Patent ID: 9033136
Filing Date: 2015-05-19
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A tensioning assembly for use in a cable drag conveyor for conveying bulk materials, the conveyor including a head pulley mounted on a head pulley shaft positioned in a head pulley housing and a tail pulley mounted on a tail pulley shaft positioned in a tail pulley housing, spaced apart infeed and discharge conveyor tubes interconnecting the head pulley housing and the tail pulley housing, and an endless rope having spaced-part conveying disks attached to the rope positioned in the infeed and discharge conveyor tubes and around the head pulley and tail pulley, the tensioning assembly comprising: (a) the tail pulley housing being positioned in a stationary position in relation to the head pulley and the head pulley housing; (b) the tail pulley shaft and tail pulley being positioned on the tail pulley housing for movement in relation to the tail pulley housing, the head pulley and the head pulley housing; and (c) a tensioner positioned between and in the same vertical plane as the infeed and discharge conveyor tubes, the tensioner configured to exert symmetrical force against the tail pulley to maintain the tail pulley at a distance in relation to the head pulley that results in correct tension on the rope during its travel through the cable drag conveyor while minimizing eccentric forces on the tail pulley and tail pulley shaft.