Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt with a plurality of modules with interfitting link ends, connected by pivot rods has a rod-retention system with a slidable pivot rod hole blocking member which is inserted from the bottom of the outermost link end of an edge module and is captured in the edge module after insertion while being slidable to blocking and nonblocking positions. The modules are constructed with wide link ends for driving and narrow link ends to create multiple shear planes on one side and constant width link ends on the other side of the module, the constant width link ends being spaced to accommodate the wide and narrow link ends and there being a connecting structure between the link ends for stiffening.

Abstract: Wire stock for connecting rods is run through the nip of a pair of obliquely toothed rolls having teeth which taper from one face of the roll towards the other, and have a larger radius at the tip than along the portions flanking the tip. The angle of obliqueness matches the angle that a turn of a spiral wire will traverse the connecting rod. Round wire stock for the single-faceted spiral wires is run through the nip of a pair of rolls one of which has a cylindrical surface (i.e., a flat longitudinal profile), and the other of which has a circumferential groove with a slightly larger diameter than the round wire stock. As the wire is flattened on one side, its curved side is broadened. As the resultingly single-faceted round wire is wound into flattened spiral form, it is spatially orientationally guided, so that the facet becomes located facing outwards.

Abstract: A modular plastic turn belt has internal modules with link ends of varying shapes, a central body formed for high stiffness, large open area, and light-weight construction. Special edge modules with closer link end spacing and tapered pivot rod slots provide improved edge strength, load distribution, and collapsibility. A bi-directional pitch line drive from both surfaces is provided by a symmetrical drive barrel. Unique hold down arrangements, traction improved constructions, and rod retention arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: A spiral conveyor system utilizing an endless flat belt is disclosed. The belt travels in an endless path which includes a spiral portion. The belt is primarily driven in the spiral portion by a frictional engagement between the belt and a rotating driving element. The frictional engagement is enhanced by attaching friction increasing elements to the belt and driving element.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt is formed of a plurality of non-reversible modules having inter-fitting link ends connected together and hinged by pivot rods having a rod capturing arrangement at each end of the outermost link ends of end module assemblies which is a blocking member insertable into a slot in the widest and outermost link end with the flat surface of the blocking member facing the rod and a projection for cooperating with the rod hole for holding the blocking member in place but allowing it to be removed. The belt also has internal modules in addition to end modules and all modules are constructed such that the narrowest link ends of unequal width link ends are adjacent sprocket cavities but are offset in a direction of another link end to provide additional strength and rigidity.

Abstract: An endless conveyor belt is assembled of plastic modules having relatively open pintle slots receiving respective connecting rods. The product support surface of the belt is provided by closely-spaced ribs especially well-suited for conveying raw foods and small containers. For transferring product to or from the belt, a transfer plate made-up of closely-spaced, flat-surfaced fingers is provided. The belt is driven and guided by sets of polygonal sprockets having teeth which engage in cavities centrally located on the undersides of the respective belt modules.

Abstract: A spiral conveyor system utilizing an endless flat belt is disclosed. The belt travels in an endless path which includes a spiral portion. The belt is primarily driven in the spiral portion by a frictional engagement between the belt and a rotating driving element. The frictional engagement results from a combination of a tension induced in the belt by a secondary drive and a magnetic force between the rotating driving element and the belt.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt is formed of a plurality of non-reversible modules having inter-fitting link ends connected together and hinged by pivot rods having a rod capturing arrangement at each end of the outermost link ends of end module assemblies which is a blocking member insertable into a slot in the widest and outermost link end with the flat surface of the blocking member facing the rod and a projection for cooperating with the rod hole for holding the blocking member in place but allowing it to be removed. The belt also has internal modules in addition to end modules and all modules are constructed such that the narrowest link ends of unequal width link ends are adjacent sprocket cavities but are offset in a direction of another link end to provide additional strength and rigidity.

Abstract: Especially for modular conveyor belting that is capable of negotiating both horizontal curves and vertical ones, belt tension is spread across the belt using, for each respective set of interconnected links, a rod which can be cammed vertically against an inclined surface at a lateral margin of the belt as a horizontal curve is negotiated, thereby altering the distance between the links in the set. In various embodiments, the camming force is supplied by a conveyor bed rail surface provided in the turn, by the gravity force on at least one link in each set or by rotation of the rod. In preferred embodiments, the cam slots are relieved to facilitate cleaning. Even where horizontal turning is not required, some cammed adjustment is preferably provided, again to facilitate cleaning.