Abstract: A conveyor belt having a drive mechanism and specifically rod and side link connections in the belt. The belt includes a plurality of pivotal link members by which the belt can collapse or extend along a side edge to follow a curved path. One end of each of the link members along the edge of the belt that engages the drive mechanism is formed into a hook-shape. The belt also includes a plurality of transverse rod members. At least one end of each rod is headless and is captured within the hook-shaped end of a link member. This results in the hook-shaped end of the link member engaging the drive mechanism, with the rod end being secured to the link member within the hook-shaped end of the link.

Abstract: A self-supporting conveyor belt a portion of the length of which follows a helical conveying path comprising a plurality of stacked tiers. The belt includes a plurality of interconnected pivotal link members by which the belt can either collapse or extend along a side edge thereof to follow a curved path. Secured to the link members are wire-formed spacers which extend between adjacent belt tiers, the wire-formed spacers of one tier abutting and supporting an immediately overlying tier. The spacers provide the belt stack with increased lateral stability to prevent destacking while permitting air flow therethrough comparable to prior art spiral belts without spacers and supported by rails.