Abstract: An improved chain conveyor includes drive sprockets for the chain, and second sprockets for guiding the pallets between the upper and lower runs. The second sprockets rotate at a different rate of speed than the drive sprockets to adjust for misalignment between the pallet and the second sprocket as the pallet approaches the turns. The pallet includes an alignment groove which connects onto a link on the chain to properly position the pallet relative to the chain, and a plurality of teeth which are then engaged by the second sprocket. The second sprocket and the alignment groove thus provide plural positive engagement points between the pallet and the conveyor as the pallet moves between the upper and lower runs. This is an improvement over prior art systems which relied on frictional contact for such turning. In a further feature of the present invention, the chain and pallet are dimensioned such that the pallet is unlikely to jam as it is being turned.

Abstract: An improved chain conveyor and pallet structure are disclosed in which the pallet contacts the second, or middle link of the three-link chains typically employed in chain conveyors. The pallet contacts the middle link, and is supported upon the outer and inner links of the chain. In addition, the distance between the pallet contact members and the support surfaces is increased such that the pallet may be removed from the chain conveyor for repair or placement on a second conveyor. With the improved pallet structure, up to four times as much weight may be supported than in prior art pallets which were typically supported on the innermost link of the three-link endless chains.