Patent ID: 9132965
Filing Date: 2015-09-15
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. An idler control apparatus for a cable conveyor system comprising: a frame; an endless loop tubular system operatively attached to the frame; an inlet attached to the endless loop tubular system for permitting material to be conveyed to be introduced into the endless loop tubular system; an endless loop flexible member; inserts disposed on the endless loop flexible member for moving material along the endless loop tubular system; a drive mechanism for rotatably turning a pulley attached to the drive motor about a first rotary axis to thereby cause the endless loop flexible member and inserts to move in at least one direction through the endless loop tubular system; a carriage; an idler, the idler being rotatably attached to the carriage about a second rotary axis; wherein the endless loop flexible member is disposed around the idler; the carriage being reciprocally attached to a frame, the carriage having at least a first operating position when the endless flexible loop is within an acceptable range of tightness, a second position when the endless flexible loop is too loose, and a third position when the endless flexible loop has stretched or failed; a fluid operated cylinder having a piston disposed therein for selectively exerting a force on the carriage, the piston also having a first, second and third position corresponding respectively to the first, second and third positions of the carriage; a drive unit motor for rotating the drive mechanism; an electrical circuit connecting the drive unit motor to an electrical power supply; the piston having a magnet attached thereto and the magnet having a magnetic field; a magnetically operated, normally open, switch disposed in the circuit; and the switch being beyond the magnetic field of the magnet when the piston is in the third position (