Abstract: A link module suitable for use in a conveyor chain intended for travel along an intended direction on a given path. The module includes a first eye and a second eye adjacent the first eye. The eyes define a space therebetween. A roller assembly extends into the space and is detachably mounted between the first and second eyes.

Abstract: A modular conveying assembly for reducing backline pressure when accumulating products includes a first roller belt module having a top surface and at least one first roller axle support extending above the top surface. The first axle support includes an opening. A second roller belt module adjacent to the first roller belt module has a top surface and at least one second roller axle support extending above the top surface. The second axle support includes an opening coaxial with the opening formed in the first roller axle support. A roller axle extends through the openings of the first and second axle supports. At least one roller is rotatably supported by the roller axle to reduce friction between the roller belt modules and an object carried along the conveyer belt assembly.

Abstract: A conveyor support plate includes an upper transport surface configured to receive objects arranged for travel on a conveyor system and a lower surface arranged opposite the upper transport surface. A pair of transversely extending walls and a pair of side walls connect the upper transport surface and the lower surface. A plurality of cavities are formed in the lower surface between the pair of transversely extending walls and the pair of side walls that terminate below the upper transport surface. The cavities are configured to receive a roller that extends through the lower surface to support the support plate during travel on the convey system.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly includes a module having a detachably fixed reinforcement link to simplify modular conveyor assembly, disassembly, and repair. The module includes a first link end extending in a first direction from a leading edge and a second link end extending in a second direction from a trailing edge. The first link end includes a first aperture for receiving a first link pin connecting the module to an adjacent module. The second link end includes a second aperture for receiving a second link pin connecting the module to another adjacent module. A reinforcement link is detachably fixed to the module. The reinforcement link includes a third aperture aligned with the first aperture for receiving the first link pin. And, the reinforcement link includes a fourth aperture aligned with the second aperture for receiving the second link pin.

Abstract: A conveyor support plate includes an upper transport surface configured to receive objects arranged for travel on a conveyor system and a lower surface arranged opposite the upper transport surface. A pair of transversely extending walls and a pair of side walls connect the upper transport surface and the lower surface. A plurality of cavities are formed in the lower surface between the pair of transversely extending walls and the pair of side walls that terminate below the upper transport surface. The cavities are configured to receive a roller that extends through the lower surface to support the support plate during travel on the convey system.

Abstract: A conveyor support plate includes an upper transport surface configured to receive objects arranged for travel on a conveyor system and a lower surface arranged opposite the upper transport surface. A pair of transversely extending walls and a pair of side walls connect the upper transport surface and the lower surface. A plurality of cavities are formed in the lower surface between the pair of transversely extending walls and the pair of side walls that terminate below the upper transport surface. The cavities are configured to receive a roller that extends through the lower surface to support the support plate during travel on the convey system.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly includes a module which can support a roller between adjacent hinge members to simplify modular conveyor assembly and disassembly. The module includes at least two adjacent first hinge members extending in a direction of conveyor travel and defining a space therebetween. The at least two adjacent first hinge members include coaxial openings for receiving a hinge pin therethrough. A first snap fit extension extending from at least one of the adjacent first hinge members toward the other of the adjacent first hinge members for holding a roller in the space substantially coaxial with the openings in the at least two adjacent first hinge members.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly includes a module having a detachably fixed reinforcement link to simplify modular conveyor assembly, disassembly, and repair. The module includes a first link end extending in a first direction from a leading edge and a second link end extending in a second direction from a trailing edge. The first link end includes a first aperture for receiving a first link pin connecting the module to an adjacent module. The second link end includes a second aperture for receiving a second link pin connecting the module to another adjacent module. A reinforcement link is detachably fixed to the module. The reinforcement link includes a third aperture aligned with the first aperture for receiving the first link pin. And, the reinforcement link includes a fourth aperture aligned with the second aperture for receiving the second link pin.

Abstract: A roller cradle for use in a modular conveying assembly having a direction of travel in which an object is conveyed includes a first half and a second half. Each of the halves include integral hinge members defining a space therebetween. A roller having an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel is retained in the space.

Abstract: A side-flexing conveyor chain module that distributes chain tension across the width of the belt module includes a first module member and a second module member. The first module member has first link ends extending in a direction of conveyor travel and arcuate first fingers extending in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of conveyor travel. A second module member is pivotally coupled to the first module member about a module vertical axis. The second module member has second link ends extending in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of conveyor travel and arcuate second fingers extending substantially in the direction of conveyor travel which interdigitate with the first fingers. Cam surfaces on the first fingers engage cam surfaces on the second fingers to transfer forces between the first and second module members.

Abstract: A link module suitable for use in a conveyor chain intended for travel along an intended direction on a given path. The module includes a first eye and a second eye adjacent the first eye. The eyes define a space therebetween. A roller assembly extends into the space and is detachably mounted between the first and second eyes.

Abstract: A modular conveying assembly for conveying an object. The assembly includes a plurality of chain modules assembled in an edge to edge relation to form a continuous belt. At least one hinge pin joins adjacent chain modules, and pivotally connects the adjacent modules in the direction of belt travel. At least one cradle adjacent at least one of the modules is retained by the at least one pin. A roller is supported by the cradle and, in one embodiment, is engageable with the object to reduce friction between the belt and the object. In one embodiment, the cradle includes a first half including a first hinge element. A second half including a second hinge element is spaced from the first hinge element and defines a space therebetween. A shaft extends between the first and second halves through the space defined by the first and second hinge elements.

Abstract: A side-flexing conveyor chain module includes a first module member having at least two first link ends, a second module member having at least two second link ends, and linkages linking at least one of the first link ends to at least one of the second link ends. Separating the chain module into module members and linking the module members together by linkages distributes the chain tension across the width of the chain module, and thus the hinge pin joining adjacent chain modules.

Abstract: A split roller including at least two parts joined together forms the roller having a length defined between roller ends. At least two of the at least two parts are joined along a joint extending between the roller ends. A roller cradle assembly and a modular conveying assembly can be assembled including the roller.

Abstract: A method and materials are disclosed wherein a layer of a softer thermoplastic material comprising (i) a thermoplastic polyurethane or (ii) a thermoplastic elastomer alloy including a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer and a thermoplastic polyurethane can be attached to a substrate comprising a harder thermoplastic alloy including a polyester and a polycarbonate. In one form, the method and materials are used to form a modular chain link for use in constructing a modular conveyor chain. The modular chain link includes a main body comprising the thermoplastic alloy including a polyester and a polycarbonate, and a softer layer of the thermoplastic material comprising (i) a thermoplastic polyurethane or (ii) a thermoplastic elastomer alloy including a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer and a thermoplastic polyurethane disposed on at least a portion of the main body.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt having rollers for minimizing damage to the belt when transferring high friction products. The rollers are supported by easily assembled cradles that are supported between adjacent belt modules. In one embodiment, the cradles include a first part and a second part. The first part has a first hinge member and a first shaft extending from the first hinge member. The first shaft has a hollow portion opening at a first shaft distal end. The second part has a second hinge member and a second shaft extending from the second hinge member. The second shaft has a second shaft distal end received in the hollow portion of the first shaft through the first shaft distal end. In another embodiment, the roller supported by one of the cradles extends into a concave portion of an adjacent module.

Abstract: A conveyor drive assembly including an elongated shaft having a first and second end and method of operating the conveyor drive assembly which reliably controls the speed of each end of the drive shaft and minimizes unequal loading of the conveyor belt. The method includes detecting the rotational position of the first end of the shaft, detecting the rotational position of the second end of the shaft, determining the rotational position of one of the first and second ends relative to the other of the first and second ends, and then rotationally driving at least one of the first and second ends of the shaft to maintain the rotational position of one of the first and second ends relative to the other of the first and second ends within a predetermined range. Advantageously, the present invention provides a conveyor drive assembly for use with wide conveyors which reliably controls the speed of each end of the drive shaft and minimizes unequal loading of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A conveyor drive assembly including an elongated shaft having a first and second end and method of operating the conveyor drive assembly which reliably controls the speed of each end of the drive shaft and minimizes unequal loading of the conveyor belt. The method includes detecting the rotational position of the first end of the shaft, detecting the rotational position of the second end of the shaft, determining the rotational position of one of the first and second ends relative to the other of the first and second ends, and then rotationally driving at least one of the first and second ends of the shaft to maintain the rotational position of one of the first and second ends relative to the other of the first and second ends within a predetermined range. Advantageously, the present invention provides a conveyor drive assembly for use with wide conveyors which reliably controls the speed of each end of the drive shaft and minimizes unequal loading of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A modular chain link for use in constructing a modular conveyer chain. The modular chain link includes a plurality of link ends which are adapted to intermesh with link ends on a similar adjacent link. The link ends include openings which are substantially axially aligned with openings on the adjacent link ends. The openings are adapted to receive a connecting pin for pivotally joining the adjacent modular chain links together. The modular chain link is injection molded from a polymer and comprises less than about 30 weight percent of filler in order to maximize the mechanical properties of the modular chain link.

Abstract: A modular chain link for use in constructing a modular conveyer chain. The modular chain link includes a plurality of link ends which are adapted to intermesh with link ends on a similar adjacent link. The link ends include openings which are substantially axially aligned with openings on the adjacent link ends. The openings are adapted to receive a connecting pin for pivotally joining the adjacent modular chain links together. The modular chain link is injection molded from a polymer and comprises less than about 30 weight percent of filler in order to maximize the mechanical properties of the modular chain link.