SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TENSIONING ENDLESS BELTS

Abstract

A method for tensioning an endless belt may include determining a first tension level on a conveyor belt of a conveyor arrangement; comparing the first tension level with a target tension level on the conveyor belt of the conveyor arrangement; in response to the fact that the first tension level does not correspond to the target tension level on the conveyor belt of the conveyor arrangement, determining a slip state or a jam state of the conveyor belt; and determining a second tension level of the conveyor belt based on the first tension level of the conveyor belt and the slip state or jam state of the conveyor belt.

Description

Area of ​​Revelation

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to belt tensioning systems and methods, and more particularly to belt tensioning systems and methods associated with agricultural vehicles. Background of the Revelation

[0002] Agricultural harvesting vehicles use a variety of attached attachments to collect crop material. A "belt cutter" or "belt header" is one such attachment. Generally, a belt header uses endless conveyor belts to transport cut crop material from knives at the front edge to a central area of ​​the header. From there, the cut crop material is conveyed into the harvesting vehicle. Inside the harvesting vehicle, the cut crop material is further processed by separating the grain from unwanted crop material (commonly referred to as "material other than grain" or "MOG"). Brief description of Revelation

[0003] An exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for adjusting the tension of a conveyor belt of an industrial machine, which may include one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the one or more processors and storing programming instructions for execution by the one or more processors.The programming instructions may instruct the one or more processors to: determine a tension level at a conveyor belt of a conveyor assembly; compare the tension level to a target tension level at the conveyor belt of the conveyor assembly; in response to the tension level not meeting the target tension level at the conveyor belt of the conveyor assembly, determine a slip condition of the conveyor belt or a stall condition of the conveyor belt; and determine an adjustment to the conveyor belt tension level based on the conveyor belt tension level and the conveyor belt slip condition or the stall condition of the conveyor belt.

[0004] Another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for causing a processor to perform operations that may include: determining a first tension level at a conveyor belt of a conveyor assembly; comparing the tension level to a target tension level at the conveyor belt of the conveyor assembly; in response to the first tension level not meeting the target tension level at the conveyor belt of the conveyor assembly, determining a slip condition of the conveyor belt or a stall condition of the conveyor belt; and determining a second tension level of the conveyor belt based on the first tension level of the conveyor belt and the slip condition of the conveyor belt or the stall condition of the conveyor belt.

[0005] Another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a computer-implemented method that may include determining a first tension level in a conveyor belt of a conveyor assembly; determining a slip condition of the conveyor belt or a jam condition of the conveyor belt; and determining a second tension level of the conveyor belt based on the detected first tension level of the conveyor belt and the slip condition of the conveyor belt or the jam condition of the conveyor belt.

[0006] The various aspects may include one or more of the following features. The programming instructions may further include programming instructions for instructing the one or more processors to generate a control signal configured to cause a controllable subsystem to change a tension level at the conveyor belt based on the adjustment to the tension level. The adjustment to the tension level may be an increase to the tension level at the conveyor belt in response to the tension level being below the target tension level and the detected condition being a conveyor belt slip condition among the conveyor belt slip condition and the conveyor belt stall condition.The adjustment to the tension level may be a reduction to the tension level on the conveyor belt in response to the tension level being above the target tension level and the detected condition being a conveyor belt stall condition among the conveyor belt slip condition and the conveyor belt stall condition. The conveyor assembly may include the conveyor belt; a drive device; a drive roller coupled to the drive device; and an idler roller. The drive device may be configured to rotate the drive roller. The conveyor belt may be engaged with the drive roller and the idler roller, and the conveyor belt may be movable in response to rotation of the drive roller. The idler roller may be configured to be rotated in response to movement of the belt.The programming instructions instructing the one or more processors to determine the conveyor belt slippage condition or the conveyor belt stall condition may include programming instructions instructing the one or more processors to determine the conveyor belt stall condition in response to detecting that a torque of the drive device is above a selected torque value, a speed of the drive device is below a selected speed, or an electrical current is above a selected electrical current. A controllable subsystem may be included, and the controllable subsystem may include a hydraulic controllable subsystem or an electrical controllable subsystem. The conveyor assembly may include the conveyor belt; a drive device; a drive roller coupled to the drive device; and an idler roller.The drive device may be configured to rotate the drive roller. The conveyor belt may be engaged with the drive roller and the idler roller, and the conveyor belt may be movable in response to rotation of the drive roller. The idler roller may be configured to be rotated in response to movement of the belt. The programming instructions that instruct the one or more processors to determine the slippage condition of the conveyor belt or the stall condition of the conveyor belt may include programming instructions that instruct the one or more processors to determine the slippage condition of the conveyor belt in response to detecting a difference between a rotational speed of the idler roller and a rotational speed of the drive roller.A sensor may be included, and the programming instructions that instruct the one or more processors to determine the tension level of the conveyor belt of the conveyor assembly may include programming instructions that instruct the one or more processors to receive a signal indicative of the tension level of the conveyor belt of the conveyor assembly from the sensor. A conveyor assembly may include the conveyor belt, a roller on which the conveyor belt travels, and a tensioning device configured to apply a force to the roller. The sensor may be configured to detect a load on the tensioning device. The load on the tensioning device may be indicative of the tension of the conveyor belt of the conveyor assembly.

[0007] The various aspects may include one or more of the following features. A control signal may be generated to cause a controllable subsystem to change the first tension level on the conveyor belt to the second tension level. The control signal may be configured to cause the controllable subsystem to increase the tension on the conveyor belt in response to the first tension level being below the target tension level and the detected condition being a slip condition of the conveyor belt among the slip condition of the conveyor belt and the stall condition of the conveyor belt. An actuator of the controllable subsystem may be actuated in response to the generated control signal to change a load applied to a roller of the conveyor assembly to cause the first tension level to be increased to the second tension level.The control signal may be configured to cause the controllable subsystem to reduce the tension on the conveyor belt in response to the first tension level being above the desired tension level and the detected condition being a conveyor belt stall condition among the conveyor belt slip condition and the conveyor belt stall condition. An actuator of the controllable subsystem may be actuated in response to the generated control signal to vary a load applied to a roller of the conveyor assembly to cause the first tension level to be reduced to the second tension level. Determining the conveyor belt slip condition or the conveyor belt stall condition may include determining the conveyor belt slip condition in response to detecting a difference between a rotational speed of an idler roller of the conveyor assembly and a rotational speed of a drive roller of the conveyor assembly.Detecting the tension state of the conveyor belt of the conveyor assembly may include detecting, with the sensor, a load on a tensioning device of the conveyor assembly. The detected load may be indicative of the tension on the conveyor belt.

[0008] Further features and aspects will become apparent upon review of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Short description of the drawings

[0009] The detailed description of the drawings refers to the attached figures, where: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary belt cutting device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary conveyor assembly including a schematic representation of an exemplary control system according to some implementations of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of an example control system according to some implementations of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for automatically controlling the tension of an endless belt according to some implementations of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a partially schematic, partially graphical view of a portion of an exemplary belt tension control system according to some implementations of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a partially schematic, partially graphical view of a portion of another exemplary belt tension control system according to some implementations of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a partially schematic, partially graphical view of a portion of another exemplary belt tension control system according to some implementations of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a partially schematic, partially graphical view of a portion of another exemplary belt tension control system according to some implementations of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a partially schematic, partially diagrammatic view of a portion of another exemplary belt tension control system including a pressure control valve, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a partially schematic, partially graphic view of a portion of another exemplary belt tension control system incorporating a proportional valve, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a partially schematic, partially graphical view of another exemplary belt tension control system according to some implementations of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a plan view of another belt tension control system according to some implementations of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for automatically controlling the tension of an endless belt according to some implementations of the present disclosure. Fig. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example computer system used to provide computational functionality in connection with described algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures as described in the present disclosure, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0010] To promote a better understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will be made below to the implementations illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe them. Nevertheless, it is to be understood that the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited thereby. Any changes and further modifications to the described devices, systems, or methods, and any further applications of the principles of the present disclosure, are contemplated as if they would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates. In particular, it is entirely conceivable that the features, components, and / or steps described with respect to one implementation may be combined with the features, components, and / or steps described with respect to other implementations of the present disclosure.

[0011] The present disclosure is directed to harvesting headers, and more particularly, to belt headers that include automatic belt tension adjustment systems. In some implementations, the belt tension adjustment systems are operable to detect one or more operating conditions of a conveyor assembly of the harvesting header, determine a tension status of an endless belt of the conveyor assembly, and automatically implement an action for adjusting a tension on the endless belt.

[0012] Orientation-related terms such as "upward," "downward," "upper," "lower," "over," "under," "front," "rear," "forward," and "rearward" are used in the context of the illustrated examples as they would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art and are not intended to limit the disclosure. For example, for a particular type of vehicle having a conventional configuration and orientation, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand these terms to be the terms applicable to the particular vehicle. Alternatively, for a particular machine or machine component, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand these terms to be the terms applicable to the particular machine or machine component under its normal use.

[0013] For example, as used herein, the term "forward" (and the like) with respect to an endless belt, unless otherwise defined or limited, corresponds to a forward direction of movement of the belt relative to a support frame (e.g., a belt cutting frame) during normal operation of the belt. Likewise, the term "rearward" (and the like) corresponds to a direction opposite the forward direction of movement of the belt. For example, a "forward-facing" feature on an endless belt may generally point in the direction in which the belt moves during normal operation, while a "rearward-facing" feature may generally point opposite that direction.

[0014] Furthermore, as used herein, the term "front" (and the like) with respect to a harvesting header (or components thereof), unless otherwise defined or limited, indicates a direction of travel of the harvesting header during normal operation (e.g., the forward direction of travel of a work vehicle carrying a harvesting header). Similarly, the term "rear" (and the like) indicates a direction opposite the direction of advance. In this context, for example, a "front" edge of a blade assembly of a header may be generally located at the front of the blade assembly with respect to the direction of travel of the header during normal operation (e.g., when carried by a harvesting vehicle).Accordingly, a "rear" edge of the knife assembly may generally be located at the rear or side of the knife assembly opposite the front edge with respect to the direction of movement of the belt cutting unit during normal operation.

[0015] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary belt cutting unit 100 that includes a frame 102 supporting a first side conveyor assembly 104 and a second side conveyor assembly 106, and a central conveyor assembly 108. Each of the conveyor assemblies 104, 106, and 108 is configured as a conveyor belt extending over a respective circumferential length. The conveyor assemblies 104, 106, and 108 include endless belts 110, 112, and 114 that are moved in respective loops along the header 100 by drive devices such as motors (e.g., hydraulic motors and electric motors), gears, or internal belts. The conveyor assemblies 104 and 106 are disposed on opposite wings 116 and 118, respectively, of the header 100. In some implementations, the wings 116 and 118 are pivotable relative to a central portion 119 of the belt cutter 100. In other implementations, the wings 116 and 118 are not pivotable relative to the central portion 119.In the illustrated example, conveyor assembly 104 includes two endless belts 110, and conveyor assembly 106 includes two endless belts 112. In other implementations, conveyor assemblies 104 and 106 may include additional or fewer endless belts. Although conveyor 108 is shown as including a single endless belt 114, conveyor assembly 108 may include additional endless belts in other implementations. Endless belts 110, 112, and 114 are supported on two or more rollers of the respective conveyor assemblies 104, 106, and 108.

[0016] Generally, the endless belts 110 and 112 can be rotated so that the upper sides of the endless belts 110 and 112 move inward along the header 100 in respective directions 120 and 122. In this way, material, e.g., severed plant matter, can be conveyed by the endless belts 110 and 112 to the central conveyor 108, which in turn can utilize the endless belt 114 to move the material away from the header 100. For example, the header 100 can unload the material onto a harvesting vehicle to which the header 100 is attached. The header 100 also includes a cylindrical conveyor 124. The cylindrical conveyor 124 receives severed crop material from the central conveyor 108 and conveys the crop material rearwardly (i.e., in a direction 126) through an opening in the frame 102 located between the cylindrical conveyor 124 and the central conveyor 108, and ultimately into the harvesting vehicle.In some implementations, the header 100 may include a spindle rotatably mounted on arms for engaging crop material and delivering the crop material to the endless belts 110, 112 and 114.

[0017] In the illustrated example, various cleats 130 are fixed to the surface of each of the endless belts 110, 112, and 114, with the cleats 130 extending generally in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the respective endless belt 110, 112, or 114, e.g., directions 120, 122, and 126. In some implementations, the cleat 130 may extend across less than the entire width of the endless belts 110, 112, and 114. For example, one or more of the cleats 130 may extend only partially across the respective width of the endless belts 110, 112, and 114 and, accordingly, may not extend to a leading edge or a trailing edge of the belts 110, 112, and 114. In some implementations, the cleats 130 are omitted from one or more of the endless belts 110, 112 and 114.

[0018] The header 100 also includes a blade 132 at a front edge 133 of the header 100. In some implementations, the blade 132 may be a reciprocating blade. The blade 132 cuts the crop material, e.g., to separate the crop material from a field. The blade 132 extends laterally along the header 100.

[0019] During a harvesting operation, a harvesting vehicle may carry the header 100 in a forward direction 140 across an agricultural field. As the header 100 is moved across the field, the blade 132 acts to sever the crop, such as at a location near the ground. The severed crop material falls generally in a trailing direction (i.e., generally opposite direction 140) onto one or more of the three conveyor assemblies 104, 106, and 108. The conveyor assembly 104 at the wing 118 transports the crop material in direction 120 to the central conveyor assembly 108 using the endless belts 110. The conveyor assembly 106 transports the severed crop material in direction 122 to the intermediate conveyor assembly 108 using the endless belts 112, and the intermediate conveyor assembly 108 transports the severed crop material in direction 126 to and under the cylindrical conveyor 124.The crop material separated by the cylindrical conveyor 124 is transported in the direction 126 through the opening in the frame 102 of the harvesting header 100 and into the agricultural harvesting vehicle.

[0020] In the illustrated example, conveyor assembly 104 and conveyor assembly 106 are similarly configured, although conveyor assemblies 104 and 106 may convey crop material in opposite directions 120 and 122, respectively. In other implementations, conveyor assemblies 104 and 106 may be configured differently. However, the description of conveyor assembly 104 herein also applies to conveyor assembly 106, as well as to other conveyor assemblies in other implementations.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary conveyor assembly 200, which may be similar to one or more of the conveyor assemblies 104, 106, and 108. In the illustrated example, the conveyor assembly 200 includes a drive roller 202 coupled to a drive device 204. The drive device 204 is operable to rotate the drive roller 202 about a rotational axis 206. Example drive devices 204 include motors, such as hydraulic motors or electric motors. However, other types of devices configured to rotate the drive roller 202 are within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, although the drive device 204 is shown attached directly to the drive roller 202, in other implementations, the drive device 204 may be coupled to the drive roller 202 via an intermediate device, such as one or more belts or sprockets.

[0022] The conveyor assembly 200 also includes an idler roller 208 and an endless belt 210 supported by the drive roller 202 and the idler roller 208. The endless belt 210 surrounds and engages the drive roller 202 and the idler roller 208. Rotation of the drive roller 202 about the rotational axis 206, exerted by the drive device 204, causes movement of the endless belt 210. The movement of the endless belt 210 is transmitted to the idler roller 208, causing the idler roller 208 to rotate about the rotational axis 212.

[0023] The conveyor assembly 200 also includes a belt tensioning device 214. In the illustrated example, the belt tensioning device 214 includes a spring 216 attached at a first end 220 to a bracket 218 and at a second end 224 to a movable carriage 222. In some implementations, the spring 216 is pivotally attached to the first end 220, the second end 224, or both. The carriage 222 is selectively movable in the directions of arrows 226 and 228. In the illustrated example, the carriage 222 is attached to a threaded shaft 230 and movable in response to rotation thereof. The threaded shaft 230 may be rotated by a motor (such as an electric motor or hydraulic motor) or by other means, such as belts or gears. In further implementations, the carriage 222 is movable in response to an actuator, such as a servo motor. B. a linear actuator, e.g.an electric linear actuator or a hydraulic linear actuator, or a rotary actuator. The carriage 222 and the threaded shaft 230 include mating threads such that when the threaded shaft 230 is rotated in a first rotational direction about a rotational axis 231, the carriage moves in the direction of arrow 226 through the engagement between the mating threads. Rotation of the threaded shaft 230 in a second rotational direction, opposite to the first rotational direction, causes the carriage 222 to move in the direction of arrow 228 through the engagement between the mating threads.

[0024] In the example shown, spring 216 engages and exerts a force on drive roller 202 that acts to laterally separate drive roller 202 from idler roller 208. This means that when carriage 222 is moved in the direction of arrow 228, spring 216 exerts a greater force on drive roller 202, causing drive roller 202 to move in the direction of arrow 228 and further separating drive roller 202 from idler roller 208. Increasing the separation distance between drive roller 202 and idler roller 208 increases the tension in endless belt 210, while decreasing the separation distance between drive roller 202 and idler roller 208 decreases the tension in endless belt 210.

[0025] Although the spring 216 engages the drive roller 202 in the illustrated example, in other implementations, the tensioner 214 acts on the idler roller 208 such that the spring 216 engages the idler roller 208 to change the distance separating the idler roller 208 from the drive roller 202 and thus change the amount of tension on the endless belt 210. In still other implementations, the tensioner 214 may be operable to engage and translate both the drive roller 202 and the idler roller 208 to change the distance between them and thus change the tension on the endless belt 210.In some implementations, the spring 216 is replaced with another component configured to engage the drive roller 202 to change the distance between the idler roller 208 and the drive roller 202 and thus change the tension on the endless belt 210.

[0026] In some implementations, the conveyor assembly 200 includes a sensor 217 that detects a load or strain on a component of the tensioner 214 or another part of the conveyor assembly. The detected load or strain is indicative of tension on the endless belt 210. Example sensors 217 include sensors that detect a load on the spring 216, a load on the threaded shaft 230, or a load on the drive roller 202, the idler roller 208, or both. Although the sensor 217 is positioned adjacent the threaded shaft 230, in other implementations the sensor 217 may be positioned elsewhere on the conveyor assembly 200. In still other implementations, the conveyor assembly 200 may include multiple sensors 217 for detecting a load or strain on multiple components of the conveyor assembly 200. Example sensors 217 include strain gauges (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge) or load cells.

[0027] The conveyor assembly 200 also includes a position sensor 232 operable to detect an amount of distance between the drive roller 202 and the idler roller 208. Position sensors 232 include, for example, a linear position sensor, a rotary position sensor, optical sensors, an electrical sensor, ultrasonic transducers, Hall sensors, capacitive sensors, potentiometers, magnetostrictive sensors, incremental encoders, laser sensors, and other types of position sensors operable to detect a displacement of the drive roller 202 or the idler roller 208 relative to each other or relative to a selected location, or a distance or change in the distance between the drive roller 202 and the idler roller 208. In some implementations, the position sensor 232 is configured to detect the amount of rotation of the threaded shaft 230.The amount of rotation of the threaded shaft 230 can be converted into an amount of movement of the carriage 222, the drive roller 202, the idler roller 208, or another component, and consequently, an amount of tension on the endless belt 210. Although the position sensor 232 is positioned adjacent to the threaded shaft 230, in other implementations, the position sensor 232 can be positioned at other locations to detect a position of the carriage 222, the drive roller 220, the idler roller 208, or another component whose position or displacement can be used to determine or as an indication of the tension on the endless belt 210.

[0028] The conveyor assembly 200 also includes a tension indicator 234 that provides an indication of a position of the carriage (such as a visual indication) and thus an indication of the distance existing between the drive roller 202 and the idler roller 208. In some cases, the tension indicator 234 is a visual analog indicator and may be part of the position sensor 232. In further implementations, the tension indicator 234 is an electronic sensor configured to detect the tension, either directly or indirectly, on the endless belt 210. Thus, in some cases, an output from the position sensor 232 is indicative of the tension on the endless belt 210, since the tension on the endless belt 210 varies based on a separation distance between the drive roller 202 and the idler roller 208. In some implementations, the position sensor 232 and the voltage indicator 234 may have a similar function, such asdetecting a tension level on the endless belt 210. Thus, in some implementations, the position sensor 232 or the tension indicator 234 may be omitted.

[0029] In the illustrated example, the tension indicator 234 includes a pointer 236 and a measuring device 238. The pointer 236 moves with the carriage 222 relative to the measuring device 238 and provides an indication of a position of the drive roller 202 relative to the idler roller 208 and thus an indication of the tension level of the endless belt 210. In the illustrated example, the measuring device 238 includes a first region 240, a second region 242, and a third region 244 disposed between the first region 240 and the second region 242. The third region 244 can indicate a desired tension level of the endless belt 210. The first region 240 may indicate a condition in which the level of tension on the endless belt 210 is below a desired tension level, and the second region 242 may indicate a condition in which the level of tension on the endless belt 210 is above a desired tension level.An output from the position sensor 232 can be used to provide similar indications of the tension of the endless belt 210.

[0030] In further implementations, the tension indicator 234 is an electronic indicator. For example, in some implementations, the tension indicator 234 may detect an amount of movement of the drive roller 202 relative to a selected reference. In some implementations, the reference may be a selected value or a range of values. The tension indicator 234 may indicate the detected amount of movement, e.g., a scalar value with units, or the tension indicator 234 may indicate whether the detected amount of movement is determined to be an acceptable amount. For example, the tension indicator 234 may indicate the detected amount of movement using a specific color encoded according to the determination of whether the detected amount of movement is acceptable or not.In some implementations, the tension indicator 234 may include a display indicating the sensed range of motion, a rating of the sensed range of motion, or both, or any other indication corresponding to the sensed range of motion and thus tension for an endless belt.

[0031] A control system 246 is used to automatically control the tension on the endless belt 210. The control system 246 includes an electronic controller 248. In some implementations, the electronic controller 248 is a computer system, such as the computer system 900 described in more detail below.

[0032] The controller 248 is communicatively connected to a torque sensor 250 coupled to the drive device 204. The torque sensor 250 senses a torque exerted by the drive device 204. In some implementations, the controller 248 may be directly connected to the drive device 204, for example, to detect the electrical current drawn by the drive device 204 if the drive device 204 is an electric motor. The electrical current may be used to determine power, torque, or both of the drive device 204. In some implementations, the drive device 204 is a hydraulic motor, and the torque sensor 250 senses hydraulic pressure supplied to the hydraulic motor. The torque sensor 250 senses the hydraulic pressure, and this sensed hydraulic pressure may be used to determine the torque output by the hydraulic motor.In some implementations, in addition to or instead of the torque sensor 250 detecting torque of the drive device 204, the controller 248 may detect the electrical current drawn by the drive device 204. The detected torque, the detected electrical current, or both may be used to detect a stall condition of the drive device 204.

[0033] Speed ​​sensors 252 and 254 are also in communication with the controller 248. The speed sensors 252 and 254 detect a speed of the drive roller 202 and the idler roller 208, respectively. The controller 248 is also in communication with the position sensor 232. As mentioned above, the output of the position sensor 232 is indicative of, and may be used as a proxy for, the tension on the endless belt 210. In some cases, other sensors or devices may be connected to the controller 248. For example, in some cases, the controller 248 may be in communication with the tension indicator 234, which provides tension information or information that is representative of, or used to determine, the tension on the endless belt 210. Each of the various sensors 250, 254, 252, 232, and 234 may be connected to the controller 248 via a wired or wireless connection.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary control system 300 similar to control system 246. Control system 300 is operable to automatically adjust the tension on an endless belt of a conveyor system that may be similar to conveyor system 200. Control system 300 includes a controller 302 that may be similar to controller 248; speed sensors 304 and 306 that may be similar to speed sensors 252 and 254; a torque sensor 308 that may be similar to torque sensor 250; and a position sensor 310 that may be similar to position sensor 232. In some implementations, control system 300 also includes a tension indicator that may be similar to tension indicator 234 described above. In some implementations, the speed sensors 304 and 306 may be part of a belt protection system 312 that is operable to detect a speed difference between a drive roller and an idler roller.Although torque sensor 308 is described, in other implementations, torque sensor 308 may be replaced by, or used in combination with, a hydraulic pressure sensor, a speed sensor, or a current sensor. For example, the output from such a hydraulic pressure sensor, speed sensor, or current sensor may be used to determine the torque applied by the drive device. In some cases, a belt tension sensor may replace or be used in combination with position sensor 310. System 300 may further include or be communicatively coupled to a remote database 314, which may be in the form of cloud storage, a remote server, or other type of electronic storage for storing information.The various components of the control system 300 are communicatively coupled to the controller 302, for example, via a wired or wireless connection.

[0035] In some implementations, controller 302 is a computer system, such as computer system 900, described in more detail below. Controller 302 includes a processor 316 communicatively coupled to memory 318. Additional details of controller 302, such as details regarding processor 322 and memory 324, are described below in the context of computer system 900. Memory 318 communicates with processor 316 and is used to store programs and other software, information, and data. Processor 316 is operable to execute programs and software and to receive and send information to memory 318, remote database 314, or both. Although a single memory 318 and processor 316 are illustrated, other implementations may utilize a plurality of memories, processors, or both.Although processor 316 and memory 318 are shown as local components of controller 302, in other implementations, processor 316 and / or memory 318 may be remotely located. Software 320, such as in the form of an application or program, is executed by processor 316 to control the operation of control system 300, as described in more detail below. In particular, software 320 includes executable instructions operable, for example, to detect or determine a tension status of an endless belt and automatically adjust the tension of the endless belt in response to input received from one or more of sensors 304, 306, 308, and 310.

[0036] The control system 300 also includes a user input device 322 and a display 324. The user input device 322 is communicatively coupled to the controller 302 via a wired or wireless connection. Example input devices 322 include a keyboard, a keypad, one or more buttons, a slider, a dial, a knob, a mouse, or a joystick. The display 324 is communicatively coupled to the controller 302 via a wired or wireless connection. Information, such as information related to the operation of the control system 300, is displayed on the display 324.For example, information displayed by display 324 may include a speed of an idler or drive roller, and / or a belt tension or information indicative of or related to belt tension, and / or a torque level, and / or a power level, and / or an operating speed of a drive device rotating the drive roller of a conveyor assembly. In some cases, the information displayed by display 324 is displayed via a graphical user interface (GUI) 326. Example displays 324 include cathode ray tubes (CRTs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), or plasma screens. Other types of displays are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In some implementations, display 324 is a touchscreen operable to receive input from a user via touch.In some implementations where the display 324 is a touchscreen, the input device 322 may be omitted.

[0037] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary method 400 for automatically detecting a tension condition in an endless belt and automatically generating control signals operable to cause a tension level in the endless belt to be adjusted. The method 400 is described in the context of the exemplary control system 300. However, the scope of the description is not limited to the control system 300. Rather, the concepts contemplated by the exemplary method 400 include other control systems within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] At block 401, a determination is made as to whether a mistracking of the endless belt has occurred. As explained below, mistracking occurs when there is a tension imbalance in an endless belt. A tension imbalance between opposite sides of an endless belt (e.g., sides 1106 and 1180 of the endless belt 1102, described below in Fig. 11) occurs when the tension on one side of the endless belt is greater than the tension on the other side of the endless belt. Tension imbalance may be detected using sensors (e.g., pressure transducers or other sensors operable to detect tension on an endless belt, and more particularly, on one side of an endless belt). If mistracking occurs, method 400 proceeds to 403, where the tension on the sides of the endless belt is equalized. As explained below, equalizing the tension on the sides of an endless belt may be achieved by increasing the tension on one side of the endless belt, or decreasing the tension on one side of the endless belt, or increasing the tension on one side of the endless belt while reducing the tension on the other side of the endless belt.Changing the tension on one side of an endless belt may, for example, involve increasing or decreasing a distance between the rollers of a conveyor assembly on one side of the endless belt. For example, a hydraulic actuator coupled to one of the rollers of the conveyor assembly may be used to move the roller, thereby changing the tension on that side of the endless belt. Balancing the tension on the sides of an endless belt is described in more detail below. Once the misalignment is corrected (i.e., the tension on the sides of the endless belt is balanced), the method proceeds to 402, 404, and 408.

[0039] At 402, an output from a position sensor, such as position sensor 310 or 232, indicative of a tension level for an endless belt is received, for example, by a controller of a control system. In some implementations, the tension level may be received from a tension sensor, such as tension sensor 234 described above. For example, the desired tension for an endless belt, such as one of the endless belts described herein, may, in some cases, be in the range of 400 pounds / foot (542.3 Newton meters (Nm)) to 500 pounds / foot (678.0 Nm). Other tension ranges are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] In some implementations, the tension in an endless belt can be determined using a position sensor that detects or is used to determine a separation distance between components of a conveyor assembly whose relative movement is indicative of a tension level in the endless belt. Examples of these separation distances and the associated components are described in more detail below. The tension in the endless belt can also be represented by a force applied to, or a load applied to, a component in the conveyor assembly.

[0041] For example, a force applied by a belt tensioning device to maintain tension on the endless belt can be used to represent a level of tension on the endless belt. If the belt tensioning device includes a hydraulic actuator (e.g., a hydraulic linear actuator), the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic actuator can be indicative of the tension on the endless belt and can be used to determine it. For example, the hydraulic pressure in actuators 520 and 608 (described in more detail below) can be used to determine the tension on the endless belts 517 and 622, respectively. In some cases, a pressure transducer is used to detect the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic actuator.

[0042] In other cases, the load on a component of a conveyor assembly may be used to represent the tension on the endless belt of the conveyor assembly. For example, the load on the spring used to apply a force to a drive pulley (e.g., springs 216 and 514) may be representative of the tension on the endless belt. The tension on the spring is detected using one or more strain gauges attached to the spring. In another example, a calibrated shear pin used to connect an actuator (such as actuator 520 or 608 discussed below) may be used. In some cases, the calibrated shear pin may be used to connect the actuator to a carriage (e.g., carriage 512, also discussed below) or a frame of the conveyor assembly. Referring to Fig. 5, the calibrated shear pin is used to connect actuator 520 to carriage 512. The force sensed by the calibrated shear pin can also be used to represent tension in the endless belt. Other components of the conveyor assembly that experience a change in load or stress with a change in tension in the endless belt can also be used to provide information indicative of a tension level in the endless belt. Furthermore, other types of sensors can also be used.

[0043] At 404, an output from speed sensors operable to detect a speed of rollers of a conveyor assembly is received by the controller. For example, an output from a first speed sensor (such as speed sensor 304) detecting a speed of a drive roller of the conveyor assembly is received, and an output from a second speed sensor (such as speed sensor 306) detecting a speed of an idler roller of the conveyor assembly is received. At 406, a determination is made as to whether a slippage condition exists by comparing the speeds of the drive roller and the idler roller. If there is a difference between the two speeds, a slippage condition exists. At 408, an output from a torque sensor, such as torque sensor 308, is received by the controller. The torque sensor detects a torque of a drive device, such asthe drive device 204, which is operable to rotate the drive roller of the conveyor assembly. In some implementations, the electrical current drawn by a drive device for operating a drive roller is received by the controller. As explained above, the electrical current can be used to determine a torque exerted by the drive device.

[0044] At 410, the output from the position sensor is used to determine whether the tension on the endless belt is at a selected level or within a selected range corresponding to a desired tension level on the endless belt. If the tension on the endless belt is at a desired level, the method 400 returns to 402 and continues to receive output from the position sensor and assess the tension on the endless belt at 410. If it is determined that the tension level is not at a desired level or within a desired range, the method 400 proceeds to 412 where a determination is made as to whether the tension level on the endless belt is above the desired level. If it is determined that the tension level is above the desired level, the method 400 proceeds to 414 where a determination is made as to whether a stall condition exists.The output from the torque sensor is used to determine if a stall condition exists, and if so, a control signal is generated at 416. For example, in some implementations, a stall is detected when a sensed torque value of the drive device exceeds a selected torque value. In some implementations, a stall is detected when the electrical current drawn by the drive device exceeds a selected electrical current value. The control signal generated at 416 is configured to control a controllable subsystem to decrease the tension on the endless belt. In some implementations, the control signal is sent to the controllable subsystem, and the tension level on the endless belt is decreased.In some implementations, the method returns from 416 to the beginning of method 400 so that the belt tension continues to be monitored and adjusted as described. If it is determined that a jam condition does not exist, method 400 returns to 408 and no change is made to the belt tension.

[0045] Alternatively, if it is determined that the belt tension on the endless belt is not above the desired limit (i.e., it is determined that the tension level on the endless belt is below the desired level), the method proceeds to 406. If it is determined at 406 that a slip condition exists and the tension level on the endless belt is below the desired tension level, the method 400 proceeds to 418 where a control signal is generated to control a controllable subsystem to increase the tension on the endless belt. In some implementations, the control signal is sent to the controllable subsystem, and the tension level on the endless belt is increased. In some implementations, the method returns from 418 to the beginning of the method 400 so that the belt tension continues to be monitored and adjusted as described.If it is determined that no slip condition exists, method 400 returns to 404, and no change in belt tension is made. In some implementations, the controllable subsystem controllable to increase belt tension corresponds to the controllable subsystem controllable to decrease belt tension. In some implementations, different controllable subsystems are used.

[0046] In some implementations, if it is determined at 406 that a slip condition exists and it is determined that the tension level is below the target level, a determination as to whether a stall condition exists is made prior to generating the control signal to cause the controllable subsystem to increase the belt tension. If it is determined that a stall condition does not exist, the control signal is generated. In some implementations, if it is determined at 414 that a stall condition exists and it is determined that the belt tension is below the target level, a determination as to whether a slip condition exists is made prior to generating the control signal to cause the controllable subsystem to decrease the belt tension. If it is determined that a slip condition does not exist, the control signal is generated.

[0047] Fig. 5-8 describe various control arrangements which are operable to vary the tension on an endless belt of a conveyor arrangement. Fig. 5 is a partially schematic, partially diagrammatic view of a portion of an exemplary belt tension control system 500, including a conveyor assembly 502, which may be similar to conveyor assembly 200, and a control system 504, which may be similar to control system 300. Conveyor assembly 502 includes a tensioner 506, which may be similar to tensioner 214; a drive device 508, which may be similar to drive device 204; and a drive roller 510 coupled to the drive device. Drive roller 510 may be similar to drive roller 202.

[0048] The tensioning device 506 includes a carriage 512, which may be similar to carriage 222, and which is used to adjust a force applied to the drive roller 510. In the illustrated example, the carriage 512 applies a force to the drive roller 510 using a spring 514, which may be similar to spring 216, similar to the manner previously described. As explained above, applying a force to the drive roller 510 via the spring 514 acts to displace the drive roller 510 in the direction of arrow 516, thereby increasing the tension on an endless belt 517 driven by the drive roller 510. In further implementations, the spring 514 may be replaced with another structure for applying a force to the drive roller 510. Further, as discussed above, the spring 514 (or other component) is operable to apply a force to a roller of the conveyor assembly 502.

[0049] In the illustrated example, the carriage 512 is translated by an actuator 520 in the directions of arrows 516 and 518 to increase and decrease, respectively, a force applied to the drive roller 506. In particular, the actuator 520 is a hydraulic cylinder. In other implementations, the actuator 520 may be another type of linear actuator. Hydraulic fluid flow to and from the actuator 520 is controlled by a valve 522. Actuation of the valve 522 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the actuator 516 to change a position of the carriage 508. In the illustrated example, the valve 522 is a solenoid-operated three-position valve. In other implementations, other types of valves may be used. Other example valves include a solenoid-operated two-way valve, a proportional valve, and a pressure control valve.Other valves operable to control fluid flow to and from the actuator 520 to control the operation of the actuator 520 and thus a position of the carriage 512 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0050] Hydraulic fluid from a source 524 of high-pressure hydraulic fluid communicates with valve 522 via a line 526. A reservoir 528 also communicates with valve 522 via a line 530, and a line 532 connects valve 522 to actuator 520.

[0051] In a first or home position of valve 522, hydraulic fluid from source 524 is prevented from flowing from line 526 to line 532, and line 530 is similarly blocked by valve 522. In a second position, with valve 522 displaced in the direction of arrow 534, valve 522 provides fluid communication between line 526 and line 532. This allows high-pressure hydraulic fluid (or pressure from the hydraulic fluid) from source 524 to flow through valve 522 and to actuator 520, causing actuator 520 to extend. In response to the extension of actuator 520, carriage 512 is displaced in the direction of arrow 516, causing an increase in the force applied to drive roller 510. This increases the tension on the endless belt 517 of the conveyor assembly 502.

[0052] Line 530 remains isolated by valve 522 when valve 522 is in the second position. Furthermore, in the second position, valve 522 prevents hydraulic fluid from flowing from line 532 to line 526. This means that valve 522 allows flow therethrough in only one direction, i.e., from line 526 to line 532.

[0053] The valve 522 moves from the first position to the third position by movement of the valve in the direction of arrow 536. In a third position, the line 532 is placed in fluid communication with the line 530, allowing hydraulic fluid to flow from the actuator 520 to the catch basin 528. By placing the lines 532 and 530 in fluid communication, hydraulic pressure is removed from the actuator 520, causing the actuator 520 to retract and move the carriage 512 in the direction of arrow 518. This reduces the force applied to the drive roller 510, thereby reducing the tension on the endless belt 517 of the conveyor assembly 502. In the third position, line 526 is blocked by valve 522, preventing the flow of hydraulic fluid from line 526 to line 532.

[0054] The control system 504 includes an electronic controller 538. In some implementations, the controller 538 is similar to the previously described controller 302. The electronic controller 302 is in communication with the valve 522 and is configured to control the operation of the valve 522, such as through software executed by a processor of the controller 538. Thus, the controller 538 is operable to move the valve 522 to the first position, the second position, and the third position. The controller 538 may be connected to the valve 522 via a wired or wireless connection. Although the controller 538 is not shown in communication with any components other than the valve 522, the controller 538 may be in communication with other components, such as one or more sensors (e.g.,one or more speed sensors, a torque sensor and a position sensor), an input device, a display, a database or other components.

[0055] When the controller 538 determines that an increase in belt tension is required, such as in the manner previously described, the controller 538 sends a control signal to the valve 522 to move the valve 522 from the first position to the second position (or from the third position to the second position, depending on the initial position of the valve 522). This directs high-pressure hydraulic fluid (or the pressure thereof) to the actuator 520, causing the actuator 520 to extend and, as explained above, to increase the tension on the endless belt 517. When the controller 538 determines that a decrease in belt tension is required, the controller 538 sends a control signal to the valve 522 to cause the valve 522 to move from the first position to the third position (or from the second position to the third position, depending on the initial position of the valve 522).As explained above, in the third position, the hydraulic pressure applied to actuator 520 is reduced, causing actuator 520 to retract. This reduces the tension on endless belt 517 of conveyor assembly 502. If controller 538 determines that the tension on endless belt 517 is at a selected value or is within a selected range of values, controller 538 does not send a control signal to valve 522. If no control signal is sent to valve 522, valve 522 remains in the home or first position, preventing the flow of hydraulic fluid to or from actuator 520 and thus maintaining the existing hydraulic pressure applied to actuator 520. This maintains tension on endless belt 517.

[0056] Conveyor assembly 502 also includes a tension indicator 540. Tension indicator 540 may be similar to tension indicator 234 described above. For example, tension indicator 540 may be an analog device including a pointer 542 and a measuring device 544, or an electronic device similar to that described above that includes a display for indicating a tension state of endless belt 517.

[0057] As previously explained, the tension in the endless belt 517 may be indicated by a separation distance between the drive roller 510 and an idler roller, which may be similar to the idler roller 208 described above. In other implementations, the tension in the endless belt 517 may be determined or indicated differently. For example, a separation distance between a rotational axis 546 of the drive roller 510 and a location where the actuator 520 is connected to the carriage 512 may be used. For example, the actuator 520 may be connected to the carriage 512 at a pin connection point 548. The separation distance between the pin connection point 548 and the rotational axis 546 may be used as an indicator of the tension in the endless belt 517. In still other implementations, the degree of extension of the actuator 520 may be used as a separation distance and thus as an indicator of the tension in the endless belt 517.Sensors such as a linear variable differential transformer (LVCT), a rope potentiometer sensor, and a rotary potentiometer may be used to measure a separation distance between components of the conveyor assembly 502 that are movable relative to one another. This measured distance may be used as a proxy for the tension on the endless belt 517. As explained above, example components include the drive pulley, the idler pulley, the carriage, or a location on the carriage. Other sensors operable to detect the distance between the components or a degree of extension of the actuator may also be used. Although these examples are discussed in the context of the control system 500 of FIG. Fig. 5, these examples also apply to other control systems within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] Fig. 9 is a detailed view of another exemplary belt tension control system 900 similar to the belt tension control system of Fig. 5, with the difference that the belt tension control system 900 has a pressure reducing valve 902 instead of the one in Fig. 5, ie, valve 522. The pressure reducing valve 902 represents another exemplary valve that is controllable, for example, via a controller 904 (which may be similar to controller 538), to control the hydraulic flow to and from the actuator 906. The controller 904 may be controlled according to a method such as that described in Fig. 4, to change the position of an actuator 906 of a conveyor assembly 908 for controlling the tension level of an endless belt of the conveyor assembly 908. Similar to the control 538 of the belt tensioning system of Fig. 5 and other belt tensioning systems within the scope of the present disclosure, the controller 904 receives input from sensors such as a torque sensor (which may be similar to torque sensor 308), a position sensor (which may be similar to position sensor 310), and a belt protection system (which may be similar to belt protection system 312).

[0059] Fig. 10 is another exemplary belt tension control system 1000 similar to the belt tension control system of Fig. 5, except that the belt tension control system 1000 includes a valve 1002, which is a solenoid-operated proportional valve. The valve 1002 is used instead of the valve 522. The controller 1004 of the belt tension control system 1000 is communicatively connected to the valve 1002 and is operable to control the valve 1002 to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from an actuator 1006. The controller 1004 may be operated according to a method such as that described in Fig. 4, to change the position of an actuator 1006 of a conveyor assembly 1008 for controlling the tension level of an endless belt of the conveyor assembly 1008. Similar to the control 538 of the belt tensioning system of Fig. 5 and other belt tensioning systems within the scope of the present disclosure, the controller 1004 receives input from sensors such as a torque sensor (which may be similar to torque sensor 308), a position sensor (which may be similar to position sensor 310), and a belt protection system (which may be similar to belt protection system 312).

[0060] Fig. 11 is another exemplary belt tension control system 1100 including two actuators for controlling, e.g., reducing or eliminating, mistracking of the endless belt 1102 of a conveyor assembly 1104. The belt tension control system 1100 detects a tension differential at opposite sides 1106 and 1108 of the endless belt 1102 and controls actuators 1110, 1112 associated with the respective sides 1106 and 1108 to equalize the tension at both sides 1106 and 1108 of the endless belt 1102.

[0061] The belt tension control system 1100 includes the conveyor assembly 1104 and a controller 1114. The controller 1114 may be similar to one or more of the other controllers described herein (e.g., controllers 248, 302, 538, 614, 710, 820, 904, and 1004), and the controller 1114 may be communicatively connected to various sensors, such as a torque sensor (which may be similar to torque sensor 308), a position sensor (which may be similar to position sensor 310), and speed sensors (which may be similar to speed sensors 304 and 306). The speed sensors may be configured as a belt protection system, which may be similar to belt protection system 312. In some cases, the controller 1114 may also be communicatively connected to other types of sensors.

[0062] Conveyor assembly 1104 includes endless belt 1102, a drive roller 1116, and a follower roller 1118. Endless belt 1102 is rotatably mounted to drive roller 1116 and follower roller 1118. Conveyor assembly 1104 further includes a drive device 1120 coupled to and operable to drive drive roller 1116 and actuators 1110 and 1112. Example actuators 1110 and 1112 include any type of actuator within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] Each of the actuators 1110 and 1112 may include sensors 1122 and 1124. The sensors 1122 detect a force applied by the respective actuators 1110 to the drive roller 1116. For example, if the actuators 1110 are hydraulic actuators, the sensors 1122 may be pressure transducers that detect hydraulic pressure in the actuators 1110 and 1112. As previously explained, this hydraulic pressure may be used to determine the tension at the respective side 1106 and 1108 of the endless belt 1102. The sensors 1112 include sensors such as LVCT sensors, cable potentiometer sensors, and rotation sensors. The sensors 1124 are used to determine the height of a gap between the drive roller 1116 and the follower roller 1118, as previously described. In some implementations, the sensors 1124 may be omitted.

[0064] A carriage 1126 is coupled to each of the actuators 1110 and 1112. The carriages 1126 are coupled to opposite ends 1127 and 1128 of the drive roller 1116 via shafts 1130. In some implementations, the shafts 1130 are connected to the drive roller 1116 via collars 1132. In some implementations, the carriages 1126 may be coupled to the drive roller 1116 in other ways. Although the actuators 1126 are described as being operable to change a load or position of the drive roller 1116, in other implementations, the actuators may be coupled to the follower roller 1116 and operable to change a load and position thereof.

[0065] As indicated, sensors 1122 and 1124 are provided for each actuator 1110 and 1112. Thus, controller 1114 is operable to detect the tension at each side 1106 and 1108 of endless belt 1102 using sensors 1122. Using the determined tension at each side 1106 and 1108 of endless belt 1102, controller 1114 is operable to detect a tension imbalance between sides 1106 and 1108 of endless belt 1102. This tension imbalance in endless belt 1102 can cause mistracking of endless belt 1102 on drive roller 1116 and follower roller 1118. Accordingly, the controller 1114 is operable to change the position of the actuators 1110 and 1112 to equalize the tension at the sides 1106 and 1108 of the endless belt 1102 and thus eliminate or reduce the mistracking of the endless belt 1102.For example, the controller 1114 is operable to extend one or both of the actuators, retract one or both of the actuators, or extend one actuator and retract the other actuator. The controller 1114 may use the position sensors 1124 to determine, based on the position of the respective ends 1127 and 1128 of the drive roller 1116, whether to extend one or both actuators, retract one or both actuators, or extend one actuator and retract the other.

[0066] Fig. 6 is a partially schematic, partially diagrammatic view of a portion of another exemplary belt tension control system 600 including a conveyor assembly 602 and a control system 604. The belt tension control system 600 is similar to the belt tension control system 500, except that the belt tension control system 600 includes a hydraulic accumulator 605 as the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. The conveyor assembly 602 is similar to the conveyor assembly 502, and the control system 604 is similar to the control system 504 or the control system 300 and is similarly functional. The belt tension control system 600 includes a valve 606, and like the valve 522, the valve 606 is a solenoid-operated three-position valve and operates in the same manner described above with reference to the valve 522.Like valve 522, valve 606 has a first or home position in which fluid flow to and from an actuator 608 of a tensioner 610 of conveyor assembly 602 is prevented; a second position in which hydraulic fluid (or the pressure thereof) is directed to actuator 608; and a third position in which hydraulic fluid (or the pressure thereof) is directed from actuator 608 to a containment vessel 612. In the second position, valve 606 permits fluid flow in only one direction, i.e., to actuator 608.

[0067] The control system 604 includes an electronic controller 614, similar to the controller 538, which is in communication with the valve 606. Although the controller 614 is not shown in communication with any components other than the valve 606, the controller 614 may be in communication with other components, such as one or more sensors (e.g., one or more speed sensors, a torque sensor, and a position sensor), an input device, a display, a database, or other components.

[0068] The controller 614 is configured to actuate the valve 606, for example, through software executed by a processor of the controller 614. In operation, when the valve 606 is in the first position, the controller 614 may determine that an increase in belt tension is required, such as in a manner previously described. Accordingly, the controller 614 actuates the valve 606 from the first position to the second position (e.g., by displacing the valve 606 in the direction of arrow 616), thereby allowing pressurized hydraulic fluid to flow from the hydraulic accumulator 605 to the actuator 608. Consequently, the actuator 608 extends, causing the drive roller 618 to be displaced in the direction of arrow 620, resulting in an increase in tension on the endless belt 622 of the conveyor assembly 602.

[0069] The controller 614 may determine that a reduction in belt tension is necessary, such as in a manner previously described. Accordingly, the controller 614 causes the valve 606 to move to the third position by moving in the direction of arrow 624. Consequently, hydraulic fluid is allowed to flow through the valve 606 and to the catch basin 612, causing the actuator to retract in the direction of arrow 626 and reducing tension on the endless belt 618. Further, the controller 614 may determine that a change in tension on the endless belt 622 is not necessary. In this case, the controller 614 maintains the valve 606 in the first position, preventing fluid flow to or from the actuator 608. As a result, the tension on the endless belt 622 remains the same.In some implementations, the belt tension control system 600 may include a tension indicator that may be similar to the tension indicators 234 and 540 described previously.

[0070] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 provide example arrangements of tensioners 506 and 610 in which actuators 520 and 608 extend to increase tension on an endless belt and retract to decrease tension on the endless belt. However, the scope of the disclosure is not so limited. Instead, in other implementations, tensioners within the scope of the present disclosure include actuators that increase tension upon retraction and decrease tension upon extension. Furthermore, although hydraulic linear actuators 520 and 608 are illustrated, in other implementations, hydraulic rotary actuators may be used to change the position of the respective tensioners 506 and 610 and thus change a tension level on the respective endless belts 517 and 622. The hydraulic rotary actuators may be similar to the electric rotary actuator 804 described below in connection with Fig. 8 is described in more detail.

[0071] Fig. 7 is a partially schematic, partially graphic view of a portion of another exemplary belt tension control system 700. The belt tension control system 700 includes a conveyor assembly 702 having a tensioning device 704 with an electric actuator 706 for varying the tension on an endless belt 708 of the conveyor assembly 702. In the illustrated example, the electric actuator 706 is an electric linear actuator. The belt tension control system 700 further includes a control system 708. The control system 708 may be similar to the example control systems 300, 504, or 604. The control system 708 includes an electronic controller 710 configured to determine a tension level on an endless belt 712 of the conveyor assembly 702 and to determine whether to maintain, increase, or decrease the determined tension level.

[0072] The controller 710 may be similar to the previously described controllers 302, 524, or 614 and is in communication with the actuator 706 of the tensioning device 704. The controller 710 is configured to control the operation of the actuator 706, for example, through software executed by a processor of the controller 710. Although the controller 710 is not shown in communication with any components other than the actuator 706, the controller 710 may be in communication with other components, such as one or more sensors (e.g., one or more speed sensors, a torque sensor, and a position sensor), an input device, a display, a database, or other components.

[0073] The controller 710 may determine that an increase in belt tension is required, such as in a manner previously described. Accordingly, the controller 710 sends a control signal to the actuator 706 to cause the actuator 706 to extend in the direction of arrow 714, thereby increasing a force on the drive roller 716 and correspondingly increasing the amount of tension on the endless belt 712. The controller 710 may determine that a decrease in belt tension is required, such as in a manner previously described. Accordingly, the controller 710 sends a control signal to the actuator 706 to cause the actuator 706 to retract in the direction of arrow 718, thereby reducing the amount of tension on the endless belt. The tensioning device 704 may also include a tension indicator 720, which may be similar to the tension indicators 234, 540, and 628 described previously.

[0074] Fig. 8 is a partially schematic, partially graphic view of another exemplary belt tension control system 800. The belt tension control system 800 is similar to the belt tension control system 700, except that a tensioning device 802 includes an electric rotary actuator 804, such as an electric motor. In some implementations, the electric rotary actuator 804 includes an electric motor 806 coupled to a threaded shaft 810 via a pulley system 812. In other implementations, the electric motor 806 is coupled to the threaded shaft 810 via a set of gears. In still other implementations, the electric rotary actuator 804 may be coupled to the threaded shaft 810 in a different manner. For example, in some implementations, the electric motor 806 may be directly connected to the threaded shaft 810.

[0075] The belt tension control system 800 includes a conveyor assembly 814 that includes the tensioning device 802 for varying the tension on an endless belt 816 of the conveyor assembly 814. The belt tension control system 800 further includes a control system 818. The control system 818 may be similar to the example control systems 300, 504, 604, or 708 and includes an electronic controller 820 configured to determine a tension level on the endless belt 816 of the conveyor assembly 814 and to determine whether to maintain, increase, or decrease the determined tension level.

[0076] The clamping device 802 further includes a carriage 822 threadably engaged with the threaded shaft 810 such that rotation of the threaded shaft 810 in a first rotational direction causes the carriage 822 to move in a first linear direction, and rotation of the threaded shaft 810 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction causes the carriage 822 to move in a second linear direction opposite to the first linear direction.

[0077] The controller 820 may determine that an increase in belt tension is required, such as in a manner previously described. Accordingly, the controller 820 sends a control signal to the rotary actuator 804 to displace the carriage 822 in the direction of arrow 824, thereby increasing a force on the drive roller 826 and correspondingly increasing the amount of tension on the endless belt 816. The controller 820 may determine that a decrease in belt tension is required, such as in a manner previously described. Accordingly, the controller 820 sends a control signal to the rotary actuator 804 to displace the carriage 822 in the direction of arrow 828, thereby decreasing a force on the drive roller 826 and correspondingly decreasing the amount of tension on the endless belt 816. The tensioning device 802 may also include a tension indicator 830, which may be similar to the tension indicators 234, 540, 628, or 720 previously described.

[0078] Without limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims that follow in any way, one technical effect of one or more of the example implementations disclosed herein is to automatically maintain a target tension level on an endless belt. Another technical effect of one or more of the example implementations disclosed herein is to reduce costs associated with an endless belt by maintaining an endless belt at a target tension level. Another technical effect of one or more example implementations disclosed herein is to increase production efficiency and reduce the burden on an operator of a machine by avoiding machine downtime associated with the operator having to manually determine and implement any change in belt tension.

[0079] Fig. 12 is a plan view of another voltage control system 1200. In particular, Fig. 12 shows a portion of a conveyor assembly 1202 of the tension control system 1200. Fig. 12 shows the conveyor assembly 1202, which includes an endless belt 1204 and a roller 1206. The conveyor assembly 1202 may be similar to the previously described conveyor assembly 1204, except that the endless belt includes raised features 1212 and 1213, which are described in more detail below, and the roller 1206 includes grooves 1210, which are also described in more detail below. Although one roller 1206 is shown, the conveyor assembly 1202 may include two or more rollers. One of the rollers may be a driven roller, while another of the rollers may be a drive roller. The roller 1206 includes grooves 1210 that receive raised features 1212, 1213 formed on an inner surface 1214 of the endless belt 1204. Although the roller 1206 is shown as having two grooves 1210, the roller 1206 may have more or fewer grooves 1210 in further implementations.The raised features 1212, 1213 are shown to be continuous on the endless belt 1204. In some implementations, the raised features 1212, 1213 may include multiple discontinuous regions. The grooves 1210 and the raised features 1212, 1213 cooperate to maintain the endless belt 1204 in a desired positional relationship with respect to the roller 1206.

[0080] The illustrated conveyor assembly 1202 also includes a carrier 1216 extending parallel to the roller 1206. The carrier 1216 and the roller 1206 are both attached to brackets 1218 that couple the carrier 1216 and the roller 1206 together. The roller 1206 is rotatable with respect to the carrier 1216 and the brackets 1218. Movement of the carrier 1216 or the roller 1206 causes movement of the other element—the carrier 1216 or the roller 1206. Cameras 1220 (or other imaging device) are mounted on the carrier 1216 at a position such that each camera 1220 views one of the grooves 1210. The cameras 1220 are operable to capture one or more images (including still images and video images) showing the relationship between the groove 1210 and the associated raised feature 1212, 1213.In the illustrated example, two cameras 1220 are shown, each positioned to image one of the grooves 1210. In some implementations, a single camera 1220 is used; in particular, in some implementations, a single camera 1220 is used regardless of how many grooves the roller 1206 includes.

[0081] The conveyor assembly 1202 also includes a tensioning system 1222 operable to adjust the tension on the endless belt 1204. The tensioning system 1222 may be similar to the belt tension control system 1100 described herein. That is, in some implementations, the tensioning system 1222 includes a first actuator 1219 operable to change the tension level on a first lateral side 1228 of the endless belt 1204 and a second actuator 1221 operable to change the tension level on a second lateral side 1230 of the endless belt 1204. In further implementations, the tensioning system 1222 may be similar to one or more of the tensioning devices described herein (e.g., tensioners 214, 506, 610, or 704).

[0082] The clamping system 1222 further includes a control system 1224. The control system 1224 may be similar to the control system 300 and includes a controller 1226. The controller 1226 receives signals output from the cameras 1220. The signals output from the cameras 1220 include image data, which are images of the groove 1210 and the raised features 1212, 1213 captured by the cameras. The controller 1220 processes the received image data.

[0083] In operation, the cameras 1220 capture images of a portion of the roll 1206 including the grooves 1210, as in the exemplary method 1300 of Fig. 13 at 1302. At 1304, the image data is received by the controller 1226. At 1306, the controller 1226 determines, based on the received image data, whether the raised features 1212, 1213 are positioned within the respective grooves 1210. For example, in some implementations, the controller 1226 determines whether a longitudinal axis 1225 of each of the raised features 1212 and 1213 is aligned with a respective central axis 1227 of the grooves 1210. If the raised features 1212, 1213 are located within the respective grooves 1210, no corrective action is required, and the method 1300 returns to 1302.If the controller 1226 determines, based on the obtained image data, that one or more of the raised features 1212, 1213 are outside the respective grooves 1210 (either partially or completely outside the groove 1210), the controller 1226 sends one or more control signals to the tensioning system 1222 at 1308 to vary the tension level on one or both of the sides 1228 and 1230 of the endless belt 1204. For example, in connection with . Fig. 12, when the raised feature 1213 was positioned to the right of the groove 1210 (i.e., moved in the direction of arrow 1232) (and particularly when the raised feature 1213 was removed from the groove 1210), the controller 1226 sends a signal to the tensioning system 1222 to cause a decrease in the tension level at side 1230 of the endless belt, to cause an increase in the tension level at side 1228 of the endless belt 1204, or both. By changing the tension level at the endless belt 1204, the raised feature 1213 returned to the groove 1210 so that proper tracking of the endless belt 1204 with respect to the roller 1206 is maintained.

[0084] The controller 1226 causes the tensioning system 1222 to change the tension level on the endless belt 1204, e.g., the tension level on side 1230 of the endless belt 1204, until the raised feature 1213 has returned to the groove 1210 (or until the raised feature 1213 has assumed a desired position in the groove 1210). The controller 1226 ceases actuation of the tensioning system 1222 when the controller 1226 detects, using the image data received from the camera 1220, that the raised feature 1213 is at a desired position relative to the groove 1210 (e.g., centered in the groove 1210).

[0085] Method 1300 returns to 1302, and method 1300 is repeated to continuously monitor the tracking of the endless belt 1204. This maintains the tracking of the endless belt 1204 with respect to the roller 1206. Thus, in some cases, the controller 1226 continues to monitor the relative positions of the raised feature 1213 and the groove 1210 based on the image data received from the camera 1220 and operates the tensioning system 1222 to change the belt tension (e.g., the tension at side 1230 of the endless belt 1204) when the controller 1226 detects that the raised feature 1213 has moved from a desired position with respect to the groove 1210 (e.g., when the raised feature 1213 has slipped out of the groove 1210).

[0086] Fig. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computer system 1400, according to some implementations of the present disclosure, used to provide computational functionality in connection with described algorithms, methods, functions, processes, operations, and procedures described in the present disclosure. The illustrated computer 1402 is intended to include any computing device, such as a server, a desktop computer, a laptop / notebook computer, a wireless data port, a smartphone, a personal data assistant (PDA), a tablet computing device, or one or more processors within these devices, including physical instances, virtual instances, or both. The computer 1402 may include input devices such as keypads, keyboards, and touchscreens that can accept user information.Computer 1402 may also include output devices that can convey information related to the operation of computer 1402. The information may include digital data, visual data, audio information, or a combination of information. The information may be presented in a graphical user interface (UI).

[0087] Computer 1402 may function as a client, a network component, a server, a database, a persistence component, or a component of a computer system for performing the subject matter described in the present disclosure. The illustrated computer 1402 is communicatively coupled to a network 1430. In some implementations, one or more components of computer 1402 may be configured to operate in various environments, including cloud computing-based environments, local environments, global environments, and combinations of environments.

[0088] At a high-level level, computer 1402 is an electronic data processing device capable of receiving, transmitting, processing, storing, and managing data and information related to the described subject matter. According to some implementations, computer 1402 may also include or be communicatively coupled to an application server, an email server, a web server, a caching server, a streaming data server, or a combination of servers.

[0089] Computer 1402 may receive requests from a client application (e.g., executing on another computer 1402) over network 1430. Computer 1402 may respond to the received requests by processing the received requests using software applications. Requests may also be sent to computer 1402 from internal users (e.g., from a command console), external (or third) parties, automated applications, facilities, people, systems, and computers.

[0090] The components of computer 1402 may each communicate with each other via a system bus 1403. In some implementations, any or all components of computer 1402, including hardware or software components, may be coupled to each other or to interface 1404 (or a combination of both) via system bus 1403. Interfaces may use an application programming interface (API) 1412, a service layer 1413, or a combination of API 1412 and service layer 1413. API 1412 may include specifications for routines, data structures, and object classes. API 1412 may be either independent of or dependent on a computer language. API 1412 may refer to an entire interface, a single function, or a set of APIs.

[0091] The service layer 1413 may provide software services to the computer 1402 and other components (whether depicted or not) communicatively coupled to the computer 1402. The functionality of the computer 1402 may be accessible to all service users through this service layer. Software services provided by the service layer 1413 may provide reusable, defined functionality through a defined interface. The interface may, for example, be software written in JAVA or C++, or in a language that exposes data in Extensible Markup Language (XML) format. Although depicted as an integrated component of the computer 1402, in alternative implementations, the API 1412 or the service layer 1413 may be standalone components with respect to other components of the computer 1402 and other components communicatively coupled to the computer 1402.Furthermore, any or all portions of the API 1412 or the service layer 1413 may be implemented as child modules or sub-modules of another software module, enterprise application, or hardware module without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0092] The computer 1402 includes an interface 1404. Although in Fig. 14 illustrates a single interface 1404, two or more interfaces 1404 may be used depending on the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 1402 and the functionality described. The interface 1404 may be used by the computer 1402 to communicate with other systems connected to the network 1430 (whether depicted or not) in a distributed environment. In general, the interface 1404 may include, or be implemented using, logic encoded in software or hardware (or a combination of software and hardware) that may be used to communicate with the network 1430. In particular, the interface 1404 may include software that supports one or more communication protocols associated with communication.Thus, the network 1430 or the hardware of the interface can be used to transmit physical signals inside and outside the illustrated computer 1402.

[0093] The computer 1402 includes a processor 1405. Although in Fig. 14 illustrates a single processor 1405, two or more processors 1405 may be used depending on the need, desire, or particular implementation of the computer 1402 and the functionality described. In general, the processor 1405 may execute instructions and may manipulate data to perform the operations of the computer 1402, including operations using algorithms, methods, functions, processes, histories, and workflows as described in the present disclosure.

[0094] The computer 1402 also includes a database 1406 in which data for the computer 1402 and other components connected to the network 1430 can be stored (whether mapped or not). The database 1406 can be, for example, an in-memory, a conventional, or a database in which data is stored within the meaning of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the database 1406 can be a combination of two or more different database types (e.g., hybrid in-memory and conventional databases), depending on the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 1402 and the described functionality. Although in Fig. 14 depicts a single database 1406, two or more databases (of the same type, different types, or a combination of different types) may be used depending on the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 1402 and the functionality described. Although the database 1406 is depicted as an internal component of the computer 1402, in alternative implementations, the database 1406 may be external to the computer 1402.

[0095] The computer 1402 also includes a memory 1407 in which data for the computer 1402 or a combination of components connected to the network 1430 can be stored (whether depicted or not). Any data consistent with the present disclosure can be stored in the memory 1407. In some implementations, the memory 1407 may be a combination of two or more different memory types (e.g., a combination of semiconductor and magnetic memory), depending on the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 1402 and the described functionality. Although in Fig.14 illustrates a single memory 1407, two or more memories 1407 (of the same type, different types, or a combination of different types) may be used depending on the particular needs, desires, or implementations of the computer 1402 and the functionality described. Although the memory 1407 is illustrated as an internal component of the computer 1402, in alternative implementations, the memory 1407 may be external to the computer 1402.

[0096] Application 1408 may be an algorithmic software engine that provides functionality according to the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of computer 1402 and the described functionality. Application 1408 may, for example, serve as one or more components, modules, or applications. Further, although illustrated as a single application 1408, application 1408 may be implemented as multiple applications 1408 on computer 1402. Furthermore, although illustrated as internal to computer 1402, application 1408 may reside external to computer 1402 in alternative implementations.

[0097] Computer 1402 may also include a power supply 1414. Power supply 1414 may include a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery pack that may be configured to be either user-replaceable or non-user-replaceable. In some implementations, power supply 1414 may include power conversion and management circuitry, including recharging, standby, and power management functions. In some implementations, power supply 1414 may include a power plug to allow computer 1402 to be connected to an electrical outlet or power source, for example, to power computer 1402 or to charge a rechargeable battery pack.

[0098] There may be any number of computers 1402 connected to or external to a computer system including a computer 1402, with each computer 1402 communicating via the network 1430. Furthermore, the terms "client," "user," and other suitable expressions may be used interchangeably without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present disclosure contemplates that multiple users may use one computer 1402, and one user may use multiple computers 1402.

[0099] Described implementations of the subject matter may include one or more features alone or in combination.

[0100] Implementations of the subject matter and functional operations described in this specification may be implemented in digital electronic circuits, in tangible computer software or firmware, in computer hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of the foregoing. Software implementations of the described subject matter may be implemented as one or more computer programs. Each computer program may comprise one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable computer storage medium for execution by a data processing device or for controlling the operation of such a device. Alternatively or additionally, the program instructions may be encoded in / on an artificially generated, propagated signal.The signal may, for example, be a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiving devices for execution by a data processing device. The computer storage medium may be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access storage device, or a combination of computer storage media.

[0101] The terms "computing device," "computer," and "electronic computing device" (or equivalents known to those skilled in the art) refer to computing hardware. For example, a computing device may include all types of devices, apparatus, and machines for processing data, including, for example, a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. The device may also include special-purpose logic circuitry, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In some implementations, the computing device or special-purpose logic circuitry (or a combination of the computing device or special-purpose logic circuitry) may be hardware-based or software-based (or a combination of hardware and software-based).The device may optionally include code that provides an execution environment for computer programs, for example, code representing processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of execution environments. The present disclosure contemplates the use of computing devices with or without conventional operating systems, for example, LINUX, UNIX, WINDOWS, MAC OS, ANDROID, or IOS.

[0102] A computer program, which may also be called or described as a program, software, software application, module, software module, script, or code, can be written in any programming language. Examples of programming languages ​​include compiled languages, interpreted languages, declarative languages, or procedural languages. Programs can be provided in any form, such as stand-alone programs, modules, components, subroutines, or units for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system.A program may be stored in a portion of a file that also contains other programs or data, for example, one or more scripts stored in a markup language document, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files storing one or more modules, subroutines, or portions of code. A computer program may be deployed for execution on one computer or on multiple computers, located, for example, at one site or distributed across multiple sites interconnected by a communications network.While portions of the programs illustrated in the various figures may be represented as individual modules implementing various features and functions through different objects, methods, or processes, the programs may instead comprise a number of submodules, third-party services, components, and libraries. Conversely, the features and functions of different components may be combined into individual components, where appropriate. Thresholds used for computational determinations may be determined statically, dynamically, or both statically and dynamically.

[0103] The methods, processes, or logic sequences described in this specification may be performed by one or more programmable computers executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The methods, processes, or logic sequences may also be performed by, and devices may be implemented as, special-purpose logic circuitry, such as a CPU, FPGA, or ASIC.

[0104] Computers suitable for executing a computer program may be based on one or more general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessors and other types of CPUs. The elements of a computer are a CPU for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. In principle, a CPU can receive instructions and data from (and write data to) memory. A computer may also include or be operatively coupled to one or more mass storage devices for storing data. In some implementations, a computer can receive data from and transfer data to the mass storage devices, such as magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical disks.In addition, a computer may be embedded in another device, such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, or a portable storage device such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash drive.

[0105] Computer-readable media (volatile or non-volatile) suitable for storing computer program instructions and data can include all forms of permanent / non-permanent and volatile / non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices. Computer-readable media can include, for example, semiconductor storage devices such as random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), phase-change memory (PRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and flash memory devices. Computer-readable media can also include, for example, magnetic devices such as tapes, cartridges, and internal / removable disks.Computer-readable media may also include magneto-optical disks and optical storage devices and technologies, including, for example, Digital Video Disc (DVD), CD-ROM, DVD+ / -R, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, HD-DVD, and Blu-ray. Memory may store various objects or data, including caches, classes, frameworks, applications, modules, backup data, jobs, web pages, web page templates, data structures, database tables, repositories, and dynamic information. The types of objects and data stored in memory include parameters, variables, algorithms, instructions, rules, constraints, and references. Memory may also include protocols, policies, security or access data, and report files. The processor and memory may be supplemented by or integrated with special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0106] Implementations of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device to enable interaction with a user, including displaying information to (and receiving input from) the user. Display devices may include, for example, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and plasma monitors. Display devices may include a keyboard and pointing devices, such as a mouse, trackball, or trackpad. User input to the computer may also be provided via a touchscreen, such as a pressure-sensitive surface of a tablet computer or a multi-touch screen using capacitive or electrical sensing.Other types of devices may also be used to enable interaction with a user, for example, to obtain user feedback, including sensory feedback such as visual, audio, or tactile feedback. User input may be in the form of auditory, verbal, or tactile input. In addition, a computer may interact with a user by sending and receiving documents to and from a device used by the user. For example, the computer may send web pages to a web browser on a user's client device when the web browser requests them.

[0107] The term "graphical user interface" or "GUI" can be used in the singular or plural to describe one or more graphical user interfaces and each of the displays of a particular graphical user interface. Therefore, a graphical user interface (GUI) can represent any graphical user interface, including but not limited to a web browser, a touchscreen, or a command-line interface (CLI), that processes information and efficiently presents the information results to the user. In principle, a GUI can include a variety of user interface (UI) elements that are partially or fully associated with a web browser, such as interactive fields, pull-down lists, and buttons. These and other UI elements may be related to or represent the functionality of the web browser.

[0108] Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification may be implemented in a data processing system that includes a backend component, such as a data server, or a middleware component, such as an application server. Furthermore, the data processing system may include a frontend component, such as a client computer with a graphical user interface and / or a web browser, through which a user can interact with the computer. The components of the system may be interconnected by any form or medium of wired or wireless digital data communication (or a combination of data communications) in a communications network.Examples of communications networks include a local area network (LAN), a radio access network (RAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), a wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g., using 802.11 a / b / g / n or 802.20 or a combination of protocols), all or part of the Internet, or any other communications system or systems at one or more locations (or a combination of communications networks). The network can communicate using, for example, Internet Protocol (IP) packets, Frame Relay frames, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cells, voice, video, data, or a combination of communication types between network addresses.

[0109] Wireless connections within the scope of this disclosure include wireless protocols such as 802.15 protocols (e.g., BLUETOOTH®), 802.11 protocols, 802.20 protocols (e.g., WI-FI®), or a combination of different wireless protocols.

[0110] The data processing system can comprise clients and servers. A client and a server can, in principle, be located far apart and communicate with each other via a communications network. The relationship between client and server can arise from computer programs running on the respective computers, creating a client-server relationship.

[0111] Clustered file systems can be any file system type that can be accessed for reading and updating from multiple servers. Locking or consistency tracking may not be required because locking an Exchange file system can be done at the application level. Furthermore, Unicode data files can be different from non-Unicode data files.

[0112] While this specification includes many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular implementations. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations may also be realized in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple implementations, individually or in any suitable subcombination.Furthermore, although previously described features are described as operating in certain combinations and even originally claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be dropped from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or a variant of a sub-combination.

[0113] Specific implementations of the subject matter have been described. Other implementations, modifications, and permutations of the described implementations are within the scope of the following claims, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Although operations are illustrated in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood to imply that these operations must be performed in the order shown or in any particular order, or that all of the operations shown must be performed (some operations may be considered optional) to achieve the desired results. Under certain circumstances, multitasking or parallel processing (or a combination of multitasking and parallel processing) may be advantageous and may be performed as needed.

[0114] Furthermore, the separation or integration of various system modules and components in the previously described implementations should not be understood to mean that such separation or integration is required in all implementations, and it should be assumed that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0115] Accordingly, the example implementations described above do not define or limit the present disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and modifications are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0116] Furthermore, each claimed implementation is deemed applicable to at least one computer-implemented method; a non-transitory, computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions for performing the computer-implemented method; and a computer system comprising computer memory interoperably coupled to a hardware processor configured to execute the computer-implemented method or the instructions stored on the non-transitory, computer-readable medium.

[0117] While the foregoing describes exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, these descriptions are not intended to be limiting. Rather, other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Device for adjusting the tension of an endless belt of a work machine, the device comprising: one or more processors; and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the one or more processors and storing programming instructions for execution by the one or more processors, the programming instructions instructing the one or more processors to: Determining a tension level in a conveyor belt of a conveyor arrangement; Comparing the tension level with a target tension level on the conveyor belt of the conveyor arrangement; in response to the tension level not corresponding to the desired tension level on the conveyor belt of the conveyor assembly, determining a slip condition of the conveyor belt or a jam condition of the conveyor belt; and Determining an adjustment to the conveyor belt tension level based on the conveyor belt tension level and the conveyor belt slippage condition or the conveyor belt jam condition. [2] The device of claim 1, wherein the programming instructions further comprise programming instructions for instructing the one or more processors to: Generating a control signal configured to cause a controllable subsystem to change a tension level on the conveyor belt based on the adjustment to the tension level. [3] The device according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment to the tension level is an increase to the tension level in the conveyor belt in response to the tension level being below the target tension level and the detected condition being a slip condition of the conveyor belt among the slip condition of the conveyor belt and the stall condition of the conveyor belt. [4] The device according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment to the tension level is a reduction to the tension level in the conveyor belt in response to the tension level being above the target tension level and the detected condition being a conveyor belt stall condition among the slip condition of the conveyor belt and the conveyor belt stall condition. [5] Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the conveyor assembly comprises: the conveyor belt; and a drive device configured to move the conveyor belt in response to rotation of at least a portion of the drive device, wherein the programming instructions instructing the one or more processors to determine the slip condition of the conveyor belt or the jam condition of the conveyor belt, Include programming instructions that instruct the one or more processors to determine the stall condition of the conveyor belt in response to detecting that a torque of the drive device is above a selected torque value, or a speed of the drive device is below a selected speed, or an electrical current is above a selected electrical current. [6] Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor assembly comprises: the conveyor belt; a drive device; a drive roller coupled to the drive device, the drive device being configured to rotate the drive roller; and a idler roller, wherein the conveyor belt is engaged with the drive roller and the idler roller, wherein the conveyor belt is movable in response to rotation of the drive roller, and wherein the idler roller is configured to be rotated in response to movement of the belt, wherein the programming instructions instructing the one or more processors to determine the slip condition of the conveyor belt or the jam condition of the conveyor belt, Include programming instructions that direct the one or more processors to determine the slip condition of the conveyor belt in response to detecting a difference between a speed of the idler roller and a speed of the drive roller. [7] The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a sensor, wherein the programming instructions instructing the one or more processors to determine the tension level of the conveyor belt of the conveyor assembly include programming instructions instructing the one or more processors to receive a signal indicative of the tension level of the conveyor belt of the conveyor assembly from the sensor. [8] Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the conveyor assembly comprises: the conveyor belt; a roller on which the conveyor belt moves; and a tensioning device configured to apply a force to the roller. [9] The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a load on the tensioning device, the load on the tensioning device being indicative of the tension of the conveyor belt of the conveyor assembly. [10] Computer-implemented method comprising: Determining a first tension level on a conveyor belt of a conveyor arrangement; Comparing the tension level with a target tension level on the conveyor belt of the conveyor arrangement; in response to the first tension level not corresponding to the desired tension level at the conveyor belt of the conveyor assembly, determining a slip condition of the conveyor belt or a stall condition of the conveyor belt; and Determining a second conveyor belt tension level based on the first conveyor belt tension level and the conveyor belt slippage condition or the conveyor belt jam condition. [11] The method of claim 10, further comprising: Generating a control signal configured to cause a controllable subsystem to change the first tension level on the conveyor belt to the second tension level. [12] The method of claim 11, further comprising, in response to the control signal, causing the controllable subsystem to adjust the tension on the conveyor belt in response to the first tension level being below the desired tension level and the detected condition being a conveyor belt slip condition among the conveyor belt slip condition and the conveyor belt stall condition. [13] The method of claim 11, further comprising, in response to the control signal, reducing the tension on the conveyor belt when the first tension level is above the desired tension level and the detected condition is a conveyor belt stall condition among the conveyor belt slip condition and the conveyor belt stall condition. [14] The method of claim 10, wherein determining the slip condition of the conveyor belt or the stall condition of the conveyor belt comprises determining the slip condition of the conveyor belt in response to detecting a difference between a speed of an idler roller of the conveyor assembly and a speed of a drive roller of the conveyor assembly. [15] The method of claim 10, wherein determining the tension state of the conveyor belt of the conveyor assembly comprises sensing, with a sensor, a force applied to a drive roller of the conveyor assembly or a force applied to an idler roller of the conveyor assembly, and / or a separation distance between the drive roller and the idler roller.

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