WO2023064995A1

WO2023064995A1 - Conveyor system & method

Info

Publication number: WO2023064995A1
Application number: PCT/AU2022/051269
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rance Barnett
Original assignee: Nepean Conveyors Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Nepean Conveyors Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-21
Filing date: 2022-10-21
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Anticipated expiration: 2024-04-21
Also published as: AU2022369608A1

Abstract

A cascaded belt conveying system (1), including a primary conveyor belt (2) system, at least one ancillary conveyor belt system (3), and a power transfer system (10). The power transfer system (10) is configured to extract energy from said primary conveyor belt system (2) and supply energy to drive said ancillary conveyor belt system (3). The power transfer system (10) may include a control system (16) to control the speed and other parameters of the ancillary conveyor belt(s) (3).

Description

CONVEYOR SYSTEM & METHOD

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveyor system and to a conveying method, and in particular to a cascaded conveyor system, and a method for cascading a plurality of conveyor systems together, such that each conveyor system is not required to be independently powered.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an energy transfer system which is adapted to power an ancillary conveyor system from a primary conveyor system.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of powering an ancillary conveyor system, whereby energy may typically be extracted via a power takeoff pulley of a primary conveyor system, transferred via a power transfer system, and, then utilised to drive an ancillary drive pulley of an ancillary conveyor belt system.

Background

[0004] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application. [0005] Conveyor systems are used to convey bulk material from one point to another, for example, in mining operations. In many situations, a number of conveyor flights may be required to convey the bulk material from the mine site to its desired destination. For example, one conveyor flight may typically convey mined material to an exterior point of a mine shaft, and then several other conveyor flights may typically be used to convey the material over an uneven terrain including around various obstacles.

[0006] In these situations, a number of independent conveyor belt systems are typically utilised, each of which incorporates a respective drive motor to power the particular conveyor belt. The mineral or other bulk material being conveyed via the independent conveyor belts making up the overall conveying system is typically transferred from one conveyor belt to another via a materials transfer station.

[0007] In some situations, such as within a mine environment, the electrical power and control system infrastructure required to power and drive the conveyor belt can be difficult and expensive to install. Furthermore, in certain situations, the installation and operation of these power and control systems can be challenging, due to the explosive nature of the hazardous environment which occurs within the vicinity of a mine environment.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention seeks to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] The present invention also seeks to overcome the requirement for each conveyor belt or flight to operate with the need for its own independent drive unit control infrastructure.

[0010] In a broad form, the present invention provides a cascaded belt conveying system, including: a primary conveyor belt system; an ancillary conveyor belt system; and, a power transfer system configured to extract energy from said primary conveyor belt system and supply energy to drive said ancillary conveyor belt system.

[0011] In an example embodiment, said power transfer system is configured as a hydraulic power transfer system.

[0012] In a further example embodiment, said power transfer system is configured as an electrical power transfer system.

[0013] In a further example embodiment, said power transfer system is configured as a mechanical power transfer system.

[0014] Preferably, the power transfer system includes: a power extractor, operatively attached to said primary conveyor belt system and configured to extract energy from said primary conveyor belt system; an ancillary conveyor drive unit, operatively attached to said ancillary conveyor belt system, and configured to drive said ancillary conveyor belt system; and, a control system, configured to control the amount of energy transfer between said power extractor and said ancillary drive unit.

[0015] Preferably, said control system includes at least one control input received from a sensor device, which is configured to sense a parameter associated with the operation of the ancillary conveyor belt system.

[0016] Preferably, said sensor device includes any one or combination of: a load sensor, configured to sense weight of a load on a respective conveyor belt; a temperature sensor, configured to sense temperature of an ambient environment; and, a temperature sensor, configured to sense temperature of a conveyor roller or pulley or other conveyor belt component, of a respective conveyor belt.

[0017] Preferably, said power transfer system includes: an energy storage apparatus, configured to store energy extracted from said primary conveyor belt system.

[0018] In an example embodiment, said energy storage apparatus includes: an electrical energy storage apparatus, including any one or combination of a battery, a capacitor or other electrical storage apparatus.

[0019] In a further example embodiment, said energy storage apparatus includes: a hydraulic energy storage apparatus, including a hydraulic accumulator or other hydraulic storage apparatus.

[0020] Preferably, the or each ancillary conveyor system is embodied as any one or combination of: a branch conveyor system; or, a stem conveyor system.

[0021] Preferably, said power extractor includes a belt driven pulley of a primary conveyor belt system adapted to harness rotational energy from said primary conveyor belt system.

[0022] Preferably, said power extractor includes a power take-off pulley.

[0023] Preferably, said power extractor further includes any one or combination of at least one snub pulley, bend pulley and/or take-up pulley adapted to cooperate with said power take-off pulley for improved traction thereof.

[0024] Preferably, said ancillary conveyor system includes an ancillary drive pulley, which is powered by said rotational energy harnessed from said power take-off pulley of said primary conveyor system.

[0025] Preferably, said ancillary conveyor drive unit includes any one or combination of at least one snub pulley, bend pulley and/or power take-up pulley adapted to cooperate with said ancillary drive pulley for improved traction thereof.

[0026] Preferably, said primary conveyor system includes: a primary conveyor belt; a primary drive pulley, adapted to drive said primary conveyor belt; and, a power extractor, including a power take-off pulley, adapted to extract energy from said primary conveyor belt.

[0027] Preferably, said ancillary conveyor system includes: an ancillary conveyor belt; an ancillary drive pulley to drive said ancillary conveyor belt, powered by the energy extracted by the power take-off pulley of the primary conveyor system

[0028] In an example embodiment, said power transfer system includes a hydraulic power transfer system, and includes any one or combination of a hydraulic pump, hydraulic drive, hydraulic motor, hydraulic control system, hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic tank, hydraulic hoses, or other hydraulic components.

[0029] In a further example embodiment, said power transfer system includes an electric power transfer system, and includes any one or combination of an electric generator, a diesel-electric generator, an electric motor, a battery or any other electric energy storage device, a transformer, an electric cable or wire, or other electrical component.

[0030] In a further example embodiment, said power transfer system includes a mechanic power transfer system, including any one or combination of an internal combustion engine, a piston, a turbine, a drivetrain, a gear, a geartrain, a gearbox, a clutch, a differential, a chain(s) and sprocket(s), or other mechanical component.

[0031] Preferably, said conveyor system is configured to operate in either an upstream (‘inbye’) or downstream (‘outbye’) direction.

[0032] In a further broad form, the present invention provides a power transfer system adapted to power an ancillary conveyor belt system from a primary conveyor belt system.

[0033] Preferably, the power transfer system includes: a power take-off pulley, operatively connected to and configured to extract energy from said primary conveyor system when said primary conveyor system is driven; an ancillary drive pulley, operatively connected to drive the ancillary conveyor system utilising said energy extracted from said power take-off pulley of said primary conveyor system; and, a control system adapted to control energy transfer between said power take-off pulley and said ancillary drive pulley.

[0034] In a further broad form, the present invention provides a method of powering an ancillary conveyor belt system, including the steps of: extracting energy via a power take-off pulley of a primary conveyor belt system; transferring said extracted energy via a power transfer system; and, driving an ancillary drive unit of an ancillary conveyor belt system utilising the energy transferred via said power transfer system.

[0035] Preferably, in said transferring step, the amount of power transferred is controlled by a control system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the drawings from which further features, embodiments and advantages may be taken, and in which:

[0037] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a conveyor system including two conveyor belts, that is, a primary conveyor belt system and an ancillary conveyor belt system;

[0038] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram of the conveyor system including three conveyor belts, that is, a primary conveyor belt system and two ancillary conveyor belt systems;

[0039] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram of a conveyor system including four conveyor belts, that is, a primary conveyor belt system and three ancillary conveyor belt systems;

[0040] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram of a conveyor system including five conveyor belts, that is, a primary conveyor belt system and four ancillary conveyor belt systems;

[0041] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram of a conveyor system including two conveyor belts, that is, a primary conveyor belt and an ancillary conveyor belt, similar to that of Figure 1, but in this case illustrating an outbye conveyor system setup variation;

[0042] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a drive transfer system of the present invention to illustrate its interconnection between a primary conveyor system and an ancillary conveyor system;

[0043] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative drive transfer system of the present invention to illustrate its interconnection between a primary conveyor system and an ancillary conveyor system; [0044] Figure 8 shows an isometric view of an example embodiment of an intersecting portion of two conveyor belts, illustrating in the typical component parts of the system, wherein the ancillary conveyor system is embodied as a stem conveyor system intersecting a primary conveyor system at a location intermediate the ends of the primary conveyor system;

[0045] Figure 9 shows the example embodiment illustrated in Figure 8 but from a different isometric viewpoint;

[0046] Figure 10 shows the example embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, but showing a different isometric viewpoint from underneath the conveying systems;

[0047] Figure 11 shows the example embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, but omitting the framework of the conveyor system so as to more clearly show the conveyor belt and pulley components thereof;

[0048] Figure 12 shows an underneath view of the primary conveyor system similar to that shown in Figure 10, but wherein the ancillary conveyor is omitted so as to more clearly illustrate the primary conveyor system components;

[0049] Figure 13 shows an isometric view of the ancillary conveyor system shown in Figure 8, but omitting the primary conveyor components so as to more clearly illustrate the ancillary conveyor system components;

[0050] Figure 14 shows an alternative isometric view of another example embodiment of an intersecting portion of two conveyor belts, illustrating the typical component parts when the ancillary conveyor is embodied as a branch conveyor system which interconnects with a primary conveyor system at the inbye end of the primary conveyor system;

[0051] Figure 15 shows the example embodiment illustrated in Figure 14, but from a different isometric viewpoint; and,

[0052] Figure 16 shows the example embodiment illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 but showing another isometric viewpoint, such that some of the component features a more clearly illustrated.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0053] Throughout this specification, the term ‘cascaded’ conveyor system is used to describe an overall conveyor system which includes at least two conveyor systems, but wherein only one of these is powered in a traditional manner via a power drive unit and electrical control infrastructure, and, wherein the other(s) is/are powered via a power transfer system and ultimately powered from the powered conveyor system. The intended meaning of this term will become clearer from the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention which will be describe hereinafter.

[0054] Figures 1 to 5 show conceptual diagrams of various embodiments of cascaded conveyor systems, generally designated by the numeral 1 , each of which includes at least two conveyor systems.

[0055] Specifically, Figure 1 shows a primary or trunk conveyor 2 with a single ancillary or branch conveyor 3 extending therefrom. Material to be conveyed along the conveyor system 1 is shown being conveyed in the ‘inbye’ or upstream direction, as illustrated by arrows 4. That is, Figure 1 illustrates an ‘inbye’ conveyor, wherein the material to be conveyed may typically be supplied from within a mine heading and placed on the (inbye) end 5 of the branch conveyor 3. The conveyed material is conveyed in the direction shown by arrow 4a, towards the second (outbye) end 6 of the branch conveyor 3, to a transfer region 7. At the transfer region 7, the material is transferred from the branch conveyor 3 onto the trunk conveyor 2, using any traditional transfer apparatus, as will be well understood to persons skilled in the art. The material consequently moves in the direction indicated by arrow 4b and is continued to be conveyed along the trunk conveyor 2 in the direction of arrow 4c, towards the (outbye) end 8 of the trunk conveyor 2.

[0056] In a traditional conveying system, the conveyor belt of the trunk conveyor 2 is typically driven via a drive pulley, drive unit and electrical control infrastructure positioned at or near the (outbye) end 8 of the trunk conveyor 2, and, the branch conveyor 3 is typically driven by a separate drive pulley, drive unit and electrical control infrastructure positioned at or near the (outbye) end of the branch conveyor 3. That is, in this traditional conveyor setup, separately powered drive units and electrical control infrastructure are required to be provided to drive each of the separate conveyor belt systems.

[0057] However, in the conveying system 1 of the present invention, one of the conveyor belts is powered and controlled by the other conveyor belt. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 , the ancillary or branch conveyor 3 is powered and controlled from the primary or trunk conveyor 2.

[0058] In Figure 1 , the trunk or primary conveyor 2 is provided with a drive unit 9, which is powered by traditional electrical control infrastructure 21. This traditional electrical control infrastructure may operate in a conventional manner, being powered by any known power source, such as an electrical power source, and incorporate an electrical starter, electrical motor and associated control infrastructure. In use, the motor drive unit 9 is operated to rotate a drive pulley 8 of the conveyor 2, and thereby effect movement of the conveyor belt of the primary or trunk conveyor system 2.

[0059] As also shown in Figure 1 , instead of providing a separate traditional electrical control infrastructure 21 to power the drive unit 9 to affect motion of the conveyor belt branch conveyor 3, a power transfer system, generally designated by the numeral 10, is alternatively provided to power the branch or auxiliary conveyor 3, the details of which will be hereinafter described.

[0060] Figure 2 shows a similar schematic representation of a cascaded conveyor system 1 , but further incorporating a further ancillary conveyor system 11 , in this case embodied as a stem conveyor. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, material to be conveyed along the conveyor system 1 moves in the direction illustrated by arrows 4. Each of the conveyor belts 2, 3 and 11 are powered by the drive unit 9 which is provided substantially at the (outbye) end 8 of the primary conveyor 2. To achieve this, the cascaded conveyor system 1 , illustrated in Figure 2, incorporates two power transfer systems 10. That is, a first power system 10 interconnects the primary conveyor 2 with the ancillary conveyor 3, whilst a second transfer system 10 interconnects the ancillary conveyor 3 with a further ancillary conveyor 11 .

[0061] Figure 3 shows a further schematic representation of a conveyor system 1, but wherein the primary conveyor 2 has three ancillary conveyor systems 3, 11 , and 12 powered from the primary conveyor system 2. The cascaded conveyor system 1 shown in Figure 3 therefore incorporates three power transfer systems 10. That is, Figure 3 illustrates yet a further power transfer system 10 interconnecting the primary conveyor system 2 with an ancillary conveyor system 12, which is embodied in the form of a stem conveyor extending from the primary trunk conveyor 2. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, material may be conveyed in the direction as shown by arrows 4 from various locations, for example, minerals may be conveyed from different mine headings which are spaced apart, to a centralised mineral collection point at the outbye end 8 of the primary trunk conveyor 2.

[0062] Figure 4 shows yet a further schematic representation of a conveyor system 1 , but wherein the primary conveyor 2 has four ancillary conveyor systems 3, 11 , 12 and 13, each of which are powered from the primary conveyor system 2. The cascaded conveyor system 1 , shown in Figure 4, therefore incorporates four power transfer systems 10, each of which operate as hereinbefore described.

[0063] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that, in accordance with the present invention, any number of ancillary conveyor systems may be powered from a primary conveyor system 2. It will further be appreciated that a power transfer system 10 is provided between any two interconnecting conveyor systems.

[0064] It will further be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that, in some instances, the interconnection of the adjacent conveyor systems will occur substantially at or near an end of one or both of the conveyor belts, whilst in other instances, the interconnection of the adjacent conveyor systems may occur intermediate the ends of at least one of the two interconnecting conveyor belts. That is, in some instances, one conveyor system may branch from, or near, the end of the other conveyor, whilst in some other instances one conveyor may stem from a position substantially intermediate the ends of the other conveyor system. As such, it will be appreciated that the componentry utilised in each power transfer system 10 may preferably differ to achieve optimal characteristics, depending on whether one or both interconnecting conveyors are embodied as either a branch conveyor system or a stem conveyor system. Details of the componentry for each of these versions will be described hereinafter.

[0065] Figure 5 shows an alternative example embodiment of a cascaded conveyor system setup illustrating two conveyor systems, that is, a primary conveyor and an ancillary conveyor where these are configured for an ‘outbye’ conveying operation, as opposed to the ‘inbye’ setup shown in Figure 1. In this example embodiment, the conveyor belts operate to convey bulk material ‘downstream’ or in the ‘outbye’ direction, illustrated by arrows 4. In the example embodiment of Figure 5, the electrical control infrastructure 21 and drive unit 9 are shown at the downstream end of the primary or trunk conveyor 2. The ancillary or outbye branch conveyor 14 extends adjacent to the end of the primary conveyor system 2 where the drive unit 9 is located. The ancillary conveyor 14 is powered by the power transfer system 10, which is configured to interconnect directly with the drive unit 9.

[0066] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that this ‘outbye’ conveyor setup may be readily applied to the multiple ancillary conveyor setups in Figures 2 to 4.

[0067] Figures 1 to 5 have illustrated an overview of various cascaded conveyor systems 1 which incorporate a primary or trunk conveyor system 2 which is adapted to power at least one ancillary conveyor system, 3, 11 , 12, and 13. In order to drive each ancillary conveyor system 3, 11 , 12, and 13, a power transfer system 10 is used in the present invention.

[0068] Details of a typical implementation of a power transfer system 10 is illustrated in schematic form in Figure 6, wherein it is shown that the power transfer system 10, is configured to extract energy from a primary conveyor system 2, and supply energy to drive an ancillary conveyor system 3.

[0069] The power transfer system 10 includes a power extractor 15, which is operatively attached to a primary conveyor system 2, and, a drive unit 17, which is operatively attached to the ancillary conveyor system 3. The power extractor 10 is configured to extract energy from the primary conveyor system 2, whilst the drive unit 17 is configured to drive the ancillary conveyor system 3, utilising the energy extracted from the primary conveyor system 2.

[0070] The power transfer system 10 typically further includes a control system 16, which is adapted to control the extent of energy transfer between the power extractor 15 and the drive unit 17 of the power transfer system 10, and may optionally be user adjustable.

[0071] As demonstrated in Figure 6, in schematic form, the power extractor 15 may be embodied to extract rotational energy from a driven pulley or power take-off pulley 18, which is rotated by movement of the conveyor belt 19 of the primary conveyor system 2. That is, the power extractor 15 is adapted to harness rotational energy or torque from the primary conveyor belt system 2.

[0072] Details as to exemplary conveyor componentry which may be utilised in association with the driven or power take-off pulley 18 will be hereinafter described with reference to Figures 8 to 16.

[0073] As also illustrated in Figure 6, in schematic form, the power transfer system 10 of the present invention further incorporates a drive unit 17 which is adapted to drive an ancillary drive pulley 20 of the ancillary conveyor system 3, utilising the rotational energy which is harnessed from the power take-off pulley 18 of the primary conveyor system 2. Details as to exemplary conveyor componentry which may be utilised to achieve this purpose will be describe hereinafter with reference to Figures 8 to 16.

[0074] The power transfer system 10 also preferably incorporates a control system 16, which may control the nature and extent of energy transfer between the power extractor 15 and the drive unit 17 of the power transfer system 10. As will be understood by persons skilled in the art, this may consequently be used to control various parameters, such as the speed and acceleration of the ancillary conveyor system 3, as may be desired in particular situations.

[0075] As demonstrated in Figure 7, in schematic form, the power transfer system of the present invention may be embodied to additionally incorporate various functionality to control the amount of power which is supplied to the ancillary drive unit of the ancillary conveyor.

[0076] In an example embodiment, the power transfer system may receive feedback from the ancillary conveyor, such as, but not limited to, one or more load sensor provided on the ancillary conveyor to sense the weight or other properties of the load being conveyed, so that the power requirements to move the measured weight of the load may be calculated by the control system, and thereby used to determine the power required to therefore drive the ancillary conveyor.

[0077] In other example embodiments, the power transfer system may receive feedback from other types of sensors indicative of environmental factors in which the ancillary conveyor belt is operating which are desired to be taken into consideration to thereby adjust the speed of operation of the ancillary conveyor belt. For example, in a hot environment, it may be preferable to adjust the speed of the conveyor belt so that there is less heat generated by the drive unit of the ancillary conveyor system to avoid overheating of the machinery, which could otherwise result in a failure occurring. As such a temperature sensor, to sense the ambient environmental temperature may be utilised, and data representative of this sensed temperature may then be inputted into the control system, and by utilisation of an appropriate algorithm, the control system thereby controls the power, and therefore the speed of operation of the ancillary conveyor.

[0078] An example embodiment in a hydraulic installation may utilise a load sensing pump installed as the power extractor and a hydraulic motor as the drive unit. Drive pressure feedback from the ancillary drive unit may be used to extract only the required ancillary drive power from the primary conveyor.

[0079] An example embodiment of an electrical installation may include a controller, resistor or similar device and feedback from a sensor installed at the ancillary conveyor to control power extracted from the primary conveyor.

[0080] In other example embodiments, the control system may additionally or alternatively receive inputs from an operator or other personnel to ultimately control the speed and/or power of the ancillary conveyor, utilising various input devices, such as, but not limited to inputting relevant criteria via a keypad, a keyboard, an interactive display panel, etc.

[0081] In other example embodiments, the control system may additionally or alternatively incorporate machine learning and/or artificial intelligence functionality so as to learn from one or more prior operation of the conveyor system and thereby control in real time an optimised operation of the conveyor system.

[0082] In Figure 7 is also illustrated that the power transfer system of the present invention may be embodied to additionally incorporate a power storage apparatus 50, which may, for example be used to store any energy which is extracted from a primary conveyor system and which may not be required to drive the ancillary conveyor system.

[0083] In example embodiments, the power storage apparatus 50 may be embodied as a hydraulic accumulator, or, as an electrical storage device, such as a battery, a capacitor or similar device. An example embodiment in a hydraulic installation may include the use of a hydraulic accumulator or similar device to store pressurized oil and slow the starting of the ancillary conveyor.

[0084] Energy stored in the energy storage device 50 may be utilised to supplement any deficiency between the power extracted from the primary conveyor and that which is required to drive the ancillary conveyor, and/or, be transferred to drive other ancillary conveyors or other componentry of the overall conveyor system.

[0085] Figures 8 to 16 illustrate various views of the interconnecting portion of two conveyor systems showing the various componentry which may be typically utilised in the power transfer operation of the present invention.

[0086] In particular, Figures 8 to 13 show various views of the componentry which may be utilised in a stem conveyor situation wherein the ancillary conveyor stems from a trunk conveyor at a position intermediate the ends of the trunk conveyor, whilst Figures 14 to 16 illustrated various views of the componentry which may be utilised in a branch conveyor situation wherein the ancillary conveyor extends from the primary conveyor at substantially an inbye end of the primary conveyor. As will become understood from the illustrated embodiments described hereinafter, a different arrangement of components may be used to embody different versions of power transfer systems.

[0087] Referring to Figures 8 to 13, the power transfer system, generally designated by the numeral 10, is used to power an ancillary conveyor system 3 from a primary conveyor system 2. [0088] Figure 8 shows a first isometric view of the transfer system 10, showing one side of the interconnecting conveyor systems 2 and 3, whilst Figure 9 shows an alternative isometric view from a different viewpoint, showing the other side of the power transfer system 10.

[0089] Figure 10 shows a view from a similar direction as that shown in Figure 8, but whilst Figure 8 shows a view from substantially above the system, Figure 10 shows a view from substantially below the system.

[0090] Figure 11 shows a view similar to that of Figures 8, but so that the conveyor belt operation may be envisaged, the framework of the conveyor system has been eliminated from Figure 11.

[0091] Figure 12 shows a view from underneath the primary conveyor belt 2, to more clearly illustrate how the conveyor belt of the primary conveyor system may interact with the pulleys, whilst Figure 13 shows overview of just the ancillary conveyor components with the primary conveyor system removed, so that the interactions of the ancillary drive pulley with the ancillary conveyor belt can be more readily observed.

[0092] The embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 to 13 shows a drive transfer system 10 which is implemented utilising various hydraulic components, including a hydraulic control system 25 a hydraulic tank 26, a hydraulic pump 27 a hydraulic motor 28, and various hydraulic hoses 29. These components will be well understood by persons skilled in the art as will their specific configurations and interconnections and consequently will not be further herein described.

[0093] As will be appreciated, conveyor belt 30 of conveyor system 2 may typically be driven by a traditional drive unit (not shown) as hereinbefore described.

[0094] Figure 12 shows how a power take-off pulley 31 may be typically interconnected with the conveyor belt 30, so as to achieve good traction between the pulley 31 and the belt 30, and thereby efficiently extract energy from the conveyor belt 30 when it is driven. As seen in Figure 12, a pair of snub pulleys 32 and 33 may be strategically positioned on either side of the power take-off pulley 31 , such that the conveyor belts 30 of the primary conveyor system 2 substantially wrap about an extended surface area of power take-off pulley 31 , to thus ensure good traction between the conveyor belt 30 and the power take-off pulley 31. As will be understood by persons skilled in the art, as the conveyor belt 30 is driven, the power take-off pulley 31 consequently rotates. As the power take-off pulley 31 rotates, the energy of rotation is captured by utilising appropriate componentry, such as a gearbox 34 and hydraulic pump 35, etc. Various hydraulic components, including a hydraulic tank 26, a hydraulic control system 25, hydraulic hoses 29, etc. may be utilised to then drive hydraulic motor 28 to consequently drive the ancillary drive pulley 36.

[0095] The rotation of ancillary drive pulley 36 consequently drives conveyor belt 38 of the ancillary conveyor system 3.

[0096] As perhaps best illustrated in Figures 11 and 13, the ancillary conveyor drive pulley 38 of the ancillary conveyor system 3 may also be embodied in such a manner to ensure that the tension on the conveyor belt 38 is optimised, and such that good contact is achieved between the drive pulley 36 and the belt 38 for optimised power transmission. This may be achieved by utilising appropriate fixed 39a and adjustable take-up pulleys 39b about which the conveyor belt 38 can wrap around, such as illustrated in Figure 11 . [0097] The embodiment illustrated in Figures 14 to 16 shows a drive transfer system 10 interconnected between a primary conveyor system 2 and an ancillary conveyor system 3, wherein the ancillary conveyor system 3 is embodied as a branch conveyor system at or near the inbye end of the primary conveyor system 2, as opposed to the embodiment of Figures 8 to 14 wherein it is positioned intermediate the ends of the primary conveyor system 2. As such, the power take-off pulley 40, provided at the boot end 41 of the primary conveyor system 2 is embodied differently to that of the configuration of Figures 8 to 13, which utilise the pair of snub pulleys 32 and 33 on either side of the power take-off pulley 31 .

[0098] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 14 to 16, the power take-off pulley 40 is provided substantially at the inbye end of the conveyor belt system 2, so the rotational energy of the power take-off pulley 40 may be extracted via the drive pulley shaft extension 42. Various hydraulic componentry is shown, including a reduction gearbox 43, a hydraulic pump 44, a hydraulic control system 45, and various hydraulic hoses 46.

[0099] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 14 to 16, the ancillary conveyor system 3 is shown to be embodied similarly to that illustrated in Figures 8 to 13, utilising similar hydraulic componentry including a hydraulic motor 47 to drive ancillary drive pulley 48 of the ancillary conveyor system 3.

[0100] Whilst the embodiments illustrated in Figures 8 to 16 have shown implementation of the invention utilising hydraulic componentry, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that alternative components include in in the form of electrical and mechanical componentry, or any combination of these may alternatively be utilised, that is, the power transfer system of the present invention may be embodied using any one or combination of hydraulic, electrical, mechanical, or other analogous components. [0101] By way of nonlimiting examples, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the power transfer system of the present invention may incorporate any one or combination of one or more electric generator, diesel electric generator, electric motor, battery or other energy storage device, transformer, electric cable or wire, internal combustion engine, piston, turbine, drivetrain, gear, geartrain, gearbox, clutch, differential, etc. Whilst specific examples of all these various alternative implementations are not herein provided, it will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art that such componentry may be utilised in any combination to perform implementations of the present invention.

[0102] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that by the elimination of separate electrical power and control infrastructure to power and control the drive units of each individual conveyor belt, significant advantages are achieved by the present invention. For example, in certain situations such as within mine headings, where it is quite unsafe to operate electrical power or fuel driven motors, the elimination of these components by the system of the present invention achieves significant safety and infrastructure benefits, at least.

[0103] The cascaded conveyor system of the present invention may be powered by a single motor positioned in a relatively safe location at the end of the conveying operation or at any convenient location along the conveying operation, where an electrically powered motor or a motor driven by some other fuel source may be conveniently and safely provided.

[0104] Whilst particular embodiments of the invention have been hereinbefore described, it will become apparent to persons skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples should therefore be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications and variations which become obvious to those skilled in the art should be considered to be embraced therein. List of Reference Numerals

1 Cascaded Conveyor Systems

2 Primary or T runk Conveyor

3 Ancillary or Branch Conveyor

4 Conveyed Direction

4a Conveyed Direction

4b Conveyed Direction

4c Conveyed Direction

5 First End of Branch Conveyor

6 Second End of Branch Conveyor

7 Transfer Region

8 Drive Pulley (Outbye End of Trunk Conveyor)

9 Drive Unit

10 Power T ransfer System

11 Ancillary or Stem Conveyor

12 Ancillary or Stem Conveyor

13 Ancillary or Stem Conveyor

14 Ancillary or Branch Conveyor

15 Power Extractor

16 Control System

17 Drive Unit

18 Driven Pulley or Power Take-Off Pulley

19 Conveyor Belt

21 Traditional Electrical Power and Control Infrastructure

25 Hydraulic Control System

26 Hydraulic Tank Hydraulic Pump

Hydraulic Motor

Hydraulic Hoses

Conveyor Belt

Power Take-Off Pulley

Snub Pulley

Gearbox

Hydraulic Control

Ancillary Drive Pulley

Gearbox

Conveyor Belt a Fixed Pulley b Take-up Pulley

Take-off Pulley

Boot End of the Primary Conveyor System

Drive Pulley Shaft Extension

Reduction Gearbox

Hydraulic Pump

Hydraulic Control System

Hydraulic Hoses

Hydraulic Motor

Ancillary Drive Pulley

Gearbox

Power Storage

Claims

1. A cascaded belt conveying system, including: a primary conveyor belt system; an ancillary conveyor belt system; and, a power transfer system configured to extract energy from said primary conveyor belt system and supply energy to drive said ancillary conveyor belt system.

2. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said power transfer system is configured as a hydraulic power transfer system.

3. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said power transfer system is configured as an electrical power transfer system.

4. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said power transfer system is configured as a mechanical power transfer system.

5. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the power transfer system includes: a power extractor, operatively attached to said primary conveyor belt system and configured to extract energy from said primary conveyor belt system; an ancillary conveyor drive unit, operatively attached to said ancillary conveyor belt system, and configured to drive said ancillary conveyor belt system; and, a control system, configured to control the amount of energy transfer between said power extractor and said ancillary drive unit.

6. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said control system includes at least one control input received from a sensor device, which is configured to sense a parameter associated with the operation of the ancillary conveyor belt system.

7. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said sensor device includes any one or combination of: a load sensor, configured to sense weight of a load on a respective conveyor belt; a temperature sensor, configured to sense temperature of an ambient environment; and, a temperature sensor, configured to sense temperature of a conveyor roller or pulley or other conveyor belt component, of a respective conveyor belt. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said power transfer system includes: an energy storage apparatus, configured to store energy extracted from said primary conveyor belt system. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 8 when dependent on claim 3, wherein said energy storage apparatus includes: an electrical energy storage apparatus, including any one or combination of a battery, a capacitor or other electrical storage apparatus. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 8 when dependent on claim 2, wherein said energy storage apparatus includes: a hydraulic energy storage apparatus, including a hydraulic accumulator or other hydraulic storage apparatus. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in any one of claim 1 to 10, wherein the or each ancillary conveyor system is embodied as any one or combination of: a branch conveyor system; or, a stem conveyor system. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 5 or any one of claims 6 to 11 when dependent on claim 5, wherein said power extractor includes a belt driven pulley of a primary conveyor belt system adapted to harness rotational energy from said primary conveyor belt system. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said power extractor includes a power take-off pulley. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said power extractor further includes any one or combination of at least one snub pulley, bend pulley and/or take-up pulley adapted to cooperate with said power take-off pulley for improved traction thereof. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein said ancillary conveyor system includes an ancillary drive pulley, which is powered by said rotational energy harnessed from said power take-off pulley of said primary conveyor system. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 15, wherein said ancillary conveyor drive unit includes any one or combination of at least one snub pulley, bend pulley and/or power take-up pulley adapted to cooperate with said ancillary drive pulley for improved traction thereof. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said primary conveyor system includes: a primary conveyor belt; a primary drive pulley, adapted to drive said primary conveyor belt; and, a power extractor, including a power take-off pulley, adapted to extract energy from said primary conveyor belt. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 17, wherein said ancillary conveyor system includes: an ancillary conveyor belt; an ancillary drive pulley to drive said ancillary conveyor belt, powered by the energy extracted by the power take-off pulley of the primary conveyor system. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 18 when dependent on claim 2, wherein said power transfer system includes a hydraulic power transfer system, and includes any one or combination of a hydraulic pump, hydraulic drive, hydraulic motor, hydraulic control system, hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic tank, hydraulic hoses, or other hydraulic components. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 18 when dependent on claim 3, wherein said power transfer system includes an electric power transfer system, and includes any one or combination of an electric generator, a diesel-electric generator, an electric motor, a battery or any other electric energy storage device, a transformer, an electric cable or wire, or other electrical component. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 18 when dependent on claim 4, wherein said power transfer system includes a mechanic power transfer system, including any one or combination of an internal combustion engine, a piston, a turbine, a drivetrain, a gear, a geartrain, a gearbox, a clutch, a differential, a chain(s) and sprocket(s), or other mechanical component. The cascaded belt conveyor system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 , wherein said conveyor system is configured to operate in either an upstream (‘inbye’) or downstream (‘outbye’) direction. A power transfer system adapted to power an ancillary conveyor belt system from a primary conveyor belt system. The power transfer system as claimed in claim 23, including: a power take-off pulley, operatively connected to and configured to extract energy from said primary conveyor system when said primary conveyor system is driven; an ancillary drive pulley, operatively connected to drive the ancillary conveyor system utilising said energy extracted from said power take-off pulley of said primary conveyor system; and, a control system adapted to control energy transfer between said power take-off pulley and said ancillary drive pulley. A method of powering an ancillary conveyor belt system, including the steps of: extracting energy via a power take-off pulley of a primary conveyor belt system;

21 transferring said extracted energy via a power transfer system; and, driving an ancillary drive unit of an ancillary conveyor belt system utilising the energy transferred via said power transfer system. The method as claimed in claim 25, wherein, in said transferring step, the amount of power transferred is controlled by a control system.

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