterally aligned in a vertical plane adjacent a lateral perimeter of the conveying member in order to allow a reduced range in width of the extendable units and thereby a wider conveying surface relative to the width of the base unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a column of spaced articles has a supply belt and a downstream-adjoining removal belt. The article transfer location between the two belts is formed by belt-supporting end rollers, one defining the downstream end of the supply belt and the other defining the upstream end of the removal belt. The two rollers together define an article transfer location. The two belt-supporting end rollers are mounted on a first carriage which is movable parallel to the conveying direction and which is attached to the upper reach of an endless flexible element. A second carriage is secured to the lower reach of the flexible element. On the second carriage there are mounted two deflecting rollers about which the supply belt and the removal belt are trained, respectively. The endless flexible element is supported by end rollers and is driven by a motor connected to a regulator.

Abstract: A controllable length conveyor suitable for use in a packaging machine comprises a pair of conveyor belts which are continuously driven in a given direction at a selected speed. The conveyor belts are mounted on a reciprocable frame and are arranged such that the product being conveyed resides between the belts and a run of each belt firmly engages and transports the product. The belt runs engaging the product can be made to extend and retract in correspondence with the product reaching a succeeding stage of packaging such as sealing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating the interfacing between indexing motion and continuous motion machines wherein interfacing structure is provided by a continuous motion interfacing loop conveyor which is operatively interposed between the discharge end of an indexing conveyor of the intermittent motion machine and an article-receiving end of a continually advancing receiving conveyor of the continuous motion machine. The interfacing loop conveyor has a reciprocatory or oscillating motion component superimposed on the continuous advance thereof proximate the article-discharging end of the indexing conveyor so as to correlate the relative speeds between the advance of the interfacing conveyor and that of the indexing conveyor end from which the articles of manufacture are transferred to the interfacing conveyor so as to produce a uniform transfer of the articles to the interfacing conveyor, and a continuous advance of the articles to the receiving conveyor of the continuous motion machine.

Abstract: A haulage system and related process are provided for intermediate continuous conveying of coal or other mined minerals from the discharge of a continuous mining device to a distant point (typically outside the mine) where the mineral is stockpiled or transferred to another conveyor. The continuous haulage device of this invention is able to advance behind the continuous miner without interruptions for repositioning, and to follow the continuous miner without intervention, as it proceeds into the mine entry and beyond. The subject haulage system is not mechanically coupled to the miner and does not rely on the miner for its locomotive power. The receiving end of the haulage system maintains its position beneath the miner discharge by means of a mechanical proximity sensor, which enables the system to mimic the irregular pattern of advancement typical of continuous mining systems.

Abstract: An article sorting and retrieval system for use in warehouses and distribution centers wherein articles are stored in vertical racks with open-sided storage bins. The system includes a linearly extensible lower conveyor assembly adapted to transport items parallel to the rows of storage bins and a vertically movable upper conveyor assembly located above and parallel to the lower conveyor assembly and adapted to convey articles in a direction opposite to that of the lower assembly and to be raised and lowered between an upper position and a lower position as desired so as to service all of the bins in each of the rows of bins. Another conveyor assembly is provided for conveying articles vertically between one end of the lower conveyor assembly and one end of the upper conveyor assembly and for reversing the direction of travel of the articles during that vertical movement.

Abstract: A launch vehicle is provided for a continuous mining system including modular conveyor units that may be connected together to form a conveyor train. The launch vehicle includes an elongated frame that holds a belt conveyor for conveying aggregate material that is received from the conveyor train. A drive assembly for selectively advancing and withdrawing the conveyor train is also provided on the launch vehicle. Additionally, the launch vehicle includes a mechanism for adding a modular conveyor unit to the conveyor train. More specifically, the conveyor train drive assembly includes a pair of cooperating tandem drive cylinders. Each drive cylinder includes a pusher arm unit that is adapted to engage one of the modular conveyor units of the conveyor train. The conveyor unit adding mechanism includes a positioning mechanism that holds and places a conveyor unit on the launch vehicle. A pusher cylinder is also provided to push the new conveyor unit into engagement with the rear of the conveyor train.

Abstract: The ship loading and unloading installation consists of a quayside gantry 0) with a vertically slewable jib (30) which is formed by a supporting arm (130) with a supporting frame (40) and a horizontally displaceable supporting frame (50) guided within the same which, at its free end carries a vertical conveyer (60) that can be made to travel in its height with a pallet conveying device constructed as a lifting platform (162), which interacts with a supplying or delivering path (70) for goods to be conveyed arranged in the jib (30), which comprises a conveying path (170) arranged within the supporting frame (50), a conveying path (270) arranged within the supporting frame (40) and a conveying path (370) arranged between these two conveying paths (170,270), which can be made to travel out from the interspace formed between the two conveying belts (170,270) through the supporting frame (50) being displaced out from the supporting frame (40), so that loaded pallets are transported on a conveying path with continu

Abstract: An extensible flat belt conveyor has a fixed section (1) and at least two extension sections (2) and (3). A chain (18) is carried over sprockets (21) and (22) on the portion (2) adjacent the fixed section (1), and its lower traverse is fastened to the fixed section while its upper traverse is fastened to the movable section (3). When a chain sprocket (22) is driven the movable section (3) travels twice as far and as fast as the section (2). A control module (25) is carried on the extending end of movable section (3), and is wired back to the fixed section (1) by an electrical cable (30) which extends through saddles (28) outstanding from the chain (18).

Abstract: Buffer storage unit for accumulating and releasing, in rows which are equidistant or have a programmed timing, products which arrive from a continuous advancement line and are arranged in non-equidistant rows, including a first conveyor belt (2) and a second conveyor belt (3) which are respectively actuated continuously and stepwise, and which have respective active portions (2a,3a) extending horizontally after one another. The belts are closed on themselves in a loop and are wound around respective sets of rollers, and the output roller (5a) of the first belt (2) and the input roller (7a) of the second belt (3) are mounted on a first slider (8) which is horizontally slidingly guided and which is associated with actuation elements which are controlled by sensors (16,17) which detect the presence of the products.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a large composting system as well as to a new composting method for the automatic production of compost. A mobile layer rearranging unit includes a conveyor system which is changeable with respect to length can be remote-controlled so that the influx of rotting matter is optimized according to throughput and rotting time and the rot loss is compensated for by repeatedly restoring the complete rot height. The required space requirement is less than before. Any mechanical intervention has a loosening effect, particularly in that the working device comprises upwardly working digging and conveyor wheels. All important parameters for the compost ripening can be monitored via free programming as well as by control by the system maintenance personnel.

Abstract: An auxilliary conveying apparatus for receiving and conveying mined ore from the discharge bridge or a mobile articulated conveyor. The apparatus includes an endless belt conveyor that is disposed at an angle between first and second stationary conveyors that intersect at right angles to one another. A first portion of the endless belt conveyor extends under a portion of the first, upstream stationary conveyor while a second portion of the endless belt conveyor extends over a portion of the second, downstream stationary conveyor. Guide rails are provided to guide the discharge bridge in a predetermined curvilinear path over the endless belt conveyor to enable the discharge bridge to deposit material thereupon. Other guide rails or tracks are supplied to guide the mobile articulated conveyor discharge in a predetermined path that is adjacent to the first and second conveyors and endless belt conveyor that is suited to its inherent turning radius.

Abstract: An auxiliary conveying apparatus for supporting and guiding a mobile articulated conveyor between discrete elevated roadways located on first and second intersecting stationary conveyors. The apparatus includes two portable arcuate conveyor troughs that are arranged between the first and second conveyors at their point of intersection. Each conveyor section has an endless chain therein that is adapted to be driven in an orbit by a separate drive motor. Pad members are transversely attached to the endless chain and are adapted to contact and advance the mined ore from one end of the trough to the other as the endless chain is driven in an orbit. Corresponding arcuate track members are provided to interface with the support tracks located on the intersecting stationary conveyors and to guide the mobile articulated conveyor in an arcuate path above the arcuate conveyor troughs.

Abstract: Supplying material to high-performance packaging machines is difficult, above all during the processing of blanks (20) consisting of thin cardboard for hinge-lid packs. The arrangement of the blanks (20) within a continuous material web (23), the blanks (20) being connected to one another by means of easily severable material webs (33), allows a continuous conveyance in the region of the packaging machine. For the continuous transport of the blanks (20), the material web (23) is folded in a zigzag-shaped manner to form a blank strand (24) consisting of blanks (20) lying against one another. The blank strand can be conveyed in space by being deflected in all directions. For transporting the blank strand (24) and for fixing the zigzag folding there are conveyor bands (39, 40, 41, etc) which bear against the blanks (20) in the region of longitudinal edges (21, 22) and/or transverse edges (25, 26).

Abstract: Mined material, such as coal, is transported in a curvilinear path. An endless conveyor belt is mounted by a string of wheeled cars having upper and lower sets of rollers. The cars are positioned at a sharp turn connecting first and second paths extending between a mine bore and a remote area. The cars positioned at the sharp turn reorient the conveyor belt from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position and back to a generally horizontal position. The mined material is moved off the conveyor belt before reorientation, at a location between the sharp turn and the mine bore. The cars have first and second sets of wheels with the frames pivotally connected between the wheels, for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to the axes of the wheels. Coupling elements connecting the cars together provide a universal joint action.

Abstract: An apparatus for mining aggregate material from a seam includes a miner for cutting material from the seam and a conveyor for conveying the won aggregate material from the miner for recovery. The conveyor is formed by a series of individual conveyor units that are interconnected in series so as to form a train. Each unit includes a main frame supported on ground engaging wheels. A belt conveyor is supported in the main frame and a conveyor drive mechanism is provided on each unit. The apparatus also includes a launch vehicle. The launch vehicle includes a frame holding a conveyor for receiving won aggregate material from the conveyor train and for delivering that material to a discharge conveyor. The launch vehicle also includes a pair of spaced guide tracks adapted to receive and guide the wheels that support an end conveyor unit of the conveyor train. Additionally, the launch vehicle includes a reciprocating drive assembly to aid in advancing the conveyor train and miner into the seam face.

Abstract: A transfer table, especially for packaging machines for stacks of paper in the paper industry comprises a plurality of rigid table elements which are linked together in the manner of a chain and are guided into a rigid transfer table configuration cantilevered on a support of the device in an extended position and capable of being guided into a zigzag or rolled-up position on the frame in a retracted position of the table. A transfer belt passes over the table and around deflection rollers mounted on the frame and defining compensating loops which contract as the table extends and expands as the table is contracted.

Abstract: An extensible conveyor for following a continuous tunneling or mining machine. The conveyor frame is made up of identical modules which can be added end to end at the end of the frame, the modules including return reach rollers. A separate carriage frame is independently supported on a mobile support which advances with the advance of the mining machine. The carriage frame advances over the conveying belt frame and includes a conveying belt pulley over which the conveying belt extends. The carriage frame spaces the conveying reach of the belt from the return reach thereof as the carriage is being advanced in order to allow conveying reach rollers to be placed onto the frame as the carriage frame advances. An impact plate is provided at the discharge end of a transfer conveyor, wherein the impact plate extends below the conveying reach of the belt of a first conveyor.

Abstract: Device for transferring objects (12) as e.g. lumps of dough--from a supply device--to a take up conveyor (14) provided with take up members (15), the transferring device including an endless conveyor (1) and a sensor (18) near the discharge end (5) of this conveyor (1) to signalize an object (12) present near the discharge end, the discharge end (5) being positioned on a slide (6) which is movable in the same direction as the conveyor (1) and in opposite direction, the discharge end (5) being positioned above the take up conveyor (14) while this is moving in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the transfer conveyor (1), the sensor (18) for signalizing an object (12) being mounted to the slide (6) which is provided with a second sesnor (19) to signalize the spot of the take up conveyor (14) where an object (12) can be brought onto the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus using a miner, tramming conveyor and cart-type belt system wherein the system has a plurality of interconnected rail mounted carts having a lower portion supporting a panel belt and an upper portion for supporting the conveyor in both a conveying and a tramming mode.

Abstract: A device for unloading and reloading includes a bridge with a first conveyer belt, the device being provided for delivering pourable goods to a destination along a quay and includes a tower for pivot-mounting the bridge; also sliding longitudinally on the tower one end of the bridge is provided for the discharge and transfer of goods from the first conveyer; a support carriage runs on rails along the quay; a carrier frame mounts that one end of the bridge to the carriage; and a depositing device with extended structure is pivoted about a vertical axis in an area of the frame mounting, and receives pourable goods from the first conveyer belt and delivers the goods for depositing by and at an end of the extended structure.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for carrying, advancing and retracting a conveyor in a mine. The invention eliminates the need for separate storage of unused conveyor material and provides a conveyor which can be either advanced or retracted at will and while loaded and operating. The invention comprises a monorail fixed to the roof of a mining tunnel, an elongate truss assembly movably suspended from the monorail, and a conveyor carried by the truss assembly. The monorail defines the path of travel for the truss and the position of the conveyor can be advanced and retracted within the tunnel by advancing or retracting the truss along the monorail.

Abstract: An extensible conveyor for following a continuous tunneling or mining machine. The conveyor frame is made up of identical modules which can be added end to end at the end of the frame, the modules including return reach rollers. A separate carriage frame is independently supported on a mobile support which advances with the advance of the mining machine. The carriage frame advances over the conveying belt frame and includes a conveying belt pulley over which the conveying belt extends. The carriage frame spaces the conveying reach of the belt from the return reach thereof as the carriage is being advanced in order to allow conveying reach rollers to be placed onto the frame as the carriage frame advances. An impact plate is provided at the discharge end of a transfer conveyor, wherein the impact plate extends below the conveying reach of the belt of a first conveyor.

Abstract: A method of and an arrangement for transporting piece goods and organized changing their position, include transporting goods in a plurality of substantially parallel tracks by a transporting device from a supply conveyor to a discharge conveyor spaced from one another in a predetermined direction, determining a position of the goods by sensing means at least in the region between the supply conveyor and the transporting device, supplying the goods to the transporting device with a means value of arrival and a variance of arrival therebetween, providing in the transporting device per each track at least three transporting conveyors and a transition between two neighboring one of the transporting conveyors, changing a speed of the transporting conveyors of the transporting device, and moving a respective one of the transitions in said direction to change their position, so that by changing the position of the transitions and the speed of the transporting conveyors pieces or groups of goods can change their pos

Abstract: A conveyor system for a multi-layer stream of cigarettes or the like includes a buffer reservoir (32) and a variable length elevator (12) for transferring cigarettes between a main conveyor (10) and the reservoir. The elevator (12) has a movable lower end (22,24) carrying a transfer conveyor (30) which rises and falls with the state of fill of the reservoir (32). The reservoir (32) comprises a rotatable drum (34) carrying an helical track (36). Drive devices (40,46) for the drum (34) and for the movable end (22,24) of the elevator (12) are synchronized and the conveying speed of the elevator is adjusted to compensate for movement of its lower end (22,24).

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for collating and stacking building components, such as roof tiles. The apparatus comprises pairs of shelves for receiving and supporting tiles which are fed into the shelves continuously by means of a conveyor arrangement. The shelves are moved downwards towards a stack support positioned beneath the shelves. As a pair of shelves becomes the lowermost pair, the two shelves move apart releasing the tile carried thereon onto the stack support to form part of a stack. When the stack is complete, the stack support is removed and the number of shelves between the uppermost and lowermost shelf increased to enable a predetermined number of tiles to be stored in the shelves while the stack support is being replaced.

Abstract: An extensible support system for endless conveyor belts and the like has a plurality of pairs of generally transversely aligned primary and secondary interconnected members, a plurality of flexible restrictive members, such as chains, secured between successive primary and secondary members to restrict the spacing of the members at their lower ends, transverse members interconnecting portions of the generally transversely aligned pairs of primary and secondary members, and a plurality of conveyor belt and the like supporting elements supported by pairs of either the primary or secondary members. A carrier for the pluralities of primary and secondary members is provided, which includes a pair of longitudinally extending rail members on which the primary or secondary members are supported and guided during movement to and from an extended position.

Abstract: A variable capacity reservoir (88) for rod-like articles in stack formation comprises a variable length elevator (26) having an upper outlet (66) which rises and falls with the level of articles in the reservoir. The elevator (26) includes an endless band (24) which may be projected upwards from the floor of the reservoir (88), an extending membrane (44) shielding articles in the reservoir from engagement with a return run of the band. The reservoir (88) may receive filter rods and be located at or closely adjacent to a filter cigarette assembling machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously transporting mined material for a determined distance from a continuous mining machine in a mine having a roof and a floor to a permanently installed extendable length conveyor in a mine. The method is accomplished by installing an overhead rail supported conveyor along and above the fixed and extendable length conveyor. The overhead rail supported conveyor has at least a length equal to the determined distance and in addition the overhead rail supported conveyor includes a pivoted feed. A self-propelled tramming conveyor is installed having a length at least equal to the determined distance with its discharge cooperating with the pivoted feed of the overhead rail supported conveyor and its feed adapted to receive the material mined by a continuous mining machine.

Abstract: A conveyor system including a mobile flexible conveyor train adapted to be supported on a mine floor to transport coal from a mining machine to a fixed conveyor positioned in a mine passageway, the conveyor system having a rail system for supporting the conveyor on the mine roof and including re-railer for coacting with trolleys on the flexible conveyor train to provide a smooth transition of the flexible conveyor train from the rail system to the mine floor and back onto the rail system.

Abstract: A materials handling system primarily for use in tunneling operations for transporting extracted material from a tunnel is disclosed comprising an overhead track from which are suspended an elongated conveyor and a train of mine cars or other transport units. The conveyor conveys materials from a loading zone to a discharge zone. The suspension arrangement for the conveyor and the train of mine cars is such that one mine car can be positioned at a materials receiving station beneath the conveyor for receiving materials discharging therefrom at the discharge zone while the remaining mine cars wait at a queuing station beneath the conveyor for movement in turn to the materials receiving station.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprising a first endless belt conveyor; a vibrating conveyor at an angle to the endless belt conveyor including a vibrating mechanism positioned beneath the belt conveyor to vibrate the belt conveyor along with the vibrating conveyor and to fluidize product on the belt conveyor; a diverter blade in contact with the belt conveyor adapted to vibrate with the belt conveyor, the blade being positioned and angled to divert fluidized product from the belt conveyor to the vibrating conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a platform conveyor, comprising a plurality of rectangular platforms, each being flexible in one direction, and two pairs of endless chains having equal lengths, and the pairs being connected to the corners at the front and rear side, respectively, of the platforms and being led over pairs of aligned guide sprockets, the chains extending substantially parallel to each other and guiding the platforms in a horizontal position through a transport part from an upper load or unload point to a lower unload or load point or vice versa, and bringing the platforms back through a return part, wherein the transport part includes a section having a substantial vertical component, and the platforms are deflected at both load and unload points. A guide assembly is provided to adjust the height between the upper load or unload point and the lower unload or load point.

Abstract: Particulate mats are transported from the downstream end of an upstream conveyor normally moving continuously in a longitudinal transport direction at a predetermined relatively slow speed to a press downstream in the direction from the upstream conveyor that receives the mats and presses them into hard panels by supporting the mats between the upstream conveyor and the press on a downstream conveyor having an upstream end spaced downstream from the downstream end and a downstream end at the press and an intermediate conveyor extending between the upstream end of the downstream conveyor and the downstream end of the upstream conveyor and having a length in the direction at least equal to that of each of the mats in the direction. A carriage supporting the downstream end of the upstream conveyor, the intermediate conveyor, and the upstream end of the downstream conveyor is reciprocated in the direction at a frequency related to mat size and speed.

Abstract: A loading and unloading apparatus comprises two superimposed conveyors (20, 40) formed by endless conveyor belts and spirally arranged in a vertical supporting frame (10). One conveyor (20) is fixed, while the other conveyor (40) is arranged in a supporting cage (30) rotatable about the vertical conveyor spiral longitudinal axis. The supporting cage (30) is arranged in rotary manner on an extendable and retractable supporting member section (111) of the cylindrical supporting member (11) carrying the supporting frame (10), so that the upper end (44) of conveyor (40) comes to rest above or below the lower end (25) of conveyor (20), in the case of a corresponding rotation of supporting cage (30).

Abstract: A feed system for feeding light-weight materials, such as tobacco, into large blending and/or bulking bins. The present invention resides primarily in a novel, light-weight feed system comprising a trolley and a shuttle conveyor adapted to reciprocatingly feed rapidly in either a longitudinal or lateral direction with a minimum amount of inertia during acceleration and deacceleration. A feed conveyor deposits said material onto the shuttle conveyor, said feed conveyor comprising drive elements adapted to synchronize movement of the feed conveyor with movement of the shuttle conveyor. The shuttle conveyor, at least in the X direction, is unencumbered mechanically by the feed conveyor.

Abstract: A transfer unit for serial re-orientation of plural items comprising an item supply train and a rotatable drum within a cylindrical housing. The items are provided serially to an inlet to the housing by a chain ladder or other mechanical means, and are longitudinally and axially re-oriented in the housing for transfer out of the housing. The drum is rotatable about its axis to provide further re-orientation of the items. All internal components of the rotatable drum are synchronously driven by mechanical means, and positive mechanical control of the serially supplied items is maintained at all times.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying apparatus, in particular for loading and/or unloading ships, comprising a helical belt conveyor for the transport along a helical path, which helical belt conveyor has an at least substantially vertical central shaft and is provided with at least one endless conveyor belt, said conveyor belt having an upper run which follows a helical path, the apparatus further including an upper feed or discharge conveyor and a lower discharge or feed conveyor. According to the invention the helical belt conveyor is rotatable through at least 360.degree. about the centerline of the central shaft, while the upper feed or discharge conveyor comprises an end conveyor, which is movable with respect to the main portion of the upper feed or discharge conveyor, the free end of this end conveyor continuously joining the upper run of the (upper) endless conveyor belt of the helical belt conveyor.

Abstract: A bulk material unloader includes parallel, spaced-apart main and back barges or pontoons which are held in fixed relationship with respect to each other by four collar frames. Two parallel cargo lighters are positioned between pontoons and the unloader is moored alongside ship. The two midship collar frames support a two-legged main tower over the main barge and a two-legged back tower over the back barge. A horizontal boom assembly includes a back bridge extending between the towers and an outboard boom supported by the towers and normally extending away from the back bridge and over the ship in parallel, end-to-end alignment with the back bridge.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for transferring solid articles such as biscuits, without changing their position or spacing, between an upstream machine discharging the articles at a constant speed for a downstream machine having a higher rated speed with short dwells. The articles are fed from the upstream machine to a first linear conveyor and a second, parallel linear conveyor feeds in the opposite direction the articles towards the downstream machine. A circular turntable or semicircular conveyor has a semicircular path of movement between the first and second conveyors for transferring the articles therebetween. The turntable or semicircular conveyor is mounted for translation on a carriage parallel to the first and second conveyors.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for continuously regularizing the transfer of solid products having a maximum input spacing on an input conveyor, onto an output conveyor on which these products have a constant minimum output spacing, with a spillway between the conveyors mounted on a movable carriage which is displaced either upstream or downstream of the product movement depending on the delivery rate between conveyors.

Abstract: This invention relates to a power-driven conveyor system for transporting and accumulating a plurality of items along a path of movement from a source to a destination. The system includes a horizontally oriented section for accumulating the items along the path and an apparatus for transporting the items therealong. The apparatus may be either a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart endless belts or a plurality of conveying sections interconnected together to form an endless carrier. Each section of the carrier may constitute itself a device for directly carrying one of the items. The invention provides an effective horizontal accumulator for items on a production or an assembly line operating at a relatively high speed. The accumulator operates on the FIFO principle so that, upon a malfunction of either upstream or downstream equipment, dated or otherwise sequentially marked items are stored in such a manner that the first item into the system is the first item to come out.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a plurality of items to a unit having a variable demand. The apparatus includes a frame rotatably supporting a first shaft in a fixed position, and a last shaft rotatably supported in a fixed position, the last shaft supplying items to the unit, the first shaft discharging the items from the apparatus at a variable rate, and at least two rotatable pivotally mounted, intermediate shafts to guide the items between the first and last shafts and accumulate them during load demand. The rate of feed by the last shaft is different from that of the first shaft and is determined at least by the extent of accumulation at the intermediate shafts, and optionally also by the differential in feed rate existing between the first and last shafts.

Abstract: A machine for stacking rectangular sheets of relatively rigid material such as panels, counters, doors, plastic sheets, or the like which has an input conveyor for receiving the panels as they are placed horizontally thereon, an elevator conveyor pivotally connected to the discharge end of the input conveyor on a horizontal axis for raising and lowering movement, a discharge conveyor at the outer end of the elevator conveyor, a conveyor drive motor for driving the conveyors, elevator motor for moving the elevator conveyor about its pivot axis, and a switch on the discharge conveyor for activating the elevator motor as a panel is discharged therefrom to raise the elevator conveyor a selected distance prior to discharge of the next panel. The machine also includes a mechanism on the input conveyor for straightening any panel disposed thereon prior to its movement onto the elevator conveyor.

Abstract: A device for removing the earth generated while tunneling to install conduit, pipe or the like. The earth removed from the tunnel is conveyed to the surface as it is generated. The apparatus includes a first auger-conveyor disposed at the side of the tunneling machine having a tray for catching the loose dirt from the tunneling operation as the tunneling advances, and a plurality of inlet apertures along the outer wall of the conveyor to ingest the loose dirt generated. A second auger-conveyor consumes the discharge of the first conveyor translating the loose dirt to the surface.

Abstract: A helical conveyor for transporting cargo or the like along a helical stretch, having a substantially vertical central axis and equipped with an endless conveyor belt, the upper run of this conveyor belt following a helical path and ending at the lower end and at the upper end in a substantially horizontal generating line. A feed or discharge conveyor, which is displaceable with respect to the helical conveyor, joins the upper run of the conveyor belt of the helical conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying concrete mix to distant, elevated points includes a two-segment discharge conveyor with its outer segment suspended from a movable trolley that is mounted on the boom of a cantilever crane. The segments are pivotally joined and the discharge point of the outer segment may be positioned by swinging the boom and first conveyor and driving the trolley along the boom.

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