Abstract: An overhead conveying apparatus, in particular for items hanging on hooks, having a conveying chain which is guided in a chain guide, the chain including chain studs which project laterally beyond chain flanges disposed on one side of the chain. Plate-like carrying elements are provided with holes for receiving the chain studs therethrough when the plate-like carrying elements have been pushed onto the chain studs. The carrying elements have a plate-like construction and are arranged one after the other on the chain. The carrying elements are provided with at least one opening or one cutout therethrough for accommodating a hook for the items.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular conveyor belt formed of a plurality of interconnected modules with at least one of them having an antimicorbial material associated therewith. This provides the belt being resistant to growth of fungus, yeast, viruses, and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including Staph, E coli Klebsiella and Salmonella.

Abstract: A two-material hinge pin for hingedly interconnecting consecutive rows of belt modules together into a modular plastic conveyor belt. The hinge pin includes an interior rod surrounded by an outer tube. The interior rod is made of a rigid material, such as acetal, nylon, polypropylene, PVC, or steel. The outer tube is made of urethane, which provides inherent abrasion resistance in contact with the belt modules and is especially effective in abrasive environments.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor system is arranged along a path in a racetrack fashion. Drive members associated with lateral edges of each pallet step surface move with the pallets through straight sections of the path to avoid relative movement between the pallets and adjacent structure. During turnaround sections, where the pallets are beneath a floor surface, the drive members move relative to each other, with one set of drive members becoming temporarily disconnected from each other, to permit the pallets to make a transition and a turnaround. In the illustrated example, a drive mechanism cooperates with at least one set of the drive members to transmit a motive force to propel the pallets along the path.

Abstract: The crossover conveyor chain system includes a first conveyor chain (S1) and a second conveyor chain (S2) crossing the first conveyor chain (S1) to transfer the product from the first conveyor chain (S1) to the second conveyor chain (S2) while reorienting the product to a direction nearly perpendicular to that on the first conveyor chain (S1). The first conveyor chain (S1) is supported on an end bar (10) or a small-diameter sprocket, and the second conveyor chain (S2) is formed a plurality of chain unit pairs each including at least two types of chain units (A) different in length from each other and a coupling pin (B). Each of the chain units (A) has front convex portions (1) and front concave portions (3), disposed alternately at the front thereof, rear convex portions (2) and rear concave portions (4), disposed alternately at the back thereof, and a transfer overhanging portion (7) formed integrally at one lateral thereof.

Abstract: A method for assembling a conveyor belt and a conveyor belt is provided, the conveyor belt including a plurality of elongated rods, a plurality of slide-in overlay elements, and a plurality of retaining overlay elements having a vertical opening to allow vertical insertion of the retaining overlay element on to an elongated rod. In one embodiment, the vertical opening includes a retainer such as a clip that resists removal of the retaining overlay element from the elongated rod. In another embodiment, the slide-in overlay element includes a lock mechanism which locks the retaining overlay element with the slide-in overlay element to resist removal of the retaining overlay element. The lock mechanism preferably includes a lock protrusion on the slide-in overlay element, and an interlock protrusion provided on the retaining overlay element offset relative to one another to allow interlocking of the lock protrusion with the interlock protrusion.

Abstract: A chain conveyor link (10) pressed in plastic material comprises a plate (11) defining on top a conveyance surface (12) of the conveyor.

Abstract: A chain conveyor formed from a plurality of modules or links (1a, b, c) connected together by pins (2a, b) which are inserted through holes (4, 4A) present in said modules or links (1a, b, c) and are prevented from escaping by axially counteracting elements (5) mounted in seats (6) also present in said modules or links (1a, b, c), in which said 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 said pin withdrawing from said holes (4, 4A), such withdrawal however being enabled by deflecting the flexible tang (5)

Abstract: A conveyor floor has a series of lamellas transverse to its conveyance direction. The lamellas have support surfaces for supporting a load to be conveyed. Ends of the lamellas are connected by coupling pieces to conveyor chains. The coupling pieces have portions which extend over the chains connected to the coupling pieces.

Abstract: A silent chain power transmitting apparatus includes a silent chain and two or more sprockets with different number of teeth, wherein the sprockets each have a tooth form formed by hobbing with a hob cutter having teeth profiled similarly with the profile of a series of trapezoidal teeth formed by the inside flanks of longitudinally overlapping link plates of the silent chain so as to cut the periphery of a cylindrical workpiece with an amount of addendum modification set in such a manner that an engagement height of the inside flank at the onset of the meshing engagement between the silent chain and the sprocket is in equal to the distance between the sprocket center and the connecting pin centers when the silent chain is wrapped around and seated on the sprocket. The outside flanks of the silent chain have a first portion profiled by an envelope that is tangent to every one of a group of tooth forms of the sprockets when the silent chain is wrapped around the sprockets with different numbers of teeth.

Abstract: A chain link comprising an elongated body having opposed first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. The body has guide shoes that project from a bottom portion of the body for supporting the link on a track. The chain link further includes a gripping member that has a structure that is in sliding engagement with a cooperating structure disposed along the body of the link. The cooperating structure permits the gripping member to move relative to the body in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.

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 belt module having link ends that are beveled inwardly, in the vicinity of the pivot rod opening, from a first transverse width at the upper surface of the link end to a second transverse width at the center of the pivot rod opening. From there, the link ends have a uniform transverse width extending to the lower module surface. The transverse width of the upper surface of the link ends is such that when adjacent links are coupled together by a pivot rod, the intercalated modules provide a gap-free upper surface between adjacent link ends in the transverse direction, aligned with the pivot rod. This structure completely covers the pivot rod from the upper module surface while the beveled structure exposes portions of the pivot rod from the lower surface for cleaning.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt forming a hinge between consecutive belt rows hingedly connected by a rolling hinge pin pair. 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 pin pairs are inserted side by side in the passageway formed by the aligned openings of the interleaved hinge eyes. The hinge pin pairs include first and second hinge pins having outer contact surfaces. The openings in the hinge eyes are characterized by a narrow end with constraining surfaces for positioning the first hinge pin and flaring out to a wider second end bounded by a roll surface that gives the second hinge pin clearance to roll along the roll surface as the belt articulates. During belt articulation, each hinge pin of the pair rolls against the other and along the roll surfaces instead of sliding against the walls of the openings.

Abstract: A spiked H-style link for a sharp chain conveyor where the single centrally-placed saddle of the prior art is replaced by a double saddle with a centrally-located opening shaped to receive a sprocket tooth. The double saddle moves each saddle outward from the central portion of the spiked link to enhance the rigidity of the legs between which the connecting pins act. The legs are provided with a thickened offset step on the lower inner portion of each leg. There is a corresponding decrease in the thickness of the legs in the region where the connecting link works. By decreasing the thickness of the legs in the region outside the offset step, the connecting link may be widened, allowing for a greater bearing surface on the connecting pin and thus reducing the rate of wear on the connecting pin.

Abstract: A chain link conveyor belt carries lateral slats extending from the chain links, upon which are formed integral ribbed finger load carrying platform structure that interdigitates and overlaps their ribbed fingers with leading and trailing chain links in a conveyor belt. Wider belts are feasible when a parallel pair of spaced chains support the lateral slats extending horizontally from the chain links to the belt edges. The chain links are Y-shaped with elongated pivot rod slots in the leg to permit flexibility for laterally pivoting the belt around curved paths. Specially shaped structure on the slats near the belt edges supports long finger tip ribs of adjacent slats, thereby to strengthen the edge portions of the belt. The outermost fingers are reinforced to slide on guide rails. The trailing ribbed fingers diverge inwardly from the belt edges to avoid interference and fracture.

Abstract: A conveyor chain has a number of chain units connected together by connecting pins in an endless fashion. Each of the chain units is composed of a plurality of inverted tooth plates disposed in the width direction of the chain, and a slat disposed on one side of the tooth plates and extending across the width of the chain transversely across the tooth plates for carrying an object to be conveyed. The tooth plates each have a pair of inverted teeth formed on the other side thereof for meshing with sprocket teeth, and a pair of pin-accommodation holes for receiving a pair of connecting pins, respectively. The connecting pins each connect adjacent two chain units such that the tooth plates of one chain unit are interleaved with the tooth plates of the other chain unit.

Abstract: Device for conveying objects comprising a large numbers of rods. The device has opposite edges. Each rod has a first and a second end, adjacent rods being mutually connected at their ends by connection elements. Each connection element is substantially S-shaped in top view and is provided with a first free end which is situated directed to a centre between the first and second end of the rod, with a second free end which is situated directed to an edge concerned of the device, with a first transverse member and a second transverse member, with a first connection member which connects the first free end to the first transverse member, with a second connection member which connects the first transverse member to the second transverse member, and with a third connection member which connects the second transverse member to the second free end. The second free end of the connection element is situated at a distance from the second connection member.

Abstract: A chain comprises inner link plates that are each connected to an adjacent outer link plate by means of at least one pin that passes through overlapping portions of the respective links. Outboard of the inner link plates the pin supports a rotary bush with a radially extending flange. The bush in turn supports one end of an outer link plate and a roller. The outer link plate is an interference fit with the bush and the roller is rotatable relative thereto. In use the rollers are supported on a guide rail as the chain moves. The location of the bush bearing and roller provides easy access for maintenance and lubrication.

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. To facilitate maintenance of the belt and to provide access to the transverse slots and the pivot rod without requiring the dismantling of the belt, the transverse slots 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 slots in adjacent link ends are disposed at opposite angles.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor chain includes a multiplicity of pinned links each having a flat load-carrying portion formed from a synthetic resin compound containing a polyacetal resin and a silicone-containing lubricant. Preferably, the silicone-containing lubricant contains, with respect to the weight of the synthetic resin compound, 0.5 to 2.0% by weight of silicone oil, 0.5 to 2.0% by weight of potassium titanate fiber, and 0.5 to 2.0% by weight of fatty ester obtained from a monobasic fatty acid and a monohydric alcohol. The thus formed flat load-carrying portion has a low friction coefficient such that the conveyor chain can achieve stable conveyance of articles even when the articles have an unstable bottom configuration.

Abstract: A number of link plates molded of synthetic resin are pivotally connected together by connecting pins to form a molded conveyor particularly suitable for the conveyance of delicate or easy-to-break articles. Each link plate has a plurality of aligned bush holes formed at intervals along a trailing end edge of the link plate, and a plurality of aligned pin holes formed at intervals along a leading end edge of the link plate. Each of the connecting pins is inserted alternately into the pin holes in one link plate and the bush holes in the adjacent link plate to pivotally connect these two link plates. A locking projection formed on the connecting pin to lock the connecting pin in position against detachment is located closer to one end of said connecting pin than to a longitudinal central portion of said connecting pin. The locking projection thus arranged reduces a stroke of hammering required to drive the connecting pin into the pin and bush holes.

Abstract: The conveyor belt includes a plurality of links having alternating wide linking portions and narrow linking portions. The wide and narrow linking portions preferably form an undulating shape. In one embodiment, the conveyor belt is a flat wire conveyor belt having linking rods extending through apertures in the alternating wide and narrow linking portions. In another embodiment, the conveyor belt is a balanced weave belt having wire links woven around linking rods to form the wide and narrow linking portions.

Abstract: An apron-conveyor chain is to be improved, which comprises chain links interconnected at hinge points and transport plates arranged on at least one side of said chain links and provided with a flat transport surface. The hinge points are provided with at least one sleeve and one bolt, and said transport plates form an apron conveyor in common and are each firmly connected to a bolt included in a hinge point. The apron-conveyor chain is in particular characterized by the feature that each transport plate is firmly connected to two neighbouring bolts of two neighbouring hinge points.

Abstract: A chain unit has a central rib extending transversely and protruding portions extending from the rib to the front and rear side alternatively. The protruding portion is defined by two vertical side walls extending from the rib with the same height and a closed end portion combining the end portions of side walls. The closed end portion has an opening so as to enable the chain units to be placed in a row and column by being coupled with a connecting rod. At least two connected end portions are cylindrical shaped so as to surround the opening, and the cylindrical surface of the two closed end portions engages with a tooth of the sprocket which enters between the side walls. At least two corresponding recesses are formed in the lower surface of the rib for providing enough space to accept the tooth of the sprocket. The bottom of the chain unit has a circular arc surface extending from the rib towards the front and rear sides.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved modular chain link used for constructing a modular conveyor chain. The chain link includes a plastic body having a plurality of spaced link ends which are adapted to intermesh with complementary link ends projecting from a link or links in an adjacent row. The link ends include axially aligned openings that are adapted to receive a connecting pin. The connecting pin extends through the openings in the link ends of the intermeshing links and fastens the adjacent links together such that the links can pivot with respect to each other. The improved modular chain link further includes a support member that is molded within the plastic body of the chain link. The support member increases the strength of the modular chain link and minimizes the thermal expansion and contraction that occurs when the chain link is subjected to a temperature change.

Abstract: A chain link is attachable to forward and rearward links of identical construction to form a chain. The chain link includes a left and a right sidewall that each include a rearward and a forward plate with the forward plate inwardly offset from the rearward plate. Each rearward plate has a slotted aperture. A connecting pin having a rim at each end is inserted into a first portion of the slotted aperture which is sufficiently large for the rim to pass therethrough. The connecting pin has a connecting shoulder that extends inwardly from each rim and which engages a second portion of the slotted aperture in a snap fit engagement. The forward plates of each sidewall each have open ended slots for engaging a forward link. A rearward link engages a portion of the shoulder of the connecting pin. A roller is disposed between the two sidewalls freely rotating on the connecting pin.

Abstract: A conveyor chain using an oil impregnated sintered bushing is provided. The conveyor chain using the oil impregnated bushing is high in durability and low in manufacturing cost. A roller is rotatably fitted over the oil impregnated sintered bushing of the conveyor chain. An abrasion loss of the outer peripheral surface of the oil impregnated sintered bushing and an abrasion loss of the inner peripheral surface of the roller are reduced. Furthermore, both sliding noises and burning, which are normally generated between the roller and the oil impregnated sintered bushing, can be prevented. The conveyor chain, which uses an oil impregnated sintered bushing including a roller rotatably fitted over the oil impregnated sintered bushing, is characterized in that the oil impregnated sintered bushing has a sintering density in the range of from approximately 6.0 g/cm.sup.3 to 7.1 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: An endless belt for supporting a continuous web of filter media and moving it through liquid filtration apparatus where a pressure differential is applied across the belt and media. The belt may be fabricated at relatively low cost while retaining the required tensile strength. The belt is formed from a plurality of unique, unitary portions termed "hinge members" which are arranged in longitudinal columns and lateral rows, a plurality of links between each pair of laterally adjacent hinge members and connecting rods extending the full width of the belt through aligned openings in looped portions of the hinge members and openings in the links. The hinge members are preferably formed from a continuous strip of sheet metal by stamping and bending operations, with the links providing added tensile strength.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.

Abstract: The chain conveyor comprises a roller chain and a supporting rail adapted to vertically support the roller chain. The roller chain is provided with a plurality of roller members which are connected to each other by means of strap members. In order to laterally guide the roller chain with respect to the supporting rail, discrete guide elements are provided. These guide elements comprise a guide cam which protrudes the strap members of the upper run of the roller chain downwards towards the supporting rail. Moreover, the guide elements comprise supporting pin members which laterally project from the guide elements. The guide elements are located between the roller members and fixed to the strap members. The guide cam engages a longitudinal groove provided at the top of the supporting rail, while the lateral supporting pin members vertically support the lower run of the roller chain with the help of auxiliary rail members provided on the supporting rail.

Abstract: A conveyor chain unit possessing a central straight rib extending longitudinally from one end of the unit to the other end. The rib has a vertical height extending from the conveying surface to the bottom surface of the unit. A plurality of pairs of vertical side walls extend from the rib perpendicular to through-holes to form projections. The projections are positioned alternately on opposite sides of the rib having equal interval spacing. The number of the projections on one side is even and identical to the projections on the opposite side. At least one pair of projections positioned on opposite sides of the rib have recesses that are formed at the rib, and the projections are connected along the full height of the rib and spaced in a manner that chain units may be coupled together interchangeably via projections on either side of the rib.

Abstract: A plastic module for a conveyor mat, each module comprising on both sides over the entire width a number of equidistant hinge eyes and having a closed bearing surface, the hinge eyes being coupled on a side of a module to those of a module adjoining in the longitudinal direction of the mat by means of a hinge pin. According to the invention a lip-shaped flexible member is provided in the outermost hinge eye of the module includes and extends transversely over the opening for the hinge pin into a part of the hinge eye extended to the longitudinal center of the module, where the lip-shaped member is attached to an end wall of the extended portion. The opposite end wall of the hinge eye is provided with a cam-shaped projection for cooperation with the free end of the lip-shaped member so that this member can be fixed in a position blocking the hinge pin.

Abstract: A conventional chain capable of reserving lubricating oil is complex in shape and expensive since each chain plate is formed with countersunk recesses and through-openings. Since the recesses are formed in an overlap region, the chain tends to rattle, producing noise. In the present invention according to which lubricating oil is fed toward a connecting pin, the lubricating oil is transferred to the connecting pin to effect intended lubrication. Part of the lubricating oil thus fed adheres to the recessed surfaces of the recesses and is prevented from immediately flowing down by viscous friction resistance and surface tension in the recessed surfaces. Thus, the oil is held in its adhering state. The lubricating oil gradually flows down to be used for lubrication as the chain moves. Thereby, after the chain has passed by an oil feeder, the connecting pin of the chain stays in such a state that oil is fed continuously for a long time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a conveyor having an intended direction of travel and comprising a link module extending transversely of the intended direction of conveyor travel and comprising a plurality of ears including a laterally located outer side ear having a bore extending transversely of the direction of intended conveyor travel, and a pair of gripping surfaces extending in spaced parallel relation to each other to define a gripping portion extending along the direction of intended conveyor travel, and a plug fabricated of resilient material and including a cylindrical barrel portion extending in said bore, and spaced surfaces extending parallel to and inwardly of said outer side surface to define a notch resiliently engaging said gripping portion of said outer side ear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor belt comprising a plurality of link elements which are mutually coupled in pairs by means of a hinge, which hinge comprises at least one hinge pin present on the one link element and extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt and a plurality of correspondingly registered eyes present on the other link element and engaging round said at least one hinge pin such that the conveyor belt is flexible in transverse direction relative to the main plane of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt according to the invention has at least one continuous row of slide blocks which can co-act with a slide strip forming part of a transporting device.

Abstract: There is provided a non-metallic sludge collector chain comprising at least one center block link comprising a first bore at a first end of the center block link and a second bore at a second end of the center block link, at least one insert sidebar comprising a first bore at a first end of the insert sidebar and a second bore at a second end of the insert sidebar, at least one receiving sidebar comprising a first bore at a first end of the receiving sidebar and a second bore at a second end of the receiving sidebar, a pin comprising a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion disposed between the first and second end portions, the second end portion having a grooved section, the pin being positioned through the first bore of the insert sidebar, through the first bore of the center block link, and through the first bore the receiving sidebar, and a pin cap comprising a sleeve having a raised ring protuberance thereon, the raised ring protuberance being in snapped-fit relation to the groov

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor provided with a frame and with an endless conveying element, which can be moved in a longitudinal direction by a drive mechanism during operation. The conveying element furthermore includes interconnected carriers, which are pivotable with respect to each other about upwardly extending pivot pins. The carriers are guided by guide wheels coupled to the carriers, which during operation roll on guide rails connected to the frame, and which are near end portion thereof provided with guide wheels, which are rotatable about axes of rotation extending parallel to the pivot pins. A pivot pin, about which a carrier is pivotable with respect to the adjacent carrier, lies in one plane with the axes of rotation extending parallel to the pivot pin of the guide wheels provided on the adjacent carrier.

Abstract: A conveyor is provided with at least one flexible elongated transporter which is movable lengthwise by a driving mechanism. Overlapping platforms are coupled to the transporter by the use of supports. At least some of the supports connecting the platforms to the transport mechanism are capable of pivoting movement with respect to the transporter about pivot pins extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the transporter. Mechanisms are provided for causing selected supports and the platforms connected thereto to pivot about associated pivot pins in at least one predetermined place. The supports are arranged in spaced-apart groups of two supports disposed near each other, whereby the platforms connected to the supports of one group extend from the respective supports in a direction away from each other.

Abstract: A link conveyor (1, 11), in particular, for paper-making machines, has hinged wires (2, 12) that extend in the lateral direction and link elements (3, 13) that extend in the longitudinal direction and that in each case enclose at least two hinged wires (2, 12), while link elements (3, 13) are shifted over the widths of the link conveyor (1, 11), in the longitudinal direction, by at least one hinged wire (2, 12). According to the invention, the link elements are made as ring elements (3, 13) with one single ring opening (4, 14) that will enclose at least two adjacent hinged wires (2, 12).

Abstract: The speed increasing and accumulating conveyor chain of the present invention can convey a conveyed object faster than the running speed of the chain, and keep the conveyed object stopped while continuously running the chain itself. The load roller with a larger diameter and the running roller with a smaller diameter are coaxially and rotatably mounted on the connecting pin, which is secured to the link plate, respectively. The frictional material is mounted on the load surface of the load roller, wherein the frictional material provides the load surface of the load roller with a larger frictional force than that of rotatable surface between the load roller and the running roller.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.

Abstract: For the movement of work-in-process materials on a storage or manufacturing floor, a grid of computer-controlled, unmanned jib cranes is established. The cranes' operational areas overlap. A crane can place an individual part or a magazine of parts on an elevated, revolving pedestal which then automatically rotates 180 degrees so that the next crane in line can pick up these materials and move them into its own area. The hand of the crane is moved so that it can place its load directly into the position in the machine tool where it undergoes its next process. The arm of the jib crane is fully retractable and computer-controlled, using a laser integrated into the computer's system to aid in detecting the crane's hand location at each delivery position that the crane visits. The jib cranes can lift parts up to a level that places them near the ceiling of the manufacturing floor area.

Abstract: A three-layer heat-resistant material is disclosed which includes a substrate of a carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite, an outer metal layer and a ceramic layer interposed between the substrate and the metal layer. A conveyer belt using the heat-resistant material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Weld-free belt assembly in which elongated link modules are coupled in widthwise side-by-side relationship by transversely-oriented coupling modules. An internal cavity is defined within each link along with a surface configuration on each side of the link which defines an entry access portion for a coupler and slot portions for enabling relative longitudinal movement of the coupler while retaining the coupler within the internal cavity. The interfitting coaction of the links and couplers enables an assembled belt to move from linear planar travel into a curved path to establish an endless-belt configuration. The relative movement of couplers within a link cavity enables longitudinal collection of links along the inner circumference when the belt enters a curvilinear travel path in approximately the same plane and enables re-extension for return to linear travel.

Abstract: A method for assembling an apparatus that removes solid waste material from a stream of water. The apparatus sits in a channel within which the water containing waste material flows. A plurality of vertically oriented, laterally spaced apart, rotating screens are driven by sprocket segments and provide a filtering function. The screens are formed by plural loops of articulated links. Each link includes a horizontally-extending part that lifts solid matter from the stream as the screens rotate. The assembly method includes placing the links on shafts in a predetermined pattern that creates a frusto-conical space bordered by links. The frusto-conical space provides ample clearance space for each sprocket segment and ensures that the sprocket segments will not rub against the links which in turn prevents the parts of the apparatus from becoming misaligned with respect to one another so that the apparatus may operate for extended periods of time without requiring adjustment.

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.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt formed of a large number of plastic belt modules includes outer belt modules having integral sideplates. The sideplates are of heavier material and higher strength, for withstanding stress around the outside of curves and for withstanding edge wear in certain types of conveyor systems. In a preferred embodiment, each sideplate has a depending guide member which may include a hold down tab. In one embodiment, plastic connecting rods which serially connect belt modules are discontinuous in length, made up of several coaxial pieces which are held in place by press fitting at the outer ends. This enables the rod to be of high shear strength in areas of high pulling force, e.g. at the outside of a radius conveyor belt in a curve, but of lower strength extruded construction elsewhere.

Abstract: A conveyor chain is made up of carrier links and connector links, and the carrier links provide forward and rear drive surfaces, so as to provide a smooth drive.