Abstract: An endless conveyor belt comprises a number of links which are each coupled to an adjacent link by means of a hinge. Added to each link is a carrier which has a discrete, flat first carrying surface which consists of the outer surfaces of a number of mutually coupled plates extending with second mutual intermediate spaces in longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt, wherein corresponding plates of adjacent links lie in the same plane. In the second intermediate space there fits a row, extending in transverse direction, of fixedly disposed fingers which extend in longitudinal direction and form a discrete, flat second carrying surface which, at the position of co-action with the first carrying surface, lies in the same plane as this first carrying surface, which fingers are disposed at the end of the active part of the conveyor belt and can take over for further transport objects fed by this conveyor belt in sliding manner while being pushed by objects fed by this conveyor belt.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt formed by rows of belt modules connected together at hinge joints by non-circular hinge rods. Each hinge rod has an arcuate outer face that forms a portion of a cylinder and extends circumferentially over a first angle preferably between 90° and 180°. An axial groove is formed in the hinge rod opposite its arcuate outer face. Openings in hinge eyes at opposite ends of the belt rows are sector-shaped. The openings along a leading edge of a row are shaped to receive a hinge rod snugly with little clearance. The openings along a trailing edge of an adjacent row have similar radial dimensions, but extend circumferentially over a second angle greater than the first angle. The hinge eyes of adjacent rows are interleaved and aligned to receive a hinge rod and give the hinge joint a range of articulation.

Abstract: In a spiral link fabric having a plurality of helical coils connected along a coiled perimeter to form a plurality of hinges, each hinge is formed using one of a plurality of connecting rods. The result is a spiral link fabric having a plurality of open channels between each of the plurality of hinges. At least one antistatic stuffer yarn made of polyamide impregnated with carbon is place in at least one of the plurality of open channels to dissipate any electrostatic discharge.

Abstract: A conveyor module includes a plurality of first projections extending in a first direction. Each of the first projections include a hinge hole for receiving a first hinge pin. A plurality of second projections extends in a second direction substantially opposed to the first direction. Each of the second projections include a hinge hole for receiving a second hinge pin. A reinforcement bracket nests with at least a portion of one of the second projections. The reinforcement bracket includes a first hinge hole aligned with the hinge holes in each of the first projections for receiving the first hinge pin. The reinforcement bracket further includes a second hinge hole aligned with the hinge holes in the one of second projections for receiving the second hinge pin.

Abstract: Conveyor chains are provided which comprise free balls which are free to rotate in all directions thereby allowing for the stable conveyance of articles in any direction in the entire horizontal plane and at an increased speed in the direction of conveyance with reduced contamination in the conveyance environment. A conveyor chain 100 comprises a number of chain links 110 comprising a plurality of hinge portions 112 in a zigzag formation protruding from the front and rear end edges that are connected to each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain through hinge pins 120. Free balls 131 protrude from both the surface and back sides of the chain link 110 and are free to rotate while held in the chain link 110. Either the free balls 131 or ball holding portions 132, which hold the free balls 131, is made of polyacetal while the other is made of polyamide or polyester.

Abstract: The modular endless conveyor belt comprises a structure provided with guides to support the upper run (6) of said belt (2), curvilinear guide means and stabilization means for said belt with relation to the perpendicular in curved trajectory sections. The curvilinear guide means are made up of rollers regularly distributed on the structure, cooperating with lugs (15) arranged on the internal surface (16) of said belt. Said lugs (15) comprise a shoulder for stabilizing said belt. The guide has the form of a rail (21), arranged below the rollers (17), cooperating with a shoulder (24) on each lug (15) to counteract the vertical movements to which the belt (2) is subjected as a function of the load being transported. The rail (21) arranged below the rollers (17) has the form of a thin metal sheet in a circular arc and said sheet is housed in a rebate (19) provided in the support structure for the upper run (6) of the belt (2).

Abstract: A stabilized and guided conveyor belt (202) includes multiple transport chains (108) and interchangeable conveyor plates (100) that form the surface of the conveyor belt (202). The conveyor plates (100) can be easily attached independently of one another in a side by side fashion onto the transport chains (108) and are readily detachable from the transport chains (108) to facilitate replacement or rearrangement. Certain of the plates (100) function selectively as a platform on which to mount accessories such as lug members (136) and include means for receiving (134) accessories and for locking (138) accessories into place. The conveyor belt (202) is guided and supported by a smooth rail (420). Both the plate (100) and the rail (420) include interacting stabilizing features (130, 132, 424a, 424b) that cooperate to prevent buckling and rippling of the transport chain (108).

Abstract: A conveyor belt (1), comprising a number of plastic modules (3) successive in conveying direction (2) which are each provided at a front and rear side (4, 7) with a row of projections (5, 8) extending transversely to the conveying direction (2), provided with hinge holes with recesses (6, 9) located therebetween, the projections (5, 8) cooperating with recesses (6, 9) of adjoining modules, while hinge loops of successive modules (3) are coupled with the aid of hinge pins, extending through the hinge holes, transversely to the transport direction (2), the hinge pins being included with clearance in oversize hinge holes of projections (5, 8) at the front and/or the rear side (4, 7). At least two successive modules (3) are interconnected via an intermediate element (12) borne on a hinge pin (11A) and bearing mounted so as to be pivotal relative to a pivot (A) substantially transverse to the hinge pin (11A) in a bearing opening formed in one of the modules (3).

Abstract: A belt module comprising an intermediate section having a top surface. A first plurality of link ends have opposed side walls that provide the first link ends with a first transverse thickness. The transverse thickness is connected to the intermediate section at a first proximal portion and extends from the intermediate section in a direction of belt travel to a first distal portion at the link ends. The first link ends have a first opening through the thickness between and to the opposed side walls. The first opening is disposed transverse to the direction of belt travel. The belt module also includes a second plurality of link ends having opposed side walls providing the second link ends with a second transverse thickness. The second transverse thickness is connected to the intermediate section at a second proximal portion and extends from the intermediate section in a direction opposite to the first link ends to a second distal portion at the link ends.

Abstract: A lane divider attachment with a flight portion that extends above the top surface of the belt module and provides a barrier to stop goods from shifting away from their position. The lane divider attachment includes a transverse pivot rod opening or recess disposed in alignment with the pivot rod openings in the module when the lane divider is installed. A hook portion that snaps over the crossbar (cross rib) portion of the module may be included to secure the lane divider attachment to the crossbar.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for releasably securing a grouper lug to a conveyor plate in a packaging machine conveyor belt assembly. The locking mechanism includes a cantilever arm that is disposed in a base wall of the grouper lug which defines a locking surface. The cantilever arm is defined by a channel that is formed in the base wall. A detent is disposed at the distal end of the cantilever arm and protrudes from the locking surface. An elongated key is integral to the base wall of the grouper lug and can be slidably received by a groove that is integral to the conveyor plate. The conveyor plate includes an aperture or depression that receives the detent to releasably secure the grouper lug to the conveyor plate.

Abstract: A modular belt having modules intercalated and locked into position by a pivot rod having a retaining ring disposed in spaced apart relation relative to the end of the rod along the longitudinal axis. An outermost link end of the first plurality of link ends of the module has an opening that is larger in diameter and offset from the openings in the remaining link ends. The opening in the outermost link end may be substantially oblong-shaped with a portion of the opening coinciding with the remaining openings. The oblong shape improves the rod retaining function.

Abstract: A plate conveyor having overlapping plates and a plate-supporting sprocket chain composed of two parallel chain strands formed of inner link members and outer link members, facing ones of which are connected by link pins. The chain is in the form of at least two preassembled portions that are to be interconnected by terminal link segments. A first terminal link segment is comprised of two parallel, outwardly projecting terminal inner link members, with a plate connected to at least one of them. A second terminal link segment is formed by a terminal outer link member, one end of which is connected to a link pin. The terminal outer link member projects outwardly on one side of the second terminal link segment and is connected to a plate. An outer closure link member is disposed across from the terminal outer link member and has an end adapted to be placed on the link pin.

Abstract: A chain module with an undulating edge has an upper conveying surface having an opening for receiving a projecting portion of an adjacent chain module. The upper conveying surface has a top edge, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge has first and second portions separated by the opening. The trailing edge has first and second portions separated by the projecting portion. A curved portion extends from the top edge of the conveying surface to the leading edge. The leading edge and trailing edge have alternating peaks and valleys such that the peaks on the trailing edge align with the valleys on the leading edge of an adjacent chain module. A pair of opposed first hinge eyes extends from the upper conveying surface on opposite sides of the opening, each hinge eye having a transverse pivot rod opening. A second hinge eye is disposed in the projecting portion and also has a transverse pivot rod opening.

Abstract: A unitary modular link or link section for use in forming a rodless conveyor belt or a section thereof is provided. The link section includes a plurality of laterally-repeating link-shaped portions, each including an apex portion and a pair of leg portions. Each apex portion includes a receiver for receiving an integral first connector extending between the leg portions of a next-adjacent link or link section, preferably in snap-fit engagement, such that relative pivoting movement is established. A second integral connector maybe provided between the leg portion of each adjacent apex portion to create an engagement surface for a tooth of a drive or idler sprocket. The underside surface of each link section may also be specially contoured or curved to facilitate smooth passage over a guide structure.

Abstract: A belt module includes an intermediate section having a corrugated portion extending along the length of the intermediate section and a web extending along the length of the intermediate section and adjacent to the corrugated portion. A plurality of first link ends extend outward from the intermediate section with the transverse opening. A plurality of second link ends extend outward from the intermediate section in a direction opposite the first link ends and the second link ends have a transverse opening having an elongated shape.

Abstract: The forged chain link assembly comprises a forged chain link having a male end and a female end which cooperates with an opposite end of an adjacent link to form a chain, each end having a bore therein which cooperates with a bore in the opposite end of an adjacent link for receiving a hollow sleeve and bolt assembly therein for creating a forged link chain wherein the links pivot relative to each other, a hollow sleeve of the hollow sleeve and bolt assembly extending through the bores, with a washer of a diameter greater than that of the bore positioned to each lateral side of the female end of a chain link, and an elongate bolt extending through each washer and a bore in the hollow sleeve and receiving a nut thereon, the hollow sleeve having a length which is not equal to a lateral extent of the female end.

Abstract: A section of chain for conveying product along a material handling system includes a pin connecting a center link between two side links. The pin may be dialable or selectably positioned at the side links to control and adjust the wear surface of the pin relative to the chain links. The pin may have a rotationally non-symmetrical shaft portion to provide different wear surfaces that engage a center link of the section of chain. The different wear surfaces may be sized and shaped to accommodate wear at the wear surface of the center link. The shaft portion may include a rotationally non-symmetrical ball member or portion on the shaft portion to enhance flexibility of the section of chain. The pin may be dialed to the next position or wear surface in response to an output of a wear measurement device or system.

Abstract: A method of assembling a hinge conveyor chain includes providing adjacent conveyor links formed from a ferritic-pearlitic stainless steel, wherein the adjacent links have interdigitating link ends with openings for receiving a pin, and inserting a pin having a radially outwardly facing surface formed from a steel alloy with more than 0.6 wt. % of carbon and more than 12 wt. % of Cr through the openings of the interdigitating link ends to pivotally link the adjacent links.

Abstract: A system for repairing a continuous loop chain includes a plurality of pairs of chain links, each link having a pair of straight, substantially parallel side bars. Each pair of chain links has an outer link having a first width between the outer link side bars, and an inner link having a second width between the inner link side bars. The second width is less than the first width such that the side bars of the inner link are adapted to fit between the side bars of the outer link. The outer links and inner links are pivotally joined to each other. A repair link having a pair of offset side bars is adapted to connect on one end to the inner link of one of the pairs of chain links and on the other end to the outer link of another one of the pairs of chain links. In this way, a defective link, or a pair of defective links, can be replaced by one or more of the repair links.

Abstract: A link of a conveyor chain comprising a main base body, a supporting element for supporting and retaining at least one supporting shaft with which a plurality of first rollers are rotatably associated, the link being adapted to be articulated to a similar adjacent link so as to form a conveyor chain.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt with a self-adjusting edge for bearing against a conveyor side rail. An edge pad, which can be made of a durable material for long wear life, pivotably attaches to the side edge of a belt row. The pivotable attachment allows the pad to adjust itself to maximize its contact area with the side rail.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt module with embedded spherical rollers retained in the module and a belt constructed of such modules. The module includes a module body forming a cavity, a spherical roller in the cavity, and a retainer retained in the cavity to hold the spherical roller rotatably in place. A salient portion of the roller extends outward from the cavity through the retainer past an outer surface of the module. The retainer is attached to the module body by ultrasonic welding, epoxy- or solvent-bonding, spin welding, electromagnetic welding, staking, screwing, or locking.

Abstract: A pasta dryer comprising a conveyer belt for conveying and delivering dried pasta, the conveyor belt being configured as a continuous conveyor. To operate more efficiently, the conveyor belt has a delivery table in the vicinity of an idler, the table comprising an attached fixed or sliding product collection tray. The reinforcement elements of the conveyor belt are preferably S-shaped.

Abstract: An improved chain, compatible with food grade lubricants, is capable of use in poultry and other meat processing facilities. The chain comprises pairs of side links alternating with center links, and held together with pins. A pair of lubricating wells is located on each side link, proximate the insertion point of the pins. The lubricating well provides lubricating access to the pins, and is capable of retaining lubricant such that lubricant is continuously provided to the pins and their pivot points throughout the operation of the chain.

Abstract: In the meat processing industry, maintaining a clean and efficient environment can be important. Over the years, modular conveyor belts have become a commonplace component of meat processing operations. To provide an efficient and long lasting conveyor system, sprocket driven modules are provided with improved configurations which result in improved belt tracking and reduce incidents of mechanical failure. Specifically, these improvements include a conveyor module having a central drive bar having alternating crest pairs and troughs along its top, connected by shoulders that enable improved driving and tracking while being structurally strong and easy to clean.

Abstract: A modular belt having a first belt module and a second belt module intercalated and locked into position by a pivot rod having a head at one end and a retaining ring disposed in spaced apart relation relative to the head along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The roller bar chains of a continuous press for producing pressed board provided sufficient play for the roller bars relative to the link chains by having the journaling pins for the link chains extending through bushings which articulate the overlapping link plates together, so that the outer diameters of the pins within these bushings are less than the inner diameters of the bushings. The result is that the roller bar chain has only a single guide plane in the press region between the two press plates.

Abstract: A chain module according to the invention comprises at least one link from ferritic-pearlitic stainless steel and at least one chain pin, which chain pin comprises an outwardly facing surface formed from a steel alloy which is substantially non-seizing to the ferritic-pearlitic stainless steel of said link. Preferably, the chain pin comprises a steel alloy with more than 0.6 wt. % of carbon and more than 12 wt. % of chromium.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt formed of rows of belt modules pivotally interlinked by transverse pivot rods. The modules include a top, product conveying surface and a bottom, sprocket-driven surface. The belt modules have a plurality of first link ends disposed in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt and a plurality of second link ends disposed in the opposite direction. Transverse holes in the link ends are aligned to accommodate a pivot rod. When the link ends of the consecutive rows of side by side modules are intercalated, the pivot rod serves as a hinge pin in a hinged joint between consecutive interlinked rows. The transverse holes are disposed at an angle relative to the top surface of the belt module such that when the belt modules are connected to form a belt the transverse holes in adjacent link ends are disposed at opposite angles.

Abstract: A conveyor belt and method for assembling a conveyor belt, the conveyor belt including a plurality of link elements and a plurality of pivot rods. Each link element includes a plurality of intermeshing extensions and at least one edge extension at a peripheral edge thereof. The plurality of intermeshing extensions form receiving compartments adapted to receive intermeshing extensions of an adjacent link element, and include transverse rod openings. The plurality of pivot rods are received in the transverse rod openings of the plurality of intermeshing extensions thereby interlinking adjacent link elements together. The edge extensions include an entry aperture sized to allow insertion of a pivot rod, and a rod receiving compartment to retain an end of the pivot rod.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt forming a hinge between consecutive belt rows (14A–C) hingedly connected by a noncircular hinge pin (34). Hinge eyes (28) along the forward and rearward ends of each row (14A–C) of belt modules include aligned openings for the hinge pins (34). The belt rows (14A–C) are arranged end-to-end with the hinge eyes (28) of adjacent rows interleaved. In one version, the hinge pins (34) are inserted in the passageway formed by the aligned openings of the interleaved hinge eyes. The hinge pins (34) include first (40) and second (41) hinge pin members, such as flat strips. The openings in the hinge eyes (28) are characterized by a narrow slotted portion (32) for restraining the first hinge pin member (40) against rotation within the slotted portion and a wider sector-shaped portion (33) that allows the second hinge pin member (41) to rotate relative to the first hinge pin member (40).

Abstract: Welded belt modules, belts made of such modules, and a method for making such modules. Wide belt modules are made by welding together side to side narrow belt modules to a selected width. Modular conveyor belts are constructed of rows of welded modules connected serially by hinge pins between interleaved hinge eyes of consecutive rows. The wider welded modules eliminate or reduce the number of gaps, or seams, in a conveyor belt by reducing the number of narrow modules in each belt row.

Abstract: A conveyor plate chain with chain links joined together in each case at a joint location and a plate conveyor connected to them consisting of a number of single plates, whereby each joint location is formed by a joint pin of one chain link and a joint sleeve of the adjacent chain link, the joint sleeve accommodating the joint pin, and a single plate is connected at a mounting location to a joint pin, and whereby outer chain links with parallel outer link-plates and parallel-arranged joint pins transverse with respect to the outer link-plates and inner chain links with inner link-plates arranged parallel within the outer link-plates and parallel-arranged joint sleeves transverse with respect to the inner link-plates alternate. The smallest center distance of two mounting locations of two adjacent single plates is larger than the center distance of two adjacent joint pins.

Abstract: A hinge conveyor chain includes at least two links, each of the links include a pin engaging surface for engaging a pin hingedly coupling the at least two links together. A pin hingedly coupling the at least two links includes an outwardly facing surface slidably engaging at least one of the pin engaging surfaces of the at least two links. One of the outwardly facing surface and the at least one pin engaging surfaces of the at least two links is formed from a steel alloy with at least about 2.5 wt. % Cu and the other of the outwardly facing surface and the at least one of the pin engaging surfaces of the at least one of the at least two links is formed from a stainless steel.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt hingedly interconnected by hinge pins made of a highly oriented polymer material. The hinge pins are preferably extruded from a material including a highly oriented polymer, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon. Alternative materials include highly oriented acetal or polyurethane. Plastic hinge pins made with these polymers having their long molecules oriented along the axis of the shaft of the hinge pin are exceptionally strong and resistant to deformation.

Abstract: A product conveying chain includes a top plate fixed to a base chain. The base chain is formed from a series of pairs of inner sidebars pivotally connected to adjacent pairs of outer sidebars. The top plate is fixed to the base chain, and has a trailing edge adjacent a following pair of sidebars. The trailing edge of the top plate includes at least one bump for engaging the following pair sidebars to restrict articulation of the following pair of sidebars relative to the top plate compared to a top plate without the at least one bump. In one embodiment, the top plate includes a leading edge adjacent a preceding pair of sidebars. The leading edge includes at least one notch for receiving the preceding pair of sidebars to allow increased backward flexure of the conveying chain compared to a conveying chain having a top plate without the at least one notch.

Abstract: To provide an improved conveyor chain, which can convey even a conveying object having high center of gravity at high speed without felling it down in a curved conveying section. A conveyor chain according to the present invention has a plurality of links (10) arranged in rows. Each of the links includes a top plate (11) having a flat top surface (12) and a hinge portion (13) provided on the top plate pin-connected to a hinge portion of a link positioned on the front side and to a hinge portion positioned on the rear side. Edges (19, 24) adjacent to links positioned on the front and rear sides in the top plate and the hinge portions are composed of curved surfaces. An angle of inclination formed by a flat surface (31) including a tangential line with respect to the edge and the top surface (12) of the top plate (11) is formed to be smaller as it goes from the central axis of said link in its arrangement direction toward a link side.

Abstract: An arrangement of an excavating chain for conveying ballast of a track bed comprises a guide comprising a transverse guide section articulately connected to longitudinal guide sections defining a guide channel having an end glide track along which the excavating chain is guided. The longitudinal guide sections are connected to the ends of the transverse guide section joints arranged below the second plane extending centrally through the end glide track and the excavating chain is deflected solely from the transverse to the longitudinal guide sections by frictional contact with the end glide track adjacent the joints.

Abstract: A modular belt link which includes a link base having at least one hinge barrel for connecting the link to adjacent links. A side guard is fixed to the link base, and defines a non-planar wall having a bottom and top joined by sides. The wall is twisted relative to an axis of rotation extending through said top and bottom.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt constructed of a series of rows of belt modules with a hinge formed in each row and aligned in the direction of belt travel with hinges of adjacent rows. The hinge allows the belt to conform to a non-coplanar carryway support to form, for example, a trough. In some versions, the hinge is a living hinge formed by flexible or thinned-out regions of the belt between rigid regions. In other versions, the hinge is formed by interleaved hinge eyes between modules along each row interconnected by a hinge pin along an axis oriented in the direction of belt travel.

Abstract: A silent modular conveyor link adapted for assembly with multiple complementary links to form a conveyor. The conveyor includes a support for supporting items to be conveyed on the conveyor. A plurality of silent teeth extend downwardly from the support for mating engagement with a sprocket gear and for mating alignment with teeth in a complementary link for articulating movement relative to the complementary link. An opening in at least some of the teeth are provided for receiving a link pin for connecting the multiple conveyor links together to form an endless conveyor. Both genderless and male/female conveyor links are disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor chain, which can be conveyed without being felled down in a curved conveying section even if the speed of the conveying line is increased is provided. A conveyor chain has a plurality of links (11) arranged in rows. Each of said links includes a top plate (12) having a flat top surface (13) and a hinge portion (14) provided on the top plate. The hinge portion is connected to the hinge portions in the adjacent link positioned on the backside by a pin. Engagement portions (14, 15, 21, 22) with the adjacent links positioned on the front and back sides in said top plate include flat surface portions (27˜30) connected to the flat top surface of the top plate, and the flat surface portions are extended to said adjacent link, positioned on the front or back side with respect to the central axis of the pin.

Abstract: A conveyance chain comprising a plurality of links that are identical and longitudinally associable in succession with a similar one, each link having a head that protrudes at the front of a body supporting a contact plate, to the rear of which two wings protrude, a transverse pivot, made monolithically with the pair of wings and accommodated detachably, in a complementarily shaped slot formed in the head of an adjacent link arranged at the rear, and a bush, arranged by interlocking coupling.

Abstract: A chain conveyor formed from a plurality of modules or links (1a, b, c) connected together by pins c2a, b) which are inserted through holes (4, 4A) present in the modules or links (1a, b, c) and are prevented from escaping by axially counteracting elements (5) mounted in seats (6) also present in the modules or links (1a, b, c), in which the axially counteracting elements (5) present a flexible tang (5c) which, when the axially counteracting element is mounted in the seat (6), intersects an end portion (4A) of the holes (4, 4A) through which the pin (2a, b, c) is inserted, to thus prevent the pin withdrawing from the holes (4, 4A), such withdrawal however being enabled by deflecting the flexible tang (5).

Abstract: There is provided a conveyor chain for use in a three-dimensional conveyor line, in which a plurality of chain links each with a top plate provided on a link body thereof are connected endlessly to each other by shaft pins for three-dimensional conveyance of products, a projecting head portion of a rearward one of two adjacent chain links is disposed between a pair of leg portions of a frontward adjacent link, a shaft pin is penetrated through the projecting head portion so that the rearward chain link can freely be pivoted vertically and horizontally about the shaft pin, the top plate includes a front plate portion and rear plate portion, each portion formed defining its boundary as a semicircular line whose center is laid nearly at the center of the projecting head portion, the rear plate portion is integral with the rear upper portion of the link body while the front plate portion is disposed on the front upper portion of the link body, a bearing block is received in a bearing space, the bearing block is e

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt forming a hinge between consecutive belt rows hingedly connected by a two-part hinge pin. Hinge eyes along the forward and rearward ends of each row of belt modules include aligned openings for the hinge pins. The belt rows are arranged end-to-end with the hinge eyes of adjacent rows interleaved. The hinge pins are inserted in the passageway formed by the aligned openings of the interleaved hinge eyes. The hinge pins include first and second hinge pin members, such as flat strips. The openings in the hinge eyes are characterized by a narrow slotted portion for restraining the first hinge pin member against rotation within the slotted portion and a wider sector-shaped portion that allows the second hinge pin member to rotate relative to the first hinge pin member.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt assembly having a plurality of modular links, each of the modular links including a pair of first projecting legs and a pair of second projecting legs, the first projecting legs each having an inwardly projecting engagement element and the second projecting legs each having an engagement slot. The plurality of modular links are interconnected to form a conveyor belt through engagement of the engagement elements in the engagement slots.

Abstract: A module having a flat top construction with a planar deck extending to opposed link ends provided with pivot rod openings. The pivot rod openings are oval-shaped with the longitudinal axis of the oval aligned at a 45° angle with respect to and toward the planar surface of the deck. The link ends have a proximal, planar upper surface portion extending from the deck and forming into a distal, curved upper surface portion beginning at a position almost vertically aligned with the outer longitudinal extent of the oval pivot rod openings. The distal portion of the link ends has an inwardly angled, planar outer surface extending downwardly from the curved upper surface portion to a position substantially horizontally coplanar with a lower extent of the pivot rod openings and then to an inwardly curved surface leading to a planar bottom of the link ends. The inner portion of the link ends curves upwardly to a planar bottom surface of the deck.

Abstract: A joint for toothed belt aimed at conveying articles, with the belt including an inner central layer, which defines the belt body, an upper layer, which defines a surface for receiving articles to be conveyed, and a lower layer featuring teeth, includes: first connecting mechanism, attached in an irremovable way to the central layer in the area of the terminal section of a belt first edge to be joined; second connecting mechanism, attached irremovably to the central layer in the area of the terminal section of a belt second edge to be joined. After the first edge had been moved close to the second edge to complete a closed loop formed by the belt, the first connecting mechanism and second connecting mechanism engage with each other and are reciprocally locked in a removable way by locking mechanism, acting crosswise to the belt in the area of the central layer, to join the first edge and second edge.