Take-up mechanism for conveyor system

A tensioning mechanism for a conveyor system, the tensioning mechanism comprising:

• a first end including a drive unit;
• an anchor structure;
• a continuous belt extending at least partially between the drive unit and the anchor structure;
• a first carriage coupled to the drive unit and including at least one first roll supporting a portion of the belt, operation of the drive unit causing the first carriage to move and adjust a tension in the belt;
• and
• a second carriage including at least one second roll supporting another portion of the belt, the second carriage being securable to the anchor structure, a distance between the first end and the second carriage defining a take-up length,
• wherein, when the second carriage is unsecured with respect to the anchor structure, a tension in the belt causes the second carriage to move relative to the anchor structure between a first position and at least one second position, and wherein movement of the second carriage modifies the take-up length.

A static carriage for a tensioning mechanism of a belt conveyor system, the tensioning mechanism including an anchor structure and a drive unit operable to move a dynamic carriage, the dynamic carriage including at least one roll supporting a continuous belt, the static carriage comprising:

• a frame configured to be securable to the anchor structure;
• at least one second roll supported for rotation on the frame, the second roll configured to support a portion of the belt extending between the frame and the dynamic carriage;
• and
• a plurality of rollers for supporting the frame for movement relative to the anchor structure, the plurality rollers coupled to the frame and configured to engage the anchor structure.