Abstract: A bearing assembly and method for making a bearing assembly are provided. The bearing assembly includes a rotary bearing, a bearing sleeve and a housing for positioning and retaining the bearing and the sleeve. The bearing includes a convexly curved exterior surface and the bearing sleeve includes a concavely curved interior surface that cooperates with the convexly curve bearing surface. The method includes the step of forming a bearing sleeve so that it has a concavely curved interior surface and the step of molding a housing around the bearing sleeve. The step of molding comprises using a composite material that comprises a non-metal matrix material and reinforcing fibers. The method also includes the step of inserting the bearing into the bearing sleeve after the step of molding so that a convexly shaped curve of the bearing mates with the concave curve of the bearing sleeve.

Abstract: A method for producing the conveyor assembly is also provided. A plurality of layers of reinforcing material are arranged in overlapping relation. A binding material such as thermoset urethane is deposited on the reinforcing material to bind the reinforcing materials together, thereby forming a composite material. A gripping material is deposited on the composite material, forming a gripping layer. The combined gripping layer and composite material are cured so that the gripping layer permanently bonds to the composite material. The combined gripping layer and composite material are then cut into a plurality of belt links, such that the gripping layer of each belt link is coextensive with the upper surface of the belt link. The belt links are then assembled to produce a link belt having a gripping surface formed from the gripping layers of the individual belt links.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly for transporting a workpiece is provided having a continuous link belt. The belt is formed of a plurality of links forming a series in successive overlapping relation. The upper surface of each belt link includes a gripping layer made of a high friction material. The gripping layer is coextensive with the upper surface of the belt link, so that when the belt links are assembled to form the belt, the gripping layers form a gripping surface that engages the workpiece being transported on the conveyor assembly.