METAL COIL STOCK FEED SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME

Abstract

A material handling system handles a metal coil and a thread extending from the metal coil. The material handling system includes a metal coil support portion, a thread support portion, and a downstream material receiver portion. The metal coil support portion supports the metal coil and a proximal end of the thread. The thread support portion is arranged downstream of the metal coil support portion. The thread pinching portion is arranged downstream of the thread support portion. The thread support portion and the thread pinching portion supports an intermediate portion of the thread that extends from the proximal end of the thread. The downstream material receiver portion is arranged downstream of the thread pinching portion. The downstream material receiver portion receives a distal end of the thread extending from the intermediate portion of the thread.

Claims

1. A material handling system that handles a metal coil and a thread extending from the metal coil, the material handling system comprising: a metal coil support portion that supports the metal coil and a proximal end of the thread; a thread support portion arranged downstream of the metal coil support portion that supports an intermediate portion of the thread extending from the proximal end of the thread; and a thread pinching portion arranged downstream of the thread support portion that supports the intermediate portion of the thread; and a downstream material receiver portion arranged downstream of the thread pinching portion that receives a distal end of the thread extending from the intermediate portion of the thread.

2. The material handling system of claim 1, wherein the metal coil support portion includes a metal coil tray that supports the metal coil.

3. The material handling system of claim 2, wherein the metal coil tray includes a plurality of metal coil contacting rollers that rotatably support the metal coil, wherein the metal coil tray includes a motor that imparts rotation to the metal coil contacting rollers.

4. The material handling system of claim 1, wherein the metal coil support portion includes a suspended compression arm having a metal coil contacting roller that is configured to engage the proximal end of the thread that extends away from the metal coil.

5. The material handling system of claim 4, wherein the metal coil support portion includes an actuator connected to the suspended compression arm that is configured to pivot the suspended compression arm for arrangement in one of a disengaged orientation and an engaged orientation.

6. The material handling system of claim 1, wherein the thread support portion includes a thread table movably supported by one or more beams of a plurality of beams relative an upper thread guide.

7. The material handling system of claim 6, wherein the thread table and the upper thread guide cooperate to form: an entrance opening of the thread support portion for receiving the intermediate portion of the thread from the metal coil support portion; and an exit opening of the thread support portion for discharging the intermediate portion of the thread from the thread support portion.

8. The material handling system of claim 6, wherein the thread support portion includes an actuator connected to the thread table that is configured to pivot the thread table relative to the upper thread guide.

9. The material handling system of claim 6, wherein the thread table includes: a base portion; and a telescoping portion that is configured for arrangement in: a first state retracted into the base portion; and a second state extended away from the base portion.

10. The material handling system of claim 1, wherein the thread pinching portion includes a thread pincher having: a lower base member that rotatably-supports a lower thread contacting roller; and an upper base member that rotatably-supports an upper thread contacting roller, wherein the upper thread contacting roller is arranged opposite the lower thread contacting roller and is configured for arrangement in: a first state disengaging the intermediate portion of the thread when the upper thread contacting roller is arranged away from the lower thread contacting roller; and a second state engaging the intermediate portion of the thread when the upper thread contacting roller is arranged proximate the lower thread contacting roller.

11. The material handling system of claim 10, wherein the thread pincher includes: one or more actuators that connect the lower base member to the upper base member, wherein the one or more actuators are configured to impart movement of the upper base member relative the lower base member.

12. The material handling system of claim 10, wherein the thread pinching portion includes: an entrance opening for receiving the intermediate portion of the thread from the thread support portion; and an exit opening for discharging the intermediate portion of the thread from the thread pinching portion.

13. The material handling system of claim 12, wherein the thread pinching portion includes: an upstream thread guide member arranged within or proximate the entrance opening; and a downstream thread guide member arranged within or proximate the exit opening.

14. The material handling system of claim 1, wherein the downstream material receiver portion includes: a comminution device.

15. The material handling system of claim 14, wherein the comminution device includes: a sieve basket that receives the distal end of the thread.

16. The material handling system of claim 15, wherein the comminution device includes: one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts contained within the sieve basket.

17. The material handling system of claim 16, wherein the comminution device includes: a belt conveyor connected to the sieve basket.

18. A material handling system that handles a metal coil and a thread extending from the metal coil, the material handling system comprising: an upstream material feeder portion that supports the metal coil and the thread, wherein the thread includes a proximal end, an intermediate portion extending from the proximal end, and a distal end extending from the intermediate portion; and a downstream material receiver portion including: a comminution device that receives the distal end of the thread from the upstream material feeder portion that supports the proximal end of the thread and the intermediate portion of the thread.

19. The material handling system of claim 18, wherein the upstream material feeder portion includes: a metal coil support portion that supports the metal coil and the proximal end of the thread; a thread support portion arranged downstream of the metal coil support portion that supports the intermediate portion of the thread extending from the proximal end of the thread; and a thread pinching portion arranged downstream of the thread support portion that supports the intermediate portion of the thread.

20. The material handling system of claim 18, wherein the comminution device includes: a sieve basket that receives the distal end of the thread; one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts contained within the sieve basket; and a belt conveyor connected to the sieve basket.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of a material handling system according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a top view of the material handling system of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of a first portion of the material handling system of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of a second portion of the material handling system that is downstream of the first portion of the material handling system of FIG. 3;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of a third portion of the material handling system that is downstream of the second portion of the material handling system of FIG. 4;

[0019] FIGS. 6A-6C is a flow diagram of a method for operating the material handling system of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of optional steps of the method of FIGS. 6A-6C;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of optional steps of the method of FIGS. 6A-6C;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of optional steps of the method of FIGS. 6A-6C; and

[0023] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of optional steps of the method of FIGS. 6A-6C.

[0024] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0026] As seen at FIGS. 1 and 2, a material handling system 100 is generally shown. Referring to FIG. 1, in some implementations, material M that is handled by the material handling system 100 is metal coil. One or more upstream portions 100a, 100b, 100c of the material handling system 100 may cooperate in a manner that de-coils or unwinds the metal coil M. Upon de-coiling or unwinding the metal coil M, a de-coiled or unwound portion of the metal coil M may be referred to as a thread T. An optional downstream portion 100d of the material handling system 100 may receive the thread T. Accordingly, the thread T may be defined to include a proximal end attached at the metal coil M and a distal end extending away from the metal coil M that may be received by the downstream portion 100d of the material handling system 100. An intermediate portion of the thread T extends between the proximal end of the thread T and the distal end of the thread T.

[0027] As seen at FIG. 1, after activation of the material handling system 100, the thread T may be alternatively referred to as a thread T that is shown extending away from a reduced-diameter metal coil that is seen generally at M. The reduced-diameter metal coil M arises from the de-coiling or unwinding of the metal coil M.

[0028] The metal coil M may include any desirable metallic material such as, for example, steel. Steel coil M may be, for example, an end product from semi-finished steel materials made from ingots. Steel coil M may find application in various manufacturing industries (e.g., pipe manufacturing, structural steel member manufacturing, electronic component manufacturing, automotive component manufacturing, or the like). The material handling system 100 is not limited to handling steel coil M, and, as such, may handle any type of metallic material; therefore, the following disclosure broadly refers to metal coil M.

[0029] The material handling system 100 can be installed in any environment. As seen at FIG. 1, the material handling system 100 is arranged upon a ground surface G. In some implementations, the ground surface G may be located at an indoor material processing facility. In other implementations, the ground surface G may be located at an outdoor material processing facility or yard.

[0030] With continued reference to FIG. 1, in some configurations, the material handling system 100 generally includes a first portion 100a, a second portion 100b, and a third portion 100c. One, two, or all three of the first portion 100a, the second portion 100b, and the third portion 100c may be connected to one another and be supported by, for example, a platform 101. Furthermore, one, two, or all three of the first portion 100a, the second portion 100b, and the third portion 100c may be referred to as an upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 that feeds the thread T of the metal coil M to one or more downstream components, devices, systems, sub-systems, or the like.

[0031] The first portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 may be alternatively referred to as a metal coil support portion of the material handling system 100. As will be described in the following disclosure, the metal coil support portion 100a retains and rotatably-supports the metal coil M.

[0032] The second portion 100b of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 may be alternatively referred to as a thread support portion of the material handling system 100. The thread support portion 100b is arranged downstream of and proximate the metal coil support portion 100a. As will be described in the following disclosure, the thread support portion 100b supports an intermediate portion of a length of the thread T that is de-coiled or unwound from the metal coil M that is rotatably-supported by the metal coil support portion 100a.

[0033] The third portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 may be alternatively referred to as a thread pinching portion of the material handling system 100. The thread pinching portion 100c is arranged downstream of and proximate the thread support portion 100b. As will be described in the following disclosure, the thread pinching portion 100c applies opposing pinching forces to the thread T, and, in some implementations, may rotatably-pull the thread T from the metal coil M in a downstream direction away from the metal coil support portion 100a, along the thread support portion 100b and out of the thread pinching portion 100c.

[0034] In some configurations, the material handling system 100 may optionally include a fourth portion 100d defined by, for example, a comminution device. The comminution device 100d may alternatively be referred to as a downstream material receiver portion of the material handling system 100 that receives the thread T of the metal coil M from the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100. As seen at FIGS. 1 and 2, the comminution device 100d may include, for example, a sieve basket 103, one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts (not shown) contained within the sieve basket 103, and a belt conveyor 105 connected to the sieve basket 103.

[0035] The comminution device 100d is arranged downstream of the thread pinching portion 100c. Functionally, the comminution device 100d, which may be alternatively referred to as a shredder, a crusher, a grinder, or the like, reduces the thread T of the metal coil M into smaller pieces of material. Accordingly, upon receiving the thread T of the metal coil M within the sieve basket 103, the rotatable tool shafts (not shown) of the comminution device 100d shreds, crushes, and/or grinds the thread T into smaller pieces of material that are then transported out of the sieve basket 103 of the comminution device 100d upon the belt conveyor 105 for depositing onto a heap of smaller pieces of material for further processing, recycling, or the like.

[0036] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the material handling system 100 includes a control system 102. The control system 102 may include a printed circuit board (PCB), data processing hardware, and memory hardware that stores one or more instructions to be executed by the data processing hardware.

[0037] The control system 102 is communicatively-coupled (e.g., wired or wirelessly) to one or more peripheral sensors, controls, components, platforms, and/or subsystems of the metal coil support portion 100a, the thread support portion 100b, the thread pinching portion 100c, and the comminution device 100d. Example wired or wireless communication paths, conduits, channels, or the like 104 are shown. The communication paths 104 extend between and communicatively-couple the control system 102 and the one or more peripheral sensors, controls, components, platforms, and/or subsystems of the metal coil support portion 100a, the thread support portion 100b, the thread pinching portion 100c, and the comminution device 100d. Upon receiving one or more feedback signals from the one or more peripheral sensors, controls, components, platforms, and/or subsystems, the control system 102 may send one or more actuation signals and/or de-actuation signals that causes movement or ceases movement of the one or more components, platforms, and/or subsystems of the metal coil support portion 100a, the thread support portion 100b, the thread pinching portion 100c, and the comminution device 100d.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, the control system 102 may also be communicatively-coupled (e.g., wired or wirelessly) by the one or more of the communication paths 104 to a management system 106 including various peripheral sensors, controls, platforms, and subsystems associated with management and control of the material handling system 100. For example, the management system 106 may include an operator station disposed on an exterior of an enclosure and configured for housing one or more operators (i.e., technicians) that monitor and control the material handling system 100. The management system 106 may further include a surveillance system including a plurality of cameras arranged at least proximate one or more of the metal coil support portion 100a, the thread support portion 100b, the thread pinching portion 100c, and the comminution device 100d. The cameras observe respective viewing areas associated with the material handling system 100 in order to convey corresponding image data to one or more display devices (e.g., one or more computers, one or more mobile devices, one or more display monitors, or the like) in order to allow technicians to remotely monitor conditions in and around the material handling system 100. Although the management system 106 is described above to include a plurality of components that may be manually monitored by individuals (e.g., technicians), the management system 106 may additionally or alternatively include components or systems that contribute to autonomous operation of the control system 102 (e.g., by artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks, or the like).

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, example aspects of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 are now described. The metal coil support portion 100a may include a stage 108 including a metal coil tray 110. The metal coil tray 110 may include one or more of a plurality of metal coil contacting rollers 114 and a motor 116 that imparts rotation to the metal coil contacting rollers 114.

[0040] The stage 108 of the metal coil support portion 100a may further include a plurality of beams 118 that support the metal coil tray 110. The plurality of beams 118 are joined (e.g., bolted and/or welded) together in any desirable configuration and may include, for example, lateral segments, longitudinal segments, leg segments, feet segments, or the like.

[0041] The metal coil support portion 100a may further include a suspended compression arm 120 that is movably-supported in a cantilevered orientation by one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118. The suspended compression arm 120 generally includes a proximal region 120a, a distal region 120b, and an intermediate region 120c between the proximal region 120a and the distal region 120b.

[0042] A metal coil contacting roller 122 may be rotatably-attached to the distal region 120b of the suspended compression arm 120. The metal coil contacting roller 122 may be passively driven, or, alternatively, actively driven by, for example, a motor. The proximal region 120a of the suspended compression arm 120 defines a distal end actuator interface 124.

[0043] A portion of the intermediate region 120c of the suspended compression arm 120 defines a pivot interface 126, which may include, for example, a female pin-receiving passage, or alternatively, an integral male pivot pin. Although the portion of the intermediate region 120c of the suspended compression arm 120 that includes the pivot interface 126 may be anywhere between the proximal region 120a of the suspended compression arm 120 and the distal region 120b of the suspended compression arm 120, the pivot interface 126 is formed by a portion of the intermediate region 120c of the suspended compression arm 120 proximate or closer to the proximal region 120a of the suspended compression arm 120.

[0044] The pivot interface 126 of the suspended compression arm 120 is connected to a corresponding pivot interface 128 of the one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118. Upon connecting the pivot interface 126 of the suspended compression arm 120 to the corresponding pivot interface 128 of the one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118, the suspended compression arm 120 is pivotably-coupled to the one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118 in a substantially cantilevered orientation whereby most of a length of the suspended compression arm 120 extends away from the one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118 such that the suspended compression arm 120 is arranged over the metal coil tray 110.

[0045] The metal coil support portion 100a may further include an actuator 130. In some configurations the actuator 130 may be a powered actuator. In other configurations, the actuator 130 may be a gas shock. In yet other configurations, the actuator 130 may alternatively be or optionally include a passive device such as, for example, a damper, strut, or the like.

[0046] The actuator 130 includes a housing portion 132 and a telescoping portion 134. In a first configuration, the telescoping portion 134 may be retracted into the housing portion 132 such that the actuator 130 is defined by a first length. In another configuration, the telescoping portion 134 projects out of the housing portion 132 such that the actuator 130 is defined by a second length that is greater than the first length.

[0047] The actuator 130 includes a proximal end 130a and a distal end 130b. The proximal end 130a is formed by a proximal region of the housing portion 132 of the actuator 130. The distal end 130b is formed by a distal region of the telescoping portion 134 of the actuator 130.

[0048] The proximal end 130a of the actuator 130 formed by the proximal region of the housing portion 132 is connected to a proximal end actuator interface 133 of one or more beams 118b of the plurality of beams 118. The distal end 130b of the actuator 130 formed by the distal region of the telescoping portion 134 is connected to the distal end actuator interface 124 of the suspended compression arm 120.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 4, example aspects of the thread support portion 100b of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 are now described. The thread support portion 100b may include a thread table 136 having an upstream region 136a, a downstream region 136b, and an intermediate region 136c between the upstream region 136a and the downstream region 136b. In some configurations, the thread table 136 includes a base portion 138 and telescoping portion 140. In a first configuration, the telescoping portion 140 may be retracted into the base portion 138 such that the thread table 136 is defined by a first length. In another configuration, the telescoping portion 140 projects out of the base portion 138 such that the thread table 136 is defined by a second length that is greater than the first length.

[0050] The thread support portion 100b may further include an upper thread guide 142. The upper thread guide 142 is arranged over or above the thread table 136. The upper thread guide 142 includes an upstream region 142a, a downstream region 142b, and an intermediate region 142c between the upstream region 142a and the downstream region 142b. The upstream region 136a of the thread table 136 and the upstream region 142a of the upper thread guide 142 cooperate to form an entrance opening 144 of the thread support portion 100b for receiving the thread T from the metal coil M supported by the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100. The downstream region 136b of the thread table 136 and the downstream region 142b of the upper thread guide 142 cooperate to form an exit opening 146 of the thread support portion 100b for discharging the thread T from the thread support portion 100b of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100.

[0051] The thread support portion 100b may further include a plurality of beams 148 that support one or both of the thread table 136 and the upper thread guide 142. The plurality of beams 148 are joined (e.g., bolted and/or welded) together in any desirable configuration and may include, for example, lateral segments, longitudinal segments, leg segments, feet segments, or the like.

[0052] The downstream region 136b of the thread table 136 defines a pivot interface 150, which may include, for example, a female pin-receiving passage, or alternatively, an integral male pivot pin. The pivot interface 150 of the downstream region 136b of the thread table 136 is connected to a corresponding pivot interface 152 of the one or more beams 148a of the plurality of beams 148. Upon connecting the pivot interface 150 of the downstream region 136b of the thread table 136 to the corresponding pivot interface 152 of the one or more beams 148a of the plurality of beams 148, the thread table 136 is pivotably-coupled to the one or more beams 148a of the plurality of beams 148.

[0053] The thread support portion 100b may further include an actuator 154. In some configurations the actuator 154 may be a powered actuator. In other configurations, the actuator 154 may be a gas shock. In yet other configurations, the actuator 154 may alternatively be or optionally include a passive device such as, for example, a damper, strut, or the like.

[0054] The actuator 154 includes a housing portion 156 and a telescoping portion 158. In a first configuration, the telescoping portion 158 may be retracted into the housing portion 156 such that the actuator 154 is defined by a first length. In another configuration, the telescoping portion 158 projects out of the housing portion 156 such that the actuator 154 is defined by a second length that is greater than the first length.

[0055] The actuator 154 includes a proximal end 154a and a distal end 154b. The proximal end 154a is formed by a proximal region of the housing portion 156 of the actuator 154. The distal end 154b is formed by a distal region of the telescoping portion 158 of the actuator 154.

[0056] The proximal end 154a of the actuator 154 formed by the proximal region of the housing portion 156 is connected to a proximal end actuator interface 160 of one or more beams 148b of the plurality of beams 148. The distal end 154b of the actuator 154 formed by the distal region of the telescoping portion 158 is connected to a distal end actuator interface 162 of the thread table 136. The distal end actuator interface 162 of the thread table 136 is arranged upon the intermediate region 136c of the thread table 136.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, example aspects of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 are now described. The thread pinching portion 100c may include a thread pincher 164. In some configurations, the thread pincher 164 includes a lower base member 166 and an upper base member 168. The lower base member 166 includes an upstream region 166a, a downstream region 166b, and an intermediate region between the upstream region 166a and the downstream region 166b. The upper base member 168 includes an upstream region 168a, a downstream region 168b, and an intermediate region between the upstream region 168a and the downstream region 168b.

[0058] The lower base member 166 rotatably-supports a lower thread contacting roller 170. The lower thread contacting roller 170 may be rotatably-coupled to the intermediate region of the lower base member 166. The upper base member 168 rotatably-supports an upper thread contacting roller 172. The upper thread contacting roller 172 may be rotatably-coupled to the intermediate region of the upper base member 168. The upper thread contacting roller 172 may be arranged directly opposite the lower thread contacting roller 170.

[0059] The some implementations, the upper base member 168 is movably-connected to the lower base member 166 by one or more actuators 174, 176. The one or more actuators 174, 176 may include, for example, a first actuator 174 and a second actuator 176. In some configurations one or both of the first actuator 174 and the second actuator 176 may be a powered actuator. In other configurations, one or both of the first actuator 174 and the second actuator 176 may be a gas shock. In yet other configurations, one or both of the first actuator 174 and the second actuator 176 may alternatively be or optionally include a passive device such as, for example, a damper, strut, or the like.

[0060] Each of the first actuator 174 and the second actuator 176 respectively includes a housing portion 178 and a telescoping portion 180. In a first configuration, the telescoping portion 180 may be retracted into the housing portion 178 such that each of the first actuator 174 and the second actuator 176 is defined by a first length. In another configuration, the telescoping portion 180 projects out of the housing portion 178 such that each of the first actuator 174 and the second actuator 176 is defined by a second length that is greater than the first length.

[0061] Each of the first actuator 174 and the second actuator 176 includes a proximal end 174a, 176a and a distal end 174b, 176b. The proximal end 174a, 176a is formed by a proximal region of the housing portion 178 of each of the first actuator 174 and the second actuator 176. The distal end 174b, 176b is formed by a distal region of the telescoping portion 180 of each of the first actuator 174 and the second actuator 176.

[0062] The proximal end 174a of the first actuator 174 formed by the proximal region of the housing portion 178 of the first actuator 174 is connected to an upper surface 182 of the lower base member 166 proximate the upstream region 166a of the lower base member 166. The proximal end 176a of the second actuator 176 formed by the proximal region of the housing portion 178 of the second actuator 176 is connected to the upper surface 182 of the lower base member 166 proximate the downstream region 166b of the lower base member 166.

[0063] The distal end 174b of the first actuator 174 formed by the distal region of the telescoping portion 180 of the first actuator 174 is connected to a lower surface 184 of the upper base member 168 proximate the upstream region 168a of the upper base member 168. The distal end 176b of the second actuator 176 formed by the distal region of the telescoping portion 180 of the second actuator 176 is connected to the lower surface 184 of the upper base member 168 proximate the downstream region 168b of the upper base member 168.

[0064] Upon connecting the lower base member 166 to the upper base member 168 by the one or more actuators 174, 176, the upstream region 166a of the lower base member 166 and the upstream region 168a of the upper base member 168 cooperate to form an entrance opening 186 of the thread pinching portion 100c for receiving the thread T from the thread support portion 100b of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100. The downstream region 166b of the lower base member 166 and the downstream region 168b of the upper base member 168 cooperate to form an exit opening 188 of the thread pinching portion 100c for discharging the thread T from the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100.

[0065] The thread pinching portion 100c may further include a plurality of beams 190 that support the thread pincher 164. The plurality of beams 190 are joined (e.g., bolted and/or welded) together in any desirable configuration and may include, for example, lateral segments, longitudinal segments, leg segments, feet segments, or the like.

[0066] In some configurations, one or more beams 190a, 190b of the plurality of beams 190 are connected to a lower surface 192 of the lower base member 166. In other configurations, one or both of the lower base member 166 and the one or more beams 190b may be connected to or form a pivot interface 194, which may include, for example, a female pin-receiving passage, or alternatively, an integral male pivot pin. In some implementations, the pivot interface 194 may be configured for connection to the pivot interface 150 of the downstream region 136b of the thread table 136. Upon connecting the pivot interface 150 of the downstream region 136b of the thread table 136 to the corresponding pivot interface 194 of one or both of the lower base member 166 and the one or more beams 190b, the thread table 136 is pivotably-coupled of the thread support portion 100b to the thread pinching portion 100c.

[0067] In some configurations, the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 may further include an upstream thread guide member 196 and a downstream thread guide member 198. In some examples, the upstream thread guide member 196 may be, for example, a curved panel that is connected to one or more beams of the plurality of beams 190 and is arranged within or proximate the entrance opening 186 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100. In other examples, the downstream thread guide member 198 may be, for example, a roller that is connected to or rotatably-supported by one or more beams of the plurality of beams 190 and is arranged within or proximate the exit opening 188 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100.

[0068] In some configurations, the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 may further include a motor 199. Although the motor 199 is a component of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100, one or more components of one or both of the metal coil support portion 100a and the thread support portion 100b may be operated by the motor 199. Accordingly, the motor 199 may be connected to any of the components of the metal coil support portion 100a, the thread support portion 100b, the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100. Components of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 that the motor 199 may be connected to may include, for example: the control system 102, the actuators 130, 154, 174, 176, the rollers 114, 122, 170, 172, 198, or the like.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, example aspects of a method 200 of operating the material handling system 100 are now described. Additionally, FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 are directed to optional steps of the method 200.

[0070] Firstly, with reference to FIG. 6A, the suspended compression arm 120 that is movably-supported in the cantilevered orientation by one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118 of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 is arranged 202 in a disengaged orientation or an up orientation away from the metal coil tray 110 of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100. Arrangement 202 of the suspended compression arm 120 in the disengaged orientation or the up orientation may arise from one or more sensors (not shown) of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 sending a feedback signal to the control system 102 (as a result of, for example, the plurality of metal coil contacting rollers 114 not supporting a metal coil M), and, in response, the control system 102 sends an actuation signal to the actuator 130 of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 that imparts pivoting movement to the suspended compression arm 120 relative the one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118.

[0071] Thereafter, a metal coil M is arranged 204 upon the plurality of metal coil contacting rollers 114 of the metal coil tray 110. The arrangement 204 of the metal coil M upon the metal coil tray 110 may occur in response to, for example, a hoist, crane, forklift, powered industrial truck, or the like placing the metal coil M upon the metal coil tray 110. Thereafter, one or more sensors (not shown) of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 detects 206 the arrangement of the metal coil M upon the plurality of metal coil contacting rollers 114 of the metal coil tray 110.

[0072] The one or more sensors (not shown) of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 then sends a feedback signal to the control system 102. In response, the control system 102 sends an actuation signal to the actuator 130 that imparts pivoting movement to the suspended compression arm 120 relative the one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118 for arranging 208 the suspended compression arm 120 in an engaged orientation or a down orientation (from a disengaged orientation or an up orientation) toward the metal coil M that is arranged upon the metal coil tray 110. Upon arranging 208 the suspended compression arm 120 in the engaged orientation or the down orientation toward the metal coil M that is arranged upon the metal coil tray 110, the metal coil contacting roller 122 that is rotatably-attached to the distal region 120b of the suspended compression arm 120 engages 210 a proximal end of the thread T that extends away from the metal coil M.

[0073] Thereafter, one or more sensors (not shown) of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 detects 212 an angular orientation of the suspended compression arm 120 relative the one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118. The angular orientation of the suspended compression arm 120 relative the one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118 implies a measurement of a diameter of the metal coil M that is arranged upon the plurality of metal coil contacting rollers 114 of the metal coil tray 110; alternatively, the angular orientation of the suspended compression arm 120 relative the one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118 implies a measurement of a diameter of reduced diameter metal coil M as the material handling system 100 processes the metal coil M. The one or more sensors (not shown) of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 then sends a feedback signal to the control system 102 communicating the angular orientation of the suspended compression arm 120 relative the one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118. In response, the control system 102 sends an actuation signal to the actuator 154 of the thread support portion 100b of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 that imparts pivoting movement to the thread table 136 relative to one of the one or more beams 148a of the plurality of beams 148 for arranging 214 the upstream region 136a of the thread table 136 in substantially planar alignment with the metal coil contacting roller 122 that engages 210 the proximal end of the thread T that extends away from the metal coil M.

[0074] Thereafter, a distal end of the thread T is guided 216 in a downstream direction away from the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 and into the entrance opening 144 of the thread support portion 100b of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100. Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, thereafter, the distal end of the thread T is further guided 218 in the downstream direction out of the exit opening 146 of the thread support portion 100b of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 6B, thereafter, the distal end of the thread T is further guided 220 in the downstream direction away from the thread support portion 100b of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 and into the entrance opening 186 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100. Thereafter, the distal end of the thread T is further guided 222 in the downstream direction out of the exit opening 188 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100.

[0076] In some implementations, after guiding 222 the distal end of the thread T out of the exit opening 188 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100, one or more sensors (not shown) of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 detects 224 the arrangement of the distal end of the thread T having been guided 222 in the downstream direction out of the exit opening 188 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100. The one or more sensors (not shown) of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 then sends a feedback signal to the control system 102, and, in response, the control system 102 sends an actuation signal to the one or more actuators 174, 176 of the thread pincher 164 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 that actuates 226 the thread pincher 164.

[0077] Actuation 226 of the thread pincher 164 includes imparting movement of the thread pincher 164 from a disengaged orientation to an engaged orientation for applying a pinching force to an intermediate portion of the thread T extending through the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100. In some examples, the movement of the thread pincher 164 to the engaged orientation includes moving the upper base member 168 of the thread pincher 164 toward the lower base member 166 whereby the upper thread contacting roller 172 that is rotatably-coupled to the upper base member 168 is correspondingly-moved toward the lower thread contacting roller 170 that is rotatably-coupled to the lower base member 166. Movement of the upper thread contacting roller 172 toward the lower thread contacting roller 170 ceases upon the upper thread contacting roller 172 contacting an upper surface of the thread T and the lower thread contacting roller 170 contacting a lower surface of the thread T that is opposite the upper surface of the thread T. Upon the upper thread contacting roller 172 and the lower thread contacting roller 170 contacting the thread T, the upper thread contacting roller 172 and the lower thread contacting roller 170 apply opposing forces to the intermediate portion of the thread T in order to pinch the intermediate portion of the thread T.

[0078] Thereafter, the distal end of the thread T is further guided 228 in the downstream direction away from the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 and toward the comminution device 100d of the downstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100. Thereafter, the distal end of the thread T is arranged 230 within the sieve basket 103 of the comminution device 100d of the downstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100.

[0079] In some implementations, arranging 230 the distal end of the thread T within the comminution device 100d of the downstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 may include arranging the distal end of the thread T within the sieve basket 103 and in contact with the one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts (not shown) contained within the sieve basket 103. Furthermore, in some implementations, the actuation 226 of the thread pincher 164 from the disengaged orientation to the engaged orientation may optionally occur after arranging 230 the distal end of the thread T within the comminution device 100d of the downstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100.

[0080] Thereafter, in some examples, one or more operators or technicians located within or associated with the management system 106 may actuate 232 the comminution device 100d. Actuation 232 of the comminution device 100d may include sending an actuation signal to one or both of a control system (not shown) of the comminution device 100d of the downstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 and the control system 102 of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 6B-6C, actuation 232 of the comminution device 100d results in imparting rotation 234 of the one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts (not shown) contained within the sieve basket 103. The imparted rotation 234 to the one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts includes rotating 234 the one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts a first direction or a thread casting direction.

[0082] As seen at FIG. 6C, in response to actively imparting rotation 234 to the one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts in the first direction or the thread casting direction, the one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts processes 236 the distal end of the thread T of the metal coil M into smaller pieces of material. While processing 236 the distal end of the thread T of the metal coil M into smaller pieces of material, the rotation 234 of the one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts in the first direction or the thread casting direction also results in pulling 238 an intermediate portion of the thread T in a downstream direction away from the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100. As a result of pulling 238 the intermediate portion of the thread T in a downstream direction away from the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100, the proximal end of the thread Tis progressively cast 240 away from the metal coil M.

[0083] In some implementations, the progressive casting 240 of the proximal end of the thread T away from the metal coil M arises from the one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts pulling 238 the intermediate portion of the thread T in a downstream direction away from the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 in response to the active rotation 234 imparted to the one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts of the comminution device 100d of the downstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100. However, as seen at FIG. 7, in some instances, one or more of the rollers 114, 122, 170, 172, 198 of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 may also be optionally actively-rotated 234a, 234b, 234c in the first direction or the thread casting direction for also optionally simultaneously pulling 238a, 238b the thread T and/or optionally urging rotation 242 of the metal coil M for progressively casting 240 the proximal end of the thread T away from the metal coil M.

[0084] For example, in some implementations, the progressive casting 240 of the proximal end of the thread T away from the metal coil M may alternatively or additionally arise from one or both of the lower thread contacting roller 170 and the upper thread contacting roller 172 of the thread pincher 164 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 being actively-rotated 234a (see, e.g., FIG. 7) in the first direction or the thread casting direction (i.e., one or both of the lower thread contacting roller 170 and the upper thread contacting roller 172 of the thread pincher 164 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 is/are not passively-rotated). Active rotation 234a of one or both of the lower thread contacting roller 170 and the upper thread contacting roller 172 of the thread pincher 164 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 may arise from the control system (not shown) of the comminution device 100d of the downstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 sending a feedback signal to the control system 102 of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 that the comminution device 100d has been actuated 232 (see, e.g., FIG. 6B). Accordingly, after the actuation step 232, the control system 102 may optionally send an actuation signal to, for example, the motor 199 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 for actively-rotating 234a (see, e.g., FIG. 7) one or both of the lower thread contacting roller 170 and the upper thread contacting roller 172 of the thread pincher 164 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 for pulling 238a (see, e.g., FIG. 7), while the thread pincher 164 is actuated 226, the intermediate portion of the thread T in the downstream direction away from the thread support portion 100b of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100.

[0085] In some implementations, the progressive casting 240 of the proximal end of the thread T away from the metal coil M may alternatively or additionally arise from the downstream thread guide roller 198 of the thread pincher 164 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 being actively-rotated 234a (see, e.g., FIG. 7) in the first direction or the thread casting direction (i.e., the downstream thread guide roller 198 of the thread pincher 164 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 is not passively-rotated). Active rotation 234a of the downstream thread guide roller 198 of the thread pincher 164 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 may arise from the control system (not shown) of the comminution device 100d of the downstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 sending a feedback signal to the control system 102 of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 that the comminution device 100d has been actuated 232 (see, e.g., FIG. 6B). Accordingly, after the actuation step 232, the control system 102 may send an actuation signal to, for example, the motor 199 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 for actively-rotating 234a (see, e.g., FIG. 7) the downstream thread guide roller 198 of the thread pincher 164 of the thread pinching portion 100c of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 for pulling 238b (see, e.g., FIG. 7) the intermediate portion of the thread T in the downstream direction away from the thread support portion 100b of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100.

[0086] In other implementations, the progressive casting 240 of the proximal end of the thread T away from the metal coil M may alternatively or additionally arise from the metal coil contacting roller 122 of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 being actively-rotated 234b (see, e.g., FIG. 7) in the first direction or the thread casting direction (i.e., the metal coil contacting roller 122 of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 is not passively-rotated). Active rotation 234b of the metal coil contacting roller 122 of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 may arise from the control system (not shown) of the comminution device 100d of the downstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 sending a feedback signal to the control system 102 of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 that the comminution device 100d has been actuated 232 (see, e.g., FIG. 6B). Accordingly, after the actuation step 232, the control system 102 may send an actuation signal to, for example, the motor 116 of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 for actively-rotating 234b (see, e.g., FIG. 7) the metal coil contacting roller 122 of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 for pulling 238a (see, e.g., FIG. 7) the proximal end of the thread T away from the metal coil M in the downstream direction away from the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100.

[0087] In yet other implementations, the progressive casting 240 of the proximal end of the thread T away from the metal coil M may alternatively or additionally arise from the plurality of metal coil contacting rollers 114 of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 being actively-rotated 234c (see, e.g., FIG. 7) in the first direction or the thread casting direction (i.e., the plurality of metal coil contacting rollers 114 of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 is not passively-rotated). Active rotation 234c of the plurality of metal coil contacting rollers 114 of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 may arise from the control system (not shown) of the comminution device 100d of the downstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 sending a feedback signal to the control system 102 of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 that the comminution device 100d has been actuated 232 (see, e.g., FIG. 6B). Accordingly, after the actuation step 232, the control system 102 may send an actuation signal to, for example, the motor 116 of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 for actively-rotating 234c (see, e.g., FIG. 7) the plurality of metal coil contacting rollers 114 of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 for urging rotation 242 (see, e.g., FIG. 7) of the metal coil M upon the plurality of metal coil roller 114 of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100.

[0088] Although the one or more of the rollers 114, 122, 170, 172, 198 are described above at FIG. 7 to be actively-rotated 234a, 234b, 234c in the first direction or the thread casting direction for progressively casting 240 the proximal end of the thread T away from the metal coil M in order to pull 238a, 238b the thread T and/or rotationally urge 242 the metal coil M, not all of the one or more of rollers 114, 122, 170, 172, 198 may not be actively-rotated 234a, 234b, 234c. Accordingly, in some implementations, while the one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts pull 238 the intermediate portion of the thread T as described above, some (or, in some examples, all) of the one or more of rollers 114, 122, 170, 172, 198 may be passively-rotated such that some (or, in some examples, all) of the one or more of the rollers 114, 122, 170, 172, 198 are passively-rotated during operation of the material handling system 100.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 8, other example aspects of the method 200 of operating the material handling system 100 are now described. Firstly, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the thread T is shown extending away from the reduced-diameter metal coil that is seen generally at M. More specifically, in some implementations, as the proximal end of the thread T is progressively cast 240 (see, e.g., FIG. 6C) away from the metal coil M as described above, the diameter of the metal coil M is correspondingly-progressively-reduced, and, as such, the thread T is thereafter alternatively referred to as the thread T that extends away from the reduced-diameter metal coil M. Therefore, as seen at FIG. 8, the method 200 may further include the looping of the step of progressively casting 240 back to the step of detecting 212 (also corresponding to FIG. 6A) the angular orientation of the suspended compression arm 120 relative the one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118 (i.e., as described above, the angular orientation of the suspended compression arm 120 relative the one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118 also implies a measurement of the diameter of the reduced diameter metal coil M that is arranged upon the plurality of metal coil contacting rollers 114 of the metal coil tray 110).

[0090] As described above at step 208 in FIG. 6A, in some instances, after the actuator 130 imparts pivoting movement to the suspended compression arm 120 relative the one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118 for arranging the suspended compression arm 120 in the engaged orientation or the down orientation toward the metal coil tray 110. However, in some implementations, the actuator 130 may subsequently function as a passive actuator 130 (e.g., a damper) as the suspended compression arm 120 passively pivots about the pivot interface 126, 128 formed by the suspended compression arm 120 and the one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118. Therefore, as the diameter of the metal coil M is correspondingly-progressively-reduced, the suspended compression arm 120 may, in some implementations, passively pivot under its own weight. Accordingly, the weight of the suspended compression arm 120 may be directed toward the metal coil contacting roller 122 for urging the metal coil contacting roller 122 upon the proximal end of the thread T extending away from the reduced-diameter metal coil M. The metal coil contacting roller 122 may therefore clamp the reduced-diameter metal coil M (near the proximal end of the thread T that extends away from the reduced-diameter metal coil M) between the suspended compression arm 120 and the plurality of metal coil roller 114 while maintaining a tension of the thread T at the proximal end of the thread T.

[0091] With reference to FIG. 8, as the diameter of the reduced-diameter metal coil M is correspondingly-progressively-reduced, the one or more sensors (not shown) of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 detects 212 that the angular orientation of the suspended compression arm 120 relative the one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118 has changed as a result of, for example, the suspended compression arm 120 passively pivoting under its own weight. The one or more sensors (not shown) of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 then sends a feedback signal to the control system 102 communicating the change of the angular orientation of the suspended compression arm 120 relative the one or more beams 118a of the plurality of beams 118. In response, the control system 102 sends an actuation signal to the actuator 154 of the thread support portion 100b of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 that imparts pivoting movement to the thread table 136 relative to the one or more beams 148a of the plurality of beams 148 for arranging 214 (as also seen at FIG. 8) the distal end of the thread table 136 in substantially planar alignment with the metal coil contacting roller 122 that engages 210 the proximal end of the thread T that extends away from the reduced diameter metal coil M.

[0092] In some implementations, as the diameter of the reduced-diameter metal coil M is progressively-reduced, the method 200 may optionally include the one or more sensors (not shown) of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 detecting 214a (which may occur, as seen at FIG. 8, after the arranging 214 of FIG. 8) that the distal end of the thread table 136 is not sufficiently proximate the metal coil contacting roller 122 that engages 210 the proximal end of the thread T that extends away from the reduced diameter metal coil M. Accordingly, the one or more sensors (not shown) of the metal coil support portion 100a of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 then sends a feedback signal to the control system 102 communicating that the upstream region 136a of the thread table 136 is not sufficiently proximate the metal coil contacting roller 122 that engages 210 the proximal end of the thread T that extends away from the reduced diameter metal coil M. In response, as seen at FIG. 8, the control system 102 sends an actuation signal to the actuator 154 of the thread support portion 100b of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 that imparts projecting movement 214b of the telescoping portion 140 of the thread table 136 relative the base portion 138 of the thread table 136 such that the thread table 136 is defined by a second length that is greater than the first length. When the thread table 136 is arranged to have the second length, the upstream region 136a of the thread table 136 is then sufficiently proximate the metal coil contacting roller 122 that engages 210 the proximal end of the thread T that extends away from the reduced diameter metal coil M.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 9, other example aspects of the method 200 of operating the material handling system 100 are now described. In some implementations, as the diameter of the reduced-diameter metal coil M is progressively-reduced as a result of progressively casting 240 the proximal end of the thread T away from the reduced-diameter metal coil M, the method 200 may optionally include the one or more operators or technicians located within or associated with the management system 106 deactuating 232 the comminution device 100d. Deactuation 232 of the comminution device 100d may subsequently result in ceasing rotation 234 of the one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts (not shown) contained within the sieve basket 103.

[0094] Deactuation 232 of the comminution device 100d may further include sending a deactuation signal to the control system 102 of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100. If, for example, the one or more of the rollers 114, 122, 170, 172, 198 are actively-rotated 234a, 234b, 234c (see, e.g., FIG. 7) in the first direction or the thread casting direction for progressively casting 240 the proximal end of the thread T away from the reduced-diameter metal coil M in order to pull 238a, 238b (see, e.g., FIG. 7) the thread T and/or rotationally urge 242 (see, e.g., FIG. 7) the reduced-diameter metal coil M, the control system 102 of the upstream material feeder portion of the material handling system 100 correspondingly sends a deactuation signal to the one or more of the rollers 114, 122, 170, 172, 198 for ceasing active rotation 234a, 234b, 234c of the one or more of the rollers 114, 122, 170, 172, 198 in the first direction or the thread casting direction. Thereafter, the one or more operators or technicians located within or associated with the management system 106 may subsequently actuate 244 the comminution device 100d for imparting rotation to the one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts for continued processing of the distal end of the thread T of the metal coil M into smaller pieces of material.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 10, other example aspects of the method 200 of operating the material handling system 100 are now described. In some instances, during the course of the distal end of the thread T of the metal coil M being processed by the comminution device 100d, the control system 102 or the one or more operators or technicians located within or associated with the management system 106 may observe or detect 246 that the distal end of the thread T may be jammed about the one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts of the comminution device 100d (in some implementations, the detecting step 246 may follow, but is not limited to following, either of the progressive casting 240 or the rotationally urging 242 steps of, for example, FIG. 7).

[0096] Accordingly, in response to the detected 246 jam, the method 200 may optionally include the one or more operators or technicians located within or associated with the management system 106 and/or the control system 102 sending a signal for ceasing rotation 248 of the one or more of the rollers 114, 122, 170, 172, 198 of one or both of the metal coil support portion 100a and the thread pinching portion 100c as well as the one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts of the comminution device 100d. Furthermore, in addition to the ceasing step 248, the method 200 may further include clamping 250 the intermediate portion of the thread T in place as a result of, for example, the one or more operators or technicians located within or associated with the management system 106 and/or the control system 102 sending a signal that results in clamping movement of the one or more of the rollers 114, 122, 170, 172, 198 of one or both of the metal coil support portion 100a and the thread pinching portion 100c.

[0097] The method 200 may then include the control system 102 and/or one or more operators or technicians located within or associated with the management system 106 sending a signal for imparting a reverse rotation 252 to the one or more of the rollers 114, 122, 170, 172, 198 of one or both of the metal coil support portion 100a and the thread pinching portion 100c as well as the one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts of the comminution device 100d in a second direction or a thread reeling direction (that is opposite the first direction or the thread casting direction). The imparted reverse rotation 252 may result in at least partially clearing the jam 254 of the distal end of the thread T of the metal coil M.

[0098] Upon at least partially clearing 254 the jammed distal end of the thread T, the method 200 may include the one or more operators or technicians located within or associated with the management system 106 and/or the control system 102 sending a signal for unclamping 256 the intermediate portion of the thread T as a result of, for example, the one or more operators or technicians located within or associated with the management system 106 and/or the control system 102 sending a signal that results in unclamping movement of the one or more of the rollers 114, 122, 170, 172, 198 of one or both of the metal coil support portion 100a and the thread pinching portion 100c. Thereafter, the method 200 may include actuating 258 the comminution device 100d for imparting rotation to the one or more shredding, crushing, or grinding rotatable tool shafts for continued processing the distal end of the thread T of the metal coil M into smaller pieces of material.

[0099] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles a, an, and the may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms comprises, comprising, including, and having, are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0100] When an element or layer is referred to as being on, engaged to, connected to, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly on, directly engaged to, directly connected to, directly attached to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., between versus directly between, adjacent versus directly adjacent, etc.). As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0101] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0102] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.