Abstract: A conveyor for possible use in transferring articles between two adjacent conveyors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the conveyor includes a pair of idler structures and a drive structure for collectively guiding and moving a conveyor belt or chain relative to a bed. At least one of the drive structure or idler structures is mounted or positioned so at to be capable of moving relative to the belt or chain to provide tensioning therefor. In another embodiment, a bed assembly including the chain or belt, the drive structure, and the idler structure is also substantially fully releasable from a corresponding base for servicing or clearing a jam. In either case, the conveyor may be driven using a slave drive associated with an adjacent conveyor.

Abstract: A matrix conveying system for intended use in sorting articles and related methods of conveying and sorting articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the matrix system comprises a plurality of first endless belt or chain conveyors extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conveyors extending in a second direction, each intersecting the plurality of first conveyors. The system may be used to sort articles delivered from one or more storage locations for distribution, or may instead be used to sort articles for delivery to one or more storage locations. In another embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of conveyors arranged in three different layers.

Abstract: An improved conveyor chain formed from a plurality of modular links arranged in rows and each associated with at least two elongated transverse connectors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the connectors define a substantially open, planar conveying surface intermediate of the links in each row. Each link in a first row includes apertures for receiving a first of the connectors extending through a slot in the links of an adjacent row, as well as a receiver having a closed end and an open end for receiving one end of a second one of the connectors. The chain with the connectors associated with each row is thus capable of side-flexing to negotiate curves or bends, as well as longitudinal compression/expansion, while at all times providing full and even article support.

Abstract: A conveyor for possible use in transferring articles between two adjacent conveyors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the conveyor includes a pair of idler structures and a drive structure for collectively guiding and moving a conveyor belt or chain relative to a bed. At least one of the drive structure or idler structures is mounted or positioned so at to be capable of moving relative to the belt or chain to provide tensioning therefor. In another embodiment, a bed assembly including the chain or belt, the drive structure, and the idler structure is also substantially fully releasable from a corresponding base for servicing or clearing a jam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conveyor chain including modular links interconnected by an elongated transverse connector rotatably supporting article engaging assemblies including rotatably mounted caps. In one embodiment, the caps are provided with a generally spherical outer surface and are mounted for rotation about an axis generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the connector. This arrangement thus allows for article conveyance with low backline pressure while facilitating the smooth and efficient diversion of an article in a direction generally transverse to the direction of chain movement through engagement with the caps. The chain may be of fixed length, or alternatively may be adapted to undergo side-flexing movement to negotiate curves or bends when driven in an endless path over a support structure forming part of a conveyor system, as well as longitudinal expansion and compression. One or more spacers may laterally offset the article engaging assemblies on alternating connectors forming the chain.

Abstract: A split sprocket assembly, related apparatus, and a method of mounting a sprocket to a rotatable structure, such as a drive or idler drum, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sprocket assembly is comprised of at least three sections or segments, each of which is secured to the adjacent section or segment by a fastener, such as a tangentially-extending bolt and nut combination. The sprocket assembly includes a plurality of receivers, each for receiving a key that corresponds to a keyway formed in the rotatable structure. In one embodiment, at least one of the keyways is truncated and, thus, extends only partially across the rotatable structure in the axial direction. A key substantially identical to the truncated keyway in length and width is placed therein, such that the sprocket is prevented from traveling or “walking” along the rotatable structure.

Abstract: A modular link conveyor system (10) for transporting articles is provided having a plurality of modular link sections (15) providing a support surface for the articles and wherein one or more rollers (30) are positioned in the underside of selected link sections (12) to provide support by rolling on a guide rail (25, 26) of the conveyor system (10). Each link section (12) includes at least one interengaging apex (13) and leg portion (14) having a matching hole (22) and slot (21) for receiving a transverse rod (20) to permit side flexing action. An enclosure (36, 37) for each roller (30) provides protective encapsulation along at least the two sides and substantially around the rolling face to prevent debris build up. Advantageously, at least one roller (30) is mounted in each side link section (13, 14) that also provides a depending arm (28) and transverse tab (29) for lateral guiding action. The link sections (15) are combined to form a composite link and a cover plate provides an extended support surface.

Abstract: A split housing for a sprocket in a conveyor system is disclosed. The sprocket includes a first, preferably upper portion that mates with a second, preferably lower portion to define a curved guide track for guiding a conveyor belt from a forward to a return run, or vice versa. The split nature of the housing allows for the removal of one portion, such as the upper portion, in a vertical direction without the need for moving the adjacent sprocket or guide rail. Hence, the other portion may remain attached to a stable structure used to support the conveyor system.

Abstract: An intermediate drive for a conveyor system is disclosed. The drive includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of spaced parallel drive sprockets gang mounted on a common drive shaft. In the preferred embodiment, each sprocket engages a separate conveyor belt to drive it in the same direction in an endless path along a conveyor guide rail. Each guide rail includes a recessed portion that preferably matches the contour of the corresponding sprocket. By juxtaposing each sprocket in the recessed portion, engagement between each drive sprocket and the corresponding modular link belt is made. The drive may also be used along a curved section of the conveyor system, in which case the drive sprockets have different diameters for driving the belts at different speeds, and the contour of the recessed portions correspond to the adjacent drive sprocket.

Abstract: A modular conveyor system having an improved side flexing conveyor belt and improved active guide rail is provided. One or more roller assemblies replace the passive inside or outside guide rails in a curved section of the conveyor system for reducing the drag force on the conveyor belt as it negotiates the curve. Pairs of articulated members interconnect roller assemblies and allow the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted. The improved side flexing conveyor belt includes side links having a curved skirt which bridges the gap between the side links, thereby providing a continuous bearing surface for smooth operation. The skirts of adjacent links engage each other in edge-to-edge contact to prevent the tendency to sag, as well as assisting the conveyor belt in ramping up and down and the retention of the conveyor belt along a return run.

Abstract: A modular link conveyor system for transporting articles is provided having a plurality of modular link sections providing a support surface for the articles and wherein one or more rollers are positioned in the underside of selected link sections to provide support by rolling on a guide rail of the conveyor system. Each link section includes at least one interengaging apex and leg portion having a matching hole and slot for receiving a transverse rod to permit side flexing action. An enclosure for each roller provides protective encapsulation along at least the two sides and substantially around 180° of the rolling face to prevent debris build up. Advantageously, a roller is mounted in each side link section that also provides a depending arm and transverse tab for lateral guiding action. The link sections are combined to form a composite link and a cover plate provides an extended support surface.

Abstract: An external guide assembly for reducing the frictional drag force acting on a side-flexing modular link conveyor belt, particularly along curves or bends in the conveyor system. The guide assembly is formed from one or more roller assemblies, each having first and second rollers that provide external bearing surfaces for the forward and return runs of the belt. The rollers prevent the belt from drifting to the inside of the curve, and thus serve to reduce the frictional drag force between the belt and the guide rail on the outside of the curve. To form the guide assembly, pairs of articulated members interconnect the roller assemblies and allow the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted for mounting along any curve. The rollers may optionally include a peripheral lip which provides additional support for the guide links of the belt.

Abstract: A modular conveyor system having an improved side flexing conveyor belt and improved active guide rail is provided. One or more roller assemblies replace the passive inside or outside guide rails in a curved section of the conveyor system for reducing the drag force on the conveyor belt as it negotiates the curve. Pairs of articulated members interconnect roller assemblies and allow the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted. The improved side flexing conveyor belt includes side links having a curved skirt which bridges the gap between the side links, thereby providing a continuous bearing surface for smooth operation. The skirts of adjacent links engage each other in edge-to-edge contact to prevent the tendency to sag, as well as assisting the conveyor belt in ramping up and down and the retention of the conveyor belt along a return run.

Abstract: A modular link conveyor includes a plurality of modular link assemblies made up of links of an improved design assembled to create a closely interdigitating conveying surface. The improved links eliminate undesirable gaps or openings in the conveying surface. Projecting fingers are provided for filling the openings between the legs of each link and also between adjoining links. The fingers aid in preventing the entry of any foreign objects in these openings. In a first alternative embodiment, the fingers are arcuate projections that extend across the legs adjacent to both openings. In a second alternative embodiment, the modular link assemblies carry a plate which forms the conveying surface. The plate is provided with alternating forwardly and rearwardly projecting fingers for filling the openings in the conveyor surface.

Abstract: A conveyor system has an upstanding integral I-beam guide rail of extruded plastic for use with a narrow width chain conveyor belt. The belt is formed from a series of modular links interconnected through an apex and spaced legs. The legs terminate in foot portions having inwardly projecting guide tabs for slidingly engaging integral outwardly extending upper and lower guide tracks of the guide rail. Each link may be provided with wings which serving to increase the conveying surface area. Split sprockets for engaging the narrow chain belt are releasably secured to the drive/idler shafts. Releasable end guide components, including a support plate and a split bushing, provide both a support and a bearing surface for these shafts. The I-beam may include separate extruded plastic guide tracks spaced and clamped in position by a series of clamping assemblies. A series of narrow chain belts positioned in a spaced relationship and driven by a single shaft provide multiple lane product flow.