Abstract: The present invention is directed to a conveyor belt system for transporting materials by directly driving a conveyor belt. A plurality of continuous cables are disposed generally parallel one to the other. A continuous conveyor belt is disposed between the continuous cables which includes a plurality of unitary, open top, pocket-like receptacles for transporting the materials. The receptacles are located so that they extend above and below the plane of travel of the continuous cables whereby the materials can be transported within the confines of the receptacles in both a horizontal path of travel and a vertical path of travel, respectively, until the materials are conveyed to the point of travel where they are discharged from the conveyor system for further subsequent processing. This results in the continuous, uninterrupted transportation of the materials carried by the conveyor belt for extended periods of time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a conveyor belt system for transporting materials by directly driving a conveyor belt. This is accomplished by directly driving a plurality of clips attached at their inner end to the belt and securedly coupled at their outer end to a pair of continuous cylindrical cables. Even though the belt is directly driven, the subject conveyor system can effect continuous relative movement between the conveyor belt and cables, thereby compensating for differences in the respective lengths of said belt and cables and in the configuration of the respective drives. This is accomplished in great part by the novel construction of clips of this invention which is designed for facilitating secured engagement with the cables and effective and efficient movement of the conveyor belt. This results in the continuous, uninterrupted transportation of the materials carried by the conveyor belt for extended periods of time.