Abstract: A modular conveyor belt forming a hinge between consecutive belt rows hingedly connected by a two-part hinge pin. Hinge eyes along the forward and rearward ends of each row of belt modules include aligned openings for the hinge pins. The belt rows are arranged end-to-end with the hinge eyes of adjacent rows interleaved. The hinge pins are inserted in the passageway formed by the aligned openings of the interleaved hinge eyes. The hinge pins include first and second hinge pin members, such as flat strips. The openings in the hinge eyes are characterized by a narrow slotted portion for restraining the first hinge pin member against rotation within the slotted portion and a wider sector-shaped portion that allows the second hinge pin member to rotate relative to the first hinge pin member.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt assembly having a plurality of modular links, each of the modular links including a pair of first projecting legs and a pair of second projecting legs, the first projecting legs each having an inwardly projecting engagement element and the second projecting legs each having an engagement slot. The plurality of modular links are interconnected to form a conveyor belt through engagement of the engagement elements in the engagement slots.

Abstract: The tough guide chain is capable of easily connecting and disconnecting link modules. The guide chain includes a plurality of link modules detachably connected. Each link module comprises: a main body section including a bottom plate, a pair of side plates extended from the bottom plate and a flexible hinge plate extended from an edge of the bottom plate: a joint section connecting the flexible hinge plate of the adjacent link module with the bottom plate of the main body section; and a flap detachably attached to the side plates. The main body section is made of an elastic resin material, and the joint section is made of a tough material so as to reinforce and support the bottom plate and the side plates.

Abstract: A chain link (10) of a curved conveyor chain has been proposed, which has a carrying device (12) for transport material. A head part (24) disposed under the carrying device (12) has a lateral bore (40) for a pin (48) of a first adjacent chain link (10). The head part (24) is adjoined by a fork-shaped section (26) with two legs (44), which encompass the head part (24) of a second adjacent chain link (10). The legs (44) and contain lateral bores (46). A pin (48) is also provided, which is contained in the lateral bores (46) of the legs (44) and in the head part (24) of the second adjacent chain link (10). Projections (52) protrude from the legs (44) and are designed to be guided in a guide profile and driven by means of a driving wheel. The object of the invention is to produce a chain link (10), which permits a favorable introduction of force.

Abstract: A module for a modular conveyor belt has a plurality of projections on its top surface for supporting objects. The module may include drainage openings through which fluids can drain from objects disposed on the projections. The projections can be used to prevent objects from adhering to the top surface of the module and/or to immobilize the objects during movement of a conveyor belt including the module.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt formed of rows of belt modules pivotally interlinked by transverse pivot rods and specially adapted for following a curved conveyor path. The modules include a top, product conveying surface and a bottom, sprocket-driven surface. The belt modules have a plurality of first link ends disposed in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt and a plurality of second link ends disposed in the opposite direction. Transverse holes in the link ends are aligned to accommodate a pivot rod. When the link ends of the consecutive rows of side by side modules are intercalated, the pivot rod serves as a hinge pin in a hinged joint between consecutive interlinked rows. To permit the belt to flex sidewise, the openings in the first link ends are slotted longitudinally in the direction of belt travel.

Abstract: A climbing-traversing wall, designed to be installed as one of a group, is constructed with two opposite-facing surfaces positioned about a vertical axis such that the climbing wall may be pivoted about its central axis thus allowing the group of climbing walls to be adjusted to a variety of maze-like configurations.

Abstract: A conveyor belt is made up of plastic links that are capable of traversing a radiused or curved path. The links are provided with a cover member, such as a plate. Articles to be conveyed are put on top of the plates. The links are interconnected together so as to reduce the exposure of gaps between the links. Each link has a slot on the ends, with the slot receiving a guiderail or track. Each slot has a convex inside surface which contacts the guiderail. The belt is supported by side frames, which side frames have lips that form the tracks. Each side frame has an upper lip and a lower lip. Thus, the side frames can support and guide both an upper portion of the conveyor belt as well as a lower portion of the conveyor belt in a self contained assembly. The side frames are coupled together by cross beams to provide the support, as well as provide a path of the tracks. The side frames are coupled to vertical supports.

Abstract: A conveyor belt for transporting objects is provided. The conveyor belt includes a plurality of body members. Also included in the conveyor belt are a plurality of surface platform members that are disposed at one side of the body members. An outside surface of the surface platform member is sloped from a first location of higher elevation to a second location of lower elevation. A rail member is located on the surface platform member and is proximate to the second point of lower elevation. The surface platform member is adapted to support an object that is transported by the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A two-material hinge pin for hingedly interconnecting consecutive rows of belt modules together into a modular plastic conveyor belt. The hinge pin includes an interior rod surrounded by an outer tube. The interior rod is made of a rigid material, such as acetal, nylon, polypropylene, PVC, or steel. The outer tube is made of urethane, which provides inherent abrasion resistance in contact with the belt modules and is especially effective in abrasive environments.

Abstract: A platform-top modular radius belt capable of conveying articles along a conveying path that includes straight and curved segments. The belt is constructed of a series of rows of belt modules hingedly interconnected by hinge pins received in aligned apertures formed in interleaved hinge elements of adjacent belt rows. A product support platform is attached to intermediate belt module structure to form a generally continuous article-conveying surface. An overhang forms an extension of the conveying surface and extends over hinge elements along one end of the row to form a gap between the overhang and the hinge elements. An edge portion of the product support platform extends from and is recessed below the level of the conveying surface. The recessed edge of a belt row is received in the gap of an adjacent row below the overlying overhang without interference to allow the inside edge of the modular platform-top belt to collapse at the inside of a turn.

Abstract: A wear resistant chain, which smoothly articulates and slides for a long period of time without generating unusual wear elongation even if used together with an extremely deteriorated lubricating oil having a high degree of oxidation, has both ends of a bushing are force-fit into bushing holes of a pair of inner plates respectively and both ends of a connecting pin which is rotatably mounted into the bushing are force-fit into pin holes of a pair of outer plates disposed on both of the outer sides of the pair of inner plates. The bushing uses the base material of one steel selected from an austenite stainless steel, a martensite stainless steel, a precipitation-hardening steel, a high-carbon chromium bearing steel and an alloy tool steel each subjected to heat curing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor chain comprising inner chain links and outer chain links which are arranged in alternating succession and which are interconnected by respective chain hinges, a chain hinge comprising a sleeve of the inner chain link and a pin forming part of the outer chain link and extending through the sleeve. The functionality of such a conveyor chain is to be extended. For this purpose, at least one brush element is provided, which comprises at least one fastening reception, and the brush element is attached via the fastening reception to the inner and/or outer chain link(s) such that it is essentially in positive engagement therewith. The present invention also relates to a brush element for a conveyor chain of the type in question.

Abstract: A processing belt for use in chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), and methods for making the same, is provided. Embodiments of the processing belt include a mesh belt, and a polymeric material encasing the mesh belt to define the processing belt. The processing belt is fabricated so that the mesh belt forms a continuous loop within the polymeric material, and the mesh belt is constructed as a grid of intersecting members. The intersecting members are joined at fixed joints to form a rigid support structure for the processing belt.

Abstract: A moving walkway is shown having a walkway surface with first and second ends and formed of a series of hinged rigid pallets in an endless loop. A direction-reversing sprocket is at each of the first and second ends. Each pallet is hinged to adjacent pallets along an axis substantially transverse to the walkway at opposite ends of the pallets along a length of the endless loop. Each pallet being transversely subdivided into a plurality of parts, each of the pallet parts being unidirectionally hinged to an adjacent one of the plurality of parts such that each pallet will support vertical loads on the walkway surface as a rigid unit and will hinge separately as the endless loop reverses direction around the sprockets.

Abstract: A belt conveyor with a surface layer transferred onto its article-carrying or other surface to impart certain effective properties to the surface. The belt conveyor comprises a conveyor belt driven by a belt drive along a belt-conveying path. A transfer element transfers a coating material to a belt surface along a section of the belt-conveying path. Metallic bearing surfaces in contact with the belt surface act as transfer elements from which an oxidizable metal is rubbed by the relative motion of the belt to form a high-friction metallic oxide layer on the belt surface. Another transfer element is realized by an applicator with a reservoir for storing a coating material. The applicator is positioned close to the belt surface to dispense a layer of coating material with properties that mask the inherent surface properties of the belt. In yet another version, the conveyed articles themselves serve as transfer elements.

Abstract: A conveyor mat comprises a number of plastic modules succeeding each other in a conveying direction and whose top sides form a conveying face and provided with converging hinge loops which have equal basic forms and which alternately extend forwards and rearwards relative to the conveying direction and successive modules are coupled by means of hinge pins, such that the forwardly extending hinge loops of the rearmost module can slide between the rearwardly extending hinge loops of the next module between a slide-out position and a slide-in position, a sidewall of a forwardly extending hinge loop is provided with a projection which in the slide-out position cooperates with the top of the adjacent, rearwardly extending hinge loop, and the sidewall of the adjacent hinge loop is provided with a recess in which the projection can be received during sliding into the slide-in position.

Abstract: A conveyor chain has a number of chain units connected together by connecting pins in an endless fashion. Each of the chain units is composed of a plurality of inverted tooth plates disposed in the width direction of the chain, and a slat disposed on one side of the tooth plates and extending across the width of the chain transversely across the tooth plates for carrying an object to be conveyed. The tooth plates each have a pair of inverted teeth formed on the other side thereof for meshing with sprocket teeth, and a pair of pin-accommodation holes for receiving a pair of connecting pins, respectively. The connecting pins each connect adjacent two chain units such that the tooth plates of one chain unit are interleaved with the tooth plates of the other chain unit.

Abstract: A method for producing the conveyor assembly is also provided. A plurality of layers of reinforcing material are arranged in overlapping relation. A binding material such as thermoset urethane is deposited on the reinforcing material to bind the reinforcing materials together, thereby forming a composite material. A gripping material is deposited on the composite material, forming a gripping layer. The combined gripping layer and composite material are cured so that the gripping layer permanently bonds to the composite material. The combined gripping layer and composite material are then cut into a plurality of belt links, such that the gripping layer of each belt link is coextensive with the upper surface of the belt link. The belt links are then assembled to produce a link belt having a gripping surface formed from the gripping layers of the individual belt links.

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 flexible chain conveyor, comprising at least one mutually parallel chain having links whereon rod-like elements are fixed transversely; the links that constitute the at least one chain being inclined by a preset angle with respect to an imaginary plane which is perpendicular to the advancement plane of the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor device comprises a conveyor belt including a plurality of slidable links which can slide on guiding elements. The conveyor belt is driven by a timing belt through link teeth formed on each of the links, and designed for engaging corresponding teeth of the timing belt.

Abstract: A chain link comprising an elongated body having opposed first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. The body has guide shoes that project from a bottom portion of the body for supporting the link on a track. The chain link further includes a gripping member that has a structure that is in sliding engagement with a cooperating structure disposed along the body of the link. The cooperating structure permits the gripping member to move relative to the body in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A module having a cross-rib that is alternately offset from a centerline of the module and that is used in connection with a double row sprocket with alternating sprocket teeth. The module is of the type where a series of spaced apart link ends extending from each side of the module include aligned apertures to accommodate a pivot rod. The link ends along one end of a row of modules are interconnected with the link ends of an adjacent row. A pivot rod journaled in the aligned apertures of the side-by-side and end-to-end connected modules forms a hinge between adjacent rows. Rows of belt modules are then connected together to form an endless conveyor belt capable of articulating about a drive sprocket.

Abstract: A method for assembling a conveyor belt and a conveyor belt is provided, the conveyor belt including a plurality of elongated rods, a plurality of slide-in overlay elements, and a plurality of retaining overlay elements having a vertical opening to allow vertical insertion of the retaining overlay element on to an elongated rod. In one embodiment, the vertical opening includes a retainer such as a clip that resists removal of the retaining overlay element from the elongated rod. In another embodiment, the slide-in overlay element includes a lock mechanism which locks the retaining overlay element with the slide-in overlay element to resist removal of the retaining overlay element. The lock mechanism preferably includes a lock protrusion on the slide-in overlay element, and an interlock protrusion provided on the retaining overlay element offset relative to one another to allow interlocking of the lock protrusion with the interlock protrusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor chain comprising inner chain links and outer chain links which are arranged in alternating succession and which are interconnected by respective chain hinges, a chain hinge comprising a sleeve of the inner chain link and a pin forming part of the outer chain link and extending through the sleeve. The functionality of such a conveyor chain is to be extended. For this purpose, at least one brush element is provided, which comprises at least one fastening reception means, and said brush element is attached via the fastening reception means to the inner and/or outer chain link(s) such that it is essentially in positive engagement therewith. The present invention also relates to a brush element for a conveyor chain of the type in question.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt (20) constructed of a series of rows (24, 25) of belt modules hingedly interlined by tapered oblong hinge pins (22) and suitable for following straight or curved conveyor paths. Aligned slots (30) formed in one set of hinge elements between successive rows are elongated in the direction of belt travel to allow the belt to fan out in turns. Fan-shaped apertures (38) formed in interleaved hinge elements of an adjacent row and aligned axially with the slots to admit a hinge pin (22) allow the belt to pivot at the hinge to articulate about a sprocket (181) or idler (186) or to enter and exit an incline. The oblong hinge pin has a first region at a first end (88) with a constant long axis to share the belt load among hinge elements encompassing the first region on straight runs.

Abstract: A conveyor belt is made up of plastic links that are capable of traversing a radiused or curved path. The links are provided with a cover member, such as a plate. Articles to be conveyed are put on top of the plates. The links are interconnected together so as to reduce the exposure of gaps between the links. Each link has a slot on the ends; with the slot receiving a guiderail or track. Each slot has a convex inside surface which contacts the guiderail. The belt is supported by side frames, which side frames have lips that form the tracks. Each side frame has an upper lip and a lower lip. Thus, the side frames can support and guide both an upper portion of the conveyor belt as well as a lower portion of the conveyor belt in a self contained assembly. The side frames are coupled together by cross beams to provide the support, as well as provide a path of the tracks. The side frames are coupled to vertical supports.

Abstract: A conveyor chain comprises first and second links connected together articulately. The first links each comprise a link body, an article loading portion, and a pair of overhanging slats. The second links each comprise a link body and an article loading portion. The first and second links are connected together in an alternate manner at an equal pitch. The overhanging slats of each of the first links extend longitudinally of the conveyor chain along both side edges of the associated second link so as to surround the side edges of the second link. Articles easy to fall down can be conveyed and delivered stably in a crossed delivery conveyor.

Abstract: An automated conveyor sortation and item discharge system for sorting items of varying sizes and weights to designated output destinations along a conveyor. The system utilizes a segmented slat conveyor connected by flexible connectors. The flexible connectors form a tooth for driving the conveyor by a sprocket. The flexible connectors isolate adjacent slats, and the flexible teeth isolate the slat conveyor from the drive sprocket for a enhanced reduction in noise levels. The system may utilize a conventional belt conveyor or rigid platforms attached by flexible connectors. Removable ejection mechanisms can be attached to the individual slats of the slat conveyor or to the belt of a belt conveyor. The ejection mechanisms have self-contained drive and actuation mechanisms and may operate independently of the speed of the conveyor.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt forming a hinge between consecutive belt rows hingedly connected by a rolling hinge pin pair. Hinge eyes along the forward and rearward ends of each row of belt modules include aligned openings for the hinge pins. The belt rows are arranged end-to-end with the hinge eyes of adjacent rows interleaved. The hinge pin pairs are inserted side by side in the passageway formed by the aligned openings of the interleaved hinge eyes. The hinge pin pairs include first and second hinge pins having outer contact surfaces. The openings in the hinge eyes are characterized by a narrow end with constraining surfaces for positioning the first hinge pin and flaring out to a wider second end bounded by a roll surface that gives the second hinge pin clearance to roll along the roll surface as the belt articulates. During belt articulation, each hinge pin of the pair rolls against the other and along the roll surfaces instead of sliding against the walls of the openings.

Abstract: A wire belt comprising having a plurality of wire strands, each of the plurality of wire strands being linked with at least one adjacent wire strand in the wire belt. Each of the plurality of wire strands includes a first end, a second end, and a plurality of linking portions between the first and second ends. The plurality of linking portions are linked with respective linking portions in at least one adjacent wire strand so as to form a plurality of joints in the wire belt. Each of the plurality of linking portions includes a compound Z-shape formation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for a rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first: and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.

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 method and novel drive system for use in a continuous block caster for continuously casting metal is disclosed. In particular, a novel worm gear drive system which reduces imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle is disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end-to-end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for a rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.

Abstract: A plastic modular conveyor belt of the type which is capable of traversing lateral curves, with module rows collapsing together at inner sides of curves, has a solid deck over a central portion, but leaving terminal ends of interdigited projections not covered by the deck structure. The solid decks on each module are above the level of the interdigited projections, such that upon traversing curves the projections toward the inside of the curve can slide under the deck of the adjacent module, and the dimensions of the solid decks allow the inner edges of the module rows to collapse substantially fully without limitation by the edges of the decks, which do not lap over one another. The gap between module rows in straight belt travel is mostly closed by the interdigited terminal portions of the projections. In some embodiments the edges of the decks include interdigiting finger structure to provide a more continuous load-supporting surface.

Abstract: A flight module for use in a modular conveying belt for holding material on a moving belt. The module includes an intermediate portion having an upstanding wall that extends therefrom. The upstanding wall is corrugated in a direction transverse to the direction of belt travel. A first plurality of link ends extend outwardly from the intermediate portion and have openings defined therein that are transverse to the direction of belt travel. A second plurality of link ends extend outwardly from the intermediate portion in a direction opposite to the first plurality of link ends. The second plurality of link ends also have openings defined therein that are transverse to the direction of belt travel. The link ends are arranged such that the openings in respective link ends are capable of aligning when a pair of adjacent belt modules are juxtaposed. A pivot rod journaled in the aligned apertures of the side-by-side and end-to-end connected modules forms a hinge between adjacent rows.

Abstract: Device for conveying objects comprising a large numbers of rods. The device has opposite edges. Each rod has a first and a second end, adjacent rods being mutually connected at their ends by connection elements. Each connection element is substantially S-shaped in top view and is provided with a first free end which is situated directed to a centre between the first and second end of the rod, with a second free end which is situated directed to an edge concerned of the device, with a first transverse member and a second transverse member, with a first connection member which connects the first free end to the first transverse member, with a second connection member which connects the first transverse member to the second transverse member, and with a third connection member which connects the second transverse member to the second free end. The second free end of the connection element is situated at a distance from the second connection member.

Abstract: A modular chain link for use in constructing a modular conveyer chain. The modular chain link includes a plurality of link ends which are adapted to intermesh with link ends on a similar adjacent link. The link ends include openings which are substantially axially aligned with openings on the adjacent link ends. The openings are adapted to receive a connecting pin for pivotally joining the adjacent modular chain links together. The modular chain link is injection molded from a polymer and comprises less than about 30 weight percent of filler in order to maximize the mechanical properties of the modular chain link.

Abstract: A modular radius conveyor belt formed of rows of belt modules pivotally interlinked by transverse pivot rods and specially adapted for following a curved conveyor path. The modules include a top, product conveying surface and a bottom, sprocket-driven surface. The belt modules have a plurality of first link ends disposed in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt and a plurality of second link ends disposed in the opposite direction. Transverse holes in the link ends are aligned to accommodate a pivot rod. When the link ends of the consecutive rows of side by side modules are intercalated, the pivot rod serves as a hinge pin in a hinged joint between consecutive interlinked rows. To permit the belt to flex side-wise, the openings in the first link ends are slotted longitudinally in the direction of belt travel. The link ends have leg portions with differing widths.

Abstract: A conveyor belt for conveying product in a direction of travel having a plurality of pivotal transverse rods extending laterally across the belt, the transverse rods having inner and outer ends along inner and outer edges of the belt; a plurality of connecting links arranged in at least one longitudinal row along the inner and outer edges of the belt and pivotally interconnecting the inner and outer ends of the transverse rods, respectively, with each of the connecting links having a pair of openings extending laterally therethrough such that the transverse rods extend through the openings; and a weld connection between the rods and the connecting links, at least one weld connection including only a first weld point between a trailing side of the transverse rod and the connecting link.

Abstract: A two piece pivot chain link which through its construction allows the top platform piece to be removably replaceable, additionally the pin attachment means can be frictionally placed in the main body of the pivot chain from the underside allowing for easy placement and removal.

Abstract: A conveyor chain formed of parallel links with pins extending laterally therefrom has pads mounted to the pins. Each pad has an elongated planar upper surface extending further than the distance between adjacent pins on the links. A notch on each end of the pad enables adjacent pads to overlap each other, and the shape of a notch and location of apertures in the pad enables the upper surfaces to define a substantially continuous contact surface when adjacent chain links are not wrapped, and enable the chain to engage a drive sprocket regardless of the direction of wrap.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt formed of rows of belt modules pivotally interlinked by transverse pivot rods. The modules include a top, product conveying surface and a bottom, sprocket-driven surface. The belt modules have a plurality of first link ends disposed in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt and a plurality of second link ends disposed in the opposite direction. Transverse holes in the link ends are aligned to accommodate a pivot rod. When the link ends of the consecutive rows of side by side modules are intercalated, the pivot rod serves as a hinge pin in a hinged joint between consecutive interlinked rows. To facilitate maintenance of the belt and to provide access to the transverse slots and the pivot rod without requiring the dismantling of the belt, the transverse slots are disposed at an angle relative to the top surface of the belt module such that when the belt modules are connected to form a belt the transverse slots in adjacent link ends are disposed at opposite angles.

Abstract: A modular chain link for use in constructing a modular conveyer chain. The modular chain link includes a plurality of link ends which are adapted to intermesh with link ends on a similar adjacent link. The link ends include openings which are substantially axially aligned with openings on the adjacent link ends. The openings are adapted to receive a connecting pin for pivotally joining the adjacent modular chain links together. The modular chain link is injection molded from a polymer and comprises less than about 30 weight percent of filler in order to maximize the mechanical properties of the modular chain link.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end to end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a base frame having an input side and an output side as well as a transport path from the input side to the output side. A plurality of tray carriers for holding trays are arranged in succession from the input side to the output side along the transport path. A drive means advances the tray carriers in an advancement plane. Further, feed means are provided for feeding a cover film for covering the filled trays. Successive tray carriers are pivotally interconnected by means of pivoting coupling links. Each tray carrier has engagement elements provided at its forward and rearward side. The drive means is formed as a drive chain with a chain strand trained over chain wheels and the engagement elements engage the chain strand when in a position adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A conveyor device contains a driven conveyor belt having a pluarlity of individual conveyor belt segments and a driving device. The conveyor belt segments present optical information.

Abstract: A modular chain link for use in constructing a modular conveyer chain. The modular chain link includes a plurality of link ends which are adapted to intermesh with link ends on a similar adjacent link. The link ends include openings which are substantially axially aligned with openings on the adjacent link ends. The openings are adapted to receive a connecting pin for pivotally joining the adjacent modular chain links together, The modular chain link is injection molded from a polymer and comprises less than about 30 weight percent of filler in order to maximize the mechanical properties of the modular chain link.