Abstract: A magnetic conveyor including chain links with article carrying portions having magnetized grommets or magnetic filler material dispersed throughout to impart magnetic properties to the conveyor chain for conveying ferro magnetic articles. Preferably, the chain links comprise a polymeric resin material with a magnetic filler material dispersed therein during the molding process. Magnetization to provide multiple poles allows a minimum amount of filler material to be used thereby resulting in a relatively small reduction in the strength of the chain.

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: An article carrying conveyor chain includes a series of links having parts which slide on flat, spaced supporting rails which also provide the chain with lateral guidance. The link parts engaging the rails are an injection molded thermoplastic having dispersed throughout small particles of a low-friction material such that the exposed portions of the particles provide a dry film lubricant which, as the chain is used, becomes distributed over all of the several surfaces having frictional engagement with the supported articles and with rails. Where the entire link is of integral molded construction, the bearing surface of the link with the connecting pin is thus also provided with the dry film lubricant.