Patent ID: 8191703
Filing Date: 2012-06-05
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A method for initiating one or more maintenance procedures on a conveyor system, the method employing a load cell assembly of the conveyor system, the load cell assembly being supported by a link of a conveyor chain of the system so that the load cell assembly, when powered, can measure tension between opposing ends of the link, collect and process tension measurements and transmit the collected measurements and the processed measurements, the conveyor chain being driven around a circuit of the conveyor system at a substantially constant speed, the circuit including an upper travel portion, over which the conveyor chain conveys a load, and a lower, return portion, and the method comprising: establishing a position along the circuit, such that each tension measurement collected can be associated with a location along the circuit; establishing at least one threshold value for a rate of change in tension, each of the at least one threshold value being associated with a portion along the circuit; collecting, via the load cell assembly, a group of tension measurements; calculating a rate of change in tension for successive tension measurements from the group of tension measurements; comparing each calculated rate of change in tension to one or more of the at least one threshold value to determine if any calculated rate of change in tension exceeds one of the one or more of the at least one threshold value; and if any calculated rate of change in tension exceeds one of the one or more of the at least one threshold value, initiating a maintenance procedure that corresponds to the threshold value which is exceeded.