Abstract: A wheeled support assembly for conveyors includes a wheel assembly having an outer race, an inner race, a plurality of rolling elements positioned therebetween, and a support or bracket. The bracket defines a noncircular aperture in cross section, and the inner race defines a noncircular through bore in cross section. A support shaft having a headed portion extends through the inner race and into the bracket aperture. The support shaft has a noncircular in cross section outer surface which is engaged by the inner race and the bracket aperture to prevent relative rotation. The support shaft defines a threaded bore which receives a threaded fastener extending through the bracket aperture. The support shaft, inner race and bracket are dimensioned so that the shaft normally extends into but not through the bracket aperture, permitting convenient removal of the wheel without disturbing the support or bracket.

Abstract: A roller assembly primarily adapted for sanitary uses includes an amorphous thermoplastic roller tube and crystalline thermoplastic end caps. Each end cap includes a tapered hub and a radial flange. A plurality of tapered barbs are formed on the hub. The end caps and tube are mechanically interconnected by an ultrasonic insertion device which causes melting and resolidifying of the roller tube about the end cap. The roller tube is held and the end cap is guided to a concentric position by a clamp havig a pair of jaws which define a bore. The tube is clamped in the bore during insertion of the end cap.

Abstract: A relubricatable, double-row, rolling contact bearing having an outer race member, first and second inner race members positioned within the outer race member, first and second rows of balls positioned between the outer race member and the first and second inner race members, respectively, and a spacer positioned between the inner race members. Preferably, the spacer is a cylindrical body having an inner wall defining a lubricant reservoir and first and second faces defining grooves communicating with both the reservoir and the rows of balls or rollers. The faces further define recesses for receiving and aligning the inner race members with the spacer.

Abstract: A chain spraying apparatus includes a generally circular sprocket having a plurality of teeth secured thereto. A liquid supply tank is supported on the sprocket for rotation therewith. The tank and sprocket are supported adjacent a chain so that the teeth will engage the chain, causing the sprocket and tank to rotate. Spray nozzles are carried by the disc and positioned by the teeth. Each spray nozzle is connected to a mechanical pump which in turn is connected to the liquid supply tank. The mechanical pump includes a cam actuated plunger which reciprocates the plunger when the teeth engage the chain and rotate the sprocket. A flip-up flag indicator and an agitator are provided.

Abstract: A bearing assembly especially adapted for use as a trolley wheel for overhead conveyors. The assembly includes a multipart inner race in which one annular part, preferably machined from steel, bears the major loading on the assembly and the other annular part, preferably formed from sheet metal, bears only minor loading. The major load bearing inner race part extends on either side of the root diameter of the inner raceway and allows a full complement of balls to be inserted in place between the inner and outer raceways without heating and expansion, or contraction, or any other treatment of the inner or outer race parts. The minor load bearing inner race part is preferably clamped to the major load bearing part and provides a contoured extension of the major load bearing raceway for guidance and ball retention purposes.

Abstract: A trolley or carriage assembly for conveyors, including overhead and in-floor conveyors, in which the inner race of a wheel assembly, a shield or seal for the wheel, and a support for supporting a work piece to be transported by the trolley or carriage assembly are simultaneously locked against rotation with respect to each other and a supporting and retaining shaft by the non-circular outer circumference of the shaft and corresponding non-circular apertures of the inner race, shield or seal and support. Preferably the shaft is a hexagonal, headed bolt or rivet which may include a relubrication passageway for use in closed, sealed wheels. The assembly provides better load distribution, easier assembly in and disassembly from conveyors, and longer, more durable and wear-resistant operation, especially with stamped, sheet metal trolley brackets.

Abstract: A removable end cap closure member or welsh plug for bearing units is disclosed including a frangible knockout plug adapted to be broken out of the closure member with an impact tool to provide an aperture allowing removal of the closure member with a tool. In the preferred embodiment, the plug remains attached to the closure member by a bendable connecting neck which prevents lodging of the plug in the bearing unit.Also disclosed is a bearing assembly including the removable end cap closure member as well as a method for removing the closure member including pressing the knockout plug with a tool to provide an aperture in the closure member and prying and bending the closure member away from the bearing unit with a tool inserted in the aperture. A fixture for supporting a trolley wheel and trolley bracket assembly during installation and removal of an end cap closure member to and from such an assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bearing assembly especially adapted for use as a trolley wheel for overhead conveyors. The assembly includes a multipart inner race in which one annular part, preferably machined from steel, bears the major loading on the assembly and the other annular part, preferably formed from sheet metal, bears only minor loading. The major load bearing inner race part extends on either side of the root diameter of the inner raceway and allows a full complement of balls to be inserted in place between the inner and outer raceways without heating and expansion, or contraction, or any other treatment of the inner or outer race parts. The minor load bearing inner race part is preferably clamped to the major load bearing part and provides a contoured extension of the major load bearing raceway for guidance and ball retention purposes.

Abstract: A bearing assembly includes an outer race, an inner race, a plurality of rolling elements and a bellows seal. The seal includes first and second annular members having a sealing portion defining a groove within which a bead is slidably disposed. The sealing portion swivels on the bead and one of the members has a flexible membrane to accommodate axial and radial movement.

Abstract: The specification discloses a chain link assembly and chain incorporating same especially adapted for enclosed track-type conveyors. The assembly includes elongated link members each with chain pivot pin or fastener receiving openings at either end and spaced, rigid bridge means at two positions intermediate the ends and pin openings for spacing and supporting the link members. Preferably the bridge members include means for supporting a chain wheel support while the link member ends include curved surfaces with openings which are elongated to allow articulation of the assembly with respect to other link members in a chain. In one form, the link members are identical, each including one bridge member having an indexing tab received in the opposite link member to align the openings and keep the link members in registry.

Abstract: The specification discloses a chain link assembly and chain incorporating said assembly, the chain being especially adapted for use in enclosed track-type conveyors. The assembly includes a pair of identical, elongated link members fitted together and mating with one another. Each link member has chain pin or fastener receiving openings at either end and a bridge member adapted to engage, support, and space the opposite link member. One end of each link member at the same end of the assembly includes a curved surface with elongated chain pin receiving openings to allow articulation of the assembly at that one end. The opposite ends are planar.

Abstract: An improved chain bracket, and especially a trolley bracket, for use with overhead conveyor chains and a method for making same which provides an economical bracket having increased chain support strength. The bracket is stamped from sheet metal and includes a chain pad extending transversely across the bracket for engaging and supporting one link of a conveyor chain when mounted on the bracket. A reinforcing portion formed in one piece with and bent from the bracket sheet metal resists and substantially prevents bending of the chain pad under load. The method includes stamping the peripheral outline of the bracket from sheet metal, and bending the chain pad and reinforcing portion integrally and in one piece from the bracket sheet metal.

Abstract: An improved chain bracket, and especially a trolley bracket assembly for use with conveyor chains in overhead conveyor systems. The bracket and assembly parts are economically stamped from sheet metal and include strengthened, reinforced chain link supports or pads which resist bending and wear when under load. In one embodiment, the chain pads extend from one of either the chain bracket or a separate bracket attachment while the reinforcing member extends from the other of the chain bracket or bracket attachment. In another embodiment, the reinforcing portion extends generally in a plane perpendicular to both the chain pad and to the planar bracket portion from which the pad is formed. In this latter case, the reinforcing member may be either integral and in one piece with the chain bracket and pad or extend separately from the bracket attachment.

Abstract: An improved chain bracket, and especially a trolley bracket, for use with overhead conveyor chains and a method for making same which provides an economical bracket having increased chain support strength. The bracket is stamped from sheet metal and includes a chain pad extending transversely across the bracket for engaging and supporting one link of a conveyor chain when mounted on the bracket. A reinforcing portion formed in one piece with and bent from the bracket sheet metal resists and substantially prevents bending of the chain pad under load. The method includes stamping the peripheral outline of the bracket from sheet metal, and bending the chain pad and reinforcing portion integrally and in one piece from the bracket sheet metal.

Abstract: A sheet metal drive disc-pulley assembly adapted for driving rotation by a V-belt to drive a friction wheel such as that in a lawn mower or other mechanism using a drive assembly. Two of three, coaxial, circular pieces of sheet metal define a bearing pocket, which axially and radially locates a bearing unit, and a V-belt receiving groove which, in the preferred embodiment, is spaced outwardly and radially aligned with the bearing pocket for proper resistance to belt tension. The marginal edge of the generally planar, third piece is bent and clamped around the periphery of a conical brace extending from the flared edge of the V-belt groove on one of the first two pieces to form a radially extending friction wheel engaging disc.

Abstract: An eccentric boring tool and method of forming a bore off center from the central axis of a workpiece are disclosed. The tool includes a tool holder nonrotatably supported relative to a workpiece and an outer housing supported for rotation with the workpiece and rotation relative to the tool holder. An eccentric supported within the housing mounts a bearing which in turn supports the tool holder. The eccentric rotates with the housing causing the longitudinal axis of the tool holder to orbit about the longitudinal axis of the workpiece. An end mill cutting tool is supported in the tool holder. A plurality of discs are supported in the forward end of the housing. The discs engage the workpiece, lock the housing to the workpiece and cause the housing to rotate at the same speed as the workpiece.

Abstract: An improved chain bracket and especially a trolley bracket for use in overhead conveyor systems including a strengthened chain support structure. The bracket is stamped from sheet metal but includes chain support pads formed separately and secured to the stamped bracket by welding or the like. In one embodiment, reinforcing members back up at least some of the chain pads to resist bending and deformation when the pads support a conveyor chain link under load. Alternately, the chain pads can be bent in one piece from the bracket sheet metal and reinforced with separate rigid bars or triangular supports welded or otherwise fastened to the stamped bracket preferably intermediate upstanding marginal side edge flanges which help stiffen, rigidify and strengthen the bracket. The separate pads or reinforcing members can be made from harder, more wear resistant materials than the remainder of the bracket.

Abstract: An improved chain bracket, and especially a trolley bracket, for use with overhead conveyor chains and a method for making same which provides an economical bracket having increased chain support strength. The bracket is stamped from sheet metal and includes a chain pad extending transversely across the bracket for engaging and supporting one link of a conveyor chain when mounted on the bracket. A reinforcing portion formed in one piece with and bent from the bracket sheet metal resists and substantially prevents bending of the chain pad under load. The method includes stamping the peripheral outline of the bracket from sheet metal, and bending the chain pad and reinforcing portion integrally and in one piece from the bracket sheet metal.

Abstract: A roller assembly for use in gravity roller and power roller conveyors, especially those used in sanitary applications such as for food processing and the like. The roller assembly prevents contaminants from entrapment within the roller or associated parts and may be repeatedly washed or steam cleaned without corrosion or degradation. Preferably, wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, organic, polymeric plastic, bearing inserts are axially and rotationally retained by retaining means within openings in the opposite ends of a corrosion-resistant roller. At least one of the roller end opening or the insert at each end includes a bottom wall closing off the roller interior and providing a thrust resisting surface. Preferably, the inserts receive stainless steel support shafts which have rounded ends engaging the bottom wall to resist axial thrust on the roller.

Abstract: An improved chain bracket, and especially a trolley bracket assembly for use with conveyor chains in overhead conveyor systems. The bracket and assembly parts are economically stamped from sheet metal and include strengthened, reinforced chain link supports or pads which resist bending and wear when under load. In one embodiment, the chain pads extend from one of either the chain bracket or a separate bracket attachment while the reinforcing member extends from the other of the chain bracket or bracket attachment. In another embodiment, the reinforcing portion extends generally in a plane perpendicular to both the chain pad and to the planar bracket portion from which the pad is formed. In this latter case, the reinforcing member may be either integral and in one piece with the chain bracket and pad or extend separately from the bracket attachment.