Abstract: The invention involves flanged rollers which engage the lateral sides of the upper and lower runs of an endless, flexible belt conveyor which traverses a curved path to control movement of the belt laterally of the path of travel.

Abstract: An improved chain for use as a tension element in conjunction with a resiliently deformable conveyor belt which permits the belt to be prestretched at installation by a predetermined, controlled and limited amount.

Abstract: A conveyor system is disclosed which is adapted to be suspended from an overhead monorail and which includes a plurality of carriages each having an open longitudinal portion extending therethrough. Each of the carriages interconnect one to another in a single file fashion so as to be moved as a unit below and along the overhead monorail. The conveyor belt is supported and carried by the carriages. An improved power transmission device is connected to at least one of the carriages for moving the plurality of carriages along the overhead monorail. The power transmission device means includes a pair of transversely spaced apart rotatable drive wheels which are drivably coupled to and which support a pair of transversely spaced apart power units. The power units are pivotally connected below the drive wheels. A hydraulic system is provided for pivoting the power units toward and away from one another to maintain the drive wheels in traction relationship with the overhead monorail.

Abstract: This invention is to a formed control member which is secured to a longitudinally stretchable or elongatable conveyor belt to provide a generally uniform longitudinal elongation throughout the length of the belt and to indicate a preselected total elongation of the belt. The form of the control member also provides a visual indication of the approximate elongation of the belt.

Abstract: An improved drive sprocket for driving a chain is set forth. The drive sprocket contains a plurality of peripheral drive teeth having a leading drive surface thereon. The sprocket has a first pair of teeth spaced a predetermined circumferential distance from each other on a pitch circle about the sprocket and a third tooth being spaced a distance less than the above mentioned predetermined distance from the trailing tooth of the first pair of teeth. The leading drive surface of each tooth engages and drives the chain around the sprocket.

Abstract: A monorail suspended conveyor system for conveying materials along a curvilinear path has a plurality of tandemly disposed belt supporting carriages, each carriage having a framework which defines an open extent extending longitudinally therethrough and includes a upper elongated tubular link member and a lower pair of transversely spaced apart side members disposed on opposite sides of the open extent. Adjacent carriages are connected by an articulated joint suspended from the overhead rail and provides for universal movement of one carriage relative to another. The ends of adjacent side members are provided with cooperating structures to selectively limit the lateral swing of the carriages transversely with respect to the longitudinal movement thereof along the curvilinear path, thereby maintaining the conveying belt in a generally horizontal operating mode.

Abstract: A system for supporting an overhead trolley rail which requires a minimum of simple parts and wherein the trolley rail is supported from washer-like elements each having a centrally-disposed opening therein and at least one curved portion depending downwardly from the element. A bolt extends across the curved portion and supports two L-shaped keepers each having one leg through which its associated bolt extends and a second leg which underlies a flange on a trolley rail, which in most cases comprises an I-beam. A single roof bolt extends through the centrally-disposed opening of the washer-like element and into a mine roof or the like, the single roof bolt comprising the sole support for the washer-like element.

Abstract: A conveyor feed apparatus cooperable with a conveying apparatus for controlled feeding of material to the conveying apparatus in a manner that overfilling of the conveyor apparatus is avoided.