Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt of the type made up of a multiplicity of module rows connected by interdigited link ends secured by pins has camming members at selected locations on the bottom surface of the belt to provide a flight dynamically. The camming members preferably are connected to two successive connecting pivot pins and hang down below the belt at an oblique angle during regular belt travel, sliding through grooves formed in the supporting track. At locations where a raised flight is desired to move products along with the belt, the camming member engages track structure so as to raise two module rows into an upwardly pitched roof-like configuration to form a flight. Hold-downs preferably are included before and after the location of the two involved module rows, to hold the belt flat to the support track or platform except at the flight itself.

Abstract: A conveying device has a support frame and a conveying member with at least two driven conveying belts that circulate in parallel to one another and with a conveying fabric having at least one support surface and being arranged between the at least two conveying belts. The at least two conveying belts have inner sides facing one another; the inner sides have recesses. The conveying fabric has lateral edges inserted into the recesses. Support parts are attached in an overlapping area or an abutting area where the lateral edges of the conveying fabric and the at least two conveying belts overlap or abut one another. The support parts project upwardly past a plane of the support surface.

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: 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 chain conveyor assembly having the combination of a polymeric material and a hard diamond-like coating at the frictional interface of the chain links. The conveyor chain preferably includes male and female links connected to one another by connector pins. The shaft of each connector pin is coated with a diamond-like coating having high hardness, low friction and low wear characteristics. Opposite ends of the connector pins are connected to the female link while the shaft of the connector pin passes through the male link. A polymeric bushing is fitted to the male link in engagement with the shaft of the connector pin. Accordingly, relative movement between the links occurs at the interface of the DLC connector pin and the polymeric bushing.

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: 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 installation for transporting goods has a conveyor belt with supporting bars carried thereon transversely to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt. Two vertically spaced-apart supporting tracks are formed in each case by two supporting cables. Running rollers that are disposed at the lateral ends of the supporting bars can be moved along the two or more supporting cable pairs. The supporting cables are connected to one another by spaced-apart retaining frames, on which the supporting cables for the running rollers are fastened. At least one further supporting cable, on which the retaining frames are likewise fastened, is provided above the upper pair of supporting cables for the running rollers.

Abstract: A modular conveying assembly includes a conveyor belt module for use with in-line rollers. The module includes first and second hinge member. The first hinge member extends forwardly in the direction of conveyor travel, and includes a first opening defining a first space extending along an axis transverse to the direction of conveyor travel for receiving a first hinge pin. The second hinge member extends in a direction opposite to the first hinge member, and includes a second opening defining a second space extending along an axis transverse to the direction of conveyor travel for receiving a second hinge pin. A stub extends from the first hinge member transverse to the direction of conveyor travel, and surrounds at least a portion of the first space for rotatably mounting a roller thereon for rotation around the first space.

Abstract: A turning device (10) for a conveyance device (4) on a transfer line includes a housing (15) closed by means of a cover (30). Recesses are formed in the housing (15), into which the guide bars (43) of a semicircular-shaped turning element (36) for the conveyance device (4) mesh with positive engagement. The design of the turning device (10) allows the conveyance device (4) to be replaced without requiring access through the side of the housing (15). Furthermore, the design of the turning device (10) is particularly compact.

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 chain conveyor assembly having the combination of a polymeric material and a hard diamond-like coating at the frictional interface of the chain links. The conveyor chain preferably includes male and female links connected to one another by connector pins. The shaft of each connector pin is coated with a diamond-like coating having high hardness, low friction and low wear characteristics. Opposite ends of the connector pins are connected to the female link while the shaft of the connector pin passes through the male link. A polymeric bushing is fitted to the male link in engagement with the shaft of the connector pin. Accordingly, relative movement between the links occurs at the interface of the DLC connector pin and the polymeric bushing.

Abstract: A roller top conveyor chain assembly includes a first strand of conveyor chain formed from a plurality of first link assemblies. A second strand of conveyor chain is formed from a plurality of second link assemblies. The second strand of conveyor chain is substantially parallel to the first strand of conveyor chain for cooperatively conveying an object with the first strand of conveyor chain. A first roller support frame extends between one of the first link assemblies of the plurality of first link assemblies and one of the second link assemblies of the plurality of second link assemblies. The roller support frame includes a top wall having at least one upwardly opening cavity formed therein. A roller is rotatably mounted in the cavity for supporting the object being conveyed by the first and second strands of conveyor chain.

Abstract: In a conveyor chain coupling structure, a block link A has a connecting rod (2) provided at one of conveying-directional ends thereof to project in the conveying direction and a coupling bore (5) formed at the other conveying-directional end. A pair of toroidal bush bearings (25, 30) is provided and a spherical bush (2) to be fixed to the connecting rod (2) is provided between the pair of toroidal bush bearings (25, 30). The first toroidal bush bearing (25) is fitted slidably on a portion, at the side of the other conveying-directional end, of the spherical bush (20) while the second toroidal bush bearing (30) is fitted at the spherical concave surface (31) thereof slidably on a portion, at the side of the one conveying-directional end, of the spherical bush (20). Owing to this construction, the coupled parts will not rattle, which will thus cause no pulsation or noise but will assure a smooth relative oscillation or reciprocal relative rotation of the block links.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of constructing a wheel of the type comprising a first portion (12) connected to a second portion (11), the second portion providing a rim, comprising the steps of providing a n outer surface of the first portion with at least one, recess (15), positioning the second portion (11) such that it surrounds the outer surface of the first portion and deforming a surface of the second portion such that the resulting deformation(s) protrude into the or each recess provided on the outer surface of the first portion such that the first portion is connected to the second portion (11).

Abstract: Modular plastic conveyor belts constructed of split belt modules. Each module includes a first piece and a second piece. Side-by-side first pieces mate with side-by-side second pieces to form a row of belt modules. Each row has sets of hinge eyes along opposite ends. Hinge pins extending through the hinge eyes at the ends of each row connect the pieces in the row together to adjacent belt rows. Other components, such as rollers, can be inserted into and removed from the unmated pieces and retained in place by retention structure when the module pieces are mated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product irradiator having a cartridge loading system. The cartridge comprises a plurality of carriers or totes which are transported as a single mass into an irradiation chamber for radiation processing. Products contained within the totes are irradiated while on the cartridge, but individual totes are transferred around the radioactive source by a tote transfer system. The cartridge product irradiator permits quick changes of cartridges thereby minimizing the time that the radioactive source is not in use, and also permits good radiation dose uniformity in products. The cartridge product irradiator is thus highly efficient and economical to use.

Abstract: A chain conveyor assembly having the combination of a polymeric material and a hard diamond-like coating at the frictional interface of the chain links. The conveyor chain preferably includes male and female links connected to one another by connector pins. The shaft of each connector pin is coated with a diamond-like coating having high hardness, low friction and low wear characteristics. Opposite ends of the connector pins are connected to the female link while the shaft of the connector pin passes through the male link. A polymeric bushing is fitted to the male link in engagement with the shaft of the connector pin. Accordingly, relative movement between the links occurs at the interface of the DLC connector pin and the polymeric bushing.

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: A switch conveyor including a modular conveyor belt or mat divided into longitudinal lanes of rollers. All the rollers in a lane are arranged to rotate about axes oriented in a common direction. The rollers in an adjacent lane are arranged to rotate about axes oriented in a different direction. A switch mechanism underlying the conveyor belt along a carryway selectably contacts the bottom side of the belt or mat with bearing surfaces that rotate the rollers in selected lanes along the carryway to propel conveyed articles in one direction or another.

Abstract: Split belt modules used to construct modular plastic conveyor belts. Each module includes a first piece and a second piece, each of which has sets of hinge eyes on opposite ends. The module pieces mate to form complete belt modules. Hinge pins extending through the hinge eyes at the ends of each module connect the pieces together. Other components, such as rollers, can be inserted into and removed from the unmated pieces and retained in place by retention structure when the module pieces are mated.

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 roller adapted to be rotatably mounted on a bushing of each link assembly of a chain comprises a split roller composed of two roller segments assembled together. The split roller can be easily mounted on the bushing from a radial direction of the bushing even though the bushing is integrally formed with links to form a single link assembly. The link assembly has a one-piece structure and hence is improved in strength and rigidity. The bushing of the link assembly is free from damage or break even when the chain is subjected to a great tensile force.

Abstract: A chain conveyor assembly having the combination of a polymeric material and a hard diamond-like coating at the frictional interface of the chain links. The conveyor chain preferably includes male and female links connected to one another by connector pins. The shaft of each connector pin is coated with a diamond-like coating having high hardness, low friction and low wear characteristics. Opposite ends of the connector pins are connected to the female link while the shaft of the connector pin passes through the male link. A polymeric bushing is fitted to the male link in engagement with the shaft of the connector pin. Accordingly, relative movement between the links occurs at the interface of the DLC connector pin and the polymeric bushing.

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: An enclosed track conveyor chain assembly and method of construction includes a plurality of guide link assemblies and load link assemblies connected to form a conveyor chain assembly. Each load link assembly includes a pair of side walls and forward and rearward ends defining an opening. A pair of wheel assemblies supports the load link on the horizontal surfaces of the track. A guide link member is inserted into the opening of adjacent load links. Distal ends of the guide links are connected via a fastener to thereby connect adjacent load link members to form the enclosed track chain. Each guide link member includes a plurality of flat areas on the distal ends of the arms to provide a connecting surface. A fastener is inserted through openings in the distal ends to secure the guide link members together. Preferably, the connection between guide link members is pivotal to allow pivoting action of the guide link.

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 conveyor for conveying piece goods and the like through a helical path in a vertical direction has a frame and an endless conveyor belt supported by the frame having a conveying part guided in the helical path and a return path. The conveyor belt includes substantially rigid slats movably coupled near their axis and having an upper transport face. The slats are relatively pivotable around both of two axes. The frame has a helical support face for slidably supporting the slats in the conveying part and a radially directed guide face for guiding these slats substantially radially in the conveying part. At least a number of slats are provided with at least a guide roller rotatable about a substantially vertical axis of rotation and adapted to roll along the radially directed guide face.

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 conveyor chain formed of parallel links with pins extending laterally therefrom has pads mounted to the pins. Each pad has an elongated planar upper surface extending further than the distance between adjacent pins on the links. A notch on each end of the pad enables adjacent pads to overlap each other, and the shape of a notch and location of apertures in the pad enables the upper surfaces to define a substantially continuous contact surface when adjacent chain links are not wrapped, and enable the chain to engage a drive sprocket regardless of the direction of wrap.

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 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 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: An improved engineering steel conveyor chain capable of supporting a downward load as the chain moves along a horizontal path is disclosed. The conveyor chain includes a plurality of interconnected link assemblies. The link assemblies include spaced parallel metal side bars and a plurality of roller assemblies mounted for rotation between the metal side bars. Each of the roller assemblies include an outer metal roller and an inner plastic bushing. The plastic bushing has a compressive strength between 20,000 and 25,000 psi and includes protuberances at its ends for restricting engagement of the outer metal roller with the side bars. The plastic bushing includes an inner lubricous surface thereby eliminating the need for supplemental lubrication.

Abstract: A conveyor intended to conduct components to different work stations, the conveyor including: a bearing and guide rail positioned on the work site so as to conduct the products to be conveyed to the work stations, a traction member carried by the rail the member being driven by a drive unit, and a multitude of trolleys movable on the rail and to which the components are attached, each trolley having two wheels running on the rail and two arms bearing the load to be conveyed. The wheels of the trolley include a central core and an outer band both made of composite material and positively connected by fixing element which immobilize the outer band with respect to the central core in order to absorb tensile or compressive stresses and shocks, thereby reducing the noise, wear and lubrication of the elements of the conveyor.

Abstract: A timing belt is formed with a tensile member and a plurality of teeth which mesh with a sprocket wheel. One or more of the teeth are formed with an opening and a product processing device is mounted on the timing belt and attached via the opening in the tooth. The timing belt is preferably an endless belt and the teeth define an inner running surface. Grippers or similar product processing devices may be mounted on the belt so as to be pivotable about an axis through the openings in the teeth.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus is provided which includes a plurality of article carriers which circulate on a conveying device. The article carriers are capable of discharging the articles in a controllable manner. Each article carrier includes a fixed wall and a movable wall. The movable wall forms, in a closed position, together with the fixed wall, a receiving pocket for the articles. The movable wall also forms, in a discharge position, together with the fixed wall, an injection slit which is open at the bottom of the pocket and which is intended to convey the articles downward through an injection chute formed by the movable wall. The movable wall engages a support structure such as a plurality of rollers or wheels for conveying the articles. The movable wall may also include a slit for receiving a distal end of the fixed wall to the two walls together in the closed position.

Abstract: A conveyor chain having a hollow roller housing (15), an annular series of cylindrical rollers (14A and 14B) therein providing rotation of the hollow roller on an internal bushing (13). Alternate cylindrical rollers (14A) have a pair of cylindrical roller separating retaining rings (17) rotatably fitted over both ends. Intermediate cylindrical rollers (14B) have no cylindrical roller separating retaining rings (17). The retaining rings (17) on the alternate rollers (14A) engage the intermediate cylindrical rollers (14B). The cylindrical bearing surfaces (13A, 15A) are sandwiched between the retaining rings at each end of the rollers (14A) and project toward the outer circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical rollers (14A and 14B). The roller (15) and the bushing (13) have recessed surfaces (15A and 13A) which are spaced from the outer and inner circumferential surfaces of the retaining rings (17).

Abstract: A roll support for use in transporting a support beam along a track having two opposed surfaces. Such roll support is particularly useful for transporting a support beam in a continuous block caster for casting metal. The invention can include mechanisms for adjusting the support beam on the roll support, devices for driving the support beam along the track and apparatus for meshing the roll support with the devices for driving.

Abstract: Drive with a belt-driving wheel and a belt-motion deflector with a transmission member in the form of a belt wrapping around them in a continuous loop. The belt is in form-fit engagement with and is driven by at least the belt-driving wheel. Structures are distributed at least part-way along the belt and form fit matching structures on at least the belt-driving wheel. The belt is woven and the structures are applied to the belt in a separate step.

Abstract: A roller assembly for a passenger conveyor step chain includes a rolling contact bearing disposed between a bushing and an axle of the roller assembly. The rolling contact bearing improves wear resistance and load carrying capabilities of the roller assembly and step chain. In a particular embodiment, the roller assembly includes a pair of seals and a lubrication chamber. The seals define a sealed region encompassing the rolling contact bearing and lubrication chamber. The seals prevent lubrication from leaking and debris from penetrating into the sealed region.

Abstract: A construction for a rubber blanket for use on a fabric compressive shrinkage apparatus is described. The blanket includes an inner bearing surface defining a bearing face and an outer surface defining a working face, with the edges of the belt along the bearing surface being beveled so that the bearing face is relatively narrower than the overall belt width. The specially-configured edge construction reduces the tendency of the edges of the blanket to curve upwardly when the blanket is properly tensioned for operation of the apparatus, and the tendency of water to be flung around the edges of the belt and onto the working face is reduced. Further, the beveled side edges promote longer blanket life by reducing the tendency for the edges to crack. Also as a result of the edge construction, a larger effective working face of the blanket can be attained, thereby enabling larger widths of fabric to be processed on the apparatus than previously achievable with outer surface-beveled blankets.

Abstract: Each carriage (1) of a carriage chain has a running gear (5) at one end that has two running rollers (18) and two guide rollers (19). At the opposite end, it is coupled with the preceding carriage (1) by way of a spherical bearing (25) and a rod (26) which is guided so as to be longitudinally displaceable in this carriage. Toothed racks (8) disposed on the underside of the carriage body (3) and connected directly to each other by way of joint rods (10) serve in driving.

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

Abstract: A slat sorter includes a plurality of platens each supported by two slats. The slats are driven by hollow pin chain and are fastened to the chain by a ball detent pin which passes through the hollow pin of the chain into the slat end. The head of each ball detent pin acts as a bearing surface against a wear strip which confines lateral motion of the slats. The divert switches in the sorter use a switch arm driven by a motor. The arm is configured to allow rapid switching and a brake on the motor prevents rotation of the motor in the event of power failure to prevent the arm from drifting into an intermediate, potential crash, position.

Abstract: A plastic modular conveyor belt of the type having slotted openings in one set of projections for allowing collapse of the inner side of the belt in travel around curves includes a guide roller on the underside of the belt. The guide roller, with a low-friction bearing, smoothly guides the belt so that contact is avoided at the inner side belt edge. In some preferred embodiments the guide roller can also serve as a hold down for the belt around curves, by engaging upwardly against a guide strip. In another embodiment separate hold down tabs are included, so that the roller serves only a guiding function.

Abstract: In an accumulating conveyor chain, which is composed of a link chain with alternating inner and outer link plates coupled via hollow or solid hinge bolts, in which the sleeves are fixed in the inner link plates and the hinge bolts rotatably traversing the sleeves are fixed in the outer link plates, and in which large-diameter conveyor rollers are mounted on sleeves predetermined along the chain length and smaller rollers are mounted at both sides on hinge bolts extended outwardly beyond their sleeves, the hinge bolts are formed in sleeves free from conveyor rollers in unextended fashion and free from rollers. The conveyor chain consists of few parts, can shift during operation and can be used universally with chain wheels for normal link chains or oblong-element chains.