Patent ID: 7798313
Filing Date: 2010-09-21
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A tensioning assembly for use in an aero-mechanical conveyor for moving bulk materials, the conveyor including upper and lower housings, head and tail pulley assemblies mounted on respective shafts positioned within the upper and lower housings, spaced-apart inflow and outflow conveyor tubes interconnecting the upper and lower housings, and an endless rope assembly disposed within the conveyor tubes and around the head and tail pulleys, the tensioning assembly comprising: (a) a first extendable tube and a second extendable tube each configured to define a section of the inflow and outflow conveyor tubes respectively, each of the first and second extendable tubes including an inner sleeve sealingly engaging an outer sleeve having an air purge passageway formed through a sidewall thereof for connection to a source of compressed air; (b) an adjustable actuator positioned intermediate the first and second extendable tubes that is movable between a first position and a second position and positioned in cooperative engagement with the first and second extendable tubes such that when the actuator is in the first position, the first and second extendable tubes have a first length and when the actuator is in the second position, the first and second extendable tubes have a second length, the actuator including first and second spaced-apart flanges attached to opposing ends of the first and second extendable tubes, respectively, to link corresponding first and second ends of the first and second extendable tubes in movement from the actuator; (c) a tension measuring device configured for measuring tension within the endless rope assembly and for generating a signal indicative thereof; and (d) the actuator being configured to move between the first position and the second position in response to changes in the signal indicative of tension within the endless rope assembly; and wherein the actuator is free of mechanical attachment to the upper and lower housings.