Abstract: A low backline pressure conveyor chain including spaced apart strands of chain interconnected by a plurality of rods each supporting a plurality of freely rotatably rollers.

Abstract: A chain link for a product capturing chain, including a pair of opposed retaining lips for retaining the resilint gripping member.

Abstract: A chain link for use in a low backline pressure chain. The chain link includes a base portion having top and bottom surfaces, first and second shaft support members extending upardly from the top surface of the base portion, at least one shaft extending between the first and second shaft support members, and a plurality of rollers mounted for rotation on the shaft. The chain link also includes a plurality of eye portions extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the base portion and adapted to receive a chain pin so as to permit the link to flex laterally when mounted in a chain.

Abstract: A chain link for a low backline pressure chain. A shaft is mounted on the link, and a plurality of rollers are mounted for rotation on the shaft.

Abstract: A sprocket and drive shaft assembly for a wide conveyor belt composed of modules pivotally connected in chain-like fashion and subject to environmentally caused fluctuations in width such as extreme temperatures. The assemlby includes a drive shaft with a polygonal cross section and a plurality of toothed sprockets each having an axial bore which slidingly engages the cross section of the shaft and permits the sprockets to move laterally in response to fluctuations in conveyor width and lateral alignment, as the rotating sprocket assembly drives the conveyor. Restraining devices such as set screws are provided on the drive shaft to prevent the sprockets from undergoing excessive axial movement (toward the ends of the drive shaft) while allowing the sprockets axial freedom to shift in response to lateral belt misalignment and width fluctuation.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly comprises a frame having a longitudinal axis, a drive shaft rotatably supported by the frame and extending generally perpendicular to the axis, and a plurality of drive sprockets mounted on the drive shaft for rotation therewith, all of the sprockets being axially movable relative to the drive shaft. The assembly also comprises a conveyor belt driven along the axis by the sprockets, the belt having a width measured along a line extending generally perpendicular to the axis. The assembly also comprises a center fingered transfer plate fixed to the frame, a first outer fingered transfer plate which is located on one side of the center plate and which is movable relative to the frame along a line extending generally perpendicular to the axis, and a second outer fingered transfer plate which is located on the other side of the center plate and which is movable relative to the frame along a line extending generally perpendicular to the axis.

Abstract: A chain link for a product capturing chain, including a pair of opposed retaining lips for retaining the resilient gripping member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chain link for use with a fingered transfer plate. The link comprises a base portion and a raised portion integral with and supported by the base portion. The raised portion includes a plurality of coplanar fork-shaped members, each of the fork-shaped members comprising two prongs and a stem, wherein the prongs of each fork-shaped member are parallel to each other and the width of the stem is less than the distance between the prongs, the fork-shaped members being arranged in a regularly spaced row.

Abstract: A key for transferring rotating driving force between a driven and driving member. The key has a leg portion and a cross portion wider than and integral with the leg portion. The leg portion is positioned in a keyway of a first rotatable member and the cross portion is positioned in a keyway of a second rotable member. Rotating force applied to one of the rotating members is transferred to the other member through the keyways and the leg and cross portions of the key.

Abstract: A chain link for a product capturing chain, including a pair of opposed retaining lips integral with the link for retaining the resilient gripping member.