Abstract: A telescoping belt tightener for conveyors includes an elongated outer body and a slider tube inserted in one end, with the slider tube able to slide into and out of the outer body to varying lengths. An adjuster at an opposing end can be turned to extend or retract the slider tube from the outer body. A bearing collar, with a bearing cavity that fits a spherical bearing, is attached to the slider tube. A collar shield snugly fits with the bearing collar to keep contaminants from entering the bearing cavity. One or both ends of the outer body include a stopper for keeping contaminants from entering the outer body. The outer body is round and without standing surfaces on which food and debris could accumulate. The outer body and adjuster are unitary parts without crevices in which contaminants can collect. The belt tightener is well-suited for food-grade applications.

Abstract: A belt tightening assembly for conveyor systems includes an elongated outer tube and an inner tube sized to be complementarily received in the outer tube. The inner tube retractably extends out of the outer tube to varying lengths. A bearing housing extends from a long end of the inner tube and is integrated with the inner tube such that the inner tube and bearing housing do not separate from each other during normal operation. A spherical bearing is inserted into the bearing housing, the belt tightener is secured to a roller of a conveyor system, and the assembly is secured to a side of a conveyor. A separate pillow block is not used, eliminating a number of collection points for contamination and lowering costs. Also, not requiring a pillow block to be fastened to the inner tube reduces shear forces that result from imprecise fastening.

Abstract: A roller includes an inner core assembly surrounded by a rigid expanded foam roller body, preferably having closed-cell foam with a density of 2 pcf or denser. The foam roller body may be formed by injecting or pouring expandable foam into a mold, or by spraying expandable foam over the inner core assembly, allowing it to cure, and machining it to desired specifications. The use of expanded foam cuts the costs of raw materials, production, labor, etc. To provide abrasion resistance and/or traction, a protective outer layer is provided over the foam roller body, preferably having a thickness of 0.5 inches or less, and a run-out of 0.1 inches or less. The outer layer helps make the foam roller body strong and durable enough for conveyor, pulley, and other industrial applications.