Abstract: The conveyor chain assembly is made of multiple rows of pivotally connected link modules. Each module has spaced link ends which project between the link ends of the module in the adjacent row. The joint between modules in a row is straddled or bridged by a module in the adjacent row to give a bricked lay-up. Each of the modules on the left side of the conveyor has a solid link end so the pivot rod abuts the inside of the link end. The other end of the pivot rod lies just inside of a spring plug mounted in the arm or link end on the right side module. The modules cannot be end-for-ended and assembled. They must be assembled correctly. Certain link ends are wider than the others to require proper assembly to the modules in the adjacent row and to distribute drive loads over a greater area. Both sides of the conveyor are essentially flush or smooth.

Abstract: The conveyor chain assembly is made of multiple rows of pivotally connected link modules. Each module has spaced link ends which project between the link ends of the module in the adjacent row. The joint between modules in a row is straddled or bridged by a module in the adjacent row to give a bricked lay-up. Each of the modules on the left side of the conveyor has a solid link end so the pivot rod abuts the inside of the link end. The other end of the pivot rod lies just inside of a spring plug mounted in the arm or link end on the right side module. The modules cannot be end-for-ended and assembled. They must be assembled correctly. Certain link ends are wider than the others to require proper assembly to the modules in the adjacent row and to distribute drive loads over a greater area. Both sides of the conveyor are essentially flush or smooth.

Abstract: An article carrying chain includes a plurality of interconnected molded plastic chain link assemblies each having a planar top plate. The chain link assemblies are interconnected so as to permit articulation between adjacent links around orthogonal axes. The potential for wear or breakage between adjacent links is reduced by beveling at least one of the mating edges between the top plates of adjacent links. Product kick-up is avoided by rounding the upper surface of each top plate along its leading and trailing edges. The underside of each link assembly is shaped so as to be engageable by either side of a sprocket tooth to thereby permit the sprocket to drive the chain in either of two directions. A plurality of upper and lower tabs formed along the lower portions of the chain link assemblies function to stabilize the chain relative to a pair of glide rails while permitting free removal of the chain link assemblies from the guide rails.

Abstract: A chain module for use in forming a conveyor chain assembly, the chain module having a plurality of link ends being adapted to intermesh with link ends of an adjacent module, the link ends have aligned slots adapted to house a hinge pin for pivotally joining together adjacent modules. The chain module also has a link end having a generally circular aperture, the generally circular aperture being aligned with the ends of the slots adjacent the body of the module and such that the hinge pin is out of alignment with the circular hole during operation of the conveyor chain.

Abstract: Chain links for forming a conveyor each chain link including a base portion having shaft support members extending upwardly from its top surface and shafts supported between the shaft support members. A plurality of rollers are mounted on each shaft, the rollers including a larger diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion the smaller diameter portions of the rollers defining grooves in the upper article supporting surface of the rollers, the grooves being adapted to house fingers of a fingered transfer plate.