The present invention refers to an enclosed conveyor (10) for bulk material (100), comprising an enclosure (2) having on its interior a roller (43) capable of supporting a transport portion (31) of a conveyor belt (30) and an air support system capable of supporting a return portion (32) of said conveyor belt (30). Thus, such enclosed conveyor (10) can move bulk material (100) without damaging the transport portion (31) of the conveyor belt (30), due to a higher pressure enforced by an unequal distribution of said material (100) over said transport portion (31), and also reduce the friction between the return portion (32) and a bottom plate (23) of the enclosed conveyor (10), in order to enable the proposed conveyor (10) to be manufactured at a longer length and with a smaller traction engine if compared to a conventional enclosed conveyor.

A cleanable frame and a method for making a cleanable frame having a simplified frame design. A hygienic conveyor frame assembly comprises a plurality of hollow tubular sections joined together to form an evacuated, sealed conveyor frame support structure that functions as a sterilization zone. An integral carryway is placed on the support structure. Lifters coupled to the conveyor frame can lift the carryway and conveyor belt for cleaning. Infeed and outfeed assemblies are also movable between operating and cleaning positions. A sensor can monitor the conditions of the frame interior to ensure that the vacuum is maintained and initiate a corrective action if the vacuum seal is breached.

A cleanable frame and a method for making a cleanable frame having a simplified frame design. A hygienic conveyor frame assembly comprises a plurality of hollow tubular sections joined together to form an evacuated, sealed conveyor frame support structure that functions as a sterilization zone. An integral carryway is placed on the support structure. Lifters coupled to the conveyor frame can lift the carryway and conveyor belt for cleaning. Infeed and outfeed assemblies are also movable between operating and cleaning positions. A sensor can monitor the conditions of the frame interior to ensure that the vacuum is maintained and initiate a corrective action if the vacuum seal is breached.

A conveyor belt maintenance system and methods of use thereof are disclosed herein. The conveyor belt maintenance system comprises a support structure for supporting a portion of a belt of a conveyor the support structure comprising a frame, an idler roller supported on the frame, and one or more connectors coupled to the frame. The support structure further comprises a track coupled to the connectors. The idler roller is configured to engage and support the portion of the belt. The connector coupled to the track is configured to facilitate movement of the support structure along the track in a direction parallel to the belt of a conveyor.

A conveyor belt maintenance system and methods of use thereof are disclosed herein. The conveyor belt maintenance system comprises a support structure for supporting a portion of a belt of a conveyor the support structure comprising a frame, an idler roller supported on the frame, and one or more connectors coupled to the frame. The support structure further comprises a track coupled to the connectors. The idler roller is configured to engage and support the portion of the belt. The connector coupled to the track is configured to facilitate movement of the support structure along the track in a direction parallel to the belt of a conveyor.

An arrangement for use with a conveyor belt assembly is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the arrangement includes a transmission assembly arranged in operable association with a movable support or tracking frame assembly and configured having respective means for receiving an input force and supplying an output force. The transmission assembly is configured operable for transferring a received input force for supplying an output force for facilitating an adjustment of the position, alignment, or orientation of the support or tracking frame assembly via an actuator interface assembly.

An arrangement for use with a conveyor belt assembly is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the arrangement includes a transmission assembly arranged in operable association with a movable support or tracking frame assembly and configured having respective means for receiving an input force and supplying an output force. The transmission assembly is configured operable for transferring a received input force for supplying an output force for facilitating an adjustment of the position, alignment, or orientation of the support or tracking frame assembly via an actuator interface assembly.

This invention provides an idler for use in conveyor systems and associated shaft and support structure that reduces the potential for infiltration of contaminants into the bearing assemblies at the opposing ends of the shaft. By use of stampings, co-molded polymer with sealed metal end caps, press-fit end shafts and stamped-metal support structures a more contamination-resistant and efficiently constructed idler assembly is provided. A hollow shaft center section can be used. The polymer defines at least three sealing structures. The shaft defines a multi-piece unit, with the end shafts press-fit onto the center shaft section and held in place by the bearing subassemblies—affixed to the idler sleeve. The support framework includes three stamped and/or cut, and folded sheet metal pieces—a center section with a pair of opposing central risers that engage end shafts, and two opposing, separately attached, end risers, that engage outermost idler end shafts.

This invention provides an idler for use in conveyor systems and associated shaft and support structure that reduces the potential for infiltration of contaminants into the bearing assemblies at the opposing ends of the shaft. By use of stampings, co-molded polymer with sealed metal end caps, press-fit end shafts and stamped-metal support structures a more contamination-resistant and efficiently constructed idler assembly is provided. A hollow shaft center section can be used. The polymer defines at least three sealing structures. The shaft defines a multi-piece unit, with the end shafts press-fit onto the center shaft section and held in place by the bearing subassemblies—affixed to the idler sleeve. The support framework includes three stamped and/or cut, and folded sheet metal pieces—a center section with a pair of opposing central risers that engage end shafts, and two opposing, separately attached, end risers, that engage outermost idler end shafts.

A modular noseroller assembly for transitioning a conveyor belt at an end of a carryway comprises a plurality of roller-mounting modules connected to a spacer element to form a noseroller assembly that can be installed in a conveyor frame. The roller-mounting modules mount freely-rotating rollers on an axle extending through the plurality of roller-mounting modules. The configuration and size of the noseroller assembly can be easily modified depending on a particular application.