Abstract: A conveyor sprocket formed of a plastic material is mounted on a keyed drive shaft of circular cross section. Within the hub of the conveyor sprocket, an insert, formed of a relatively harder or more durable material, engages the key. The insert resists deformation and helps increase the torque capacity of the conveyor sprocket. In one embodiment, the keyed shaft includes two diametrically opposed keys and the conveyor sprocket includes two diametrically opposed inserts and engagement therewith. In one embodiment, the key does not project beyond the ends of the conveyor sprocket hub.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt having a plurality of substantially identical thermoplastic modules in end-to-end arrangement. The forward and rearward ends of the modules are provided with interlocking hinge barrels. A plurality of pivot pins extend through the hinge barrels and are retained by means of inserts received in sockets formed at each side of the modules. The upper surface of each module is flat and the corners formed at the forward and rearward ends are rounded to form a smooth transition between modules. The lower surface of each module is flattened somewhat to avoid increased apparent wear, and the side of the modules are rounded slightly to avoid height disparities between adjacent belts as the modules wear.

Abstract: A thermoplastic power transmission element having increased torque capacity. A power transmission element, such as a gear, pulley, sheave or sprocket, is formed of a thermoplastic material and includes a central hub arranged to surround and engage a keyed driven shaft. A metallic insert within the central hub engages the key to receive the driving forces transmitted therethrough. The metallic insert includes a plurality of mating surfaces engaging the central hub to distribute the driving forces over an area larger than the area of the keyway. Use of the metallic insert increases the torque capacity of the resulting power transmission element.

Abstract: A split power transmission element, such as a sprocket, mountable on a driven shaft. A pair of substantially identical sprocket halves each include a pair of aligned, hollow, fastener sleeves extending diagonally through the plane of the sprocket. A pair of fasteners within the sleeves join the sprocket halves to each other and clamp the sprocket onto the shaft. The diagonal orientation of the fastener sleeves permits convenient disassembly of the sprocket from an upwardly located, axially displaced position. The sprocket halves are substantially identical and can be economically molded using a single mold. A keyway insert distributes driving forces throughout the sprocket hub and increases the maximum torque capacity of the sprocket.