GB825068A - Floating conveyor belt system - Google Patents

Abstract

825,068. Endless belt conveyers. MOAR, J. Oct. 17, 1957 [July 25, 1956], No. 22923/56. Class 78 (1). A conveyer consists of an inclined flume 2 through which water or other liquid is passed, and an endless belt 5 adapted to float together with a load 19 of material on the liquid in the flume and further adapted so as to be propelled by the flow of liquid. The flume consists of a rectangular section inclined trough 10, 11 into one end of which the liquid is passed, e.g. by diverting a stream. The belt 5 consists of a floor 14 having flotation chambers 15 formed on either side, these chambers containing either air 16 or a solid medium 17, e.g. foam rubber or plastic or kapok. The underside of the belt has secured to it either rearwardly-opening flexible pockets 26, Figs. 2 and 4, or blocks 34, Fig. 5, on which are pivoted flaps 30 adapted to be retained by the liquid flow in the operative position shown. The liquid impinges against the flaps 30 or enters the pockets 26 to propel the belt along the flume. Where curves are to be negotiated vertical idler rollers 25 are provided within the flume to engage the sides of the belt. At the ends of the flume the belt is passed around reversing rollers, the return run extending either below the flume, Fig. 2, or within the flume below the load-carrying run (Fig. 3, not shown). In either case the return run is carried on idler rollers 22 and held in position on these rollers by vertical idlers 24 engaging the sides of the belt. In a further construction, Fig. 6, the flume is divided into two by a longitudinal partition 36 and both runs of the belt float on the liquid, the belt passing around a vertical axis roller 37 at each end of the flume. The liquid may flow in both sides of the flume since the pockets 26 or flaps 30 collapse when the belt is moving against the liquid flow.