Abstract: A modular roller-top conveyor belt with a dense array of rollers freely rotatable toward the sides of the belt. The rollers are arranged in offset lines and columns in a checkerboard pattern on the top side of the belt. The rollers rotate on axes parallel to the direction of belt travel. The rollers extend in the direction of belt travel over the hinge axes formed between adjacent rows of belt modules.

Abstract: An elevating belt conveyor and a method for conveying articles up steep inclines. The conveyor has a series of support elements extending outward from the article-conveying surface of a conveyor belt advancing upward along a steep incline. The support elements prevent conveyed articles from sliding down the conveyor belt on the incline. A closely positioned hugger belt facing the article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt advances in the same direction to provide a low-friction retention surface to articles leaning away for the conveyor belt on the incline. In another variation, the support elements may be positioned on the hugger belt rather than on the main conveyor belt, with the main conveyor belt restraining articles against falling from the conveyor on an incline. Alternatively, a vertical array of rollers replaces the hugger belt as a low-friction retaining surface.

Abstract: Modular plastic conveyor belts constructed of split belt modules. Each module includes a first piece and a second piece. Side-by-side first pieces mate with side-by-side second pieces to form a row of belt modules. Each row has sets of hinge eyes along opposite ends. Hinge pins extending through the hinge eyes at the ends of each row connect the pieces in the row together to adjacent belt rows. Other components, such as rollers, can be inserted into and removed from the unmated pieces and retained in place by retention structure when the module pieces are mated.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt hingedly interconnected by hinge pins made of a highly oriented polymer material. The hinge pins are preferably extruded from a material including a highly oriented polymer, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon. Alternative materials include highly oriented acetal or polyurethane. Plastic hinge pins made with these polymers having their long molecules oriented along the axis of the shaft of the hinge pin are exceptionally strong and resistant to deformation.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt module having an embedded high-strength fastener for securely fastening an assortment of attachment elements. A fastener, such as a nut, or threaded insert, is press-fit into a countersunk hole that extends through the thickness of the module and opens onto top and bottom surfaces. Attachment hardware, such as a bolt or screw, extends from the attachment element into the embedded fastener to secure the attachment to the module.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt module having an embedded high-strength fastener for securely fastening an assortment of attachment elements. A fastener, such as a nut, or threaded insert, is press-fit into a countersunk hole that extends through the thickness of the module and opens onto top and bottom surfaces. Attachment hardware, such as a bolt or screw, extends from the attachment element into the embedded fastener to secure the attachment to the module.

Abstract: An edge module for a modular plastic conveyor belt providing a self-closing retention system for retaining headless hinge rods in modular plastic conveyor belts. The edge module has a chamber in an outer edge portion of the module that slidably receives a rod retention member, such as a plug. The plug slides along the chamber from a closed position occluding a hinge rod passageway through interleaved hinges of consecutive rows of belt modules to an open, unoccluding position. A spring in the chamber urges the plug back toward the closed position. The plug is moved to the open position in two ways: by the force of a hinge rod against an oblique face during insertion of the rod into a belt; or manually by a tool engaging an easily accessible indentation in the plug.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt hingedly interconnected by hinge pins made of a highly oriented polymer material. The hinge pins are preferably extruded from a material including a highly oriented polymer, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon. Alternative materials include highly oriented acetal or polyurethane. Plastic hinge pins made with these polymers having their long molecules oriented along the axis of the shaft of the hinge pin are exceptionally strong and resistant to deformation.

Abstract: Modular plastic conveyor belts constructed of split belt modules. Each module includes a first piece and a second piece. Side-by-side first pieces mate with side-by-side second pieces to form a row of belt modules. Each row has sets of hinge eyes along opposite ends. Hinge pins extending through the hinge eyes at the ends of each row connect the pieces in the row together to adjacent belt rows. Other components, such as rollers, can be inserted into and removed from the unmated pieces and retained in place by retention structure when the module pieces are mated.

Abstract: A module for a modular conveyor belt has a plurality of projections on its top surface for supporting objects. The module may include drainage openings through which fluids can drain from objects disposed on the projections. The projections can be used to prevent objects from adhering to the top surface of the module and/or to immobilize the objects during movement of a conveyor belt including the module.

Abstract: Split belt modules used to construct modular plastic conveyor belts. Each module includes a first piece and a second piece, each of which has sets of hinge eyes on opposite ends. The module pieces mate to form complete belt modules. Hinge pins extending through the hinge eyes at the ends of each module connect the pieces together. Other components, such as rollers, can be inserted into and removed from the unmated pieces and retained in place by retention structure when the module pieces are mated.

Abstract: A module for a modular conveyor belt has a plurality of projections on its top surface for supporting objects. The module may include drainage openings through which fluids can drain from objects disposed on the projections. The projections can be used to prevent objects from adhering to the top surface of the module and/or to immobilize the objects during movement of a conveyor belt including the module.

Abstract: Split belt modules used to construct modular plastic conveyor belts. Each module includes a first piece and a second piece, each of which has sets of hinge eyes on opposite ends. The module pieces mate to form complete belt modules. Hinge pins extending through the hinge eyes at the ends of each module connect the pieces together. Other components, such as rollers, can be inserted into and removed from the unmated pieces and retained in place by retention structure when the module pieces are mated.