Inventors:
Augustus T. Reynolds - Charlotte NC
International Classification:
B65G 3916
F15B 1122
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for maintaining relative positional alignment between two spaced-apart points on a moveable member, such as a rotating axle on which is mounted a conveyor belt pulley. The invention comprises a hydraulic pump (80) which is operatively communicated to first and second hydraulic cylinders (21and 30, respectively). The first hydraulic cylinder (21) applies a reference hydraulic pressure to a first point (13) on the axle (11) and moves the axle (11) to maintain the pressure at a constant, pre-determined pressure level. The second hydraulic cylinder (30) is operatively connected to a second point (12) on the axle (11) spaced apart from the first point (13). A fork (77) and pin (42) mechanism senses relative movement between the first point (13) and the second point (12) on the axle (11). A hydraulic servo-valve (60) directs hydraulic fluid to the second hydraulic cylinder (30) for moving the axle (11) at its second point (12) in a direction and for a distance corresponding to the movement of the axle (11) at the first point (13).