Abstract: The invention relates to a platform conveyor, comprising a plurality of rectangular platforms, each being flexible in one direction, and two pairs of endless chains having equal lengths, and the pairs being connected to the corners at the front and rear side, respectively, of the platforms and being led over pairs of aligned guide sprockets, the chains extending substantially parallel to each other and guiding the platforms in a horizontal position through a transport part from an upper load or unload point to a lower unload or load point or vice versa, and bringing the platforms back through a return part, wherein the transport part includes a section having a substantial vertical component, and the platforms are deflected at both load and unload points. A guide assembly is provided to adjust the height between the upper load or unload point and the lower unload or load point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying device comprising a platform conveyor, which is provided with a plurality of rectangular platforms, each being flexible in one direction, and with two pairs of endless chains, the pairs being connected to the corners at the front and rear side, respectively, of the platforms and being led over pairs of aligned guide sprockets, the chains extending substantially parallel to each other and guiding the platforms in a substantially horizontal position from a load point to an unload point through a transport part and bringing them back through a return part, the transport part including a section having a substantial vertical component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying apparatus, in particular for loading and/or unloading ships, comprising a helical belt conveyor for the transport along a helical path, which helical belt conveyor has an at least substantially vertical central shaft and is provided with at least one endless conveyor belt, said conveyor belt having an upper run which follows a helical path, the apparatus further including an upper feed or discharge conveyor and a lower discharge or feed conveyor. According to the invention the helical belt conveyor is rotatable through at least 360.degree. about the centerline of the central shaft, while the upper feed or discharge conveyor comprises an end conveyor, which is movable with respect to the main portion of the upper feed or discharge conveyor, the free end of this end conveyor continuously joining the upper run of the (upper) endless conveyor belt of the helical belt conveyor.