Apparatus and method for tracking conveyor belts
US9346622B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 2013 |
| Grant date | May 24, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 8, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2812/02168
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tracking apparatus and method for urging a mistracking conveyor belt back towards a correct travel path are provided. The apparatus and method both utilize downstream shifting of an end portion of an idler roller due to mistracking of the conveyor belt for directing or steering the belt back toward its correct travel path and a reaction force from the belt due to the steering thereof for energizing a tilting action of the idler roller to raise the downstream end portion thereof. In this manner, the tilting of the idler roller is not mechanically coupled to the downstream shifting of the roller end portion allowing the belt tracking apparatus herein to be bi-directional for use with conveyor belts that may be run in opposite travel directions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.