Abstract: The present disclosure provides a modular belt having two or more longitudinal belt sections. Each belt section includes a traction element having a cord and a plurality of drive elements attached to the cord. The drive elements are spaced apart along a length of the cord. The belt section further includes a plurality of belt plates. Each belt plate is removably attached to a corresponding drive element of the traction element. The belt section may comprise at least one additional traction element to which each belt plate is attached. In this way, each belt plate may be attached to two or more traction elements. The modular belt includes two or more connectors, wherein each connector is configured to longitudinally couple two belt sections in order to form the modular belt as an endless belt.

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 method of disconnecting a slat from a wheel assembly that is used with a positive displacement sorter having a plurality of parallel laterally extending slats and a pair of wheel assemblies, each interconnecting common end portions of the slats thereby defining an endless web that travels in a longitudinal direction. An upper surface of the web defines an article-conveying surface. The sorter has a plurality of pusher shoes travelling along the slats in order to laterally displace articles on said conveying surface. The sorter further has a plurality of attachment mechanisms, each attaching an end portion of one of the slats to one of the wheel assemblies. Each of the attachment mechanisms includes at least one locking member. The locking member includes a pin on the slat engaging an opening in one of the wheel assemblies. A retraction tool is positioned against one of the wheel assemblies adjacent to the slat to be disconnected.

Abstract: A conveyor device with an elastic load-bearing means guided between a drive and a return roller which are spaced apart parallel to and opposite one another, wherein the load-bearing means circulates endlessly in a carrying run and a lower run, is flexible in all directions and is configured to receive articles to be conveyed, and which can be driven in a conveying direction by drive trains disposed on longitudinal edges of the load-bearing means, characterised in that a support means for the carrying run is located between the carrying run and the lower run, wherein the drive trains are stretched to a greater extent than a region of the load-bearing means located between them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transporting apparatus for conveying a product, comprising a movable conveying element (2) for conveying the product, also comprising a fixed-location running rail (3), which is arranged all the way round and defines a running track for the conveying element (2), and further comprising a linear-motor-drive means (4) for driving the conveying element (2), wherein the conveying element (2) has a permanent magnet (5) which is in operative connection with coils (6) of the linear-motor-drive means (4), and wherein the conveying element (2) has at least a first sub-element (22) and a second sub-element (23), which are connected to one another in an articulated manner by means of an articulation (7).

Abstract: A positive displacement sorter includes a plurality of parallel laterally extending slats and a pair of wheel assemblies, each interconnecting common end portions of the slats thereby defining an endless web that travels in a longitudinal direction. An upper surface of the web defines an article-conveying surface. A plurality of pusher shoes travel along the slats in order to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface. A plurality of attachment mechanisms are provided. Each of the attachment mechanisms attaches an end portion of one of the slats to one of the wheel assemblies. Each of the attachment mechanisms includes a shoulder and a collar and at least one locking member. The collar engages the shoulder thereby providing retention of the slat to the wheel assembly. The locking member provides retention of the collar on the shoulder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conveyor chain (100) in which a large number of chain links (110) on which components are loaded are linked at hinge sections by means of hinge pins (120) and in which a plurality of free rollers are provided protruding from both the front and rear surfaces of the chain links (110), wherein the plurality of free rollers are each rotationally held in roller holders to form roller units (130) and are formed so as to be attachable from the longitudinal direction in a unit attachment region of the chain links (110). By means of the aforementioned structure, it is possible to replace worn components by means of a simple operation and it is unnecessary to replace chain links (110) which have not become worn, costs are reduced, and it is simple to change the rotation direction of the free rollers.

Abstract: A sprocket for engaging a modular belt having a plurality of belt modules with intercalated link ends connected by transverse pivot members to form hinges. The belt modules may have transverse ribs. The sprocket may be driven by a shaft. The sprocket may be an idler sprocket. The sprocket has a central opening for receiving the shaft. The body has a plurality of teeth disposed in pairs along a periphery of the body. The body has a first opening formed between adjacent pairs of teeth and extending toward the center of the sprocket to provide access to the hinge area, when the belt engages with the sprocket, for application of cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A looped material band (100) which includes at least one flat strip (2) having two reversible splice areas (3) in which the serrations (3a, 3b) only extend along a part of its width so that, when the material band is assembled in a loop around two pulleys (10a, 10b), the strands of the material band, which extend respectively between the two pulleys, are continuous and without any splice at least along a portion (9) of their width, regardless of the rotational position of the looped material band.

Abstract: A belt conveyor that contains a belt body that is provided with at least one running support on which a conveyor belt runs. To achieve a formation with a simple design and a reliable and energy-saving function, the running support has a roller guide and a plurality of rollers are placed one behind the other in the conveying direction between the running support and the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A belt (2), forming a conveyor or a transmission belt, comprising at least one, but possibly a plurality of substantially inextensible but elastically flexible planar strips, typically of spring steel, rigidly fixed together lengthwise to form an endless belt. The belt is typically provided with drive slots for accurately driving the belt. The belt may support carriers such as buckets (to form a bucket conveyor) or scrapers (to form a scraper conveyor).

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 device for sorting products including a frame, an endless drivable flexible conveying element, successive elongated carriers, which are each coupled to the conveying element via a coupler for being conveyed in a conveying direction along an endless conveying path, which carriers extend transversely to the conveying direction, and pusher elements which are each movable along a carrier. The coupler including a supporting part and a supported part supported by the supporting part, as well as a connector for detachably connecting the supporting part and the supported part together, wherein the supporting part is coupled to the conveying element and the supported part is connected to a carrier, and wherein the connector can be accessed from the upper side of the supported part for effecting the connection between the supporting part and the supported part.

Abstract: An approach is provided to move an object across a surface using a grid of vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules. A first set of transfer modules is selected from the grid, with the first set of modules being underneath the object. Back-side and front-side sets of modules are identified from the selected first set of modules, with the back-side sets being toward the back of the object opposite to the horizontal direction and the front-side sets being toward the front side of the object that faces the horizontal direction. The back-side and front-side sets are vertically adjusted so that the average of the back-side sets of vertical heights is higher than the average of the front-side sets of vertical heights. The vertical adjustment of the transfer modules causes the object to move across the tops of the transfer modules in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: An approach is provided to move an object across a surface using a grid of vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules. A first set of transfer modules is selected from the grid, with the first set of modules being underneath the object. Back-side and front-side sets of modules are identified from the selected first set of modules, with the back-side sets being toward the back of the object opposite to the horizontal direction and the front-side sets being toward the front side of the object that faces the horizontal direction. The back-side and front-side sets are vertically adjusted so that the average of the back-side sets of vertical heights is higher than the average of the front-side sets of vertical heights. The vertical adjustment of the transfer modules causes the object to move across the tops of the transfer modules in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A link module suitable for use in a conveyor chain intended for travel along an intended direction on a given path. The module includes a first eye and a second eye adjacent the first eye. The eyes define a space therebetween. A roller assembly extends into the space and is detachably mounted between the first and second eyes.

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 having a conveyor belt with wall segments that pivot between a retracted position below the conveying surface of the belt and an extended position above the conveying surface. When extended, the wall segments form a wall along the length of a portion of the belt to prevent conveyed articles from moving laterally past. The retractable wall segments are cam- or spring-actuated. Diverting conveyors using the retractable wall segments in an oblique-roller conveyor belt are useful as sorters or switches.

Abstract: A repair roller may include a cylinder with components that may have an outer surface, an inner surface and end surfaces. Each of the end surfaces may include a mating portion and outer portions that extend from the ends of the mating portion. A pair of complementary interlocking elements may be disposed within the mating portion for secure engagement of the components.

Abstract: A conveyor transfer system and a transfer platform for transferring articles from an upstream conveyor to a downstream conveyor across a gap. The transfer platform fits in the gap between two conveyors arranged end to end. At least one of the conveyors includes a conveyor belt that reverses direction around a reversing element at the gap. The transfer platform floats in the gap supported by the conveyor belt or its reversing element without a direct connection to the conveyor frame.

Abstract: One problem with weighing conveyors is that the tension of the conveyor belt, needed to allow the belt to be driven, inadvertently reduces the degree of sagging of the belt caused by the mass of the product on the belt, which affects weighing accuracy, as this pre-tensioning of the belt inadvertently supports some of the weight of the product being transported, and this tension supported fraction of the weight cannot be sensed by the load cell supporting the middle section of the belt. In a preferred embodiment, a flexible transition area is formed in-between the outer edges of the belt and the middle, product transport area, wherein the transition area comprises openings that serve to weaken the belt locally, such that a pre-tensioning of the middle part of the conveyor belt is reduced; this allows the middle part of the conveyor belt to hang substantially slack even as the outer edges of the conveyor belt are driven.

Abstract: A conveyor belt for transporting a product, includes a plurality of transport assemblies, each one of the plurality of transport assemblies comprising a side link assembly; a support assembly connected to the side link assembly; a product support member supported on the support assembly and adapted for displaceable movement with respect to the side link assembly and the support assembly; and an actuation member supporting the product support member with respect to the side link assembly and the support assembly, the actuation member coacting with the side link assembly for moving the product support member between a first position wherein the product support member is in a first plane of travel with respect to the side link assembly for conveying the product, and a second position wherein the product support member transitions to a second plane of travel with respect to the side link assembly different from the first plane of travel for providing a space between the product support member of each one of the p

Abstract: A conveyor belt having multiple roller sets, each roller set including a first roller and a second roller, the first roller being movable into contact with the second roller so that driving of one of the rollers in a first angular direction causes rotation of the other roller in a second, opposite angular direction.

Abstract: A device for sorting products including a frame, an endless drivable flexible conveying element, successive elongated carriers, which are each coupled to the conveying element via a coupler for being conveyed in a conveying direction along an endless conveying path, which carriers extend transversely to the conveying direction, and pusher elements which are each movable along a carrier. The coupler including a supporting part and a supported part supported by the supporting part, as well as a connector for detachably connecting the supporting part and the supported part together, wherein the supporting part is coupled to the conveying element and the supported part is connected to a carrier, and wherein the connector can be accessed from the upper side of the supported part for effecting the connection between the supporting part and the supported part.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly for use in a vapor deposition apparatus includes a housing defining an enclosed interior volume. A conveyor is driven in an endless loop path within the housing. The housing has a top member that defines an open deposition area in an upper conveyance leg of the conveyor. The conveyor includes a plurality of interconnected slats, with each slat having a respective flat, planar outer surface and transverse edge profiles such that, in the upper conveyance leg of the conveyor, the outer surfaces of the slats lie in a common horizontal plane and define an uninterrupted flat support surface for a substrate conveyed through the vapor deposition apparatus.

Abstract: A conveyor transfer system and a transfer platform for transferring articles from an upstream conveyor to a downstream conveyor across a gap. The transfer platform fits in the gap between two conveyors arranged end to end. At least one of the conveyors includes a conveyor belt that reverses direction around a reversing element at the gap. The transfer platform floats in the gap supported by the conveyor belt or its reversing element without a direct connection to the conveyor frame.

Abstract: A belt (2), forming a conveyor or a transmission belt, comprising at least one, but possibly a plurality of substantially inextensible but elastically flexible planar strips, typically of spring steel, rigidly fixed together lengthwise to form an endless belt. The belt is typically provided with drive slots for accurately driving the belt. The belt may support carriers such as buckets (to form a bucket conveyor) or scrapers (to form a scraper conveyor).

Abstract: A conveyor for conveying products along a conveying track with varying temperature, comprising a first axle provided with first divert wheels and a second axle provided with second divert wheels and a plurality of modular, endless conveyor mats built up from plastic modules, travelling in side-by-side parallel relation in a conveying direction around the first and second divert wheels.

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: A modular conveyor belt having longitudinal grooves on the top and bottom of the belt. Pairs of rollers are installed between the links within these grooves such that the rollers do not project over the surface of the belt but are completely integrated into the body. The rollers may be installed directly onto the pivot rods. The belts are supported by rails that enter into the longitudinal grooves to engage with the rollers to carry the belt as it moves. The grooves on the bottom side of the single modules are curved in such a way that the slots form a circle when the belt moves around a sprocket. This configuration allows for steel disks to be installed between the sprockets on the driving and idling shaft. The disks help to support the belt and to improve smooth running of the belts around the sprocket under a high load by taking the radial forces acting when the belt is under high tension.

Abstract: A transfer belt unit and an image forming apparatus having the same are provided. The transfer belt unit includes a transfer belt circulating and traveling and transferring a toner image formed on a photosensitive body onto a printable medium. A plurality of support rollers support an inner circumference of the transfer belt. A pair of belt guides respectively attached to both edges of the inner circumference of the transfer belt are engaged with a regulating portion disposed in the support rollers to allow the transfer belt to travel in a substantially straight line and each having a joint portion. The joint portion comprises first and second ends separated from each other to be substantially parallel to each other when inclined with respect to a traveling direction of the transfer belt. The second end is located in a posterior position of the first end with respect to the traveling direction of the transfer belt and an external edge of the second end is chamfered.

Abstract: A diverter conveyor system for a modular belt. The modular belt has at least two rows of spheres supported by a single cylindrical roller.

Abstract: A chain, in particular a conveyor chain for the transport of chassis carriers or bulk goods, contains pairs of exterior tabs, interior tabs and bolts connecting the pairs of exterior link plates and interior link plates to each other. The exterior link plates and/or the interior link plates are at least partially made of plastic.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt and method provides a conveyor belt having rollers with metallic or magnetic rotors. A magnet or metallic element next to the conveyor belt is positioned to rotate the rotor. A magnetic field produced by the magnet or by the magnetic rotor rotates the rollers as they pass the magnetic field or as the magnetic field is changed. In one embodiment, the magnetic field is in the form of one or more switched reluctance motors.

Abstract: A conveyor having a conveyor belt with wall segments that pivot between a retracted position below the conveying surface of the belt and an extended position above the conveying surface. When extended, the wall segments form a wall along the length of a portion of the belt to prevent conveyed articles from moving laterally past. The retractable wall segments are cam- or spring-actuated. Diverting conveyors using the retractable wall segments in an oblique-roller conveyor belt are useful as sorters or switches.

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

Abstract: An installation for conveying goods, such as bulk materials, breakdown and overburden materials, mineral substances, and the like, from a loading station to an unloading station has a continuous conveyor belt that is borne by supporting cables, is moved along guide cables, from the loading station to the unloading station, rolls on supporting rollers, and is guided over deflecting drums in the loading and the unloading station. A respective turning device is located downstream of the unloading station and upstream of the loading station, as seen in the movement direction of the conveyor belt, is fastened on supporting frames, is provided for turning the return strand of the conveyor belt. The guide is formed with a helically running guide track for turning the conveyor belt downstream of the unloading station and upstream of the loading station.

Abstract: A module for a modular conveyor mat, comprising a sheet metal body part (2) bent-over, in cross section, into a substantially inversed U-shape, wherein the connecting part of the U forms a conveying face and wherein the legs of the U form side faces (6, 7) located adjacent longitudinal edges of the conveying face, extending downwards relative to the conveying face, which side faces are provided adjacent the front and rear side (8, 9) of the body part (2) with openings (10) for receiving hinge pins (22) therethrough.

Abstract: A series of rows of belt modules wherein a first one of the rows may have a plurality of hinge elements along an end of the first row. A second one of the rows may have a plurality of hinge elements along an end of the second row. The plurality of hinge elements of the first row may be interleaved with the plurality of hinge elements of the second row. A pivot rod may extend through the plurality of hinge elements of both the first row and the second row so as to pivotally join the first row to the second row. A sphere may be supported from a first module of the first row and supported from a second module of the first row, so that the sphere resides between the first module and the second module and so that the sphere extends above the modules in order to allow an object, which is to be conveyed by the conveyor belt, to be supported on the sphere. The modules may be moved in a belt travel direction in order to convey the object from a first location to a second location.

Abstract: Conveyor diverters are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a conveyor diverter comprises an arm comprising a first end and a second end. The arm has a first surface extending between a location proximate the first end and a location proximate the second end. The arm is movable between a first position and a second position. A chain is located within the arm. The chain comprises at least one roller assembly, wherein at least a portion of the roller assembly extends beyond the first surface.

Abstract: A modular belt constructed of belt modules having a large open area, making the belt suitable for use as a traveling water screen. The modules include an intermediate portion composed of intersecting sets of link elements and transverse elements that form a gridlike pattern. Openings bounded by the walls of consecutive link elements and transverse elements form channels through the belt for the flow of water. The modules are connected together by hinge rods to form a belt that can be used as a water screen. Detachable flights or scoops for lifting debris or fish out of a stream are attachable to base modules.

Abstract: A bearing unit for a conveying installation for the transport of goods by way of a conveyor belt that is guided at the two ends of the installation by deflection drums and which is fastened to the underside of spaced-apart, transverse carrying beams. Running rollers are mounted to the two ends of the carrying beams. The rollers are mounted on bearing journals and they roll along two pairs of carrying ropes or carrying rails of the conveying installation along a forward and a return strand of the conveyor belt. A bearing bolt of the bearing units has an extension which is fastened releasably to the assigned carrying beam. The extension is an upwardly open trough, onto which the assigned end of the carrying beam is placed and releasably fastened.

Abstract: A conveying installation for transporting goods has a conveyor belt that is guided over deflecting drums at the two ends of the installation and which is formed with a pair of first supporting cables that are borne by supports that are strategically placed in the installation and on which there are fastened supports for a pair of second supporting cables and for a pair of third supporting cables. The conveyor belt has supporting bars with supporting rollers mounted at each end. The supporting rollers of the forward strand of the conveyor belt roll along the second supporting cables and the supporting rollers of the return strand roll along the third supporting cables. There are provided first supporting frames, which bear the second supporting cables such that they run along catenary curves between the supports, and second supporting frames, which bear the third supporting cables such that they run more or less rectilinearly over the course of the installation.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a chain with modular side and intermediate guide links. The guide links assist in supporting the chain along the return run in a suspended fashion intermediate of the outer sides without causing wear on the conveying surface. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A top plate conveyor device, in which vibrations and noises are reduced, and the structure is simple and the production assembly and handling are easy. Top plates 110 are removably provided on a rubber toothed belt 120 by engagement members 111 provided on the back surfaces of the top plates 110, and engagement members 111 include sandwiching portions 112 which sandwich the toothed belt 120 from both outer sides in the width direction and terminate in pawl portions 113, which snap-connect the top plates to the toothed belt 120.

Abstract: A low-friction conveyor (10) including a conveyor belt (12) supported on self-contained rollers (32) riding along a carryway (22). The conveyor includes a modular conveyor belt constructed of a series of rows of belt modules (24, 25) connected into a loop by hinge joints between adjacent rows (26). The belt is supported on a carryway. Drive surfaces are accessible from the interior side (28) of the belt loop. Drive elements, such as sprockets (16), drive on the drive surfaces to move the belt along the carryway. The belt rollers are recessod inward of the outer side (29) of the belt loop and extend past the interior side of the belt loop. In this way, the rollers engage the carryway in low-friction, rolling contact.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, a first conveyor system is provided that is adapted to deliver substrate carriers within a semiconductor device manufacturing facility. The first conveyor system includes a ribbon that forms a closed loop along at least a portion of the semiconductor device manufacturing facility. The ribbon is adapted to (1) be flexible in a horizontal plane and rigid in a vertical plane; and (2) transport a plurality of substrate carriers within at least a portion of the semiconductor device manufacturing facility. Numerous other aspects are provided, as are systems, methods and computer program products in accordance with these and other aspects.

Abstract: A conveying installation for transporting goods has a conveyor belt that is guided over deflecting drums at the two ends of the installation and which is formed with a pair of first supporting cables that are borne by supports that are strategically placed in the installation and on which there are fastened supports for a pair of second supporting cables and for a pair of third supporting cables. The conveyor belt has supporting bars with supporting rollers mounted at each end. The supporting rollers of the forward strand of the conveyor belt roll along the second supporting cables and the supporting rollers of the return strand roll along the third supporting cables. There are provided first supporting frames, which bear the second supporting cables such that they run along catenary curves between the supports, and second supporting frames, which bear the third supporting cables such that they run more or less rectilinearly over the course of the installation.

Abstract: A conveyor comprising an endless conveyor belt made from a plurality of rows of hinged interconnected belt links where each row extends in a width direction substantially perpendicular to a traveling direction of the belt and comprises at least one link, where substantially all links further comprise a front end, a back end, a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair of opposing side surfaces, front hinge parts and rear hinge parts for a pin-less connection, at least one roller aperture provided through the thickness of the link, the at least one roller aperture comprising at least one axle receiving, guiding, and retaining means, such that an axle may be arranged substantially parallel to the top surface, and a roller arranged coaxially with the axle.

Abstract: A link module suitable for use in a conveyor chain intended for travel along an intended direction on a given path. The module includes a first eye and a second eye adjacent the first eye. The eyes define a space therebetween. A roller assembly extends into the space and is detachably mounted between the first and second eyes.