Chain measuring and conveyor control system

摘要

Apparatus for selectively discharging load carriers at a predetermined one of discharge stations. The carriers are connected to an endless chain. The chain is made of links of approximate equal length, which are divided into segments of an equal number of links. The position of each carrier is determined by a control system that measures the actual length of segments of the chain and keeps a record of the lengths of the segments which extend between a reference point and the position of the each carrier. When the length of the chain between the reference point and the carrier equal the known distance along the chain path between the reference point and the preselected discharge station a mechanism is actuated to remove the load from the carrier. In the preferred form of the invention the instantaneous length of chain between the reference point and each carrier is determined by a control system which computes and compare the nominal, or standard length of a portion of the chain with the actual measured correspond portion. Periodically, the actual measured length of the segment is substituted for the nominal length of the memory of the control system. When a predetermined set of conditions are met, a mechanism at a discharge station is actuated to discharge a load from the carrier.