Abstract: A curved conveyor in a horizontal curved path section of a conveying path has an inner idler wheel array arranged to the inside of the horizontal curved path section with respect to an arc-shaped center line that passes through the center of the path width of the horizontal curved path section, and an outer driving wheel array arranged to the outside of the horizontal curved path section with respect to the arc-shaped center line, wherein the distance from the arc-shaped center line to the outer driving wheel array is smaller than the distance from the arc-shaped center line to the inner idler wheel array.

Abstract: A mining system includes: a vessel for processing mined ore, an upper platform coupled with the vessel, a lower platform supported by the ocean floor, a number of transport cables which extend between the upper and lower platform, and a container for containing ore which container is fixedly coupled to a container transporting cable such that the container moves vertically with the container transporting cable to transport the container in a container trajectory extending between the upper and lower platform.

Abstract: A conveying installation has a conveying belt, comprising at least one side wall, constructed from in each case one polymer material with elastic properties, and/or at least one cleat, constructed from in each case one polymer material with elastic properties, and also having drums, load-bearing rollers and load-bearing frameworks, wherein the conveying installation forms a material-conveying upper strand, with a supply location for the conveying material, and an at least material-free lower strand. In the conveying installation at least one side wall and/or at least one cleat of the conveying belt contain/contains at least one foamed polymer mix.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may provide a modular conveyor that includes a conveyor frame including an access opening, a plurality of conveyor buckets configured to move along a continuous path within the conveyor frame, and an access station where the contents of a conveyor bucket disposed at the access station may be accessible through the access opening. Each of the plurality of conveyor buckets may be configured to be substantially enclosed by the conveyor frame when not at the access station. The conveyor frame may include at least one channel disposed about a perimeter of the continuous path, where each of the plurality of conveyor buckets include at least one projection configured to engage the at least one channel. The conveyor buckets may be driven along the continuous path by a drive mechanism disposed outside of the conveyor frame.

Abstract: An articulated sample rack apparatus is disclosed. In one aspect, the articulated sample rack apparatus has a plurality of coupled rack components wherein at least some of the rack components have a receptacle having a bottom to receive a sample container, the rack having free ends and at least one hinge allowing articulation between at least some of the rack components. Conveyor systems and methods to convey sample racks are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A system is provided with a segmented solid feed pump having a plurality of pump segments coupled together in series along a path. Each pump segment of the plurality of pump segments has opposite side walls disposed about a holding receptacle. The segmented solid feed pump also includes a first transport section disposed along a first portion of the path, wherein the first transport section includes a first inlet duct, a first outlet duct, and first opposite guides extending between the first inlet duct and the first outlet duct.

Abstract: A crossbelt sorter system and method of sorting articles includes a track assembly and a plurality of carriers attached to each other to travel along the track assembly. Each of the carriers includes at least front and rear corner portions thereof and a trolley at each of the front and rear corner portions. Each trolley is configured to travel along the track assembly. A hitch assembly joins adjacent ones of the carriers. A propulsion system propels the carriers along the track assembly. Each trolley is mounted to the associated carrier to pivot in at least two different directions. In this manner, the track assembly may have one or more spiral portions thereof. Each trolley is adapted to pivot in the two different directions to support the associated carrier as it moves through the spiral portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may provide a modular conveyor that includes a conveyor frame including an access opening, a plurality of conveyor buckets configured to move along a continuous path within the conveyor frame, and an access station where the contents of a conveyor bucket disposed at the access station may be accessible through the access opening. Each of the plurality of conveyor buckets may be configured to be substantially enclosed by the conveyor frame when not at the access station. The conveyor frame may include at least one channel disposed about a perimeter of the continuous path, where each of the plurality of conveyor buckets include at least one projection configured to engage the at least one channel. The conveyor buckets may be driven along the continuous path by a drive mechanism disposed outside of the conveyor frame.

Abstract: A system is provided with a segmented solid feed pump having a plurality of pump segments disposed along a closed-loop path. The plurality of pump segments are coupled together in series along the closed-loop path, and the plurality of pump segments move along the closed-loop path. Furthermore, each pump segment includes a holding receptacle.

Abstract: A harvester includes a conveyor having molded conveyor buckets. The conveyor includes a continuous first chain and a continuous second chain extending parallel to the first chain. Parallel spaced apart rods extend between the chains. Each bucket includes a front wall, a rear wall higher than the front wall, opposed sides connecting the front wall and the rear wall and a bottom portion connecting the front wall, the rear wall and the opposed sides. The front wall includes a mounting portion configured to extend over a rear wall of an adjacent bucket and one of the rods when assembled in a conveyor. The mounting portion is a lip in a first embodiment, an insert in a second embodiment and an upper portion of the front wall folded over in a third embodiment.

Abstract: A bucket conveyor for conveying loose grain in different directions, comprising a bucket having: an opening leading to the interior of the bucket; and a dead space constituting part of the interior at the rear, the space not filled with loose grain when grain is loaded from above to or beyond the level of the opening, its volume being larger than the filled volume immediately below the opening. The conveyor does not spill the loose grain even when the angle of the bucket is changed.

Abstract: A bucket conveyor for conveying loose grain in different directions, comprising a bucket having: an opening leading to the interior of the bucket; and a dead space constituting part of the interior at the rear, the space not filled with loose grain when grain is loaded from above to or beyond the level of the opening, its volume being larger than the filled volume immediately below the opening. The conveyor does not spill the loose grain even when the angle of the bucket is changed.

Abstract: A bucket conveyor for conveying loose grain in different directions, comprising a bucket having: an opening leading to the interior of the bucket; and a dead space constituting part of the interior at the rear, the space not filled with loose grain when grain is loaded from above to or beyond the level of the opening, its volume being larger than the filled volume immediately below the opening. The conveyor does not spill the loose grain even when the angle of the bucket is changed.

Abstract: The invention provides a continuous excavating apparatus principally designed for use in mining operations and includes an elongated frame having heavy upright side walls and a mobile support mechanism. At its front end the frame mounts an endless bucket line for pivotal motion about both an upright and a transverse axis, the heavy frame providing a counterbalance for the forces generated during the excavating operation. The buckets are mounted on hinge pins whose enlarged ends engage supporting sprockets in a fashion to reduce and distribute wear resultant from normal operation, and the buckets include replaceable excavating teeth enabling ready replacement when required.

Abstract: A Z-transfer device transfers rounds of ammunition between laterally misaned feeding and receiving apparatus by permitting the rounds to slide laterally with respect to each other while remaining parallel. Each round is retained in a bucket which is permitted to slide on a shaft with respect to adjacent buckets and each bucket is guided in a Z-shaped path between in-bearing and off-bearing apparatus.

Abstract: The load-bearing components of an endless conveyor band are of composite construction, each component comprising two or more moulded plastics modules assembled together. The modules may be attached together by releasable connections. Where there are three or more modules comprising two end modules and one or more intermediate modules connected between the end modules, the or each intermediate module may be removable for varying the length of the load-bearing component.

Abstract: A modular conveyor comprising a plurality of interconnected modules each module having a receptacle integral therewith and in which each module is pivotable about both a horizontal and a vertical axis. The module receptacles are in a closed position during conveyor movement along a straight path or through horizontal turns, while during movement of the conveyor through a vertical turn, the receptacles are in an open position for dispensing or releasing of a product contained therein.

Abstract: A bulk material conveying apparatus consisting of an endless chain of elongated containers is disclosed. Each container has a closed end and an open end, with orientation of the containers alternating so that in a horizontal traveling position, open ends are adjacent and in sealing relationship. The ends of successive containers are pivoted together, and guide tracks and followers are provided at and near loading and unloading stations so that as the containers approach the station they are rotated from a horizontal end to end position to a vertical side by side stacked together position. In the station the containers move slowly for loading or unloading, then are rotated back to the horizontal position as they progress for high speed travel to the other station. While traveling between stations the containers are inverted so that their open ends are up at loading stations and down at unloading stations.

Abstract: An aerial transport system for continuously loading, conveying, and unloading of materials. The system includes a plurality of interconnected transport containers which may be moved by one or more traction cables in an endless path along pairs of suspended support cables. Guide rails are provided at the opposite terminal ends of the system for reliably reversing direction of travel of the containers. An auxiliary loop of track is provided adjacent one of the terminal ends for accommodating selected containers for servicing and repair without interfering with the normal conveyance of other containers about the system.