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.

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 guide rail support assembly for use with a conveyor having a transport chain or belt for transporting articles from one location to another. The guide rail support comprises the combination of guide rail holding assembly for holding a guide rail adjacent the transporter of a conveyor, a support assembly for supporting the guide rail holding assembly, and cam lever mounted on the support and having a first position for securing the holding assembly against movement relative to the support and a second position for releasing the holding assembly for movement relative to the support whereby movement of the cam lever between its first and second positions permits rapid repositioning of the guide rail relative to the transport chain of a conveyor without the use of tools.

Abstract: A conveyor including: a guide track including a wear strip, the wear strip including a guide surface; a conveyor chain supported for movement relative to the guide track and including a plurality of interconnected links, a plurality of the links each including a thrust surface which rides against the guide surface when the conveyor chain is moved; and a lubrication insert mounted in one of the wear strip and the plurality of links, the lubrication insert including a porous material having an outer portion proximate one of the guide surface and the thrust surface, the lubrication insert including a fluid lubricant impregnating the porous material, such that when the conveyor chain is moved the fluid lubricant is released from the porous material and forms a lubricating film between the guide surface and the thrust surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a conveyor comprising a first conveyor element including an end comprising a first series of eyes spaced from each other to define therebetween a series of spaces, having therein respective openings axially aligned with each other, and including an end eye, a second conveyor element including an end comprising a second series of eyes which are spaced from each other to define therebetween a series of spaces receiving the eyes of the first conveyor element, which extend into the spaces between the eyes of the first conveyor element, and which have therein respective openings axially aligned with respect to each other and axially aligned with respect to the openings of the eyes of the first conveyor element, a cylindrical hinge pin extending in the openings of the eyes of the first and second conveyor elements and including an end located adjacent the end eye of the first conveyor element, a plug fixed in the opening of the end eye of the first conveyor element and including an end in axial

Abstract: The invention provides a conveying apparatus including an upstream conveyor, a downstream conveyor oriented perpendicularly to the upstream conveyor to form a butt turn, and a mechanism for transferring conveyed articles from the upstream conveyor to the downstream conveyor. The transfer mechanism includes guide rails that provide a corner to change the direction of travel of the conveyed articles and a transfer assist conveyor for supporting the articles as they travel between the upstream and downstream conveyors. The transfer assist conveyor runs alongside the upstream conveyor and has a cantilevered section that extends over the sprocket location of the downstream conveyor to perform the function of a prior art static transfer plate.

Abstract: A conveyor chain for conveying an object including a top plate having a flat base portion with an upper surface and a plurality of retaining members extending upwardly from the base portion, and a product support member that is removably secured to the top plate via the retaining members the product support member has an upper surface including a recess which houses the object to be conveyed and has a configuration that is complementary to the configuration of the object to be housed.

Abstract: A conveyor chain assembly including a plurality of modules which are pivotally connected by a plurality of chain pins and which include a plurality of link ends which have a bore housing a chain pin and an opening exposing the chain pin, a plurality of reach bars extending between the link ends and having a convex upper surface, and a support rib extending between the reach bars, the link ends, reach bars and support rib providing a support surface and defining therebetween a plurality of openings adapted to provide a free flow of fluid therethrough in a direction generally perpendicular to the support surface.

Abstract: A conveyor chain is formed from a plurality of molded plastic chain links assembled in brick-laid fashion. The molded plastic chain links each include an intermediate structure connecting a first plurality of link ends to a second plurality of link ends, the intermediate structure including notches provided for facilitating breaking of the molded plastic chain link at selected locations along the length of the chain link and such that the molded plastic chain link is broken along a line extending in the direction of the chain pitch at each such selected location.

Abstract: A conveyor includes a track having at least one arcuate section, and a conveyor chain. The track comprises a pair of spaced apart track portions, each including a generally vertical guide surface. A first one of the guide surfaces defines the inside of an arcuate path and the other one of the guide surfaces defines the outside of the path. The conveyor chain is constructed and arranged for traversing the path and comprises a plurality of links, each of which has a first pivot eye at one end thereof and a pair of pivot eyes at the other end thereof and complementary to the first pivot eye. Pins couple the pivot eyes of pairs of adjacent links for pivotally connecting the same. Each link engages the first one of the surfaces as the chain traverses the path to generate reaction forces acting on each link and having an average line of action intersecting the first one of the surfaces.