Oven drive load monitoring system
US8362403B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA21B1/48
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A drive load measuring system for a conveyor-type oven is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a drive load measuring system includes: a pair of mounting assemblies that support opposing end portions of a rotating drive shaft of an oven drive unit; and a PLC control unit operatively connected to the mounting assemblies. The mounting assemblies each include a pivot bracket mounted to the body of the oven and a force sensing fastener inserted into the pivot bracket and configured to generate an output signal representative of the load on the force sensing fastener. The PLC control unit can be configured to calculate load values of the force sensing fasteners and to detect rapid changes in the load values that may indicate jam-ups of conveyors driven by the oven drive unit. Alternatively, the PLC control unit can be configured to detect when load values of the force sensing fasteners exceed a threshold value, which may also indicate jam-ups of the conveyors. According to another embodiment, a drive load measuring system includes a pair of in-line torque sensors attached to a rotating drive shaft of an oven drive unit at or near end portions of the drive shaft; and a PLC control uni…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.