Abstract: A conveyor construction including a conveyor frame formed from a pair of side frame members interconnected with each other by at least one bed plate. Each side frame member includes a slot-type engagement structure that extends throughout the entire length of the side frame member. The slot-type engagement structure is capable of receiving threaded fasteners such that the bed plate can be selectively positioned along the length of the side frame members. The rotatable spindles mounted to movable head plates at each end of the conveyor frame are secured to internal bearings by an endwise engagement structure.

Abstract: A conveyor construction includes a frame, a drive section stationarily mounted to the frame, and a tensioning section mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the frame. The drive and tensioning sections each include a spindle, and a belt is engaged with the spindles. The frame defines an upper support surface disposed below the upper run of the belt, and mating engagement structure is provided on the belt and the upper support surface for preventing lateral movement of the belt relative to the upper support surface. The drive and tensioning sections include spaced side members, each of which defines an inwardly opening cavity for receiving a bearing assembly for rotatably supporting the spindle. The bearing-receiving cavity faces the spindle, and each side member defines outer wall structure which engages and supports the belt outwardly of the spindle.

Abstract: A conveyor construction includes a frame, a drive section stationarily mounted to the frame, and a tensioning section mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the frame. The drive and tensioning sections each include a spindle, and a belt is engaged with the spindles. The frame defines an upper support surface disposed below the upper run of the belt, and mating engagement structure is provided on the belt and the upper support surface for preventing lateral movement of the belt relative to the upper support surface. The drive and tensioning sections include spaced side members, each of which defines an inwardly opening cavity for receiving a bearing assembly for rotatably supporting the spindle. The bearing-receiving cavity faces the spindle, and each side member defines outer wall structure which engages and supports the belt outwardly of the spindle.

Abstract: A conveyor comprising a first conveyor section and a second conveyor section which can be pivoted from a first position where it is in alignment with the first conveyor section to a second position where it is at an inclined angle with respect to the first conveyor section. A shaft pivotally connects the adjacent ends of the two conveyor sections together, and a spindle or pulley is journaled on the shaft and supports an endless belt in travel in a conveying run and a return run on the conveyor sections. A slide is mounted for sliding movement on each side rail of the first conveyor section and each slide carries a hold down roller which rides against the side edge of the upper working surface of the belt and hold the belt tangent to both the first and second conveyor sections. Each slide is also provided with a rack which is engaged with a gear that is fixed to the second conveyor section and is positioned concentrically of the pivot shaft.

Abstract: An improved heat press for joining the spliced ends of a conveyor belt. The press includes an upper platen containing a flexible, inflatable bladder that is positioned to engage the upper surface of the spliced area of the belt. A lower platen supports the belt and includes an electric heating element that is supported on an aluminum block having a plurality of parallel internal flow channels. A layer of solid insulating material is disposed beneath the lower surface of the block, and along the side edges of the block. The upper platen is clamped to the lower platen and a compressed gas, such as air, is supplied to the bladder to inflate the bladder and urge the belt against the lower platen. Operation of the heating element serves to fuse the spliced ends of the belt. After heating, air is supplied to the channels in the block to cool the press and a venturi mechanism is associated with the air supply, so that a portion of the air being supplied to the press is drawn from the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is clamped against a cutting surface on the base of the apparatus by a pair of parallel clamping bars. A lever arm is pivoted to, and is axially slidable on, a shaft disposed parallel to the clamping bars and the lever arm carries a cutting head. A pair of blades are mounted in an acute angle relation on the cutting head, and as the lever arm is manually pivoted downwardly, the blades cut a pair of slits in the belt. The lever arm is then pivoted up and advanced axially along the shaft and the cutting action is repeated to thereby cut a plurality of V-shaped fingers in the belt, which can be interdigitated with fingers of a second belt end and subsequently bonded together to provide an endless spliced belt.