Abstract: A module for forming a conveyor belt which uses the center transverse connecting member to receive a driving force from an intermeshed sprocket is disclosed. Each of the modules is suitable for being pivotally connected with a multiplicity of similar modules by pivot rods to construct a conveyor belt. Each of the modules includes a plurality of elongated links which extend the length of the module and which define a pivot hole at each end which are aligned in the module to form first and second pivot axes. The elongated links of each of the modules are joined by an integrally molded connecting structure which extends transvers to the elongated links so as to maintain and join the relative position of the elongated links with respect to each other. The transverse member or connecting structures further define driving surfaces on opposite sides for receiving a driving force to move the module and the belt constructed from a multiplicity of the modules in two selected and opposite directions.

Abstract: An accurately tracking belt with a large amount of open area is disclosed. The belt is made of integrally molded plastic modules connected end-to-end and may be connected side-by-side preferably in a bricklayed fashion to form a conveyor belt. Each of the modules includes a plurality of links spaced apart by a selected distance. Each of the links themselves include an elongated member which extends between and joins first and second groups of link ends. A cross member is integrally molded with the links to maintain the links in the particular spaced relation and to maintain the pivot holes defined in the link ends of each link in alignment such that a multiplicity of the modules may be pivotally connected by pivot rods to form a belt.

Abstract: Readily attachable and detachable apparatus for coupling the drive shaft of a modular plastic screw conveyor with a power source is substantially concealed and protected by the modular plastic screw conveyor. Plastic screw conveyor modules define a non-circular axial aperture suitable for sliding over a matching or cooperating non-circular full length drive shaft. The drive shaft itself also includes an axial non-circular cross-section recess at one end for receiving a cooperating journal plug. The journal plug is retained in the drive shaft by a resilient axial force such as provided by a spring under tension, and such that rotation of the journal plug causes rotation of the drive shaft which in turn causes rotation of the plastic screw conveyor.

Abstract: An integrally molded module for forming a conveyor belt which receives a driving force from an intermeshed sprocket is disclosed. Each of the modules is suitable for being pivotally assembled and disassembled with a multiplicity of similar modules by pivot rods to construct the conveyor belt. More specifically, the pivot rods can be removed in a non-destructive manner such that they are suitable for re-use. Each of the modules includes first and second pluralities of link ends, each of which define a pivot hole and are aligned to form first and second pivot axes. The link ends of each of the modules are joined by an integrally molded connecting structure which maintains and joins the relative position of the elongated links with respect to each other.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic coupling apparatus for use with a tug and barge tow includes a bumper frame which is pivotally carried by the tub. The bumper frame includes a bearing surface that is positioned to bear against the barge so that a load transfer between the tub and the barge occurs at the bearing surface. A magnetic coupling preferably in the form of a plurality of coil members is carried at the load transfer surface for developing a magnetic field which can form a connection between the barge and the tug. An electrical power source is carried by the tub for energizing the magnetic field and a powered guide comprising a powered sheave and a pair of lines extending from the sheave to the barge defines a steering mechanism for angling the bumper frame and tug with respect to each other when maneuvering to each barge while making up a tow of several barges, for example.

Abstract: An accurately tracking belt with a large amount of open area is disclosed. The belt is made of integrally molded plastic modules connected end-to-end and side-by-side preferably in a bricklayed fashion to form a conveyor belt. Each of the modules includes a plurality of links spaced apart by a selected distance. Each of the links themselves include an elongated member which extends between and joins first and second pairs of link ends. A cross member is integrally molded with the links to maintain the links in the particular spaced relation and to maintain the pivot holes defined in the link ends of each link in alignment such that a multiplicity of the modules may be pivotally connected by pivot rods to form a belt.

Abstract: A modular plastic belt which can be constructed to have any length or width, and which can flex horizontally in any direction is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, each of the modules forming the belt includes a multiplicity of elongated links extending between first and second pluralities of link ends. At least one of the link ends on each elongated link defines an elongated pivot aperture, and in the preferred embodiment both apertures on each link are elongated. The elongated links are joined together by a pair of transverse connecting structures integrally formed with the bottom and top surfaces of the elongated links. The pair of transverse connecting structures are located such that the end-most portion of a link end of a first module pivotally connected to the first pluralities of link ends of a second module can simultaneously move past the end-most portion of a link end of a third module pivotally connected to the second plurality of link ends of the second module.

Abstract: A conveyor belt composed of a plurality of interconnected modules, each of identical construction and end to end mateable. Each module includes a multiplicity of elongated parallel spaced link elements terminating in first and second link ends. An intermediate section between the link ends is of grid-like structure providing a box beam across the width of the module for structural strength. This intermediate section also includes angled surfaces which define sprocket recesses located midway between the pivot axes and which are adapted to mate with corresponding sprocket teeth of an associated sprocket wheel. These intermediate sprocket recesses provide the benefit of minimizing chordal action and scrubbing between the mating surfaces of the module and sprocket.

Abstract: A sprocket and a module for forming a heavy duty, smooth top, straight running conveyor belt which is easy to clean and which uses a center transverse tooth member to receive a driving force from an intermeshed sprocket is disclosed. Each of the modules is suitable for being pivotally connected with a multiplicity of similar modules by pivot rods to construct a conveyor belt. Each of the modules includes first and second pluralities of link ends which are aligned in the module to form first and second pivot axes. Each of the link ends have a topmost portion which has a width which is just less than the space between two adjacent link ends on the same module, such that when intermeshed with link ends of another module a continuous, flush, smooth top surface is provided. The pluralities of link ends of each of the modules are joined by an integrally molded smooth top connecting structure which includes a tooth member extending downward and parallel to the pivot axis.

Abstract: A module for forming a conveyor belt (22) having a high friction conveying surface and which is comprised of a plurality of identical modules (36, 38, 40, 42 and 44) preferably formed by injection molding is disclosed. Each module (36) has a top portion and bottom portion, and includes a plurality of elongated elements each of which has first pivot ends (36A) and second pivot ends (36B) formed integral with an intermediate section (54). Each of the plurality of pivot ends define pivot holes (62) which have axes (64 and 66) aligned such that the pivot ends of other modules may be pivotally connected by a pivot rod (46 and 50). Modules of a conveying belt include a device for receiving a driving force which is applied to the module orthogonally to the pivot axis and substantially parallel to a first plane defined by the first and second axis (64 and 66).

Abstract: More computer commands in multi-purpose programmable electronic computers are made with fewer keys in keyboard assemblies having therewith integrally located instruction indicia showing a key stroke sequence for selection of a large range of instruction commands. In achieving this the computer operates in at least two modes with one mode requiring two key strokes in mutually exclusive time sequence for each command entry. In a preferred embodiment, a single stroke mode is used for numerical entries and a third mode provides for facilitated alphanumeric entries for writing programs in a simplified form. The keys, strokes, and command instructions are cooperatively integrated by means of coded indicia which permits condensed display of a large range of the computer instructions available from a few keys so that reference to manual instructions is not necessary.

Abstract: Provision is made in programmable alphanumeric calculator systems to provide functional controls from the keyboard for setting up various keyboard operational modes so that fewer keys on the keyboard are necessary. Thus, computer control commands are initiated in a control mode for entries of the commands in response for two successive keystrokes. In particular the entry of a full set of twenty six alphabetic characters typically with fewer than twelve keys is achieved by providing a different operating mode than for the entry of numeric digits from the keys with a single keystroke. Accordingly the alphabetic characters are entered with two successive keystrokes from a subset of six or more keys in different embodiments.

Abstract: A keyboard system has a keyboard geometric arrangement enriched in intersections of three keys achieved by offsetting or staggering adjacent keys. This provides a greater number of choices from a given number of keys actuable manually one, two or three at a time. The key layout permits touch typing with one hand where twelve keys provides fill alphanumeric capabilities. Finger positions conform with human hand structure and include raised ridges for identifying some of the fingerstroke key selection locations. Thus, accurate high speed typing with either hand is feasible in a telephone dial space frame. The keyboard communicates by an X by Y communication channel matrix or telephone system compatible tone signals with computers, telephones, teletypes and like utility devices. Program steps and function selection is afforded by a self-cataloged two (or more) keystroke sequence to reduce programming time and increase the number of selections possible per key.

Abstract: A conveyor belt composed of a plurality of interconnected modules, each of identical construction and end to end mateable. Each module includes a multiplicity of elongated parallel spaced link elements terminating in first and second link ends. An intermediate section between the link ends is of grid-like structure providing a box beam across the width of the module for structural strength. This intermediate section also includes angled surfaces which define sprocket recesses located midway between the pivot axes and which are adapted to mate with corresponding sprocket teeth of an associated sprocket wheel. These intermediate sprocket recesses provide the benefit of minimizing chordal action and scrubbing between the mating surfaces of the module and sprocket.

Abstract: A transmission or conveyor chain composed of a plurality of interconnected identical links which are attachable and detachable without need for pivot pins or other separate connecting hardware. Each link is preferably molded as a unitary structure of plastic material.

Abstract: A mold and process for integrally forming a modular helical shaped device such as a screw conveyor. The mold has a center operating axis (26) and includes a first section (20A) which forms a portion of the axial member (33). The first section (20A) also forms one of the helical surfaces (36A) disposed around the center axis (26) which has an amount of rotation no greater than 360 degrees. In a similar manner, a second section (20B) is adapted for reciprocating movement along the center axis (26) between an open and closed position with respect to section (20A). The second section (20B) forms the other one of the helical shaped flight members (41). Thus, the two mold sections define a substantially enclosed cavity having an elongated axial portion and a helical shaped flight portion with a selected cross-section that forms the helical shaped device.

Abstract: Apparatus for more efficiently pre-cooking and peeling cold water shrimp such as the species Pandalus borealis is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor for moving the shell-on or unpeeled shrimp up and out of a feeder tank. A perforated horizontal conveyor then carries the shrimp over a steam manifold with a multiplicity of apertures such that steam escapes from the manifold and rises through the perforated belt and surrounds the shrimp.A cooking chamber which completely encloses the horizontal conveyor except at the bottom, contains the lighter-than-air steam such that the raw shell-on shrimp are at least partially cooked by the surrounding steam. Since the lighter-than-air steam excludes all air from the cooking chamber, less oxidation of fats occurs and consequently a higher quality product is obtained.

Abstract: Alphameric electronic computers are made with fewer keys in keyboard assemblies for selection of a large range of input characters and instructions. To achieve this the computer and keyboard operates in two modes with one providing for example decimal digit processing from single keystroke entries and the other providing for example alphabetic character processing from two successive keystroke entries. The keys, strokes and instructions are cooperatively integrated by means of a visual display integrally located on the computer with coded indicia representing the entries and identifying the key or keys to be stroked and in the case of successive keystrokes representing the sequence of stroking. Accordingly reference to external manuals for computer operating or data entry instructions is rarely necessary.

Abstract: A screw conveyor composed of a plurality of modules mated end to end and of identical integrally molded construction. Each module is molded of a suitable plastic material and has integrally formed therewith a cylindrical body, a coaxially disposed tube within the body, and a web helically disposed between the coaxial tube and the cylindircal body. The module includes ends mateable with corresponding ends of like modules to provide a screw conveyor of intended length and which is rotatable as a single unitary structure. Each module may have a sheave integrally molded thereon for mating with a V-belt drive. Alternatively, the modules can be of open form each having a helical web molded on a central tube preferably having a non-circular and adapted for end to end mating with like modules to provide a screw conveyor of desired length. This open type of screw conveyor can be readily retrofitted to systems having conventional metal conveyor screws.