Abstract: A conveyor chain assembly including a plurality of modules which are pivotally connected by a plurality of chain pins and which include a plurality of link ends which have a bore housing a chain pin and an opening exposing the chain pin, a plurality of reach bars extending between the link ends and having a convex upper surface, and a support rib extending between the reach bars, the link ends, reach bars and support rib providing a support surface and defining therebetween a plurality of openings adapted to provide a free flow of fluid therethrough in a direction generally perpendicular to the support surface.

Abstract: Improved engagement is achieved between a sprocket having a plurality of flat-topped teeth and an endless conveyor belt. The belt is formed from a plurality of generally flat load-bearing tabular rectangular modules disposed in transverse rows along the belt with the longer sides of each module positioned transverse to the direction of motion of the endless belt, the modules being hingedly connected to and extending between spaced rods, which pass through co-axial, equally-spaced eye portions projecting from the longer sides of the modules, the endless belt having a first load-bearing surface and an opposing sprocket-engaging surface.

Abstract: Wire stock for connecting rods is run through the nip of a pair of obliquely toothed rolls having teeth which taper from one face of the roll towards the other, and have a larger radius at the tip than along the portions flanking the tip. The angle of obliqueness matches the angle that a turn of a spiral wire will traverse the connecting rod. Round wire stock for the single-faceted spiral wires is run through the nip of a pair of rolls one of which has a cylindrical surface (i.e., a flat longitudinal profile), and the other of which has a circumferential groove with a slightly larger diameter than the round wire stock. As the wire is flattened on one side, its curved side is broadened. As the resultingly single-faceted round wire is wound into flattened spiral form, it is spatially orientationally guided, so that the facet becomes located facing outwards.

Abstract: An improved belted chain is described in which there are a plurality of pairs of chain rods secured to spaced-apart carriers and a central belt. The inner ends of the chain rods in each pair are aligned end-to-end with each other and then secured to the central belt. The outer ends are secured to the spaced-apart carriers. Preferably the central belt is composed of rubber. The chain rods in each pair are able to be flexed relative to each other without danger of breaking the rods.

Abstract: A modular plastic turn belt has internal modules with link ends of varying shapes, a central body formed for high stiffness, large open area, and light-weight construction. Special edge modules with closer link end spacing and tapered pivot rod slots provide improved edge strength, load distribution, and collapsibility. A bi-directional pitch line drive from both surfaces is provided by a symmetrical drive barrel. Unique hold down arrangements, traction improved constructions, and rod retention arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: A belt chain includes transverse links having non-circular end sections received within complimentary apertures in the core of supporting longitudinal belts. The belt cores are reinforced by longitudinal cords encircling adjacent apertures and twisted between them. When assembled in a conveyor, the resulting belt tension causes the cords to contract about the end sections of the links supported by them, thereby preventing rotation of the links about their transverse axes.

Abstract: A conveyor, such as a baggage carousel, includes a plurality of transparent panels, each having a thin layer containing visual information affixed to its bottom surface. A series of adjacent panels can produce one complete visual unit such as an advertisement. The transparent panels are shaped to match the configuration of the original metal panels designed for each conveyor.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt composed of a plurality of modules. Each module comprises an integrally formed body having a planar conveying surface and pivotal coupling structure on a pair of opposite sides of the body. The pivotal coupling structure on one side of the body being complementary to that on the other side thereof whereby the module may be pivotally connected to like modules on the opposite sides thereof to form the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing conveyor belts having rigid carriers is proposed. The conveyor belts have elastic cover layers and are provided with fasteners that overlap the carriers to hold the same. The fasteners are first connected to the conveyor belt, whereupon the carriers are forced between the conveyor belt and the fasteners, accompanied by elastic deformation of the cover layer. This considerably simplifies the mounting and fixation of the carriers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conveyor chain for textile processing machines in which a lubricant supply is safeguarded at all times in the event of maximum mechanical stressing. The conveyor chain is connected to a center clip body 1 by a pin 2, the pin 2 being surrounded by a link bushing 11 which has a transverse bore 27 for the lubricant supply of an antifriction bearing 10 surrounding the link bushing by lubricant ducts 23, 25 being defined within the pin 2; and at least one side bar 13 is supported on the link bushing 11. The link bushing 11 is coupled to the side bar 13 in a manner to preclude rotation of the link bushing. Between a roller element 20 and the link bushing 11, an internal ring 19 is provided and staggered axially relative to the transverse bore 27, and the antifriction bearing is bounded in an axial direction by at least one cover plate 15.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improved and lighter weight links for chains of a harvesting conveyor. The conveyor chain links are constructed of a stronger lighter weight material or constructed with conventional material but of a smaller diameter with a lubricous clip or bushing positioned on the surfaces where the links join to make up the chain. Using aero space composite materials and technology the chains will have an extended life.

Abstract: A connection arrangement to provide an endless belt, especially for a screening rod belt. The band ends are securely disposed between essentially U-shaped fittings that are held together by a transverse pin. To better utilize the band strength, the lateral edges of the legs of the fittings are provided with bent portions against the greatest portion of which the side surfaces of the bands rest. Securement elements are used for the fittings and the band ends, and are driven in the manner of nails accompanied by displacement of material.

Abstract: Drag chain link typically employed for conveying cement clinker characterized by transversely ribbed underside adapted to trap a layer of clinker material for transferring a substantial portion of the normal chain wear to the clinker layer. Optionally, a grid of rectangular pocket forming ridges or other pocket forms may be employed over all or limited portions of the link face.

Abstract: An endless rigid slat conveyor is provided with pivotal connections between adjacent slats that are formed by pivotally interengaging arcuate surfaces with abutting planar surfaces between the connections and the flat surface of the formed belt. The connection has an arcuate outer surface facing inwardly of the closed loop belt to engage drive apertures in the sprockets and further to engage a cantilevered support surface of an adjacent belt. The cantilevered support surface has a roller, aligned with the adjacent connection that is supported on a stationary track, so that the connection is directly supported to a stationary track or rail. The rigid slats are constructed in one piece with identical cross sections throughout their axial extent, including reinforcing ribs.

Abstract: A narrow pitch articulated chain wherein the chain links have a narrow pitch and include a concave bearing surface in the bottom thereof in order to travel around a small diameter nose bar and effect an end transfer of small items from a flat top product transport chain. The pitch of the chain links is 0.625 inches or less, and the radius of the bearing surface and nose bar are both 0.5 inches or less and substantially equal to each other.

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.

Abstract: A log-transporting conveyor chain is described. The conveyor chain incorporates log-transporting links with attached guide blocks which, in combination with an enclosing chain raceway, prevent undesirable play in the chain.

Abstract: A conveyer belt having a large number of links each being made of ceramics. The links are endlessly connected to one another in a front portion and a rear portion of each of the large number of links in the running direction of the conveyer belt. One of the links is provided with a fittable groove of an arc-shaped section in a portion opposed to an adjacent link. The fittable groove has an opening opposed to the adjacent link. The width of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the fittable groove. The adjacent link is provided with a columnar fittable axis portion along a surface opposed to the one link. The fittable axis portion is fit in the fittable groove of the one link so that one link and the adjacent link are turnably connected to each other.

Abstract: A conveyor chain link with ribs on the load-bearing side has the ribs designed substantially parallel and extending in the direction of travel and comprising two connected parts being offset relative to each other by one rib width, and has the ribs designed with different overall lengths so that the outer ribs have the greatest overall length and decreasing length towards the center rib being the shortest. Some of the rib ends have an oblique cut by a vertical, plane cut at an angle of about 111/2.degree.. The cut is greatest at the outer ribs and decreasing towards the center.

Abstract: A detachable chain composed of chain links is broadly used as a conveyor chain with attachments for various kinds of articles to be conveyed, or as a power transmitting chain. The conventional chain of this type, however, could convey only light load when used as a conveyor chain and could run only at a low speed when used as a power transmitting chain. This invention provides a detachable chain improved both in the rupture strength and service life, as well as a method of producing the same.

Abstract: A vibrating discharge apparatus for discharging particulate stored material from a surge or blending bin or the like, having a discharge end, a discharge apron defining an support surface near the bottom of the bin extending in a substantially horizontal plane along a conveyance path to the discharge end. The apron is directed along a downwardly curving convex apron path sloping downwardly from the horizontal plane at the discharge end and comprises a plurality of rigid elongated parallel transversely extending slat members each having a main slat body portion and a thin plate-like lip projecting therefrom to overlie the adjacent slat member.

Abstract: The belts of a screening band have entrained cleats on one side, and on the other side have recesses into which crossrods are inserted. These crossrods are each connected by a rivet to the belt. The entrained cleats do not run over the entire width of the belt, but rather leave a flat region free in the middle of the belt, so that the rivets can pass there without regard to the positions of the entrained cleats.

Abstract: An automatic stoker boiler has a heat transfer compartment above a combustion chamber which is divided by a horizontal partition inclined upwardly from the rear end of the boiler towards but terminating short of the front end thereof to provide a restricted port between the thus established upper and lower portions. An endless link belt establishes the lower portion of the combustion chamber and hot gas conduits extend from the upper portion through the heat transfer compartment to the exhaust and which is provided with a draft inducing fan and adjustable damper. Underfire air under the control of an adjustable damper is introduced into the lower portion of the combustion chamber upwardly through the belt and air jets are delivered into the combustion chamber through the front end both above and below the port. A standby fluid fuel burner is located in the rear end of the upper chamber portion.

Abstract: A hook line includes a hook portion and a link portion contained in two different planes substantially perpendicular to one another. A projection tip is provided on a distal end of the hook portion to provide secure locking action between adjacent hook links; the normal clearance between the tip and the connected link portion being insufficient to allow coupling/uncoupling action. A tip receiving groove extends substantially laterally across the elongated ring forming the link portion. The ring defines a longitudinal slot for receipt of said hook portion. The groove of one hook link receives the projection tip of an adjacent hook link to allow coupling/uncoupling action. In the preferred embodiment, the groove extends along an arc between a transverse midline of said longitudinal slot and an end of said longitudinal slot opposite said hook portion. The groove and tip structure substantially eliminates uncoupling during normal conveyor operation even when subjected to incidental slackening.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus which includes a pair of sprockets provided at front and rear ends of the apparatus with a pair of endless chains passed around the sprockets on both sides of the apparatus. A plurality of support members are arranged at regular intervals with each having a box-like cross section and extending in a direction perpendicular to the feed direction for supporting objects to be carried on its upper surface. A plurality of fastening members are provided for fastening the support members to the chains and connecting members are provided for connecting the support members to the fastening members. A pair of holding portions are provided on each support member and a plurality of covering members are securely connected to the holding portions on adjacent support members for covering each gap defined therebetween.

Abstract: A system for the thermal and/or liquid treatment of edge supported substrates, such as printed electronic circuit boards and hybrid circuits. The system includes an elongated tunnel treating chamber. The system includes a conveyor system comprised of a pair of lubricant-free chain conveyors supported for movement through the treating chamber on a pair of elongated tracks. The lubricant-free conveyor is comprised of a plurality of successively interconnected wire links each comprising a horizontal member in engagement with the top surface of the track, a pair of spaced apart generally vertical members spaced from the horizontal member and connected thereto and in loose engagement with the sides of the track, and an integral substrate-supporting pin extending outwardly from one of the vertical members. The pins of each conveyor are directed inwardly toward each other to support a substrate therebetween by its edges.

Abstract: A gripper conveyor assembly includes a plurality of grippers. A conveyor chain moves the grippers along a track from a pick up station to a receiving station. The conveyor chain has identical links. Any one link can be removed from the chain while all of the other links remain interconnected and enclosed by the track. Each of the links includes a body section with rollers which engage the track to guide movement of the body section along the track. Plug and socket type universal joints interconnect the body sections of the links. An opening having a length corresponding to the length of the body section of a link is provided in the track. When a link is rotated, through approximately 90.degree. at the opening, the plug and socket joints can be disconnected and the rotated link removed from the conveyor chain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor chain, which comprises chain links (1) consisting of a barrel portion (2) and elongated side bars (3,4), the first ends of which are attached to the ends of the barrel, whereby the distance between the free ends of the side bars (3,4) corresponds to the length of the barrel (2) including the side bars attached to it. In order to enable the assembly of a chain of identical, mutually similar parts without tools, the surfaces located opposite each other at the free ends of the bars (3,4) of the chain links are provided with studs (5,6), the outer diameter of which corresponds to the inner diameter of the barrel (2) and the elasticity of the bar (3,4) material is such that the bars can be spread from each other to such an extent as to enable the insertion of the studs (5,6) of one chain link into the barrel (2) of another chain link.

Abstract: A machine is shown which assembles a barrel, spring, piece of lead, lead plunger, barrel tip and eraser into an automatic pencil. The steps of assembly include: Pressing the lead plunger onto the lead. Placing the plunger and lead into the spring and tapping the plunger to turn its extending tabs into the coils of the spring. Placing the plunger, lead and spring into the barrel. Extending the spring from the barrel and pressing the barrel tip onto the spring and then pressing the tip into the barrel. Pressing the eraser into the barrel.

Abstract: A papermakers fabric for use in papermaking and which is made from a plurality of elongated, linked, slotted elements. The elongated elements can be formed by extrusion or by lamination and are linked one to the next either by an integral tongue or through the use of a pintle connecting means which extends from one elongated element to the adjacent element. The desired permeability can be provided by forming apertures in the elongated elements and can be such that the permeability of the fabric varies in the cross machine direction. The permeability of the papermakers fabric can also be adjusted by varying the tension in the fabric in the machine direction. Individual elongated elements can also be configured so that the high-wear areas of the fabrics, for example the edges, have a greater material thickness than the low-wear areas and so that the cross section of the fabric can be varied to compensate for roll crown or other roll irregularities.

Abstract: An apparatus for segmenting a continuous running web into a stream of discrete articles by cutting the web transversely at uniformly longitudinally spaced intervals; and which apparatus may also effect U-folding of each of the discrete articles. The apparatus is of the type which includes a flight of longitudinally spaced, web engaging friction plates which provide cutter access to the web through spaces intermediate adjacent friction plates. The apparatus further includes a constant clearance infeed nip which is formed in part by the spaced friction plates of the flight passing over a circumferential portion of an infeed roll having circumferentially spaced, radially extending lugs, and which lugs are configured and disposed to engage the web by extending through the spaces intermediate the spaced friction plates. Alternatively, the flight of friction plates may be integrated into a unitary apertured conveyor belt; and the cutter may be integrated into such a constant clearance nip.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveying belt (10) is disclosed. The belt (10) is comprised of a plurality of plastic belt modules (14) releasably connected to one another to form an extended belt. Each module (14) has an upper surface (26), a lower surface (28), a first and a second (16, 18) and extending transversely of the conveying direction of the belt and a pair of opposed sides (22, 24). A plurality of lugs (38), attached to lug bars (30), are disposed along the first end. A plurality of lug receiving elements (32) are disposed along the second end (18) and releasably receive lugs (30) of an adjacent module (14).

Abstract: A belt for a trough belt cleaning apparatus in which the objects or articles to be cleaned are tumbled within the trough of a rotating endless belt and subjected to the action of a blasting agent during their tumbling motion, to become cleaned thereby wherein said endless belt comprises cross bars having extending between them links of a resilient material, with the ends of said links having on either side thereof a partially open end eye each for receiving said cross bars and for facilitating replacement of a link without removing a cross bar, which end eyes fully or partially embrace the (associated) cross bar, and wherein the edges of the eyes are adapted to be expanded to the width of a cross bar under spring-back resilience.

Abstract: A conveyor comprises two endless chains mounted on sprockets secured on two transverse shafts, and a plurality of transverse slats mounted on and extending between the chains. The chains are fitted with wheels which roll along rails for supporting the chains and slats. Each slat comprises a main plate made of thin sheet metal and having its longitudinal margins turned down through an angle greater than 90.degree., a rod having the shape of a shallow V which extends along the underside of the plate and has its ends secured to the main plate adjacent the ends of the main plate, and a central upright plate which supports the center of the main plate on the center of the rod.

Abstract: A transport belt for a conveyor or bucket conveyor especially for transporting products whose temperature exceeds 200.degree. C. is provided wherein a flexible belt carries on its outer face a metal carrier means adapted to receive or pick up the hot products which are to be transported, said metal carrier means being secured to said belt and the metal carrier means being at least partially thermally insulated from the belt by one or more cushions of air formed by one or more pockets of heat insulating air space between the bottom of the metal carrier means intermediate its ends and the outer face of the belt, said pockets being defined by a shaped member which contacts said belt at one or more intervals with a line or point contact providing one or more zones of minimum contact between said metal carrier means and said belt whereby heat transfer between said metal carrier means and said belt is minimized.

Abstract: A conveyor, in particular for eggs, comprising two lateral chains of the type having closed annular links extending in perpendicular planes. The chains are interconnected by a number of transverse bars forming the actual carrier surface. Successive bars have different levels upon a common reference plane, so that at least the upper surface of each second bar is on a higher level than the upper surface of the first bar. One advantage is that eggs resting on two bars can be transported over steeper rises without rolling backwards.

Abstract: The elevated upper floor 11 of a poultry fattening enclosure comprises a plurality of adjacent endless belts 15a, 15b, etc. movable in unison toward a transverse cross-conveyor 17 at one end of the enclosure to facilitate the removal of the birds. Each belt comprises a plurality of I-shaped double bushings 29 journalled at their ends to cross rods 30 to form a flexible floor grate, which engages sprocket-like rollers 20 at both ends of the run. The lower belt runs may comprise only drive cables 38 to save material and enable the free dropping of excrement to the lower enclosure floor 10. Alternatively, the floor 11 may comprise a series of rectangular frames 41 in which grates or mats 42 are clamped, the frames being connected by withdrawal cables 43 which pull them through slots 47 in an end wall 48 of the enclosure.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a modular conveyor belt made from extruded flexible links which may be either of plastic or metal having ends joinable into an endless belt by an extruded substantially rigid jointing member which also cooperates with a notched sprocket to form a drive member for the belt. Due to their formation by extrusion the top surface of the links may be formed with flights of different geometric form for performing a multiplicity of conveying tasks. The particular geometry of the extruded modular link anchoring connectors and the complemental shape of the extruded substantially rigid jointing and drive member permits links to be assembled into an endless belt by merely sliding the jointing and drive member transversely across the ends of a pair of back to back flexible links.

Abstract: A guide assembly for defining a curved path for a link type conveyor. The guide assembly includes individual curved guides having flanges defining support and guide rails for link elements of the conveyor. The guide rails are mounted in pairs and include an inner guide rail and an outer guide rail. At least the inner guide rail is provided with closely adjacent rollers against which the conveyor links ride and which rollers primarily define the path of movement of the conveyor around the curve. Each roller is carried by one rail of its respective guide and is mounted on a removable shaft in the form of a threaded fastener. The other rail of the guide is provided with an access opening, which access opening also provides for the ventilation of the roller so as to cool the roller.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering boluses into recurring arrays of longitudinally moving receptacles has an endless conveyor of connected slats with recesses for receipt of boluses. The slats travel in two opposed parallel tracks. Spaced parallel guides segregate boluses horizontally in a conveyor filling area. In one embodiment transverse dividers protrude to separate adjacent slats in the conveyor filling area and retract outside the filling area, allowing the conveyor to deliver boluses into recurring arrays of moving receptacles as the slats move substantially complementally with the receptacles.

Abstract: A multiple link conveyor having identical flat links each composed of interleaved identical sheet members, each link being interleaved with adjacent links for pivotal movement of adjacent links in the plane thereof.

Abstract: A movable link conveyor having an elastomeric effectively continuous conveying surface capable of remaining substantially flat during movement of the conveyor through a curved travel path in the plane of the conveying surface.

Abstract: A sorting conveyor having a row of elements each having an article support face operable to be laterally displaced in a selective manner in response to rotation of a drive shaft. The rotation is transmitted to the shaft through a selectively operable power transfer device provided on each element and including a first pulley for rollingly engaging an elongated rack mounted adjacent one or more unloading stations along the conveyor that has a concentric gear wheel portion, a second pulley is mounted concentrically on the shaft and has a gear wheel portion cooperating with the gear wheel portion of the first pulley. The gear wheel portions are arranged in a planet gear like manner with the first pulley being laterally displaceable between a retracted position out of engagement with said rack and an operative position in which it is engageable therewith and in driving engagement with said second pulley, the displacement of the first pulley being effected by means of a selectively operated actuator means.

Abstract: A link chain which transports and compacts tobacco leaves in a tobacco shredding apparatus has a succession of neighboring metallic links each of which has a trailing end provided with a cylindrical male coupling portion extending into and turnable in a complementary socket at the leading end of the next-following link. The socket is formed at the inner side and the coupling portion is at the outer side of the respective link. Each outer side has a convex cylindrical surface at its front end, and such surface slides along a complementary concave cylindrical surface at the rear end of the outer side of the preceding link. Each link is further formed with a scraping edge which cleans the convex cylindrical surface of the next-following link. The convex cylindrical surface of each link bounds a portion of a recess which is formed in the outer side and is adjacent to the coupling portion of the respective link.

Abstract: A bucket dredger has a bucket chain guided over a rocker, the buckets being pivotally interconnected by links of a length shorter than the length of the frame member of the buckets. Each link has an elongated opening with rounded ends in which the pivot pins of the chain are received, the pins associated with each link being pressed apart by rotation of a threaded spindle relative to a threaded socket. The bucket frames have lubricating channels surrounding the pins and sealed against the links.

Abstract: A potato planter having a plurality of feed tubes attached to at least one central hopper and a plurality of trailing wheels which support the planter during turning is disclosed. The novel planter is further characterized by having a pair of outboard hoppers one each attached to the outer most hopper of the central hoppers (which may be one large hopper with separated bottom bins) and outboard of the main support wheels. The potato planter preferaby has three trailing wheels wherein a pair of adjacent wheels is interconnected hydraulically through hydraulic cylinders to cause said wheels to interact mutually in regard to the terrain. The planter preferably contains an agitator for the main hopper and a secondary feed hopper which has a vibrator attached thereto for feeding potatoes to the main conveyor which transports the potatoes upwardly from the feed hopper and then downwardly to the planting position.

Abstract: A conveyor of like, individual, flat-top articulated links is described wherein the articulating mechanism permits angular movements in a common plane and wherein the individual links are downwardly stepped at a top front surface portion and upwardly stepped at a bottom rear surface portion to provide for nesting interfitting of top and bottom surface portions of successive links permitting fanning out in a common plane without mutual separation while at the same time presenting link .[.supper.]. .Iadd.upper .Iaddend.surface support portions lying in a common plane. .Iadd.This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 623,485, filed Oct. 17, 1975, now abandoned, which was a continuation of Ser. No. 455,802, filed Mar. 28, 1974, now abandoned, for Reissue of Pat. No. 3,653,494, and which was a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 769,248, filed Oct. 21, 1968, and now Pat. No. 3,513,965, said Ser. No. 769,248 being a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.