In a grain cart having an auger fold actuator, a gate actuator, and at least one spout actuator, a grain cart control system has an input device received within an operator cab to generate command signals responsive to operator commands, an electronic controller operatively associated with selected actuators of the grain cart, a valve actuator connected to each valve of the selected actuators of the grain cart, and stored programmable criteria to generate activation signals for the valve actuators in response to the command signals. Each mechanical function that is controlled also has a rotary potentiometer for positional feedback. To actuate any sequence, a joystick will send commands to the controller to activate a sequence. Since the controls according to the present invention are driven by a logic-based controller, various functions can be automated.

Systems and methods monitor a conveyor system to determine whether packages are at risk of falling off or jamming. Sensor(s), such as emitters, emit signals in a direction along a longitudinal length of the conveyor system, such as parallel to a flow of packages. Additional sensor(s), such as receivers, are arranged to receive the signals. In instances where the signals are received by the receivers, the packages may be properly positioned on the conveyor system and may not be at risk of falling off and/or jamming. However, if the signals are not received, this may be indicative of the packages being improperly positioned on the conveyor system. In such instances, the conveyor system may come to a stop, may slow in speed, and/or personnel may be instructed to reposition the packages on the conveyor system.

A conveyor apparatus includes a drive unit, a connection interface which transmits analog signals, and a drive control module which is coupled to the drive unit and to the connection interface via signal technology. The drive control module receives analog control signals via the connection interface in an operating state and controls the drive unit as a function of the analog control signals, outputs digital diagnostic signals via the connection interface in a digital communication state, and switches from the operating state to the digital communication state upon receipt of a switchover command. The switchover command is made up of a predetermined analog control signal or a predetermined sequence of analog control signals.

A conveyor apparatus includes a drive unit, a connection interface which transmits analog signals, and a drive control module which is coupled to the drive unit and to the connection interface via signal technology. The drive control module receives analog control signals via the connection interface in an operating state and controls the drive unit as a function of the analog control signals, outputs digital diagnostic signals via the connection interface in a digital communication state, and switches from the operating state to the digital communication state upon receipt of a switchover command. The switchover command is made up of a predetermined analog control signal or a predetermined sequence of analog control signals.

In a grain cart having an auger fold actuator, a gate actuator, and at least one spout actuator, a grain cart control system has an input device received within an operator cab to generate command signals responsive to operator commands, an electronic controller operatively associated with selected actuators of the grain cart, a valve actuator connected to each valve of the selected actuators of the grain cart, and stored programmable criteria to generate activation signals for the valve actuators in response to the command signals. Each mechanical function that is controlled also has a rotary potentiometer for positional feedback. To actuate any sequence, a joystick will send commands to the controller to activate a sequence. Since the controls according to the present invention are driven by a logic-based controller, various functions can be automated.

According to the present disclosure, a conveyor apparatus includes a conveyor frame, a belt provided on the conveyor frame, a motor configured to drive the belt, and a control device configured to control the motor. The control device includes a servo control device configured to control the motor based on a command from a controller, and an inverter control device configured to control the speed of the motor based on an input signal from a speed variable volume.

A transport vehicle controller causes a travel speed of the corresponding one of the plurality of article transport vehicles to which the transport vehicle controller is provided to be reduced based on position information of corresponding one of the plurality of article transport vehicles to which the transport vehicle controller is provided and the position information on another of the plurality of article transport vehicles if a separation distance between the corresponding one of the plurality of article transport vehicles to which the transport vehicle controller is provided and the another of the plurality of article transport vehicles is less than, or equal to, a set separation distance.

Extendable conveyor system and operating processes for the same. An extendable conveyor system that includes a plurality of conveyor segments, a conveyor extension/retraction system, and a control system. The plurality of conveyor segments are interlocked in a telescoping configuration with individual conveyor segments at least partially overlapping one another. The conveyor extension/retraction system is operatively coupled to at least one of the conveyor segments and configured to control the extension and retraction of the extendable conveyor system by controlling movement of the conveyor segments relative to one another. The control system is in electrical communication with the conveyor extension/retraction system and configured to perform operations that include adjusting a position of one or more conveyor segments responsive to data received from a package handling robot in electronic communication with the control system.

An anti-blocking system includes a first device, a second device and a first transmission line. The first transmission line is configured to transfer a plurality of objects from the first device to the second device. The first device includes a side surface close to a second device. The second device includes a first swing sensor and a second swing sensor configured to detect whether or not a blockage occurs in the plurality of objects, wherein the first swing sensor is disposed at a side of the side surface away from the second device and the second swing sensor is disposed inside the second device.

A transport vehicle controller causes a travel speed of the corresponding one of the plurality of article transport vehicles to which the transport vehicle controller is provided to be reduced based on position information of corresponding one of the plurality of article transport vehicles to which the transport vehicle controller is provided and the position information on another of the plurality of article transport vehicles if a separation distance between the corresponding one of the plurality of article transport vehicles to which the transport vehicle controller is provided and the another of the plurality of article transport vehicles is less than, or equal to, a set separation distance.