Abstract: A crop gathering head 10 including crop gathering belt 11, 12 of reinforced elastomeric material and its associated driving sprocket 30 and idler sheave 50 is described. The belt 11 or 12, sprocket 30 and sheave 50 system may be used to convey crops into a combine. The belt 11 or 12 includes a plurality of cleats 20 of elastomeric material on its top surface 18 and a plurality of equally spaced driving lugs 24 of elastomeric material on its bottom surface 19. The sprocket 30 has first and second sides 31, 32 respectively and comprises a plurality of equally spaced apart radially projecting teeth 33 separated by first and second cavities 34, 34' respectively. The first cavities 34 are open only to the first side 31 of the sprocket 30. The second cavities 34' are open only to the second side 32 of the sprocket 30.

Abstract: Endless, flexible anti-backbend belts having a molded elastomeric body are disclosed and comprise a plurality of longitudinal high tensile modulus cords embedded in the belt near the inside surface and a layer of substantially incompressible material facing outwardly and forming the outside surface of the belt. When the belt is in a straightened position, the incompressible material provides a resistance to backbending. Other embodiments are also disclosed that operate in combination with drive lugs on the inside surface of a conveyor belt, and the separation of the tensile cords of the conveyor and anti-backbend belts provide a resistance to backbending such as to support the conveyor in the area between its drive and take-up pulleys.

Abstract: Endless, flexible anti-backbend belts having a molded elastomeric body are disclosed and comprise a plurality of longitudinal high tensile modulus cords embedded in the belt near the inside surface and a layer of substantially incompressible material facing outwardly and forming the outside surface of the belt. When the belt is in a straightened position, the incompressible material provides a resistance to backbending. Other embodiments are also disclosed that operate in combination with drive lugs on the inside surface of a conveyor belt, and the separation of the tensile cords of the conveyor and anti-backbend belts provide a resistance to backbending such as to support the conveyor in the area between its drive and take-up pulleys.

Abstract: A suspension for tracked vehicles includes at least one belt positioned along the inside pathway of the track, engaging the track, moving at the same speed as the track, and supporting the ground engaging portion of the track to provide a resistance to backbending as the track conforms to the terrain.