Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt has upright support members at ends of each row and, in some cases, at intermediate positions, to support a conveyor tier above such that the belt is self-supporting in a helical stack in a spiral conveyor system. Modular rows can be made up of one or more modules, and the modules can be in various different configurations. The support members or spacer frames are either integral or securely connected to heavier link ends in end members of the modules. Preferably there are teeth and notches in the support frames and the bottom of the end member of the tier above, to hold the tiers of the helical stack in registry, preventing sliding and misalignment.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt has upright support members at ends of each row and, in some cases, at intermediate positions, to support a conveyor tier above such that the belt is self-supporting in a helical stack in a spiral conveyor system. Modular rows can be made up of one or more modules, and the modules can be in various different configurations. The support members or spacer frames are either integral or securely connected to heavier link ends in end members of the modules. Preferably there are teeth and notches in the support frames and the bottom of the end member of the tier above, to hold the tiers of the helical stack in registry, preventing sliding and misalignment.

Abstract: Plastic conveyor belts made up of modules interconnected by transverse rods and capable of straight or radius travel are adjusted as to minimum radius the belt can traverse by restricting collapsibility at the inner edge of the belt. This can be accomplished using shims in the slotted apertures of link ends, preventing full rod travel in those apertures, at each row or at alternating or selected rows of the belt; or shims otherwise placed in the belt to prevent full collapse; or by using different modules in certain rows, with less collapsibility; or by substituting different edge modules in belts of multiple modules per row. In this way, a basic radius conveyor belt can be defined, with a relatively tight minimum radius, and then can be modified so as to be custom-fitted to spiral conveyor or other belt systems having specific curve radii which are larger than the radius of the basic belt.

Abstract: Plastic conveyor belts made up of modules interconnected by transverse rods and capable of straight or radius travel are adjusted as to minimum radius the belt can traverse by restricting collapsibility at the inner edge of the belt. This can be accomplished using shims in the slotted apertures of link ends, preventing full rod travel in those apertures, at each row or at alternating or selected rows of the belt; or shims otherwise placed in the belt to prevent full collapse; or by using different modules in certain rows, with less collapsibility; or by substituting different edge modules in belts of multiple modules per row. In this way, a basic radius conveyor belt can be defined, with a relatively tight minimum radius, and then can be modified so as to be custom-fitted to spiral conveyor or other belt systems having specific curve radii which are larger than the radius of the basic belt.

Abstract: A plastic modular conveyor belt of the type which is capable of traversing lateral curves, with module rows collapsing together at inner sides of curves, has a solid deck over a central portion, but leaving terminal ends of interdigited projections not covered by the deck structure. The solid decks on each module are above the level of the interdigited projections, such that upon traversing curves the projections toward the inside of the curve can slide under the deck of the adjacent module, and the dimensions of the solid decks allow the inner edges of the module rows to collapse substantially fully without limitation by the edges of the decks, which do not lap over one another. The gap between module rows in straight belt travel is mostly closed by the interdigited terminal portions of the projections. In some embodiments the edges of the decks include interdigiting finger structure to provide a more continuous load-supporting surface.

Abstract: Rod retention systems are disclosed for modular plastic conveyor belts. In one embodiment the connecting rods, which pass through interdigited link ends of successive modules, each include a circumferential groove at one location, receiving a retaining clip at a position between adjacent interdigited link ends, snapped into position in the groove. The retaining clip provides easy assembly using existing tools, and a rod can easily be removed from the belt by applying sharp force on the end of the rod. In a second embodiment a rod retention system has blocking members at both ends of each module row, forming edges of the belt. A space about two or three link ends wide extends laterally from the blocking member to the first rod-encircling link end in board of the blocking member; within the space the module is devoid of link end structure which would confine the rod from the bottom of the belt.

Abstract: Rod retention systems are disclosed for modular plastic conveyor belts. In one embodiment the connecting rods, which pass through interdigited link ends of successive modules, each include a circumferential groove at one location, receiving a retaining clip at a position between adjacent interdigited link ends, snapped into position in the groove. The retaining clip provides easy assembly using existing tools, and a rod can easily be removed from the belt by applying sharp force on the end of the rod. In a second embodiment a rod retention system has blocking members at both ends of each module row, forming edges of the belt. A space about two or three link ends wide extends laterally from the blocking member to the first rod-encircling link end inboard of the blocking member; within the space the module is devoid of link end structure which would confine the rod from the bottom of the belt.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt is formed of interconnected modules having upper sides which divide the belt into longitudinal or transverse lane;, for conveying items which are either generally elongated so as to fit lengthwise in the lanes, or are generally round or otherwise adapted for lying together in extended rows, for aid in inspection, sorting or packaging. Ridges between lanes may support items for cooling, such as cooked foods. Formed as parallel troughs, the lanes in one embodiment are defined by the upper surfaces of forward and rearward link ends and of a transverse connecting section of the modules. Two specific embodiments have lanes defined on top of a solid platform belt, one with longitudinal lanes and one with transverse lanes.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt of heavy duty construction has a solid top with closely fitted together interdigited link ends or projections on the modules for minimizing dropping of particles, liquids, etc. from conveyed objects through the belt. The link ends extending in both directions from the belt are sharply tapered, generally triangular in shape so as to expose large gaps between the link ends and a large proportion of each connecting rod when the belt modules travel around a sprocket, making the gaps and the connecting rods more easily cleaned. The spacing between adjacent link ends is wide, minimizing the number of link ends and thus the number of gaps for cleaning. In addition, the link ends and the connecting rods are relatively heavy in dimension, providing for high tensile strength in the conveyor belt. The belt is driven by engagement of sprocket teeth between the generally cylindrical barrels of the link ends, at the underside of each module.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt formed of a large number of plastic belt modules includes plastic connecting rods, serially connecting belt modules, which are discontinuous in length. The discontinuous rods are made up of several coaxial pieces held in place by press fitting at the outer ends. Integral sideplates are disclosed for plastic conveyor belts, eliminating the need for separate tension-accepting sideplates secured to the outside edges of radius belts.

Abstract: A method for transferring conveyed articles to and from a plastic conveyor belt involves a flat transfer plate positioned directly adjacent to the end run of a plastic open-link modular conveyor belt. The belt is of the type with interdigited projections of modules connected by transverse rods, and driven by sprocket wheels. Either a straight belt or a belt capable of travel around lateral curves can be used. For the smooth transfer of conveyed articles onto and off the belt, the plastic belt modules have arched upper surfaces, each defining a short segment of a cylinder, so that when the belt passes over a sprocket wheel or roller at the end run, the upper surfaces of adjacent modules define a smooth half cylinder. A fixed preferably fixed transfer plate is positioned against the defined cylindrical surface, at or slightly below the level of the belt's upper surface.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt formed of a large number of plastic belt modules includes outer belt modules having integral sideplates. The sideplates are of heavier material and higher strength, for withstanding stress around the outside of curves and for withstanding edge wear in certain types of conveyor systems. In a preferred embodiment, each sideplate has a depending guide member which may include a hold down tab. In one embodiment, plastic connecting rods which serially connect belt modules are discontinuous in length, made up of several coaxial pieces which are held in place by press fitting at the outer ends. This enables the rod to be of high shear strength in areas of high pulling force, e.g. at the outside of a radius conveyor belt in a curve, but of lower strength extruded construction elsewhere.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt formed of a large number of plastic belt modules includes outer belt modules having integral sideplates. The sideplates are of heavier material and higher strength, for withstanding stress around the outside of curves and for withstanding edge wear in certain types of conveyor systems. In a preferred embodiment, each sideplate has a depending guide member which may include a hold down tab. In one embodiment, plastic connecting rods which serially connect belt modules are discontinuous in length, made up of several coaxial pieces which are held in place by press fitting at the outer ends. This enables the rod to be of high shear strength in areas of high pulling force, e.g. at the outside of a radius conveyor belt in a curve, but of lower strength extruded construction elsewhere.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt formed of a large number of plastic belt modules includes outer belt modules having integral sideplates. The sideplates are of heavier material and higher strength, for withstanding stress around the outside of curves and for withstanding edge wear in certain types of conveyor systems. In a preferred embodiment, each sideplate has a depending guide member which may include a hold down tab. In one embodiment, plastic connecting rods which serially connect belt modules are discontinuous in length, made up of several coaxial pieces which are held in place by press fitting at the outer ends. This enables the rod to be of high shear strength in areas of high pulling force, e.g. at the outside of a radius conveyor belt in a curve, but of lower strength extruded construction elsewhere.

Abstract: In a low tension spiral conveyor belt system, driving assistance is provided between the driving cage or capstan and a plastic conveyor belt via ridges formed generally vertically on the bars or caps on the cage bars. These ridges, preferably rounded at their exterior surfaces, interact with grooves provided in inner edge members of the belt, or with gaps between successive edge members. As the belt progresses up the spiraling incline of the system, the drive capstan ridges seat in belt grooves or gaps for a short period of time, assisting in driving engagement, then advance forward out of the groove due to the overdrive relationship of the capstan to the belt.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt, formed of plastic modules having rows of first and second projections extending in opposite directions, is adapted to optionally receive one or more rollers for reducing backline pressure on the belt. The rollers are positioned directly on the connecting rods which extend transversely through the belt, by occupying positions where projections in a row of projections would otherwise occur. A module having one or more of such openings or voids may be a part of a set of component modules, some having voids for receiving rollers and some not having such voids. A belt may be formed of mixtures of said modules, with or without any rollers on the belt. In one preferred embodiment the modules are for a radius type conveyor, with the second projections having elongated, slotted openings to allow the modules to angularly collapse together at curves.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt formed of a large number of plastic belt modules includes outer belt modules having integral sideplatges. The sideplates are of heavier material and higher strength, for withstanding stress around the outside of curves and for withstanding edge wear in certain types of conveyor systems. In a preferred embodiment, each sideplate has a depending guide member which may include a hold down tab. In one embodiment, plastic connecting rods which serially connect belt modules are discontinuous in length, made up of several coaxial pieces which are held in place by press fitting at the outer ends. This enables the rod to be of high shear strength in areas of high pulling force, e.g. at the outside of a radius conveyor belt in a curve, but of lower strength extruded construction elsewhere.

Abstract: A side plate for a modular plastic conveyor belt for use in a spiral conveyor belt system has one or more generally vertical grooves formed in its outer side, for engagement with protruding structure of cage bars of a spiral conveyor driving cage. At least one of the grooves is positioned on a common center with a countersink bore which receives a plastic rod head of a connecting rod in the modular conveyer belt. In cooperation with the side plate grooves are bumps or protrusions on the cage bars of the driving cage. These may be formed in cage bar caps which are assembled onto the exterior of the cage bars. At least some of the bumps on the cage bars are at any one time engaged in side plate grooves, providing assistance in the driving of the spiral conveyor belt by the driving cage.

Abstract: An all-plastic conveyor belt of the type that is collapsible on curves is used in a low tension system, progressing in a helical path around a drive cage or tower. The modules making up the belt have end members with recesses for receiving the heads of plastic rods which hold the modules together. The heads are thus recessed and will not wear against bars or other components of the drive cage or tower of the low tension system. The end members of the belt modules in one embodiment are slightly concave for better conforming to the surfaces of the driving tower or cage.