Abstract: An improved self-stacking spiral conveyor belt that includes a plurality of interconnected links each including two side plates connected together with two transverse rods. A flexible support structure is disposed around the rods which connect the links together. Each side plate includes an a laterally extending foot with an abutment edge formed or attached thereto a design to limit lateral movement of the upper link over a lower link when the belt is aligned in a helical configuration. The abutment edge is formed by at least one downward extending step structure. The step structure is offset with the vertical surface of the side plate thereby forming a rest surface that the upper edge of the lower link supports. Formed on the side plates is a guide tab that includes a beveled inner surface that prevents the upper edge of the lower side plates from moving inward and prevents or limits stretching along the direction of the belt.

Abstract: An improved spiral conveyor self-stacking drive system designed to increase the life of a multiple link conveyor belt by reducing the stresses exerted on the belt when disposed in a spiral configuration. The drive system includes a conical guide ring upon which the belt is wound when disposed in a spiral configuration. During use, the belt is tightly wrapped around the guide ring. The slope of the conical guide ring's sidewall is sufficient so that the upper tiers are stacked slightly inward and offset over the lower ties over the entire length of the guide ring, thus gradually reducing the lateral forces exerted on the unsupported upper tiers.

Abstract: A storing installation for carrying a number of helically extending turns of an endless conveyor belt laid upon one another in a pile, where the various belt turns in the pile are supported by one another, comprises two endless chains which are arranged under the belt pile, support the two edge portions of the belt and are carried by supports, said chains being each adapted, after the ingoing or outgoing lower part of the conveyor belt, to follow the belt in its rise throughout a complete revolution, whereupon it travels in a direction opposite to the rise of the conveyor belt in a path beside said revolution so as to form the endless chain.