Abstract: A belt and a belt conveyor are provided for transporting particulate material and especially oilseeds up the belt conveyor. The belt conveyor can include an intake end having a hopper, a discharge end, a body extending between the intake end and the discharge end and a belt. The belt travels along a travel path in the belt conveyor; the belt traveling through the hopper, up an upper run in the body to the discharge end, down a return run in the body, and back through the hopper. The belt can have a top surface having pairs of adjacent ridges provided on the top surface, each ridge having a pair of arms extending from a point, in a travel direction of the belt, wherein each pair of adjacent ridges define a v-channel on the top surface of the belt.

Abstract: A belt and a belt conveyor are provided for transporting particulate material and especially oilseeds up the belt conveyor. The belt conveyor can include an intake end having a hopper, a discharge end, a body extending between the intake end and the discharge end and a belt. The belt travels along a travel path in the belt conveyor; the belt traveling through the hopper, up an upper run in the body to the discharge end, down a return run in the body, and back through the hopper. The belt can have a top surface having pairs of adjacent ridges provided on the top surface, each ridge having a pair of arms extending from a point, in a travel direction of the belt, wherein each pair of adjacent ridges define a v-channel on the top surface of the belt.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for characterizing attributes of a moving glass sheet comprising complementary mechanical material handling technologies that progressively stabilize, position, capture, flatten, and release the lower portion of glass sheets traveling past the apparatus while posing minimal constraint on the top section of the sheet. The apparatus includes a pressure-vacuum (PV)-type device comprising distinct regions such that the glass sheets experience a non-contact but gradual increase in constraining force until the point where measurements can be performed, then a gradual decrease in constraining force until the glass sheets are released from the inspection station. This graduated force technique is applied along the direction of travel of the sheets and may also be applied vertically upwards along the height of the sheet to restrict the motion of the sheet without constraining it at pinch points near the conveyor.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a return roller is provided. The mounting apparatus is positioned beneath a return side of a conveyor belt, the return side of the conveyor belt having a near side along one edge of the return side of the conveyor belt and a far side along an opposite edge of the return side of the conveyor belt. The mounting apparatus has a return roller support structure and a return roller supported on the return roller support structure. The return roller support structure is slidable from the mounting apparatus in a direction towards the near side of the return side of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway comprises a balustrade base, an illumination profile disposed in the base and a transparent cover through which illumination is provided. An illumination strip is located within the illumination profile, and has a plurality of LED lamps. A reflecting surface is provided on the illumination profile, and is aligned such that at least a portion of the light emitted by the LED lamps impinging upon the surface is reflected in the direction of the cover, facilitating an even level of illumination.

Abstract: A system for heating conveyors which extend outside a wash tunnel of a carwash utilizes concrete structural slabs with heating apparatus embedded in the slab near a top surface and supported adjacent the conveyor. The heating apparatus can be a hydronic system or an electric heating mat embedded in the slabs which prevents water on the slabs or the conveyor from freezing in low ambient temperature conditions.

Abstract: A conveyor belt support for a conveyor may comprise: a mandrel mountable to the far side of the conveyor and extending transversely toward the near side thereof; a member mountable to the mandrel from the near side of the conveyor that is slideable on and rotatable about the mandrel; and a roller supported by the member, wherein the roller is transverse to the conveyor belt when the member is mounted to the mandrel, wherein rotating the member in a first direction moves the roller to an operating position for supporting the conveyor belt and rotating the member in a second direction moves the roller to a position wherein the member and roller are removable from the support mandrel.

Abstract: A return side conveyor belt support for a conveyor may comprise: a mandrel mountable to the far side of the conveyor and extending transversely toward the near side thereof; a member slidably and rotatably mountable to the mandrel from the near side of the conveyor for sliding thereon and for rotating about the mandrel; a return roller rotatable and supported by the member, wherein the return roller is transverse to the conveyor belt when the member is mounted to the mandrel, wherein rotating the member in a first direction moves the return roller to an operating position for supporting the conveyor belt and rotating the member in a second direction moves the return roller to a position wherein the member and return roller are removable from the support mandrel.

Abstract: A system and method for agitating pouched products traveling along a conveyor belt to facilitate heat transfer, blending, mixing and/or stirring of the contents thereof. An agitation station is located along the conveyor belt, and includes an agitator secured to one end of an arm, the arm being pivotally secured to the frame supporting the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Provided are a heat resistant laminated conveyor belt and manufacturing method thereof by which a belt surface pressure when a liner and corrugated core paper are pressed and bonded together can be increased to thereby enhance a bonding performance. The heat resistant laminated conveyor belt comprises a belt core layer 11 made by a heat resistant non-metallic fiber substrate being impregnated with a fluororesin dispersion and then dried and sintered and a surface layer 13 (plain weave wire, etc., for example) formed on the belt core layer 11 via an adhesive layer 12 made by a fluororesin film, the surface layer having a fabric structure using an element wire or wires made of a ferrous metal or having a structure in which the element wire or wires are arranged together.

Abstract: A method for installing lock levers for a beverage filling machine includes supplying a plurality of lock levers, including a plurality of regular size lock levers with a first dimension associated with the height of an engagement surface relative to the axis of rotation of the lever, and at least one other lock lever having a second dimension for the height such that the second dimension is reduced or increased relative to the first dimension, installing a plurality of regular size lock levers on the beverage filling machine, determining if the engagement surface of any of the regular size lock levers is not positioned at a predetermined position and thereby non-conforming, then installing at the location of any non-conforming regular size lock lever one of the at least one other lock lever having a second dimension to position the engagement surface thereof substantially at the predetermined position.

Abstract: A belt conveyor comprising a continuous conveyor belt running between deflection rolls, to which a workpiece receptacle is attached. A synchronously revolving continuous power supply line is provided for the belt conveyor. The power supply line is formed separately from the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The invention is an Intelligent Conveyor Adjustment System (ICAS). The ICAS gives the user a way to adjust guide rails and other devices used in a conveyor system with actuators that can receive instructions based on a specific communications interface, such an interface may consist of but is not limited to serial wired network, an 802.11 compatible network, a power line network, and as described in the examples a wireless network, in a fashion to position rails or other devices on a conveyor system or in machines associated with a conveyor system. The actuators can be but are not limited to varying types, linear, rotary, push/pull covered cable, flexible strips, lever, pivoting, scissor, or other dual actuating mechanisms. The ACMs are used to control the actuators which control the relative position and shape of guide rails on the sides of the conveyor as well as position of various other conveyor entities such as, but not limited to, timing screws, labelers, marking machines, barcode readers, and fillers.

Abstract: An loading apparatus (100) for use in a packaging machine includes a grouping conveyor (300) for conveying groups of articles (16) in a flow direction (10). The grouping conveyor (300) includes a plurality of conveyor plates (320) and grouping lugs (310) that are slidably attached to one of the plurality of conveyor plates (320) so as to be individually moveable in a transverse direction (90) to selectively extend to span the space between the grouping conveyor and a carton conveyor as needed to facilitate loading groups of the articles into cartons and to selectively retract to avoid impeding operation of the packaging machine. The grouping conveyor (300) also includes a multi-position locking mechanism (82) that releasably locks the grouping lug (310) in two transverse positions. A system of proximity sensors (530, 540) monitors the grouping conveyor (300) to ensure that the grouping lugs (310) are properly transversely positioned.

Abstract: An agricultural conveyor is supported on a pair of steerable wheels such that the steerable wheels are pivotal relative to the conveyor frame about respective upright axes. A hydraulically actuated steering mechanism is arranged to commonly pivot the steerable wheels together relative to the conveyor frame. A hydraulic connector is arranged to connect the hydraulically actuated steering mechanism to a controllable hydraulic output of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A mail screening device for hazardous materials is disclosed. The mail screening device comprises a sample collection unit that uses air jets or air knives to dislodge residues of hazardous materials from a mail, and a detection unit that detects the hazardous materials in the exhaust air flow. Comparing to traditional mail screening systems that use belts and rollers to physically pinch a mail for sample collection, the device of the present invention is less complex and easier to operate, thereby reducing installation, maintenance and replacement costs.

Abstract: A collecting device (1) for catching crumbs which fall through constructional gaps in the conveyor belt (4) of an oven (2) during baking. The device (1) has an elongated upper plate (10) having a plurality of through perforations (10a) which is mounted beneath the top flight (4a) of the conveyor and extends across the width of the belt (4). A directing panel (7) is attached to each longitudinal edge (10b) of the upper plate (10) perpendicular to the plate (10). The crumbs which fall through the conveyor belt (4) are first received in the perforations (10a) in the upper plate (10) and then directed by the panels (7) into a removable container (5) beneath the lower edges (7b) of the panels. In an oven (2) which has a metal sheet (20) installed beneath the top flight (4a) of the conveyor belt (4) parallel to the belt, the upper plate (10) is installed by firstly excising a similarly sized portion of material from the metal sheet (10) and then substituting the excised portion with the upper plate (10).

Abstract: An article engagable unit is selectively positioned by a positioning device and method along an engaging path. The positioning device includes a movable unit having a slider relatively movable with respect to a mounting unit by a pneumatic unit with the slider having a pawl and a connector connecting the article engagable unit for movement with the slider. A mechanical unit includes a shaped wheel and a ratchet wheel rotatable with the shaped wheel and engagable with the pawl on the slider upon movement of the slider in one direction to rotate the ratchet wheel and shaped wheel to successively move each of a plurality of stops spaced about the periphery of the shaped wheel to a stop area for engagement thereat with the slider when moved in a second direction to thereby establish a plurality of selectable set positions for the article engagable unit along the engaging path.

Abstract: Conveyors, chutes, skids, guides, and ways for the transporting of material are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material such that fragments of these structures can be detected by a metal detector. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The ratio of the weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers to the weight of the base resin host is between about 0.20 and 0.40. The micron conductive powders are formed from non-metals, such as carbon, graphite, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from metals such as stainless steel, nickel, copper, silver, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from a combination of non-metal, plated, or in combination with, metal powders.

Abstract: A feeder conveyor belt system applies force to the upper surface of objects and assists in moving the objects over a planar surface The feeder conveyor belt is mounted on a suspension system which allows the feeder conveyor belt to adjust to the contour of objects being transported.

Abstract: An automated cleaning system for an endless belt conveyor. The cleaning system having a central control which controls pump supplying hot water, soap and a sanitizer to a plurality of controllable spray valves for plural spray bars.

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

Abstract: A differential impulse conveyor 10, 80, 90, 100 includes a tray 12 which is driven in a forward direction at a slow speed and a backward direction at a higher speed to slide goods with respect to the tray and thereby move goods along the tray. The drive motor 26, 27 powers the tray in the forward and backward directions through a drive shaft 40 and a tray crank 66, 106 interconnecting the drive shaft and the tray. Controller 84 is provided for varying the rotational speed of the motor shaft, thereby avoiding mechanical knock in the drive system. In another embodiment, a pair of counterweights 52, 62 are provided on opposing sides of the drive shaft 40, with respective counterweight cranks 46, 56 initiating forward movement of each counterweight at a preselected offset angular position with respect to forward movement of the tray.

Abstract: An automated cleaning system for an endless belt conveyor. The cleaning system having a central control which controls pumps supplying hot water, soap and a sanitizer to a plurality of controllable spray valves for plural spray bars.

Abstract: A paper processing device, in particular, a folder that includes an apparatus for replacing tapes that convey signatures and a method for replacing tapes of the paper processing device. The paper processing device has a frame or frames with opposing sides and a plurality of cylinders disposed between the opposing sides of the frames. Each one of the cylinders has an axis for rotation thereabout. The paper processing device includes a plurality of tapes and each one of the plurality of tapes is disposed to circulate around the plurality of cylinders. The paper processing device includes a holder for holding an end of the replacement tape that will be provided to replace one of the plurality of tapes, and an elongated conveying element disposed for circulation around the axis of the plurality of cylinders. The elongated conveying element is attached to the holder for guiding the replacement tape around the plurality of cylinders.

Abstract: A spacing tool is adapted for use with a conveyor that conveys plastic bottle containers of the type having a neck ring, a neck below the neck ring, and a body below the neck. The conveyor has a pair of support flanges that are spaced laterally from one another by a distance smaller than an outer diameter dimension of each container neck ring, but larger than an outer diameter dimension of each container neck. Thus, each container can be supported between the flanges with its neck ring in engagement with upper surfaces of the flanges. The conveyor has a pair of container guide rails that are spaced from one another by a distance larger than an outer diameter dimension of each container body so that each container can move along the conveyor between the guide rails. The spacing tool comprises a spacing member having a head portion, a neck portion below the head portion, and a spacing block below the neck portion. The head portion has a first outer diameter dimension larger than the spacing between the flanges.

Abstract: A set of specialty tools is provided that includes a belt jack trough side tool, a belt jack return side tool; a pair of return roll tools of one of two embodiments for use in conveyor belt maintenance utilizing one of two most prevalent types of return rolls, a return trainer tool, a trough roll tool, a trough frame tool, and trough trainer tool.

Abstract: A conveyor belt lifting device is configured to shift the belt away from the conveyor frame, which facilitates cleaning of the undersurface of the belt and the portions of the frame covered by the belt. The device includes a support bar rotatably mounted to the conveyor frame and at least one arm projecting from the bar, such that rotation of the bar corresponds with swinging of the arm. The arm is configured to engage the undersurface of the belt and shift the belt away from the frame as it swings from a standby position to an operating position.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus (10) for lifting an endless conveyor belt (11) supported on a support frame structure (15) including two spaced apart frame members (33). The lifting apparatus (10) comprises a lower beam member (57) for extending between and resting on the two frame members (33) and an upper beam member (53) for engaging a section of the conveyor belt (11) to be lifted. A jack means (59) is operable between the two beam members (53, 57) for selectively moving the two members towards and away from each other between extended and contracted conditions. The jack means (59) comprises two telescopic rams (61) disposed to extend outwardly of the two beam members (53, 57) when in the contracted condition. This allows the two beam members (53, 57) to assume a compact arrangement when in the contracted condition.

Abstract: A conveyor belt lifting device is configured to shift the belt away from the conveyor frame, which facilitates cleaning of the undersurface of the belt and the portions of the frame covered by the belt. The device includes a support bar rotatably mounted to the conveyor frame and at least one arm projecting from the bar, such that rotation of the bar corresponds with swinging of the arm. The arm is configured to engage the undersurface of the belt and shift the belt away from the frame as it swings from a standby position to an operating position.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes a tube having locking apparatus at one end that is inserted into a hinge joint in a first direction. A lead wire is inserted into the tube in the opposite direction and locked in place within the tube. Then the tube is withdrawn from the joint with the lead wire still attached. The apparatus also includes a web shaped bib member having at least one opening therein for gripping by a human hand to assist in positioning the belt. The method of the invention has application to a method of securing the first end of a conveyor belt with respect to the second end of the conveyor belt wherein the first end and second end each include part of a hinged joint that includes a plurality of cylindrical section shaped members.

Abstract: A method of installing a multiple lift, vertical conveyor system in a conveyor shaft includes steps of: erecting a framework for the vertical conveyor system, installing a first belt for operation on the framework; feeding a second belt into position for installation on the framework by advancing the second belt on the first belt and installing the second belt for operation on the framework.

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: Device for the quick change of tracks, which is suitable to cooperate with a traction unit (12) of a type with two facing tracks (11) such as that of EP-A-548723, for instance, and comprises a movable trolley (13), which has in a position substantially at the front of the traction unit (12) a first withdrawal and delivery position (13a), a second replacement position (13b) and an intermediate rotation position (13c) for pre-arrangement of the new set of tracks (111).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for loading or unloading cargo which comprises a cargo space having a base portion and a loading-unloading apparatus having a supporting structure. A cargo conveyor has an upper part and a lower part, the upper part of the conveyor bearing against the supporting structure of the loading-unloading apparatus. Lifting devices are connected to the supporting structure for lifting the supporting structure to alter the distance between the supporting structure and the base portion. The raising of the supporting structure with respect to the base portion, when cargo is moved on the loading-unloading apparatus, transmits a substantially concentrated weight exerted by the cargo through the lifting devices to the base portion, and the lower part of the conveying means is freely movable beneath the supporting structure.

Abstract: Workpiece carriers are fed to successive work stations along conveyor tracks at which stations work operations are performed on individual parts on the carrier and in which a defect signal is allocated when appropriate. After a work operation has been performed a coding member is left in a normal switching position corresponding to a defect coding or displaced into a switching position corresponding to an accept coding if the work operations performed were satisfactory. In a coding device displaceable coding elements are supported by a workpiece carrier and traverse a detector device at the work processing station and a switching element for displacing the coding element from a reject coding switch position to an accept coding switch position. Advantageously an accept coding is only secured by a deliberate action when satisfactory work processing has been completed and thus subsequent processing of defective parts is avoided simply and with great reliability.

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting articles to or from a clean room or from one place to another within a clean room. The conveyor has housings extending along either side of the path of conveyor travel. Extending between the housings are conveying members, usually metal rods, elongated perpendicularly to the path of conveyor travel. Each housing is slotted so that the ends of the conveying members may extend therethrough. Within each housing are rollers journaled to the ends of the conveying members and a track. The track receives and guides the rollers. Extending along and in air communication with each housing is a plenum, and between each housing and its plenum is an air restriction sheet that restricts the flow of air. The conveyor also includes a blower for drawing a partial vacuum within each plenum thus drawing a lesser vacuum in the housing. Each housing, plenum, air restriction sheet, and blower are arranged so that a pressure differential is created between the housing and plenum.

Abstract: A pump assembly to be used for mining, and the like, is supported on rope-like members (32, 110, 112, 140, 181, 190) of an endless conveyer. In one type of embodiments a channel-shaped mounting member (20, 72, 138, 164, 192) of the pump assembly straddles the rope-like support members and allows the weight distribution of the pump assembly to cause a drive wheel (16, 68, 142, 146, 196) of the pump assembly to come into contact with the endless conveyer (28, 144, 198) to thereby drive a pump (18, 76, 134, 160, 182) of the pump assembly. In a particular one of these types of embodiments the pump (134) is mounted inside the rope-like support member (140) to urge the drive wheel (142) downwardly against the return portion (144) of the endless conveyer and in other particular ones of these types of embodiments the pump (18, 76, 160) is located outside the rope-like support member (32, 181) so that the drive wheel (16, 68, 146) is urged upwardly against the conveying portion (28 ) of the endless conveyer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a twin reel beltwinder which is designed to support an indeterminate length of conveyor belt for transportation within a mine cavity. The present invention includes a frame structure rotatably mounted on four wheels and including a framework for supporting a roll of conveyor belt. The entire roll of conveyor belt is initially positioned on one arm of the support structure. Subsequently, a portion of the conveyor belt is unreeled onto the second arm of the support structure. By equally distributing the conveyor belt between the first arm and the second arm of the support structure, the overall height of the apparatus is low enough to be accommodated within a mine cavity.

Abstract: A cover for acoustically enclosing a conveyor is described. The cover includes a curved, dome-shaped or gabled top portion and two side walls which project downwardly from the top portion to a support structure for the conveyor. Also, the cover includes acoustically absorbent or dissipative material for attenuating noise internally generated within the cover. At least one of the side walls includes a pivotally mounted door which provides access to the conveyor. Since the cover is curved, dome-shaped or gabled and does not include any horizontal surfaces, an accumulation of moisture within the conveyor cover is prevented.

Abstract: An improved accumulator and storage device for metal containers provided with open and closed ends, wherein one of the major wall areas of the accumulator and storage device is of acoustical construction and wherein the containers are deposited in the accumulator and storage device in such a way that their open ends face the acoustical wall structure.

Abstract: A combined sorter and conveyor for articles of considerable bulk or weight, characterized by tandem sections articulated for movement between conveying position and discharge position; shock absorber means cushion the attainment of both positions but offer no resistance during initial movement from one position to the other.

Abstract: An improved lehr loading bar for loading newly formed glass containers into an annealing lehr. A series of relatively flat faced liner bars are loaded into a carrier bar having opposed dove tail slides. The liner bars are separated by spacers which also engage the dove tail slides. The space between adjacent spacers defines a pocket into which a glass container may fit for transfer to a lehr. Both liner bars and spacers are made of carbon or carbon graphite material to prevent thermal damage to the hot glass containers when they touch them.