Abstract: A swing arm changes a position of a placement surface of a placement body between a horizontal position and a tilted position by swinging between a reference position at which the swing arm extends along an opposing surface facing a lower surface of the placement body and a standing position at which the swing arm is tilted relative to the opposing surface. The opposing surface is provided with a guide member configured to guide swinging movement of the swing arm, and the guide member is configured to support the swing arm by sandwiching the swing arm from both sides in an axial direction within a prescribed guide range including the reference position in a total swing range of the swing arm.

Abstract: A method and system for motion control of movers in an independent cart system is disclosed. In one implementation, the independent cart system includes a plurality of track segments, each section having a respective controller. One of the controllers receives a motion command for a plurality of carts, respectively. The controller generates a force command for each of the plurality of carts and transmits the respective commands to the track segments commutating the plurality of carts.

Abstract: A plate conveyor for moving walkways contains a track system having tracks, which track system is formed by track elements, and a central track serving as a guide for plate conveyor elements of the plate conveyor. The length of the track system can be adjusted. For this purpose, substantially triangular openings which are delimited by bars are provided between track elements that adjoin one another. Triangular or trapezoidal length adjusting pieces are inserted into the openings and are pushed in to such an extent that the oblique edges of the length adjusting pieces abut the edges of the openings formed by the bars. The central tracks of the track elements that adjoin one another are connected to one another by coupling pieces.

Abstract: A reaction vessel pickup mechanism, an automatic loading device, a sample analyzer, and a loading method are disclosed. Driven by a driving structure, each of the pickup blocks moves in a first preset time or a preset distance and then stops or shakes, so that a reaction vessel is dropped from the pickup blocks more easily.

Abstract: A belt-driven escalator 2 is provided that includes a plurality of escalator steps 4 arranged to travel along an inclined conveyance path 101; a drive belt 10, 1010 connected to the plurality of escalator steps 4; a drive system 24 arranged to drive the drive belt 10, 1010 so as to propel the plurality of escalator steps 4 along the inclined conveyance path 101; and a belt support structure 22, 1022 including at least one belt wheel 206, 1206 arranged to support the drive belt 10, 1010 so as to support the plurality of escalator steps 4.

Abstract: A belt-driven escalator (2) includes a plurality of escalator steps (4) arranged to travel along an inclined conveyance path (101), a drive belt (10) connected to the plurality of escalator steps (4), a drive system (24) arranged to drive the drive belt (10) so as to propel the plurality of escalator steps (4) along the inclined conveyance path (101); and a belt support structure (22). The belt support structure (22) includes a plurality of support wheels (206) and a support belt (212) extending over the plurality of support wheels (206). The support belt (212) is arranged to provide support to the plurality of escalator steps (4) via the drive belt (10).

Abstract: A drive device (1) for a conveying cart of a conveying device contains a drive source (34) and a drive-force transmission (6) for transmitting a drive force of the drive source (34) to a drive element (2). The conveying cart can be fastened to the drive element (2) and the drive force can be transmitted to the drive element (2) from the drive-force transmission (6) by a force-locking or frictional-locking connection. A drive element (2) for the drive device (1) has a first long side (36) with ribs (38) and joints (40) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the drive element (2) for permitting negotiation of curves, and a second long side (42) opposite the first long side (36) is flat. A conveying-cart drive (4) for a conveying cart of a conveying device contains the drive device (1) and the drive element (2).

Abstract: A treadmill includes a treadmill frame having a front end and a rear end opposite the front end; a front running belt pulley coupled to the treadmill frame at or near the front end; a rear running belt pulley coupled to the treadmill frame at or near the rear end; a running belt disposed about the front and rear running belt pulleys, the running belt adapted for rotation about the front and rear running belt pulleys and defining a non-planar running surface; and a brake coupled to the running belt and adapted to selectively restrict the speed of rotation of the running belt depending upon an established limit for the speed of the running belt.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a drive chain system (22, 24) for a spiral conveyor belt (34) includes inner (52) and outer (62) drive chains driving the spiral conveyor belt, the inner and outer drive chains each including a plurality of links (70) defined by a plurality of first (72) and second (74) pitches connected by linking pins (84, 86) extending through holes (80, 82) in the pitches, wherein at least a portion of the linking pins of at least one of the inner and outer drive chains are hardened and/or dissimilar linking pins which are harder on an outer surface than other components in the inner and outer drive chains.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus capable of independently driving movers are described herein. The system and apparatus includes: a track that forms a path for movers; a plurality of movers movably mounted on the track for moving along the path; and a plurality of drive elements fixedly arranged along the track. The drive elements each have a surface that is oriented to contact a driven member of the movers. The drive elements are configured to sequentially engage the driven member of a plurality of the movers to provide controlled independent motion of the movers along the track. The drive elements may be driven by rotary motors. A method of independently driving movers is also described herein.

Abstract: A people conveyor (1) comprises a truss (2) extending between two landing portions (20, 21); a band (12) of conveyance elements (13) forming a closed loop extending in a conveyance direction between the two landing portions (20, 21); a drive machine (25) configured for driving the band (12) of conveyance elements (13); and at least two magneto-inductive sensors (36a, 36b, 36c) mounted to the truss (2). The at least two magneto-inductive sensors (36a, 36b, 36c) are configured for providing sensor signals which allow determining the position and orientation of the drive machine (25) with respect to the truss (2).

Abstract: A rubber belt retracting and deploying device for a belt conveyor includes a base, mounting frames, an upper caterpillar disk, a middle caterpillar disk and a lower caterpillar disk, wherein the lower caterpillar disk is fixedly connected between the symmetric mounting frames, and the middle caterpillar disk is movably connected between the symmetric mounting frames, and may longitudinally slide along the symmetric mounting, frames, such that the lower caterpillar disk and the middle caterpillar disk form a first clamping device; the upper caterpillar disk is movably connected between the symmetric mounting frames, and may longitudinally slide along the symmetric mounting frames, such that the upper caterpillar disk and the middle caterpillar disk form a second clamping device; each of the upper caterpillar disk, the middle caterpillar disk and the lower caterpillar disk is provided with a driving part.

Abstract: A conveyor belt system provides a continuous flat support surface for a food item that moves the food item through a food preparation device. The conveyor belt system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of spaced apart rods and a plurality of slats that are removably attached to the conveyor belt with a snap on mechanism. The slats are easily assembled and provide enhanced field service and/or replacement capability.

Abstract: A friction-type drive apparatus and a carousel comprising the same are disclosed. A friction-type drive apparatus, according to one embodiment, comprises: a motor; a drive pulley rotated by the motor; a belt connected to the drive pulley; a driven pulley rotating in accordance with the drive of the belt; a pressing unit contacting the inner surface of the belt; and an elastic unit for pressing the pressing unit toward the belt.

Abstract: A drawing assembly for drawing machines for metal products (B) comprises two tracks (11) opposite each other and counter-rotating that collaborate with said metal products (B) on opposite sides with respect to a drawing axis (X) to draw them along said drawing axis (X) The tracks (11) are disposed in a closed ring around respective support plates (13), and an intermediate chain (15) is interposed between the track (11) and the corresponding support plate (13). Each support plate (13) includes at least two guide segments (18; 118), lateral, having a convex shape externally mating with the curve of the intermediate chain (15). The drawing assembly (10) comprises, for each intermediate chain (15), an automatic tensioning device (21) provided with at least one thruster member (22) acting on a respective one of the guide segments (18; 118) in order to exert constantly upon it a distancing thrust, to keep it constantly in contact with the corresponding intermediate chain (15).

Abstract: A folding unit for producing packages from sealed packs having at least one flap to be folded, the folding unit including a conveying device carrying at least one pushing element arranged for interacting with the at least one flap, and a supporting element onto which the conveying device abuts when the at least one pushing element interacts with the at least one flap. The conveying device also includes at least one rolling element rolling onto the supporting element.

Abstract: A device for spreading the tray sealing film in so-called tray sealers, in order to avoid the formation of folds in said film which, with the trays, is inserted in a sealing and cutting station, between a pair of opposing bells provided with a relative reciprocal approaching and distancing movement, where downstream of said station means are provided to subject the off-cut of film which exits to a transversal stretching action which ensures correct spreading of said film between said bells, characterized by comprising means for braking the film upstream of said station and comprising pincer means with a jaw mounted on the side of the upper bell from which the film exits, turned downwards and vertically opposing a corresponding jaw mounted on the lower bell, all being envisaged to ensure that in the reciprocal approach and closure step of the two bells, before the film is gripped and blocked between them, longitudinal and lateral portions of the film which are close to the bells are pincered between said oppos

Abstract: An intermediate chain for drawing assemblies of drawing machines provided with at least one track having a plurality of contiguous links configured to act on a product being worked in order to draw it, is interposed between the corresponding track and support means of the track and comprises a plurality of contiguous links. Each of said links comprises an idle roll equipped with a through axial hole, a join pin and a connection element provided with a plurality of through holes configured to house at least said join pin. The connection element comprises two lateral support portions positioned in correspondence to axially opposite longitudinal ends of said idle roll, and a central connection portion, interposed transversely between the two lateral support portions and joined to both in order to reciprocally connect them, keeping them at a fixed and constant reciprocal distance and in a fixed and constant reciprocal position.

Abstract: A center drive module for use with a carousel conveyor that includes a continuous loop conveyor chain. The drive module includes a drive motor that rotates one or more sprocket wheels that each engage drive lugs formed on the bottom surface the conveyor chain to move the conveyor chain along the support frame. The drive module includes a pair of guide rollers positioned on opposite sides of the sprocket wheel. The guide rollers engage the conveyor chain and rotate upon the movement of the conveyor chain. Each of the guide wheels resists vertical movement of the conveyor chain caused by the rotating sprocket wheels.

Abstract: A conveyor system including a train of carrier plates arranged for movement along a conveyor path which possesses either rightward turns or leftward turns and each carrier plate defines a leading edge and a trailing edge. Each of the leading and trailing edges has an outer portion which is disposed adjacent a side of the carrier plate opposite the direction of turn of the conveyor path and an inner portion. Each carrier plate is pivotally mounted upon an endless drive member at a location along the carrier plate which is disposed between the leading and trailing edges of the plate, and is shaped so that the outer portion of each of its leading and trailing edges is longer than the inner portion of its leading and trailing edges. Gap plates cover any gap between two sequential conveyor plates as the train is moved through non-linear sections of the conveyor path.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to street sweepers and interchangeable conveyor modules for use with street sweepers that are interchangeable. A first conveyor module is provided that is mountable to the conveyor support structure of the vehicle wherein the conveyor is configured to transport debris from the broom assembly to the hopper on a continuous belt having paddles. A second conveyor module is also provided that is mountable to the vehicle structure wherein the second conveyor is a squeegee type conveyor. The first conveyor module and the second conveyor module are interchangeable on the street sweeping vehicle. Because the size envelope and attachment points and mechanisms are common, the two modules can be interchanged at will.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering limestone dust to the outlet of a unique dust discharge structure of a dust hopper (tank) particularly useful in dusting underground coal mine shafts wherein an air blower for pressurizing a dust/air mixture in the discharge structure is powered by a lagged roller engaged and rotatably driven by a conveyor belt and wherein the roller has ceramic tiles partially imbedded in its lagged surface.

Abstract: A rail conveyor system combining the low friction attributes of railway transportation with the continuous bulk handling advantages of belt conveyors, uses a multiplicity of spaced carriages running on steel wheels on rail tracks to support a continuous carry belt. The system is driven by various means including a rope extending between the carriages. Various other drive means including drive belt technology are also described along with loading and unloading stations and distributed drive stations.

Abstract: A belt conveyor is provided with a circulatable endless conveyor belt for conveying workpieces in a conveying direction. The belt conveyor is also provided with a conveyor body, which has belt receiving end portions that are in sliding contact with the conveyor belt. The belt receiving end portions have recess portions arranged in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

Abstract: A positive displacement sorter includes a plurality of interconnected parallel slats defining an endless web that travels in a longitudinal direction. The web has upper and lower runs and transition sections between the upper and lower runs. An upper surface of the upper run of the web defining an article-conveying surface. A plurality of pusher shoes travels along at least one of the slats in order to laterally divert articles on the conveying surface. Each of the shoes has a diverting member extending below the conveying surface. A plurality of diverting rails below the conveying surface is capable of engaging the diverting member to cause the associated shoe to travel laterally to divert an article. A plurality of diverters selectively diverts at least one of the diverting members from a non-diverting path extending longitudinally along the sorter to one of the diverting rails in a diverting state. A propulsion system propels the web.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a transport member having a conveying surface that is configured to transport articles in a transport direction, an endless strip and a drive for propelling the endless strip. A power tap off is provided between the strip and the transport member. The power tap off has an input that is driven by the strip and an output that drives the transport member. The power tap off provides a positive transfer of power from the strip to the transport member.

Abstract: An intermediate drive system for driving a conveyor belt with one or more intermediate drive belts. The intermediate drive belt includes lateral rows of pivotable teeth spaced apart along the length of the intermediate drive belt. The teeth extend into the conveyor belt along a portion of the carryway to drive the conveyor belt in a conveying direction. The only component external to the intermediate drive belt that the teeth contact is the intermediate drive belt. Engagement and disengagement of the teeth with the conveyor belt is effected without the use of cams against the teeth.

Abstract: A luggage conveyor system includes a frame, a plurality of pallets movably supported by the frame each having a load carrying surface configured to convey luggage thereon, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a chain formed by a plurality of chain links connected to each other. At least one chain link of the plurality of chain links is coupled to one of the plurality of pallets. The drive assembly further includes a motor-driven drive wheel, and a plurality of driven wheels coupled to and driven by the drive wheel. The plurality of driven wheels are arranged such that at least two of the driven wheels simultaneously contact the same one of the plurality of chain links to frictionally drive the chain.

Abstract: A support device for the support of conveyed objects includes a roller body with a series of rollers, which run along a path and support the conveyed objects in a support region. The rollers roll in the support region on a support surface. Thereby, the following steps are carried out: relieving the rollers on entering into a part region of the support region; aligning the relieved rollers; renewed loading of the rollers on leaving the part region of the support device. For this, at least one recess of the support surface is present in the support region, wherein a roller which is located in the region of the recess, may be moved into the recess.

Abstract: A method of replacing a continuous belt on a belt conveyor having a frame assembly includes providing a removable belt module with a removable belt module frame, the removable belt module frame having at one end a rotatably mounted drive pulley and having at an opposite end a rotatably mounted other pulley. The continuous belt is reeved around the drive pulley and the other pulley. The removable belt module is removed from at least one attachment surface of the frame assembly while the continuous belt remains under tension. A replacement removable belt module is then placed at the attachment surface. Optionally, the continuous belt has a low modulus characteristic, and the removable belt module may include at least one pivot arm for mounting at least one of the drive pulley and the other pulley to the removable belt module frame.

Abstract: A conveyor belt for following a conveyance path with straight and curved conveyance path sections is constructed of module rows of a module (10) or a plurality of modules situated side by side in the transverse direction of the conveyor belt. Adjacent module rows are connected to each other by means of connecting pins (42). Each module comprises a set (15) of first aligned spaced fingers (16) with transverse aperture (40), and also a set (19) of second aligned spaced fingers (20) with transverse aperture (44), which in general are disposed in a staggered position relative to the first fingers (16). The mutual distance between at least the three outermost fingers of a set situated side by side and having the same width in a set is greater than the mutual distance between fingers situated side by side at a distance from the abovementioned at least three outermost fingers. A shorter run-in length and run-out length of a curved conveyance section of the conveyance path is achieved in this way.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a transport member having a conveying surface that is configured to transport articles in a transport direction, an endless strip and a drive for propelling the endless strip. A power tap off is provided between the strip and the transport member. The power tap off has an input that is driven by the strip and an output that drives the transport member. The power tap off provides a positive transfer of power from the strip to the transport member.

Abstract: A conveying system include a guiding channel (12) with at least one conveyor unit (10) that is guided inside it and may be moved along it and a drive unit (30) for driving at least one conveyor unit (10). The conveyor unit (10) includes a series of several links which, when viewed in the axial direction, have a first joint element (1) at their first end and a second joint element (2) at their second end, respectively. The first and second joint elements (1, 2) are formed in a mutually corresponding manner and, as a result, the conveyor unit (10) is provided for transmitting pushing forces. The drive unit includes at least one roller body (35) consisting of a plurality of rollers (31), wherein the rollers (31) can be conveyed in a circular orbit (34) by a roller drive (36).

Abstract: A vacuum transport includes a segmented, rigid or solid articulated belt combined with a vacuum plenum in each segment of the belt. Using a rigid segmented belt with a vacuum plenum connected to each segmented belt section eliminates ordinarily encountered drag friction in conventional vacuum transports by reducing the force necessary to move the belt with media thereon while simultaneously improving the motion quality of the move by driving the articulated rigid belt from the top side of the belt in a flat section.

Abstract: A separation conveyor using a roller belt whose rollers are already rotating before receiving an article to provide immediate pull-away from an infeed conveyor. The rollers of a roller belt extend through the thickness of the belt and into contact with a bearing surface in a reversing segment of a belt path between the returnway and the carryway of the separation conveyor. The rollers are already rotating on the bearing surface in the reversing segment at the infeed end before they contact articles to avoid delays in pulling articles away from the infeed conveyor and onto the separation conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor includes a conveyor belt, a plurality of rollers, and a flight. The rollers have lower surfaces configured to engage a roller-engagement surface, and upper surfaces that substantially form a plane, such that the rollers engage the roller-engagement surface and rotate to move an object supported by the rollers over the plane. The flight includes a cam configured to engage a cam surface below the conveyor belt to impart a moment on the flight, and a projection that responds to the moment by rotating from a retracted position to an extended position.

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: An intermediate drive system for driving a conveyor belt with one or more intermediate drive belts. The intermediate drive belt includes lateral rows of pivotable teeth spaced apart along the length of the intermediate drive belt. The teeth extend into the conveyor belt along a portion of the carryway to drive the conveyor belt in a conveying direction. The only component external to the intermediate drive belt that the teeth contact is the intermediate drive belt. Engagement and disengagement of the teeth with the conveyor belt is effected without the use of cams against the teeth.

Abstract: Multi drive unit for propelling a modular conveyor belt, where the conveyor belt is made from a plurality of substantially identical belt links, where each link has a top and bottom surface, two side faces and a front and rear edge, where eye parts project from the front and rear edges, where the eye parts are separated by openings, such that the eye parts along the front edge of one belt link may intermesh in the openings provided between the eye parts along the rear edge of an adjacent belt link, and that apertures provided in the eye parts perpendicular to the intended travelling direction are superposed and a hinge pin may be inserted in order to hingely connect the overlapping eye parts and thereby adjacent belt links, wherein the unit comprises a plurality of parallely arranged axles, where each axle is provided with a plurality of sprocket wheels, each sprocket wheel having a number of projecting teeth distributed along its circumference, where the sprocket wheels on the same axle are spaced along the

Abstract: A belt conveyor includes at least one belt module defined by at least one drive pulley and at least one other pulley that is generally an idler pulley positioned between opposite sidewalls of the conveyor, and having a continuous belt routed around the drive pulley and the other pulley. The drive pulley is operable to drive the continuous belt around the pulleys to move articles along the zone assembly. The belt conveyor may incorporate features that allow for improved maintenance methods and reduced down time during service intervals. These features may include a removable belt module, at least one pulley mounted on at least one pivot arm, or a combination thereof. The belt may have a low modulus characteristic and may be initially stretched when the belt is reeved or routed around the pulleys and the pivot arms are moved into their operating position.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create an inspection system (1) for rolled products (2) of a milling station, which is to reliably prevent the texture of the substrate from being impressed and/or pressing through during processing of the rolled product (2), especially during grinding. Said aim is achieved by disposing a number of vertically adjustable rolled product clamps (6, 8) on a conveyor belt (4) for rolled products (2) in the inspection system (1).

Abstract: A conveyor coupler system for efficiently increasing the longevity and productivity of the conveyor. The conveyor coupler system generally includes a coupler including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion extends from the second portion. The first portion includes a first connecting portion, wherein the first connecting portion extends within the first portion and includes at least one slot. The second portion includes a second connecting portion extending within the second portion and including a plurality of ridge members. The first connecting portion connects to a first planetary gear structure of a conveyor unit and the second connecting portion connects to a second planetary gear structure of the conveyor unit.

Abstract: Multi drive unit for propelling a modular conveyor belt, where the conveyor belt is made from a plurality of substantially identical belt links, where each link has a top and bottom surface, two side faces and a front and rear edge, where eye parts projects from said front and rear edges, where the eye parts are separated by openings, such that the eye parts along the front edge of one belt link may intermesh in the openings provided between the eye parts along the rear edge of an adjacent belt link, and that apertures provided in the eye parts perpendicular to the intended travelling direction are superposed and a hinge pin may be inserted in order to hingely connect the overlapping eye parts and thereby adjacent belt links, wherein the unit comprises a plurality of parallely arranged axles, where each axle are provided with a plurality of sprocket wheels, each sprocket wheel having a number of projecting teeth distributed along its circumference, where the sprocket wheels on the same axle are spaced along t

Abstract: A device for conveying products along an endless conveying path, which device includes a frame, an elongated flexible conveying element supported by the frame, which includes links that are pivotable relative to each other about vertical pivots, load-carrying platforms each having a supporting surface at the upper side, which supporting surfaces jointly form a substantially closed, common supporting surface for the products, which load-carrying platforms are connected to the conveying element via supports and whose supporting surfaces adjoin each other at curved forward and rearward edges thereof, and a drive for driving the conveying element. The drive includes a driving element and the conveying element includes an element driven by the driving element. The driven element forms part of the links of the conveying element.

Abstract: A bill processing apparatus comprises a bill housing part capable of housing a bill therein and a bill conveyance mechanism that conveys the bill to the bill housing part. And in the bill processing apparatus, the bill housing part comprises a receiving port that accepts the bill conveyed by the bill conveyance mechanism and conveyor members which are capable of contacting the bill conveyed-in from the receiving port, and are driven along a conveying-in direction.

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 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 passenger conveyor drive belt assembly (40) includes a belt support (60) that facilitates proper engagement between the drive belt (42) and corresponding links (32) of a step chain (30) under selected conditions such as a full brake application. The belt support (60) preferably is positioned between a drive sheave (50) and an idler sheave (52) within the loop traveled by the drive belt. The belt support (60) includes at least one moveable support member (62) that does not contact the inner surface of the drive belt during normal operation conditions. In one example, the belt support (60) comprises a plurality of rollers (62).

Abstract: A conveyor constructed of a single belt or a plurality of abutting belts arranged side by side in the conveyor, in which the belt or belts have rollers arranged to rotate on axes oriented at multiple angles oblique to the direction of belt travel. A gradual or monotonic, stepped change in the axes of the rollers across the width of the conveyor can be used to make a conveyor capable of converting a mass flow of articles into a single stream of separated articles.

Abstract: The drive mechanism (10) has a drive member (12) and a flexible conveying member (14). The engaging elements (12b) of the drive member (12) have an engaging element spacing (t1), while the associated counter elements (14b) of the conveyor member 14 have a counter element spacing (t2). According to the invention the engaging element spacing (t1) of the engaging elements (12b) is larger than the counter element spacing (t2) of the counter elements (14b) of the conveying member in order to compensate for conveyor member stretching in operation. In a preferred embodiment the conveying member is a flexible conveyor chain and the drive member (12) is a toothed drive wheel. In another preferred embodiment the ratio of the engaging element spacing (t1) of the drive member (12) to the counter element spacing (t2) of the conveying member (14) is between about 1.01 and about 1.10.