Abstract: A conveyor system includes a chain with modular side and intermediate guide links. The guide links assist in supporting the chain along the return run in a suspended fashion intermediate of the outer sides without causing wear on the conveying surface. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A jet nozzle is provided for drilling holes through the earth, such as drainholes around a well. The nozzle may include orifices for discharging fluid to drive the nozzle forward and includes a disk or other device having orifices to produce a swirling motion to fluid in the body of the nozzle. Swirling fluid is discharged from a front orifice and an extension is placed forward of the front orifice to confine the swirling fluid in a radial direction.

Abstract: A jet nozzle is provided for drilling holes through the earth, such as drainholes around a well. The nozzle may include orifices for discharging fluid to drive the nozzle forward and includes a disk or other device having orifices to produce a swirling motion to fluid in the body of the nozzle. Swirling fluid is discharged from a front orifice and an extension is placed forward of the front orifice to confine the swirling fluid in a radial direction.

Abstract: A modular link conveyor system (10) for transporting articles is provided having a plurality of modular link sections (15) providing a support surface for the articles and wherein one or more rollers (30) are positioned in the underside of selected link sections (12) to provide support by rolling on a guide rail (25, 26) of the conveyor system (10). Each link section (12) includes at least one interengaging apex (13) and leg portion (14) having a matching hole (22) and slot (21) for receiving a transverse rod (20) to permit side flexing action. An enclosure (36, 37) for each roller (30) provides protective encapsulation along at least the two sides and substantially around the rolling face to prevent debris build up. Advantageously, at least one roller (30) is mounted in each side link section (13, 14) that also provides a depending arm (28) and transverse tab (29) for lateral guiding action. The link sections (15) are combined to form a composite link and a cover plate provides an extended support surface.

Abstract: A modular link conveyor system (10) for transporting articles is provided having a plurality of modular link sections (15) providing a support surface for the articles and wherein one or more rollers (30) are positioned in the underside of selected link sections (12) to provide support by rolling on a guide rail (25, 26) of the conveyor system (10). Each link section (12) includes at least one interengaging apex (13) and leg portion (14) having a matching hole (22) and slot (21) for receiving a transverse rod (20) to permit side flexing action. An enclosure (36, 37) for each roller (30) provides protective encapsulation along at least the two sides and substantially around the rolling face to prevent debris build up. Advantageously, at least one roller (30) is mounted in each side link section (13, 14) that also provides a depending arm (28) and transverse tab (29) for lateral guiding action. The link sections (15) are combined to form a composite link and a cover plate provides an extended support surface.

Abstract: A modular conveyor system having an improved side flexing conveyor belt and improved active guide rail is provided. One or more roller assemblies replace the passive inside or outside guide rails in a curved section of the conveyor system for reducing the drag force on the conveyor belt as it negotiates the curve. Pairs of articulated members interconnect roller assemblies and allow the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted. The improved side flexing conveyor belt includes side links having a curved skirt which bridges the gap between the side links, thereby providing a continuous bearing surface for smooth operation. The skirts of adjacent links engage each other in edge-to-edge contact to prevent the tendency to sag, as well as assisting the conveyor belt in ramping up and down and the retention of the conveyor belt along a return run.

Abstract: A modular conveyor system having an improved side flexing conveyor belt and improved active guide rail is provided. One or more roller assemblies replace the passive inside or outside guide rails in a curved section of the conveyor system for reducing the drag force on the conveyor belt as it negotiates the curve. Pairs of articulated members interconnect roller assemblies and allow the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted. The improved side flexing conveyor belt includes side links having a curved skirt which bridges the gap between the side links, thereby providing a continuous bearing surface for smooth operation. The skirts of adjacent links engage each other in edge-to-edge contact to prevent the tendency to sag, as well as assisting the conveyor belt in ramping up and down and the retention of the conveyor belt along a return run.

Abstract: A modular link conveyor system for transporting articles is provided having a plurality of modular link sections providing a support surface for the articles and wherein one or more rollers are positioned in the underside of selected link sections to provide support by rolling on a guide rail of the conveyor system. Each link section includes at least one interengaging apex and leg portion having a matching hole and slot for receiving a transverse rod to permit side flexing action. An enclosure for each roller provides protective encapsulation along at least the two sides and substantially around 180° of the rolling face to prevent debris build up. Advantageously, a roller is mounted in each side link section that also provides a depending arm and transverse tab for lateral guiding action. The link sections are combined to form a composite link and a cover plate provides an extended support surface.

Abstract: An external guide assembly for reducing the frictional drag force acting on a side-flexing modular link conveyor belt, particularly along curves or bends in the conveyor system. The guide assembly is formed from one or more roller assemblies, each having first and second rollers that provide external bearing surfaces for the forward and return runs of the belt. The rollers prevent the belt from drifting to the inside of the curve, and thus serve to reduce the frictional drag force between the belt and the guide rail on the outside of the curve. To form the guide assembly, pairs of articulated members interconnect the roller assemblies and allow the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted for mounting along any curve. The rollers may optionally include a peripheral lip which provides additional support for the guide links of the belt.

Abstract: A modular conveyor system having an improved side flexing conveyor belt and improved active guide rail is provided. One or more roller assemblies replace the passive inside or outside guide rails in a curved section of the conveyor system for reducing the drag force on the conveyor belt as it negotiates the curve. Pairs of articulated members interconnect roller assemblies and allow the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted. The improved side flexing conveyor belt includes side links having a curved skirt which bridges the gap between the side links, thereby providing a continuous bearing surface for smooth operation. The skirts of adjacent links engage each other in edge-to-edge contact to prevent the tendency to sag, as well as assisting the conveyor belt in ramping up and down and the retention of the conveyor belt along a return run.

Abstract: A conveyor system has an upstanding integral I-beam guide rail of extruded plastic for use with a narrow width chain conveyor belt. The belt is formed from a series of modular links interconnected through an apex and spaced legs. The legs terminate in foot portions having inwardly projecting guide tabs for slidingly engaging integral outwardly extending upper and lower guide tracks of the guide rail. Each link may be provided with wings which serving to increase the conveying surface area. Split sprockets for engaging the narrow chain belt are releasably secured to the drive/idler shafts. Releasable end guide components, including a support plate and a split bushing, provide both a support and a bearing surface for these shafts. The I-beam may include separate extruded plastic guide tracks spaced and clamped in position by a series of clamping assemblies. A series of narrow chain belts positioned in a spaced relationship and driven by a single shaft provide multiple lane product flow.

Abstract: A modular conveyor system having an improved side flexing conveyor belt and improved active guide rail is provided. One or more roller assemblies replace the passive inside or outside guide rails in a curved section of the conveyor system for reducing the drag force on the conveyor belt as it negotiates the curve. Pairs of articulated members interconnect roller assemblies and allow the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted. The improved side flexing conveyor belt includes side links having a curved skirt which bridges the gap between the side links, thereby providing a continuous bearing surface for smooth operation. The skirts of adjacent links engage each other in edge-to-edge contact to prevent the tendency to sag, as well as assisting the conveyor belt in ramping up and down and the retention of the conveyor belt along a return run.

Abstract: An external guide assembly for reducing the frictional drag force acting on a side-flexing modular link conveyor belt, particularly along curves or bends in the conveyor system. The guide assembly is formed from one or more roller assemblies, each having first and second rollers that provide external bearing surfaces for the forward and return runs of the belt. The rollers prevent the belt from drifting to the inside of the curve, and thus serve to reduce the frictional drag force between the belt and the guide rail on the outside of the curve. To form the guide assembly, pairs of articulated members interconnect the roller assemblies and allow the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted for mounting along any curve. The rollers may optionally include a peripheral lip which provides additional support for the guide links of the belt.