US 6,598,736 B2Granted

Tension control apparatus and method for aero-mechanical conveyor

AssigneeSpiroflow Systems, Inc.

InventorsPeter J. Ellis, David Francis Hesketh

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Abstract

An improved tension control apparatus for use in an aero-mechanical conveyor for moving bulk materials includes spaced-apart inflow and outflow conveyor tubes interconnecting the upper and lower housings of the conveyor. A bracket cooperates with the 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 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 tension in the rope assembly. Two dust cap seals interconnect the conveyor tubes with the upper housing to reduce particulate emissions.

Claims10

Dependent claims

In a 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, and an endless rope assembly disposed around the head and tail pulleys, the improvement comprising:

(a) spaced-apart inflow and outflow conveyor tubes interconnecting the upper and lower housings;
(b) a bracket cooperating with the inflow and outflow conveyor tubes;
(c) a guide sleeve carried by said bracket for receiving a push rod, said push rod extending along the length of the conveyor tubes from said guide sleeve to the upper housing and including an upper end engaging the head pulley assembly and a lower end extending through the guide sleeve;
(d) a tensioning assembly engaging the lower end of the push rod and 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;
and
(e) first and second dust cap seals interconnecting the inflow and outflow conveyor tubes with the upper housing for reducing emissions of particulate matter from the conveyor.

3 more elements

(a) spaced-apart inflow and outflow conveyor tubes interconnecting the upper and lower housings;
(b) a bracket cooperating with the inflow and outflow conveyor tubes;
(c) a guide sleeve carried by said bracket for receiving a push rod, said push rod extending along the length of the conveyor tubes from said guide sleeve to the upper housing and including an upper end engaging the head pulley assembly and a lower end extending through the guide sleeve;
(d) a tensioning assembly engaging the push rod and carried by the bracket for urging the push rod against the head pulley assembly, thereby urging the head pulley assembly and the upper housing away from the tail pulley assembly and maintaining the rope assembly in a tensioned condition;
and
(e) first and second flexible dust cap seals interconnecting the inflow and outflow conveyor tubes with the upper housing for reducing emissions of particulate matter from the conveyor.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.