Tension control apparatus and method for aero-mechanical conveyor

摘要

An improved tension control apparatus for use in an aero-mechanical conveyor for moving bulk materials includes spaced-apart inflow and outflow conveyor tubes interconnecting the upper and lower housings of the conveyor. A bracket cooperates with the conveyor tubes. A guide sleeve is carried by the bracket for receiving a push rod. The push rod extends along the length of the conveyor tubes from the guide sleeve to the upper housing and includes an upper end engaging the head pulley assembly and a lower end extending through the guide sleeve. A tensioning assembly engages the push rod and is carried by the bracket for urging the push rod against the head pulley assembly, thereby urging the head pulley assembly away from the tail pulley assembly and maintaining tension in the rope assembly. Two dust cap seals interconnect the conveyor tubes with the upper housing to reduce particulate emissions.