Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt of heavy duty construction has a solid top with closely fitted together interdigited link ends or projections on the modules for minimizing dropping of particles, liquids, etc. from conveyed objects through the belt. The link ends extending in both directions from the belt are sharply tapered, generally triangular in shape so as to expose large gaps between the link ends and a large proportion of each connecting rod when the belt modules travel around a sprocket, making the gaps and the connecting rods more easily cleaned. The spacing between adjacent link ends is wide, minimizing the number of link ends and thus the number of gaps for cleaning. In addition, the link ends and the connecting rods are relatively heavy in dimension, providing for high tensile strength in the conveyor belt. The belt is driven by engagement of sprocket teeth between the generally cylindrical barrels of the link ends, at the underside of each module.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt formed of a large number of plastic belt modules includes plastic connecting rods, serially connecting belt modules, which are discontinuous in length. The discontinuous rods are made up of several coaxial pieces held in place by press fitting at the outer ends. Integral sideplates are disclosed for plastic conveyor belts, eliminating the need for separate tension-accepting sideplates secured to the outside edges of radius belts.

Abstract: A method for transferring conveyed articles to and from a plastic conveyor belt involves a flat transfer plate positioned directly adjacent to the end run of a plastic open-link modular conveyor belt. The belt is of the type with interdigited projections of modules connected by transverse rods, and driven by sprocket wheels. Either a straight belt or a belt capable of travel around lateral curves can be used. For the smooth transfer of conveyed articles onto and off the belt, the plastic belt modules have arched upper surfaces, each defining a short segment of a cylinder, so that when the belt passes over a sprocket wheel or roller at the end run, the upper surfaces of adjacent modules define a smooth half cylinder. A fixed preferably fixed transfer plate is positioned against the defined cylindrical surface, at or slightly below the level of the belt's upper 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: 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 made of plastic modules capable of being integrally driven by sprocket wheels. The modules are elongated molded bodies having projections extending integrally from the opposite sides thereof. The projections of adjacent modules are interdigited and connected by rods. The modules are provided with cylindrical driving surfaces in transverse openings therethrough which openings are each aligned with a different projection on one side of the bodies. The combination of projections and driving openings provides a foraminous belt, upon interconnection of the modules, allowing free circulation of gases and liquids through the belt for processing of products carried thereby and for cleaning and sterilization of the belt. The belt may be adapted to traverse a curved path.