Abstract: A flight conveyor for conveying articles while preventing injuries to an operator, the flight conveyor comprising a frame defining a trough, a drive system defining a rotating pathway and at least one flight driven by the drive system along the rotating pathway for conveying the articles through the trough, wherein the at least one flight is detachably fastened to the drive system and configured to be detached when subjected to a resistive force capable of injuring an operator.

Abstract: A system includes a robot configured to load and/or unload from a location, such as a cargo carrier or building. The robot includes a base unit that has a transport system to move the base unit. A mast extends from the base unit, and the mast has a mast conveyor. The mast is configured to extend and retract. An End of Arm Tool (EoAT) is coupled to the mast in a rotatable manner. The EoAT includes an EoAT conveyor configured to move a cargo item to and from the mast conveyor. A gripper mechanism is configured to move between a retracted position where the gripper mechanism is clear of the cargo item on the EoAT conveyor and an extended position where the gripper mechanism is able to grip the cargo item.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scraper including a scraper body, having opposed bottom and top surfaces and a supporting body, formed on the bottom surface. The supporting body is provided with a mounting surface forming a part of the bottom surface. The mounting surface is provided with a rolling body able to support the scraping body when the scraper is located at a mounting position. The supporting body is a nonmetallic elastomer. The present invention also provides material conveying equipment using the scraper. By changing a contact and friction mode of the scraper and a conveying groove, a working state of the scraper and the a whole load of the conveyor are improved, idle load is reduced, and the whole service life of the scraper and even the scraper conveyor is prolonged.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a driver for scraper chain conveyors, which has a central portion having a chain link receptacle for attaching the driver to chain links of a conveyor chain, wherein scraper wings adjoin both sides of the central portion and each scraper wing has a web portion and an end portion that is widened with respect to the web portion, wherein, on the underside of the web portion, a wear plate is provided, which covers the web portion in the direction of the end portion starting from a step on the underside of the central portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to systems and methods for chain wear elongation measurement and drive compensation. In one embodiment, a chain system includes a chain including a plurality of links arranged in a continuous loop and having first measurement values for plurality of links and total chain length, wherein the chain is configured to rotate on a sprocket, and a chain elongation measurement system for counting the plurality of links of the chain and for determining total chain length to determine first chain elongation measurement values.

Abstract: A drag conveyor assembly is disclosed that allows for improved functionality and connectivity to form an endless loop. The assembly includes a traction element and a plurality of slugs fixedly attached to the traction element. When any one of the slugs is split, each split slug section of the slug remains fixedly attached to the traction element. In one embodiment, each slug of the plurality of slugs includes a cutting groove. A ferrule pair is provided to attach each slug to the traction element. The cutting grooves facilitate a cutting or slicing process to split the slug into split slug sections.

Abstract: A conveyor chain includes first link, a second link, a connecting link, a first flight, and a second flight. The first link includes a first side portion and a second side portion. The first side portion has apertures and a first drive pin disposed between the apertures. The first drive pin is configured to be driven by a first sprocket. The second side portion has apertures and a second drive pin disposed between the apertures and extending in a direction opposite the first drive pin. The second drive pin is configured to be driven by a second sprocket. The second link includes a first side portion and a second side portion. The first flight is cast integrally with an end of the first drive pin of the first link, and the second flight is cast integrally with an end of the second drive pin of the first link.

Abstract: A chain driven by two sprockets spaced a short distance apart along their common axial centerline. The chain includes elongated pins that extend beyond the outer surfaces of the chain link plates, on both sides, by a distance about equal to the width of the spaced apart sprockets. The chain is aligned midway between the sprockets, and the sprocket teeth drive on the extended portion of the chain pins. Where a flight is attached to the chain links, the pins are extended still further, to fit into the indentations or holes in the flights. This provides an exposed length of each pin in alignment with the sprocket on each side for driving purposes. The chain has a piece extending between the plates to reduce the likelihood of a pin extending further outside of one side plate or the other. A shoulder on the pin further reduces the likelihood of this happening.

Abstract: A version of a conveyor chain that comprises: a plurality of side link assemblies, each said side link assembly comprising: two connecting pins and two side straps, wherein each side strap has a base and two side strap bosses extending from the base and wherein each side strap boss is capable of receiving one of said connecting pins; a plurality of connector assemblies; a plurality of flight arm assemblies, each said flight arm assembly comprising: two flight pins and two flight arms, wherein each flight arm has an elongated portion having a flat, planar bottom surface, and a base portion, wherein said base portion has a vertical sprocket opening and two flight arm attachment apertures, each flight arm attachment aperture configured to receive one of said flight pins; wherein each universal connector assembly is adapted to be connected to a side link assembly and a flight arm assembly, to form an endless chain.

Abstract: A drag conveyor system having a tube and a traction element extending through tube is provided. A plurality of slugs are connected to the traction element, each of the slugs including a slug flange. A disk is removably attached to each of the slugs, with the disk including first and second disk parts that are adapted to be placed around the cable and are engagable with one another and/or the slug so that each of the disks is located on the respective one of the slugs. A snap clip is engaged to each of the slugs, with the snap clip including a flange located on an opposite side of the disk from the slug flange that, together with the slug flange, maintains the first and second disk parts together and engaged with the slug in a fixed position on the slug.

Abstract: A sweep conveyor extends along a bin floor between a sump pivot about which the conveyor rotates, and an outer end adjacent the bin wall. During the conveyor's orbit about the floor, flights at the conveyor bottom sweep across the floor toward the sump pivot, whereby bin material in front of the conveyor is swept into a sump. The conveyor is preferably made in modular sections connected end-to-end, whereby different sections are combined to construct conveyors having different lengths and capabilities. Some sections are preferably hinged together, allowing different sections to adopt different inclinations as they travel about a non-level floor. The flights are preferably provided on a belted chain riding on sprockets at opposite ends of the conveyor, and the chain is not supported by idler sprockets along its length, allowing the chain (and its flights) to sag under gravity so the flights ride along the bin floor.

Abstract: A scraper for a scraper chain conveyor, having a top web, on which a chain attachment region for connecting the scraper to a scraper chain is configured, and having scraper wings for guiding the scraper on side profiles and bottom of a scraper chain conveyor. In order to provide scrapers with which a higher conveying output or a reduction of the drive output to be installed can be achieved, and which also enable a worn or defective scraper to be changed below ground, it is provided according to the invention that the scraper wings consist of a holding portion anchored to the metallic top web and a plastics sliding insert which can be releasably fastened to the holding portion. For the sliding inserts and their retention, various embodiments are proposed.

Abstract: A conveyor chain and system includes a conveyor chain having of side link assemblies and flight arm assemblies to form an elongated chain. The flight arm assemblies include an opposing flight arm that has an elongated body and an integral base formed with the body. A vertical sprocket opening is formed in the integral base and extends vertically through the integral base to engage a tooth of a drive sprocket to drive the flight arm. The side link assemblies include opposing side straps that include a base and a pair of side strap bosses extending outwardly from the base. The side strap bosses engage a tooth of a drive sprocket to drive the side strap. A driving member includes a pair of sprockets to engage the link and flight arm assemblies from both sides of the chain. An alternative embodiment incorporates a third sprocket located between the other sprockets.

Abstract: A chain driven by two sprockets spaced a short distance apart along their common axial centerline. The chain includes elongated pins that extend beyond the outer surfaces of the chain link plates, on both sides, by a distance about equal to the width of the spaced apart sprockets. The chain is aligned midway between the sprockets, and the sprocket teeth drive on the extended portion of the chain pins. Where a flight is attached to the chain links, the pins are extended still further, to fit into the indentations or holes in the flights. This provides an exposed length of each pin in alignment with the sprocket on each side for driving purposes. The chain has a piece extending between the plates to reduce the likelihood of a pin extending further outside of one side plate or the other. A shoulder on the pin further reduces the likelihood of this happening.

Abstract: An isolating device for isolating objects, in particular fuel pellets, contains a conveying device having a conveying belt with a conveying side and a backing side and is guided over at least two deflection pulleys and on which a number of pushing elements protruding from the conveying side of the conveying belt are arranged. The isolating device is configured for a particularly reliable and interruption-free isolation at a high processing speed. Each pushing element is connected with a directing element arranged on the backing side. The directing element includes a sliding surface facing away from the conveying belt. The conveying device contains a guide rail having a guiding surface for the directing elements arranged in a partial section of the conveying belt lying between the deflection pulleys. The sliding surface and the guiding surface are of a complementary shape so that the sliding surface can slide on the guiding surface.

Abstract: An improved cable conveyor system in which buttons provided for pushing the conveyed material are fitted with bearings to relieve the cable of torsional stresses. As a cable is tensioned, torsional stresses are incurred, tending to unwind the braided wire. By providing an opportunity for the cable to unwind, stretching may be carried out without the usual unrelieved torsional stresses.

Abstract: A pusher for scraper chain conveyors comprising an upper and lower member, the two members being connectable by bolted connections. Each member of the pusher featuring one part of one or more chain beds through which a flat jointing plane runs, as well as one part of the recesses provided for the bolts of the bolted connections and located to the outside of the chain bed. The upper and lower member embracing each other at least partially, and the upper member being configured as a bow-like bridge element that wraps over both ends of the lower member from above. The two ends of the bridge-like upper member being of cuneiform shape and having upper and lower guide surfaces sloping towards each other in V-formation, and the upper and lower member engaging each other at each end by nose-like centering projections on the upper or lower member, the projections engaging complementary recesses in the contact surfaces of the lower or upper member.

Abstract: Multi-disk processing system and method of continuous finishing of memory media disks for digital data storage systems in preparation for magnetic memory coating, comprising four main sub-systems: 1) multiple driven spindles mounted on a chassis, at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock positions; 2) finishing tape head units mounted on a base; 3) a robotic handler for loading and unloading disks onto/off at least one of the spindles; and 4) a programmable system controller that controls the sub-system operations and loading/unloading. The tape head sub-system includes its own programmable controller and sensors for control of the finishing tape advance. The multiple spindles and handler rotate relative to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the spindles are mounted on a rotating turntable that also oscillates. Alternately, the spindles are fixed in position and a rotating handler with multiple grippers for simultaneously loading/unloading disks from all spindles at once is used.

Abstract: An envelope insert conveyor assembly includes a first pair of rotation members and a second pair of rotation members spaced apart from one another. A first conveying member is disposed around the first pair of rotation members, and a second conveying member is disposed around the second pair of rotation members, so that the conveying members rotate around the first rotation member and the second rotation member. A plurality of pusher members are fixed to each of the first conveying member and second conveying member. The pusher members each have paired sidewalls, a cross-wall connecting the paired walls, and an indented portion provided in each of the paired sidewalls. A gripping element is disposed adjacent an indented portion of one of the paired sidewalls and biased toward an interior surface of the indented portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for advancing cut products from a saw to a wrapper includes a plurality of product supports for supporting multiple rows of cut products. A first or buffer portion of the apparatus includes an entry portion of the product supports and includes a first conveyor and a pair of flight bars mounted on the first conveyor. A second or pusher portion of the apparatus includes an exit portion of the product supports and includes a second conveyor for each of the product supports and a pair of pushers mounted on each of the second conveyors. A first drive motor advances the first conveyor and the flight bars thereon for pushing cut products on the product supports from the entry portion toward the second conveyors.

Abstract: A metering conveyor adapted to move a controlled volume of grain. The conveyor incorporates a series of carriers that can each be switched between a scooper assembly and a blocker assembly. The ratio of scooper assemblies to blocker assemblies determines the volume of grain that is metered for a predetermined conveyor speed. The conveyor is modular and is especially suited for a modular rectangular grain dryer. The conveyor further includes a paddle that is adapted to move grain to a discharge chute.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scraper chain for scraper chain conveyors, particularly for use in mining, with vertical chain links flattened in their longitudinal legs, which are integrally joined by nose-parts of circular cross-section, while the horizontal chain links have a constant circular cross-section all round. The scraper chain has a strength which is at least equal to that of a size 48 standard round link chain. The horizontal links serving as scraper connection have a pitch which is at least 10%, and preferably about 15%, greater than the pitch of the vertical links. The outer width of the horizontal links is at least 30% greater than the outer width of the vertical links. For the scraper chain according to the invention, sprockets whose dimensions are the same as those for scraper chains of considerably lower strength may be used.

Abstract: A cascaded disk scrubbing system and method are provided. The cascaded disk scrubbing system includes an array of rows of brush pairs. Each row includes a plurality of counter-rotating brush pairs that are arranged horizontally and longitudinally, and configured to receive and process a disk in a vertical orientation through disk preparation zones defined by each pair of brushes. Below and between the pairs of brushes is a track that is configured to apply a rotation to the disk and to transition the disk in a vertical orientation through the brush pairs. Nozzles dispense fluids on and over the brush pairs, and the brush pairs are configured such that fluids are dispensed through the brush pairs. Nozzles dispense a curtain of fluid between each disk preparation zone, and the cascaded disk scrubbing system is configured to progress from dirtiest to cleanest as the disk transitions through each disk preparation zone.

Abstract: An improved tension control apparatus for use in an aero-mechanical conveyor for moving bulk materials includes spaced-apart inflow and outflow conveyor tubes interconnecting the upper and lower housings of the conveyor. A bracket cooperates with the conveyor tubes. A guide sleeve is carried by the bracket for receiving a push rod. The push rod extends along the length of the conveyor tubes from the guide sleeve to the upper housing and includes an upper end engaging the head pulley assembly and a lower end extending through the guide sleeve. A tensioning assembly engages the push rod and is carried by the bracket for urging the push rod against the head pulley assembly, thereby urging the head pulley assembly away from the tail pulley assembly and maintaining tension in the rope assembly. Two dust cap seals interconnect the conveyor tubes with the upper housing to reduce particulate emissions.

Abstract: A cascaded wafer scrubbing system and method are provided. The cascaded wafer scrubbing system includes an array of rows of brush pairs. Each row includes a plurality of counter-rotating brush pairs that are arranged horizontally and longitudinally, and configured to receive and process a wafer in a vertical orientation through wafer preparation zones defined by each pair of brushes. Below and between the pairs of brushes is a track that is configured to apply a rotation to the wafer and to transition the wafer in a vertical orientation through the brush pairs. Nozzles dispense fluids on and over the brush pairs, and the brush pairs are configured such that fluids are dispensed through the brush pairs. Nozzles dispense a curtain of fluid between each wafer preparation zone, and the cascaded wafer scrubbing system is configured to progress from dirtiest to cleanest as the wafer transitions through each wafer preparation zone.

Abstract: A chain and flight conveyor adapted to be driven by a toothed sprocket comprising a pair of spaced apart, parallel driving chains, each of the driving chains comprising roller links having at least one end surface which may be drivingly engaged by the teeth of the sprocket. The roller links also have internal apertures defining drive surfaces which may be drivingly engaged by the teeth of the sprocket. The driving chains further include connecting links coupled to and interconnecting the roller links; and pins pivotally connecting the connecting links to the roller links. A predetermined corresponding number of the pins on each of the chains comprises extended flight attachment pins having pin extensions facing the opposite chain. A plurality of conveying flights are connected between the corresponding number of the pin extensions, the flights comprising a bar member having two opposite ends, four sides and a bottom surface.

Abstract: A reversible shelf type vertical conveyor wherein a plurality of shelves are pivotally mounted between two endless chains that are driven by pairs of upper and lower sprockets, the shelves pivoted to a space saving vertical orientation during the return run and to a horizontal orientation during the working run. Positive control of the orientation of shelves is provided by pairs of rollers attached to the shelves which straddle a guide bars during the return run and ride within guide channels during the working run. During the transition between return and working runs at the top and bottom, shelves are held tight against bosses adjacent the sprockets. Each successive cycle pivots the shelves 180 degrees, and the shelves are symmetrical about their pivot axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scraper chain for scraper chain conveyors, particularly for use in mining, with vertical chain links flattened in their longitudinal legs, which are integrally joined by nose-parts of circular cross-section, while the horizontal chain links have a constant circular cross-section all round. The scraper chain has a strength which is at least equal to that of a size 48 standard round link chain. The horizontal links serving as scraper connection have a pitch which is at least 10%, and preferably about 15%, greater than the pitch of the vertical links. The outer width of the horizontal links is at least 30% greater than the outer width of the vertical links. For the scraper chain according to the invention, sprockets whose dimensions are the same as those for scraper chains of considerably lower strength may be used.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying bulk material generally consisting of a support, a guide member defining a passageway providing a circuitous path, having a base section supported on the support and a section cantilevered relative to the support; at least two sprockets disposed in such passageway and rotatably supported on the guide member, one of such sprockets being disposed in the cantilevered section of the guide member and having a substantially vertically disposed axis of rotation; a rope assembly including an endless rope disposed in the passageway along the circuitous path and reeved around the sprockets, and a plurality of discs spaced along such rope, and a motor for driving one of the sprockets, wherein the guide member includes a inlet communicating with the passageway for feeding material therein and a discharge outlet communicating with the passageway about a portion of the periphery of the one socket.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying bulk material generally consisting of a support, a guide member defining a passageway providing a circuitous path, having a base section supported on the support and a section cantilevered relative to the support; at least two sprockets disposed in such passageway and rotatably supported on the guide member, one of such sprockets being disposed in the cantilevered section of the guide member and having a substantially vertically disposed axis of rotation; a rope assembly including an endless rope disposed in the passageway along the circuitous path and reeved around the sprockets, and a plurality of discs spaced along such rope, and a motor for driving one of the sprockets, wherein the guide member includes a inlet communicating with the passageway for feeding material therein and a discharge outlet communicating with the passageway about a portion of the periphery of the one socket.

Abstract: A rope assembly for a mechanical bulk material conveyor generally consisting of a continuous rope adapted to be trained about a pair of sprockets within the conveyor, a rope ends connecting flight and a plurality of intermediate flights secured to and spaced along the rope at intervals, each of such intermediate flights including a ferrule having a tubular section receiving a portion of the rope therethrough and being firmly secured thereto and an annular flange section, a disc member having an opening receiving a portion of the rope therethrough, a boss member having an opening receiving a portion of the rope therethrough, the opening in at least one of the disc and boss members having a first enlarged section receiving a portion of the ferrule tubular section therein and a second enlarged section receiving at least a portion of the ferrule flange section therein, and means for firmly securing the disc and boss members together with the ferrule interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A rope assembly for a mechanical bulk material conveyor generally consisting of a continuous rope adapted to be trained about a pair of sprockets within the conveyor, a rope ends connecting flight and a plurality of intermediate flights secured to and spaced along the rope at intervals, each of such intermediate flights including a ferrule having a tubular section receiving a portion of the rope therethrough and being firmly secured thereto and an annular flange section, a disc member having an opening receiving a portion of the rope therethrough, a boss member having an opening receiving a portion of the rope therethrough, the opening in at least one of the disc and boss members having a first enlarged section receiving a portion of the ferrule tubular section therein and a second enlarged section receiving at least a portion of the ferrule flange section therein, and means for firmly securing the disc and boss members together with the ferrule interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying bulk material generally consisting of a support and a guide means defining a passageway. The passageway has a vertical section and a horizontal section cantilevered to the vertical section. A endless rope assembly passes around the passageway. Disc are displaced along the rope to catch and transfer bulk material along the passageway. The bulk material is injected into the passageway at the lower end of the vertical section and is ejected at the end of the horizontal section. A motor drives sprockets located at the ends of the passageway and at the cantilevered portion. Such guide means may consist of a single passageway or a pair of passageways of differing lengths, and such support may be movable on wheels.

Abstract: A rope assembly for a mechanical bulk material conveyor generally consisting of a continuous rope adapted to be trained about a pair of sprockets within the conveyor, a rope ends connecting flight and a plurality of intermediate flights secured to and spaced along the rope at intervals, each of such intermediate flights including a ferrule having a tubular section receiving a portion of the rope therethrough and being firmly secured thereto and an annular flange section, a disc member having an opening receiving a portion of the rope therethrough, a boss member having an opening receiving a portion of the rope therethrough, the opening in at least one of the disc and boss members having a first enlarged section receiving a portion of the ferrule tubular section therein and a second enlarged section receiving at least a portion of the ferrule flange section therein, and means for firmly securing the disc and boss members together with the ferrule interposed therebetween.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an overhead pusher finger guide system, preferably for use with a sheet handling apparatus. The guide system prevents the lower conveyor run from sagging or otherwise moving out of the proper feed plane. Accordingly, superior sheet handling is achieved.

Abstract: A series of regularly spaced cylindrical paddles are affixed to a steel strand cable. Each end of the cable is provided with a swaged ball shank which is pivotably received within a nut. The threaded nuts are connected by a threaded screw. The paddles are advanced on the cable through a conduit by a rotatable drive wheel. The system is thus adapted for moving ice cubes and chips. The drive wheel has eight teeth, each of which has a connector trough dimensioned to receive the connector assembly. Each tooth has a leading finger with a drive face which engages a paddle when it is received within a paddle trough defined between neighboring teeth. The drive face has a radially extending wall which engages the disk of the paddle, and a second radially extending wall spaced outwardly from the first which engages the protruding shoulder of the disk, such that the disks are always driven at two spaced locations.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a conveyor operated by idler members driven in rotation by a motor (16) which includes a pair of spaced apart flexible elements connected to the idler member and having an endless extension. Refuse transporting blades (8) are in engagement with the pair of flexible elements. The flexible elements are belts (6) having a toothed face (6a), and the idler member are bell-shaped bodies (7) each having a shaped support (17) parallel to a respective rotation axis (11a), an annular border (18) extending radially from the shaped support (17), and circumferentially spaced pins (19) for meshing with the toothed face (6a) of the belts (6). The pins (19) are fixed to the annular border (18) and tangentially overlie the shaped support (17) which supports a portion of the pins (19) in a resting condition.

Abstract: The link chain according to the invention is preferably intended for scraper-chain conveyors of long conveyor lengths and correspondingly high drive powers, and comprises vertical and horizontal chain links that are hooked into one another in an articulated manner. The vertical chain links have a non-round, approximately semicircular cross-section provided on the external contour with a flattening, and the horizontal chain links have an oval internal opening whose clear internal width, has a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional contour of the vertical chain links, and is greater than the clear internal width of the vertical chain links. It is preferable that the pitch and the length of the horizontal chain links is greater than the pitch and length of the vertical chain links. The external boundary of the nose parts of the horizontal chain links preferably extend at right angles to the chain axis, with the result that a broad chainwheel bearing surface is formed.

Abstract: There is provided a non-metallic sludge collector chain comprising at least one center block link comprising a first bore at a first end of the center block link and a second bore at a second end of the center block link, at least one insert sidebar comprising a first bore at a first end of the insert sidebar and a second bore at a second end of the insert sidebar, at least one receiving sidebar comprising a first bore at a first end of the receiving sidebar and a second bore at a second end of the receiving sidebar, a pin comprising a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion disposed between the first and second end portions, the second end portion having a grooved section, the pin being positioned through the first bore of the insert sidebar, through the first bore of the center block link, and through the first bore the receiving sidebar, and a pin cap comprising a sleeve having a raised ring protuberance thereon, the raised ring protuberance being in snapped-fit relation to the groov

Abstract: A drive and transfer station for an underground mining installation employs a frame with spaced apart walls over which material is transferred between scraper-chain conveyors one arranged along a long wall mineral face working and the other arranged along an access roadway. The scraper-chain assembly of the face conveyor is driven by drive assemblies on opposite sides of the frame which drive a rotatable chain drum.At least one of the drive assemblies has a coupling in a gear box with a shaft which can be displaced axially with an adjusting device to drivably connect with the drum or to be released from the drum.

Abstract: A gathering chain pusher member for use in a gathering conveyor system is configured in a manner to allow high speed binding to occur without deformation of signatures collected by the system.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a composite non-metallic and metallic chain for use in a waste water treatment system is provided. The chain includes a plurality of non-metallic chain link barrel connecting elements including central teeth receiving portions. Each of the barrel elements include first and second end portions extending from opposite ends of the teeth receiving portion. A plurality of metallic side bar members interconnect the non-metallic barrel elements and are rotatably coupled to the end portions of the barrel elements. A plurality of non-metallic bearing members are disposed about the end portions of the barrel elements between adjacent metallic side bar members for reducing friction and wear between the adjacent side bar members. A plurality of non-metallic clip members are secured with indentations formed in the end portions of the barrel elements for securing the metallic side bar members thereto.

Abstract: A lightweight chain apparatus is provided for rotation in a high-speed media processing apparatus for particularly causing media to be conveyed. The chain apparatus includes a plastic chain having a series of substantially parallel rollers maintained in a spaced-apart relationship by a series of interconnected link plates positioned on opposing ends of the rollers wherein the rollers and the link plates are constructed of different materials. One or more push members are mounted on the chain for engaging and conveying media, and each push member includes opposing substantially parallel push plates attached substantially perpendicularly to opposing ends of at least a pair of the rollers so as to link the pair of rollers. Each push member forms a laterally extending portion which can be supported against adjacent link plates of the chain for increased stability and longer life when the push member encounters media to be conveyed.

Abstract: An improved coupling assembly is disclosed for use in bulk material conveying systems. The coupling assembly includes a first tubular section having an annular flange. The assembly receives an endless rope assembly with spaced disks for moving bulk material including powdered, pelletized, and granulated material. A second tubular section has a portion extending into the first tubular section secured with first and second coupling members including a section overlying and engaging a portion of the second tubular section. A first flange section is disclosed which mates with a laterally projecting flange section of the first tubular section and a second flange section. Sealing elements for sealing the assembly from the escape of fluidizing gasses are disposed between the first flange sections of the coupling members and the laterally projecting flange portion of the first tubular section and between the first and second tubular sections.

Abstract: A bag dispensing device comprising an elongate, tubular housing defining open top and bottom ends. Extending between the top and bottom ends is a passage for receiving and storing a plurality of bags. Extending through the passage and from the open top and bottom ends of the housing is an elongate, flexible dispensing member. The dispensing member is configured such that when pulled from the bottom end of the housing, one of the bags stored within the passage is dispensed from the bottom end.

Abstract: An apparatus for advancing sliver-filled coiler cans into a position at a sliver-intake side of a drawing frame and for removing empty coiler cans from that position, includes an endless track having a first track portion including the position; a second track portion; two arcuate deflecting track portions interconnecting the first and second track portions at opposite ends thereof; an endless circulating transporting chain extending along the endless track; and a plurality of spaced can pusher arms mounted on the chain and extending therefrom to individually engage a coiler can and advancing each can on the endless track as the chain circulates, whereby the pusher arms advance the coiler cans on the first track portion in a first direction and on the second track portion in a second direction. There is further provided a can retaining device for preventing the cans from leaving the deflecting track portions during travel thereon.

Abstract: For use especially in underground mining and tunnel construction, a steel link chain is provided that is composed of vertical and horizontal links and pushers. The vertical and horizontal links are formed by two parallel chain link arms and by chain link arches connecting them. The chain link arches are designed in a concave shape in the mutual roll-off area so that a surface contact is achieved. In addition, the chain link arches of the horizontal links have horizontally and vertically extending arrow surfaces that enable a safe surface contact in the area of the chain wheel that is constructed as a double helical wheel. The horizontal links furthermore are constructed in the area of the chain link arms like a groove, so that a form-fitting connection with the pusher is achieved, contributing to a significant improvement of operating characteristics and longer service lives.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus 10 for transferring material from a feeding station 12 to a series of discharge stations 14 is composed of a feed passageway 18 and a return passageway 20. Located in the passageways 18, 20 is an endless chain 28 carrying a plurality of scrapers 30 for urging the material around the passageways. Bypass channels 22, 24 are located between the opposed end of the feed passageway 18 and return passageway 20 to provide for recycling of material. The essence of the conveying apparatus is that material fed from the feeding station 12 which is not discharged through the discharge stations 14 falls through the bypass channel 22 into the return passageway 20 where it is conveyed to the bypass channel 24 where it rejoins the feed passageway 18.

Abstract: A disc retarding conveyor comprises at least one continuous tractive element. At least two-part static plates are mounted on the tractive element. The static plates are separated from each other at a distance in the tractive direction. The static plates are divided in the cross-sectional plane of the tractive element into two preferably identical halves. Each half has a radial cut hole which permits the halves of the static plate to be mounted concentrically onto the tractive element.

Abstract: In an automatic loading system and method wheeled carts receive five or six layers of newspaper bundles of four to six bundles per layer. A waist-high conveyor and an inclined ramp conveyor move bundles to a roller platform of independently operated roller sections selectively halted upon receipt of a bundle. When the desired number of bundles have been delivered to the roller platform, a pusher laterally moves the bundles to a split roller platform. A second group of bundles are delivered to the roller platform and the split roller platform. The sections of the split roller platform are then abruptly pulled apart causing the bundles to drop upon a fork-like platform extending into one side of a cart receiving the bundles. The pusher is retracted to the start position and the fork-like platform is lowered to receive the next layer of bundles in a like manner.