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Conveyor Systems: A Brief History

Posted: June 15th, 2010 | By: Eagle Tech


The history of conveyor systems is an interesting journey that follows the history of industrial technology. The following will lead you through some of the developments in conveyor systems that mirror developments in American industry.

Early Use of Conveyor Systems

Conveyor systems have been in use for over a century. Farmers used conveyor belts to load grain on ships as early as the late 1700’s. Imagine the farmer’s relief upon reaching the conveyor, after toiling in the fields!

Unlike the highly technical, fluid motion of the conveyors assembled by the Eagle Technologies Group (shown above), early conveyor systems were built using a wooden framework. The belts were made of cloth or rubber. They were used to move large amounts of bulky products, such as crops.

In the early 1900’s factories began to use conveyor systems to move items from one point to another during the material handling.

Engineers developed conveyor systems in the “Roaring 20’s” that could transport goods over longer distances. Cotton and rubber covers were used on conveyors at this time. Underground mines began to utilize conveyor systems to transport coal.

World War II and Conveyor Systems

Conveyors were first made from synthetic materials during World War II; rubber and other natural resources were used to aid in the war effort and could not be spared.  Industry began a period of rapid expansion and technological development after World War II, and these changes would be reflected in improved conveyor systems.

Modern Conveyor Systems

During the last forty years, conveyor systems have been continually improved to operate more efficiently and require less maintenance. Conveyor systems today are controlled by computers and automation is used for maximum performance and flexibility.

Many kinds of conveyor systems exist today. One type is a power and free. These are very versatile and can be used transporting small component like electronic circuit boards or larger components like transmissions and motors.  Stations are designed around the conveyors system for assembly processes and testing.

Conveyors can move heavy loads with accuracy. Continuous motion conveyor systems are used to increase speed and production in various operations. No matter how challenging your automation need may be, a conveyor system can be designed to meet it.


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Hybrid Motors 101

Posted: June 8th, 2010 | By: bfuller


Hybrid motors are all the rage these days with BP’s Oil Spill fiasco teaching many of us the perils of gasoline fuels.  There are many advantages to using a hybrid motor in your car, but even more when using using such a motor in your factory.

What is a Hybrid?

A hybrid motor uses two or more power sources to operate. Usually, hybrid motors feature a pairing of one (or more) electric motors and an internal combustion engine. In the electric motor, magnetic fields and electrical conductors use electricity to create mechanical energy. The electricity stored in the batteries is used to turn the motor or motors. The mechanical energy is then used to power the equipment or vehicle.

The internal combustion engine makes up the other part of the motor. This engine uses a traditional lead acid battery and an induction coil to create an electrical spark. The spark ignites the fuel and air combined in the combustion chamber, usually within the cylinder heads. This action creates energy, which is the purpose of an engine.

The History of Hybrid Motors

The hybrid motor that combines fuel and electricity dates back to 1900 when it was created by Ferdinand Porsche. High fuel prices and the desire for “greener” engines have propelled hybrid motor advances in the last ten years. As battery storage is currently being researched and improved, hybrid motors will continue to improve in performance.

Lower Fuels = Lower Costs

Hybrid motors save on fuel and have fewer emissions than regular internal combustion engines, thus, also saving our environment. A smaller internal combustion engine in a hybrid vehicle accounts for part of this gain in efficiency. Batteries in the electric motor can reuse energy that is usually released as heat, also offering energy savings.

Not Your Grandpa’s Motor

Hybrid motors are not just used in cars; they can be used to operate conveyor systems, lifts, agricultural machinery, and much more. Related parts in hybrid motor systems are small and lightweight, thus improving efficiency.

Engineered systems that use hybrid motors have a greater flexibility in design that is not possible with mechanical-only systems.  As a result, maintenance costs are reduced and even noise emissions are lower with this type of motor systems.

Hybrid motors offer improved efficiency and savings for engineered and automated systems. Whether the hybrid motor is used in your vehicle or industrial equipment, you’ll reap the rewards.


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