Abstract: Readily bendable and twistable rolling conveyor guides are provided. The guides include axle-positioning members that slidably engage channels of a structural support member. A plurality of axles carrying rotatable elements and spacers are disposed between the axle-positioning members. Certain embodiments include notches in the axle-positioning members. Certain other embodiments include unique cross-sections at the exterior of the channels. Advantageously, the assembled guides may be bent without causing distortion of the channels or interference between the axle-positioning members and the channels. In certain other embodiments, the support structures of the guides are constructed of flexible materials. The guides are thus readily twistable about longitudinal axes thereof.

Abstract: Chain guide assemblies for conveyor systems including matched chain guide strips and preassembled straps that interconnect and locate the chain guide strips in constant perpendicular spacing. In certain aspects, the matched chain guide strips are preassembled with the straps to form preassembled chain guide assemblies. The chain guide assemblies can describe straight segments as well as circle segments. The chain guide assemblies present a relatively open configuration to facilitate cleaning and servicing the chain guide assemblies and attached conveyor chains.

Abstract: A guide rail clamp comprises a first clamp half and a second clamp half, which when fastened together form a slot therethrough adapted to fit a cylindrical support rod or a flat rectangular support bar. The two halves of the clamp may be held together by a pair of bolts extending through a pair of threaded sleeved nuts, which securely grip the bolts when the two clamp halves are spaced slightly apart. In a preferred embodiment, two pegs extending from one clamp half into holes located in the second half help align and secure the grip of the clamp and minimize motion of the rail. To securely fasten the support rod or support bar inserted within the slot, a bolt may be used to bias the support bar or rod against the edges of the slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guide rail support bracket assembly for supporting a conveyor system guide rail through a support rod. The assembly includes a support bracket having a mounting segment configured to be mounted to a conveyor body. The support bracket is preferably formed by cutting and bending a generally flat metal plate. A support segment is connected at one end to the mounting segment and at another end, spaced from the mounting segment, to an angled clamping section. The support rod is clamped into the clamping section by an eyebolt that fits through a clamping hole formed in the angled clamping section. The eyebolt is drawn into the angled clamping section by a clamping knob.

Abstract: A flange bearing comprises a housing having a body with a reinforcing member encased therein. The housing provides strength and resistance to stress fracturing without the use of heavy materials, such as cast iron, or the use of ribs and recesses which can harbor contaminates. The bearing is preferably lightweight and easily cleaned. Also, a leveler constructed in accordance with the present invention provides similar advantages.

Abstract: A guide rail clamp comprising a first clamp half and a second clamp half, which when fastened together form a slot therethrough adapted to fit a cylindrical support rod or a flat rectangular support bar is disclosed. The two halves of the clamp may be held together by a pair of bolts extending through a pair of threaded sleeved nuts, which securely grip the bolts when the two clamp halves are spaced slightly apart. In a preferred embodiment, two pegs extending from one clamp half into holes located in the second half help align and secure the grip of the clamp and minimize motion of the rail. To securely fasten the support rod or support bar inserted within the slot, a bolt may be used to bias the support bar or rod against the edges of the slot.

Abstract: A guide rail support bracket assembly for supporting a conveyor system guide rail through a support rod. The assembly includes a support bracket having a mounting segment configured for mounting to a conveyor body. In one aspect, the support bracket is formed by cutting and bending a generally flat metal plate. A support segment is connected to the mounting segment and, spaced from the mounting segment, to an angled clamping section. The support rod is clamped into the clamping section by an eyebolt that fits through a clamping hole formed in the angled clamping section. The eyebolt is drawn into the angled clamping section by a clamping knob. In certain aspects, an extension segment is interposed between the mounting and the support segments to space the support segment further from a conveyor body. In other aspects, the support bracket and clamping sections are separate pieces pivotably joined by a fastener.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guide rail support bracket assembly for supporting a conveyor system guide rail through a support rod. The assembly includes a support bracket having a mounting segment configured to be mounted to a conveyor body. The support bracket is preferably formed by cutting and bending a generally flat metal plate. A support segment is connected at one end to the mounting segment and at another end, spaced from the mounting segment, to an angled clamping section. The support rod is clamped into the clamping section by an eyebolt that fits through a clamping hole formed in the angled clamping section. The eyebolt is drawn into the angled clamping section by a clamping knob.

Abstract: A clip designed for use in a conveyor system comprises an upper portion adapted to receive a wear strip and hold it firmly in place, a front portion having a J-shaped clamp adapted to grip to a supporting cross member, and a rear portion adapted for mounting on the cross member. The clip is securely mounted to the cross member and a wear strip is inserted into the upper portion of the clip where it is held firmly, such that the weight borne by the wear strip from the conveyor chain is thereby transferred to the supporting cross member. The clip is designed so as to accommodate varying thickness of cross members and to provide a squaring effect to resist lateral forces from the wear strips.

Abstract: A guide rail spacer is provided that can be adjusted among a plurality of predetermined fixed positions with respect to the guide rail which it supports. The spacer can also be secured when not in use such that it does not interfere with conveyor line operations while remaining readily available for use.

Abstract: A readily bendable rolling conveyor guide is provided. The guide includes axle-positioning members having notches. The axle-positioning members slidably engage channels mounted to a structural support member. A plurality of axles carrying rotatable elements and spacers are disposed between the axle-positioning members. Due to the notches in the axle-positioning members and the unique cross-section of the exterior of the channels, the assembled guide may be bent at small radii without causing distortion of the channels or interference between the axle-positioning members and the channels.

Abstract: A flange includes a housing having a body with a reinforcing member encased within the housing. The flange can be configured to house a bearing. The flange can alternatively be configured to act as a leveler for machinery. The flange is formed by a) preparing a mold for the housing, b) preparing a metallic band for insertion into a space in the mold, c) suspending the band within the mold, d) introducing a thermosetting material into the mold to encase the band, and e) cooling the thermosetting material.

Abstract: A guide rail splice sleeve provides for adjustable housing, gripping, and connecting of sequential guide rail segments. The device includes an elongated central member, first and second tension bars detachably connected to the central member at opposite ends thereof, and fastening elements for securely connecting the first and second tension bars independently to the central member. The independent connection of each tension bar to the central member permits sequential guide rail segments to be gripped or adjusted independently of the other. Additionally, the sleeve may include a hand tightening device so that the fastening elements may be adjusted without the need for tools. Also, the sleeve may include an extension for spanning any gap between non-abutting ends of adjacent guide rail segments.

Abstract: A guide rail splice sleeve device provides for adjustable housing, gripping, and connecting of sequential guide rails. The device includes an elongated central member, a first and second tension bar detachably connected to the central member at opposite ends thereof, and fastening elements for securely connecting the first and second tension bars independently to the central member. Advantageously the central member and tension bars have integral flanges to aid in support of the guide rails. The independent connection of each tension bar to the central member permits sequential guide rail segments to be gripped or adjusted independently of the other. Additionally, the sleeve may include a hand tightening device so that the fastening elements may be adjusted without the need for tools. Also, the sleeve may include an extension for spanning any gap between non-abutting ends of adjacent guide rail segments connected by the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guide rail support bracket assembly for supporting a conveyor system guide rail through a support rod. The assembly includes a support bracket having a mounting segment configured to be mounted to a conveyor body. The support bracket is preferably formed by cutting and bending a generally flat metal plate. A support segment is connected at one end to the mounting segment and at another end, spaced from the mounting segment, to an angled clamping section. The support rod is clamped into the clamping section by an eyebolt that fits through a clamping hole formed in the angled clamping section. The eyebolt is drawn into the angled clamping section by a clamping knob.

Abstract: A guide rail spacer is provided that can be adjusted among a plurality of predetermined fixed positions with respect to the guide rail which it supports. The spacer can also be secured when not in use such that it does not interfere with conveyor line operations while remaining readily available for use.

Abstract: A rail comprising a rail member and at least one plug is used to direct the flow of objects along a predetermined path of an assembly line or conveyor belt system or to support the weight of the objects thereon. In its preferred embodiments, a stainless steel member has a generally U-shaped cross-section and a polished outer surface which is of particular advantage for use with PET plastic products. One or more plugs provide structural integrity and prevent rotation of the rail member in a clamp of the rail guide support assembly which is used to grip the rail.

Abstract: A splice sleeve device provides for adjustable housing, gripping, and connecting of sequential guide rails. The device includes an elongated central member, a first and second tension bar located on opposite ends of the central member, and a first and second retention device to detachably secure the first and second tension bars to the central member, respectively. The dual retention device, accomplished by the first and second tension bars, allows a guide rail to be adjusted while the abutting sequential guide rail remains secure. In an additional embodiment, the sleeve is designed for use with a conveyor line having a radius turn. The sleeve has a shim that allows a guide rail to slide along a guide rail housing area when the guide rail housing area is tightened so as to adjust for gaps created in the arcuate conveyor line.

Abstract: A flange bearing comprises a housing having a body with a reinforcing member encased therein. The housing provides strength and resistance to stress fracturing without the use of heavy materials, such as cast iron, or the use of ribs and recesses which can harbor contaminates. The bearing is preferably lightweight and easily cleaned. Also, a leveler constructed in accordance with the present invention provides similar advantages.