Abstract: A speed-increasing and accumulating conveyor chain includes a large-diameter mounting roller and small-diameter traveling rollers that are loosely fitted concentrically around a connecting pin through over an oil-impregnated sintered oil bushing concentrically. A lubricating oil is gradually discharged from the oil-impregnated sintered bushing, so that the chain can travel with a small chain-driving force as a whole while stably maintaining low friction coefficients at the loosely fitted portions between the connecting pin, the bushing, the mounting roller and the traveling rollers. The chain can, therefore, perform the speed-increasing function and the accumulating function by means of the mounting roller and the traveling rollers.

Abstract: A conveyor mat for conveying products in a conveying direction between at least two divert wheels. The conveyor mat comprises a number of rows of side-by-side modules succeeding each other in the conveying direction and extending transversely to the conveying direction. Incorporated into the conveyor mat are a number of guide modules which have their bottom side provided with guide members for cooperation with a guide provided on a conveying track. According to the invention, the guide modules are incorporated into the conveyor mat so as to be substantially equally spaced from one of the lateral edges thereof, such that the guide members together constitute one narrow, slotted guide track extending in conveying direction. In an advantageous manner, the guide modules can be incorporated adjacent a lateral edge of the conveyor mat or in or adjacent the center of the conveyor mat.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus (1) for use in a shelf channel of rack storage facilities. The conveying apparatus (1) comprises circulating conveying means (2) for conveying and storing goods. The conveying means (2) is an endless loop formed partially by a roller chain (3) and partially by a tape (4). The roller chain (3) includes a plurality of chain links. Adjacent chain links are interconnected by an axes of a roller. The plurality of interconnected chain links includes two end links (31, 32). The end links (31, 32) are interconnected by the tape (4). A rail (10) extends linearly and supports a portion of said endless loop. The rail (10) has a loading/unloading end where the goods are loaded onto said conveying means (2) and unloaded from said conveying means (2). The rail (10) includes a first and a second deflection member (5, 6). The first deflection member (5) is located in a region of the loading/unloading end and the second deflection member (6) is located in a region remote from the loading/unloading end.

Abstract: A chain conveyor comprises a roller chain (6) [should read “8”] and a supporting rail (5) for vertically supporting the roller chain (6) [should read “8”]. The roller chain (6) [should read “8”] consists of a plurality of supporting rollers (3) that are interconnected by means of chain links (1). The chain links are of U-shaped design inasmuch as they comprise two legs (11, 12) and a base portion (10) located there between. The mean length (L) of the base portion (10) corresponds at least approximately to the distance (A) of the axes of two adjacent supporting rollers (3). The front faces of adjacent base portions of adjacent chain links are correspondingly designed and act as stops, inasmuch as they limit the mutual rotating movement of adjacent chain links, exceeding a predetermined angle, in such a way that the roller chain can transmit thrust forces.

Abstract: The conveyor belt includes a plurality of links having alternating wide linking portions and narrow linking portions. The wide and narrow linking portions preferably form an undulating shape. In one embodiment, the conveyor belt is a flat wire conveyor belt having linking rods extending through apertures in the alternating wide and narrow linking portions. In another embodiment, the conveyor belt is a balanced weave belt having wire links woven around linking rods to form the wide and narrow linking portions.

Abstract: Slats of a slat conveyor chain each have a multiplicity of drain holes distributed in a desired pattern, and discharge grooves formed in the underside of each slat along sliding surface portions facing guide rails of the slat conveyor chain. A treatment liquid, such as lubricating liquid or washing liquid, supplied onto a load-bearing upper surface of the slat conveyor chain for stable and damage-free conveyance of articles such as PET bottles, cans and so on is smoothly discharged from the discharge grooves through the drain holes without scatting around a frame of the slat conveyor chain. With this discharging of the treatment liquid, bearings and a speed reducer of a chain drive mechanism are protected against corrosion. The slat conveyor chain can, therefore, operate reliably over a long period of use while keeping the surrounding environment against contamination with the treatment liquid.

Abstract: Process for fabricating a conveyor component having germicidal properties, in which a blend of a polymeric material and a composition comprising a polymerizable monomer and a germicidal agent is molded to form a conveyor component having germicidal properties comprising a solid unitary polymeric material and a polymerized salt of a polymerizable monomer and a germicidal agent grafted to the polymeric material and distributed uniformly throughout the polymeric material.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus (1) for shelf channels of shelf storage facilities comprises two parallely arranged, circulating conveying means (2) for receiving pallets (P). The conveying means (2) are partially designed as support roller chains (3) whose ends are interconnected by a rope (3). Two deflections (5, 6) are provided per conveying means (2) by means of which the particular conveying means is divided into an upper (7) and a lower run (8). In order to bring the two conveying means into a defined initial position after unloading the last pallet, several chain links (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) of the end region of the particular chain (3) near the unloading end are provided with a smooth surface. Moreover, an end stop member (15, 16) is provided for each conveying means (2) that limits the path of displacement of the chain (3) in the unloading direction.

Abstract: An electrical connector link adapted to movably couple with at least one other link to form a chain that is adapted to releasably receive and transport an electrical connector from a first station to a second station is provided. The link comprises a base portion having a relative first end and a second end. The base portion is adapted to moveably couple with a second link. A first wall is integrally connected with, and extends upwardly from, the base portion proximate the first end. The first wall has an outside surface, inside surface, and top surface. The first wall is adapted to communicate with a first electrical connector and retain the connector between the first wall and a second link. A latching arm is integrally connected with, and protrudes from, the outside surface of the first wall. The latching arm is adapted to movably engage a third link. A second wall is integrally connected with, and extends upwardly from, the base portion proximate the second end.

Abstract: A chain link is attachable to forward and rearward links of identical construction to form a chain. The chain link includes a left and a right sidewall that each include a rearward and a forward plate with the forward plate inwardly offset from the rearward plate. Each rearward plate has a slotted aperture. A connecting pin having a rim at each end is inserted into a first portion of the slotted aperture which is sufficiently large for the rim to pass therethrough. The connecting pin has a connecting shoulder that extends inwardly from each rim and which engages a second portion of the slotted aperture in a snap fit engagement. The forward plates of each sidewall each have open ended slots for engaging a forward link. A rearward link engages a portion of the shoulder of the connecting pin. A roller is disposed between the two sidewalls freely rotating on the connecting pin.

Abstract: A wire link connection system includes at least first and second wire connection links that connect a first wire link to a second wire link, for example, as a splice connection in a wire conveyor belt. The wire connecting links include linking portions that link the first and second wire links. One of the wire connecting links includes a female coupling portion such as a coupling loop at or proximate one end, while the other wire connecting link includes a male coupling portion, such as a coupling hook, at or proximate one end. The male coupling portion engages the female coupling portion in a "snap" fit to couple the first and second wire connecting links. The female coupling portion or coupling loop defines an aperture and the male coupling portion or coupling hook includes a flared head such that the male coupling portion is received in the aperture and the flared head engages and locks with the coupling loop.

Abstract: A conveyor belt comprises a plurality of interconnected elements (1, 2), which are successively arranged in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt. The elements are movable relative to each other at least about axes (3) which extend transversely of the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt and in parallel with the plane of the conveyor belt. The elements (1, 2) are alternatively of a first type and a second type. Each element (1) of the first type has the form of an inversely U-shaped beam extended transversely of the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt. This beam has flanges (6) and a web (7) interconnecting the flanges as well as a plurality of openings (8), spaced apart along the beam, in each border area between the web (7) and the respective flanges (6). Each element (2) of the second type has lugs (5), which are locked against complete withdrawal from the neighboring openings (8) in each of the two adjoining elements (1) of the first type.

Abstract: Side-flexing conveyor belt built up of a number of chain links which are joined together in a hinge-like manner by means of transverse rods (5, 6) through openings in the individual chain links. Use is made of chain links of at least two types, i.e. edge chain links (1, 2) with one-sided reinforcement (18), and module chain links (3, 4) between the edge chain links. The chain links of both types can be configured in various module breadths, and the individual links are staggered in relation to one another. Each link has a first row of eye parts (12) with mutual intervals between them in the transverse direction, and with elongated holes in line with one another for the engagement of a transverse rod, and a second row of eye parts (11) disposed midway between the first-mentioned eye parts and with holes in line with one another for the engagement of a second transverse rod, and the two sets of eye parts are held together by a transversely-extending bridge part.

Abstract: A conveyor belt with rods and connective links that engage one another so as to resist lateral and rotational movement about the rods during conveyor operation. The links are affixed on the rods by resistance welding the rod to the link apertures. In addition to the resistance weld, the rods include diametrically enlarged protrusions or swells that are placed proximate the link apertures to constrain the links from lateral movement on the rod. At the ends of the rod, this protrusion is in the form of an upset or button head. Alternative embodiments also include rotational constraints of the links relative to the rod. The additional fixation steps such as manual welding used in conventional belt manufacture are thus eliminated. By affixing the links and rods together in the manner disclosed, repeated movements of the link legs relative to the rods are eliminated thereby significantly reducing the chances of fatigue failure of the links.

Abstract: Germicidal composition for incorporation into polymeric materials molded to form germicidally protected conveyor components used for food handling. Germicidally protected conveyor components are also provided.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving an extruded strand of sausage from an extruding machine for coagulating the outer surface of said strand of sausage has a frame, a continuous conveyor on the frame sloping downwardly from a point of beginning to a discharge station, and thence back to the point of beginning, a brine fluid circuit disposed on the frame above the conveyor with a plurality of discharge nozzles thereon to spray brine on a strand of sausage moving with the conveyor, the conveyor being comprised of a plurality of link elements pivotally secured together, each link element having a generally flat supporting surface, the supporting surface having a plurality of protruding support elements thereon with liquid channels therebetween so that the strand of sausage can have a lower surface supported by a plurality of laterally extending elements whereupon brine fluid in the channels can contact the lower surface of the strand of sausage above the channels.

Abstract: A plastic module for a conveyor mat, each module comprising on both sides over the entire width a number of equidistant hinge eyes and having a closed bearing surface, the hinge eyes being coupled on a side of a module to those of a module adjoining in the longitudinal direction of the mat by means of a hinge pin. According to the invention a lip-shaped flexible member is provided in the outermost hinge eye of the module includes and extends transversely over the opening for the hinge pin into a part of the hinge eye extended to the longitudinal center of the module, where the lip-shaped member is attached to an end wall of the extended portion. The opposite end wall of the hinge eye is provided with a cam-shaped projection for cooperation with the free end of the lip-shaped member so that this member can be fixed in a position blocking the hinge pin.

Abstract: A transfer conveyor having a frame assembly in which a large diameter drive roller is mounted together with tension rollers. A pair of small diameter nose bars are mounted on each end of the frame assembly, and an endless conveyor belt of fabric or plastic chain is looped around the drive roller, tension rollers, and nose bars. A quick release tension mechanism is operatively connected between the frame assembly and one of the tension rollers, whereby the belt can be removed from the rollers and nose bars without the use of any special tools. A lateral adjustment mechanism is operatively connected between the frame assembly and upper run of the endless conveyor belt, whereby the transfer belt can be maintained in alignment with two other conveyors between which the transfer conveyor is interposed, and a quick disconnect mechanism is also provided for releasing the transfer conveyor from a base support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor belt comprising a plurality of link elements which are mutually coupled in pairs by means of a hinge, which hinge comprises at least one hinge pin present on the one link element and extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt and a plurality of correspondingly registered eyes present on the other link element and engaging round said at least one hinge pin such that the conveyor belt is flexible in transverse direction relative to the main plane of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt according to the invention has at least one continuous row of slide blocks which can co-act with a slide strip forming part of a transporting device.

Abstract: A wire belt having increased belt strength includes a plurality of wire links having alternating wide linking portions and narrow linking portions interlocked with respective linking portions of an adjacent wire link. The assembly of the wire belt includes interlocking the wire links, for example, by placing the wide linking portions into an engagement with wide linking portions of an adjacent wire link. The width of the wide linking portions is about equal to the minimum width that will allow the wire link to be interlocked with an adjacent wire link without bending the wire link in excess of the yield strength of the wire link. The width of the narrow linking portions is less than the width of the wide linking portions, and preferably, dimensioned to receive a sprocket for driving the wire belt. The wire links preferably have an undulating shape and include first and second end loops that interlock with adjacent wire links.

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 climbing trainer comprising a movable climbing training wall surface defined by a continuous belt rotatably disposed about a pivotable frame and controllably actuated to rotate at a selected speed, the pivotable frame being rotatably supported by a support frame and the relative rotational position of the pivotable frame and support being selectable to provide a desired inclination of the climbing training wall within a range including positive inclinations and negative inclinations from a maximum negative inclination were said wall is disposed horizontally facing downward to a minimum negative inclination where said wall is disposed vertically, the trainer also comprising a control panel accessible to a user from the climbing training wall and at least one emergency stop switch coupled to an accessible actuatable pad.

Abstract: A continuous conveyor belt for transporting a stream of objects to an inspection station includes a plurality of links matingly joined together to form a surface for supporting the objects for movement along a given path of travel to the inspection station, and wherein the continuous conveyor belt is entrained between a drive roller and a nose bar which has a given diametral dimension, and wherein the continuous conveyor belt propels the objects into free flight and in a given pattern through a sorting station which is disposed downstream of, and in spaced relation relative to the nose bar, and wherein the individual links when passing about the nose bar effectively minimizes the size of the object pattern passing through the sorting station, while simultaneously maintaining product separation which permits imaging of substantially the entire surface area of each product.

Abstract: Device (1) for supporting a preform in an endless chain for conveying preforms that rotate simultaneously about themselves. The device comprises a plate (2) hingedly coupled to two adjacent plates and supporting a rod (5) removably fastened to the open end of a preform (8). The plate includes a linking stem portion (11) supporting a dome-shaped surface forming a coupling head (12) for contacting the associated adjacent plate, and a spherical seat portion (13) with a central axial opening (14) for the free passage of the linking stem portion (11) of the associated adjacent plate. The device is characterized in that the dome-shaped surface forming a coupling head is mounted free to rotate on said linking stem portion. A contact plate (16) is fastened to the free end of the linking stem portion (11) and extends transversely thereto substantially parallel to the side of the coupling head (12) opposite the side of the spherical cap.

Abstract: A high-temperature, conveyer-type furnace includes a selectively flexible-inflexible conveyer belt for transporting articles through the furnace. The belt, which is preferably made of ceramic, includes a plurality of longitudinally-extending, pivotally-interconnected links and a locking mechanism for locking the links into a relatively inflexible mode when the belt is subjected to longitudinal compression so that the belt can be pushed through the furnace.

Abstract: A conveyor mat comprising first and second plastic modules built up of hinge plates, the width of the first modules substantially being twice the width of the second modules, the second modules being located only at both sides of the conveyor mat, with always a first module being arranged between two successive second modules at a side, the modules being coupled together by means of hinge pins, and each second module being provided at a side of the conveyor mat with a bearing surface formed integral with the module, which bearing surface extends in the same plane as the conveying plane of the mat, each bearing surface, seen in the conveying direction of the mat, having a length equal to twice the pitch of a module. The bearing surfaces form a dead plate moving along with the mat, for bridging the gap in the transition between two adjoining conveyor mats being at right angles to each other.

Abstract: A link conveyor (1, 11), in particular, for paper-making machines, has hinged wires (2, 12) that extend in the lateral direction and link elements (3, 13) that extend in the longitudinal direction and that in each case enclose at least two hinged wires (2, 12), while link elements (3, 13) are shifted over the widths of the link conveyor (1, 11), in the longitudinal direction, by at least one hinged wire (2, 12). According to the invention, the link elements are made as ring elements (3, 13) with one single ring opening (4, 14) that will enclose at least two adjacent hinged wires (2, 12).

Abstract: An apparatus for decorating articles comprises a transport path with at least one decorating station, and at least one article carrier displaced by a circulating transport system along the transport path. The transport system circulates in a horizontal plane and comprises a plurality of rigid rack portions which are interconnected pivotably in the horizontal plane. The transport system is driven by way of a gear. The transport system is guided by guide rollers mounted on a connecting pivot connecting each two adjacent rigid rack portions and they co-operate with guide rails defining at least a portion of the transport path.

Abstract: Each carriage (1) of a carriage chain has a running gear (5) at one end that has two running rollers (18) and two guide rollers (19). At the opposite end, it is coupled with the preceding carriage (1) by way of a spherical bearing (25) and a rod (26) which is guided so as to be longitudinally displaceable in this carriage. Toothed racks (8) disposed on the underside of the carriage body (3) and connected directly to each other by way of joint rods (10) serve in driving.

Abstract: A materials processing apparatus for performing a work operation on sheet material with a laser is provided. The apparatus includes a scanning laser which focuses a laser beam onto a work surface along a pre-programmed path. The apparatus also includes a work table which provides a precisely planar support surface for supporting sheet material during a work operation performed by the laser.

Abstract: Granular material is produced by discharging a viscous material from a vessel and onto a support surface on which the material solidifies. The vessel has first openings through which the material flows, and a belt travels across lower ends of the first openings, whereupon second openings of the belt periodically come into alignment with the first openings to permit a downward flow of the material. The belt comprises a plurality of links having long and short sides, with the long sides arranged parallel to one another and perpendicular to the direction of belt travel. Mutually facing long sides of adjacent links have undercut grooves which receive an elastic connector in the form of a pair of parallel rods received in the recesses and interconnected by springs.

Abstract: A link (11, 111, 211) for a chain conveyor running along a guide (12, 112, 212) comprises at least one sliding surface moving on the guide. At least part (25, 125, 225) of the sliding surface belongs to a sliding element (24, 124, 224) fastened to the link. The sliding element is advantageously removable for replacement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a conveyor comprising a first conveyor element including a series of eyes spaced from each other, defining therebetween a series of spaces, and including a sub-series of centrally located eyes respectively including therein openings aligned with respect to each other, and an end eye adjacent one end of the sub-series of centrally located eyes and including therein an opening located in partial registry with the openings of the sub-series of centrally located eyes, and an abutment area adjacent the opening in the end eye, a second conveyor element fabricated of resilient material and including a series of eyes spaced from each other, extending into the spaces between the eyes of the first conveyor element.

Abstract: A conveyor belt comprising a series of belt links arranged in superimposed successive overlapping relation secured together by interlocking belt link fasteners and apertures, combined with heat protection barriers to protect the belt from contacting high temperature materials that are transported. The barriers interlock with the links of the belt forming a surface which contacts the high temperature materials.

Abstract: A weld-free belt is formed by inter-coupled modular assembly of individual unitary components including an elongated link portion and transversely-oriented connector which provides for self-coupling coaction forming an integral rod extending across the width of an assembled belt. The inter-locked components are articulated for relative rotational movement across the width of the belt facilitating orderly movement of an assembled belt around curved portions of an endless travel path. Dimensions of the components can be selected to determine the lengthwise-collected relative motion between inter-coupled unitary components to achieve desired travel in a substantially-horizontal curvilinear path, about a tower in stacked conveyor paths, with the internal-periphery lateral side of an assembled belt providing for dynamic frictional drive in the curved-path tower arrangement.

Abstract: Articulated plates (L) are assembled in combination with at least two drive rums supported by a framework (6). The plates (L) present longitudinally, two by two, complementary guiding and articulation profiles (R) and (C) defined to create at least one continuous flat face. The plates are coupled to one another by flexible links (1).

Abstract: An automatic system for sorting items, such as small parcels, into groups bound for different geographical locations is described. The system uses tilting trays arranged at multiple levels, with all the trays being mounted on carriages traveling on a single monorail. The trays are tilted at the proper output chutes by cam roller mechanisms which are appropriately inserted into the path of cams on the trays under the coordination of a digital controller. A simple drive mechanism moves the carriages along the monorail using a drive roller which presses against the carriages. The carriages may be linked by a pliable linkage assembly that does not include mechanical hinges or like mechanisms. The system is easy to repair and operates at low noise levels.

Abstract: A device for transporting furnace-heated products, particularly hollow glassware to be transported from a glassmaking machine, e.g. a molding machine, to one or more annealing or cooling ovens, has a toothed-chain conveyor on which the furnace-heated product rests on a standing surface. The standing surface of the toothed-chain conveyor is formed from heat-insulating ceramic elements and the ceramic elements are arranged on special pins which project through openings in special tooth plates arranged in the toothed-chain conveyor.

Abstract: A truck trailer includes a push plate extensible and retractable relative to a front wall of the trailer structure employing hydraulic ram structure to project the plate along the trailer floor, that in turn includes a row of rollers operative through a drive chain to simultaneously rotate the rollers to direct workpieces from the rollers employing the push plate to direct workpieces along the roller structure.

Abstract: A jointed barrier seal is provided as part of the conveyor apparatus and is connected to support members such that the end faces of the members can be readily assembled with end seals without the need of adhesive or other materials otherwise used to affix the barrier strip to the involved support member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method associated with conveyors for moving items where the conveyor has an endless loop belt, a wear strip for supporting the belt and a way of moving the belt. The endless loop belt comprises a succession of individual components, each component having a first end, a second end, an inner surface and an outer surface such that the first end and the second end comprise a pivot.

Abstract: A spiral conveyor belt adapted to turn on a radius. The spiral conveyor belt comprises a plurality of link assemblies with each of the link assemblies having a plurality of forward link ends and a plurality of rearward link ends. Each link assembly is positioned near one of the other link assemblies with the forward link ends on one of the link assemblies being disposed near the rearward link ends on the other link assembly. A link shaft is disposed through the forward link ends and the rearward link ends of the adjacent link assemblies for interconnecting the link assemblies to form the spiral conveyor belt.

Abstract: The variable-speed conveyor element applied to a handrail is made up of individual handles linked together by elements of variable length which themselves function like elements of the handrail. Each of these variable-length elements is formed from a continuous flexible link, such as a belt or cable, to which are fitted contiguous blocks which stop or limit the bending of the elements in one direction. The blocks have projections and recesses allowing them to mutually interlock and ensure the transmission of forces.

Abstract: The invention provides a ceramic conveyor belt assembly including a plurality of first conveyor belt parts, each comprising front and rear transverse bars and left and right longitudinal bars connecting the transverse bars, and pins located on the front and rear transverse bars and extending laterally therefrom. Further, there exists a plurality of second conveyor belt parts in the shape of a columnar member, each having a keyhole shaped so as to conform with the corresponding portion of the transverse bars. This ceramic conveyor belt is excellent in heat resistance and chemical resistance, unlikely to form rust and less likely to undergo loss in strength even at high temperature. In case some parts fail, they can be easily replaced by new parts.

Abstract: A movable floor mechanism (10) is adapted for placement in the bed of a truck. The mechanism includes a frame (12, 14, 16), a movable floor (26) encircling the frame, a motor (24) attached to the frame, and at least one sprocket (22) attached to the motor, the sprocket engaging the movable floor. The frame is made from a pair of longitudinal beams (12), a plurality of lateral beams (14) attached between the longitudinal beams, and at least one guide rail (16) attached to the lateral beams. The movable floor (26) is made from a plurality of interengaged floor elements (26a, 26b). Each of the floor elements is made from a central portion, a connector, and a receptor, wherein the receptor is configured to accept the connector of an adjacent floor element. The receptor contains an axial slot (52) and the connector contains a pin receiving hole (56). When two floor elements are engaged the axial slot of the first floor element and pin receiving hole of the second floor element align to receive a pin (54).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for displaying advertisements on item supporting conveyors such as conveyors which have belt-plates that overlap in curved areas and separate along straight portions of a conveyor track or which rotate in a common plane. A plurality of poster or advertisement segments, which are each either formed after adhesion to the track or prior to adhesion to the track, are secured so as to extend across a series of plates of the conveyor. The poster segments are printed with an advertisement and arranged on the conveyor plates so as to come together or separate in a manner which allows for easy reading or visualization of the advertisement and to separate or come together at a different portion of the conveyor track so as to be in a puzzling or difficult to read or visualize arrangement. The puzzling/non-puzzling effect of the displaying apparatus helps capture the audience's attention.

Abstract: Plastic modular link belt conveyors are provided with an inner drive belt system disposed along a variable length of the conveyor belt at one or more positions to produce various advantages including operation of longer belts and those which have curved conveyance paths. The modular characteristics of these drive systems permit custom design in the field for different conveyor loadings, paths and loads. Thus, belt life and performance is enhanced by driving a belt with a belt drive system. The system advantageously uses standard modules of one type in both the driven and driving belts. Thus the modules have similar manufacturing tolerances and temperature characteristics. Pivoted link modules with oblong apertures in the belt drive system permits choices of modules for belt constructions compatible with curved paths. The modularized belt systems are versatile for adaptation to such applications as wide bricklayered modular belts and non-conventional conveyor needs.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt having a plurality of substantially identical thermoplastic modules in end-to-end arrangement. The forward and rearward ends of the modules are provided with interlocking hinge barrels. A plurality of pivot pins extend through the hinge barrels and are retained by means of inserts received in sockets formed at each side of the modules. The upper surface of each module is flat and the corners formed at the forward and rearward ends are rounded to form a smooth transition between modules. The lower surface of each module is flattened somewhat to avoid increased apparent wear, and the side of the modules are rounded slightly to avoid height disparities between adjacent belts as the modules wear.

Abstract: Provided is a process to continuously dry remove ash from the bottom of steam boilers by discharging the ash on a high temperature resistant conveyer which is enclosed in a tight sealed envelope. Also is provided an apparatus for accomplishing this which has a steel conveyer belt constructed to withstand high temperatures and enclosed in a sealed steel box connected to the bottom of the boiler so that the conveyer continuously receives and discharges ash from the boiler.