Abstract: A single endless belt lift conveyor has lower criss-cross return segments that are guided by vertically spaced guide rollers that rotate about vertical axes. The vertical guide rollers are mounted to adjacent towers spaced along a telescoping boom of the conveyor. This arrangement ensures that load carrying cleats on the belt clear each other and allows the boom to be leaned against a roof, gutter, or other supporting structure without the cleats striking the same.

Abstract: A gathering chain pusher member for use in a gathering conveyor system is configured in a manner to allow high speed binding to occur without deformation of signatures collected by the system.

Abstract: A modular link conveyor including a series of article engaging inserts includes a plurality of downwardly extending projections on each insert is provided to engage a series of corresponding apertures across the width of the modular links. A series of transversely mounted retaining rods secure the article engaging inserts to the conveyor. In the preferred embodiment, each insert is provided with one or more elastomer pads across the top surface of the insert for positive frictional engagement of the article being transported on the conveyor along the path. In the first alternative embodiment, each insert is provided with transversely mounted pusher bar, including an upstanding projection, to positively feed articles when necessary, such as when going up an incline. In a second alternative embodiment, each article engaging insert is provided with a transversely mounted bar having an obliquely angled face, similarly capable of positively feeding articles on the conveyor.

Abstract: A removable conveyor flight formed of a flight body 12 having downwardly extending arcuate clamp arms. A pair of opposing arcuately shaped rigid clamps (14) and (16) are embedded within the flight body. Formed integrally with clamps (14) and (16) are compression tabs (20) which extend upward into the flight body to a fulcrum point (22). Bolts (28) are provided to draw the clamps together, thereby clamping the resilient clamp arms of flight body (12) against the cross bar or rod (34) of draper chain (32).

Abstract: A conveyor system having conveyor pieces connected together, without gaps, and links having projections engageable with sprockets connected in an endless manner to thereby constitute an endless conveyor. The arrangement permits powdery goods or fluid goods to be conveyed without falling or spilling from the link portions of the loading surface of the endless conveyor. A plurality of side protect fins are placed one on another without gaps on the sides of the endless conveyor in its width direction. This allows powdery goods or fluid goods to be conveyed without falling or spilling from the overlapping portions of the side protect fins at the sides of the loading surface.

Abstract: A module for forming a conveyor belt (22) having a high friction conveying surface and which is comprised of a plurality of identical modules (36, 38, 40, 42 and 44) preferably formed by injection molding is disclosed. Each module (36) has a top portion and bottom portion, and includes a plurality of elongated elements each of which has first pivot ends (36A) and second pivot ends (36B) formed integral with an intermediate section (54). Each of the plurality of pivot ends define pivot holes (62) which have axes (64 and 66) aligned such that the pivot ends of other modules may be pivotally connected by a pivot rod (46 and 50). Modules of a conveying belt include a device for receiving a driving force which is applied to the module orthogonally to the pivot axis and substantially parallel to a first plane defined by the first and second axis (64 and 66).

Abstract: A litter screening and separating apparatus including a storage compartment arranged for towed movement, a loader structure affixed at one end of the storage compartment for picking up encrusted litter material from floors of chicken houses, a conveyor including a pair of chains for moving the encrusted litter from the loading structure to the storage compartment, a baffle plate adjacent and beneath the conveyor chain for preventing contamination of the conveyor chain from the material stored in the storage compartment, a plurality of loading panels arranged between the pair of chains and being replaceably affixed thereto, and vibrator rollers adjacent the pair of chains for engagement with projections on spaced links of each chain for vibrating the loading panels. The loading panels may be of solid panel construction or of expanded metal, depending upon the type of litter being picked up and the method of use of the apparatus.

Abstract: An entraining cleat of rubber or like material for attachment to a flat conveyor belt of an assembly for steep or vertical conveying of loose material is provided. The entraining cleat includes an entraining bar having a lower straight branch and latteral projections extending perpendicularly outwardly from opposite sides thereof above the lower end of the branch. A foot portion includes two profile portions having angular cross-sections extending generally parallel to each other with respective lower branches extending outwardly in opposite directions with flat bottom surfaces for being positioned on the conveyor belt and upper branches having a grooved-shaped space therebetween and upper flat faces for receiving the lower end of the lower branch of the entraining bar within the groove-shaped space and the latteral projections on the upper flat faces for mounting the entraining bar on the foot portion.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive method and apparatus are provided for weighing product, such as fruits and vegetables, with a separate, simple yet effective method and apparatus for sorting fruits and vegetables having the same characteristics. The weighing apparatus includes a pair of chains having inwardly extending pins engaging vertically elongated slots in lubricating plastic hour glass shaped roller segments. A flat bottom portion of each roller segment engages three rails of a stationary track while the pins engage the elongated slots and move the roller segments over the weighing mechanism. Two or more roller segments engage a fruit or vegetable at the same time, and the stationary track is notched at a load cell so that all of the roller segments supporting a fruit or vegetable operatively engage the load cell at the same time. The product sorter includes a contoured supporting base with a flexible belt on the base and in sliding engagement with it.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus for conveying tree trunks through a measuring device is disclosed in which the conveying apparatus comprises at least one transport chain and a plurality of drivers for receiving the tree trunks which are driven by the chain and slide on a guide track. A reliable supporting of the tree trunks on the drivers during transport through the measuring device is achieved which also prevents tilting of the tree trunks by providing drivers which are spaced apart in the conveying direction of the chain. Additionally, the engaging faces of the drivers are designed for receiving the tree trunks and extend perpendicularly to the conveying direction of the chain and are inclined where at least two drivers have oppositely extending inclines in the conveying region.

Abstract: A carrier, consisting of a holder and a gripper, is provided for use on a drag chain conveyor used particularly for the conveyance of loose articles such as bottles. The chain conveyor comprises a pair of conveyor chains in spaced substantially parallel relationship, both of the chains moving in the same direction along a conveyance channel. Carriers of the invention are carried by links in each of the chains with the grippers thereof disposed inwardly into the space between the two conveyor chains. Loose articles in the space are engaged by the grippers and moved thereby. The holder comprises a plate and a bow and is connected to a link of the conveyor chain. The holder is supported on slide rails. The gripper is a hollow, tube-shaped member made of resilient material and has a flat surface which lies against the plate. The gripper is fastened to the plate by bolts anchored in the plate and which pass through the flat surface of the gripper. Spring nuts fasten to the bolts.

Abstract: The invention refers to a transport device, which incorporates an endless belt. At the supply position for the objects to be transported, this belt has an ascending direction and is provided with mobile rollers at a certain distance above the belt and spaced apart so much that there is space only for one object between two adjacent rollers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible endless conveyor for a harvester pickup apron made up of a number of side-by-side rubber belts. Each belt has an integrally molded series of main cleat attachments for rigid tines. Each tine is set astride a central cleat while the leading and trailing edges of the tines are held by undercuts in a pair of subcleats which are perpendicular to each main cleat. The subcleats prevent any debris from lodging under the body of the tine during crop harvesting.

Abstract: A flight has a wing with an elongated support rod embedded in said wing along a fixed edge thereof. To flight or wing has two free ends that are not affixed to said support rod. A metal cable is embedded in each of the free ends and extends from the free ends to the support rod. The metal cable in affixed to the support rod to reduce the possibility of the free ends breaking off from the remainder of the wing.

Abstract: A conveying system useful for synchronous conveying of articles along a straight line path between a driving and driven pulley. Selected teeth of a synchronous belt are modified to provide passages between a backing and a top land. Each modified tooth is formed with a reduced addendum. A tip plate is bolted to the top land of the modified teeth so that the height of the teeth become compatible with the standard size teeth of the belt. The tip plate bolts are also used to fasten transporting devices to the backing of the belt at the locations of the nonstandard teeth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to members (10) by which a flat conveyor belt (11) can negotiate a turn while supporting a ribbon (12) of material and without deleteriously deforming that ribbon. A series of flights (50) are spaced longitudinally along the conveyor (11). Each flight is inclined at an angle (.theta.) with respect to the plane of the conveyor (11). The apex (52) of the angle .theta. is located in proximity to the outer edge of the conveyor such that the support member 51 is inclined upwardly and inwardly. Because of the orientation of the inclination, the outer edge of the ribbon will be supported by the support member (51) and/or the belt member (20) to be transported without any change in disposition and without being subjected to any substantial tensile stresses.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing sprinkler pipe from a field in which the sprinkler pipe is disposed in rows in the field with the sprinkler pipe in each row being formed of serially connected lengths of sprinkler pipe having an elongate framework. Ground engaging means is carried by the framework. First and second sprockets are rotatably mounted on the framework in positions spaced apart longitudinally of the framework. An endless chain is mounted on the sprockets. A drive motor is provided. Control means for connecting and disconnecting the drive motor is provided to one of said sprockets. At least one attachment is carried by the chain. The attachment is adapted to engage lengths of the sprinkler pipe whereby as the chain is advanced the length of pipe connected there is withdrawn from the field and carried onto the elongate framework.

Abstract: The shoe is used as a glass plate pressing or backing-up member attached on a conveyor of a glass plate edge bevelling machine. The shoe comprises an elongate body. On one face thereof the elongate body is provided with blocks adapted for abutment engagement with large plate glass workpieces to be processed. A small supporting plate member movably connected to the elongate body is positionable at a first position, whereat the small plate member defines an extension of the elongate body, adapted for engagement with and for pressing or backing-up small size plate glass workpieces to be processed. The small plate member is further positionable at a second idle position, whereat it is accommodated within the elongate body in association with the blocks, without interfering with larger glass workpieces to be supported by the elongate body.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating peanuts and like commodities from vines and debris entrained with the peanuts during the harvesting process includes an endless conveyor forming a screen structure made up of elongated platelike members interconnected by spaced apart endless roller chains trained over a triangular arrangement of drive shafting and supporting sprockets. The conveyor screen members are formed by the elongated plates which include horizontally projecting spaced apart tines and vertically extending rake teeth aligned with the tines. The adjacent tines and adjacent plates form openings of predetermined size for allowing peanuts to drop through the conveyor screen into a first receiving hopper while retaining stems, vine parts and other debris on the conveyor screen to be deposited in a second receiving hopper.

Abstract: A flexible endless conveyor for a harvester pickup apron comprises a number of side-by-side belts having a plurality of integrally molded elastomer cleats raised from the surface of each belt, oriented in a plurality of rows across the width of each belt. Each cleat has a bore therethrough with an axis parallel to the base of the belt and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the belt. Crop gathering tines are mounted on each cleat by fitting an aperture in tine body over each cleat and inserting a rod through both a bore in the tine body and the bore in the cleat. The conveyor is useful in a crop gathering machines such as combines and balers.

Abstract: An apparatus for housing poultry to be fattened includes a grate-shaped animal conveyor supporting floor 21 which is contained within a housing enclosure. The floor is formed by a plurality of intersecting supporting profiles 33, each made from a soft, elastic material which is arranged so that it provides a plurality of openings 34 in the floor through which poultry droppings may pass. A plurality of soft, elastic coverings 40 are formed in a region above the supporting members 38 that are used to support the floor, the elastic coverings 40 providing extremely soft and yielding raised surfaces against which the poultry can lean, sit, or stand.

Abstract: An improved machine for use in making parquet flooring blocks or tiles in a more efficient and rapid manner. The apparatus includes an in-line feeding system that controls movement, feeding, horizontal registration and spacing of individual slats as the slats are formed into groups of a predetermined size and as the groups are spaced apart for subsequent processing into parquet blocks or tiles.

Abstract: A container conveying and elevating apparatus conveys relatively shallow containers having a relatively large diameter, such as aluminum can cup bodies, in banks, or en masse, that is, in multiple rows, along a generally horizontal feed-in conveyor to the front or imput side of a vertically extending elevator housing and onto the bottom run of a generally vertically extending elevator conveyor which is arranged in the housing. The elevator conveyor embodies multiple rows of generally horizontally or longitudinally and transversely extending spaced flexible container-conveying and supporting finger members which are adapted to project into the interiors of, or otherwise engage, the containers as they are fed by the feed-in conveyor to the bottom horizontal run of the elevator conveyor.

Abstract: A modular compartmentalized conveyor belt system including a plurality of spaced roller bearing pins; a plurality of rollers mounted on the pins; first and second spaced sets of raised link members, each set arranged in first and second rows for coupling adjacent pairs of pins, the link members in each row disposed in close overlapping relationship with those in the other row, each of the link members including two horizontally spaced holes for receiving adjacent pins and at least one hole vertically spaced from the horizontally spaced holes for receiving a flight pin; each of the links in each of the rows meeting with adjacent link members in its row approximately midway of the link member in the other row, and each of the link members having at each edge a flight pin recess which cooperates with that of an adjacent link member in the same row for accommodating a flight pin received in a vertical spaced hole in a link member of the other row.

Abstract: An apparatus for gently transferring delicate produce from a supply conveyor into a dry storage bin. The discharge head of the apparatus has a reversible delivery board which directs and uniformly stacks the produce within the bin without bruising the produce. The transfer apparatus utilizes a series of opposed brushes on a parallel conveyor arrangement to gently support and transfer the produce to the bin. The discharge head and the bin move relative to each other in both the horizontal and vertical planes to provide uniform layers of produce and to adjust for the increasing layers in the bin.

Abstract: Air under pressure is selectively injected into raisable hollow members made of foldable material forming engagement means for movable belts which define conveying and storing elements for streams of cigarettes or the like between cigarette producing machines and packaging machines, the deflating of the hollow member acting to shift the belts from conveying function to storing function.

Abstract: An endless belt conveyor for collecting floating matter, particularly highly viscous oil lumps from the water surface is disclosed. The endless belt conveyor extends between a pair of pulleys, one of which being located above water level and the other pulley being located beneath water level, and comprises (1) a pair of driving bands located at widthwise ends of the conveyor, (2) a plurality of connection plates fixed to the driving bands at a given interval, (3) a plurality of projections provided outwardly on the upper surface of each connection plate, (4) a plurality of sleeves provided on the lower surface of each connection plate, and (5) a plurality of flexible ropes passing through the sleeves and extending between the pulleys.

Abstract: A counting and grouping apparatus for receiving articles such as fruit, marshalling the articles so as to fill up a number of parallel supply lines for presenting a number of the articles in line abreast in the leading positions in the supply lines, the number in the line abreast being equal to (or a fraction or multiple of) the number of articles to be counted into a group and a moving belt conveyor bearing at intervals along its length lines of fingers in line abreast across the belt, which fingers align with the leading position of the supply lines and shift the line of articles in said leading positions onto the conveyor belt as the fingers pass the exit ends of the supply lines. Gates are described for blocking one or more of the supply lines to control the number.The fingers have an upright operating position for picking off the articles and a non-operating position folded down on to the belt.

Abstract: An endless power-driven conveyor has flights in the form of rakes whose teeth extend between a plurality of parallel comb elements that extend lengthwise of the upper run of the conveyor, for example for removing solids from a liquid. Two endless conveyor chains are interconnected by crosspieces beneath the comb elements; and the rake teeth upstand from these crosspieces. The head wheel of the conveyor has a recess to receive these crosspieces. The comb elements are curved about the head wheel and received in crenelations in the head wheel, the outer surfaces of the crenelations and the outer surfaces of the comb elements about the head wheel forming a continuous partially cylindrical contour. The comb elements then diverge downwardly from the head wheel and terminate in substantially vertical downwardly directed free ends which strip the solids from the rake teeth for gravity discharge of the solids into a container.

Abstract: Wear protection for a conveyor belt is provided by metal plates detachably connected to the belt along its length and located in the central area of the belt. The plates are constructed and arranged relative to each other to prevent foreign matter from becoming lodged between the plates and the belt surface. Cleats are provided on the plates.