Abstract: A thermoplastic toothed belt connector (10, 50) for making an endless belt (12) has two leaves (20, 22, 58, 60), adapted to be hingedly connected to each other by knuckles (28, 30, 60, 62) along one or more teeth (38, 52, 54). Each knuckle (28, 30, 60, 62) has a hole (42, 72) extending through tooth portions (39) so that when the holes (42, 72) are in the registry, a pin (32, 74) can be extended through the holes (42, 72) to form the hinge at the teeth (38, 52, 54). The leaves (20, 22, 58, 60) can be adjoined to the ends of a thermoplastic belt (12) to make the belt endless.

Abstract: A thermoplastic endless belt has a smooth outer surface substantially free of discontinuities and an inner surface with a plurality of teeth at a given belt pitch. The teeth are adapted to engage a sprocket with circumferentially spaced sheaves at a sprocket pitch greater than the belt pitch. The belt is slightly stretchable so that the sprocket can drive the endless belt when engaging the teeth within a range of load on the belt. The belt is preferred for use in conveyors in food processing industries where the smooth outer surface can transport food items and is easier to clean and keep free of impurities.

Abstract: A thermoplastic endless belt (100, 150) has a smooth outer surface (105) substantially free of discontinuities and an inner surface (108) with a plurality of teeth (108) at a given belt pitch (112). The teeth (108) are adapted to engage a sprocket (102, 152) with circumferentially spaced sheaves (104, 154) at a sprocket pitch (116) greater than the belt pitch (112). The belt (100, 150) is slightly stretchable so that the sprocket (102, 152) can drive the endless belt (100, 150) when engaging the teeth (108) within a range of load on the belt (100, 150). The belt (100, 150) is preferred for use in conveyors in food processing industries where the smooth outer surface (105) can transport food items and is easier to clean and keep free of impurities.