Abstract: A conveyor system includes a chain with modular side and intermediate guide links. The guide links assist in supporting the chain along the return run in a suspended fashion intermediate of the outer sides without causing wear on the conveying surface. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A motorized conveyor roller having a rotatable portion and at least one non-rotatable portion; including a method of inhibiting contact with a motorized rotatable conveyor roller that drives a conveyor roller that drives a conveyor medium.

Abstract: A conveyor frame assembly for use with a conveyor belt formed from individual links each joined together at pivot points. The conveyor frame assembly includes a drive assembly that pulls the conveyor belt around a drive roller to transition between the upper and lower runs of the conveyor belt. The drive end includes a support block that encloses the side edges of the conveyor belt as the conveyor belt transitions over the drive sprockets. The side frame members each include a continuous retaining channel having a height greater than the thickness of the conveyor belt. The retaining channels formed on opposite sides of the conveyor frame assembly allow the lower run of the conveyor belt to “tent” by creating an angle between adjacent links of the conveyor belt assembly. The tenting of the lower run of the conveyor belt eliminates catenary sag.

Abstract: A thermoplastic endless belt has a smooth outer surface substantially free of discontinuities and an inner surface with a plurality of teeth at a given belt pitch. The teeth are adapted to engage a sprocket with circumferentially spaced sheaves at a sprocket pitch greater than the belt pitch. The belt is slightly stretchable so that the sprocket can drive the endless belt when engaging the teeth within a range of load on the belt. The belt is preferred for use in conveyors in food processing industries where the smooth outer surface can transport food items and is easier to clean and keep free of impurities.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a vermiculture plant, the apparatus including a treatment receptacle having a treatment Apparatus for use in a vermiculture plant which includes a treatment receptacle having a treatment chamber therein and a base upon which material within the treatment chamber is disposed. The receptacle is arranged so that when in use there is a space below the base. The apparatus further includes a harvester operable to extract material from the treatment chamber through the base and a collecting assembly including a flexible belt operatively connected to a rotatable drum so that it can be wound onto or drawn from the rotatable member. The belt is arranged so that it can adopt a collecting position when at least partially unwound from the rotatable member wherein it is positioned below the treatment chamber and harvester so that harvested material can be collected upon it and is operable so that when wound onto the rotatable member material thereon can be transferred to a discharge zone.

Abstract: A twin strand conveyor uses roller chains to move pallets along straight conveyor sections and an unpowered corner assembly that enables the pallets to glide around corners of the conveyor. The pallets are transferred from an upstream conveyor section into the corner assembly using a corner injection unit that includes powered rollers that lift the pallets off the roller chains an onto a set of ball transfers that support the pallets as they glide through the corner assembly. Side guides are used to direct the pallets around the turn and onto the downstream conveyor section. A pickup unit having powered rollers draws the pallets off the ball transfers and onto the roller chains of the downstream conveyor section. The rollers of the corner injection unit and pickup unit can be powered by the same motor used to drive the chains of the respective conveyor sections.

Abstract: A device is provided for supporting plate-shaped materials for at least one separating operation in the plate-shaped material using a separating mechanism that is movable at least in the X direction during a separating operation. The device includes a first supporting table having a first supporting surface and a second supporting table having a second supporting surface. The supporting surface of the first supporting table and the supporting surface of the second supporting table are spaced apart from each other by a gap which is located below the separating mechanism. Each of the supporting tables comprises a separately driven belt conveyor which is guided by a plurality of rollers, each supporting surface being formed between at least two of the rollers which are spaced apart from each other and lie in a plane. The at least two rollers that bound the supporting surface are movable independently of each other in and counter to the Y direction.

Abstract: In a transport belt drive control device, a first detection unit has a first resolution and indirectly detects a feed amount of a transport belt, a control unit controls drive of the transport belt based on an output of the first detection unit, and a second detection unit has a second, lower resolution and directly detects the feed amount of the transport belt. The control unit is configured to switch, when an output of the second detection unit is determined as not allowing detection of a stop position of the transport belt, the direct detection of the belt feed amount by the second detection unit to the indirect detection of the belt feed amount by the first detection unit, so that the drive of the transport belt is controlled based on the output of the first detection unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to the drive for a conveyor, in particular baggage conveyor having overlapping plate-like carriers which are fastened on an endlessly circulating articulated traction chain. In order for the drive to be of straightforward, functional and effective configuration, the invention proposes a drive mechanism which comprises at least one helically toothed rotationally driven worm which is oriented parallel to the transporting direction and in the manner of a worm gear mechanism, as it is driven in rotation about its longitudinal axis, corresponds with drivers which are provided on the traction chain and engage in a form-fitting manner in the toothing formation of the worm.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly has a continuous conveyor belt driven between a pair of spaced side frame members by a center drive assembly having a pair of spaced side plates connected to the side frame members. A drive roller arrangement is driven by a drive motor arrangement coupled to the drive roller arrangement to move the conveyor belt. A freely rotatable guide roller arrangement is slidably mounted between the side frame members and the side plates between an operating position in which the conveyor belt passes around the guide roller assembly before engaging the drive roller arrangement, and a cleaning position in which the guide roller arrangement is slidably removable away from the side frame members and the side plates and out of engagement with the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The present technique, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment, relates to a motorized pulley. The exemplary motorized pulley includes a rim or housing inside of which are disposed an electric motor and a gear assembly, which is configured to transfer torque of the electric motor to the housing. Thus, during operation of the motor, the exemplary pulley rotates the housing in relation to a support structure to which the motorized pulley is mounted. To improve the dissipation of heat generated during operation of the motor, the motor is thermally coupled to the frame. Additionally, the rotor shaft of the exemplary motorized pulley extends into the external environment surrounding the pulley, thereby facilitating the operation of a machine element located externally with respect to the pulley via the electric motor disposed within the pulley.

Abstract: A drive system for chain sprockets 1 of chain drives, more particularly for driving chain scraper conveyors or chain-drawn ploughs for underground mining, with a drive assembly formed of an asynchronous motor and a gear mechanism 4, the gear mechanism 4 being designed as overload gearing and having a controllable multiple-disk clutch for overload equalisation with which the force flow between the asynchronous motor and the chain sprocket can be disconnected. The asynchronous motor comprises a frequency converter motor 10 and in the drive assembly between the motor shaft and the gear mechanism 4 a two-gear toothed wheel gear mechanism is arranged as a forward gear mechanism, with a starting gear position and a normal gear position, with which in the starting gear position the breakaway effect required for starting the loaded chain scraper conveyor or for releasing the plough can be attained.

Abstract: A conveyor system in which a modular belt or chain is driven by a drive element rotated at a predetermined variable angular speed to compensate for speed fluctuations due to chordal action. A speed signal generator generates a speed signal generally inverse to the uncompensated linear speed of a belt driven by drive elements rotated at a constant angular speed. The speed signal generator detects an encoded pattern rotating in known relationship to the drive element. The encoded pattern represents a predetermined speed profile that is used to compensate for belt speed fluctuations or to provide custom belt speed performance.

Abstract: A component tape transport wheel, a component tape transport system and a method of operating a component tape transport system are provided, in which there is a rigid coupling between a transport wheel and an encoder wheel which is arranged on the transport wheel and whose position relative to a sensor can be determined. By this rigid coupling between the transport wheel which moves the component tape and a registration system including an encoder wheel and sensor for registering the position of the transport wheel, it is possible to register the position of the transport wheel at any time with the greatest accuracy. Even after a component tape transport system has been switched off, a determination of the absolute position of the transport wheel is possible, since the distance between two encoder elements of the encoder wheel is less than any play possibly caused by a drive of at least one of the transport wheel and an associated gear mechanism.

Abstract: A conveyor construction that includes a conveyor frame assembly formed from a pair of spaced side frame members interconnected with each other by spaced cross members. The upper bed of the conveyor frame assembly is formed from individual bed plate strips attached to each of the cross members. The width of the conveyor frame assembly can be modified by the proper selection of the number of bed plate strips. The conveyor frame assembly includes a separate tensioning assembly and tracking adjustment assembly. The tracking adjustment assembly is adjusted separate from the tensioning assembly such that additional tension applied to the conveyor belt does not affect the previously selected tracking adjustment. The conveyor construction includes a center drive unit having only a single drive roller, a guide roller and a tensioning roller. The tensioning roller position is controlled by a pair of spaced tensioning cylinder.

Abstract: A drive unit (10) for a continuous conveyance means of a transfer system has a housing part (16) comprising two side walls (17, 18), in each of which a recess (25) is formed. A bearing plate (31) is capable of being inserted into each of the recesses (25) from the top end face of the housing part (16). The drive shaft (37) of a drive wheel (38) for the conveyance mechanism is supported in the bearing plates (31). The design of the drive unit (10) according to the invention allows for universal use of the drive unit (10) combined with easy assembly of its individual parts.

Abstract: A compact conveyor drive system which prevents resonance-induced noise and vibration caused by a polygonal motion observed in transmission gearing. The conveyor belt of the conveyor is driven through a chain trained over a driven sprocket mounted to the shaft of a drum and a drive sprocket on the side of a motor. The drive system is a motor built-in reducer, and a simple planetary roller mechanism is employed for the reducer. This enables the diameter of the sprockets to be made smaller. The motor generates lower vibration, while providing sufficient torque.

Abstract: A method for controlling the run-up of a conveyor belt BY increasing a setpoint value of the belt's speed with an increasing acceleration in a first time interval, and with a decreasing acceleration in a second time interval, thereafter plotting a curve of the increasing acceleration against time which has a positive curvature in the second interval, a second time derivative of the acceleration in the first and the second time interval is at least approximately constant and at least approximately equal and opposite.

Abstract: A conveyor drive assembly including an elongated shaft having a first and second end and method of operating the conveyor drive assembly which reliably controls the speed of each end of the drive shaft and minimizes unequal loading of the conveyor belt. The method includes detecting the rotational position of the first end of the shaft, detecting the rotational position of the second end of the shaft, determining the rotational position of one of the first and second ends relative to the other of the first and second ends, and then rotationally driving at least one of the first and second ends of the shaft to maintain the rotational position of one of the first and second ends relative to the other of the first and second ends within a predetermined range. Advantageously, the present invention provides a conveyor drive assembly for use with wide conveyors which reliably controls the speed of each end of the drive shaft and minimizes unequal loading of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A conveyor drive assembly including an elongated shaft having a first and second end and method of operating the conveyor drive assembly which reliably controls the speed of each end of the drive shaft and minimizes unequal loading of the conveyor belt. The method includes detecting the rotational position of the first end of the shaft, detecting the rotational position of the second end of the shaft, determining the rotational position of one of the first and second ends relative to the other of the first and second ends, and then rotationally driving at least one of the first and second ends of the shaft to maintain the rotational position of one of the first and second ends relative to the other of the first and second ends within a predetermined range. Advantageously, the present invention provides a conveyor drive assembly for use with wide conveyors which reliably controls the speed of each end of the drive shaft and minimizes unequal loading of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A gear reducer having a hollow shaft is telescopically mounted on the upper end of a vertical conveyor drive shaft. The gear reducer is removed for repair by raising the gear reducer housing to separate the hollow shaft from the drive shaft while the drive shaft remains on the drive frame.

Abstract: A feed device is for a conveyor belt loaded with pick-and-place components. The feed device includes at least one transport wheel which can be coupled with the conveyor belt to move the conveyor belt, and a drive device coupled with a transport wheel. The transport wheel is provided with a control mechanism whose input shaft and output shaft cross.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring mechanical energy onboard of a train of carriages of a sorting machine includes a friction wheel fitted onto a carriage. The wheel is rotated by friction caused by the engagement of the wheel against a track on which the carriage travels, and is connected to an electric generator disposed on the carriage. Rotation of the wheel is transmitted to the generator to rotate the generator and produce electricity for operating a belt(s) disposed on the carriage. The force with which the wheel is pressed against the track is automatically changed in response to changes in power requirements of the generator.

Abstract: A device for towing a train of carriages of a sorting machine includes a pair of wheels driven by respective motors, which wheels engage a blade arranged below the carriages. Each towing wheel is movable toward and away from the blade relative to its respective motor, whereby the inertia of the member that has to be moved in response to a misalignment of the blade is low.

Abstract: In a conveyor system, a magnet element row aligned at least partly parallel to the conveyor path is arranged in a driving region to serve as a stationary drive device. Conveyor elements include conducting parts (4) and are movable along the conveyor path through the drive region. The magnet element row (11) includes alternatingly orientated permanent magnets and produces a magnetic field locally changing along the row (11). The conducting parts (4) are arranged on the conveyor elements (2) such that in the drive region they are positioned in the effective range of the magnet element row (11). A relative movement between the magnetic element row (11) and the conveyor element (2) produces eddy currents in the conducting parts (4) effecting forces counteracting the relative movement. The relative movement is produced by annular magnet element rows (11) that are revolvingly driven and of which a part moves parallel to the conveyor path being in interaction with the conducting parts (4) of conveyor elements (2).

Abstract: The invention proposes a suspension-type conveying arrangement in the case of which conveyable-article carriers (1) are supported, by way of running rollers (9) on guide rails (3) for movement along a conveying route. Arranged on a drag chain/drive chain (15) guided along the conveying route are driver elements (17), preferably brush elements (17), which can be moved between a driving position and a non-driving position. The invention proposes various concepts in order, in the case of a build-up of conveyable-article carriers (1), to transfer the driver elements (17) into the non-driving position, with the result that they act on the built-up conveyable-article carriers (1) at most to a slight extent, if at all. In the driving position, it is possible for driver elements (17) to act on the conveyable-article carriers (1) in order to drive them along the conveying route.

Abstract: “Improvements in fodder distribution conveyors, of the type which have an endless cable or chain with a plurality of transverse dragging means and which move along a conduit, with outlets for the unloading of corresponding portions of fodder into respective conduits and the cable or chain being moved by a driving motor provided with peripheral toothing, between whose teeth the transverse dragging means engages; characterized in that the driving wheel is made up of a disk joined to a motor means and a series of replaceable, peripheral teeth; each tooth is composed of two parts with an upper longitudinal axis channel; and, preferably, each tooth is mounted in a tilting fashion and in its interior has an elastic means, and each tooth has a conical face and another flat”.

Abstract: There is provided a power transmission system which is capable of positively preventing a feeling of inertia travel from being caused by torque transmission interruption which conventionally occurred when a dog clutch is engaged in shifting the speed position of a transmission, without increasing the axial length of a transmission, thereby improving the speed position-shifting performance of the transmission. The transmission of the power transmission system includes a plurality of gear pairs for three or more speed positions, formed by input gears arranged on an input shaft, and output gears arranged on an output shaft, respectively, and synchromeshes of a dog clutch type for connecting the plurality of gear pairs to the input shaft or the output shaft.

Abstract: A method for controlling the run-up of a conveyor belt (2), wherein the set point value of the speed of the belt (v*) of a driving drum (4) is increased over a first period of time (t1) by means of rising acceleration (a*) and over a second period of time (t2) by means of falling acceleration (a*). The curve of acceleration (a*) in relation to time (t) is positive for the second time period (t2).

Abstract: A conveyor device comprises a conveyor belt including a plurality of slidable links which can slide on guiding elements. The conveyor belt is driven by a timing belt through link teeth formed on each of the links, and designed for engaging corresponding teeth of the timing belt.

Abstract: A split housing for a sprocket in a conveyor system is disclosed. The sprocket includes a first, preferably upper portion that mates with a second, preferably lower portion to define a curved guide track for guiding a conveyor belt from a forward to a return run, or vice versa. The split nature of the housing allows for the removal of one portion, such as the upper portion, in a vertical direction without the need for moving the adjacent sprocket or guide rail. Hence, the other portion may remain attached to a stable structure used to support the conveyor system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a conveying apparatus easy to move and disengage. Such apparatus mainly includes an air-cooled hydraulic driving unit, a hydraulic motor, a conveyor and a connecting element. The air-cooled hydraulic driving unit is composed of a hydraulic pump, an electrical motor, a plurality of pipes, a flow regulator, and a cooling fan. The cooling fan is particularly fit for low-temperature environment and doesn't require complicated pipes, so that the conveying apparatus of the present invention can be flexibly combined with other devices or applied to various processes.

Abstract: In a drive station for a chain scraper conveyor for mining operations the height position of the drive shaft, having a chain sprocket, can be set by means of an adaptor plate 50, which can be fastened at different height levels on a flange mounting zone on the machine frame of the drive station. The adaptor plates 50 have a machine frame side inner side 52 and a drive side outer side 53, onto which a drive set can be fastened. The adaptor plate 50 is fixed in position by means of fastening screws 56, 57 which engage through elongate holes 54, 55 into the machine frame. The position of the fastening screws 56, 57 in the elongate holes 54, 55, the direction of an asymmetric setting key 30 and the rotational position of an annular disc plate 40 with an outer ring 42 arranged eccentrically to an inner ring 41 determine the assembly position in each case.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for a rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first: and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.

Abstract: A conveyor is disclosed having a mechanism for driving an endless chain, which is used for driving and optionally also for supporting the article-supporting parts of the conveyor. The mechanism comprises a drive belt that engages and drives on a number of wheels on the chain. By driving on the periphery of the rotating wheels instead of directly on the chain itself, the force between the drive belt and the point of engagement with the chain is halved whereby the construction may be made substantially lighter.

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 method and novel drive system for use in a continuous block caster for continuously casting metal is disclosed. In particular, a novel worm gear drive system which reduces imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle is disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor device comprises a conveyor belt including a plurality of slidable links which can slide on guiding elements, the conveyor belt being driven by a timing belt through engagement elements provided on each of the links, and designed for engaging the teeth of the timing belt.

Abstract: The invention disclosed consists of a modular conveyor formed by a number of removably attachable conveyor sections, which form an elongated, endless conveyor. Each section contains a frame, a guide roller, and a plurality of legs. A drive roller is attached adjacent to the conveyor section located at one end of the elongated endless conveyor and an end roller is attached adjacent to the conveyor section at the opposite end of the elongated endless conveyor. An endless conveyor belt is mounted over the frames, the drive roller, and the end roller. The endless conveyor belt is further supported by the guide rollers. A drive motor is connected to the drive roller to provide motive power to drive the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An elongated channel for the assembly of successive increments of a continuous tobacco stream and for lengthwise transport of the tobacco stream in a cigarette making machine is composed of a foraminous belt having a lower reach overlying the channel and located beneath a suction chamber, and of two additional belts having recessed surfaces which flank the channel. Those tobacco particles which enter the recesses in the surfaces of the additional belts form part of densified sections of rod-like fillers of discrete cigarettes and the recesses further serve to receive the teeth of one or more driven pulleys which are employed to move the additional belts lengthwise.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for feeding product carriers through a system including a first rail along which the product carriers can move, branches associated with the first rail so that the product carriers can be supplied to and removed from the first rail along the branches, an endless belt for moving the product carriers along the first rail, and a second rail disposed above the first rail, the endless belt including downwardly extending sides and being suspended from the second rail whereby the downwardly extending sides of the endless belt are accessible for driving of the endless belt thereby.

Abstract: A press roll unit for a roll-up of a paper cutter has two adjacent rolls. A belt or plurality of belts is wound around the rolls to operatively interconnect them. An electric motor inside at least one roll drives the roll unit. The belt or plurality of belts have at least one aperture for cooling the electric motor and the roll surrounding it.

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 curved conveyor includes an outer circumferential frame supported by L-shaped legs. An inner circumferential frame is supported in a cantilevered manner from the outer circumferential frame by means of horizontally extending beams connected between the inner circumferential frame and the outer circumferential frame. A drive-side tapered roller is rotatably supported at one end of the inner and outer circumferential frames and a lift-up section carrying a driven side tapered roller is pivotally supported at the opposite end of the inner and outer circumferential frames.

Abstract: A conveyor system is provided including a modular link conveyor belt forming an endless loop and requiring no inverted return run. The conveyor belt is comprised of a plurality of modular links with at least one of the modular links having an angled cleat depending downwardly therefrom. A screw driving means is provided for engaging the angled cleat(s). Specifically, the screw driving means includes a screw having a thread wherein the thread advantageously engages the angled cleat(s) for providing a positive driving force to the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A belt conveyance baking furnace which can reduce the weight and size of a belt and can raise and lower the furnace temperature to desired levels in a shorter time. A workpiece is baked while it is on a conveyor belt and conveyed through the furnace therewith. A table roller (31) for driving a conveyor belt (30) is disposed at least one of an entry section and a delivery section of the furnace. A plurality of furnace bed rollers (15) supporting the lower surface of the conveyor belt (30) and driven at the same circumferential speed as the table roller (31) are arranged side by side in the furnace in the longitudinal direction. Since the conveyor belt (30) runs while rolling over the furnace bed rollers (15), the friction force between the conveyor belt and the furnace bed rollers is practically negligible. It is hence possible to considerably reduce the weight and heat capacity of the conveyor belt as compared with a conventional conveyor belt.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a device for forming incomplete containers by forming a web into a tube, filling contents into the tube, thereafter transporting the tube by a length corresponding to one container at a time, and sealing and cutting the tube transversely thereof every time the tube is transported; a container conveyor for receiving the incomplete containers from the device and transporting the containers; and a complete container forming device for making each incomplete container into a complete rectangular parallelepipedal container during transport on the conveyor. A drive device for use in the machine comprises a main shaft coupled to the incomplete container forming device so as to transmit power thereto, and a transmission shaft having one end connected to the main shaft by a main clutch and the other end coupled to a motor by a secondary clutch, the transmission shaft being coupled to the conveyor so as to transmit power.

Abstract: A conveying system (43) is disclosed including a vertical auger (27) which receives material from a horizontal auger (25). The vertical auger is driven by a hydraulic motor (37) and the horizontal auger is driven by a hydraulic motor (35). A pressure response valve (89) responds to a pressure signal (93), representative of the load on the motor (37) driving the vertical auger to unload or bypass the motor (35) driving a horizontal auger. As the load on the vertical auger decreases, the valve (89) gradually communicates more flow to the motor (35) driving the horizontal auger, thus feeding more material (grain) to the vertical auger.

Abstract: A kit for standardizing and forming a modular construction system for chain conveyors, accumulating chain conveyors and/or toothed belt conveyors. With the kit, which is a constructional unit, many different specifically designed systems can be mass produced since a conveyor is disassembled into subassemblies, subgroups and component parts, in which case it may be possible to combine subassemblies with one another so that the standardized program can meet many different customer-specific requirements.

Abstract: A drive station for winning machines and scrape chain conveyors used in mining operations, with main drive and auxiliary drive, and with a measuring and control unit for drive motors and safety slipping clutches. During heavy start and heavy run respectively, a control sensor detects the undershooting of a limit speed of the drive motors, which is preselectable according to a program, and a drive control shifts simultaneously or successively into a slow speed step. Moreover, the drive force of the safety clipping clutches can be adjusted during the starting process.