Abstract: Readily attachable and detachable coupling apparatus for coupling the drive shaft of a modular plastic screw conveyor with a power source is substantially concealed and protected by the modular plastic screw conveyor. Plastic screw conveyor modules define a non-circular axial aperture suitable for sliding over a matching or cooperating non-circular full length drive shaft. The drive shaft itself also includes an axial non-circular cross-section recess at one end for receiving a cooperating journal plug. The journal plug is secured in the drive shaft by a retainer which expands radially when compressed, and such that rotation of the journal plug causes rotation of the drive shaft which in turn causes rotation of the plastic screw conveyor.

Abstract: Conveying apparatus for use in an environment having significant variations in temperature, and having a molded plastic screw conveyor on a metal drive shaft is disclosed. The molded plastic screw conveyor includes a non-circular axial aperture which receives a cooperating drive shaft with a coefficient of expansion different than the plastic screw conveyor. The cross-sectional shapes of the drive shaft and the axial aperture extending through the plastic screw conveyor are such that rotation of the drive shaft results in rotation of the plastic screw conveyor. However, axial motion between the plastic screw conveyor and the drive shaft can occur to accommodate variations in length due to changes in temperature. A journal plug or end means is also included which may receive rotational forces from a motor or other source. The journal plug is joined to the drive shaft such that rotation of the journal plug results in rotation of the drive shaft and consequently in rotation of the plastic screw conveyor.

Abstract: Readily attachable and detachable apparatus for coupling the drive shaft of a modular plastic screw conveyor with a power source is substantially concealed and protected by the modular plastic screw conveyor. Plastic screw conveyor modules define a non-circular axial aperture suitable for sliding over a matching or cooperating non-circular full length drive shaft. The drive shaft itself also includes an axial non-circular cross-section recess at one end for receiving a cooperating journal plug. The journal plug is retained in the drive shaft by a resilient axial force such as provided by a spring under tension, and such that rotation of the journal plug causes rotation of the drive shaft which in turn causes rotation of the plastic screw conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for permanently joining integrally formed plastic screw conveyor modules is disclosed. A support means supported by a base supports a multiplicity of previously joined modules. A holding means also mounted to the base supports a single module to be joined to the already joined modules. The holding means supports the single module such that the axial member of the single module is aligned with the axial member of the multiplicity of modules. A melting means such as a heating plate is placed in firm contact between the ends of the modules to be joined until the plastic begins to melt. The heating plate is then removed and the modules while being supported firmly along their axis are pressed together and maintained in such a position until the melted plastic begins to solidify and thereby joining or bonding the single module to the already joined modules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling the drive shaft of an integrally molded modular screw conveyor is disclosed. A non-circular elongated drive shaft includes a non-circular axially extending aperture for receiving a first end of a coupling member having a corresponding size and shape such that rotation with respect to the shaft and coupling member is not possible. In addition, both the shaft and the coupling member define aligned recesses for receiving a locking pin so as to also prevent axially movement between the two. An integrally formed screw conveyor module includes an axially extending aperture with a size and cross-sectional shape for slideably receiving the drive shaft such that rotation is prevented between the drive shaft and the module. The locking pin is held in position by sliding the module over the locking pin when it is in place within the shaft and coupling member.