Abstract: A silent chain power transmitting apparatus includes a silent chain and two or more sprockets with different number of teeth, wherein the sprockets each have a tooth form formed by hobbing with a hob cutter having teeth profiled similarly with the profile of a series of trapezoidal teeth formed by the inside flanks of longitudinally overlapping link plates of the silent chain so as to cut the periphery of a cylindrical workpiece with an amount of addendum modification set in such a manner that an engagement height of the inside flank at the onset of the meshing engagement between the silent chain and the sprocket is in equal to the distance between the sprocket center and the connecting pin centers when the silent chain is wrapped around and seated on the sprocket. The outside flanks of the silent chain have a first portion profiled by an envelope that is tangent to every one of a group of tooth forms of the sprockets when the silent chain is wrapped around the sprockets with different numbers of teeth.

Abstract: An intermediate drive for a conveyor system is disclosed. The drive includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of spaced parallel drive sprockets gang mounted on a common drive shaft. In the preferred embodiment, each sprocket engages a separate conveyor belt to drive it in the same direction in an endless path along a conveyor guide rail. Each guide rail includes a recessed portion that preferably matches the contour of the corresponding sprocket. By juxtaposing each sprocket in the recessed portion, engagement between each drive sprocket and the corresponding modular link belt is made. The drive may also be used along a curved section of the conveyor system, in which case the drive sprockets have different diameters for driving the belts at different speeds, and the contour of the recessed portions correspond to the adjacent drive sprocket.

Abstract: An automated conveyor sortation and item discharge system for sorting items of varying sizes and weights to designated output destinations along a conveyor. The system utilizes a segmented slat conveyor connected by flexible connectors. The flexible connectors form a tooth for driving the conveyor by a sprocket. The flexible connectors isolate adjacent slats, and the flexible teeth isolate the slat conveyor from the drive sprocket for a enhanced reduction in noise levels. The system may utilize a conventional belt conveyor or rigid platforms attached by flexible connectors. Removable ejection mechanisms can be attached to the individual slats of the slat conveyor or to the belt of a belt conveyor. The ejection mechanisms have self-contained drive and actuation mechanisms and may operate independently of the speed of the conveyor.

Abstract: A spiked H-style link for a sharp chain conveyor where the single centrally-placed saddle of the prior art is replaced by a double saddle with a centrally-located opening shaped to receive a sprocket tooth. The double saddle moves each saddle outward from the central portion of the spiked link to enhance the rigidity of the legs between which the connecting pins act. The legs are provided with a thickened offset step on the lower inner portion of each leg. There is a corresponding decrease in the thickness of the legs in the region where the connecting link works. By decreasing the thickness of the legs in the region outside the offset step, the connecting link may be widened, allowing for a greater bearing surface on the connecting pin and thus reducing the rate of wear on the connecting pin.

Abstract: A sprocket for an endless conveyor is disclosed having a plurality of fluid outlet passages arranged radially between the center of the sprocket and its outer circumferential surface. The outlet passages are positioned along the length of the sprocket in a helical path and are in fluid communication with an annular fluid conduit extending lengthwise along the center of the sprocket. A fluid inlet connected to the conduit supplies fluid under pressure to the conduit, the fluid spraying radially outwardly through the outlet passages to impinge on the inside surface of the endless conveyor and remove any accumulated debris. Nozzles are positioned within the outlet passages to control the fluid spray.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus comprises a modular conveying belt (1), which is made up of a plurality of modules (2), and a plurality of toothed drive wheels (4). The modules (2) have a module body (21), two series of articulation-eyelet elements (22, 23), which project from opposite sides of the module body (21) and each comprise an articulation eyelet (221, 231), and a transverse rib (24) arranged on the underside of the module body (21), transversely to the conveying direction. Two adjacent modules (2) interengage and are articulated on one another by an articulation rod (3). The toothed drive wheels (4) have teeth (41, 42) which, during driving of the conveying belt (1), are positioned against the transverse ribs (24).

Abstract: A feed apparatus (1) comprising a conveyor belt (2), the conveyor belt (2) comprising modules (3) with an upper (4) and a lower (5) surface, the modules (3) comprising hinge eyes (7) pivotally hinged to each other perpendicular to the feed direction. The feed apparatus (1) comprises at least one rotatable and toothed driving wheel (8) meshed with the conveyor belt (2), with the pressure receiving surface (10) of the teeth wholly or partially in contact against at least the outer surface (13) of its own hinge eye (7). Therefore an optimum force transmission to the belt itself is achieved, which occurs through the teeth of the sprocket wheel applying driving force at the hinge eyes, thus making the force transmission occur close to the center line of the axis of the hinge eyes. There is a good lateral steering of the belt, so that the risk that the belt hops off the toothed wheel is minimized.

Abstract: A conveyor chain for a gripper system-bearing chain conveyor of a printing press, the conveyor chain having standard chain links and special chain links, both types of which are formed by link pins carrying chain rollers, and chain plates articulatedly connecting the link pins to one another, the special chain links serving to connect the conveyor chain to the gripper system, includes two row-wise arranged chain-roller sections rotatable independently of one another, the chain-roller sections being disposed on the link pins of at least the special chain links; and a sheet-processing printing press with a chain conveyor including the conveyor chain.

Abstract: A conveyor chain has a number of chain units connected together by connecting pins in an endless fashion. Each of the chain units is composed of a plurality of inverted tooth plates disposed in the width direction of the chain, and a slat disposed on one side of the tooth plates and extending across the width of the chain transversely across the tooth plates for carrying an object to be conveyed. The tooth plates each have a pair of inverted teeth formed on the other side thereof for meshing with sprocket teeth, and a pair of pin-accommodation holes for receiving a pair of connecting pins, respectively. The connecting pins each connect adjacent two chain units such that the tooth plates of one chain unit are interleaved with the tooth plates of the other chain unit.

Abstract: A feed apparatus (1) comprising a conveyor belt (2), the conveyor belt (2) comprising modules (3) with an upper (4) and a lower (5) surface, the modules (3) comprising hinge eyes (7) pivotally hinged to each other perpendicular to the feed direction. The feed apparatus (1) comprises at least one rotatable and toothed driving wheel (8) meshed with the conveyor belt (2), with the pressure receiving surface (10) of the teeth wholly or partially in contact against at least the outer surface (13) of its own hinge eye (7). Therefore an optimum force transmission to the belt itself is achieved, which occurs through the teeth of the sprocket wheel applying driving force at the hinge eyes, thus making the force transmission occur close to the center line of the axis of the hinge eyes. There is a good lateral steering of the belt, so that the risk that the belt hops off the toothed wheel is minimized.

Abstract: A lagging system for conveyor belt pulleys is provided that allows for significant flexibility in attaching lagging members to the face of the pulleys while also providing improved distribution of the lagging material on the pulley face, and doing this while avoiding the creation of unduly long and circumferentially wide gaps between adjacent lagging members attached on the pulley. The lagging system can include lagging strips having a backing plate with rubber material bonded thereto, and which can carry lagging material such as ceramic tiles embedded therein. These strips include non-linear leading/trailing edges thereof to allow adjacent strips to be attached without the undesired gaps formed therebetweeen.

Abstract: In a conveyor including an endless belt (3) that features equispaced recesses made on an outer surface of the belt, the recesses can be set in communication with a vacuum source when they are moving along an upper run of the conveyor, so as to grip a base (50a) of a container located thereon. A pad (15) is provided for each recess and is hinged to the belt right behind the respective recess for receiving in abutment and pushing a rear wall (50b) of the container. A connecting rod (8) is pivoted at the top to the pad and at the bottom to the belt.

Abstract: A feed apparatus (1) comprising a conveyor belt (2), said conveyor belt (2) comprising modules (3) with an upper (4) and a lower (5) surface, said modules (3) by first means (6) comprising hinge eyes (7) being pivotally hinged to each other perpendicular to the feed direction, and that the feed apparatus (1) in addition comprises at least one rotatable and toothed driving wheel (8) meshed with the conveyor belt (2), and that the pressure receiving surface (10) of the teeth wholly or partially has contact against at least the outer surface (13) of its own hinge eye (7). Hereby an optimum force transmission to the belt itself is achieved, which occurs by means of the teeth of the sprocket wheel having their application of force at the hinge eyes, thus making the force transmission occur close to the center line of the axis of the hinge eyes, just as there is a good lateral steering of the belt, so that the risk that the belt hops off the toothed wheel is minimized.

Abstract: An endless roller chain conveyor of the over/under type supporting carriers or pallets which independently travel along the horizontal runs of the conveyor upon demand, while the roller chain is allowed to continuously run at a constant speed. The chains are multi-strand roller chains. The carriers or pallets may be stopped and held along the horizontal runs of the conveyor (both top and bottom) using mechanically driven stop assemblies located at required load, unload, holdback, or workstation positions assigned to the particular application. The carriers or pallets are driven on the roller chains by way of guide sprockets, alignment bars, and support rollers. The guide sprockets are attached to an adjustable clutch assembly of the type which allows for adjustment of the rolling resistance to accommodate the particular load requirements of the specific application for a particular machine.

Abstract: A plurality of flat timing belts each has parallel spaced teeth, and opposite end portions of each belt are attached to a carriage by corresponding relatively adjustable clamping blocks and plates. The belts extend around a common drive sprocket on a drive shaft connected to a drive having a reversible electric motor. The belts also extend around corresponding tail sprockets on a tail shaft, and adjacent tail sprockets are free to rotate relative to each other. A clamping block for each belt is adjusted to obtain the same tension in all belts so that each belt may be operated at its full rated capacity. The belt drive system may be used for transferring or shuttling a plurality of tool trays laterally with respect to a working station at a conveyor assembly line and storage stations on opposite sides of the working station.

Abstract: A chain drum arrangement for a scraper-chain conveyor has a chain drum, which is connected at its end regions to two mutually aligned chain drum shafts mounted rotatably in a machine frame and, when uncoupled, can be removed from its fitted position transversely to its longitudinal axis from the machine frame. The chain drum shafts have terminal shaft journals projecting inwardly from side wall sections of the machine frame whereas the chain drum is provided, at its end regions, with substantially radially extending pockets with which it can be plugged onto the shaft journals and locked non-rotatably thereto The shaft journals are peripherally flattened to engage positively in the pockets and have external regions which act as locking claws fitting into undercut regions of the pockets when the drum is partly rotated around the journals. Closure members with screwed-on releasable locking plates serve to lock the drum on the journals.

Abstract: A waste water treatment system for removing sludge from within a rectangular clarifying tank having a plurality of sludge collector flights attached to a pair of parallel chains for collecting sludge and scum within the waste water. Each of the collector flights includes a non-metallic elongated main body portion having spaced top and bottom walls connected by spaced front and rear walls for defining a hollow, interior cavity. Buoyant foam material is disposed within the interior cavity for increasing the buoyancy of the collector flight. The waste water treatment system further includes plastic bull and drive sprockets mounted to a drive shaft running across the width of the tank, and a chain drive assembly for driving a pair of parallel drive chains attached to the drive sprockets. The drive assembly causes rotation of a drive shaft through a chain link attachment to the bull sprocket.

Abstract: A conveyor device for erected collapsible box. The conveyor device has a number of conveyor chains with drive ribs for the collapsible boxes. The conveyor chains are made up of chain links that are connected to one another in an articulating relationship. The chain links have guide pins that are guided in an upper and lower guide rail. The conveyor device is made to embody the deflecting regions of the conveyor chains so that the conveyor chains are free of guide elements. This is achieved by a particular disposition of the guide pins and the guide rails. The conveyor device has a particularly simple design and is also suited for small collapsible box formats.

Abstract: Method for chain drive, whereby the chain, such as a transmission chain, conveyor chain and/or like, is formed of several shaped pieces (1), that are connected to each other one after another at jointing points (N) by means of joint pins, and that is being driven by means of a wheel arrangement, that includes at least one chain wheel (7), such as a drive wheel, a turning wheel or the like. Particularly wearing of the chain, that is due to bending of the chain essentially along the longitudinal direction (p) of the joint pins, is being minimized by taking advantage of joint pins (x), the cross section of which changes in the longitudinal direction (p). The invention also relates to chain functioning according to the method.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting the drive or idler shaft in an endless conveyor, such as an armored face or scraper chain conveyor, is provided. The assembly includes a pair of annular bearing housings having central bores for receiving the ends of an idler shaft carrying dual spaced inner, or single twin inboard sprocket rings. Each bearing housing includes a relatively wide integral support arm for insertion into a corresponding C-shaped bracket attached to the end face of the conveyor frame. Fasteners, such as dowel pins and bolts, are inserted into aligned vertical apertures formed in the cooperating support arms and brackets. In the mounted position, the bearing housings fully support the shaft ends independent of the conveyor frame sidewalls and thus are useful with conveyors having sidewalls spaced any distance apart. The independence provided by moving the bearing housings inward permits a shorter and consequently lighter shaft to be used and one that is less prone to deflection.

Abstract: This invention provides integrated knuckle drive link conveyor belt systems with improved long wear-high load bearing link coupling joints of a universal joint nature for permitting the belts to travel on straight or curvaceous paths which also feature expedited insertion of spindle rods extending through the knuckles, diverse sprocket drive capabilities and replaceable load conveying platform accessories of the plug-in or snap-in variety. A cylindrical knuckle, when the loaded belt is under tension, has a substantially semi-cylindrical high wear contact surface that handles heavy peak loads. That knuckle is installed expeditiously at a joint between end-to-end connected links constituting a special interfitted jig comprising a seat in the nose end of a link resting the knuckle in a registered operational position to receive the connecting spindle rod through trailing edge bifurcated arms of a leading modular link without a concurrent manual orientation of the knuckle.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a variety of fast and slow operations including mounting operations upon workpieces affixed to workpiece carriers in which the slow operations are carried out at one station and the fast operations are carried out at another. The linear transfer device of the fast station operates at a stroke rate which is greater by a whole number than the stroke rate at the slow operation station, the workpiece carriers are fed in groups equal to this whole number to the slow operation units simultaneously and the slow operation units perform the same slow operation at each of a number of these units equal to that whole number.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a conveyor operated by idler members driven in rotation by a motor (16) which includes a pair of spaced apart flexible elements connected to the idler member and having an endless extension. Refuse transporting blades (8) are in engagement with the pair of flexible elements. The flexible elements are belts (6) having a toothed face (6a), and the idler member are bell-shaped bodies (7) each having a shaped support (17) parallel to a respective rotation axis (11a), an annular border (18) extending radially from the shaped support (17), and circumferentially spaced pins (19) for meshing with the toothed face (6a) of the belts (6). The pins (19) are fixed to the annular border (18) and tangentially overlie the shaped support (17) which supports a portion of the pins (19) in a resting condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a separator that extracts solids from a manure slurry. The separator includes a powered rotating drive cylinder, a plurality of fins radially extending from the drive cylinder, and a flexible conveyor belt driven by the drive cylinder. The conveyor belt has a plurality of grooves positioned so that at least one of the fins contacts a substantial portion of one of the grooves as the drive cylinder drives the flexible conveyor belt.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.

Abstract: A conveyor track or path for piece goods, and in particular for luggage containers, including at least two conveyors carrying the piece goods. The conveyors are approximately parallel to one another in the transporting direction and separated by a distance from one another. At least one of the conveyors has a driven endless conveyor belt which is guided over deflecting wheels. The conveyor belt is supported by carrying rollers which are arranged successively, one behind the other, between the deflecting wheels, as viewed in the transporting direction. In a preferred arrangement, the conveyor track comprises a toothed belt with teeth arranged on the side of the conveyor belt facing away from the piece goods and the driven deflecting wheels are toothed disks.

Abstract: A belt drive assembly for driving a continuous belt having a plurality of drive teeth openings includes a drive shaft, a belt support surface and a plurality of drive teeth. The belt support surface is movably supported relative to the drive shaft so as to move substantially independent of the drive shaft. The plurality of drive teeth are coupled to the drive shaft and extend outwardly from the drive shaft beyond the support surface for being received within corresponding drive teeth openings of the belt.

Abstract: A roll, along with methods of fabricating and using such roll, for driving a woven-wire conveyor belt, provide substantially-uniform drive across belt width, avoid disruption of belt drive, provide unidirection tracking of such belt, and avoid disruption of conveyed product during treatment of conveyed product at temperatures other than ambient. During conveyance of product for heating or cooling treatment, woven-wire conveyor belts and rolls driving such belts are often at differing temperatures, especially during start-up and shutdown of operations. Such temperature differentials can cause dimensional changes in a belt which change the relative location of belt recesses with respect to the roll surface. Selective shaping and dimensioning of roll protrusions from the widthwise center of a roll toward each lateral end of the roll eliminates mismatching of belt recesses due to changes in belt width during product processing at temperatures other than ambient.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a waste water treatment system for removing sludge from within a rectangular clarifying tank as provided. The waste water treatment system includes a plurality of sludge collector flights attached to a pair of parallel chains for collecting sludge and scum within the waste water. Each of the collector flights includes a non-metallic elongated main body portion having spaced top and bottom walls connected by spaced front and rear walls for defining a hollow, interior cavity. Buoyant foam material is disposed within the interior cavity for increasing the buoyancy of the collector flight. The waste water treatment system further includes integrated plastic bull and drive sprockets and a chain drive assembly for driving a pair of parallel drive chains attached to the integrated plastic bull and drive sprockets. The chain drive assembly includes dual drive shafts exterior to the waste water with each extending across half the width of the tank.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chain drum arrangement for a central or double central scraper chain conveyor, comprising a divided chain wheel, the shell-type chain wheel segments of which are attached, locked in rotation and detachably, via an axial splined portion to the shaft, wherein the chain wheel is secured in its installed position on the shaft by means of locking rings disposed on both sides and at least one of these two locking rings consists of a divided locking ring which can be taken off radially from the shaft in order to remove the divided chain wheel from the shaft. According to the invention, the divided locking ring is disposed as an intermediate ring between the divided chain wheel and a hollow journal which receives the respective shaft bearing and which projects axially from the respective side cheek of the machine frame into the interior space thereof, which results in a narrow mode of construction of the divided locking ring.

Abstract: A roller drive sprocket system, in which a drive roller mounts sprockets for driving a belt, and having a general cylindrical drive drum, semi-cylindrical grooves formed axially along the surface of the drive drum, sprockets formed of plastic with drive teeth for driving a belt, cylindrical metal keys located in the sprockets, spaced radially, the keys fitting in the semi-cylindrical grooves in the surface of the cylindrical drive drum, portions of the keys extending inwardly to interengage with the semi-cylindrical grooves.

Abstract: A chain drum arrangement for a central or double central scraper chain conveyor which includes a divided chain wheel and shell-type chain wheel segments which are attached and locked in rotation to or detachably from the shaft. The chain wheel is secured in its installed position on the shaft by ring parts disposed on both sides of the chain wheel, and at least one of these ring parts has a divided locking ring which can be taken off radially from the shaft in order to take off the divided chain wheel from the shaft.

Abstract: A drive and transfer station for an underground mining installation employs a frame with spaced apart walls over which material is transferred between scraper-chain conveyors one arranged along a long wall mineral face working and the other arranged along an access roadway. The scraper-chain assembly of the face conveyor is driven by drive assemblies on opposite sides of the frame which drive a rotatable chain drum.At least one of the drive assemblies has a coupling in a gear box with a shaft which can be displaced axially with an adjusting device to drivably connect with the drum or to be released from the drum.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing rotational forces that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.

Abstract: In a drive sprocket of a passenger conveyer, such as an escalator, having a step chain, the sprocket is provided with an overlay attached to the side of the drive sprocket. The overlay cushions the chain as it engages the drive sprocket teeth to thereby minimize the noise generated by the engagement of the drive sprocket and the step chain. In a particular embodiment, a drive sprocket further includes a plate that provides lateral support of the overlay during engagement with the step chain.

Abstract: An endless metal belt (26) for transporting shells (S) through a press (10) which converts the shells into can ends includes a plurality of shell-carrying apertures (32) and a plurality of drive holes (34). The belt is mounted about a pair of spaced-apart cylindrical drums (22,24), at least one of which is rotatably driven. The drive holes are engaged by drive pins (46) extending outwardly from the drive drum (22). Rotation of the drive drum causes the pins to engage the drive holes and advance the belt with the drum. Each drive hole has a hub (58) which is shaped to conform generally to a tapered and contoured edge (48) of a drive pin. At least a portion of the hub protrudes out of the planar surface (56) of the belt, and the pin edge and the lower surface (62) of the hub are mutually shaped to define rolling contact therebetween with no contact between the pin edge and the inner edge (54) of the drive hole.

Abstract: A high tension roller chain has sidebars which are contoured so that the sprocket can drive on both the roller and the sidebar or only on the sidebar, thereby permitting long stretches of chain to be driven by a single drive without damaging the rollers.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a waste water treatment system for removing sludge from within a rectangular clarifying tank as provided. The waste water treatment system includes a plurality of sludge collector flights attached to a pair of parallel chains for collecting sludge and scum within the waste water. Each of the collector flights includes a non-metallic elongated main body portion having spaced top and bottom walls connected by spaced front and rear walls for defining a hollow, interior cavity. Buoyant foam material is disposed within the interior cavity for increasing the buoyancy of the collector flight. The waste water treatment system further includes integrated plastic bull and drive sprockets and a chain drive assembly for driving a pair of parallel drive chains attached to the integrated plastic bull and drive sprockets. The chain drive assembly includes dual drive shafts exterior to the waste water with each extending across half the width of the tank.

Abstract: A feed conveyor for delivering feed to poultry cages, floor animals or the like includes a continuous trough member for holding the feed; a continuous spring element which is disposed within and throughout the trough member, and a driving mechanism which moves the spring element along the trough member to move the feed through the trough member to deliver the feed to the poultry cages, floor animals or the like. The spring element is a substantially planar, tortuous member, which is made of a suitable material such as high tensile steel, and which is disposed in a lower portion of the trough member. Preferably, the spring element lays along the bottom of a generally flat-bottomed trough member. The driving mechanism, which may take the form of a mechanically driven sprocket, moves the spring element along the bottom of and through the trough member to move the feed through the trough member to the various poultry cages, floor animals or the like.

Abstract: Paper transport system for printing presses includes a drive roller, a deflection drum disposed in spaced relationship with the drive roller, and a conveyor belt extending around the drive roller and the deflection drum, the conveyor belt having first regions formed with engagement elements, as well as second and substantially smooth-surfaced regions, the drive roller and the deflection drum, respectively, being subdivided into axially separate, respective roller and drum segments rotatable independently of one another and surrounded by the first and the second regions of the conveyor belt, the conveyor belt being of such construction between the first regions and the second regions thereof that small relative movements are possible therebetween in a longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A drive system, especially a belt drive for a multi-axial vehicle running gear, has a drive drum about which the belt is looped and provided with a ring with entrainers which engage teeth on the belt when there is slip between the belt and the drum. Limited rotation of the ring relative to the drum may be effected by elliptical spring elements coupling the ring and the drum or by clutches on the drum which frequently lock the ring to the drum so as to effect control engagement of the entrainers with the belt teeth and positive drive of the belt by the drum.

Abstract: An improved can end transfer belt drive assembly includes a drum, drive teeth and belt support rings. The assembly also includes a support shaft rotatably supported by bearings within an associated can end press. The drum is fastened to the shaft and includes a cylindrical surface located at a first radius from the rotational axis of the shaft. The support rings are supported by the cylindrical surface in a side-by-side spaced relationship to rotate relative to the drum, and the teeth are fastened to the drum between the rings. This belt drive assembly supports a transfer belt including drive holes, and the assembly transfers the force to move the belt from the teeth to the drive holes without transferring substantial force as a result of friction between the drum and the belt.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.

Abstract: A reversible conveyor belt system has, on at least one surface of the belt, projections arranged preferable in a plurality of asymmetrical rows and columns thereby forming a matrix engagable with an offset mating tracking surface glued to the surface of the pulley. The projections are truncated geometrical solids, pyramids, extending outwardly from the surface of the belt. When the truncated solids of the belt intermesh in the tracks provided between the rows of truncated solids on the pulley, positive alignment without creep, improved timing and increased drive force are achieved. The projections may be used on both sides of the belt, and a second belt with interlocking projections may be mounted around a second pulley and positioned beneath the main conveyor belt for heavy impact loads. The drive system includes an easily removable hub assembly wherein the shaft of the pulley defines a flat area which engages a hardened dowel wedge for providing positive drive with reduced shear.

Abstract: A chain propelled belt conveyor having a centrally mounted single strand of roller chain. The roller chain drives the belt and supports the belt along the upper load carrying run of the belt. Pairs of conveyor trolleys support the central portion of the belt about the return non-load carrying run of the belt. A track having a horizontal rail extending between a pair of opposed C-shaped channel sections is used to guide the roller chain assembly.

Abstract: A feed conveyor for delivering feed to poultry cages, floor animals or the like includes a continuous trough member for holding the feed; a continuous spring element which is disposed within and throughout the trough member, and a driving mechanism which moves the spring element along the trough member to move the feed through the trough member to deliver the feed to the poultry cages, floor animals or the like. The spring element is a substantially planar, tortuous member, which is made of a suitable material such as high tensile steel, and which is disposed in a lower portion of the trough member. Preferably, the spring element lays along the bottom of a generally flat-bottomed trough member. The driving mechanism, which may take the form of a mechanically driven sprocket, moves the spring element along the bottom of and through the trough member to move the feed through the trough member to the various poultry cages, floor animals or the like.

Abstract: A horizontally extending guide rail has an upwardly open slot and a mining machine is displaceable longitudinally along the guide rail and has a drive wheel with teeth engageable into the slot. A drive chain rides in the slot and has horizontal links and vertical links alternating with the horizontal links and each formed with a horizontal lower shank having ends, a horizontal upper shank having ends above the ends of the respective lower shank and forming an upwardly open pocket dimensioned to receive a tooth of the drive wheel, and a pair of horizontally spaced and vertically extending bights connecting the ends of the upper shank to the ends of the respective lower shank. The bights pass through the horizontal links flanking the respective vertical link.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus includes first and second shafts each having a sprocket mounted thereon for rotation with the shafts. A conveyor belt is engaged with the sprockets. A retaining clamp is mounted on one of the shafts adjoining one of the sprockets. The retaining clamp includes a body shaped to fit loosely around the shaft and a force-applying member disposed on the body for pressing the body against the shaft to prevent movement of the body along the shaft.

Abstract: A conveyor drive apparatus comprising a shaft having sprockets mounted thereon for rotation with the shafts. A conveyor belt is engaged by the sprockets. A key includes a body shaped to fit loosely in a groove along the length of the outer surface of the shaft. The key further includes a force-applying member disposed on the body for applying a force against the shaft and pressing the body against the sprocket to lock it in position on the shaft. The sprocket can further have a slot through its central bore wall in which part of the key can reside to rotate the drive member with the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a toothed-belt and V-belt for treadmills, comprising an endless belt, which is provided with a plurality of tread lamellae and which is guided around two deflection pulleys. At least one of the deflection pulleys comprises a sliding disk member and a toothed-disk member in juxtaposition, and the belt comprises, in juxtaposition, a toothed-belt area associated with the toothed-disk member of the deflection pulley and a V-belt area abutting on the sliding disk member of the deflection pulley. The main force for driving the belt is transmitted via the sliding disk member and the V-belt area. The toothed-disk member of the deflection pulley preferably has toothed areas and toothless areas, which are alternately and equidistantly arranged throughout the circumferential surface thereof.