Abstract: A modular sanitary conveyor has a longitudinal conveyor bed unit slidably received and supported on a support stand and a drive motor unit slidably received and supported on the side of the bed unit. The bed unit has longitudinal side panels on laterally opposed sides with longitudinal slots extending inwardly from the forward and tail ends. A drive roller is removably and rotatably mounted in removable unitary drive roller bearings mounted in or adjacent to the slots at the forward end of the side panels and an end roller is removably mounted in unitary end roller bearings slidably mounted in or adjacent to the slots at their tail end. One or more idler rollers are removably and rotatably supported at each end between the side panels.

Abstract: A belt drive for a machine for processing flat printing materials includes an endless belt revolving during operation, a roller about which the belt is partially looped, a frame with respect to which the roller is adjustable between a working position, wherein the roller keeps the belt tensioned, and a position moved away from the working position, wherein the belt is untensioned, and a spring device for biasing the roller into the working position thereof. Also included are a double crank by which the roller is articulated with the frame, and a stop which, due to a change in position of the double crank from a position corresponding to the working position of the roller into a position corresponding to the moved-away position of the roller, is carried out to a given extent beyond a dead-center position of the double crank, prevents a change in position beyond the given extent; and a machine for processing flat printing materials, which includes the belt drive.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a belt conveyor of the type in which a continuous belt runs along a support duct where the support duct is carried on an undercarriage for raising and lowering movements of a discharge end of the duct and where an input drive member for driving the belt is mounted at or on the undercarriage. At least one idler roller is provided to maintain a predetermined tensioning force to the belt. An accumulator is arranged to contain hydraulic fluid and to maintain the hydraulic fluid at a predetermined set pressure while allowing changes in volume of the hydraulic within the accumulator. The accumulator is connected to at least one cylinder. The cylinder is operatively connected to the idler roller for movement thereof.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a table unit which can be taken out to a front side in a state of opening a front cover of a main body. A transfer belt unit integrally constituted by a transfer belt, a drive roller, a driven roller, a transfer roller and the like is detachably set on the table unit. In the case of setting the transfer belt unit to the apparatus main body, the transfer belt unit is set on the table unit, the table unit is inserted into the apparatus main body, and the transfer belt unit is lifted up by rotating a handle so as to be brought into contact with the process unit. Accordingly, it is possible to easily attach and detach the transfer belt unit with respect to the apparatus main body, thereby simplifying a replacing operation.

Abstract: A conveyor construction includes a frame, a drive section stationarily mounted to the frame, and a tensioning section mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the frame. The drive and tensioning sections each include a spindle, and a belt is engaged with the spindles. The frame defines an upper support surface disposed below the upper run of the belt, and mating engagement structure is provided on the belt and the upper support surface for preventing lateral movement of the belt relative to the upper support surface. The drive and tensioning sections include spaced side members, each of which defines an inwardly opening cavity for receiving a bearing assembly for rotatably supporting the spindle. The bearing-receiving cavity faces the spindle, and each side member defines outer wall structure which engages and supports the belt outwardly of the spindle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training a troughing conveyor belt are provided. The apparatus includes a training roller enclosing a concentric shaft. The training roller is rotatably connected to the shaft. In addition, the training roller is pivotable relative to the shaft about a pivot axis that is transverse the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The training roller engages the conveyor belt so that the conveyor belt rotates the training roller. When the conveyor belt is properly aligned, the force of the belt against the training roller is equally distributed on both sides of the pivot axis of the training roller. When the belt becomes misaligned, the training roller pivots in response to the unequal force of the conveyor belt on opposite sides of the pivot axis. The belt then travels down the pivoted roller, thereby realigning the belt. The shaft is rotatable between two positions. Rotating the shaft also rotates the pivot axis of the training roller.

Abstract: A tensioning and tracking system with specific useful features for adjusting a conveyor belt is disclosed. Generally, the tensioning and tracking systems include a pair of plate members attached together and defining a channel and an elongated opening. Mounted within the channel is a slide plate having a distal end. Also, connected to one of the side plate members is a rotating member for reciprocally advancing the distal end of the slide plate into the elongated opening. The position of the slide plate within the elongated opening is secured by a locking screw connected to one of the plate members.

Abstract: A rodless cylinder rope tensioning apparatus maintains tension in an endless rope operable for threading a web in a paper-making apparatus and includes at least one rodless cylinder having at least one yoke sheave attached to the internal piston in the rodless cylinder. The rope is initially threaded around an entry guide roller and the yoke sheave and spliced, and then stretched by operation of the rodless cylinder, which selectively causes the piston to relocate the yoke sheave along the length of the rodless cylinder and apply a selected degree of tension to the rope. In a preferred embodiment a pair of entry guide rollers is provided in a frame containing a pair of parallel rodless cylinders, each having a yoke sheave independently movable along the rodless cylinder by operation of the rodless cylinder piston, to effect tensioning of a pair of ropes in the paper-making apparatus.

Abstract: A tensioning mechanism is provided for minimizing tension variations in a moveable endless belt having a desired tension setting and includes a moveable member for mounting transversely to a direction of movement of the moveable endless belt and into contact with the moveable endless belt; a first assembly including a first rotatable arm having a first end connected to the moveable member, and a second end coupled to a first pivot; and a second assembly including a tensioning force applying roller, and a second rotatable arm having a first end connected to the moveable member and a second end coupled to a second pivot.

Abstract: A wall panel including a rectangular frame, a pair of wall members and a thin decorative sheet covering the wall members. The frame includes two spaced apart, generally parallel vertical frame members and spaced apart, generally parallel horizontal lower and upper frame members. The horizontal frame members are connected to the vertical frame members at opposite ends thereof to form the rectangular frame. In one embodiment, each of the frame members includes a core member and a pair of sidewall members attached to opposite sides of the core member. The wall members are attached to the sidewalls on opposing sides of the frame members. In another embodiment, inner wall members are attached to the opposing sides of the frame members, and outer wall members are thereafter attached to the inner wall member. A decorative sheet covers the outer surface of each outer wall member. The wall panels are connected to each other with a connector member.

Abstract: A vacuum table conveying apparatus and associated methods are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a frame, a vacuum chamber positioned to extend along an upper portion of the frame, a vacuum source positioned in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber to apply a low vacuum with a high volume of air to the vacuum chamber, and at least one vacuum belt overlying the vacuum chamber. The at least one vacuum belt preferably has a plurality of openings extending through upper and lower surfaces thereof so that vacuum from the vacuum chamber extends through the plurality of openings and applies to articles mounted on the upper surface of the at least one vacuum belt.

Abstract: A tensioning and tracking system with specific useful features for adjusting a conveyor belt is disclosed. Generally, the tensioning and tracking systems include a pair of plate members attached together and defining a channel and an elongated opening. Mounted within the channel is a slide plate having a distal end. Also, connected to one of the side plate members is a rotating member for reciprocally advancing the distal end of the slide plate into the elongated opening. The position of the slide plate within the elongated opening is secured by a locking screw connected to one of the plate members.

Abstract: A quick release assembly for a check-out conveyor assembly is disclosed. The check-out conveyor assembly includes a frame member having a pair of opposed side rails that receive a series of guides including an idler guide and a drive guide. A conveyor belt encircles the series of guides and is rotatable within the side rails. A quick release assembly is mounted on each of the side rails and is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the quick release assembly is moved to the locked position the idler guide is moved from a disengaged position to an engaged position. When the idler guide is at the engaged position the drive guide is able to rotate the conveyor belt. The quick release assembly comprises a take-up arm rotatably secured to a first end of a push bar and a release handle rotatably secured to a second end of the push bar. The release handle is pivotally fixed to the side rail.

Abstract: A web-product delivery system includes a top belt system with at least one top belt assembly supported and movably adjustable on a carriage. The top belt assembly includes a front assembly and a rear assembly. Both the front assembly and rear assembly include at least one idler roller assembly, and a bracket slidably attached to the carriage to allow the top belt assembly to be positioned and adjusted along a product path while product is moving along the product path. The idler roller assembly may include a roller rotatably attached to an arm, the arm pivotably attached to a bracket, a pivot shaft attached to the bracket and slidably receiving a load-bias threaded adjusting rod. The adjusting rod is screwably attached to the arm to allow the arm to rotate about the bracket through a vertical plane when the adjusting rod is turned. The web-product delivery system further includes a transition throw-off and vertical adjustment assemblies which may be operated while running.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.

Abstract: A device for tensioning conveying systems for flat products in a folding apparatus includes a conveying system having a plurality of individual conveyors. The individual conveyors rotate about an endless path. A tensioning unit is assigned to each of the individual conveyors, each tensioning unit being pivotally mounted on a support allowing for quick break down detection of the individual conveyors.

Abstract: A method for controlling the main and auxiliary drives of conveyors, for example, in underground mining. The drives are controlled as a function of the loading of the conveyor in such a way that in a low load range of the conveyor the auxiliary drive produces a higher output (20.sub.I) than the main drives and as the load increases the output advantage of the auxiliary drive in relation to the main drives is reduced. This special load distribution to auxiliary and main drives has the advantage that sagging of the conveyor element, for example the chain of a scraper chain conveyor in the inaccessible and concealed lower strand, close to the main drive, can be prevented. The risk of damage to the machine frame or conveyor chain is thereby reduced.

Abstract: An earth mover scraper combination having chain driven elevator drive sprockets for each of two chains which are mounted on plates that include pins extending into the frame of the elevator support. Two jacks are likewise inserted into the frame of the elevator support and can be used to force the pins away from the frame support thereby forcing the sprocket away from the frame support and tensioning the chain. Preferably, the jack is a hydraulic jack that can be operated with a simple grease gun. Metal shims are then placed between the mounting bracket and the frame assembly to maintain the chain tension.

Abstract: A conveyor element tensioning mechanism which is formed by a pair of like tensioning supporting opposite ends of an idler roller. The tensioning devices each include a slide member with a cylindrical pin which is supported within a cylindrical guide opening. The cylindrical pins have a studs extending radially therefrom which extend through a radially opening slots formed along the lengths of the guide openings in order to prevent the cylindrical pins from rotating. The studs support manual operators which may be actuated to move the slide members into a conveyor element tensioning position. During actuation, the manual operators engage an adjustably positioned reference surface so that the resulting tension in the conveyor element may be easily altered.

Abstract: A tensioning system for an endless chain comprising a snail cam mounted on a second shaft parallel to a sprocket shaft which supports a sprocket and chain, a follower running against the snail cam and mounted on a mechanism supporting the sprocket shaft, a ratchet device which selectively limits the rotational direction of the second shaft so that the radius of the snail cam at the follower increases with rotation, a means of applying a controlled rotational force to the second shaft to advance the ratchet device if chain tension is below a predetermined level, but not advance it if chain tension is above a predetermined level.

Abstract: A conveyor system that includes a first set of rive belts having a first set of flights that can receive individual products at a given rate per product and quickly advance several individual package positions when the first set of flights are full to a discharge position. The first set of flights can pause for a discharge period that can be longer than individual products reception rate. During the pause period a second set of drive belts locates a second set of flights such that the next product that is delivered to the conveyor system, without interrupting the continuous flow is received by the second set of flights.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.

Abstract: A modular conveyor system is disclosed as including an unique supporting framework featuring a horizontally elongated spine (12); legs (32) for supporting spine (12); posts (34) upstanding from legs (32); and an elongated rail (18) supported by posts (34) and arranged above and in a horizontally offset relationship relative to spine (12). Spine (12) serves to support one or more modular conveyor units (66), rail (18) serves to support one or more diverse art devices (48) required to be associated with conveyor units (66); and posts (34) serve to support a side panel (24) to extend lengthwise of spine (12).

Abstract: A conveyor belt tensioning assembly having a winch drum and a pair of ac torque vector motors operatively connected to the winch drum. The motors are controlled by a motor controller which senses operational load on the winch drum and adjusts operating parameters of the motors to maintain belt tension within a desired range.

Abstract: A belt tensioning device is provided for a pulley drive mechanism including a motor with a drive shaft, a drive pulley mounted on a drive shaft, an idler pulley rotatably mounted in a pulley support, and a drive belt trained around the pulleys. The belt tensioning device includes a scissor jack connected between the motor and the idler pulley support. The jack is extendible so as to increase the spacing between the pulleys and thereby increase the belt tension, and retractable so as to decrease the spacing between the pulleys and thereby decrease the belt tension. The extension and retraction of the scissor arms of the jack is controlled by a draw bolt, or alternatively, by a spring which automatically provides tension on the belt. In the method of adjusting the belt tension, the jack is installed between the drive pulley and the idler pulley, and the jack is then actuated so as to adjust the spacing between the pulleys and thereby adjust the tension of the drive belt.

Abstract: A color sorting apparatus for beans includes a transferring device for transferring beans to be sorted to a detection position, an illuminating device for illuminating the bean at the detection position, a light receiving device for receiving a transmitted light transmitted through the bean and outputting a detection signal, a control device for operating the detection signal, comparing the detection signal operated with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the bean is a good or defective one, and outputting an ejection signal when the bean is determined as a defective one, and a sorting device for removing the defective bean based on the ejection signal. The transferring device includes two endless belts defining therebetween a parallel gap on which the beans are held and a driving motor for driving the endless belts.

Abstract: A photoreceptor apparatus constructed of a photoreceptor belt releasably attached to the surface of a cylindrical mandrel. The photoreceptor belt is preferably attached to the mandrel by means of a movable segment of the mandrel that is retracted into the mandrel to allow installation of the belt by reducing the effective circumference of the mandrel.

Abstract: An improved limit switch actuator for position indicating limit switches in a drive chain take-up for a power and free conveyor system includes an actuator rod which is movable relative to a take-up cylinder. A flag is attached to the actuator rod and is positioned such that, as the actuator rod is moved relative to the cylinder, the flag actuates a series of position indicating limit switches. The actuator rod is linked to a piston in the take-up cylinder via a connecting plate which is rotatable relative to the piston while the actuator rod remains stable. Thus, the piston is free to rotate under the torque effects of a take-up chain without damage to the actuator rod.

Abstract: A system provides support for the underside of a planar object, such as a printed circuit board. The system includes a flexible loop having an outer face from which support elements protrude. A guide positions the flexible loop to align the support elements with one or more selected locations on the underside of the object. The system can also include a device for moving the guide toward or away from the object as desired. A tensioning element can be provided that is responsive to displacement of the guide to maintain a substantially constant tension on the loop.

Abstract: The invention employs pressure and displacement sensors for the automatic monitoring and adjustment of the pre-tension of endless belts, in the form of chains or the like, which sensors determine the pressure in the cylinder space and the movement of the piston of the tensioning cylinder, and the measuring signals from which sensors are evaluated by an electronic evaluation and actuation unit. In this respect the evaluation and actuation unit calculates from the measuring signals the changes in pressure which occur over a predetermined partial stroke of the piston of the tensioning cylinder, wherein these changes in pressure reflect the state of tension of the chain belt. When the chain tension is incorrect, the evaluation and actuation unit can therefore control the tensioning cylinder so that the optimum chain tension is set automatically.

Abstract: A conveyor tensioning assembly for an article conveyor is mounted to the frame of the article conveyor, and connected to a take-up sprocket. The conveyor tensioning assembly includes a movable rack that is engaged and moved by an advancing gear of an advancing and holding assembly in a first direction, causing the take-up sprocket of the article conveyor to be urged outwardly against the conveyor chain of the article conveyor so as to take-up any slack existing within the conveyor chain and place the conveyor chain under tension. Once the conveyor chain has been tensioned, the rack is engaged by a holding gear mounted on a one-way clutch, which prevents the holding gear from rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. The holding gear retards in any rearward movement of the rack so as to resist slippage and/or backlash of the rack to prevent the chain from losing tension and slack being formed therein to maintain the conveyor chain under a substantially constant tension.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus including dips to turn and tumble items placed on the conveyor. The conveyor apparatus has a conveyor belt configured in a series of dips arranged to insure the turning and tumbling of items placed on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A scraper conveyor has a channel having a pair of parallel and longitudinally extending upstanding sides and a chain extending longitudinally along the channel between the sides thereof and normally advanced therein in a travel direction. A chain-arresting system has a crosspiece fixable to the chain and having outer ends juxtaposed with the channel sides and each of a predetermined length measured in the direction. Respective blocks fittable with the sides of the channel are each formed with an inwardly open inner groove into which the respective end of the crosspiece can engage. An abutment in the groove has a rear face directed backward against the direction and engageable with the respective crosspiece end and an inner hole spaced in the direction rearward of the abutment face by a distance greater than the crosspiece-end length. Respective pins engageable through the inner holes behind the respective crosspiece ends trap same in the respective blocks.

Abstract: A collecting belt for the web of a spun bond or melt blown apparatus has one deflecting roller with fixed bearings and another deflecting roller with floating bearings upon which pneumatic cylinders act to provide equal forces. Upon the pneumatic system a proportional controller in response to the belt position sensor superimposes control signals to compensate for deviations in belt orientation.

Abstract: A belt tension adjusting mechanism comprises a belt tension adjusting pulley over which the endless belt is placed; a plate having a plurality of recesses in which a rotary shaft of the belt tension adjusting pulley is received; a handle having, at one end thereof, a pin engageable with the recess; and a linking member connected, at one end thereof, with the rotary shaft of the belt tension adjusting pulley and connected, at the other end thereof, with an intermediate portion of the handle.

Abstract: A belt grill is described herein for continuously cooking fast food products on a conveyor formed of counter-rotating heat conductive belts. The belts are heated by platens disposed above and below whereby a run of the belts passes in heat conductive relationship between the platens, and the food to be cooked is placed in the nip between the rotating belts. The device further includes means for tensioning the belts which can be automatically released by increasing the distance between the platens whereby when the distance exceeds a predetermined maximum, all tension on both belts will be released so that the belts can be quickly removed for cleaning or replacement. The belts are preferably Teflon coated fiberglass and may be disposed at an angle to the horizontal to facilitate grease removal from the cooking process.

Abstract: A tandem drive unit (24) on a flexible conveyor belt (12) comprises a primary drive pulley (20) and a secondary drive pulley (22) driven by a primary drive motor (26, 28) and a secondary drive motor (34) respectively. The primary drive motor (26, 28) has a predetermined full-load speed and the secondary drive motor (34) has a full-load speed which is not greater than a theoretical speed value for the secondary drive pulley (22) obtained by calculating the speed differential between the primary and secondary pulleys as a function of the horsepower applied to the first and secondary drive pulleys and the modulus of elasticity of the conveyor belt (12). Alternatively, a secondary drive motor with a predetermined full-load speed may be selected and the required full-load speed of the primary drive motor may be determined. A method of non-mechanically coupling a primary and a secondary drive pulley in a tandem conveyor drive of a conveyor belt is also provided.

Abstract: A device for stacking papers having a disk with a top and bottom surface, a means for rotating the disk, a pair of symmetrically opposing movable walls having opposing longitudinal flat wall sections that are kept in a parallel space apart relationship. The opposing fiat wall sections and the top surface of the disk defining a first space adapted to receive the papers, and the interior of said symmetrically opposing movable walls and the top surface of the disk defining a second space adapted to contain the assembly for turning the opposing movable walls. The movement of the opposing movable walls discharging the papers that have been deposited in the first space of the device. The device also includes tensioners that keep the symmetrically opposing movable walls taut and are positioned so that the tensioners do not alter the parallel spaced apart relationship of the opposing longitudinal fiat wall sections.

Abstract: This bill validator (10) includes a bill transport system (20) for conveying bills (B) to a location adjacent a bill collection compartment (12). The transport system (20) comprises a first pair of spaced belt assemblies (70) including a lower pulley (80) an upper pulley (82) and a belt (86) movable between said pulleys; a second pair of spaced belt assemblies (72) including a lower pulley (90) an upper pulley (92) and a belt (94) movable between said pulleys, associated belts (86, 94) being adjacent to direct bills (B) in a generally vertical path, the belts (86, 94) being moved into engagement by providing the lower pulleys (90) of the second belt assemblies (72) with a floating journal (104) and by providing the associated belts (94) with a length to induce tension into said belts (94) and apply a force to said pulleys (80) to provide sufficient pressure between said belts (86, 94) to grip and convey said bills (B).

Abstract: A conveyor drive construction. The conveyor includes a frame and an endless belt conveyor is mounted for travel on the frame. A drive mechanism is operably connected to the lower run of the conveyor belt and includes a pair of side members, each composed of a pair of laminated sheet metal plates. The plates of each pair have aligned openings with the edges bordering the openings in the outer plate being offset from the edges bordering the openings in the inner plate to provide outwardly facing recesses. A plurality of belt carrying spindles extend between the side members and are engaged with the lower run of the belt. The shafts of the spindles are carried by support members, such as bearings, which are mounted in the offset recesses of the side members.

Abstract: A self-unloading train for the transfer of bulk commodities having a plurality of hopper cars coupled together, a train conveyor having an endless belt supported on the hopper cars in a position so as to receive material discharged from the hopper cars, and a conveyor guide positioned adjacent the discharge end of the train conveyor. The conveyor guide exerts a downward force onto the upper surface of the train conveyor. The conveyor guide comprises a frame affixed generally adjacent the discharge end of the train conveyor and a rotatable wheel connected to the frame. The rotatable wheel is in surface-to-surface contact with the upper surface of the train conveyor. A strut is connected to the rotatable wheel so as to adjust the angle of travel of the wheel relative to the curvature of the track and the curvature of the conveyor at the discharge end. Each of the hopper cars is connected to an adjacent car by an articulated coupling and by overlapping side bearings.

Abstract: A belt press has horizontally extending and vertically spaced upper and lower plates defining a horizontally extending gap, vertically spaced upper and lower upstream drums rotatable about respective horizontal drum rotation axes at the upstream press end, and vertically spaced upper and lower downstream drums rotatable about respective horizontal drum rotation axes at the downstream press end. Each of the downstream drums is supported for at least limited pivoting about a vertical axis generally intersecting the respective drum rotation axis. Upper and lower endless belts spanned over the respective upper and lower drums each have a working stretch lying between the plates and a return stretch.

Abstract: A conveyor construction including a frame having a pair of side rails with each side rail having a longitudinal T-shaped slot. A plurality of cross members are connected between the side rails and support a bed plate. An endless belt rides on the bed plate and is trained over an adjustable spindle assembly which is located at an end of the conveyor. The spindle assembly includes a spindle journalled between a pair of side members that are mounted for sliding movement in the T-slots of the respective side rails. A ratchet and pinion mechanism interconnects the conveyor frame with the spindle assembly and acts to move the spindle assembly longitudinally of the frame to tension the belt. A belt tracking mechanism is associated with each side of the spindle assembly and includes a cam member which is engaged with the respective side member of the spindle assembly. Individual rotation of the cam members serve to properly track the belt on the bed plate.

Abstract: In a propulsion device for power machines operating in conjunction with production lines carrying an uninterrupted stream of semi-finished iron or steel products, the machine or tool (5) forms a part of a guided mobile assembly (3) capable of traversing back and forth parallel to the production line (4) and set in motion by at least one wire rope (8) to which it is firmly anchored. The rope (8) is wound around and tensioned between two pulleys or drums (9, 10) of which at least one is power driven.

Abstract: A conveyor constructing having a pair of spaced parallel side rails that support a conveyor belt, each of the side rails is provided with a pair of vertically spaced, parallel, longitudinal slots. Each slot is generally T-shaped in cross section and has an open side facing laterally outward of the side rail. The open side of the lower slot is offset laterally outward from the open side of the upper slot of the side rail. End units are associated with each end of the conveyor and each end unit includes a pair of spaced side plates having a belt supporting spindle journalled between the side plates. Slide blocks are mounted in the ends of the slots in the side rail and the side plates are disposed outward of the respective side rails and are connected to the slide blocks. Slide blocks can also be mounted in the slots and serve to connect auxiliary equipment at selected positions to the conveyor.

Abstract: A tensioning device for running wide webs under essentially uniform tension includes a tensioning roller at least as long as the web is wide. The tensioning roller is carried by an essentially rigid frame pivoted to a foundation and urged to pivot in a tension-increased direction by an air bag containing air a pre-determined super-atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly includes an endless conveyor having ends supported by a drive drum/sprocket and an idler drum/sprocket mounted on respective portions of a split conveyor frame. The frame portions are movable with respect to each other. Dual tensioning cylinders control the movement of the portions and thus the tensioning force acting on the conveyor. A hydraulic circuit for the tensioning cylinders provides a first level of tensioning force to said conveyor upon initial start-up of the conveyor apparatus and a second reduced level of tensioning force after a predetermined time. The first level of tensioning force is sufficient to overcome the breakaway friction between the frame portions while the second level of tensioning force is sufficient for proper and sustained tension during normal operation of the conveyor.

Abstract: A material separator for separating non-magnetic components from magnetic components in a material is provided. The material separator has a support frame, a magnetic roller, an idler roller and a conveyor belt. The idler roller is rotatably mounted on an inclined slideway so that tension on the conveyor belt is maintained by the weight of the idler axle and idler roller. The inclined slideways may be provided by pivot arms and adjusting elements are provided to adjust the angles of inclination to the horizontal, thereby allowing adjustability of the belt tension. Detectors monitor the tracking path of the belt so that an adjustment to the angle of inclination of one of the slideways automatically corrects deviations from the tracking path. The magnetic separator is preferably a modular unit mountable in framework having an upstream feed assembly and a downstream collection assembly, either in single or multi-stage separator apparatus.

Abstract: The mechanism for expelling residue from regions of entrapment within the baler includes a series of flat, peripherally corrugated, powered rotary elements projecting edgewise into the spaces between adjacent belts that bound the region in which the residue collects. The elements are mounted on a transverse shaft outside of the residue collecting region and across the outer face of the belts and are driven in such a manner that the residue engaging portions thereof move in a direction generally opposite to that of the proximal belts. Cylindrical hubs projecting laterally from opposite sides of each element underlie the adjacent belts to control slack in such a manner that any such slack is caused to accumulate on the upstream side of the axis of rotation of the elements rather than in the immediate vicinity of the elements, thus preventing injurious climbing of the belts onto the expeller elements.

Abstract: A chain conveyor for a miner in which the chain adjacent the drive sprocket is guided and supported by channels in a casting such that tension in the chain is reacted by the casting and separated from the driving force applied to the chain by the drive sprocket. The casting may be spring loaded away from the idler sprocket at the other end of the conveyor. The pitch of the sprocket teeth is preferably less than the pitch of the chain, allowing for drive sprocket build up from entrained fines.