Abstract: A powerful throughput magazine of the ‘first in first out’ type is activated for the handling of diapers (10) or similar objects during the transport from a converter (13) to a packer (14), the diapers being transported as diaper groups (19) through said magazine. The magazine (15) comprises of an endless magazine conveyor (18) having transversely directed bars (20), wherein one diaper group (19) each is disposed between adjacent bars on the magazine conveyor (18) in an upright position. After removing the diapers (10) from the magazine (15), the diaper groups (19) are separated again, and the diapers are individually fed to the packer (14).

Abstract: An apparatus for the metered removal of bulk material from a bin, the apparatus having a top bulk-material-filling opening, bottom bulk-material-removal opening, and a rotor that is connected in a driven manner to at least one sweeping arm disposed inside the bin near the bin's rotationally symmetrical floor and directed towards the removal opening. In order to create an apparatus for the removal of bulk material from a bin in which the mass of the removed bulk material not only can be metered very precisely, but which is also of simple design and easy to maintain, provision is made whereby the sweeping arm is attached on the bottom side of a separating element connected in a driven manner to the rotor, and whereby a settling zone is provided below the separating element in front of the sweeping arm, this zone only being open on one side to the bulk material through a feed opening, and on the other side to the removal opening.

Abstract: A buffer conveyor for conveying and buffering products comprises a first elongated conveyor and a second elongated conveyor that can be driven in an opposite direction. The first and the second conveyor extend in a path at least substantially parallel to each other and beside each other. A transfer unit is movable at least substantially parallel to the first and the second conveyor in the aforesaid path and is provided with a transfer device for transferring the products from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. The transfer unit comprises a drive unit for moving the transfer unit, preferably in dependence on the velocities of the first and the second conveyor. The drive unit of the transfer unit comprises a drive motor, which follows the movements of the transfer unit at least in part.

Abstract: A device for storing articles with two conveyor tracks that can be driven in opposite directions and a transfer mechanism that can be moved along the conveyor tracks for transferring the articles between the two conveyor tracks // with this device at least one functional control unit that monitors the device is provided. This significantly improves the possibility of detecting damage and trouble and prevents serious consequences, damages and downtime.

Abstract: A conveyor means (1) for transporting articles (3) by an endless conveyor belt (5) is disclosed. The endless conveyor belt (5) has lengthwise two sides (6) and is lead on a support (11) and composed of a plurality of chain links (9). The endless conveyor belt (5) has a curved path (8) in at least one section and the curved path (8) having a radius of curvature (44) with reference to a central point (42) of a circle (40). The support (11) has at least one inner guiding (17) for the endless conveyor belt (5), and the inner guiding (17) running along an inner side section (7) of a side (6) of the endless conveyor belt (5) being directly opposite of the central point (42) at the curved path (8). A plurality of rolls (21) is arranged along the inner guiding (17), wherein the rolls (21) operating with each face (23) of the chain links (9).

Abstract: The spiral belt conveyor is a conveyor belt system for trans-porting articles vertically along a helical path. The spiral belt conveyor includes a platform and a central frame structure extending upwardly from the platform. Two idler rollers are mounted on the platform. A helical track having an inner portion and an outer portion is concentrically disposed around the shaft. The inner portion of the helical track has a first radius, and the outer portion thereof has a second radius greater than the first radius. An upper end of the inner portion of the helical track meets an upper end of the outer portion of the helical track adjacent an upper end of the central frame structure. A conveyor belt is mounted on the helical track and the pair of idler rollers.

Abstract: A conveyor for conveying piece goods or the like through a helical path around a central axis in a vertical direction includes a frame which supports an endless conveyor belt that is movable along the helical path in a conveying direction. The conveyor belt includes carrier plates which are movably connected to each other. The frame includes at least a guide and at least a number of carrier plates comprise at least a guide roller rotatable about an axis of rotation. The guide roller has at least a first guide roller surface which is in contact with the guide in a first contact location, and a second guide roller surface which is in contact with the guide in a second contact location. The first and second contact locations are spaced from each other and the normal to the first guide roller surface in the first contact location deviates from the normal to the second guide roller surface in the second contact location.

Abstract: An oven drive system for use with commercial bakery ovens comprises a speed reducer and motor external to the bakery oven, a drive shaft extending from within the oven and operatively coupled to the speed reducer and the motor, and conveyor chain driving caterpillar located within the oven and operatively coupled to the draft shaft. The drive shaft is configured for minimal heat transfer to components external to the oven.

Abstract: A double-helix spiral conveyor, a method for conveying articles up and down a spiral conveyor, and a method for constructing a drive drum for a spiral conveyor. The double-helix spiral conveyor conveys articles on the conveyor up the inner side of a spiral drum by engaging the outer edge of the belt and down the outer side of the drum by engaging the inner edge of the belt. A slew drive at the bottom of the drum drives the conveyor.

Abstract: Spiral conveyor for containers, including at least one transport path spirally enclosing a machine axis, the transport path is defined by, relative to the machine axis, outer container guide and/or slide elements and by, relative to the machine axis, inner guide and/or slide elements, and extends between a container input and a container output, and including at least one carrier, which extends over the entire length of the spiral formed by the transport path and reaches through the transport path or its spiral in the area between the outer container guide and/or slide elements and the inner container guide and/or slide elements and is held on at least two carrier elements which can be rotationally driven on the machine axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor assembly, such as a stacker, comprising: a vertically arranged drum having a substantially smooth peripheral surface; a conveyor belt, at least one full turn wound along the peripheral surface of the drum, said belt comprising support elements to support portions of the belt on top of each other; wherein the bottom part of the drum widens outwardly and the remaining part of the drum is cylindrical.

Abstract: A modular belt conveyor (12), in particular curving or helical conveyor, including a number of mutually interconnected modular belt conveyor links (14) that together form a common curving or helical conveyor with an inner and outer belt edge, respectively, of which at least one belt edge, preferably the inner belt edge, interacts by inter-spaced, preferably vertical curve guides, wherein at the belt edge or edges interacting with the curve guide, each of the belt conveyor links (14) are either provided with an edge reinforcement or are fitted with an edge element (20), the edge reinforcement or edge element (20), respectively, together with the corresponding adjacent belt conveyor link (14) forming a substantially closed guide surface (34) at the belt edge in question. In a simple way and by means of simple technical means are hereby achieved the possibility of counteracting the said problems of lateral incisions or apertures at the inner or outer belt edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guide for supporting a displaceable object, comprising: a plastic guide profile (1, 7, 16, 30) and a support structure (6, 12, 18, 32) supporting the guide profile, characterized in that the guide profile is engaged at least at two spaced-apart positions by the support structure, at least one engaging position of which consists of a free support (4, 5, 10, 11, 13, 14, 33, 34) of the guide profile on the support structure such that the freely supporting side of the guide profile is displaceable relative to the support structure. The invention also relates to a device (21) for conditioning products displaceable along a guide track (22).

Abstract: In one aspect, a modular link conveyor chain including slats is capable of assuming a compressed and an expanded condition so as to permit side-flexing while moving along a forward run and a return run in an endless path. The chain is formed of links arranged in rows spaced apart in the conveying direction, the links of a first row including aligned apertures and the links of a second row including oversized apertures, such as slots, for aligning with the aligned apertures of the links in the first row. A first connector is associated with the corresponding apertures to interconnect the first and second rows of links. At least one elongated slat is mounted to the connector. The slat maybe mounted for pivoting movement between a first position forming at least part of a conveying surface along the forward run, and a second position along the return run.

Abstract: A conveyance device is configured to carry a product. The conveyance device includes a first path configured to carry the product in a first direction, a second path configured to carry the product in a second direction, and a transfer assembly positioned adjacent to a portion of the first path to facilitate transfer of the product from the first path to the second path. The conveyance device also includes a guide system configured to move the transfer assembly along the first path. The guide system includes a base positioned proximate the first path and the second path and an arm coupled to the base and extending above a portion of the first path and a portion of the second path. The arm is configured to move in a first manner and a second manner relative to the base. The transfer assembly is movably coupled to the arm.

Abstract: A device for buffering products comprises a plurality of accumulating conveyors, each having a supplying place for receiving products and a discharging place for discharging products. The device further comprises an adjustable diverter which is connectable to a supplying conveyor for supplying the products in at least one flow. The diverter is connected to a selected one of the supplying places of the accumulating conveyors for conveying the flow of products to the corresponding accumulating conveyor . The device further comprises a merging member which is connectable to a discharging conveyor for conveying the products in at least one flow. The merging member is connected to a selected one of the discharging places of the accumulating conveyors for conveying the products from the corresponding accumulating conveyor to the discharging conveyor. The accumulating conveyors (1) form at least a helical path, which results in a compact device.

Abstract: A belt of a chain conveyor wherein the belt is composed of transverse bars, containment sidewalls, slide guides and drive chains, each chain being formed by a succession of modules, each one composed of an appropriately shaped link for fixing, without preventing axial rotation thereof, the transverse bar which forms the support surface for the products and for engaging the mechanical drive members, made in a form which has a lateral appendage shaped according to a profile suitable for engaging the motor members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method as well as to a conveyor-technology device for processing printed products. The conveyor-technology device includes a guide and conveyor which may be moved along the guide, for conveying printed products which are fed by way of feeders. The guide is curved in several spatial directions. The conveyor-technology device includes a holding device which serve for the temporary fixing of printed products in a manner such that these at least in regions may be conveyed against gravitational force.

Abstract: A stand-alone parts accumulator that can be retrofit as a unitary add-on to an existing production line. The parts accumulator includes: (a) a generally linear conveyor; (b) a rotary table comprising a spiral barrier guide defining a path from an outer region of the table to an inner region of the table; (c) a connector attaching the linear conveyor to the rotary table; (d) a motor connected to rotate the rotary table; (e) an adjustable controller connected to the motor to control rotation of the table. A single bracket can be used to support the conveyor in either a left-hand or a right-hand configuration. The conveyor motor is positioned substantially within the footprint of the conveyor. The conveyor is narrow (between about 2 inches and about 8 inches).

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying at least one product comprises at least one first conveyor, which is adjacent to at least one second conveyor via a junction. The conveying direction of the first conveyor near the junction is different from the conveying direction of the second conveyor near the junction. The first conveyor has a first conveying surface and the second conveyor has a second conveying surface for supporting the product thereon. The orientation of the normal of the part of the first conveying surface adjacent to junction is substantially different from that of the normal of the part of the second conveying surface adjacent to the junction. A moving assembly is configured to move the product from the first conveyor to the second conveyor The first conveyor describes an arcuate path at least near the junction.

Abstract: A conveyor for conveying piece goods or the like through a helical path around a central axis in a vertical direction includes a frame which supports an endless conveyor belt that is movable along the helical path in a conveying direction. The conveyor belt includes carrier plates which are movably connected to each other. The frame includes at least a guide and at least a number of carrier plates comprise at least a guide roller rotatable about an axis of rotation. The guide roller has at least a first guide roller surface which is in contact with the guide in a first contact location, and a second guide roller surface which is in contact with the guide in a second contact location. The first and second contact locations are spaced from each other and the normal to the first guide roller surface in the first contact location deviates from the normal to the second guide roller surface in the second contact location.

Abstract: A conveyor means (1) for transporting articles (3) by an endless conveyor belt (5) is disclosed. The endless conveyor belt (5) has lengthwise two sides (6) and is lead on a support (11) and composed of a plurality of chain links (9). The endless conveyor belt (5) has a curved path (8) in at least one section and the curved path (8) having a radius of curvature (44) with reference to a central point (42) of a circle (40). The support (11) has at least one inner guiding (17) for the endless conveyor belt (5), and the inner guiding (17) running along an inner side section (7) of a side (6) of the endless conveyor belt (5) being directly opposite of the central point (42) at the curved path (8). A plurality of rolls (21) is arranged along the inner guiding (17), wherein the rolls (21) operating with each face (23) of the chain links (9).

Abstract: A conveyor is provided for conveying and buffering articles (G) and the like along a vertically extending, substantially helical path. A conveying assembly such as a conveyor belt or conveyor rollers is supported by a frame and driven by a drive unit and extends along said helical path and conveys articles along said path. The substantially helical path is divided into zones (Z), each zone being provided with switch members, in such a manner that the conveyor can be switched in each zone between a conveying position, in which the conveying assembly conveys the articles, and a buffering position, in which the articles present in said zone are stationary. Buffering devices distributed over the length of the conveyor and being present in each zone support the articles in the buffering position.

Abstract: A chute system for conveying articles, preferably documents, from an upper to a lower elevation in a building. The system includes a vertical post, an outer wall that is concentric therewith, and a helical chute wound around the post. The chute is secured at an inner edge to the post and at an outer edge to the wall. The chute comprises a plurality of chute segments secured together in stepped relationship to each other. Each chute segment has a triangular upper wall disposed at a first angle to the post and sloping downwardly toward the outer wall. The upper wall is simultaneously disposed at a second angle to the horizontal and slopes generally downwardly toward a lower end of the post. Each chute segment further includes a first flange extending upwardly from the upper wall and a second flange extending downwardly from the upper wall. Adjacent chute segments are secured together by welding the second flange of a first chute segment to the first flange of a second chute segment.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt, formed of successive rows of assembled injection molded modules connected by laterally-extending pins, has arched tops in each module row and increased depth in the laterally-extending spine of the belt. The belt structure enables the modular plastic belt to be retrofitted in a spiral system normally carrying a steel conveyor belt. In one embodiment the arched-top module rows, having a greater depth than normal, are accommodated on a small-diameter roller, by forming a generally cylindrical undercut at the bottom of each module row, reducing the distance of protrusion outwardly from the roller. The arched-top configuration lends itself not only to transfer of articles as the conveyor passes over the sprocket for a roller, but also the provision of increased beam depth at the center of the module, with lower profiles at the extremities of the link ends.

Abstract: A conveyor support plate includes an upper transport surface configured to receive objects arranged for travel on a conveyor system and a lower surface arranged opposite the upper transport surface. A pair of transversely extending walls and a pair of side walls connect the upper transport surface and the lower surface. A plurality of cavities are formed in the lower surface between the pair of transversely extending walls and the pair of side walls that terminate below the upper transport surface. The cavities are configured to receive a roller that extends through the lower surface to support the support plate during travel on the convey system.

Abstract: A gapless side guard for use with a modular belt having modules connected to one another by pivot rods. The gapless side guard has a continuous strip of flexible material for retaining materials being transported on the modular belt. In one embodiment, the strip has strip openings and the strip is connected to the module with brackets. The brackets have anchors and the strip openings are positioned around the anchors such that the strip is thereafter joined to the anchors. The bracket has a stud side with studs extending from the stud side. The module has stud openings and the studs are snapped into the stud openings in the module and are thereafter joined to the module. The strip is flexible such that when the modular belt is driven over a sprocket it is capable of elongating as the distance between the brackets increases.

Abstract: A conveyor support plate includes an upper transport surface configured to receive objects arranged for travel on a conveyor system and a lower surface arranged opposite the upper transport surface. A pair of transversely extending walls and a pair of side walls connect the upper transport surface and the lower surface. A plurality of cavities are formed in the lower surface between the pair of transversely extending walls and the pair of side walls that terminate below the upper transport surface. The cavities are configured to receive a roller that extends through the lower surface to support the support plate during travel on the convey system.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for transporting an object includes a curved deck defining a conveying surface for supporting the object, the deck having an inner edge and an outer edge. A housing has an inner wall coupled to the deck inner edge and an outer wall coupled to the deck outer edge, wherein an interior of the housing defines a conveyor chamber and the inner wall defines a central chamber. An inlet air plenum may be provided in fluid communication with a plurality of air distribution chambers positioned inside the conveyor chamber. A plurality of apertures may be formed in the plurality of air distribution chambers, the apertures arranged in an air distribution pattern. The conveyor also includes an outlet opening communicating between conveyor and central chambers. The conveyor further includes a catch floor extending across the central chamber, the floor having a discharge opening formed therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method as well as to a conveyor-technology device for processing printed products. The conveyor-technology device comprises a guide means and conveyor means which may be moved along the guide means, for conveying printed products which are fed by way of feeders. The guide means is curved in several spatial directions. The conveyor-technology device comprises holding means which serve for the temporary fixing of printed products in a manner such that these at least in regions may be conveyed against gravitational force.

Abstract: A non-powered roller conveyor for conveying parts along a conveyor path includes a downwardly sloped conveyor support frame with a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted along the frame. The rollers comprise a length of prefabricated roller top conveyor chain mounted along a top surface of the conveyor frame. The conveyor chain includes a plurality of links connected together by pivotal connectors that permit sideways articulation of the links with respect to each other. Transverse rows of rollers are rotatably mounted on the links to permit products to roll along the conveyor. The rollers are easily replaceable when necessary. The conveyor follows a downwardly extending spiral path comprising a series of inclined straight sections interconnected by inclined bend sections. Both the straight and bend sections are inclined so that parts roll along the conveyor path under the influence of gravity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor assembly, such as a stacker, comprising: a vertically arranged drum having a substantially smooth peripheral surface; a conveyor belt, at least one full turn wound along the peripheral surface of the drum, said belt comprising support elements to support portions of the belt on top of each other; wherein the bottom part of the drum widens outwardly and the remaining part of the drum is cylindrical.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for transporting an object has a first housing wall with a first wall support and a second housing wall with a second wall support. A deck has a first lateral edge engaging the first wall support and a second lateral edge engaging the second wall support, so that the deck extends along a deck path and defines a conveyor surface adapted to receive the object. A force assembly is mechanically coupled to the deck and applies a force that bends the deck into an arcuate cross-sectional profile.

Abstract: A supporting installation for supporting a number of turns extending helically one above the other in a belt pile and included in an at least partly self-supporting conveyor belt (2), comprising an inner supporting structure (8) which, together with an inner chain (5) supported by and movable along the same, defines an inner channel (12), in which one or more inner bearing elements (14) are arranged. Outer supporting structure (9) which, together with an outer chain (6) supported by and movable along the same, defines an outer channel (13), in which one or more outer bearing elements (15) are arranged. The installation is characterised in that each chain (5; 6) comprises abutment surfaces which form a radially outer side wall (23) of the inner channel (12) and the outer channel (13) respectively, and that the outer bearing elements (15) are arranged for transfer of radially inward forces from the outer chain (6) to the outer supporting structure (9).

Abstract: Commercial production transport systems, mechanisms, and guides for food processing are configured so as to automate food transport. The system can direct food to travel serially over side-by-side predetermined travel lanes using one or more of a pick-up mechanism and/or router guide channels to pick-up and/or laterally translate the food product form the first travel lane to the second travel lane so that it travels greater than one, and typically a plurality, of revolutions about a tier or level in a vertically stacked food processing unit before moving to the next tier. Associated methods redirect and/or laterally translate food being transported in an automated food processing system.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for transporting an object includes a curved deck defining a conveying surface for supporting the object, the deck having an inner edge and an outer edge. A housing has an inner wall coupled to the deck inner edge and an outer wall coupled to the deck outer edge, wherein an interior of the housing defines a conveyor chamber and the inner wall defines a central chamber. An inlet air plenum may be provided in fluid communication with a plurality of air distribution chambers positioned inside the conveyor chamber. A plurality of apertures may be formed in the plurality of air distribution chambers, the apertures arranged in an air distribution pattern. The conveyor also includes an outlet opening communicating between conveyor and central chambers. The conveyor further includes a catch floor extending across the central chamber, the floor having a discharge opening formed therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connective link for a conveyor belt, which comprises legs extending in a longitudinal direction from a lateral cross-member at a closed first end and to an open second end, and defining laterally aligned first apertures on each of said legs at said closed end for reception of a rod, and laterally aligned second apertures at said open end for reception of a rod, wherein at least one leg is extended in longitudinal direction over a distance from the second aperture. The invention further relates to a conveyor belt comprising said connective links.

Abstract: The present invention is featured in that a plurality of transfer pieces composing a transfer conveyer are connected to be able to be piled vertically spirally, the transfer pieces having pairs of spacer members each of which is formed to have an inside-part and an outside part continuing to the inside-part and offsetting outward in lateral direction perpendicular to the transfer direction, an engaging part having a contact face extending in the direction parallel to the transfer direction being formed at the upper and lower end part of the outside-part of the spacer member; the transfer pieces can be piled such that vertically adjacent spacer members contact to each other with the contact face of the upper and lower engaging part; an inside chain and an outside chain are provided for allowing the inner side and outer side spacer members to ride on respective chain to advance the transfer conveyer; and the inside chain and outside chain are driven by a single motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for article conveyance and orientation are provided. The system includes first and second conveyors, which convey articles in a conveying direction. The system also includes first and second sensors, which detect articles conveyed on the first and second conveyors, and which are coupled to a controller. The controller, based on information received from the first and second sensors, controls the first and second conveyors to orient the articles so that the articles have a size in a direction of conveyance which is greater than a size in a direction transverse to the direction of conveyance. The controller also controls the system to prevent another article from being conveyed onto the first and second conveyors when an article is being oriented.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for transporting an object includes a curved deck defining a conveying surface for supporting the object, the deck having an inner edge and an outer edge. A housing has an inner wall coupled to the deck inner edge and an outer wall coupled to the deck outer edge, wherein an interior of the housing defines a conveyor chamber and the inner wall defines a central chamber. An inlet air plenum may be provided in fluid communication with a plurality of air distribution chambers positioned inside the conveyor chamber. A plurality of apertures may be formed in the plurality of air distribution chambers, the apertures arranged in an air distribution pattern. The conveyor also includes an outlet opening communicating between conveyor and central chambers. The conveyor further includes a catch floor extending across the central chamber, the floor having a discharge opening formed therein.

Abstract: A supporting installation (1) for supporting a number of turns, extending helically one upon the other in a stack, of an at least partly self-supporting conveyor belt (2) comprises at least one bearing element (9) for supporting the conveyor belt (2), and a section (4) for supporting the bearing element (9). The section (4) is extended in an endless loop along which the bearing element (9) is movable. At least one bearing element (9) is a roller bearing element (10).

Abstract: Disclosed is a chain-type conveyor having a direction-changing roller capable of easily changing the orientation of an article to continuously transfer the article, without using any separate direction-changing unit at a corner part of the conveyor, in the case in which the transfer direction of the article has to be changed during the transfer of the article by a conveyor, thereby reducing a cost of the article and usefully utilizing a limited space.

Abstract: An improved spiral conveyor self-stacking drive system designed to increase the life of a multiple link conveyor belt by reducing the stresses exerted on the belt when disposed in a spiral configuration. The drive system includes a conical guide ring upon which the belt is wound when disposed in a spiral configuration. During use, the belt is tightly wrapped around the guide ring. The slope of the conical guide ring's sidewall is sufficient so that the upper tiers are stacked slightly inward and offset over the lower tiers over the entire length of the guide ring, thus gradually reducing the lateral forces exerted on the unsupported upper tiers.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a conveyor system that includes a rotatably-mounted drum and a conveyor belt that is movable along a path that includes a helical portion around the drum. During movement of the conveyor belt, a surface of the drum frictionally engages an inside edge of the conveyor belt along the helical portion of the path. Finally, a peripheral surface of a rotating driving element directly engages the drum and to rotate the drum thereby operatively to move the conveyor belt along the path.

Abstract: A device for stopping a continuous product stream of the products of a rotary press, with a height conveyor which has a lower loading region to which the products are supplied via a first conveying means, and an upper delivery region, from which the products are conveyed to a reception container via a second conveying means, wherein on the downstream side of the delivery region of the height conveyor a switch is assigned to the second conveying means, a third conveying device being connected to this switch, the lower end of which is assigned to the loading region of the height conveyor, so that the products are supplied to the second or third conveying means depending on the condition of the switch

Abstract: A telescoping boom mechanism for deploying an expandable structure, such a hoop-supported antenna, comprises a plurality of concentrically nestable tubular boom sections, that are mutually engageable with one another by way of roller assemblies and helical tracks formed thereon. The tubular boom sections are caused to telescopically expand or retract along a deployment axis by means of a rotational drive motor coupled to an outermost one of the tubular boom sections.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for transporting an object includes a spiral deck enclosed in a housing having passageways for allowing air flow between adjacent deck tier segments. In addition, the conveyor may include two concentric spiral decks operably coupled to one another, wherein a vibratory force is capable of simultaneously advancing objects both up the first spiral deck and down the second spiral deck.

Abstract: An improved self-stacking spiral conveyor belt that includes a plurality of interconnected links each including two side plates connected together with two transverse rods. A flexible support structure is disposed around the rods which connect the links together. Each side plate includes a laterally extending foot with an abutment edge formed or attached thereto a design to limit lateral movement of the upper link over a lower link when the belt is aligned in a helical configuration. The abutment edge is formed by at least one downward extending step structure. The step structure is offset with the vertical surface of the side plate thereby forming a rest surface that the upper edge of the lower link supports. Formed on the side plates is a guide tab that includes a beveled inner surface that prevents the upper edge of the lower side plates from moving inward and prevents or limits stretching along the direction of the belt.

Abstract: A drive for conveyor belts, of the type that comprises, associated with a travel frame for a conveyor belt with at least one transport chain, transport elements for the belt and a device for recovering any elongation of the belt. The belt elongation recovery device is constituted by a supporting element for the transport element, which floats adjacent to the belt and is coupled to a box-like body for containing the drive by way of at least one sliding guide and by way of an elastic tension-preventing member for the belt.

Abstract: A modular drive system for a self-stacking conveyor belt adapted to travel at least along one non-linear path segment includes at least one drive cassette adapted to removably engage sidelinks on an edge of the conveyor belt, and preferably at least a first drive cassette engaging the conveyor belt sidelinks at an inner curve of the segment and at least a second drive cassette engaging the conveyor belt sidelinks at an outer curve of the segment.