Tension control apparatus and method for aero-mechanical conveyor
US6439377B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G23/44
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved tension control apparatus for use in an aero-mechanical conveyor for moving bulk materials, the conveyor including upper and lower housings, head and tail pulley assemblies mounted on respective shafts positioned within the upper and lower housings, respectively, spaced-apart inflow and outflow conveyor tubes interconnecting the upper and lower housings, and an endless rope assembly disposed within the conveyor tubes and around the head and tail pulleys. The improvement includes a bracket cooperating with the inflow and outflow conveyor tubes. A guide sleeve is carried by the bracket for receiving a push rod. The push rod extends along the length of the conveyor tubes from the guide sleeve to the upper housing and includes an upper end engaging the head pulley assembly and a lower end extending through the guide sleeve. A tensioning assembly engages the lower end of the push rod and is carried by the bracket for urging the push rod against the head pulley assembly, thereby urging the head pulley assembly away from the tail pulley assembly and maintaining the rope assembly in a tensioned condition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.