Abstract: A link belt is provided wherein the link belt is formed of a plurality of links forming a series of links in successive overlapping relation. The link belt includes a first end having a first connector and a second end having a second connector so that the first connector is connected with the second connector to form a continuous loop of link belt. The link belt is formed by applying a lateral force against the assembled link belt while the link belt is under an axial tension to stretch the belt. After the step of stretching the belt, the first connector is connected with the second connector to form a continuous belt.

Abstract: A mounting device connects a rotary shaft to a rotatable machine element. The mounting device includes an inner sleeve for clamping onto the shaft and an outer sleeve for clamping onto the machine element. The inner and outer sleeves have cooperating tapered surfaces for tightening the mounting device. The cooperating tapered surfaces include striations. A nut connected with the inner and outer sleeves is rotatable to drive the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve in a first direction to tighten the inner sleeve onto the shaft and the outer sleeve onto the machine element.

Abstract: A belt and belt connector is provided for forming a continuous belt loop. The belt connector includes a first element insertable into a first end of the belt and a second element insertable into a second end of the belt. The first element may include exterior threads for positively engaging the interior of the belt. Additionally, the belt connector may include a connecting link that connects the first and second elements so that the first and second elements are pivotable relative to one another. Additionally, the connecting link may be configured to that the first element is pivotable relative to the connecting link about a first pivot axis and the connecting link may be pivotable relative to the second element about a second pivot axis that is transverse the first pivot axis.

Abstract: A mounting device for coaxially anchoring a machine element upon a rotary shaft is provided. The device fits between the interior bore of the machine element and the cylindrical surface of the shaft and is effective to position the element at any desired position longitudinally of the shaft and at any angular position circumferentially of the shaft. The device has inner and outer sleeves, the mating surfaces of which are similarly tapered so that relative axial displacement of the sleeves affects expansion and contraction of the interior bore and external surface of the combined elements. Rotation of a threaded nut at one end of the device effects the relative axial displacement of the inner and outer sleeves to afford expansion and contraction of the sleeves without excessively straining the material of the sleeves or the nut.

Abstract: A mounting device for coaxially anchoring a machine element upon a rotary shaft is provided. The device fits between the interior bore of the machine element and the cylindrical surface of the shaft and is effective to position the element at any desired position longitudinally of the shaft and at any angular position circumferentially of the shaft. The device has inner and outer sleeves, the mating surfaces of which are similarly tapered so that relative axial displacement of the sleeves affects expansion and contraction of the interior bore and external surface of the combined elements. Rotation of a threaded nut at one end of the device effects the relative axial displacement of the inner and outer sleeves to afford expansion and contraction of the sleeves without excessively straining the material of the sleeves or the nut.

Abstract: A mounting device for coaxially anchoring a machine element upon a rotary shaft. The device fits between the interior bore of the machine element and the surface of the shaft and is effective to position the element at any desired position longitudinally of the shaft and at any angular position circumferentially of the shaft. The device has inner and outer sleeves, the mating surfaces of which comprise tapered surfaces so that relative axial displacement of the sleeves effects expansion and contraction of the interior bore and external surface of the combined elements. Rotation of a threaded nut at one end of the device effects the relative axial displacement of the inner and outer sleeves to afford expansion and contraction of the sleeves.

Abstract: A pulley assembly operable in connection with a tensioner assembly is provided for tensioning a belt. The pulley assembly includes one or more elements for sealing the pulley to protect the pulley assembly in harsh environments. For instance, the pulley assembly may include one or more shields for protecting the pulley from contaminants entering the interior of the pulley assembly that can lead to premature failure.

Abstract: A belt having stretch reduction features is provided, along with a method for producing a belt having reduced stretch characteristics. The belt is formed of a jacket and a stretch reduction element. The stretch reduction element is formed of a material having a greater modulus of elasticity than the jacket. Additionally, the stretch reduction element is formed by bathing the stretch reduction element to a reactive fluid in an oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A link belt for use as a conveyor belt or power transmission belt is provided. The belt is formed of a plurality of links forming a series in successive overlapping relation. The upper surface of each belt link includes an electrically conductive layer. Additionally, the lower surface of each belt link may have an electrically conductive layer. The conductive layer or layers provide an electrical path along the belt to impede the build-up of static electricity as the belt is run during use. A method for producing the conveyor assembly is also provided. A plurality of layers of reinforcing material are arranged in overlapping relation. A binding material such as thermoset urethane is deposited on the reinforcing material to bind the reinforcing materials together, thereby forming a composite material. An electrically conductive layer is deposited on the composite material, forming a conductive layer.

Abstract: An assembly for maintaining tension in a drive belt features a housing mounted on a base. The housing contains a biasing element that exerts torque on the housing to bias the housing in a radial direction. A lever arm is connected to the housing and rotates with the housing in response to the bias of the biasing element. A pulley is connected to the lever arm and engages a drive belt in response to the bias force of the biasing element on the lever arm. The pulley deflects the shape of the belt to provide tension in the belt. In one embodiment, the apparatus allows the user to switch the position of the biasing element and alter the direction of torque on the lever arm. In another embodiment, the lever arm and pulley are removable from the housing and replaceable with other arms and pulleys having different configurations.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly is provided, which includes a link belt formed of a plurality of overlapping belt links. A plurality of engagement elements are attached to the link belt to form an upper surface. In one embodiment, the link belt includes a plurality of apertures and the engagement elements comprises connectors that cooperate with the apertures to connect the engagement elements to the link belt. The upper surface of the engagement elements may be configured in a variety of forms. In one embodiment, the engagement elements comprise a protuberance that projects upwardly to form a point of limited contact.

Abstract: A link belt for use as a conveyor belt or power transmission belt is provided. The belt is formed of a plurality of links forming a series in successive overlapping relation. The upper surface of each belt link includes an electrically conductive layer. Additionally, the lower surface of each belt link may have an electrically conductive layer. The conductive layer or layers provide an electrical path along the belt to impede the build-up of static electricity as the belt is run during use. Further a method for producing the conveyor is provided. A plurality of layers of reinforcing material is arranged in overlapping relation. A binding material such as a thermoset urethane is deposited on the composite material, forming a conductive layer. The combined conductive layer and composite material are cured so that the conductive layer permanently bonds to the composite material.

Abstract: A belt for power transmission and for conveying elements is provided wherein the belt comprises a top layer attached to the top surface of the belt. The top layer provides a generally smooth top surface for the belt. The belt preferably is a link belt and the top surface of the belt comprises a bonding layer for adhering the top layer to the belt. The bonding layer may be a thermoplastic urethane that is heat fusible with the compressible layer to adhere the compressible layer to the belt. A method is also provide in which a top layer is adhered to a link belt and the top layer is then severed into a plurality of separate elements.

Abstract: A belt for conveying elements in provided wherein the belt comprises a compressible layer attached to the top surface of the belt. Preferably the compressible layer is resiliently deformable to cushion the impact of items on the belt or to provide a gripping surface. The belt preferably is a link belt and the top surface of the belt comprises a bonding layer for adhering the compressible element to the belt. The bonding layer may be a thermoplastic urethane that is heat fusible with the compressible layer to adhere the compressible layer to the belt.

Abstract: A belt for conveying elements in provided wherein the belt comprises a compressible layer attached to the top surface of the belt. Preferably the compressible layer is resiliently deformable to cushion the impact of items on the belt. The belt preferably is a link belt and the top surface of the belt comprises a bonding layer for adhering the compressible element to the belt. The bonding layer may be a thermoplastic urethane that is heat fusible with the compressible layer to adhere the compressible layer to the belt.