Abstract: There is provided a conveyor wheel comprising a male hub, a female hub mateably engaging the male hub, an outer wheel hub having an outer circumference for supporting an object, and a plurality of ball bearings supporting the outer wheel hub with respect to the mateably engaged male and female hubs. The outer wheel hub includes at least one rib of substantially triangular cross-section in the outer circumference. A wheel or roller conveyor including a plurality of the conveyor wheels is also disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus comprising a conveyor of the kind specified having a conveyor frame of the kind specified wherein the spindle of at least one of the rollers comprises a pair of stub spindles each having a generally elongate end portion which in use, extends within a socket provided at one end of the roller, and a support portion which inter-engages with an opening of a respective side frame member of the conveyor frame which provides a mounting frame for the roller, the support portion of at least one of the stub spindles and its associated opening being configured such that with the stub spindle in a first orientation a retaining part of the support portion can be inserted into the opening by moving the stub spindle along the longitudinal axis of the end portion, and when the orientation of the stub spindle is changed to a second orientation, the retaining part of the support portion is prevented from being withdrawn from the opening by an opposite movement of the stub spindle.

Abstract: A rubber plastic composite cylinder that has a cylindrical hollow elastomeric body bonded internally to a shaft and its external surface bonded to a cylindrical sleeve of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene which includes the bonding as by vulcanization two outer shells of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene to the elastomeric cylinder to place the elastomeric cylinder in compression. Such composite cylinder may be spaced along a shaft or utilized effectively as a coaxial shear spring or as conveyor rollers.

Abstract: In a gravity rollerway conveyor having a plurality of resilient tired rollers with low frction bearings, the resilient tires are selected for various properties desired for the overall conveyor and are permanently preassembled on metallic cylindrical tubes for stockpiling, so that thereafter they may be selected for a particular job and mechanically force fit or cemented onto the outer race of a standard roller subassembly that has the bearing. In this manner, the secure assembly of the tire can be accomplished without contaminating or deteriorating the bearing or other parts of the roller subassembly.

Abstract: A roller assembly for supporting a boat on a trailer which has a hub with a resilient surface, and wherein the hub rotates on a cat's eye-shaped bushing which allows limited swivel and acts as a positive guide to the boat hull for providing straight line loading.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotatably mounting idlers and pulleys of various sizes, including an idler or pulley for engaging the underside of a conveyor belt. The idler or pulley includes a cylindrical chamber in each end for reception of bearing assemblies therein. Each of the bearing assemblies in each end of the idler or pulley has a stub shaft therein. An elongated member which is tubular, at least at each end thereof, is press fit onto the inner ends of each of the stub shafts whereby the length of the elongated member can be chosen depending upon the length of the idler or pulley, while at the same time identical standard bearing assemblies and stub shafts can be used for idler pulleys of various sizes.

Abstract: A multi directional wheel, particularly for use with guide structures and conveying structures, driven or undriven, consists of only two different parts, namely an integral one piece molded synthetic resin hub and an integral one piece molded synthetic resin roller. A plurality of such rollers are mounted about the periphery of the hub so that the axes of the rollers are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis of the hub, with bearings being provided by the inherent structure of the hub and rollers. Bearing supports extend outwardly from the hub and engage between subrollers that make up the rollers, so that the rollers may be closely spaced to each other without any intervening structure, to lessen flat spots between adjacent rollers. Rollers are snap fit into the bearing supports in the axial direction, so that two wheels may be mounted together as mirror images to prevent withdrawal of the rollers on the snap fit assembly.

Abstract: An undriven gravity roller conveyor is disclosed in which a first plurality of idler conveyor rollers having a rigid outer annular wheel surface and an annular tire of an elastomeric material with an inner annular bearing surface of complementary shape, mounted on each rigid outer annular wheel surface, are arranged in successive rows for conveying loads of cargo. The elastomeric tires, as mounted on the wheel surfaces, have substantially equal radial thicknesses providing outer annular bearing surfaces with a first radial dimension and a first circumferential surface area, and are made of a material having an elastic limit by which each of the tires acquires a permanent deformation known as compression set when radially depressed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conveyor roller comprising a shaft, a plurality of bearings provided on the shaft, and a roller body having a cylindrical side surface and two exterior end walls, the body being fixed to the bearings, and being rotatable on the shaft, wherein the roller body is made with a moldable polymer concrete material, and contains an encapsulated labyrinth seal connected to the shaft, the seal being provided inside each end of the roller body at a position on the shaft separated from the bearings and each exterior end wall of the roller body, such that the seal isolates the bearings from exterior contaminants. The roller according to the invention is more resistant to contamination, and therefore is more durable.

Abstract: A separable roller sleeve, and methods of making and installing the same, to be provided as original equipment or alternately provide either a roller conveyor retrofit or replacement roller sleeve installation capability for both powered and idler rollers on the input and output sides of a typical roll conveying machine generally of that type employed in a shear line to accomplish movement of reinforcing rods to and from a cutting station, where the separable roller sleeve is fabricated either in the form of or from a section of resilient thick walled tubular material having an inside diameter slightly larger than that of the outside diameter of the roller to which it is to be installed and cut to the roller length, which tubular material member is then converted to a separable roller sleeve by providing therethrough a longitudinally extending compression closing spiral wall separation from one end thereof to the other whereby the spirally separable roller sleeve thus formed may then be twistably opened manua

Abstract: In order to avoid deformation of a transport roller due to temperature differences in glass cooling passages, the cylindrical or tubular center part of the roller, arranged between two trunnions, is axially displaceable relative to the trunnions.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for trays or the like comprising a framework for supporting a conveyor path along which the trays are to be conveyed; the framework having side rails for aligning the trays in a uniform orientation along the path of the apparatus; a plurality of freely rotating rollers mounted on the framework between the side rails; the rollers being mounted on the framework in serial spaced relationship such that the uppermost tangential surfaces of successive rollers lie in a continuous plane defining a support surface for the trays; a plurality of wheels mounted to the framework between the rails, the wheels having whiskers protruding from the circumference thereof; the whiskers being bendable from a position in which the whiskers normally protrude from the wheels and resiliently reformable back to the position in which the whiskers normally protrude; the wheels being mounted serially along the length of the conveyor path and between the rollers such that the whiskers extend above the continuous plane

Abstract: An insert for a roller for supporting a boat on a boat trailer includes a plastic sleeve surrounding a stationary shaft for the roller. The sleeve includes a plurality of spaced-apart longitudinal ridges extending radially outward along its length. A hollow rubber roller is fitted over the sleeve and the ridges are embedded into an interior diameter of the rubber roller, so that air circulates freely between the sleeve, the ridges and the roller. The roller may include load bearing sleeve supports, between the shaft and the sleeve, at each end of the insert.

Abstract: A rubber-covered roll has a cylindrical roll core and a cylindrical sheath of rubber molded about and covering the roll core to provide a rubber-covered roll core. The roll also has a pair of metallic end cap cores and a pair of rubber jackets each molded about one of the end cap cores to partially enclose the same and provide a pair of rubber-jacketed end caps. The rubber-jacketed end caps are attached to opposite ends of the rubber-covered roll core to provide the rubber-covered roll. Each end cap core is annular-shaped and has an inner corner beveled at an approximate forty-five degree angle to define a continuous inner corner surface thereon.

Abstract: A roll-way is assembled from roll blocks to permit frictionless displacement of goods or vehicles placed thereupon. The roll blocks contain a base body having a roll surface into which there is embedded a multitude of rolling balls that are closely spaced from each other and located in associated spherical cavities. The rolling balls protrude from the associated spherical cavities by less than half of their circumference and are embedded in a rollingly movable manner in the roll surface.

Abstract: A freerunning roller for use in a roller conveyor system comprises a cylindrical tube having saw cut ends providing a rough edge on each end which is relied upon to effect frictional interengagement with a relatively soft plastic cup dimensioned for force fitting into the tube and also dimensioned internally to receive a ball bearing in force fitted relation. The bearing assembly is completed by a bushing which is force fitted into the bearing and also has a hexagonal bore for receiving a hexagonal shaft by which the roller is mounted in a conveyor frame.

Abstract: A cable conveyor for transporting articles through a curved path of transport is disclosed. The conveyor has a plurality of pulley assemblies rotatably mounted on a conveyor frame. A cable tangentially contacts and is guided by each successive pulley assembly. The cable carries and transports the articles as it is pulled through a path defined by the pulley assemblies. The pulley assemblies may be spaced so that the path they define is shaped substantially the same as the shape of the conveyor frame. The conveyor may provide a spiral path of transport so that the articles may be raised or lowered. Alternatively, the conveyor may provide an arc to transport the articles from one direction of transport to another.

Abstract: A wheel for pallet conveyor systems. A roller bearing is provided with a flange about its perimeter; an elastic tire, with a groove matching the flange, may be snapped onto the bearing.

Abstract: A conveyor roller comprises a steel roller tube fitted with end cap assemblies incorporating bearings for rotatably mounting the roller tube on a fixed shaft. Each end cap assembly comprises a rigid housing which supports the bearing, and a separate collar of resilient plastics material mounted on the housing. The axially inner end portion of the collar has an annular recess which receives a radial flange on the housing, and the axially outer end portion of the collar consists of inner and outer tubular walls which are spaced apart prior to fitting of the end cap assembly in the roller tube. The external surface of the inner tubular wall is curved radially inwards and axially outwards. Each end cap assembly is secured in position by swaging the end of the tube so as to force the outer wall of the collar against the inner wall along its length.

Abstract: A roller assembly to be used to support cargo which is being moved over a floor surface. The assembly comprises an elongate horizontally disposed mounting member with roller units mounted thereto. Each roller unit comprises an outer roller member, two support bearings, two locating elements, a center shaft, and an end nut. Each locating element has cylindrical portions surrounding the shaft and butting against one another.

Abstract: A conveyor roller and bearing arrangement rotatable about a pair of fixed stub axles lying between spaced side frame members includes a pair of self-aligning bearing assemblies in each end of the roller. Each bearing assembly includes an inner bearing race mounted on one of the stub axles, an outer bearing race rotatably mounted on the inner bearing race and an outer cushioning sleeve secured to the roller and outer bearing race for maintaining axial alignment between the inner and outer bearing races. A roller support assembly is positioned between the frame members to provide external support for the roller and cooperate with the bearing assemblies and stub axles to reduce the bending influence of the roller under loads.

Abstract: According to the invention, an inexpensive antifriction bearing is located in a plastic block and the plastic block is encircled by a further plastic ring. The softening point of the plastic ring is lower by 20.degree. C. than that of the material of the bearing block and between the softening point and melting point of the ring a difference of at least 30.degree. C. exists ensuring that in case of excessive warming up of the bearing, the sliding on each other of the plastic block and of the outer plastic ring as plain bearing, puts the bearing out of action for a certain time. The contact surfaces of the bearing block and the ring are spherical, ensuring the compensation of possible eccentricity by self-aligning. The ring is fixed in the seat of a roller by flanging. The invention renders superfluous the otherwise indispensable high-precision single-purpose machine or horizontal lathe for boring the roller, and makes possible the application of the technology of mass production.

Abstract: A scrub wheel is provided in document processing equipment where a wheel is removable and replaceable. The wheel is held between a base member and a top member where the top member comprises retaining lugs at the distal ends of retention arms which engage the lower surface of a ledge in the center of the base member subsequent to passage therethrough when in a correct angular orientation, the lower surface comprising recesses which bind the top member and the base member under the elastic restitution force of a helical spring in the top member.

Abstract: A conveyor roller and bearing assembly designed to rotate around a fixed shaft in a conveyor frame is disclosed having a polymeric roller constructed and arranged to minimize the generation of production noise and static electricity, a polymeric spherical bearing capable of freely rotating within a shaft subjected to more than the normal degree of deflectional rotation while generating a minimum of friction and heat, and a spring loaded shaft designed for easy installation in a conveyor frame.

Abstract: An idler roll assembly comprises a unitary, solid roller formed essentially of ultra-high molecular weight high-density polyethylene resin mounted without separate bearing components for rotation on a shaft member and also for movement about the shaft member within allowed tolerances and boundaries, to provide a maintenance free roller assembly which also assists in improved operation of systems of which the roller assembly is a component part.

Abstract: An improved material flow rail construction of the type employed to transmit containers or articles from one location to another gravity force. The improved material fow rail comprises a substantially U-shaped channel within which a multiplicity of mounting bolts are attached. Individual bearing assemblies are placed on the mounting bolts. By placing the individual bearing assemblies closely adjacent one another in a longitudinal direction with respect to the support channel, the flow rail has the ability to transmit parts having very small "footprint" areas since a large space between rollers is not presented for parts or components thereof to become caught. By providing a loose fit between the bearing inner races and the supporting mounting bolts, the inner race is permitted to rotate slightly with respect to the mounting bolts thereby presenting new wear surfaces as the flow rail is put into use.

Abstract: A bearing and stub shaft assembly for a belt conveyor or the like provides a non-rotatable connection between the stub shaft and the inner race of a bearing supporting one end of a cylindrical roller. An inner surface of a central cup in the inner race and the deformed elliptical outer surface of a hollow end of the stub shaft interfit to give a simple, non-rotational connection. At the same time, a cylindrical coil spring captured within the end of the stub shaft as it is deformed is compressed within the central cup to provide a preload to the bearing.

Abstract: The speed of a pallet as it descends down a pair of inclined rails in a flow rack is controlled by a series of speed-control wheels mounted on axles fastened to frame members located underneath the pallet. A tapered roller bearing is interposed between each axle and wheel to mount the wheel for combined rotary motion and axial motion. Brake pads are mounted on the frame member for engaging a braking surface on the wheel as it moves axially in response to the pallet load. The brake pads apply friction to the wheel for slowing the speed of the pallet. A bar is provided adjacent the lower end of each rail for engaging the speed control wheels on the pallets to increase the axial pressure thereon and to increase friction for arresting the pallets and separating the same.

Abstract: A conveyor roller and bearing arrangement rotatable about a fixed axle lying between spaced side frame rails includes a pair of self-aligning bearing assemblies in each end of the roller. Each bearing assembly includes an inner bearing race fixed to the axle, an outer bearing race rotatably mounted on the inner bearing race and an outer cushioning sleeve secured to the roller and outer bearing race for maintaining axial alignment between the inner and outer bearing races.

Abstract: A transport roller, especially for transporting sheet material such as sheets of paper, has a rigid core surrounded by a friction increasing jacket of elastic material. At least one member is inserted between the jacket and the roller for preventing a relative axial displacement between the core and the jacket. Such member is an endless helical spring partially embedded in the jacket and projecting into a ring groove in the core, whereby the jacket is firmly held in place on the core against any relative axial displacement.

Abstract: An improved material flow rail construction of the type employed to transmit containers or articles from one location to another gravity force. The improved material flow rail comprises a substantially U-shaped channel within which a multiplicity of mounting bolts are attached. Individual bearing assemblies are placed on the mounting bolts. By placing the individual bearing assemblies closely adjacent one another in a longitudinal direction with respect to the support channel, the flow rail has the ability to transmit parts having very small "footprint" areas since a large space between rollers is not presented for parts or components thereof to become caught. By providing a loose fit between the bearing inner races and the supporting mounting bolts, the inner race is permitted to rotate slightly with respect to the mounting bolts thereby presenting new wear surfaces as the flow rail is put into use.

Abstract: An impact roller structure (10) for absorbing impact imparted on a conveying surface. The impact roller structure (10) includes a hub portion (11) having an opening (12) therein. The impact roller structure (10) further includes an outer ring-like portion (15) for making contact with the conveying surface. The ring-like portion (15) and the hub portion (11) are interconnected by a plurality of radially extending members (17). The radially extending members (17) define a plurality of hollow cylinders (18) between the hub portion (11) and the outer ring-like portion (15). The radially extending members (17) are constructed and arranged for cooperating with the hub portion (11) and the ring-like portion (15) so as to efficiently absorb shock imparted on the impact roller structure (10).

Abstract: A transport roller for a record carrier in a printer, for example, an ink jet printer, is composed of at least two laterally adjoining, hollow, cylindrical roller sections. Each roller section is connected to its hub by means of at least one carrier portion. The roller sections are adjacently arranged on a shaft by way of the hubs by which they are locked against rotation. At a first lateral end of each roller section a groove opens towards this first end, in which groove there is arranged a toroidal ring. The laterally open groove is closed by the second lateral end of the roller section which adjoins this first lateral end.

Abstract: A conveyor for removing billets from an induction heating furnace and for separating them from following billets to which they may have become adhered employs a roller having a contoured surface. The roller is rotatably mounted about an axis skewed relative to its central axis so that it wobbles as it rotates, imparting a reciprocating force on the billet to separate it from the following billet to which it is adhered.

Abstract: A utility boat trailer for towing a boat which is capable of carrying a number of different sizes of boats and a number of different hull configurations has a plurality of adjustments on various of its members including position and angle adjustment in order for load bearing rollers used on the trailer to conformably support most boat hulls loaded and carried thereon, thereby minimizing stress on the hull and enhancing the ease of loading and unloading, said trailer also including height and position adjustments for a winch which effects the loading and unloading, the configuration of various of the trailer structural members having reduced mass and enhanced strength design.

Abstract: A guide system or rollerway in a gravity type conveyor which includes a plurality of first and second cylindrical rollers journalled for rotation about axes extending transversely between a pair of elongated rails and disposed at spaced intervals along the rail lengths. The first rollers are load bearing and each includes a resiliently compressible load bearing surface around the outer circumference thereof. The nature of the load bearing surfaces is such that they act as speed control devices for a load. The second rollers are in general alignment with each other along the rail lengths and each includes a generally radial outwardly extending guide flange adapted for engagement by a load conveyed therepassed. The second rollers are smaller in diameter than the first rollers and are normally non-load bearing. When loading of the first rollers reaches some predetermined maximum level, the load bearing surfaces thereof are radially compressed to such an extent that the second rollers become load bearing.

Abstract: A shaft with rubber rollers designed to be made in a simple and inexpensive manner. The rollers are made separately with a helical spring or split clamping sleeve vulcanized in them during manufacture. The required number of rollers are ground to size and placed in an assembly block in the required spaced and axially aligned relationship, and the shaft is forced through the central apertures of the rollers.

Abstract: A roller assembly primarily adapted for sanitary uses includes an amorphous thermoplastic roller tube and crystalline thermoplastic end caps. Each end cap includes a tapered hub and a radial flange. A plurality of tapered barbs are formed on the hub. The end caps and tube are mechanically interconnected by an ultrasonic insertion device which causes melting and resolidifying of the roller tube about the end cap. The roller tube is held and the end cap is guided to a concentric position by a clamp havig a pair of jaws which define a bore. The tube is clamped in the bore during insertion of the end cap.

Abstract: A workpiece support bearing for modular chuting for passing the workpiece along the chute is disclosed. The chute of the present invention includes a pair of side walls secured in a spaced apart manner by a plurality of clips attached to upper and lower edges of the side walls. Wear members are disclosed that are selectively secured to the walls of the chute or to the clips to reduce friction and wear from parts moving along the chute.

Abstract: A conveyor device useful also as a bulkhead in a storage compartment for trucks, railroad cars and cargo holds in airplanes, boats and the like. The conveyor device comprises a frame having adjustable bar means carried by the frame, to be pressed against the walls of the storage compartment to secure the frame as a bulkhead across the width of the storage compartment. Article conveyor track means are removably carried by the frame. Typically, in the bulkhead mode the track means serve as part of the bulkhead wall, while during loading or unloading the track means may be used to convey articles.

Abstract: A conveyor roll adapted for mounting on a shaft comprises a pair of opposed roll halves of a resilient material of semi-cylindrical shape, each having a semi-cylindrical recess. A pair of opposed semi-cylindrical metal insert halves are nested and secured within each roll half and have assembly ends projecting axially outward of the roll halves. Each insert half has an elongated semi-cylindrical recess snugly receiving said shaft. Fasteners interconnect the assembly ends of the inserts securing the inserts together upon the shaft and securing the roll halves together.

Abstract: A self supporting roller table in combination with a power saw includes a frame with polygonal sides and a plurality of support legs supporting the frame independently of the power saw at a height compatible for cooperation with the power saw. A plurality of parallel rollers are each rotatably attached within and to the frame. Each roller is made from a conventional plastic pipe section with a pair of plastic end plugs having integrally molded stub shafts for rotatably mounting the rollers.

Abstract: A sleeve for frictionally coupling a ceramic disk to a cylindrical shaft. The sleeve is constructed of a rigid plastic, preferably ABS with a void content to permit compression when mounting between the shaft and disk. The void content is between 25% and 50%, preferably between 40% and 50%.

Abstract: One or more of the rollers of a gravity rollerway conveyor has an annular outer tire forming the load support surface, which tire is assembled on the hub of the roller by first being turned inside out from its normal relaxed position and then being stretched over the hub that has a larger outer diameter than the tire inner diameter, so that the tire is pretensioned at its outer surface and precompressed at its inner surface to result in a significant decrease in the rolling resistance at substantially zero speed over a wide range of load values. The assembled tire has a central inner flange clamped in complementary recesses in the hub halves to prevent tire rotation.

Abstract: A device adapted for use as a positively driven steering member in a conveying apparatus, having a wheel with a spherically curved inner surface, a hub with a spherically curved outer surface which fits inside of the wheel, and a coupling which secures the wheel to the hub, permitting the axis of the wheel to be rotated relative to the axis of the hub in any direction while restraining relative motion between the wheel and hub about the axis of the hub. This arrangement provides that, when the hub is driven by a shaft passing through its axis, it drives the wheel, regardless of the angle between the hub and wheel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a keel roller for a boat trailer which includes an elongate body rotatably mountable on the trailer. The body is characterized by having a centrally located peripheral groove and opposed side portions each of which are located adjacent the groove. Each side portion comprises oppositely handed helical threads thereby providing a plurality of hills and valleys. The height of each hill decreases progressively toward the centrally located groove so that the periphery of each side portion converges or tapers inwardly towards the centrally located groove.

Abstract: Rollers are provided for roller conveyors. The roller comprises a sleeve body receiving roller bearings in the ends thereof, the bearings receiving a spindle. One race of each bearing supports the sleeve body, whilst the other has a bore engaged by the spindle. The engagement between the said bore and spindle is by means of a flexible seal so that the bearing can slide relative to the spindle in an axial direction, but the seal prevents flow of water along the spindle. There may be a single spindle extending through both bearings of each roller, or there may be two stub axles, one for each bearing. The races of the bearings are preferably of plastics material.

Abstract: An idler roll cylinder is secured to roll heads mounted within the ends thereof by forming an annular, outwardly opening groove in and around the outer periphery of each roll head facing the inner surface of the roll cylinder. A forming pressure is applied adjacent each end of the roll cylinder to form an inwardly extending annular lock member which is pressed into the annular groove. Angularly spaced, outwardly opening recesses are provided in the outer periphery of each roll head facing the inner surface of the roll cylinder and receive inwardly projecting lock elements formed in the roll cylinder by the forming pressure applied thereto.

Abstract: In a bearing and support for use either as a bearing, per se, or as a bearinged support for other items and incorporating the bearing of this invention; the bearing includes at least a pair of rotatable members that rotate or counter-rotate about a common axis, a shaft supporting the rotatable members for rotation about its common axis; roller, ball, sleeve, or other forms of bearings disposed between the rotatable members and the shaft to facilitate the rotation of the members therearound; a structural member incorporating a series of keepers upon its upper and lower edges and which retain races or tracks, and being disposed for having one of the rotatable members associated thereon to provide a bearing suspended support for holding other items, or the body of a person.

Abstract: A conveyor roller comprises a roller tube fitted with end cap assemblies incorporating bearings for rotatably mounting the roller tube on a fixed shaft. Each end cap assembly comprises a rigid housing having a cylindrical collar adapted to be a push fit in an end of the roller tube, the outer end of the collar being spaced radially from the housing. The end cap assembly is secured in position by swaging the end of the tube so as to force the outer end of the collar radially inwards against the rigid housing. The collar may be a close fit on the housing, or the housing may be moulded in plastics material and one end of the collar embedded in the plastics during the moulding of the housing. The outer end of the collar has a flange which abuts the end of the roller tube. The outer surface of the housing is curved radially inwards in the direction of the free end of the collar to limit the deflection of the collar.