Abstract: A carrier roller for a conveyor belt may be configured to be rotatable about an axis of rotation and may include a roll element with a rolling support region that is configured to provide rolling support for the conveyor belt. The rolling support region is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation of the carrier roller and has different diameters along its axial extension, including a maximum diameter and a minimum diameter. The minimum diameter of the rolling support region is at least 95% and at most 99.8% of the maximum diameter of the rolling support region. Carrier roller stations and belt conveyor systems may employ such carrier rollers.

Abstract: A suction conveyor device comprising a suction arrangement having a suction side on which low pressure is generated, continuously rotating flexible conveying means made of flexible flat material having holes, an inner side enabling the conveying means to move along the suction side, and an outer side for receiving flat items in the active area of the suction side, where the conveying means moves in the transporting direction, the suction arrangement and the conveyor means designed with a transport path width in the active range perpendicular to the transporting direction. The conveying means includes continuously circulating individual, single-piece, flexible conveying means, both lateral edges thereof extending in the transporting direction at a distance from each other being at least the same as the total width of the transport path such that the individual, single-piece flexible conveyor means extend over the total width of the transport path.

Abstract: A roller assembly for use in a conveyor system is disclosed. The roller assembly includes a shaft and a roller rotatably mounted to the shaft. In one embodiment, the roller is made of ultra-high molecular weight plastic. Each roller has first and second ends. The roller assembly further includes a first collar and a second collar mounted on the shaft. The first collar is positioned at the first end of the roller and the second collar is positioned at the second end of the roller. Each collar is selectably affixable to the shaft so as to hold the roller in a fixed position along the length of the shaft.

Abstract: A round baler includes a bale-forming chamber with a belt assembly for rolling a bale, the assembly includes a plurality of parallel side-by-side belts trained about rollers transverse to the belts, wherein the rollers have a shaft with a plurality of belt-driving sleeves mounted thereon. The belt-driving sleeves have a circumferential groove and the belts have a longitudinal protrusion to track the belt in the groove of the belt-driving sleeve.

Abstract: A support roller assembly comprises a support roller formed at least in part as a hollow cylinder. At least two bearings are spaced from each other in the axial direction of the support roller and rotatably support the support roller. At least one cushioning element is disposed within the support roller in the axial spacing between the two bearings. The cushioning element includes at least one ring made of cushioning material that extends adjacent the inner surface of the support roller.

Abstract: A fluororesin-covered roller and a production method thereof. The fluororesin-covered roller has a laminar structure in which a rubber layer and a fluororesin layer are provided in this order on a roller base material. In the fluororesin-covered roller, the fluororesin layer is a covering layer formed of a fluororesin tube having a thickness of 10 ?m or more and less than 20 ?m.

Abstract: A belt band conveyor having an endless transport belt that is guided over deflection rollers, to which a guide element that projects beyond the belt plane is attached. The guide element can be handled separately before it is attached to the transport belt and moves along as the transport belt moves. On its guide surfaces, which extend in the transport direction of the transport belt, running surfaces that are inclined relative to the belt plane roll off from rotating guide rollers as the transport belt moves. A plurality of separate clamping shoes are attached along the transport belt, each of which has an attachment profile attached to the transport belt, and a spring-elastic clamping element connected with such profile. An elastic/flexible guide strip that extends in the transport direction over the entire length of the transport belt is clamped in place relative to the attachment profile.

Abstract: A rim assembly for a roller assembly and method of forming a rim assembly for cargo mover systems are disclosed. Various steps and construction details are developed for affecting the response of the rim assembly to operative conditions. In one detailed embodiment, the roller assembly has a rim assembly having a rolling surface whose operative surface characteristics are set by the material of the surface material; and structure is disposed inwardly of the rolling surface which affects the bulk behavior of the roller assembly. In one particular embodiment, the roller assembly is adapted for use with moving doors or wall panels in elevator systems.

Abstract: A pulley with pulley lagging, a pulley, pulley lagging and belt system and method are provided. The pulley has an outer surface with a length and a circumference. A hook and loop fastener strip is provided having one of a loop or a hook surface section and a back surface. The hook and loop fastener strip has a first tapered end with a first cutline edge and a second tapered end with a second cutline edge. The hook and loop fastener strip back surface is bonded to the pulley element outer surface with the strip spiral wrapped with the first cutline edge having a length substantially equal to the circumference and positioned substantially at an edge of the pulley element and with the second cutline edge having a length substantially equal to the circumference and positioned substantially at another edge of said pulley element.

Abstract: A conveyor belt alignment device comprises an idler roller mounted relative to a conveyor belt, the idler roller having a first cylindrical portion extending over the conveyor belt proximate an edge thereof, and a second cylindrical portion abutting against an edge of the conveyor belt for preventing lateral movement of the conveyor belt relative thereto. The idler roller is biased toward the conveyor belt in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by an upper surface of the conveyor belt to allow debris to pass between the idler roller and the conveyor belt and thus reduce damage to the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A driven terminal for a passenger conveyor for transferring passenger or luggage. The driven terminal according to the present invention includes a pair of rotating plates mounted on both ends of a rotating shaft, an outer wheel forcibly contacted with the pallet chains having a smooth contacting surface, and an inner wheel having one surface contacted with a periphery of the rotating plate and the other surface contacted and secured to the outer wheel.

Abstract: A transport element (1) for transporting or conveying flat goods, such as sheet goods like paper in photocopy machines and printers, includes an inner support member (2) that can be connected to an axle or shaft, and an outer ring member (14) of a rubber-elastic material that at least partially surrounds and is connected in a form-locking manner to the support member (2). The rubber-elastic material has a greater elasticity than the material of the support member (2). The ring member (4) has an outer contact surface (5) for frictionally gripping and transporting the flat goods. The support member (2) has a plurality of grooves (7) distributed around an outer circumferential surface (6) thereof. The rubber-elastic material of the ring member (4) form-lockingly engages the grooves (7). The grooves (7) are open at least toward the outer circumferential surface (6) with a respective opening width (16) that spans an angle .alpha. of at most 5.degree., and are undercut radially inwardly below the openings.

Abstract: A high speed, normally closed tubular belt conveyor system operable over long distances and through relatively short radius horizontal and vertical turns, is described. The belt conveyor is prestressed at fabrication to provide a normally closed tubular configuration. Profiled end pulleys are provided which open the belt for loading and unloading with minimum strain and distortion. A distributive drive system provides reduced longitudinal tensile stresses in the belt and facilitates high speed operation. A feeder-accelerator system loads granular-type material into the tubular belt at a rate and velocity which are conformed to the capacity and velocity of the belt.

Abstract: A roller arrangement for use in a conveyance system includes a generally cylindrical roller body which has a pre-determined diameter, an outer surface, and a central passage. A shaft extends through the central passage, the roller body is rotatable about the shaft. An expander circumscribes the roller body. An impact shell is connected outwardly to the expander. The impact shell includes a cover made of low modulus elastomeric material and a backing layer made of high modulus elastomeric material. A first compression plate, a second compression plate, and a compression ring are mounted to the roller so that the compression ring is mounted between the first plate and the second plate.

Abstract: Container handling apparatus includes container speed adjusting apparatus which cooperates with drive apparatus to sequentially deliver a plurality of containers into contact with the container speed adjusting apparatus. The container speed adjusting apparatus has one or more resiliently compressible components which facilitate alteration of the translational speed of the container, as well as alteration of the rotation thereof. Among the preferred approaches to providing such resiliently compressible means are to have endless belts supported and driven by primary pulleys with secondary resiliently compressible pulleys in engagement with said belt and disposed between the primary pulleys. The endless belts may be provided with specifically configurated resiliently deformable portions, such as weakened portions in the belt, openings in the belt, or radially outwardly projecting elements.

Abstract: Container handling apparatus includes container speed adjusting apparatus which cooperates with drive apparatus to sequentially deliver a plurality of containers into contact with the container speed adjusting apparatus. The container speed adjusting apparatus has one or more resiliently compressible components which facilitate alteration of the translational speed of the container, as well as alteration of the rotation thereof. Among the preferred approaches to providing such resiliently compressible components are to have endless belts supported and driven by primary pulleys with secondary resiliently compressible pulleys in engagement with the belt and disposed between the primary pulleys. The endless belts may be provided with specifically configurated resiliently deformable portions, such as weakened portions in the belt, openings in the belt, or radially outwardly projecting elements.

Abstract: An inventive roller and an inventive conveyor assembly which includes at least one such roller. The inventive roller comprises: an axle housing; a polymer foam segment positioned around the axle housing; and a polymer coating which covers the exterior of the polymer foam segment.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a moving belt, particularly in an electrophotographic printing machine of the type having an endless photoreceptor belt supported by a plurality of rolls and arranged to move in a predetermined path through a plurality of processing stations disposed therealong. The belt being of the type which is supported by a plurality of rolls. A compliant belt guide is positioned at each end of a tensioning roll. The guide is biased so as to absorb a portion of the force exerted on it by the moving belt but to maintain a minimal belt walk in a direction transverse to the predetermined path.

Abstract: There is provided a clam shell shaped belt guide pulley having first and second curved halves which are hinged together. Each pulley half has curved inner and outer surfaces. The pulley is adapted to be placed on a large diameter shaft without the need to remove the shaft from the remainder of the machine. There is no supporting structure between the inner surfaces of the pulley halves and the shaft.

Abstract: A conveyor installation includes an endless belt wound around head and tail pulleys which extends between an impact station wherein material is placed on the belt and a drop off zone wherein the material is removed from the belt. Shock absorbers are disposed beneath the belt at the impact station to dissipate energy imparted on the belt by the material. In one embodiment, the belt is formed of flexible, textile reinforced material and the shock absorbers are in the form of a plurality of rectangular elements having a generally planar upper surface for supporting substantially the entire undersurface of the belt in the impact station. In another embodiment, the belt is formed of rigid steel reinforced material and the shock absorbers are in the form of a plurality of closely spaced rollers. In both embodiments, downstream of the impact station are located idler rollers for supporting the belt at spaced locations.

Abstract: A belt steering roller mechanism for active steering correction of an endless belt, including a shaft having a longitudinal axis and a deformable roller having a fore end and an aft end and a predetermined diameter. The roller is rotatable about the shaft and has a body including a plurality of longitudinally extending rigid members located near the outer diameter of the roll separated by a plurality of longitudinally extending deformable sections. The body may be elastomeric or may be rigid with flexible hinges to provide differential lateral velocity of an outer circumferential surface of the roller. At least one flange plate is located against one of the fore end and aft end and is flexibly held on the shaft by a flexible coupling. Upon a corrective force being applied to the flange plate by an articulating mechanism, the longitudinally extending rigid members are laterally displaced in a cyclic fashion by the flange plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replaceable pulley lagging for attachment to wing pulleys and includes a backing member having a shape which conforms to the contact bars of each of the wings of the wing pulley. These backing members have an adhesive and an elastomeric member vulcanized thereto along the length thereof for contacting an endless conveyor belt disposed around a wing pulley. The replaceable pulley lagging devices can be slid onto or off from the contact bars of the wing pulley. A method of forming these replaceable pulley lagging devices includes using an apparatus to push the backing member against an elastomeric substance in a mold and hold the backing member and elastomeric substance in the formed position until it can be vulcanized in an autoclave or the like.

Abstract: A apparatus in which lateral movement of a moving belt is controlled so that the belt moves in a predetermined path. The apparatus includes dual oppositely wound, helical springs having a rectangular cross-section with a high friction material extruded thereon. The springs are mounted on a shaft with an adhesive.

Abstract: A rubber plastic composite cylinder that has a cylindrical hollow elastomeric body bonded internally to a shaft and its external surface bonded to a cylindrical sleeve of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene which includes the bonding as by vulcanization two outer shells of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene to the elastomeric cylinder to place the elastomeric cylinder in compression. Such composite cylinder may be spaced along a shaft or utilized effectively as a coaxial shear spring or as conveyor rollers.

Abstract: A conveyor belt advances over an assembly of cylindrical idler rollers. Each idler roller includes a cylindrical body rotatable about an axially disposed tubular shaft. Air under pressure enters the proximal end of the tubular shaft and advances through the tubular shaft to be discharged through openings in the distal end of the tubular shaft. The air under pressure leaving the distal end of the tubular shaft advances through the space between the inner wall of the cylindrical body of the idler roller and the outer wall of the tubular shaft to be vented to atmosphere for reducing heat build-up in the idler roller.

Abstract: This invention relates to a replaceable repair device for use to repair the outer terminal edge of a flat spoke of a wing pulley wheel, in general, and more specifically: to a cross-sectionally T-shaped elongated repair device having a top cross-bar, and a lower parallel pair of spaced apart downwardly extending flat legs secured to the cross-bar underside and with the legs adapted for overlapping abutment relation with and secured to the outer surface sides of a flat spoke adjacent the spoke terminal edge, and to the cross-bar of the T-device a metal base plate, having a rubber strip vulcanized thereon, with the metal base plate replaceably tack-welded at interval spots to the cross-bar of the T unit, and by the interval tack-weld spots thereby to avoid welding heat loosening the rubber vulcanization on its metal base plate.

Abstract: A belt conveyor includes an assembly of conveyor idler rollers for supporting a conveyor belt advancing thereon. Each conveyor idler roller includes a cylindrical body that is freely rotatable about a shaft. A keeper seal prevents axial displacement of the cylindrical body along the shaft and inhibits foreign matter from penetrating into the central opening of the cylindrical body. The keeper seal comprises a radially projecting collar at the proximal end of the shaft which mates with a radially projecting groove formed in the cylindrical body to prevent axial displacement of the cylindrical body along the shaft and to inhibit foreign matter from penetrating the central opening of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A high speed, normally closed tubular belt conveyor system operable over long distances and through relatively short radius horizontal and vertical turns. The belt conveyor is prestressed at fabrication to provide a normally closed tubular configuration. Profiled end pulleys are provided which open the belt for loading and unloading with minimum strain and distortion. A distributive drive system provides reduced longitudinal tensile stresses in the belt and facilitates high speed operation. A feeder-accelerator system loads granular-type material into the tubular belt at a rate and velocity which are conformed to the capacity and velocity of the belt.

Abstract: A flexible rubber strip or sheet is described which is useful as surfacing material on an idler pulley or the like. The rubber strip includes a row of openings along each end. A pair of spaced-apart metal strips is secured to each end of the rubber strip. A portion of each metal strip is exposed in the openings to enable it to be welded to the surface of a pulley to secure the rubber strip to the pulley to thereby provide a wear surface.

Abstract: A roller for use in the cargo bay of an aircraft is disclosed which is constructed with chopped fiber strands incorporated into the rubber and oriented in a substantially circumferential direction around the hub of the roller to provide reinforcement to the rubber portion of the roller.

Abstract: A replaceable lagging structure, for a conveyor pulley, and specifically to a flexible lagging structure useable and adaptable on different size pulley drums. The structure preferably has a pair of parallel, elongated, arc shaped metal plates which are connected together by a flexible traction rubber pad. The outer elongated arc plate edges are adapted to be spot-welded to the periphery of a pulley drum surface. The arc shape of each metal section is such that the lagging structure is adapted to fit different sized drum pulleys. The thickness of the metal sections does not restrict or hinder the required flexibility of the lagging structure.

Abstract: A conveyor roller and bearing arrangement rotatable about a pair of fixed stub axles lying between spaced side frame members includes a pair of self-aligning bearing assemblies in each end of the roller. Each bearing assembly includes an inner bearing race mounted on one of the stub axles, an outer bearing race rotatably mounted on the inner bearing race and an outer cushioning sleeve secured to the roller and outer bearing race for maintaining axial alignment between the inner and outer bearing races. A roller support assembly is positioned between the frame members to provide external support for the roller and cooperate with the bearing assemblies and stub axles to reduce the bending influence of the roller under loads.

Abstract: A Conveyor suspension idler mold apparatus for molding a one-piece, elongated, flexible, polymer idler is disclosed along with a method of molding the conveyor idler and the conveyor idler apparatus. A vertical mold has specially shaped cavities for molding the idler without entrapping air, along with shaft positioning and support brackets at each end of the mold for molding a metal shaft into each end of the polymer idler. The shafts positioning and supporting brackets utilize the groove for the bearing retaining ring for locking each shaft into precise position.

Abstract: A slat conveyor having a drive shaft with grooves running axially to the shaft and driving a plurality of endless conveyor belts connected to each other on the cargo carrying side with slats positioned transverse to the direction of travel and having on the other side of said belt teeth running parallel to the slats and shaped and positioned to engage in the grooves.

Abstract: A self-tracking roller comprised of a plurality of individual elements is presented. These elements alternate between evenly distributed idler rings and spacer rings arranged in two groups having a central space therebetween. This central space permits two superimposed dual belts to form a sandwich for conveying solid material therein. Each idler or tracking ring has a conical shaped configuration which acts to urge a conveyor belt thereon toward the center of the roller. The relative dimensions and number of rings may be flexibly varied depending on the application. The result is a self-tracking roller aptly suited for use in conjunction with dual or sandwich conveyor belt systems.

Abstract: An impact roller structure (10) for absorbing impact imparted on a conveying surface. The impact roller structure (10) includes a hub portion (11) having an opening (12) therein. The impact roller structure (10) further includes an outer ring-like portion (15) for making contact with the conveying surface. The ring-like portion (15) and the hub portion (11) are interconnected by a plurality of radially extending members (17). The radially extending members (17) define a plurality of hollow cylinders (18) between the hub portion (11) and the outer ring-like portion (15). The radially extending members (17) are constructed and arranged for cooperating with the hub portion (11) and the ring-like portion (15) so as to efficiently absorb shock imparted on the impact roller structure (10).

Abstract: Dampening device for cups employed with apparatus for automatically sorting articles, typically fruit and vegetables. Fruit, for example, when automatically sorted, are dropped into moving cups from singulators. A pin extending from a closed end portion of each cup depresses a pivotable spring-mounted dampening plate when impacted by the dropping fruit to thereby soften the impact. The dampened cup lessens bruising of the fruit as well as possible negative psychological effects associated therewith.

Abstract: An improved track belt assembly wherein the anchor plates have fastening means which are disposed axially inward of the reinforcing belt structure.

Abstract: An idler roller particularly for conveyor belt support and comprises a prefabricated core member about which is moulded an abrasion and impact resistant load bearing synthetic plastic shell. The shell includes a tubular load bearing wall and integral side walls for the accommodation of bearings which receive the idler shaft. By the utilization of a relatively inexpensive core which does not require to possess load bearing properties, and utilizing this core as a former about which the load bearing shell is moulded, a satisfactory idler roller structure can be constructed relatively inexpensively. The shell should be moulded from a non-foamed polyurethane elastomer material to give high quality abrasion resistance coupled with impact resistance.

Abstract: A gravity roller conveyor has a pair of side frames, a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted between the side frames, with provisions for conveniently converting the conveyor to a power roller conveyor including a mounting plate to receive a motor, a center bracket disposed between the side frames to receive and mount a drive shaft and end pulley at each end of the conveyor, provision for mounting a plurality of guide pulleys between the end pulleys, and a belt tightener so that an endless belt may be looped around the pulleys and tightened in place. A center spine may be provided extending the length of the conveyor to strengthen it and minimize the size of the side frames. The guide pulley mount includes a tee bar extending between the side frames with a cross bar mounted to the leg of the tee. A tension adjustment includes a tension spring and nut which threads on the leg to compress the spring against the cross bar and urge the guide pulleys mounted on the cross bar against the drive belt.

Abstract: A chain device including a sprocket wheel, a buffer ring provided on one side of the sprocket wheel for rotation relative thereto, and a chain meshing therewith. The buffer ring has an outer diameter greater than the inner-diameter dimension of a semicircular-shaped portion of the chain which is in meshing engagement with the sprocket wheel. Thus, when the chain and sprocket wheel are in meshing engagement with each other, the buffer ring is restrained and forced by the inner-diameter part of the semicircular-shaped portion of the chain, so that the ring is deformed into an elliptical shape. Each of the link plates which form the chain includes a depressed portion having a curved shape coinciding, in its radius of curvature, to the maximum radius of curvature of the elliptically-deformed buffer ring. Such curved shape of the depressed portion of the link plate contributes to the improvement of durability of the buffer ring, as well as to reduction of chain noise.

Abstract: An apparatus in which lateral movement of a moving belt is controlled so that the belt moves in a pre-determined path. The apparatus includes at least one moving member having a plurality of spaced, flexible discs extending outwardly from the exterior surface thereof. The portion or segment of the disc contacting the region of the belt passing thereover provides support therefor. Preventing the belt from deviating laterally from the pre-determined path deflects the portion or segments of the discs providing support for the belt. The deflected portion of the disc returns to the undeflected condition when not supporting the belt. In this manner, the maximum force applied to the belt never exceeds the minimum force required to buckle the belt.

Abstract: An apparatus which prevents lateral movement of a belt moving in a pre-determined path. The apparatus includes a readily deformable surface which moves the belt in the pre-determined path and a support for preventing lateral movement. Strains induced in the belt by preventing the lateral movement thereof distort the deformable surface which, in turn, cause the belt to return to the pre-determined path.