Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt achieves a very tight turning radius. The belt is configured to permit the belt module rows to collapse using an over/under slotted module geometry, allowing for modules of one row to slip over/under modules of an adjacent row at the inside of a curve. This allows greater collapse and thus much tighter turning radii. A belt of two inch pitch can achieve an approximately 0.33 turning ratio, the ratio between turn center distance and width of belt.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt module with embedded spherical rollers retained in the module and a belt constructed of such modules. The module includes a module body forming a cavity, a spherical roller in the cavity, and a retainer retained in the cavity to hold the spherical roller rotatably in place. A salient portion of the roller extends outward from the cavity through the retainer past an outer surface of the module. The retainer is attached to the module body by ultrasonic welding, epoxy- or solvent-bonding, spin welding, electromagnetic welding, staking, screwing, or locking.

Abstract: A side-flexing conveyor chain module includes a first module member having at least two first link ends, a second module member having at least two second link ends, and linkages linking at least one of the first link ends to at least one of the second link ends. Separating the chain module into module members and linking the module members together by linkages distributes the chain tension across the width of the chain module, and thus the hinge pin joining adjacent chain modules.

Abstract: The planar conveyor belt is designed to move along curved trajectories and has a plurality of chain-links including, staggered at the fronts and at the rear of a central core, a succession of slots, each with an opening, in particular oblong in shape, so as to ensure play in a longitudinal direction of a chain-link relative to another adjacent chain-link. The conveyor belt is characterized in that at least on the side external to the curved trajectory it is designed to follow, at least some of the chain-links include, in their transverse extension, a chain-link modules providing, in particular across its slots a curvilinear contact zone with the pivot pins linking them.

Abstract: In the meat processing industry, maintaining a clean and efficient environment can be important. Over the years, modular conveyor belts have become a commonplace component of meat processing operations. To provide an efficient and long lasting conveyor system, sprocket driven modules are provided with improved configurations which result in improved belt tracking and reduce incidents of mechanical failure. Specifically, these improvements include a conveyor module having a central drive bar having alternating crest pairs and troughs along its top, connected by shoulders that enable improved driving and tracking while being structurally strong and easy to clean.

Abstract: A modular belt having a first belt module and a second belt module intercalated and locked into position by a pivot rod having a head at one end and a retaining ring disposed in spaced apart relation relative to the head along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An improved conveyor chain formed from a plurality of modular links arranged in rows and each associated with at least two elongated transverse connectors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the connectors define a substantially open, planar conveying surface intermediate of the links in each row. Each link in a first row includes apertures for receiving a first of the connectors extending through a slot in the links of an adjacent row, as well as a receiver having a closed end and an open end for receiving one end of a second one of the connectors. The chain with the connectors associated with each row is thus capable of side-flexing to negotiate curves or bends, as well as longitudinal compression/expansion, while at all times providing full and even article support.

Abstract: Conveyor chains of the type utilized in commercial ovens and proofers are provided with improved bearing support for the rotating and pivoting components of the chains. The rotating components comprising antifriction bearings constructed from superior components which support substantial improvements in the service life of the conveyor chains. The pivoting components are provided with plain bearings and/or antifriction coating which also function to extend the service life of the conveyor chains.

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. The transverse holes 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 holes in adjacent link ends are disposed at opposite angles.

Abstract: A conveyor belt and method for assembling a conveyor belt, the conveyor belt including a plurality of link elements and a plurality of pivot rods. Each link element includes a plurality of intermeshing extensions and at least one edge extension at a peripheral edge thereof. The plurality of intermeshing extensions form receiving compartments adapted to receive intermeshing extensions of an adjacent link element, and include transverse rod openings. The plurality of pivot rods are received in the transverse rod openings of the plurality of intermeshing extensions thereby interlinking adjacent link elements together. The edge extensions include an entry aperture sized to allow insertion of a pivot rod, and a rod receiving compartment to retain an end of the pivot rod.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt forming a hinge between consecutive belt rows (14A–C) hingedly connected by a noncircular hinge pin (34). Hinge eyes (28) along the forward and rearward ends of each row (14A–C) of belt modules include aligned openings for the hinge pins (34). The belt rows (14A–C) are arranged end-to-end with the hinge eyes (28) of adjacent rows interleaved. In one version, the hinge pins (34) are inserted in the passageway formed by the aligned openings of the interleaved hinge eyes. The hinge pins (34) include first (40) and second (41) hinge pin members, such as flat strips. The openings in the hinge eyes (28) are characterized by a narrow slotted portion (32) for restraining the first hinge pin member (40) against rotation within the slotted portion and a wider sector-shaped portion (33) that allows the second hinge pin member (41) to rotate relative to the first hinge pin member (40).

Abstract: Conveyor chain including a plurality of modular components having an upper conveyance plate with each modular component having a rotation component projecting from the plate and defining a seat with concave surfaces with the seat being designed to receive a pivoting component suited to engage with the concave surfaces to rotate inside the rotation component around an axis perpendicular to the conveyance plane with the pivoting component and the rotation component presenting holes for receiving a pin parallel to the conveyance plane and nearly transversal to the chain running direction with the holes in the rotation component being elongated to allow rotation of the pin around the rotation axis of the pivoting component and with the pin being engaged with an adjacent modular component of the chain to allow its rotation outside the conveyance plane and with the conveyance plate presenting on one side a concave circle arc profile and on the opposite side a convex circle arc profile with the convex profile being

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary parlour for milking of animals. The parlour comprises a rotary platform (3) arranged to constitute a support surface for the animals, stalling means arranged to divide the platform (3) into stalls for receiving individual animals (1), driving means arranged to rotate the platform (3) and milking means (11) arranged to be attached to the animals (1). The platform (3) comprises a number of platform modules (8) each having a front edge (9) connected to a rear edge (10) of another platform module (8) at a determined angle of at least two possible angles in relation to each other in such a manner that the platform (3) obtains an annular extension having a size related to said determined angle.

Abstract: Welded belt modules, belts made of such modules, and a method for making such modules. Wide belt modules are made by welding together side to side narrow belt modules to a selected width. Modular conveyor belts are constructed of rows of welded modules connected serially by hinge pins between interleaved hinge eyes of consecutive rows. The wider welded modules eliminate or reduce the number of gaps, or seams, in a conveyor belt by reducing the number of narrow modules in each belt row.

Abstract: A conveyor plate chain with chain links joined together in each case at a joint location and a plate conveyor connected to them consisting of a number of single plates, whereby each joint location is formed by a joint pin of one chain link and a joint sleeve of the adjacent chain link, the joint sleeve accommodating the joint pin, and a single plate is connected at a mounting location to a joint pin, and whereby outer chain links with parallel outer link-plates and parallel-arranged joint pins transverse with respect to the outer link-plates and inner chain links with inner link-plates arranged parallel within the outer link-plates and parallel-arranged joint sleeves transverse with respect to the inner link-plates alternate. The smallest center distance of two mounting locations of two adjacent single plates is larger than the center distance of two adjacent joint pins.

Abstract: A drive chain is made up of links injection molded of fiber-reinforced nonmetallic material. The chain links feature pivot bearings molded integrally to the links, which take all loads due to drive tension and relieve the connecting pins of all shear stress. The links also have all features for attachment to driven components molded integrally. The moving structural parts are separated by nonmetallic bushings filled with solid lubricating additives to reduce friction and wear. The chain rollers may also incorporate metallic ball bearings to reduce friction drag on guide track.

Abstract: Conveyor chains of the type utilized in commercial ovens and proofers are provided with improved bearing support for the rotating and pivoting components of the chains. The rotating components comprising anti-friction bearings constructed from superior components which support substantial improvements in the service life of the conveyor chains. The pivoting components are provided with plain bearings and/or anti-friction coating which also function to extend the service life of the conveyor chains.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt hingedly interconnected by hinge pins made of a highly oriented polymer material. The hinge pins are preferably extruded from a material including a highly oriented polymer, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon. Alternative materials include highly oriented acetal or polyurethane. Plastic hinge pins made with these polymers having their long molecules oriented along the axis of the shaft of the hinge pin are exceptionally strong and resistant to deformation.

Abstract: To provide an improved conveyor chain, which can convey even a conveying object having high center of gravity at high speed without felling it down in a curved conveying section. A conveyor chain according to the present invention has a plurality of links (10) arranged in rows. Each of the links includes a top plate (11) having a flat top surface (12) and a hinge portion (13) provided on the top plate pin-connected to a hinge portion of a link positioned on the front side and to a hinge portion positioned on the rear side. Edges (19, 24) adjacent to links positioned on the front and rear sides in the top plate and the hinge portions are composed of curved surfaces. An angle of inclination formed by a flat surface (31) including a tangential line with respect to the edge and the top surface (12) of the top plate (11) is formed to be smaller as it goes from the central axis of said link in its arrangement direction toward a link side.

Abstract: A module for a modular conveyor belt, is described. The module is of a sandwich layer construction having a core polymeric material completely surrounded by a skin polymeric material. The skin material includes an antimicrobial material for inhibiting bacterial growth on the module, and the conveyor belt is particularly useful for conveying and transporting foods including food processing and food handling applications.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt having a central beam along each belt row. The beam extends laterally across the width of a belt row and includes a linear portion in a middle region of the belt and a sinuous region near both side edges of the belt. In the linear region, the beam includes a portion of constant thickness with linearly tapering portions toward the side edges of the belt. In this way, the thicker portions of the beam in the middle of the belt provide beam strength to allow less frequent support beneath the belt and the thinner sinuous portions at the edges of the belt give it the flexibility and mobility to collapse at the inside of a turn.

Abstract: For the realization of a molded link (11) for a conveyor chain of the type individualizing a conveyance plane below which is a joint body from which guiding tabs project laterally and parallel to the conveyance plane a mold (10) comprising a molding chamber (17) individualizing the conveyance plane, the joint body and the link guiding tabs is proposed. Sliding boxes (18, 19) with ends which mold cavities (16) in the lower face of the link conveyance plane enter into the molding chamber (17).

Abstract: In a conveyor chain coupling structure, a block link A has a connecting rod (2) provided at one of conveying-directional ends thereof to project in the conveying direction and a coupling bore (5) formed at the other conveying-directional end. A pair of toroidal bush bearings (25, 30) is provided and a spherical bush (2) to be fixed to the connecting rod (2) is provided between the pair of toroidal bush bearings (25, 30). The first toroidal bush bearing (25) is fitted slidably on a portion, at the side of the other conveying-directional end, of the spherical bush (20) while the second toroidal bush bearing (30) is fitted at the spherical concave surface (31) thereof slidably on a portion, at the side of the one conveying-directional end, of the spherical bush (20). Owing to this construction, the coupled parts will not rattle, which will thus cause no pulsation or noise but will assure a smooth relative oscillation or reciprocal relative rotation of the block links.

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 conveyance chain comprising a plurality of links that are identical and longitudinally associable in succession with a similar one, each link having a head that protrudes at the front of a body supporting a contact plate, to the rear of which two wings protrude, a transverse pivot, made monolithically with the pair of wings and accommodated detachably, in a complementarily shaped slot formed in the head of an adjacent link arranged at the rear, and a bush, arranged by interlocking coupling.

Abstract: A chain for a conveyor comprising an elongated base means (8, 9) having a bottom and upstanding side guides or flanges (11, 12) is provided. The chain is a continuous chain adapted to be driven so that one of its spans moves longitudinally along the upper surface of the base means bottom (10) and between side guides or flanges in a conveying direction so as to advance the material being conveyed. The chain comprises a plurality of Y-shaped connector links (20) and a plurality of flight arms connecting links (34) having arms attached thereto and normally extending substantially transversely of the conveying direction. Adjacent elements (41) are joined together by a series of bearing and retaining pins (30, 31) so as to permit vertical and horizontal articulation. The flight arms are attached to the flight arm connecting links (34) independently of the main bearing pins (30) that hold the various links of the chain together.

Abstract: There is provided a conveyor chain for use in a three-dimensional conveyor line, in which a plurality of chain links each with a top plate provided on a link body thereof are connected endlessly to each other by shaft pins for three-dimensional conveyance of products, a projecting head portion of a rearward one of two adjacent chain links is disposed between a pair of leg portions of a frontward adjacent link, a shaft pin is penetrated through the projecting head portion so that the rearward chain link can freely be pivoted vertically and horizontally about the shaft pin, the top plate includes a front plate portion and rear plate portion, each portion formed defining its boundary as a semicircular line whose center is laid nearly at the center of the projecting head portion, the rear plate portion is integral with the rear upper portion of the link body while the front plate portion is disposed on the front upper portion of the link body, a bearing block is received in a bearing space, the bearing block is e

Abstract: A belt module having a peripheral frame and a network of channels or holes disposed in an upper surface for attaching a high friction material.

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: The present invention provides a chain for use in a three-dimensional conveyor line, formed from synthetic resin-made chain links A connected endlessly to each other by a shaft pin C. The chain link A includes a top plate part A2 on which a product to be conveyed is placed, and a link part A1 formed under the top plate part to couple two adjacent chain links to each other and which includes a projecting head portion 1 and a pair of leg pieces 2. The upper surface of the projecting head portion 1 is formed circular nearly along a circle whose center lies on the longitudinal axis of the shaft pin C and smoothly contiguous to the upper surface of the top plate part A2. The length of the top plate part A2 in the conveying direction is set shorter than the chain pitch. The top plate part A2 has a lower slant face 11 formed on the front edge thereof, and also formed on the central rear edge thereof a curved concavity 7 with a concave slant face 7a.

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: In a conveyor chain coupling structure, a block link A has a connecting rod (2) provided at one of conveying-directional ends thereof to project in the conveying direction and a coupling bore (5) formed at the other conveying-directional end. A pair of toroidal bush bearings (25, 30) is provided and a spherical bush (2) to be fixed to the connecting rod (2) is provided between the pair of toroidal bush bearings (25, 30). The first toroidal bush bearing (25) is fitted slidably on a portion, at the side of the other conveying-directional end, of the spherical bush (20) while the second toroidal bush bearing (30) is fitted at the spherical concave surface (31) thereof slidably on a portion, at the side of the one conveying-directional end, of the spherical bush (20). Owing to this construction, the coupled parts will not rattle, which will thus cause no pulsation or noise but will assure a smooth relative oscillation or reciprocal relative rotation of the block links.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible conveyor comprising a carrying structure and a conveyor belt where the upper side is defined by the loading surface of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A module having a flat top construction with a planar deck extending to opposed link ends provided with pivot rod openings. The pivot rod openings are oval-shaped with the longitudinal axis of the oval aligned at a 45° angle with respect to and toward the planar surface of the deck. The link ends have a proximal, planar upper surface portion extending from the deck and forming into a distal, curved upper surface portion beginning at a position almost vertically aligned with the outer longitudinal extent of the oval pivot rod openings. The distal portion of the link ends has an inwardly angled, planar outer surface extending downwardly from the curved upper surface portion to a position substantially horizontally coplanar with a lower extent of the pivot rod openings and then to an inwardly curved surface leading to a planar bottom of the link ends. The inner portion of the link ends curves upwardly to a planar bottom surface of the deck.

Abstract: To provide an improved conveyor chain, which can convey even a conveying object having high center of gravity at high speed without felling it down in a curved conveying section. A conveyor chain according to the present invention has a plurality of links (10) arranged in rows. Each of the links includes a top plate (11) having a flat top surface (12) and a hinge portion (13) provided on the top plate pin-connected to a hinge portion of a link positioned on the front side and to a hinge portion positioned on the rear side. Edges (19, 24) adjacent to links positioned on the front and rear sides in the top plate and the hinge portions are composed of curved surfaces. An angle of inclination formed by a flat surface (31) including a tangential line with respect to the edge and the top surface (12) of the top plate (11) is formed to be smaller as it goes from the central axis of said link in its arrangement direction toward a link side.

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: 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: The invention provided for a conveyor belt wherein chain links are assembled such that eye parts are inserted into the intervals between two eye parts in the opposite chain link, whereafter the transverse rod according to the invention is inserted from one side of the conveyor belt through the overlapping openings in both chain links. When the notches provided on the transverse rod adjacent the head portion come into contact with the end face of the chain link, i.e. the side of the chain link, the notches can be brought into engagement with slits provided in the outmost chain link by twisting the head portion and pushing it into the end portion of the chain link. When the notches are engaged in the slits the transverse rod is fixated such that it will not move sideward in relation to the longitudinal direction of 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: The invention relates to a conveyor chain (1) with a plurality of main links (2) which are moveably interconnected by connecting links (4). A first end of a first main link (2) forms a first joint (6) with a first end of a connecting link (4) in the longitudinal direction of the chain. Said joint (6) allows a pivoting movement about an axis (A), essentially at a right angle to the longitudinal direction of the chain and essentially parallel to the chain surface. The second end of the connecting link (4) forms a second joint (8) with the second end of the next main link (2). The second joint allows a pivoting movement about an axis (B), perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chain and the pivoting axis (A) of the first joint (8). The two axes (A, B) are situated in different planes when seen in the longitudinal direction of the chain.

Abstract: Conveyor chains of the type utilized in commercial ovens and proofers are provided with improved bearing support for the rotating and pivoting components of the chains. The rotating components comprising anti-friction bearings constructed from superior components which support substantial improvements in the service life of the conveyor chains. The pivoting components are provided with plain bearings and/or anti-friction coating which also function to extend the service life of the conveyor chains.

Abstract: For the realization of a molded link (11) for a conveyor chain of the type individualizing a conveyance plane below which is a joint body from which guiding tabs project laterally and parallel to the conveyance plane a mold (10) comprising a molding chamber (17) individualizing the conveyance plane, the joint body and the link guiding tabs is proposed. Sliding boxes (18, 19) with ends which mold cavities (16) in the lower face of the link conveyance plane enter into the molding chamber (17).

Abstract: A section of chain for conveying product along a material handling system includes a pin connecting a center link between two side links. The pin may have a sleeve portion around and at least partially along the shaft portion of the pin. The sleeve portion may engage a center link of the section of chain and may be movable relative to the shaft portion. The sleeve portion may comprise a polymeric material. The sleeve portion may be molded over an I-pin or the like, or may be slid or pressed onto a stud-ended pin or bolt or the like. The pin may include a generally spherical-shaped ball member or portion on the shaft portion to enhance flexibility of the section of chain. The pin may be dialable or selectably positioned at the side links to control and adjust the wear surface of the pin relative to the chain links.

Abstract: The invention provided for a conveyor belt wherein chain links are assembled such that eye parts are inserted into the intervals between two eye parts in the opposite chain link, whereafter the transverse rod according to the invention is inserted from one side of the conveyor belt through the overlapping openings in both chain links. When the notches provided on the transverse rod adjacent the head portion come into contact with the end face of the chain link, i.e. the side of the chain link, the notches can be brought into engagement with slits provided in the outmost chain link by twisting the head portion and pushing it into the end portion of the chain link. When the notches are engaged in the slits the transverse rod is fixated such that it will not move sideward in relation to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt.

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: 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: 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 conveyor chain includes a number of interconnected links. Each link includes a bearingless wheel assembly that has a simple structure and a wheel made of a special wheel material that is suitable for use as a conveyor wheel material in a corrosive environment. The bearingless wheel assembly includes a wheel having a center bore, a hub extending through the center bore of the wheel and having a flange, and a retainer for engaging the hub to secure the wheel between the flange and the retainer.

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting parcel goods and the like over a track comprises a frame and an endless conveyor belt comprising a transport portion and a return portion, which is supported by the frame and which is driven by a driving device. The conveyor belt is provided with a number of elongated (in transverse direction), substantially rigid supporting elements, which are directly or indirectly interconnected and which can pivot relative to each other at least about an axis parallel to the plane of transport and perpendicularly to the direction of transport. Movable cover flaps projecting from the supporting elements in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor are formed on at least a number of supporting elements, wherein the length dimension of the flaps is such that each is capable of covering at least one gap to an adjacent supporting element.

Abstract: A chain (CA) comprises a plurality of link units (10), each including a pair of link plates (11) and a connection member (12) placed between the link plates (11) at one end of each link unit (10). The link plates (11) of one link unit (10) are connected end to end with the link plates (11) of another link unit (10) by a connecting pin (13) in such a way that the link units (10) are angularly displaced by 90 degrees from one link unit (10) to another as viewed along an extending direction of the chain (CA), whereby the successive link units (10) of the chain (CA) can be alternately bent in two different directions. The chain (CA) thus constructed can be bent and run in desired directions.