Abstract: A support portion includes: a first portion that is supported on a travel portion; a second portion that is coupled to a holding portion; and a damper portion that is provided between the first portion and the second portion. The damper portion includes: a guide portion that guides movement of the first portion relative to the second portion along a specific guiding direction; a link mechanism that is coupled to each of the first portion and the second portion, and that moves in conjunction with movement of the first portion relative to the second portion; and an elastic body. The elastic body is coupled to the link mechanism so as to dampen operation of the link mechanism.

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting objects includes a rail arrangement which includes a first rail track and a second rail track extending parallel to the first rail track; coupling elements guided in the second rail track and drivable with a drive device along the second rail track; and plural deposit tables for receiving the objects thereon, with at least two of the deposit tables being fastened on each of the coupling elements and slidingly or rollingly supported on the first rail track, each of said deposit tables having a pusher which is movable transversely to a transport direction of the deposit tables for pushing the objects off the deposit tables.

Abstract: A conveyor belt module includes a body, a link end formed by the body, and an opening through the link end along a hinge axis. A cover extends from the body in a direction of the hinge axis and a post extends from the cover; a bearing is rotatably engaged with the post. A fastener engages the post to capture the bearing between the cover and the fastener, such that the bearing is housed at least partially between the upper and lower extremes of the body. A track for supporting and guiding the conveyor belt module includes a guide arm extending into a guide channel defined by the body to engage the bearing. The conveyor belt module may also include laterally offset protrusions extending from the link end in opposite directions to inhibit engagement with a drive member.

Abstract: A conveyor chain link a main body, a top plate to which a handling product or part thereof is restable thereupon; said main body having a front portion and a rear portion; said front portion and rear portion having means to be interconnected such that one link can be connectable to another in order for the establishment of a multi-linked conveyor chain; a first guide member arrangement including a pair of rotably-supported laterally extending on opposing sides of an underneath side of said top plate, adapted to roll in the direction of movement of said conveyor chain, wherein said rollers of the first guide member arrangement are adapted to rest and rotate along a corresponding top face of a wear strip as part of a conveyor assembly support structure for the conveyor chain; a second guide member arrangement, including two rotably-supportable guide members on opposing sides of said main body, rotably about a longitudinal axis, perpendicular to the top plate, wherein the peripheral edge of the respective guide

Abstract: A conveyor for the transport of bulk materials contains three pairs of supporting cables disposed vertically one above the other. A conveyor belt is movable along the supporting cables from a loading station to an unloading station. The conveyor belt has supporting beams disposed at a distance apart and at the ends of which are rollers, which roll along the middle and lower supporting cables. The conveyor further contains supporting frames by which the supporting cables are mutually connected. The supporting frames have two vertically aligned supporting struts and two horizontally aligned connecting struts. Furthermore, the upper ends of the supporting struts are respectively connected to one of the two upper supporting cables and the connecting struts are connected to the middle and the lower supporting cables. The supporting struts are formed by two supporting strut parts, which are mutually pivotable about horizontal axes aligned transversely to the supporting cables.

Abstract: A guide arrangement is provided for guiding movement of a transport member to convey products in a conveying direction of a conveying section having a predetermined course. The transport member includes a number of functional units operatively connected to each other. The guide arrangement includes a number of sequentially connected guide rail elements defining a guide channel along the conveying section. The guide channel has inside walls including structure to guide the transport member.

Abstract: A conveying installation for transporting bulk materials has three pairs of carrying cables disposed one above the other. A continuous conveying belt can be moved along the central pair and the lower pair of carrying cables between loading and unloading stations, where it is guided over deflecting drums. Spaced-apart carrying frames hold the carrying cables. The installation includes a maintenance vehicle, which can be displaced along the two upper carrying cables and has on each side a maintenance platform, located laterally outside the carrying cables. The maintenance vehicle further has on at least one of the two sides a carrying framework, on which is located at least one drive subassembly for moving the maintenance vehicle. The drive subassembly is located laterally outside the carrying cables and beneath the undercarriage of the maintenance vehicle.

Abstract: A track assembly for a particulate material extrusion pump according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a link assembly with a roller bearing. An insert mounted to a load beam located such that the roller bearing contacts the insert.

Abstract: A track assembly for a particulate material extrusion pump according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a link assembly with a roller bearing. An insert mounted to a load beam located such that the roller bearing contacts the insert.

Abstract: A conveyor for the transport of bulk materials contains three pairs of supporting cables located vertically one above another. A conveyor belt is movable along the supporting cables and at its ends guided over return drums. Fastened to the conveyor belt are supporting beams having ends mounting rollers, which roll along the middle and lower supporting cables. Supporting frames are located at a distance apart in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor and by which the supporting cables are mutually connected. The supporting frames are formed by two vertically aligned supporting struts and two horizontally aligned connecting struts and, the upper ends of the supporting struts are connected to one of the upper supporting cables. The connecting struts are connected by clamping devices located thereon to the middle and to the lower supporting cables. The clamping devices located on the connecting struts form an acute angle with the connecting struts.

Abstract: A conveyor for the transport of bulk materials contains three pairs of supporting cables disposed vertically one above the other. A conveyor belt is movable along the supporting cables from a loading station to an unloading station. The conveyor belt has supporting beams disposed at a distance apart and at the ends of which are rollers, which roll along the middle and lower supporting cables. The conveyor further contains supporting frames by which the supporting cables are mutually connected. The supporting frames have two vertically aligned supporting struts and two horizontally aligned connecting struts. Furthermore, the upper ends of the supporting struts are respectively connected to one of the two upper supporting cables and the connecting struts are connected to the middle and the lower supporting cables. The supporting struts are formed by two supporting strut parts, which are mutually pivotable about horizontal axes aligned transversely to the supporting cables.

Abstract: A low-pressure accumulation system and a conveyor belt in an accumulation conveyor for the use with the system. The belt, which is flanked on opposite sides by lines of gravity rollers, has a longitudinal lane of article-supporting belt rollers arranged in groups along the length of the conveyor belt. The groups are spaced apart from each at regular intervals. Trays sit atop the gravity rollers until they are lifted slightly higher by one of the slightly elevated groups of article-supporting belt rollers, which engage the bottom of the tray and convey it along toward a discharge end. Retractable stops selectively block the trays from advancing on the accumulation conveyor. The freely rotatable article-supporting belt rollers roll along the bottoms of any blocked and accumulated trays and provide low back pressure. The belt may also include low-friction rollers that ride on bearing surfaces below the belt to help lower friction between the belt and the conveyor structure while the belt is running.

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 conveying means (1) is described having running rollers (7) which can be supported on a guide (2). At least one running roller (7) is mounted on a roller lever (12a) which can be pivoted between a first and a second position with the aid of a pivoting mechanism (13, 33) and can be locked in a position. In order to make a conveying means of this type simpler in structural terms and less susceptible to wear, it is proposed to equip the pivoting mechanism (13, 33) with a toggle lever (14) which is connected to an actuating element (21), wherein the toggle lever comprises a first and a second lever element (14a, 14b) which are connected to one another via a joint (15).

Abstract: The present invention discloses chain links for the circulating transport chain of a machine tool, which comprise: a pair of rollers which determine the direction of circulation of the chain link by way of the direction in which they roll, over the rollers which is or are placed at a distance from the pair of rollers in the direction of circulation of the chain link and draw a plane as they roll against the roller pair; and a transverse guide, guiding the chain link transverse to its direction of circulation and is either free from rollers transverse to the direction of circulation of the chain link between the pair of rollers or has a transverse guide roller.

Abstract: A transportation system for a transportation device has a transportation chain having a plurality of chain links joined to form an articulated endless chain and with a sprocket to reverse the chain. The transportation chain has several equally-spaced guide elements which, in a transportation area of the transportation device are guided along a guide rail. The guide elements are formed of sliding elements that are mechanically linked to the transportation chain and slide along the guide rail when the transportation system is in motion. An outer circumference of the sprocket has recesses which at least partly accommodate the sliding elements.

Abstract: A drive system for a robot includes a track including opposed sidewalls, an electrified rail positioned between the sidewalls, a shoe mounted on the robot for contacting the electrified rail providing power to the robot, a drive motor mounted on the robot, a rotating drive member, the drive member engaging the track to drive the robot when the drive motor is actuated, means for coupling the drive member to the drive motor and means for increasing the friction between the drive system and the track at selected locations along the track.

Abstract: A conveyor system including a guide-way (2) with guide rails (4) and conveyor elements (1) with rollers (3), wherein the rollers (3) are assigned to guide rails (4) located opposite one another and/or conveyor elements (1) include rollers (3) with non-parallel axes and due to this the system can be loaded with forces oriented in the most differing directions. The rollers (3) in this conveyor system comprise a relatively hard running jacket (5) with a running surface, which is flat transverse to the conveying direction. The material of the running jacket is paired with the material of the guide rail for low friction and little wear. In addition, the rollers (3) include a relatively soft, elastically deformable damper ring (6) arranged between the running jacket (5) and the roller body (7) and the guide rails (4) of the guide-way (2) are supported on a dampening substrate at least at such points of the conveying track, at which load changes occur.

Abstract: An arrangement for coupling a pallet in a conveying device includes a pallet having wheels and forming a part of a transport track of the conveying device, and a drive element. A coupling piece is adapted to be connected to the pallet and a fastening parties connects the drive element to the coupling piece.

Abstract: For automatic transportation and lifting and lowering of specimens in an automatic stainer, a drive system comprises a motor (16) and a side wall assembly (40), the motor (16) being coupled on the drive side to a first (12) and a second (14) crank system. The first (12) and second (14) crank systems are respectively coupled to the side wall assembly (40).

Abstract: A circulating mechanism includes a moving member, e.g. a chain or a belt, which travels along a circulating path and is looped about at least one deflecting member for reversing a travel direction of the moving member. Disposed in a section of the circulating path is a guide assembly for guiding the moving member. A magnetic field generating device is provided for applying a magnetic force upon the moving member at least in an area of the guide assembly so as to draw the moving member against the guide assembly and thereby enhance the travel behavior of the moving member.

Abstract: A positive displacement sorter includes a plurality of interconnected slats defining an endless web, an upper run of the web defining a conveying surface conveying articles in a longitudinal direction. A plurality of pusher shoes move along the slats to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface. The pusher shoes include a base and a member extending from the base below the conveying surface. At least one diverting rail extends diagonally under the conveying surface and at least one diverter is associated with the at least one diverting rail. The at least one diverter includes an actuator that selectively actuates the member toward at least one diverting rail. The at least one diverting rail has a terminal portion opposite the at least one diverter. The terminal portion includes an upper surface engaging an upper portion of the member and a lower surface engaging a lower portion of the member. The upper and lower surfaces direct the member in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Conveyor chains of the type utilized in commercial ovens and proofers are provided with improved bearing support for the rotating and pivoting components of the chains. The rotating components comprising antifriction bearings constructed from superior components which support substantial improvements in the service life of the conveyor chains. The pivoting components are provided with plain bearings and/or antifriction coating which also function to extend the service life of the conveyor chains.

Abstract: A conveying chain guide, in which the stick slip phenomenon of a conveying chain, which meshes with a driving sprocket, and a seasickness phenomenon are removed whereby stable conveying of articles can be smoothly realized and the driving force and vibration noise of a conveying chain can be remarkably reduced. When continuous three rollers C1, C2, C3 in the conveying chain C is to be meshed with the sprocket while gradually descending from the linear rail R for supporting the conveying surface toward the driving sprocket S, in such an arrangement traveling state that always corresponds to the linear rail R for supporting the conveying surface, a transfer position X1 and a meshing position X2, the guide track T is defined along an movement passage of the roller C2 in the transfer position X1.

Abstract: A drive system for escalators and pedestrian conveyors having a plurality of steps and pallets, respectively, is provided. The drive system includes at least one driving chain including links and joints connecting the links. The driving chain has a chain pitch such that there are no more than two links per step or pallet and the driving chain is connectable to the plurality of steps or pallets via bolts that are positioned between two joints and provided with a roller. The drive system also includes a plurality of interspaced reversing elements having a number of teeth that correspond to the chain pitch.

Abstract: Conveyor chains of the type utilized in commercial ovens and proofers are provided with improved bearing support for the rotating and pivoting components of the chains. The rotating components comprising anti-friction bearings constructed from superior components which support substantial improvements in the service life of the conveyor chains. The pivoting components are provided with plain bearings and/or anti-friction coating which also function to extend the service life of the conveyor chains.

Abstract: A system for conveying goods by way of a self-contained conveyor belt which, in the end stations, is guided over reversing pulleys. The conveyor belt is constructed with load-bearing rollers that can be moved along load-bearing cables. In this case, each run of the conveyor belt is assigned only a single load-bearing cable located above the respective run and load-bearing brackets projecting upward are fixed to the conveyor belt. The load-bearing rollers are mounted at the upper ends of the brackets.

Abstract: A positive displacement sorter apparatus includes a plurality of interconnected slats defining an endless web, an upper run of the endless web defining a conveying surface. A plurality of pusher shoes are provided, each moving along at least one of the plurality of slats to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface. A linear motor propulsion system may be provided for propelling the web including at least one motor primary and a plurality of motor secondaries at the slats.

Abstract: A method and arrangement are provided for guiding a drive chain in an area of a reversing chain wheel of a pedestrian conveyor system. The drive chain contains plate link elements, connecting elements connecting the plate link elements in leading and trailing coupling areas of the respective plate link elements, and guide rolls respectively located in the spaces between the coupling areas. The arrangement is such that the drive chain is guided into the chain wheel so that, as seen in the direction of movement, the connecting element in a leading coupling area of one plate link element is guided into an associated reception area of the chain wheel. The guiding roll of that plate link element is then brought into a corresponding cap-shaped indentation of the reversing wheel.

Abstract: An endless conveyor belt formed of plastic belt modules and capable of following a curved path. The modules include first and second module surfaces, i.e., a top, product-conveying surface and a bottom, sprocket-driven surface. An intermediate section extends across the width of each module transverse to the direction of belt travel. A plurality of snap-on side guards are mounted in vertical openings disposed in the belt modules. Each side guard includes a central post having opposed wings extending in a forwardly and a rearwardly direction along the direction of conveyor belt travel. The wings are staggered in the lateral direction so that the forward wing of a first side guard overlaps with the rearward wing of an immediately adjacent second side guard.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end-to-end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for a rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.

Abstract: Conveyor chains of the type utilized in commercial ovens and proofers are provided with improved bearing support for the rotating and pivoting components of the chains. The rotating components comprising anti-friction bearings constructed from superior components which support substantial improvements in the service life of the conveyor chains. The pivoting components are provided with plain bearings and/or anti-friction coating which also function to extend the service life of the conveyor chains.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end-to-end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for a rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.

Abstract: The conveyor system for transporting goods has a conveyor belt to which transversely oriented supporting beams are attached. The system has two support tracks that are arranged at a vertical distance from one another and are each formed by two supporting cables along which rollers that are arranged at the lateral ends of the supporting beams can be moved. The supporting cables are connected to one another by a plurality of retaining frames.

Abstract: A modular link conveyor system (10) for transporting articles is provided having a plurality of modular link sections (15) providing a support surface for the articles and wherein one or more rollers (30) are positioned in the underside of selected link sections (12) to provide support by rolling on a guide rail (25, 26) of the conveyor system (10). Each link section (12) includes at least one interengaging apex (13) and leg portion (14) having a matching hole (22) and slot (21) for receiving a transverse rod (20) to permit side flexing action. An enclosure (36, 37) for each roller (30) provides protective encapsulation along at least the two sides and substantially around the rolling face to prevent debris build up. Advantageously, at least one roller (30) is mounted in each side link section (13, 14) that also provides a depending arm (28) and transverse tab (29) for lateral guiding action. The link sections (15) are combined to form a composite link and a cover plate provides an extended support surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for a rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus suitable for driving a number of carriers in such a manner that the front end of each carrier thrusts the rear end of the preceding carrier is provided. The conveying apparatus comprises a guide rail and carriers. The rail includes a U-turn path section. Each carrier includes a load bar assembly including at least three load bars connected end-to-end by vertical pivot shafts in such a manner that the bars can pivot horizontally relative to each other. Each carrier also includes a load support supported by the associated middle load bar. Each carrier further includes a front trolley supporting at least the front end load bar and a rear trolley supporting at least the rear end load bar. The trolleys are supported movably on and guided by the guide rail. The trolleys are fixed to and in parallel with the end load bars.

Abstract: A conveyor chain includes a number of interconnected links. Each link includes a bearingless wheel assembly that has a simple structure and a wheel made of a special wheel material that is suitable for use as a conveyor wheel material in a corrosive environment. The bearingless wheel assembly includes a wheel having a center bore, a hub extending through the center bore of the wheel and having a flange, and a retainer for engaging the hub to secure the wheel between the flange and the retainer.

Abstract: The conveyor system for transporting goods has a conveyor belt to which transversely oriented supporting beams are attached. The system has two support tracks that are arranged at a vertical distance from one another and are each formed by two supporting cables along which rollers that are arranged at the lateral ends of the supporting beams can be moved. The supporting cables are connected to one another by a plurality of retaining frames.

Abstract: A fluid plenum trough conveyor support that provides a near frictionless fluid film bearing to support a conveyor belt. The apparatus of the present invention may be used as a discrete conveyor belt support element. The discrete elements formed by the method of the present invention may also be sealingly joined to form a continuous trough conveyor path for a conveyor system. An improved particulate collection system is provided at termination points of the conveyor system for eliminating particulate emissions as the bulk materials transported by the conveyor are unloaded or transferred to receiving points.

Abstract: Side-flexing conveyor belt for use in a conveyor comprising a number of chain links which are joined together in a hinge like manner to form the belt, having at least one chain link arranged with a friction reducing wheel member in an outer part of the belt and that said wheel member is arranged to reduce friction in a plane parallel to the width plane of the conveyor belt. By arranging the wheel in an outer part of the belt, which is the most stable part of the belt due toe the tension arising from the belt going through a curve, an effective guidance and friction reducing effect is achieved.

Abstract: A conveyor is provided with a casing (2), an endless conveyor belt (9) located in the casing (2) to circulate. The conveyor belt (9) has a pair of roller chains (11) attached to the peripheral edges on each side of the belt. Each roller chain (11) has a plurality of rollers (13). The casing (2) is provided with a lower split body (14) and an upper split body (15) fixed on the lower split body (14). The lower split body (14) has a pair of side frame members (17 and 18) formed by press molding. The side frames (17 and 18) each have a lower supporting portion (20) and an upper supporting portion (22), for supporting the rollers (13). That is, some portions of the casing (2) serve as the roller supporting portions (20,22). This reduces the number of steps in the manufacture of conveyors, facilitates manufacture of the same, and reduces the manufacturers' cost.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting articles between various locations along a conveyor path including multiple sections extending in different directions. The conveyor system includes a conveyor roller assembly that includes an articulated conveyor body. The articulated conveyor body includes a plurality of front guide rollers and a plurality of back guide rollers. The front and back guide rollers support the carriage assembly between a tubular inner guide rail and a tubular outer guide rail. The tubular inner and outer guide rails define a conveyor path along which each of the individual carriage roller assemblies travel. Each conveyor roller assembly includes a center shaft about which the front guide rollers and rear guide rollers are independently rotatable. The center shaft is connected to a driven conveyor chain that moves each of the individual carriage roller assemblies along the conveyor path.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for a rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first: and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end-to-end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for a rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.

Abstract: A length-variable sliding rail element enables a roller chain to be easily guided. Two complementary sliding rail elements fit together. Each of the sliding elements may be comprised of two or three segments. These various segments interengage each other to form a sliding rail element that is shiftable between collapsed and extended position.

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: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end to end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for a rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.

Abstract: A chain conveyor for a sheet-processing printing machine has conveyor chains bearing gripper systems for transporting sheets. The chains are revolvable, during operation, along closed chain tracks having at least substantially circular segment-like chain track sections. A guide rail device is provided for guiding the conveyor chains. A rail section forms part of the guide rail device. The rail section, when loaded by one of the conveyor chains, is deflectable counter to a restoring force and, at a first end of the rail section, adjoins one of the substantially circular segment-like chain track sections. A sheet-processing printing machine having such a chain conveyor is also provided.

Abstract: A rail comprising a rail member and at least one plug is used to direct the flow of objects along a predetermined path of an assembly line or conveyor belt system or to support the weight of the objects thereon. In its preferred embodiments, a stainless steel member has a generally U-shaped cross-section and a polished outer surface which is of particular advantage for use with PET plastic products. One or more plugs provide structural integrity and prevent rotation of the rail member in a clamp of the rail guide support assembly which is used to grip the rail.