A method includes emitting a laser including a plurality of laser points onto a surface of a conveyor belt, capturing a plurality of first images of the surface of the conveyor belt during a first cycle of the conveyor belt, creating a first three-dimensional image of the surface of the conveyor belt during the first cycle, each of a plurality of locations of the surface of the conveyor belt in the first three-dimensional image being assigned first position data, capturing a plurality of second images of the surface of the conveyor belt during a second cycle of the conveyor belt; creating a second three-dimensional image of the surface during the second cycle, each of the plurality of locations of the surface in the second three-dimensional image being assigned second position data; and determining whether a difference between the first and second position data exceeds a predetermined threshold.
B65G 43/02 - Control devices, e.g. for safety, warning or fault-correcting detecting dangerous physical condition of load- carriers, e.g. for interrupting the drive in the event of overheating
G01B 11/06 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness for measuring thickness
3.
CONVEYOR BELT THICKNESS MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING CHANGES IN CONVEYOR BELT THICKNESSES
A method includes emitting a laser including a plurality of laser points onto a surface of a conveyor belt, capturing a plurality of first images of the surface of the conveyor belt during a first cycle of the conveyor belt, creating a first three-dimensional image of the surface of the conveyor belt during the first cycle, each of a plurality of locations of the surface of the conveyor belt in the first three-dimensional image being assigned first position data, capturing a plurality of second images of the surface of the conveyor belt during a second cycle of the conveyor belt; creating a second three-dimensional image of the surface during the second cycle, each of the plurality of locations of the surface in the second three-dimensional image being assigned second position data; and determining whether a difference between the first and second position data exceeds a predetermined threshold.
B65G 43/02 - Control devices, e.g. for safety, warning or fault-correcting detecting dangerous physical condition of load- carriers, e.g. for interrupting the drive in the event of overheating
G01N 21/88 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination
G01N 21/89 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination in moving material, e.g. paper, textiles
4.
CONVEYOR BELT THICKNESS MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING CHANGES IN CONVEYOR BELT THICKNESSES
A method includes emitting a laser including a plurality of laser points onto a surface of a conveyor belt, capturing a plurality of first images of the surface of the conveyor belt during a first cycle of the conveyor belt, creating a first three-dimensional image of the surface of the conveyor belt during the first cycle, each of a plurality of locations of the surface of the conveyor belt in the first three-dimensional image being assigned first position data, capturing a plurality of second images of the surface of the conveyor belt during a second cycle of the conveyor belt; creating a second three-dimensional image of the surface during the second cycle, each of the plurality of locations of the surface in the second three-dimensional image being assigned second position data; and determining whether a difference between the first and second position data exceeds a predetermined threshold.
B65G 43/02 - Control devices, e.g. for safety, warning or fault-correcting detecting dangerous physical condition of load- carriers, e.g. for interrupting the drive in the event of overheating
G01N 21/88 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination
G01N 21/89 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination in moving material, e.g. paper, textiles
A conveyor belt cleaning assembly includes a first rail member, a second rail member, and a locking mechanism for removably securing the first rail member to the second rail member. The first rail member includes a first base wall, a first leg extending from a first end of the first base wall, a second leg extending from an opposite second end of the first base wall, a first bottom retaining wall, and a first side retaining wall defining a first inner taper portion extending inwardly toward the second leg. The second rail member includes a second base wall, an inner wall, an opposite outer wall, a second bottom retaining wall, and a second side retaining wall defining a second inner taper portion extending inwardly toward the inner wall. The second inner taper portion is a mirror image of the first inner taper portion.
A conveyor belt cleaning assembly includes a first rail member, a second rail member, and a locking mechanism for removably securing the first rail member to the second rail member. The first rail member includes a first base wall, a first leg extending from a first end of the first base wall, a second leg extending from an opposite second end of the first base wall, a first bottom retaining wall, and a first side retaining wall defining a first inner taper portion extending inwardly toward the second leg. The second rail member includes a second base wall, an inner wall, an opposite outer wall, a second bottom retaining wall, and a second side retaining wall defining a second inner taper portion extending inwardly toward the inner wall. The second inner taper portion is a mirror image of the first inner taper portion.
A conveyor belt cleaning assembly includes a first rail member, a second rail member, and a locking mechanism for removably securing the first rail member to the second rail member. The first rail rnernber includes a first base wall, a first leg extending frorn a first end of the first base wall, a second leg extending from an opposite second end of the first base wall, a first bottom retaining wall, and a first side retaining wall defining a first inner taper portion extending inwardly toward the second leg. The second rail member includes a second base wall, an inner wall, an opposite outer wall, a second bottom retaining wall, and a second side retaining wall defining a second inner taper portion extending inwardly toward the inner wall. The second inner taper portion is a mirror image of the first inner taper portion.
An autonomous tensioner system that is coupled to a conveyor belt scraper includes a motor that generates a first drive torque and a gearing assembly coupled to the motor such that the gearing assembly is actuated in response to the motor generating the first drive torque. The gearing assembly generates a second drive torque in response to receiving the initial drive torque generated by the motor and the second drive torque is greater than the first drive torque. The autonomous tensioner system includes an output member coupled to the gearing assembly and the conveyor belt scraper. The output member receives the second drive torque from the gearing assembly and rotates in response, thereby generating a rotational torque. The conveyor belt scraper receives the rotational torque from the output member and simultaneously moves at a torque greater than the first drive torque generated by the motor.
A flange assembly comprises an annular mounting ring and a gate. The annular mounting ring is configured to be welded to the equipment and to connect an air cannon thereto. The mounting ring comprises threaded bolt holes and a slot and encircles a fluid passageway. The gate comprises a blocking portion that is frangibly connected to a flange portion. The gate is at least partially insertable through the slot such that the blocking portion is able to at least partially prevent fluid flow through the fluid passageway. The flange portion is configured to be securely attached to the annular mounting ring after the blocking portion of the gate has been frangibly disconnected from the flange portion.
F41B 11/80 - Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air gunsSteam guns specially adapted for particular purposes
F41B 11/87 - Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air gunsSteam guns specially adapted for particular purposes for industrial purposes, e.g. for surface treatment
12.
Flange assembly with frangible gate for mounting air cannons to bulk material processing equipment
A flange assembly comprises an annular mounting ring and a gate. The annular mounting ring is configured to be welded to the equipment and to connect an air cannon thereto. The mounting ring comprises threaded bolt holes and a slot and encircles a fluid passageway. The gate comprises a blocking portion that is frangibly connected to a flange portion. The gate is at least partially insertable through the slot such that the blocking portion is able to at least partially prevent fluid flow through the fluid passageway. The flange portion is configured to be securely attached to the annular mounting ring after the blocking portion of the gate has been frangibly disconnected from the flange portion.
F16K 3/02 - Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing with flat sealing facesPackings therefor
F16L 23/02 - Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned axially
F16L 41/12 - Joining pipes to walls or pipes, the joined pipe axis being perpendicular to the plane of a wall or to the axis of another pipe using attaching means embracing the pipe
B65D 88/70 - Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying preventing bridge formation using fluid jets
A mechanism for mounting and adjusting a conveyor belt scraper comprises a conveyor belt assembly capable of receiving and disposing of material on a surface thereof and a structural element wherein the structural element comprises a securing member. The mechanism further comprises a belt scraper comprising a slide plate capable of slidably receiving the securing member. A release mating bracket is provided which is capable of being reversibly drawn towards a fixed mating bracket wherein at least one of the fixed mating bracket or release mating bracket comprises a recess. An orientable mandrel is received between the fixed mating bracket and the release mating bracket. A scraper assembly is attached to the orientable mandrel.
A generator comprises a stator having a center axis and a rotor. The stator is configured and adapted to be supported by a portion of conveyor belt support structure. The stator comprises an opening aligned with the center axis configured and adapted to receive at least a portion of a shaft of a conveyor belt roller. The rotor is configured and adapted to connect to the conveyor belt roller in a manner such that the rotor and conveyor belt roller can collectively rotate about the center axis. The rotor encircles the stator and comprises a plurality of permanent magnets.
An improved conveyor belt cleaning device and system is described. The conveyor belt cleaning device comprises a frame below a conveyor belt. A leaf spring system is mounted on the frame. At least one arm is mounted on the leaf spring system and a scraper blade is mounted on the arm and arranged to engage with the conveyor belt to remove material from the conveyor belt. Another embodiment improves flexibility and strength of the device and system using a stepped or bellowed portion in the leaf springs.
An electrically driven eccentric weight industrial vibrator comprises a housing, a stator, a rotor, and at least one eccentric weight. The housing defines an internal chamber. The stator is positioned within the internal chamber of the housing and is fixed in rotation relative to the housing. The rotor encircles the stator and is rotationally connected to the stator and the housing in a manner such that the rotor is able to revolve around the stator within the internal chamber of the housing. The eccentric weight is mounted to the rotor in a manner such that the eccentric weight is able to revolve about the stator together with the rotor.
A generator comprises a stator having a central axis and a rotor. The stator is configured and adapted to be supported by a portion of conveyor belt support structure. The stator comprises an opening aligned with the central axis configured and adapted to receive at least a portion of a shaft of a conveyor belt roller. The rotor is configured and adapted to connect to the conveyor belt roller in a manner such that the rotor and conveyor belt roller can collectively rotate about the central axis. The rotor encircles the stator and comprises a plurality of permanent magnets.
B65G 15/00 - Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration
H02K 21/22 - Synchronous motors having permanent magnetsSynchronous generators having permanent magnets with stationary armatures and rotating magnets with magnets rotating around the armatures, e.g. flywheel magnetos
21.
Air cannon and sonic horn combination for dislodging accumulated bulk material
A combination air cannon and sonic horn for dislodging accumulated bulk material comprises an air cannon, a sonic horn, and a shared portion. The air cannon is configured to store pressurized gas and to periodically abruptly discharge the pressurized gas through a gas outlet. The sonic horn is configured to generate sound waves that that are emitted from the gas outlet. The outlet is formed on a nozzle having a unique configuration. The outlet can be oriented such that blasts of air from the air cannon pass over the accumulated bulk material and lift the bulk material into suspension via Bernoulli's law.
B08B 5/00 - Cleaning by methods involving the use of air flow or gas flow
B08B 7/02 - Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass by distortion, beating, or vibration of the surface to be cleaned
A47L 5/14 - Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum cleaning by blowing-off, also combined with suction cleaning
B08B 9/093 - Cleaning of containers, e.g. tanks by the force of jets or sprays
G10K 9/04 - Devices in which sound is produced by vibrating a diaphragm or analogous element, e.g. fog horns, vehicle hooters or buzzers driven by gas, e.g. suction operated by compressed gases, e.g. compressed air
B08B 7/00 - Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass
22.
BULK MATERIAL CONVEYOR BELT LOADING ZONE AND METHOD OF LOADING A BULK MATERIAL CONVEYOR BELT
A conveyor belt assembly comprises a conveyor belt, a tail pulley, and a transition zone comprising a loading device. The conveyor is looped around the tail pulley and has a generally flat transverse cross-section on the tail pulley. The conveyor belt transitions from having the generally flat cross-section to having a full- trough cross section in the transition zone. The loading device comprises a chute and skirtboards that are connected to each other and that are above the conveyor belt. The loading device is configured to load bulk material onto the belt in the transition region. The skirtboards have linear bottom surfaces that rise as the distance from the tail pulley increases. The conveyor belt is supported from below in the transition zone in a manner creating linear portions of the conveyor belt directly beneath the skirtboards that also rise as the distance from the tail pulley increases.
A bulk material conveyor belt scraper comprises a base portion having a three sided channel. The belt scraper also comprises a polymeric portion that protrudes outwardly from a corner of the three-sided channel. The three-sided channel of the belt scraper is adapted to engage with and partially encircles a support member having a portion with a square cross-section in a manner such that the support member is able to bias the belt scraper against a conveyor belt.
A vibratory apparatus for attachment to a container adapted to utilized pressurized air from a portable pressure source, which apparatus includes a base and a vacuum generator connectable to a pressure source, wherein the vacuum generator is attached to the base and adapted to create a vacuum between the base and a container. The apparatus further includes a vibrator attached to the base and adapted to vibrate the base and any attached container and a conduit connectable to the vibrator at a first end and a pressure source at a second, opposite end. The conduit has a passage extending therethrough and a flow restrictor is disposed between the pressure source and the vibrator to allow a predetermined, non-adjustable volume of airflow through the conduit into the vibrator in a first direction of flow.
B60P 1/58 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using vibratory effect
29.
METHOD OF REPOSITIONING BEARING WEAR IN AN INDUSTRIAL ECCENTRIC WEIGHT VIBRATOR VIA POWER INVERSION AND VIBRATOR THEREFORE
A vibratory device comprises a rotor and an eccentric weight. The eccentric weight is mounted to the shaft and has a center of mass that is offset from the shaft axis. The vibratory device is configured such that the eccentric weight is in a first rotational orientation relative to the shaft and rotates with the shaft when the shaft rotates in a first direction about the shaft axis and such that the eccentric weight is in a second rotational orientation relative to the shaft when the shaft rotates in an opposite second direction about the shaft axis. The vibratory device is further configured such that the eccentric weight automatically transitions from the first rotational orientation to the second rotational orientation when the shaft is switched from rotating in the first direction to rotating in the second direction.
B06B 1/16 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of mechanical energy operating with systems involving rotary unbalanced masses
30.
CLAMP MOUNTED VIBRATOR AND METHOD RELATED TO THE SAME
A bulk material handling assembly comprises a pair of spaced-apart walls, an elongate vibrator, a pair of saddle clamps, and a pair of locking members. The saddle clamps encircle and releasably secure the axial end portions of the vibrator to the spaced-apart walls of the bulk material handling assembly. The locking members are secured to the saddle clamps and to the end portions of the vibrator.
A conveyor belt idler assembly comprises support structure, a strand of catenary idler rollers, and an outboard wing roller or slider bar. The strand of catenary idler rollers can take on various trough-shaped contours. The outboard wing roller or slider bar is attached to the support structure and is able to translate relative to the support structure only along a linear path. The translational movement of the outboard wing roller or slider bar along the linear path is at least partial dependent upon changes in the contour of the strand of catenary idler rollers. The structure is adjustable such that the strand of catenary idler rollers can be lowered and raised to facilitate servicing and installation. A plurality of idler assemblies can be connected to each other using connecting brackets that rigidly tie the assemblies to each other near the outermost idler rollers or slider bars.
B65G 15/08 - Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration the load-carrying surface being formed by a concave or tubular belt, e.g. a belt forming a trough
A conveyor belt idler assembly comprises support structure, a strand of catenary idler rollers, and an outboard wing roller or slider bar. The strand of catenary idler rollers can take on various trough-shaped contours. The outboard wing roller or slider bar is attached to the support structure and is able to translate relative to the support structure only along a linear path. The translational movement of the outboard wing roller or slider bar along the linear path is at least partial dependent upon changes in the contour of the strand of catenary idler rollers. The structure is adjustable such that the strand of catenary idler rollers can be lowered and raised to facilitate servicing and installation. A plurality of idler assemblies can be connected to each other using connecting brackets that rigidly tie the assemblies to each other near the outermost idler rollers or slider bars.
B65G 15/08 - Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration the load-carrying surface being formed by a concave or tubular belt, e.g. a belt forming a trough
B65G 15/60 - Arrangements for supporting or guiding belts, e.g. by fluid jets
B65G 15/64 - Arrangements for supporting or guiding belts, e.g. by fluid jets for automatically maintaining the position of the belts
A method comprises accessing a vibratory device having a rotor and first and second eccentric weights. The first weight is initially attached to the rotor's shaft in a manner such that its center of the mass is offset from the shaft in a first radial direction. The second weight is initially attached to the shaft in a manner such that its center of the mass is also offset in the first radial direction. The method further comprises reorienting the first and second weights relative to the shaft in a manner such that their centers of the mass are offset in a second radial direction. By performing these steps, the location of greatest bearing surface wear rate on the shaft is circumferentially relocated about the shaft. As such, the service life of an eccentric weight vibratory device is thereby extended.
B06B 1/16 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of mechanical energy operating with systems involving rotary unbalanced masses
37.
VIBRATORY DEVICE WITH REPOSITIONABLE WEIGHTS AND METHOD OF EXTENDING THE USEFUL LIFE OF VIBRATORY DEVICES
A method comprises accessing a vibratory device having a rotor and first and second eccentric weights. The first weight is initially attached to the rotor's shaft in a manner such that its center of the mass is offset from the shaft in a first radial direction. The second weight is initially attached to the shaft in a manner such that its center of the mass is also offset in the first radial direction. The method further comprises reorienting the first and second weights relative to the shaft in a manner such that their centers of the mass are offset in a second radial direction. By performing these steps, the location of greatest bearing surface wear rate on the shaft is circumferentially relocated about the shaft. As such, the service life of an eccentric weight vibratory device is thereby extended.
B06B 1/16 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of mechanical energy operating with systems involving rotary unbalanced masses
38.
AIR CANNON ASSEMBLY HAVING AN AUTOMATED BLAST GUARD VALVE
An air cannon has a pressure vessel, a discharge valve, and a discharge tube assembly. The discharge tube assembly comprises a fluid passageway and a blast guard valve. The discharge valve is capable of opening and closing and allows pressurized gas to be discharged from the pressure vessel into the fluid passageway of the discharge tube assembly only when open. The blast guard valve is capable of opening and closing and obstructs the fluid passageway of the discharge tube assembly when closed. The blast guard valve allows gas to pass through the fluid passageway when open. The discharge valve and the blast guard valve are operatively connected to each other in a manner such that the discharge valve can open only when the blast guard valve is open.
A bulk material conveyor belt scraper assembly comprises a support member, at least two scraper members, and a clamping device. The support member has a length that extends along an axis. The scraper members each have a first end portion and an opposite second end portion. The first end portion of each of the scraper members is configured and adapted to engage a bulk material conveyor belt. The second end portion of each of the scraper members connects the scraper member to the support member in a manner such that the scraper member is slidable relative to the support member along the axis of the support member and is otherwise fixed relative to the support member. The clamping device is secured to the support member and is configured and adapted to squeeze the scraper members toward each other relative to the axis of the support member.
An improved bulk material conveyor belt scraper comprises a skirt that shields mounting surfaces from the bulk material dust. By shielding the mounting surfaces from bulk material dust, such dust does not interfere with the replacement of the scraper blade. The belt scraper also comprises an improved securing mechanism for attaching belt scrapers to belt scraper mounts. The improved securing mechanism comprises pegs that have an elongate transverse cross-section that more evenly distributes bearing loads between the belt scrapers and their respective mounts. This eliminates local yielding that can cause belt scrapers to become loose over time.
An improved bulk material conveyor belt scraper comprises a skirt that shields mounting surfaces from the bulk material dust. By shielding the mounting surfaces from bulk material dust, such dust does not interfere with the replacement of the scraper blade. The belt scraper also comprises an improved securing mechanism for attaching belt scrapers to belt scraper mounts. The improved securing mechanism comprises pegs that have an elongate transverse cross-section that more evenly distributes bearing loads between the belt scrapers and their respective mounts. This eliminates local yielding that can cause belt scrapers to become loose over time.
A conveyor belt roller guard comprises opposite first and second longitudinal side panels, opposite transverse side panels, and a bottom panel. The first and second longitudinal side panels, the transverse side panels, and the bottom panel are arranged in a manner adapted to define a u-shaped trough that comprises a cavity that is open from above. The first longitudinal side panel has a lower portion that is hinged relative to the transverse side panels about a first pivot axis in a manner such that the first longitudinal side panel can be swung downward while the bottom panel and the transverse side panels remain stationary. The first pivot axis extends substantially horizontal and parallel to the first longitudinal side panel.
A conveyor belt roller guard comprises opposite first and second longitudinal side panels, opposite transverse side panels, and a bottom panel. The first and second longitudinal side panels, the transverse side panels, and the bottom panel are arranged in a manner adapted to define a u-shaped trough that comprises a cavity that is open from above. The first longitudinal side panel has a lower portion that is hinged relative to the transverse side panels about a first pivot axis in a manner such that the first longitudinal side panel can be swung downward while the bottom panel and the transverse side panels remain stationary. The first pivot axis extends substantially horizontal and parallel to the first longitudinal side panel.
B65G 21/10 - Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors movable, or having interchangeable or relatively- movable partsDevices for moving framework or parts thereof
B65G 21/16 - Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors for conveyors having endless load-carriers movable in curved paths
A conveyor belt guard panel blank comprises a monolithic planar sheet of material of uniform thickness having opposite facing primary surfaces. The sheet of material has a plurality of openings extending therethrough in a manner creating a mesh. The sheet also comprises at least two handle formations that are adapted and configured to be altered in a manner such that the handle formations extend outward from one of the primary surfaces of the sheet of material.
A bulk material handling system comprises a bulk material handling apparatus to convey bulk material, and a bulk material handling accessory that aids in the operation of the bulk material handling apparatus. The bulk material handling accessory comprises a controller having one or more sensors. The controller comprises a processor and a computer readable memory capable of: (i) generating a control signal indicative of an operating condition of the bulk material handling accessory during a cycle of operation of the accessory; (ii) storing in the memory of the controller a limit associated with an operating condition of the accessory; (iii) comparing the control signal to the limit; (iv) generating a signal indicative of an abnormal event associated with the operating condition when the control signal is beyond the limit; and (v) generating a response signal when a number of abnormal event signals generated exceeds a predetermined level of abnormal events.
A seal member for sealing a conveyor belt is a monolithic homogeneous piece of material having opposite first and second halves and comprises first and second primary seals and first and second secondary seals. The first secondary seal is resiliently movable relative to the first primary seal. The second secondary seal is resiliently movable relative to the second primary seal. The first primary seal and the first secondary seal are part of the first half of the seal member. The second primary seal and the second secondary seal are part of the second half of the seal member. When the seals on one of the first and second halves of the seal member become excessively worn, the seal member can be flipped so that the seals on the other half of the seal member can be utilized.
B65G 21/20 - Means incorporated in, or attached to, framework or housings for guiding load-carriers, traction elements or loads supported on moving surfaces
F16J 15/16 - Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces
F16J 15/22 - Packing materials therefor shaped as strands, ropes, threads, ribbons, or the like
47.
Exteriorly mounted wear liner for bulk material conveyor belt systems
A bulk material conveyor belt system comprises a belt, a skirt, and a wear liner. The belt forms a continuous loop having an upper transfer run and a lower return run. The belt defines a theoretical, vertically oriented, center plane about which the belt is generally symmetric. The skirt has a lower edge that extends above the transfer run. The wear liner is removably attached to the skirt in a manner such that the skirt lies between the wear liner and the center plane. The wear liner has a lower edge that that extends above the transfer run and beneath the lower edge of the skirt.
B65G 21/20 - Means incorporated in, or attached to, framework or housings for guiding load-carriers, traction elements or loads supported on moving surfaces
48.
EXTERIORLY MOUNTED WEAR LINER FOR BULK MATERIAL CONVEYOR BELT SYSTEMS
A bulk material conveyor belt system comprises a belt, a skirt, and a wear liner. The belt forms a continuous loop having an upper transfer run and a lower return run. The belt defines a theoretical, vertically oriented, center plane about which the belt is generally symmetric. The skirt has a lower edge that extends above the transfer run. The wear liner is removably attached to the skirt in a manner such that the skirt lies between the wear liner and the center plane. The wear liner has a lower edge that extends above the transfer run and beneath the lower edge of the skirt.
B65G 21/20 - Means incorporated in, or attached to, framework or housings for guiding load-carriers, traction elements or loads supported on moving surfaces
49.
CONVEYOR BELT TRAINING IDLER WITH A LOCKING MECHANISM
A conveyor belt training idler comprises a mount, a roller support frame, a roller, and a locking mechanism. The roller support frame is pivotally attached to the mount about a support frame axis for pivotal movement relative to the mount. The roller is rotatably attached to the roller support frame for rotation about a roller axis. The roller axis is pivotal with the roller support frame about the support frame axis relative to the mount. The locking mechanism has a plurality of discrete settings, each setting being configured and adapted to maintain the roller support frame at a discrete angular setting relative to the mount.
A bracket assembly comprises a bracket and a stringer of a conveyor belt assembly. The bracket comprises a center mating surface and at least two outer mating surfaces. The center mating surface lies between the outer mating surfaces and is oriented at an obtuse angle relative to each of the outer mating surfaces. The stringer comprises a center mating surface and at least two outer mating surfaces. The outer mating surfaces of the bracket are clamped against the outer mating surfaces of the stringer in manner creating a load path for carrying vertical loads through contact forces.
B65G 15/00 - Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration
A seal member for sealing a conveyor belt is a monolithic homogeneous piece of material having opposite first and second halves and comprises first and second primary seals and first and second secondary seals. The first secondary seal is resiliently movable relative to the first primary seal. The second secondary seal is resiliently movable relative to the second primary seal. The first primary seal and the first secondary seal are part of the first half of the seal member. The second primary seal and the second secondary seal are part of the second half of the seal member. When the seals on one of the first and second halves of the seal member become excessively worn, the seal member can be flipped so that the seals on the other half of the seal member can be utilized.
B65G 21/20 - Means incorporated in, or attached to, framework or housings for guiding load-carriers, traction elements or loads supported on moving surfaces
52.
Bracket for bulk material transfer systems and method of using the same
A bracket assembly comprises a bracket and a stringer of a conveyor belt assembly. The bracket comprises a center mating surface and at least two outer mating surfaces. The center mating surface lies between the outer mating surfaces and is oriented at an obtuse angle relative to each of the outer mating surfaces. The stringer comprises a center mating surface and at least two outer mating surfaces. The outer mating surfaces of the bracket are clamped against the outer mating surfaces of the stringer in manner creating a load path for carrying vertical loads through contact forces.
A bulk material conveyor belt system comprises a belt, a track mounted device, and a support device. The track mounted device comprises a first track. The support device comprises a second track and a locking device. The second track is engage with the first track in a manner such that the support device limits relative movement between the track mounted device and the belt while the support device also allows the track mounted device to slide relative to the support device along a path defined by the first and second tracks. The locking device comprises a movable portion that is movably attached to the second track and that can selectively bias the first track in a direction other than along the path in a manner creating sufficient friction between the first and second tracks that renders the first and second tracks immovable relative to each.
B65G 15/08 - Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration the load-carrying surface being formed by a concave or tubular belt, e.g. a belt forming a trough
54.
APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF SERVICING CONVEYOR BELT RETURN ROLLERS DURING BELT OPERATION
A method comprises a step of accessing a conveyor belt system that has a belt, a return roller, and a return roller support assembly. The return roller is supported by the return roller support assembly. The return roller is engaged with the belt from beneath the return run. The method also comprises operating the return roller support assembly in a manner causing the return roller to lower relative to the belt to a position where the return roller is no longer engaged with the belt, without requiring any person to reach beneath the belt. The method still further comprises removing the return roller from the return roller support assembly by sliding the return roller out from under the belt after the return roller has been lowered, without requiring any person to reach beneath the belt.
B65G 15/40 - Belts or like endless load-carriers made of rubber or plastics troughed or tubularBelts or like endless load-carriers made of rubber or plastics formed with joints facilitating troughing
A seal member for sealing a conveyor belt is a monolithic homogeneous piece of material having opposite first and second halves and comprises first and second primary seals and first and second secondary seals. The first secondary seal is resiliently movable relative to the first primary seal. The second secondary seal is resiliently movable relative to the second primary seal. The first primary seal and the first secondary seal are part of the first half of the seal member. The second primary seal and the second secondary seal are part of the second half of the seal member. When the seals on one of the first and second halves of the seal member become excessively worn, the seal member can be flipped so that the seals on the other half of the seal member can be utilized.
B65G 21/20 - Means incorporated in, or attached to, framework or housings for guiding load-carriers, traction elements or loads supported on moving surfaces
56.
AIR CANNON FOR REMOVAL OF FLOWABLE MATERIAL FROM A MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEM
An air cannon or aerator comprises a tank, a valve, and a tube. The tank has opposite first and second openings and an interior chamber. The valve is rigidly attached to the first opening. The tube connects the valve to the second opening of the tank through the interior chamber of the tank. The tube is pivotal relative to each of the first and second openings and comprises a fluid passageway. The valve is configured and adapted to selectively allow gas to pass from the interior chamber of the tank into the fluid passageway of the tube and out of the tank through the second opening and to selectively prevent gas from passing from the interior of the tank into the fluid passagway of the tube.
A gas channeling device for selectively channeling blasts of gas from an air cannon to various locations comprises a stationary portion and a movable portion. The stationary portion comprises a fluid inlet passageway and at least first and second fluid outlet passageways. The movable portion comprises a fluid channeling passageway, and is pivotally movable about a pivot axis relative to the stationary portion in a manner such that the movable portion can be selectively positioned in alternative first and second positions relative to the stationary portion. The fluid channeling passageway operatively connects the fluid inlet passageway to the first fluid outlet passageway when the movable portion is in the first position. The fluid channeling passageway operatively connects the fluid inlet passageway to the second fluid outlet passageway when the movable portion is in the second position.
An assembly comprises a bulk material vibratory device and a biasing device. The bulk material vibratory device comprises a frame, a screen, and a shaft. Pivotal motion of the shaft creates tension in the screen. The biasing device comprises a first and second portions and a link. The first portion is fixed to the frame. The second portion is attached to the shaft. The link comprises a rod and spring. The rod is threadably connected to the first portion of the biasing device, and is slideably connected to the second portion of the biasing device. The spring is biased against the second portion of the biasing device in a manner creating torque between the first and second portions of the biasing device. The torque generates tension in the screen and is adjustable by moving the link relative to the first portion of the biasing device via the threads.
A bulk material handling accessory such as a conveyor belt cleaner for use in connection with a bulk material handling system. The bulk material handling accessory includes a main frame, a scraping member including an arm and a scraper blade pivotally attached to the main frame, and a damper mechanism coupled at one end to the main frame and at another end to the scraping member. A mounting mechanism is attached to the main frame for providing linear and rotational movement of the main frame and the associated scraping member and damper mechanism. The damper mechanism includes a damper having a piston and a housing having a fluid chamber. The viscosity of the fluid within the fluid chamber is selectively changeable to change the damping characteristics of the damper mechanism to accommodate changes in operating conditions.
A conveyor belt skirt assembly adapted to be attached to a side wall of a conveyor mechanism to retain conveyed material on a conveyor belt of the conveyor mechanism. The conveyor belt skirt assembly includes a skirt having a generally vertical leg member and an inclined foot member attached to the bottom end of the leg member. A bracket including an arm and a finger pivotally attaches the skirt to the conveyor mechanism.
B65G 21/20 - Means incorporated in, or attached to, framework or housings for guiding load-carriers, traction elements or loads supported on moving surfaces
61.
REMOVABLE NOZZLE FOR USE WITH AIR CANNONS AND AERATORS
A nozzle for introducing pressurized fluids into an industrial vessel is releasably attachable to and detachable from a mounting member securedly attached to an exterior surface of the vessel. The mounting member is attached, via extension piping, to a source of pressurized gas, such as the exhaust valve of an air cannon. Both the nozzle and the mounting member include respective mating collars which engage each other in a twist lock manner. Additional securing members are provided to securely retain the nozzle and mounting member in twist lock engagement. Removal of the nozzle is performed by releasing the securing members, twisting the nozzle from inside of the vessel to unlock it from the mounting member, and uncoupling the nozzle from the mounting member. Installation of a replacement nozzle is performed by performing the foregoing steps in the reverse order.
A nozzle for introducing pressurized fluids into an industrial vessel is releasably attachable to and detachable from a mounting member securedly attached to an exterior surface of the vessel. The mounting member is attached, via extension piping, to a source of pressurized gas, such as the exhaust valve of an air cannon. Both the nozzle and the mounting member include respective mating collars which engage each other in a twist lock manner. Additional securing members are provided to securely retain the nozzle and mounting member in twist lock engagement. Removal of the nozzle is performed by releasing the securing members, twisting the nozzle from inside of the vessel to unlock it from the mounting member, and uncoupling the nozzle from the mounting member. Installation of a replacement nozzle is performed by performing the foregoing steps in the reverse order. For high temperature applications, the removal of existing refractory material may be necessary prior to removal of a worn nozzle, and new refractory material may be applied to the interior surface of the vessel following attachment of the replacement nozzle.
A bulk material handling system includes a bulk material handling apparatus to convey bulk material and a bulk material handling accessory to aid the bulk material handling apparatus in conveying the bulk material. The bulk material handling accessory includes a controller having one or more sensors. The controller generates a control signal to adjust operation of the bulk material handling accessory based upon at least one status signal of the one or more sensors. The controller also generates the control signal in accordance with a status signal to control signal response pattern defined by system parameter values. The system parameters include a minimum value to define a minimum level of the control signal associated with fail-safe operation and a maximum value to define a maximum level of the control signal associated with stable operation the bulk material handling accessory.
A bulk material handling system includes a bulk material handling apparatus to convey bulk material and a bulk material handling accessory to aid the bulk material handling apparatus in conveying the bulk material. The bulk material handling accessory includes a controller having one or more sensors. The controller generates a control signal to adjust operation of the bulk material handling accessory based upon at least one status signal of the one or more sensors. The controller also generates the control signal in accordance with a status signal to control signal response pattern defined by system parameter values. The system parameters include a minimum value to define a minimum level of the control signal associated with fail-safe operation and a maximum value to define a maximum level of the control signal associated with stable operation the bulk material handling accessory.
A bulk material handling accessory (6) such as a conveyor belt cleaner (80) for use in connection with a bulk material handling system. The bulk material handling accessory includes a main frame (92), a scraping member (210) including an arm (252) and a scraper blade (214) pivotally attached to the main frame, and a damper mechanism (302) coupled at one end to the main frame and at another end to the scraping mechanism. A mounting mechanism (232) is attached to the main frame for providing linear and rotational movement of the main frame and the associated scraping member and damper mechanism. The damper mechanism includes a damper (304) having a piston (354) and a housing (338) having a fluid chamber (340). The viscosity of the fluid within the fluid chamber is selectively changeable to change the damping characteristics of the damper mechanism to accomodate changes in operating conditions.
A bulk material handling accessory such as a conveyor belt cleaner for use in connection with a bulk material handling system. The bulk material handling accessory includes a main frame, a scraping member including an arm and a scraper blade pivotally attached to the main frame, and a damper mechanism coupled at one end to the main frame and at another end to the scraping member. A mounting mechanism is attached to the main frame for providing linear and rotational movement of the main frame and the associated scraping member and damper mechanism. The damper mechanism includes a damper having a piston and a housing having a fluid chamber. The viscosity of the fluid within the fluid chamber is selectively changeable to change the damping characteristics of the damper mechanism to accommodate changes in operating conditions.
An air cannon or aerator (10) has a first source of a pressurized gas, such as a tank (12), a discharge tube assembly (14), a valve assembly (16) configured to regulate the flow of pressurized gas from the tank (12) to the discharge tube assembly (14), and a receiving member or basket (14) having a first end configured to receive and seat the valve assembly (16) and a second end configured to releasably and securely mate with the discharge tube assembly (14). The discharge tube assembly (14), valve assembly (16), and basket (18) are all concentrically aligned along a central, longitudinal axis extending substantially coaxial with the longitudinal center line of the tank (12). The positioning of the discharge tube assembly (14) and valve assembly (16) close to a longitudinal center line of the tank (12), thereby providing for a central location for the energy discharge, and the provision of large ports (70) in the basket (18) facilitating substantially unobstructed fluid communication between the tank (12) and discharge tube assembly (14), together facilitate smooth discharge of the pressurized gas as well as increased efficiency and force output of the air cannon (10).
A conveyor belt cleaner (10) for scraping material from a surface comprising a mounting assembly operatively attached to a support frame (22), the mounting assembly comprising at least one scraper blade (12), a biasing member (18) associated with each scraper blade and a scraper blade arm (16) extending there between. The biasing member and scraper blade arm are configured such that the conveyor belt cleaner provides for full circle deflection of and a floating point of rotation for the base member, scraper blade arm. and scraper blade. The mounting assembly is further configured to enable material cleaned from the conveyor belt surface to pass freely through the mounting assembly to avoid inhibiting the operation of the conveyor belt cleaner.
A removable scraper blade tip and reusable pocket for a conveyor belt cleaner comprises a scraper blade with leg portions adapted to be releasably received by receiving compartments in a pocket member that is permanently affixed to a support frame. The scraper blade tip is press fit into the pocket and secured with the use of a self-locking mounting pin. Removal of the scraper blade tip requires removal of the mounting pin and applying a force to the scraper blade tip to break the press fit. A new scraper blade tip may be inserted with the pocket and secured with the mounting pin.
A method for forming a one-piece integral multi-durometer scraper blade for a conveyor belt cleaner. The scraper blade includes a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and extending transversely between a base and a tip. The body includes a first body portion comprising a first elastomeric material having a first durometer of hardness, and a second body portion comprising a second elastomeric material having a second durometer of hardness.
A method of distributing and assembling a conveyor belt cleaner comprises manufacturing a first key component at a first point of fabrication in a longer than needed standard length, obtaining a first common component at a second point of fabrication, cutting the first key component to a desired length, and assembling the first key component with the first common component at the second point of fabrication. The method further comprises manufacturing a second key component at the first point of fabrication and assembling the second key component with the first common component at the second point of fabrication. In another aspect of the invention, the key components are manufactured into desired lengths and are sold as part of kit to be assembled to by the end user of the conveyor belt cleaner.
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