A method for ascertaining a position error in a linear drive, a linear drive, a method for operating the linear drive and an installation, wherein the deviation of a respective further runner in relation to a first runner (reference runner) is ascertained to determine the position error, where the discrepancy of the respective sensor is ascertained based on the deviation of the runner, the discrepancy may be ascertained using a reference system, the position error may be established based on the discrepancy of the respective sensor PS and the deviation of the respective runner, and where the position error may serve for the improved positioning, i.e., more precise positioning, of the respective runner on the linear drive or of the segments.

A cargo conveyor is provided for a vehicle having an interior including a cargo area having a floor, a wall, a reach zone, and a distant zone and configured to transport a cargo item. The cargo conveyor includes a conveyor belt, a motor, and a controller. The conveyor belt is connectable to the cargo area and has a top portion. The motor is connectable to the cargo area, operatively connected to the conveyor belt, and configured to move the top portion of the conveyor belt in a forward direction and in a rearward direction. The controller is in communication with the motor and is configured to control the motor. The cargo conveyor is configured to selectively move the cargo item from the reach zone to the distant zone and from the distant zone to the reach zone.

A cargo conveyor is provided for a vehicle having an interior including a cargo area having a floor, a wall, a reach zone, and a distant zone and configured to transport a cargo item. The cargo conveyor includes a conveyor belt, a motor, and a controller. The conveyor belt is connectable to the cargo area and has a top portion. The motor is connectable to the cargo area, operatively connected to the conveyor belt, and configured to move the top portion of the conveyor belt in a forward direction and in a rearward direction. The controller is in communication with the motor and is configured to control the motor. The cargo conveyor is configured to selectively move the cargo item from the reach zone to the distant zone and from the distant zone to the reach zone.

An abnormality estimation apparatus for estimating an abnormality in a belt of a belt conveyor includes a displacement part that is displaced in accordance with tension or a change of the tension of the belt when the displacement part is caused to abut against the belt to receive the tension of the belt, an elastic body that is elastically deformed in accordance with displacement of the displacement part, a heat flow sensor that detects a heat flow occurring due to elastic deformation of the elastic body, and an abnormality estimation part that estimates whether there is an abnormality in the belt based on a detection result by the heat flow sensor.

An abnormality estimation apparatus for estimating an abnormality in a belt of a belt conveyor includes a displacement part that is displaced in accordance with tension or a change of the tension of the belt when the displacement part is caused to abut against the belt to receive the tension of the belt, an elastic body that is elastically deformed in accordance with displacement of the displacement part, a heat flow sensor that detects a heat flow occurring due to elastic deformation of the elastic body, and an abnormality estimation part that estimates whether there is an abnormality in the belt based on a detection result by the heat flow sensor.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to delivering merchandise items using a conveyor apparatus. Some of these embodiments include systems for delivering merchandise items comprising: a conveyor apparatus having unique conveyor locations for deposit of a merchandise item, the conveyor apparatus extending between a first controlled access point and a second, different controlled access point; a first input interface configured to enter identifying information regarding the merchandise item and to associate it with a corresponding unique conveyor location in the conveyor apparatus where the merchandise item is deposited; a second input interface configured to enter customer identification information; and a controller configured to receive information from the first input interface and the second input interface and to activate the conveyor apparatus to move the corresponding unique location of the merchandise item to the second controlled access point.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to delivering merchandise items using a conveyor apparatus. Some of these embodiments include systems for delivering merchandise items comprising: a conveyor apparatus having unique conveyor locations for deposit of a merchandise item, the conveyor apparatus extending between a first controlled access point and a second, different controlled access point; a first input interface configured to enter identifying information regarding the merchandise item and to associate it with a corresponding unique conveyor location in the conveyor apparatus where the merchandise item is deposited; a second input interface configured to enter customer identification information; and a controller configured to receive information from the first input interface and the second input interface and to activate the conveyor apparatus to move the corresponding unique location of the merchandise item to the second controlled access point.

A bucket elevator adjustable guide system for efficiently transferring and dispensing particulate material from a bucket elevator includes a head housing connected to the bucket elevator, an adjustable guide member disposed therein, an extendable and retractable adjustment member connected to the guide member, a remotely controllable drive unit coupled to the adjustment member, and a remote control. The head housing receives buckets of particulate material to be dispensed from the bucket elevator. The guide member extends in a curved arc over the buckets to engage and guide discharged particulate material into a discharge chute. Remote controls enable the drive unit to be manually or automatically controlled to cause the adjustment member to extend or retract to adjust the position and configuration of the guide member and affect the transfer and dispensing of the particulate material without physically accessing the adjustment member.

A bucket elevator adjustable guide system for efficiently transferring and dispensing particulate material from a bucket elevator includes a head housing connected to the bucket elevator, an adjustable guide member disposed therein, an extendable and retractable adjustment member connected to the guide member, a remotely controllable drive unit coupled to the adjustment member, and a remote control. The head housing receives buckets of particulate material to be dispensed from the bucket elevator. The guide member extends in a curved arc over the buckets to engage and guide discharged particulate material into a discharge chute. Remote controls enable the drive unit to be manually or automatically controlled to cause the adjustment member to extend or retract to adjust the position and configuration of the guide member and affect the transfer and dispensing of the particulate material without physically accessing the adjustment member.

A conveyor belt system having a belt in contact with an array of actuators that are functional to move the belt in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the belt. The belt actuators can be functional to move individually to form a desired topography of the belt. The conveyor belt system can, thereby, move a workpiece in three dimensions for improved manufacturing and/or warehousing.