Abstract: A slide apparatus for joining ends of a belt of the type having a plurality of transverse interlocked spiral elements. The slide apparatus includes two tapered overlapping channels for the reception of the overlapping belt ends so that upon movement of the slide apparatus the overlap of the belt ends will be reduced. The tapered channels terminate in a common narrow channel having a width equal to the overlapped end spiral elements so that upon passage of the two belt ends from the narrow channel a spring biased pusher element will force the overlapped spiral elements into meshing engagement, wherein a pintle wire, inserted into the passage defined by the intermeshed spiral elements, connects the belt ends.

Abstract: The sieve belt is comprised of a multiplicity of helices made of thermosettable synthetic resin material which are interlocked with each other by inserting a plurality of pintle wires into the channels defined by the overlapping helices. For controlling the air permeability of the sieve belt, the hollow interiors of the helices are filled with a filler material comprised of crimped synthetic filaments.