Abstract: A sprocket and rack system wherein the sprocket and rack are designed to not only provide horizontal movement to the rack, but also support a vertical load on the rack. Such a sprocket and rack system has many useful applications.

Abstract: A ramp stored under the deck of a rail car may be extended using a load-bearing drive system for the loading of freight or equipment onto the rail car. The surface of the ramp may comprise a rail portion or similar structure to allow the loading of rail bound equipment, such as rail maintenance equipment, onto the deck of the rail car.

Abstract: A self-cleaning centrifugal dryer system and method for removing surface moisture allow complete removal of plastic pellets, flakes and particles from the dryer and water-conveying or water processing system during or after each drying cycle. By eliminating plastic particulate retention in the dryer and throughout the water conveyance and processing systems whereby contamination of different type materials dried during a subsequent drying cycle is avoided. Air and water alone or in combination under pressure are discharged toward various accumulation or occlusion (“hang-up”) points in the dryer and throughout the water-conveying or processing system to remove retained plastic pellets, flakes and particles.

Abstract: A printing belt extends around a rotatable cylinder having independently rotatable belt drive sprockets at the opposite ends thereof. A torque-assist drive connected with the cylinder is selectively operable for imparting supplemental traction to the belt for preventing relative slippage between the belt and drive sprockets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printing machine incorporating a compact serpentine arrangement for supporting one or more printing belts in printing relation with a path for a printable web. The belt support arrangement herein disclosed has great utilizing in a belt printing machine wherein a plurality of belts are required in the printing of a single web to not only conserve space but to render equipment at the printing stations more accessible, and to enable the envelopment of a large portion of the periphery of each plate cylinder by the associated belt passing therearound.

Abstract: A belt-type printing machine, having a stationary web-handling assembly, including a pair of impression rolls, and a plurality of belt-supporting assemblies which are mobile and separable from the web-handling assembly, is disclosed. The belt-supporting assemblies each carry a plate support roll and an endless conveyor belt to which a number of printing plates are bonded. The belt-supporting assemblies are each stabilized in a printing position adjacent the web-handling assembly, by locking the plate roll adjacent an impression roll to form between the rolls, a nip through which the web and belt pass. The rolls are locked together in such a way that the rolls of the belt-supporting assembly and web-handling assembly are driven, in unison. A pair of mobile, belt-supporting assemblies are provided for each impression roll of the web-handling assembly, so that one of the belt-supporting assemblies can be removed to a remote location for rebelting while the other is in operation.