Abstract: A roller may have a roller cylinder having two ends and an axle assembly in at least one end of the roller cylinder. The axle assembly has an axle stub extending out from the roller cylinder and rotatably mounted therein by two spaced-apart bearings. In another aspect, an axle cartridge for a roller includes a sleeve having a length and having two ends and two bearings mounted in the sleeve, spaced-apart from each other. An axle stub is mounted in the bearings for rotation relative to the sleeve, the axle stub being configured to protrude from the sleeve. A roller may be manufactured by mounting an axle cartridge as described herein in each end of a roller cylinder.

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.