Conveyors: power-driven – Conveyor section – Endless conveyor
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-05
2001-06-19
Bidwell, James R. (Department: 3651)
Conveyors: power-driven
Conveyor section
Endless conveyor
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247580
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an actuator device for use in a bi-directional conveyor belt, wherein the actuator can assume two different positions depending on the belt's transport direction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The conveyor belt can be provided with different auxiliary devices, such as belt steering assemblies for holding the belt in a laterally correct position, scraping devices for scraping material in powdered form, or steering arms for steering small items such as cardboard boxes.
Some conveyor belts can be used in both directions, in which case it may be necessary to alter or switch the position of the auxiliary devices depending on the belt's transport direction.
In Norwegian patent application no. 962268 there is disclosed a reversible belt steering assembly for centering conveyor belts which comprises a rotating mechanism which is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the conveyor belt and which supports at least one steering roller for the conveyor belt, and a first transfer mechanism which supports first guide rollers. The first guide rollers are steered laterally by the conveyor belt relative to the conveyor belt's longitudinal direction, and the first transfer mechanism by means of a lateral displacement of the conveyor belt from a neutral position transfers the first guide rollers' movement to the rotating mechanism for rotating the steering rollers to a position where they steer the conveyor belt back to the neutral position. The reversible belt steering assembly also comprises other guide rollers and a second transfer mechanism which corresponds to, and is arranged opposite to the steering rollers and corresponding to the first guide rollers and the first transfer mechanism. A switch mechanism connects and disconnects the first and second transfer mechanisms relative to the rotating mechanism, depending on the belt's transport direction.
Norwegian patent application no. 962268 thus describes an auxiliary device for conveyor belts which is connected and disconnected depending on the belt's transport direction.
The switching device which is employed in the above-mentioned and other auxiliary devices may be manual or automatic. In the case of conveyor belts which form part of automated transport systems, for example for granulated ores in processing plants, the switching devices must be automatic. Such automatic switching devices can be driven by hydraulic, pneumatic or electric motors or linear actuators, for example pneumatic cylinders, which are controlled by electrical signals from a control unit which also controls the belt's propulsion motor, or electrical signals directly from the propulsion motor. This can be done in a number of different ways, all of which entail installation of electric cables, connections and other electrical devices. Such installations are expensive, and may also involve undesirable maintenance, particularly in areas which are exposed to dust, humidity, heat or cold. Thus there is a need for a switching device which is not dependent on electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic installations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is to provide an actuator device for use in a bi-directional conveyor belt, which actuator should be capable of assuming two different positions depending on the belt's transport direction, and of functioning without external connections.
This object is achieved according to the invention with an actuator device of the type mentioned in the introduction, characterized by the features which are stated hereafter.
The actuator according to the invention is assumed to have its primary application in switching auxiliary devices for conveyor belts. The actuator according to the invention, however, will also be able to be used for other purposes, for example as an indicator for the belt's transport direction or for controlling devices which are not connected to the conveyor belt, such as ventilating flaps.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3065646 (1962-11-01), Vance
patent: 3593841 (1971-07-01), Leow
patent: 3621728 (1971-11-01), Steorts, Jr.
patent: 6116410 (2000-09-01), Malmberg
patent: 2069944 (1981-09-01), None
patent: WO 97/23395 (1997-07-01), None
Gaarden Kjell Arne
Hovstø Kenneth
A/S Techno Track
Bidwell James R.
Young & Thompson
LandOfFree
Actuator for a bi-directional conveyor belt does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Actuator for a bi-directional conveyor belt, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Actuator for a bi-directional conveyor belt will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2442396