Abstract: A chain conveyor for the transport of mass flows of cigarettes or other rod-shaped commodities has a series of identical links which are articulately connected to each other by alternating vertical and horizontal chain pins. The upper portions of the vertical pins carry platforms having supporting surfaces for the commodities, and each vertical pin further carries roller followers serving to track vertically spaced-apart portions of a guide surface which can have one or more non-linear portions, such as convex portions. The leading and trailing portions of successive platforms are interdigitated in such a way that the supporting surfaces of neighboring platforms can be inclined relative to each other as well as that the supporting surfaces of neighboring platforms can turn relative to each other about the axes of the respective vertical pins. Portions of the horizontal pins can extend into a channel between the vertically spaced-apart portions of the guide surface.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt formed of a large number of plastic belt modules includes outer belt modules having integral sideplates. The sideplates are of heavier material and higher strength, for withstanding stress around the outside of curves and for withstanding edge wear in certain types of conveyor systems. In a preferred embodiment, each sideplate has a depending guide member which may include a hold down tab. In one embodiment, plastic connecting rods which serially connect belt modules are discontinuous in length, made up of several coaxial pieces which are held in place by press fitting at the outer ends. This enables the rod to be of high shear strength in areas of high pulling force, e.g. at the outside of a radius conveyor belt in a curve, but of lower strength extruded construction elsewhere.

Abstract: The invention concerns a slat conveyor in which the extension of the pitch due to the wear of a chain can be easily adjusted without performing the construction work required for conventional conveyors. In the conveyor, slat supporting members support slats adjacent to one another in a travelling direction. Each of the slat supporting members is provided with a first connection portion and a second connection portion for connecting the adjacent slat supporting members and the second connection portion of a succeeding slat supporting member overlaps the first connection portion of a preceding slat supporting member.

Abstract: A transport chain for transporting articles along a guideway includes a plurality of interconnected chain parts. The chain parts are provided with a roll body that allows the transport chain to roll along the guideway. The roll body projects through the underside of the respective chain part to rest upon the guideway. The transport chain can also be provided with accumulating rollers that allow the transport chain to continue moving below the transported articles if the articles should reach a temporary standstill.

Abstract: A chain for use in an article carrying conveyor includes a plurality of interconnected molded plastic chain link assemblies each having a planar top plate. A plurality of upper and lower tabs formed along the lower portions of the chain link assemblies function to guide the chain relative to a pair of guide rails of the conveyor frame while permitting free removal of the chain link assemblies from the guide rails at selected areas along the length of the conveyor and also restraining the chain between the guide rails at other portions of the conveyor such as at curves or vertical bends.

Abstract: Fork-shaped links on a conveyor chain allow the chain to follow sharp curves in a right angle to the plane of the links as well as allowing oscillation of adjacent links in the same plane as the links. Each link has a crosspiece and a pair of arms. A seat of articulation and oscillation having a central narrowing is positioned on the crosspiece. The crosspiece is inserted between the arms of an adjacent link, and a pin having a longitudinal flattening is inserted with the flattened portion facing the central narrowing, through holes in the arm, and through the seat.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt formed of rows of plastic belt modules pivotally interlinked by transverse pivot rods and specially adapted for following a curving conveyor path. The modules include a top, product-conveying surface and a bottom, sprocket-driven surface. A central elongate element extends across the width of each module transverse to the direction of belt travel. The elongate element is formed by a thin, corrugated strip forming a series of regularly spaced alternating grooves and ridges. Link ends extend outward from the ridges on each side of the corrugated strip. Each link end has a thick portion at the end of the link end distant from the corrugated strip. Transverse holes in the link ends are aligned to accommodate a pivot rod. When the link ends of 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.

Abstract: A conveyor belt which traverses a belt transport course that can include course turns wherein the belt traverses an arcuate path comprises a succession of link members formed as individual modules having a center body part and unitary forwardly and rearwardly facing finger sets at each of two opposite sides of the center body part. In traversing a turn, the belt shortens at a first side and lengthens at an opposite side. During a turn, tractive drive transmission for pulling a link member with a next preceding link member by way of a connecting rod passing through the two link members, the connecting rod being in tractive relationship with the rearwardly facing fingers of the preceding link member at only two locations, viz., at the rearwardly facing finger thereof most proximal the belt opposite edge, and at the rearwardly facing finger first alongside the preceding link member center body part at the side of the conveyor belt first edge.

Abstract: A conveyor such as a baggage carousel (10) includes indicia (40) fastened onto the baggage carrying panels (12) of the carousel (10). Each panel (12) includes a separate portion of the indicia (40) and a series of the panels (12) can produce one total picture such as for an advertisement. The indicia (40) can be a plastic material adhered to the panels (12) and protected by another transparent sheet (42). Spacers and protective tape (36,44) are placed along the panels to protect the indicia (40) from the movement of the plates (12) and the baggage placed onto the carousel (10).

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt formed of a large number of plastic belt modules includes outer belt modules having integral sideplates. The sideplates are of heavier material and higher strength, for withstanding stress around the outside of curves and for withstanding edge wear in certain types of conveyor systems. In a preferred embodiment, each sideplate has a depending guide member which may include a hold down tab. In one embodiment, plastic connecting rods which serially connect belt modules are discontinuous in length, made up of several coaxial pieces which are held in place by press fitting at the outer ends. This enables the rod to be of high shear strength in areas of high pulling force, e.g. at the outside of a radius conveyor belt in a curve, but of lower strength extruded construction elsewhere.

Abstract: A chain-link conveyor comprising a plurality of chain links hinged together by transversely extending hinge pins disposed in traction eyes. A top plate of each chain link is provided with fingers and recesses disposed between the respective fingers at both a front edge and a rear edge, as viewed in a direction of movement of the conveyor. The fingers are staggered with respect to each other so that the fingers and recesses on adjacent links are adapted to engage with each other. An additional finger is disposed substantially centrally of the chain link in the front edge, as viewed in the direction of movement of the conveyor and the corresponding central recess is provided in the rear edge of an adjacent link. The chain links may be injected moulded plastic links or links blanked from sheet metal.

Abstract: A turn conveyor system includes a plurality of friction-reducing members disposed along at least the inner edge of the belt to minimize the friction between the belt and the conveyor frame. The members are formed, in whole or in part, from a plastic material having a coefficient of friction of less then 0.2 and may advantageously include raised vee-shaped portions adapted to remove debris from between the belt and the frame.

Abstract: A bi-directional short radius turn conveyor belt includes a longitudinal succession of spaced rods transverse to the belt transport course, these rods being interconnected with lines of links, the link lines including outboard such lines at the belt sides and inboard link lines spaced inwardly from the belt sides. The inboard links have a first pitch and the outboard links a larger pitch so that in straight line travel, the links of the inboard lines are tractive and those of the outboard lines non-tractive and partially collapsed. In following a turn course, the links of the inboard line of such remote from the turn side will be tractive and those of the inboard line nearest the turn partially collapsed. In the turn, the links of the outboard link line at the belt outer side or one remote from the turn side will expand and those at of the turn side link line will collapse.

Abstract: A conveyor system (10) is manufactured or retrofitted to include porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22). The porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22) may have decorative designs (30). The pallets (22) are secured to pallet support members (16) that have wheels (18) secured to them. The pallets (22), support members (16) and wheels (18) travel along wheel tracks (14) that form an endless path under the influence of a motive force. Airport luggage carrousels may be retrofitted to include porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22) by removing the existing panels, fabricating porcelain enamel steel pallets (22) that are approximately the same size the previously used panels and then fastening the porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22) to the carousel (10).

Abstract: A conveyor is made up from a plurality of module bodies 11. The body 11 includes a restraining member 18 having a portion 20 which extends downwardly from the middle of the body 11 under portion 19 which extends outwardly to either side from the lower end of the portion 20. The restraining member 18 co-operates with a sleeve 23 of a fixed guide member 22 to resist movement to the left (when seen in the Figure) or upwards movement of the conveyor portion when the portion undergoes a left hand turn as illustrated schematically by the arrow B.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt, formed of plastic modules having rows of first and second projections extending in opposite directions, is adapted to optionally receive one or more rollers for reducing backline pressure on the belt. The rollers are positioned directly on the connecting rods which extend transversely through the belt, by occupying positions where projections in a row of projections would otherwise occur. A module having one or more of such openings or voids may be a part of a set of component modules, some having voids for receiving rollers and some not having such voids. A belt may be formed of mixtures of said modules, with or without any rollers on the belt. In one preferred embodiment the modules are for a radius type conveyor, with the second projections having elongated, slotted openings to allow the modules to angularly collapse together at curves.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt with a plurality of modules with interfitting link ends, connected by pivot rods has a rod-retention system with a slidable pivot rod hole blocking member which is inserted from the bottom of the outermost link end of an edge module and is captured in the edge module after insertion while being slidable to blocking and nonblocking positions. The modules are constructed with wide link ends for driving and narrow link ends to create multiple shear planes on one side and constant width link ends on the other side of the module, the constant width link ends being spaced to accommodate the wide and narrow link ends and there being a connecting structure between the link ends for stiffening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying advertisements on conveyors that includes posters which are made out of suitable materials, are shaped and printed with the desired advertisement, are set in place by adhesion to the belt-plates forming the conveyor belt, and then are specially cut and perforated as required, so that the posters: a) properly carry advertising messages on conveyors; b) conform to any shape of conveyors; c) stay smoothly adhered to any top surface of the belt-plates; d) endure damage from objects transported by the belts; e) are precisely cut, when applicable, along the contours of adjacent belt-plates to allow free rotation on curved tracks; f) have small strategic holes, when applicable, to allow free maintenance access to fasteners in the belt-plates; and g) are easily installed, displayed, replaced and removed without ever interfering with the operation and maintenance of conveyors.

Abstract: A bend segment for a chain conveyor having a substantially U-shaped plastics element. The legs (2,3) of the U-shaped element form the rails over which the chain can move. The chain contains links (4) each having a substantially rectangular bearing surface and a connection system (5,6) located below the bearing surface. The successive links are pivotally coupled to each other through the connection systems. The links are composed of at least partly of a magnetizable material. Permanent magnets (8',8") are arranged at least in the connecting portion (12) between the legs of the U-shaped element. The permanent magnets (8) are arranged in chambers, closed at the top, formed in the bottom surface (1) of the U-shaped plastics element. The chambers and the magnets (8) extend in the bottom on opposite sides of the connecting portion over a substantial part of the width of the legs (2,3) of the U-shaped element.

Abstract: An overlay for use in a conveyor system having at least one ware transport section and made up of a succession of overlays for transporting articles, wherein each overlay is supported and moved along by a belt of spaced rod members extending transversely of the direction of travel of the belt. Each overlay includes a plurality of laterally spaced substantially longitudinally disposed longitudinal members and a plurality of transversely disposed connecting means each connecting adjacent ones of the longitudinal members. Adjacent ones of the connecting means connect opposite end portions of the longitudinal members forming a plurality of alternating oppositely opening nestable segments, giving the overlay a zig-zag shape, which allow nesting thereof overlays immediately ahead and behind it on the belt. Each of the longitudinal members have a first and second support means which are opposed and longitudinally spaced from each other.

Abstract: In an air treatment plant, an endless conveyor belt travels in a helical path over a part of its length. The conveyor belt comprises a bottom consisting of transverse rods and a wire netting, and side plates fixedly connected in pairs with two rods so as to form, together with these rods, a link, which is movable relative to adjoining links about two axes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the belt and situated one in the plane of the bottom and the other perpendicular thereto. The wire netting consists of zig-zag wires, each of which encloses not only the two rods of one link but also one adjacent rod of the adjoining link. Furthermore, the ends of each wire are fixed to one of the two rods of the associated link.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt formed of a large number of plastic belt modules includes outer belt modules having integral sideplatges. The sideplates are of heavier material and higher strength, for withstanding stress around the outside of curves and for withstanding edge wear in certain types of conveyor systems. In a preferred embodiment, each sideplate has a depending guide member which may include a hold down tab. In one embodiment, plastic connecting rods which serially connect belt modules are discontinuous in length, made up of several coaxial pieces which are held in place by press fitting at the outer ends. This enables the rod to be of high shear strength in areas of high pulling force, e.g. at the outside of a radius conveyor belt in a curve, but of lower strength extruded construction elsewhere.

Abstract: A conveyor includes a track having at least one arcuate section, and a conveyor chain. The track comprises a pair of spaced apart track portions, each including a generally vertical guide surface. A first one of the guide surfaces defines the inside of an arcuate path and the other one of the guide surfaces defines the outside of the path. The conveyor chain is constructed and arranged for traversing the path and comprises a plurality of links, each of which has a first pivot eye at one end thereof and a pair of pivot eyes at the other end thereof and complementary to the first pivot eye. Pins couple the pivot eyes of pairs of adjacent links for pivotally connecting the same. Each link engages the first one of the surfaces as the chain traverses the path to generate reaction forces acting on each link and having an average line of action intersecting the first one of the surfaces.

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 conveyor has a plurality of overlapping modules having horizontal and vertical flexibility while forming a tight surface which are provided by chain links which include an articulated pivot which is connected by a spring to a module lug.

Abstract: An integrally molded module for forming a conveyor belt which receives a driving force from an intermeshed sprocket is disclosed. Each of the modules is suitable for being pivotally assembled and disassembled with a multiplicty of similar modules by pivot rods to construct the conveyor belt. More specifically, the pivot rods can be removed in a non-destructive manner such that they are suitable for reuse. Each of the modules includes first and second pluralities of link ends, each of which define a pivot hole and are aligned to form first and second pivot axes. The link ends of each of the modules are joined by an integrally molded connecting structure which maintains and joins the relative position of the elongated links with respect to each other. One or more stop members are also integrally molded in close proximity to the outermost link ends of one of the pluralities and partially obstructs the insertion of a pivot rod into the aperture defined in the outermost link.

Abstract: A conveyor belt and conveying system designed to operate about lateral curves is disclosed. The conveyor belt is comprised of transverse rods interconnected by links disposed along opposite transverse edges of the belt. When the belt proceeds about a lateral curve, the pitch along the inside edge of the curve is kept substantially the same as in straight line motion, while the outside edge of the belt is allowed to expand to a second greater pitch. In one embodiment support links are disposed along the inside edge of the belt and provide support for the inside edge of successive tiers of the belt as the belt travels a helical path. A specific link construction which uses a worked hardened bearing surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: An overlay apparatus for use in a conveyor belt which extends in a first direction and which includes a plurality of transverse rods extending between opposed edges of the belt. The overlay apparatus includes an overlay body bent at regularly spaced intervals to form a sinuous configuration with generally straight interior portions extending from respective curved end portions. The overlay body is bent so that the curved end portions thereof are aligned along a pair of spaced generally parallel lines.

Abstract: An improved conveyor belt and an improved capstan coact to yield a spiral conveyor having a reduced lateral turning radius. Power transmission from the capstan to the conveyor is increased by projections on the inner edge of the belt that cooperate with grooves on the peripheral surface of the capstan. The projections have a cross section in the form of half a teardrop to facilitate disengagement from the rotating capstan. The grooves are longitudinally formed in bars disposed in parallel about the periphery of the capstan. The bars are inclined such that the grooves are generally parallel to the relative motion of the belt inner edge and the capstan peripheral surface. The conveyor belt is further provided with a central tension fibre comprising a plurality of longitudinally disposed interconnecting links, each in the form of an asymmetrical clevis, specially adapted to transmit power from the capstan driven inner edge of the conveyor belt to the dragging outer edge.

Abstract: The injection-moulded links of an endless conveyor belt (4), especially designed for moving products through a treatment unit, comprise a number of flat link portions (8) with recesses (10) defined by pulling arms (9), said link portions (8) having slits (12) and said recesses (10) being adapted to receive link portions of an adjacent link so that a pivoting pin (7) passing through the pulling arms and the slits can connect both link portions. Preferably at least one semi-circular end wall of the slits of the uttermost link portions is at an angle that corresponds to the curvature radius of the drums of the conveyor wherein the conveyor belt is to be mounted.

Abstract: A chain link conveyor which includes chain links and a curved section as well as an interacting arrangement in the shape of a longitudinally extending profile in the curved section, and downwardly extending parts on the chain links so that interacting slanting surfaces are provided. The interacting slanting surfaces permit the chain to be automatically held down in a correct plane during a passage of the chain links through the curves. A free passage is provided so as to enable the chain links to be lifted free of the track as soon as the chain link conveyor is stopped.

Abstract: A chain link has load-carrying wheels and at least one guide wheel, and the axis of rotation of the load-carrying wheels intersects the axis of rotation of the guide wheel at a single point.

Abstract: An integrally molded module for forming a conveyor belt which receives a driving force from an intermeshed sprocket is disclosed. Each of the modules is suitable for being pivotally assembled and disassembled with a multiplicity of similar modules by pivot rods to construct the conveyor belt. More specifically, the pivot rods can be removed in a non-destructive manner such that they are suitable for reuse. Each of the modules includes first and second pluralities of link ends, each of which define a pivot hole and are alinged to form first and second pivot axes. The link ends of each of the modules are joined by an integrally molded connecting structure which maintains and joins the relative position of the elongated links with respect to each other. One or more stop members are also integrally molded in close proximity to the outermost link ends of one of the pluralities and partially obstructs the insertion of a pivot rod into the aperture defined in the outermost link.

Abstract: A belt-like conveyor including at least two continuous chains which are parallel to one another and driven by sprocket wheels. The chains have a number of overlapping chain links and a number of carrying bars which are disposed transversely to the chains to which the end pieces of the bars are also connected. The end pieces of the bars also function as pins for the chain links while penetrating two of the latter and the remaining part of the carrying bars between the two end pieces serve as a carrying area of the conveyor. The carrying bars extend over the top of the chain links toward the exterior and end portions of the carrying bars are U-like bent toward the bottom and toward the inside and penetrate the chain links from the exterior, which permits an unimpeded lateral sliding on and off of pieces and which provides an enlarged carrying area and which is also suited for conveying heavy pieces while developng only a low surface pressure.

Abstract: A conveyor system utilizing a plurality of modular links mounted by a plurality of transverse cross rods that retain the links together, forming the conveyor belt. The modular links include a plurality of apex portions, a plurality of leg portions extending therefrom and a plurality of foot portions. The apex portions include an elongated slot receiving the cross rod to allow longitudinal freedom of movement to the conveyor belt. The modular links further include side link portions that are adapted to engage conveyor guide rails integral with a support frame. Each side link portion is formed by including a depending arm having a transversely extending tab. A locking tab including resilient prongs is placed within a corresponding slot in each side link to retain the cross rod. Side rails attached to side rail brackets are provided adjacent the peripheral edges of the conveyor belt to maintain the transported product on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A conveyor chain link which includes a lower part and a top plate which are all integrally molded as a plastic unit. The top plate includes a part extending in a direction of travel, with the part being offset a distance of the top plate and the chain link being mirror symmetrically constructed about a vertical plane in a direction of travel of the conveyor chain link.

Abstract: An overlay for use in a conveyor system having at least one ware transport section and made up of a succession of overlays for transporting articles, wherein each overlay is supported and moved along by a belt of spaced rod members extending transversely of the direction of travel of the belt which slides upon at least one rail. Each overlay includes a upper overlay surface upon which articles are supported. The upper overlay surface has an overlay leading portion with a leading edge and a trailing portion with a trailing edge.

Abstract: A conveyor having a carrying surface formed by rollers (12, 13) which are freely rotatably mounted on bars (5) extending transversely between the links (3, 4) of side chains (1, 2). The chain links (3, 4) are slidable one into another to enable the inside-bend chain (2) to temporarily contract when moving through a bend. The rollers (12) of a plurality thereof are mounted next to each other on each roller-carrying bar (5).

Abstract: Carbon or inorganic fibers are wound up cylindrically so as to have numerous intersections to each other. They are bound integrally to each other at points including their intersections to form cylindrical component parts which may be used within an extremely high-temperature furnace, such as when used as parts of belt conveyors and trays for carrying articles to be treated within the furnace. The cylinders thus made are comparatively thin and extremely light in weight, while they are afforded with a tensile strength sufficiently high enough to stand against loads exerted thereupon in the furnace.

Abstract: A set of rail facing strips is provided for use with an article carrying conveyor system, the facing strip set comprising a rail facing member for affixing to opposing conveyor guide rails for establishing at least one section of said conveyor where a conveyor chain is relatively freely removable from the conveyor raceway in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of said conveyor, said rail facing member being characterized by a first leg for covering at least a pair of outer surfaces of said guide rail, said facing member also having a second leg joined to said first leg at substantially a right angle thereto, said second leg for extending into said raceway and substantially covering inner edges of said guide rails, said second leg being dimensioned and shaped along its length so as to clear a channel formed in said chain, whereby said second leg permits said body to move transversely out of said raceway without inner tabs found in said chain engaging a portion of said second leg to re

Abstract: The stability and robustness of a curved apron conveyor comprising a plurality of plate members, engaging with one another at their adjacent side edges with hinge eyes, connected to one another by way of hinge pins and having guiding surfaces cooperating with stationary guide rails, is improved by arranging the guiding surfaces off-center of the plate members in relation to the conveying direction.

Abstract: A spacer plate for a conveyor belt having transverse rods and support links. The spacer plate has a longitudinal portion having upper and lower sections, a pair of tab portions extending in opposite transverse directions from upper ends of the upper section, and a pair of through holes through lower ends off the lower sections for receiving ends of the transverse rods. The lower section has a member extending generally out from the plane of the upper section and bent to define a C-shape in a member plane perpendicular to the plane of the upper section. The C-shape member has a pair of arms through which the through holes pass.

Abstract: A conveyor belt designed to operate about lateral curves is disclosed. The conveyor belt is comprised of transverse rods interconnected by links disposed along opposite transverse edges of the belt. The links along at least one transverse edge are dual pitch links. The links along the other transverse edge are preferably U-shaped single pitch links for connecting adjacent rods. When the belt proceeds about a lateral curve, the pitch along the inside edge of the curve is held the same as in straight line motion, while the outside edge of the belt is expanded to a second greater pitch by pivoting motion of the dual pitch links. In one embodiment single pitch links and support links are disposed along the inside edge of the belt to provide support for the inside edge of successive tiers of the belt as the belt travels a helical path. A specific link construction which uses a work-hardened curved bearing surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A freezer includes an insulated enclosure for maintaining low temperatures therewithin and a conveyor belt that carries food products throughout the enclosure. The conveyor belt includes a straight-line path section and at least one helical path section and is driven by vertical drive elements carried by a rotating drum about which the conveyor helical path section is located. Upon entering a helical path section from a straight-line path section, the conveyor belt undergoes expansion only, with the inner ends of its transverse rods maintaining a precise spacing which allows smooth interengagement between heads at the inboard ends of the rods and the leading surfaces of the vertical drive elements that are located along the circumference of the rotating drum which defines the curved helical path. Because of the improved arrangement, both an ascending helical path and a descending helical path can be established within a single freezer with both rotating drums simply driven by a single motor.

Abstract: A conveyor belt and conveying system designed to operate about lateral curves is disclosed. The conveyor belt is comprised of transverse rods interconnected by links disposed along opposite transverse edges of the belt. When the belt proceeds about a lateral curve, the pitch along the inside edge of the curve is kept substantially the same as in straight line motion, while the outside edge of the belt is allowed to expand to a second greater pitch. In one embodiment support links are disposed along the inside edge of the belt and provide support for the inside edge of successive tiers of the belt as the belt travels a helical path. A specific link construction which uses a worked hardened bearing surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular plastic belt which can be constructed to have any length or width, and which can flex horizontally in any direction is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, each of the modules forming the belt includes a multiplicity of elongated links extending between first and second pluralities of link ends. At least one of the link ends on each elongated link defines an elongated pivot aperture, and in the preferred embodiment both apertures on each link are elongated. The elongated links are joined together by a pair of transverse connecting structures integrally formed with the bottom and top surfaces of the elongated links. The pair of transverse connecting structures are located such that the end-most portion of a link end of a first module pivotally connected to the first pluralities of link ends of a second module can simultaneously move past the end-most portion of a link end of a third module pivotally connected to the second plurality of link ends of the second module.

Abstract: An all-plastic conveyor belt of the type that is collapsible on curves is used in a low tension system, progressing in a helical path around a drive cage or tower. The modules making up the belt have end members with recesses for receiving the heads of plastic rods which hold the modules together. The heads are thus recessed and will not wear against bars or other components of the drive cage or tower of the low tension system. The end members of the belt modules in one embodiment are slightly concave for better conforming to the surfaces of the driving tower or cage.

Abstract: A conveyor belt chain comprises identical links, preferably made of acetal. Each link has a cylindrical head (2) and two legs (3) extending in "V"-form from the head. Between the outer ends of these legs the head (2) of a next adjacent link is coupled for relative movement of the links in horizontal and vertical planes. A part-cylindrical sleeve (10) of a material differing from that of the links is rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical head (10) and provided with external, diametrically opposed bearing surfaces (12) for engaging bearing surfaces (15) on the legs (3), said bearing surfaces extending in right angle to an axis perpendicular to the axis of the head. The sleeve (10) eliminates direct contact between the links with accompanying friction problems in their relative rotation.

Abstract: An article carrying chain includes a plurality of interconnected molded plastic chain link assemblies each having a planar top plate. The chain link assemblies are interconnected so as to permit articulation between adjacent links around orthogonal axes. The potential for wear or breakage between adjacent links is reduced by beveling at least one of the mating edges between the top plates of adjacent links. Product kick-up is avoided by rounding the upper surface of each top plate along its leading and trailing edges. The underside of each link assembly is shaped so as to be engageable by either side of a sprocket tooth to thereby permit the sprocket to drive the chain in either of two directions. A plurality of upper and lower tabs formed along the lower portions of the chain link assemblies function to stabilize the chain relative to a pair of glide rails while permitting free removal of the chain link assemblies from the guide rails.

Abstract: A chiller has an insulated enclosure for maintaining the low ambient temperatures therewithin. A conveyor belt carries food products throughout the enclosure, passing through an entrance and an exit in the enclosure. The conveyor belt includes a straight-line path section and a helical path section, and is driven by a suitable drive, such as an internal rotating drum or an endless drive belt contacting a bottom tier of the conveyor helical path section. The belt includes inner and outer links interconnected by transverse rods. Upon entering a helical path section from a straight-line path section, the conveyor belt undergoes expansion only, with the inner ends of the rods undergoing only slight relative angular movement, while the outer ends of the rods are permitted an amount of relative longitudinal movement so as to allow the conveyor belt to assume a curved configuration having the desired radius of curvature for the helical path.