Abstract: A chain conveyor paddle attachment bracket for coupling a paddle to a chain link is disclosed. In embodiments, the chain conveyor paddle attachment bracket includes a bent sheet of metal that forms a first portion and a second portion substantially perpendicular to one another. The first portion of the bent sheet of metal includes two notches on opposite sides of the first portion, wherein the two notches are configured to form a welding interface between the first portion of the bent sheet of metal and a sidebar of the chain link. The second portion of the bent sheet of metal includes an opening configured to receive a fastener for connecting the paddle to the second portion of the bent sheet of metal.

Abstract: A paddle conveyor system for efficiently removing tare, dirt, small particles, and other debris from large bulky products such as sugar beets. The paddle conveyor generally includes a first pulley including a first side and a second side and a second pulley including a first side and a second side. A first linkage is connected between the first side of the first pulley and the first side of the second pulley and a second linkage is connected between the second side of the first pulley and the second side of the second pulley. A plurality of paddles is each connected between the first linkage and the second linkage such that the plurality of paddles forms a loop for conveying a material towards the second pulley. Each of the paddles includes one or more slots through which debris from the material may fall.

Abstract: A specimen transport apparatus according to an aspect is provided with a holder which holds a cup-like specimen container accommodating a specimen in an upright position, a chain member disposed along a predetermined transport path, and a supporting portion provided in a predetermined position on the chain member and configured to support the holder.

Abstract: A conveying system includes conveying cells (14) for accommodating in particular hot bulk goods or lumpy conveying material. The conveying cells have a bottom (16), a front wall (30) and a rear wall (31) in the conveying direction of the conveying system and side walls (15) connecting the latter. The conveying cells (14) open at the top are shielded from the surrounding atmosphere by a stationary and gas-tight top cover (17) that spans the open surface of the conveying cells. Both sealing elements (22; 34, 35) shielding intermediate spaces (32) existing between the conveying cells (14) in the conveying direction from the surrounding atmosphere and also sealing elements (22; 28) projecting laterally on both sides beyond the side walls (15) of the conveying cells (14) are disposed in the bottom region of the conveying cells (14) lying opposite the top cover (17).

Abstract: A conveying system includes conveying cells (14) for accommodating in particular hot bulk goods or lumpy conveying material. The conveying cells have a bottom (16), a front wall (30) and a rear wall (31) in the conveying direction of the conveying system and side walls (15) connecting the latter. The conveying cells (14) open at the top are shielded from the surrounding atmosphere by a stationary and gas-tight top cover (17) that spans the open surface of the conveying cells. Both sealing elements (22; 34, 35) shielding intermediate spaces (32) existing between the conveying cells (14) in the conveying direction from the surrounding atmosphere and also sealing elements (22; 28) projecting laterally on both sides beyond the side walls (15) of the conveying cells (14) are disposed in the bottom region of the conveying cells (14) lying opposite the top cover (17).

Abstract: A bucket conveyor arrangement having a plurality of bucket conveyor lines (11) arranged alongside one another and having a charging device for charging bulk material onto the bucket conveyor lines (11), wherein a common drive shaft (13) for driving the bucket conveyor lines (11), having in each case a drive motor (17) that is attached to the associated end of the drive shaft (13) and acts on the drive shaft (13), is provided, is characterized in that at least three bucket conveyor lines (11) which are arranged alongside one another and can be coupled to and uncoupled from one or both drive motors (17) in each case individually and separately from one another are provided, wherein the bucket conveyor lines (11) are assigned a common charging device in the form of a bulk-material stream splitter (30) which has a receiving hopper (31) having a central charging point (32) for forming a natural bulk-material cone in the interior of the receiving hopper (31) and also outlets (35) arranged on the receiving hopper (3

Abstract: A multiple-lane fruit positioning apparatus, especially suitable for peaches, includes a fruit flight conveyor having fruit holding flights with a number of recesses provided with an opening through which a part of the fruit protrudes. Associated to the fruit flight conveyor is an orientation device including rotating transverse shafts carrying rigidly connected orienting elements. The transverse shafts travel on an operation plane (Pa) that is parallel to a working stroke plane (Pc) of a tape formed by the fruit holding flights in time with a tape of the fruit flight conveyor so that each orienting element, rotating jointly with each transverse shaft by which it is borne, is in the recess opening in contact with the fruit contained therein and moves the fruit until a plane containing the suture line of each fruit is positioned at right angles with the longitudinal direction, and the stalk cavity thereof faces downwardly.

Abstract: A device for changing a pallet car in a plant for the treatment of bulk materials where pallet cars that are continuously conveyed by means of a lifting wheel and a lowering wheel on an outer rail and an inner rail in an endless chain includes, in a regions of a bottom and top strand of the lifting wheel, first and second outer curve links of the outer rail openable such that the pallet car is removable from the chain and another pallet car is insertable into the chain. The device includes a removal switch disposed in the region of the bottom strand of the lifting wheel, via which the pallet car is movable out from the chain, and a supply switch disposed in the region of the top strand of the lifting wheel, via which the pallet car is insertable into the chain.

Abstract: A harvester includes a conveyor having molded conveyor buckets. The conveyor includes a continuous first chain and a continuous second chain extending parallel to the first chain. Parallel spaced apart rods extend between the chains. Each bucket includes a front wall, a rear wall higher than the front wall, opposed sides connecting the front wall and the rear wall and a bottom portion connecting the front wall, the rear wall and the opposed sides. The front wall includes a mounting portion configured to extend over a rear wall of an adjacent bucket and one of the rods when assembled in a conveyor. The mounting portion is a lip in a first embodiment, an insert in a second embodiment and an upper portion of the front wall folded over in a third embodiment.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the trash-and-recyclables collection and lowering system includes a paternoster like structure that includes a frame, a vehicle subsystem that includes a plurality of trash and recyclables carrying gondolas, guiderails and a drive system, a pair of chains that is connected to the plurality of gondolas at the bottom mid point of the gondolas, and a control subsystem. The system is powered by at least one motor that includes a motor shaft equipped with a worm gear that rotates a shaft on which a pair of sprockets in the top segment of the structure subsystem is mounted. The structure subsystem faces a wall a multi-story building that includes a plurality of trash and recyclables disposal windows. The gondolas are normally kept immediately under the trash and recyclables disposal windows, and are periodically lowered, and their contents are emptied to the trash or recyclables bin at the bottom of the structure.

Abstract: Invention describes apparatus automating distributed item processing including pharmacy. Apparatus includes: portable vending cartridges, automatic vending modules, controllers. Cartridge contains conveyor transporting items inside carriers. Cartridges slide-into receptacles inside vending module. Controllers in real-time monitor presence of cartridges; inventory of carries, items; and execute controls of each cartridge and vending module including: indexing conveyors; loading and/or unloading items into/from carriers; maintaining items within specifications: environment, handling, safety with reports confirming compliance. Controllers execute in real-time optimization algorithm achieving required performance: rates of item loading/unloading, power consumption. Pharmacy applications include cartridges handling containers with medications.

Abstract: A plate link chain in the form of a conveyor chain comprising at least two chain strands that are disposed parallel to one another and are comprised of a sequence of inner plate members and outer plate members, wherein the inner plate members are provided with openings for receiving at least one sleeve for connecting the inner plate members of oppositely disposed chain strands, wherein the outer plate members are provided with openings aligned with the openings of the inner plate members to receive a link pin that extends through the sleeve and is fixed on the outer plate members, and wherein the inner plate members are comprised of at least two individual plates, one of which, of at least the inner plate members of one chain strand, is provided with angle brackets for the mounting of further chain components.

Abstract: A bucket elevator conveyor system of the straight horizontal, “C” and “Z” configurations. In these bucket elevator conveyor systems, loading of the buckets can occur anywhere along the horizontal run adjacent the take-up end and discharge of the buckets can be made at the drive area or along the bottom run of the upper horizontal sections of the “Z” and “C” configuration. This provides not only for discharge of the product from the buckets traveling along the lower path of the conveyor, but also provides for simple, intermediate discharge. In addition, there are provided relapping mechanisms to assure proper relapping of the buckets, This is accomplished by reason of a unique bucket design having a cam on one end combined with the front and rear flanges angled to assure proper operation and lapping of the buckets.

Abstract: A bucket elevator or conveyor comprises a plurality of removable buckets 10 each pivotally supported between two drive chains 11. The buckets 10 are shaped such that their lips 26 overlap when they are traveling horizontally. In this manner, the buckets 10 can be filled without the risk of spillage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product irradiator having a cartridge loading system. The cartridge comprises a plurality of carriers or totes which are transported as a single mass into an irradiation chamber for radiation processing. Products contained within the totes are irradiated while on the cartridge, but individual totes are transferred around the radioactive source by a tote transfer system. The cartridge product irradiator permits quick changes of cartridges thereby minimizing the time that the radioactive source is not in use, and also permits good radiation dose uniformity in products. The cartridge product irradiator is thus highly efficient and economical to use.

Abstract: A flexible chain for a single-strand bucket-type chain conveyor has inner link plates arranged in parallel pairs. The inner link plates are connected by two chain bolts, forming an inner chain link. The bolts extend through the two inner link plates and two outer link plates. The outer link plates connect adjacently mounted inner link plates, and create a platform for supporting the conveyor bucket. The chain has outer cylindrical bushings, each of which pivotably supports a bolt end segment. The outer bushings are connected in a fixed manner with outer link plates. When assembled a space exists between the inner side of the bushing's end and the end surface of the respective bolt, forming a lubricant chamber. A seal is provided between the running surface of the bolt end segment and the intermediate bolt section adjoining the running surface that is coupled to the inner link plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transporting device for transporting food products to be processed. The transporting device includes at least one advancing element for advancing carriers of food products for processing that are fixed to the advancing element along a route extending through a processing space and a guide for guiding the carriers along at least a part of the route. The device may also include a carrier having mesh arranged on its side that extends traversely in the direction of movement and having guide elements. The device may further include two transporting devices for transporting food products for processing and a collective transfer device for coupling the two transporting devices together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous cable conveyor for steep and substantially vertical up-and-down transport, preferably of bulk materials up to extreme transport height which can reach approximately 1,000 m. The transport line is made of extremely resistant fiber cables used as traction means. Guide cables and individual carrier means in the form of buckets are fixed at a distance from each other, over said traction means, at cable clamping connections and endless cable connections designed in a specific manner allowing not only convex returns of the transport line but also concave returns in order to create horizontal or inclined reception and distribution areas. Said transport line is driven, returned, tensioned and guided in a non-positive manner by means of cable pulleys with a possible torsion about the longitudinal axis which can react 180°.

Abstract: A flexible chain for a single-strand bucket-type chain conveyor having a multitude of inner link plates arranged in parallel pairs with a transverse spacing from each other. The inner link plates are connected with one another by two chain bolts extending at right angles in relation to the longitudinal axis of the chain, forming an inner chain link or link. The bolts each extend through the two inner link plates associated with them, as well as through two outer link plates having a substantially L-shaped cross section. The outer link plates each flexible connect the adjacently mounted two inner link plates, and create a platform for supporting the conveyor bucket. The outer link plates form fastening angles. The chain is designed as a bolt chain with outer cylindrical bushings, and each pivotably support a bolt end segment.

Abstract: A conveyor chain having a hollow roller housing (15), an annular series of cylindrical rollers (14A and 14B) therein providing rotation of the hollow roller on an internal bushing (13). Alternate cylindrical rollers (14A) have a pair of cylindrical roller separating retaining rings (17) rotatably fitted over both ends. Intermediate cylindrical rollers (14B) have no cylindrical roller separating retaining rings (17). The retaining rings (17) on the alternate rollers (14A) engage the intermediate cylindrical rollers (14B). The cylindrical bearing surfaces (13A, 15A) are sandwiched between the retaining rings at each end of the rollers (14A) and project toward the outer circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical rollers (14A and 14B). The roller (15) and the bushing (13) have recessed surfaces (15A and 13A) which are spaced from the outer and inner circumferential surfaces of the retaining rings (17).

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for conveying material between a lower station and an upper station. The apparatus includes a bucket (16) for containing material to be conveyed, a guide channel (15) between the upper station and the lower station, a lower guide peg (14) attached to a lower part of the bucket (16) and arranged to slide along the guide channel (15), and an upper guide peg (17) attached to an upper part of the bucket (16) and arranged to slide along the guide channel (15). The bucket (16) is driven between the lower station and the upper station. A deflector guide (12) branches from the guide channel (15) so as to guide one of the guide pegs (17) away from the guide channel while the other guide peg (14) remains in the guide channel. The bucket (16) is thereby caused to pivot about the other guide peg (14) and thus tip out material contained therein.

Abstract: An improved bucket conveyor chain that uses a series of plate type lines 3 connected together at adjacent ends by a bars 5 and 9. Ropes 11 are connected to the bars 5 and 9 to protect the chain from breaking in half in case of damage. The bars 5 and 9 are sectionalized and overlapped thereby providing easier maintenance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apron conveyor whose mutually overlapping members, consisting of plates with side walls which connect vertically, are arranged on link chains and are partitioned in a way matching the chain divisions. The slats are provided in their overlap area on their oblique edges on one hand with a limb which points upwards away from the plane of the slat and, on the other hand, with an arched recess which covers the raised limb of the adjacent slat. According to the invention, webs connected to the side walls or formed by them are provided along the length of the side walls. These webs connect the chain links laterally. This arrangement allows the use of standardised link chains of which only one in each link pair must be provided with two holes (in particular threaded holes) for connection of the members to the webs.

Abstract: A continuous unloader has a vertically extending elevator portion having a bottom and a top, a digging portion extending horizontally from the bottom of the elevator portion and a return portion extending from the top of the elevator portion to a free end of the digging portion thereby forming an endless route. The continuous unloader further includes: an endless bucket conveyer extending through the endless route; and a plurality of drive components provided on the bucket conveyer with predetermined intervals in the direction of circulation. The drive components are synchronously operated so that the conveyer be circularly driven.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for receiving a stream of units of product, such as from a manufacturing operation, separating the stream into discrete groups of product, in a product carrier bucket, and typically presenting each group for further processing at a subsequent processing station as a group. A novel product bucket is disclosed, including articulated buckets which are typically engaged by a driver, about a first path, while receiving units of product, and are subsequently disengaged from the driver for traversing along a second path to a subsequent processing station. The buckets preferably have cam followers which cooperate for urging the rear wall of a leading bucket and the front wall of a trailing bucket into proximity with each other while traversing an arcuate portion of the first path. Product-receiving compartments may be enlarged for receiving product, and contracted for holding product contained therein.

Abstract: In a plate link chain for bucket conveyors, the inner links (12) together with in each case two chain pins (9) form a prefabricated frame-like unit to which the outer links (7), provided with bushings (5) for fastening the plate link chain on connection webs (3) on the buckets, can be connected by a combined fit-in and pivoting movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously unloading bulk material from a bulk container has a carriage displaceable longitudinally adjacent the bulk container and an outrigger having an inner end pivotable about longitudinal and vertical axes on the carriage and an outer end. A conveyor extends between the ends of the outrigger. An arm has an upper end pivoted about a horizontal axis on the outer outrigger end and a lower end engageable in the container and contains a bucket conveyor. A pair of augers of opposite hand are mounted on the lower arm end and rotate to draw in the bulk material and pass it to the bucket conveyor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bucket conveyor in which the outer and inner links (5, 6) of the sprocket chain are connected to the buckets (1) by connector bars (2) and bushings (7, 9) which are inserted into the outer links and which, in addition, enclose the ends of link pins (10) that carry the inner links (6) via a common bushing (8) associated with them.

Abstract: A molded proofer tray (10) for use in commercial bakeries, includes threaded inserts (28) molded directly into the outer end (14) walls for removably receiving mounting pins (30) to facilitate repair if damaged. A female embodiment (40) is also provided.

Abstract: A bucket elevator system capable of being driven bi-directionally. The system having a plurality of pivoted buckets supported between two endless chains. Each bucket having a primary guide boss with an upper surface and a guide surface thereon. Guides arranged to contact the upper surface of the primary guide boll to restrain the pivotal movement of the buckets.

Abstract: An overhead track construction is provided including clam-type buckets supported from the track for guided movement therealong. The track extends past predetermined feeding stations into which material contained within the buckets is to be released and each of the buckets includes latch structure for releasably retaining the bucket halves thereof in closed positions. Each of the feeding locations includes track mounted latch release structure inoperative to release the latches of the buckets moving therepast in one direction but operative to engage and release the latches of the buckets moving therepast in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A dual drive signature stacker having side-by-side stacker sections, each of substantially identical design and including a stepper motor for driving a pair of buckets for receiving signatures secured at spaced intervals along a drive chain driven by the stepper motor. The buckets have intercept blades supported by brackets joined to the drive chain to position one of the intercept blades of each drive assembly in front of the adjacent drive assembly so that all of the buckets of the dual drive assembly are in alignment with one another and with the signature stream. The side-by-side arrangement greatly simplifies the design cost and assembly. A microprocessor-based control system permits stacking of stacks having as few as two signatures and is further capable of forming successive signature stacks of differing count in a precision manner and compatible with the speeds of any signature flow rate.

Abstract: This relates to a cleaning machine which employs blast wheels to throw abrasive particles against a workpiece to be cleaned. The cleaning machine is of a simple construction and employs two wire mesh belts through which abrasive particles may freely pass. A first of these belts extends longitudinally through the machine and serves to support workpieces or articles to be cleaned. The workpieces are cleaned by blasts of abrasive particles from opposite sides of the belt and from above and below the belt. This first belt may be considered extending longitudinally of the cleaning machine. The abrasive particles fall into a bottom collection trough and are removed by an abrasive particle collection system which includes a second wire mesh belt through which abrasive particles can freely flow into the collection trough. The second belt is also vertically disposed, but extends transversely of the first belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to space conveyers.The conveyer comprises a traction unit (4), carrying rolling-contact bearings moving along a guide track made in the form of supporting elements (8) arranged uniformly along the entire length of the conveyer with the formation of a closed polygon in the cross-section perpendicular to the conveyer axis. The rolling-contact bearings are rollers 10 mounted in pairs in the intersecting pins (11, 12). Each roller (10) is arranged between two adjacent supporting elements (8) of the guide track.

Abstract: A tipping mechanism for buckets carried by a conveyor or elevator. Each bucket 28 is attached to a chain 26 by a swing link 29 and each bucket carries a sector shape cam 30. As the buckets are carried around a sprocket 27 the cam 30 contacts a peg 31, so as to cause the bucket to progressively tip and empty. The movement of the buckets back to their horizontal position is fully controlled and is smooth by virtue of the contact between a French curve on the cam 30 and a cam surface 35 of substantially wedge shape located above or below the conveyor or elevator chain.

Abstract: A continuous conveyor apparatus is provided, comprising tandem wheels and coaxial wheels appropriately positioned. Four endless link chains are turned around the wheels, and a plurality of carrying vessels having arms are connected to the four link chains through the arms. The coaxial wheels have a pair of inner wheels and a pair of outer wheels coaxially arranged. The tandem wheels have a pair of inner wheels and a pair of outer wheels horizontally arranged with a space therebetween. The apparatus is durable, lightweight and can be produced at low cost.

Abstract: Food products are placed on spaced baskets and conveyed into an enclosure, through a irradiation chamber, and then outwardly from the enclosure. The food products are conveyed through tortuously arranged ductwork which serves to absorb radiation streaming upwardly. A portion of the conveyor is positioned within one or more casings and can be withdrawn, if necessary, to facilitate maintenance and repair.

Abstract: Intercept arms of a stacker are coupled to the drive chains by connecting links pivotally connected at one end directly to one of the drive chain links so that the pivot point of the connecting link is coincident with the pitch centerline of the drive chain resulting from the fact that the connecting link forms an integral part of the drive chain, directly replacing one of the drive chain rollers. The connecting link design provides a mechanical advantage of five to one and is pivotally mounted and angled so that the connecting link is free to pivot about the chain to avoid interference as the intercept arm moves about the sprocket, providing greater stability to the intercept arm while simultaneously increasing the mechanical advantage thereby significantly reducing power losses.

Abstract: In a machine for moulded chocolate bars of the type having a pair of chains, a plurality of carriers attached to the chains and separate moulds mounted in the carriers; the present invention combines mould and carrier into one piece having a mould and sheath slots to directly connect the mould to pins connected to the chains on machines designed for separate carriers and moulds.

Abstract: A lift apparatus adapted for reliable, substantially maintenance-free operation in material transfer systems, including systems that are subject to considerable contamination. The lift apparatus includes an open top container, a support plate for normally supporting the container in upright position, and a ball screw drive for moving the support plate and container between a filling station in which material may be introduced into the container and a discharge station. The container is supported for relative pivotal movement with respect to the support plate, and a chain and sprocket arrangement is provided for automatically pivoting the container to a dumping position as it is raised into the discharge station and for returning the container to its normal upright position as it is lowered from the discharge station following dumping.

Abstract: A spatial conveyor includes a draw member (1) running on spherical supports (4) along a trackway. The draw member (1) consists of links each of which comprises interconnected plate cheeks (5, 6) having cavities. Some of the cavities accommodate elements connecting the adjacent plate cheeks (5, 6), whereas the others accommodate the spherical supports (4) running along the trackway made in the form of a plurality of support elements (11, 12, 13, 14) disposed equidistantly and uniformly relative to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor and making up in a section a closed regular polygon.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprising a series of buckets supported by a chain along a predetermined endless path having straight portions and at least one internal curve. An individual pivoting arm supports a respective bucket on the chain. Each pivoting arm is pivotally attached to the entrainment means at a first end in fixed orientation to the chain, and pivotally supports the bucket at the opposite, second end. A chain guide engages the chain in advance of an internal curve in the path to cause the second end of the pivoting arm to which the bucket is attached to pivot outwardly and the buckets in turn to follow a diverging curved path of greater radius than the radius of the curve in the path being transited and thereby space the buckets further apart prior to negotiating the internal curve in the path than when the buckets are proceeding along a straight portion of the path.

Abstract: A continuous conveyor apparatus is provided, comprising tandem wheels and coaxial wheels appropriately positioned. Four endless link chains are turned around the wheels, and a plurality of carrying vessels having arms are connected to the four link chains through the arms. The coaxial wheels have a pair of inner wheels and a pair of outer wheels coaxially arranged. The tandem wheels have a pair of inner wheels and a pair of outer wheels horizontally arranged with a space therebetween. The apparatus is durable, lightweight and can be produced at low cost.

Abstract: In a chain conveyor having at least one chain strand, U-shaped connecting shakles (5), which in each case enclose a sidepiece (6) of a chain link (3) oriented perpendicularly to the chain wheel axis, serve to connect chain links (3) with conveying members (4). In order to ensure a safe and firm connection, the sidepiece (6) of the chain link (3) enclosed by the connecting shackle (5) rests in a support and guide bed (14), arranged on the conveying member (4) and partly enclosing it, of a component (13) which is provided with a recess (15) which is opposite to a recess (11) in the curvature (10) of the connecting shackle (5).

Abstract: A bucket conveyor comprising a plurality of buckets, a chain on which the buckets are mounted in series, a chain track on which the chain is mounted for movement thereon, a drive for moving the chain whereby the buckets are moved along a circuitous conveyor path between one bucket filling station and one bucket emptying station, and a device for moving the buckets around the axis of movement of the chain as required for the buckets to negotiate curves and turns in the conveyor path as the buckets move along the conveyor path on the chain.

Abstract: A bucket elevator-type continuous unloader in which guide rails are provided on a frame of a horizontal scraping section and rollers engaging with each guide rail are provided for a train of elevator buckets, wherein the guide rails are adapted to be engaged with or disengaged from the rollers of the train of elevator buckets, whereby both a lateral scraping system, in an engaged state and a catenary scraping system in a disengaged state can be selectively adopted.

Abstract: An apparatus for tipping about a horizontal axis a bucket carried by a conveyor chain around a circuit to fill the bucket with contents at a predetermined location and empty the contents thereof at a predetermined location. The apparatus comprises a bucket pulley mounted for rotation with the bucket on one end thereof concentric with the horizontal axis about which the bucket is tipped, and an elongate bucket pulley-engaging device positioned adjacent said chain at a predetermined point on the circuit where the contents of the bucket are to be emptied. The bucket pulley-engaging device has a length at least as long as the circumference of the bucket pulley and frictionally engagable with the circumference of the bucket pulley to rotate the bucket pulley and thereby rotate and invert the bucket mounted thereon as the chain moves the bucket along the length of the bucket pulley-engaging device.

Abstract: A bucket conveyor comprising a plurality of buckets, a chain on which the buckets are mounted in cantilevered relation to one side of the chain by an outwardly-extending bucket spindle connecting the chain to one side of the bucket, a chain track on which the chain is mounted for linear movement thereon, a drive for moving the chain whereby the buckets are moved along a circuitous conveyor path between one bucket filling station and one bucket emptying station, an auxiliary support wheel mounted for rotation on the side of the bucket opposite the bucket spindle in coaxial relation therewith, and an auxiliary track mounted in laterally spaced-apart relation to the chain track in supporting relation to the auxiliary support wheel to support the bucket on both sides thereof.

Abstract: A bucket conveyor with a pair of parallel draw elements between which the buckets are supported on spindles about which they rotate pendulum fashion. Forward rollers are mounted on the ends of the spindles and rear rollers are mounted at the opposite edge of the bucket. Each bucket has a flange or lip which overlaps the top edge of an adjacent bucket. The rollers on the buckets engage guide rails to properly orient the buckets as they pass over return gears and from the loading area to the dumping area and back again. By maintaining proper orientation of the buckets, the load level of each bucket and thus the capacity of the conveyor is increased. The bucket conveyor is of simple design, has low wear and high conveying capacity.

Abstract: In a flat link chain bucket conveyor constructed in particular as high-speed conveyor with centrifugal discharging, the buckets (4) are mounted with clearance on the chain (2), in particular on the link pins (3), in such a manner that they are freely movable relatively to the chain under the influence of the forces acting on the buckets within the scope of the existing play. As a result the transmission of shocks and vibrations from the chain to the buckets is very greatly reduced and thus crack formation occurring in the prior art in particular at the bucket securing points is avoided or greatly diminished.