Abstract: A conveyor belt and conveying system designed to operate about lateral curves in a single direction is disclosed. The conveyor belt is comprised of transverse rods interconnected by links disposed along opposite transverse edges of the belt. When the belt proceeds about a lateral curve, the pitch along the inside edge of the curve is kept substantially the same as in straight line motion, while the outside edge of the belt is allowed to expand to a second greater pitch. In one embodiment support links are disposed along the inside edge of the belt and provide support for the inside edge of successive tiers of the belt as the belt travels a helical path. A specific link construction which uses a worked hardened bearing surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A chain conveyor moves gripper assemblies to pass a pickup station. A signature stream moves at a faster velocity beneath the gripper assemblies whereby the leading edge of each signature enters the open jaws of a gripper assembly. A closing cam closes the jaws which firmly grip the leading end. The gripper assemblies enter a curve abruptly accelerating the gripped signature and the upstream signature resting thereon to facilitate its entry into the next set of jaws. A conveyor delivers the signature stream to the pickup station. A vacuum is provided to retain signatures in alignment on the conveyor, the vacuum condition terminating before a signature is gripped by the jaws. Each gripper assembly includes a wrap spring normally holding the jaws closed. When a release ring engages an opening cam, the wrap spring opens the jaws. A closing lever roller engages a closing cam to close the jaws to firmly grip a signature. Otherwise, the jaws are maintained open by the clutch, enabling selective release of the jaws.

Abstract: A flat wire conveyor belt comprising a plurality of tractive pickets, a plurality of connecting cross rods and a plurality of bar links is disclosed. Elongate openings in several of the wedge-shaped segments of each tractive picket adjacent the outer edge define a gap between the connecting rod and the adjacent surface of the openings during straight and lateral travel of the belt. Elongate openings in the remainder of wedge-shaped segments are in contact with the connecting rod in straight travel. Openings in the bar links define a gap between the connecting rod and an adjacent surface of the opening during straight travel of the belt. The remainder of the wedge-shaped segments thus carry a substantial tractive load during substantially straight travel of the belt, the bar links carry a substantial tractive load during travel around lateral curves, and the wedge-shaped segments adjacent the outer convex edge of the belt never carry a substantial tractive load.

Abstract: A chain conveyor assembly wherein the conveyor chain is constructed to enable the chain to be flexed in two dimensions, e.g., about horizontal and vertical axes, and is designed to convey heavy loads in a stable manner despite the use of a simple and economical conveyor chain. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the chain conveyor assembly is comprised of a conveyor chain that is formed of a series of wheel units, a guide track arrangement providing surfaces upon which wheels of the wheel units ride, a drive arrangement for driving the conveyor chain, and self-supporting trays for conveying of articles thereon. Each of the trays is coupled to a drive link arrangement that is used to interconnect successive wheel units together and by which the conveyor chain is driven by the drive arrangement.

Abstract: A flexible track (10) is held captive in an armoured face conveyor and comprises a plurality of blocks (14) arranged in longitudinally spaced relation with a pair of links (15) at opposed transverse sides of each adjacent two blocks interconnecting said blocks and forming apertures (18) between adjacent blocks. The blocks (14) have side projections (16) and the links (15) have corresponding apertures which are of slightly greater dimensions longitudinally to permit a small amount of longitudinal movement (end-float) of each block (14) relative to its two pairs of links (15). Each block has a vertical aperture (22) through its body, the apertures (22, 18) in the blocks and between the end faces (20, 21) of adjacent blocks being adapted to receive a tooth (25) of a toothed wheel (26) mounted on a machine movable along the conveyor.

Abstract: An improved pusher-type chain for a conveyor of the type comprising an elongated base means having a bottom and upstanding side guides or flanges. The base means may be made up of two or more sections joined together end-to-end in such manner as to permit them to be shifted with respect to each other from side-to-side horizontally and vertically upwardly and downwardly about the juncture. The pusher-type chain is a continuous chain adapted to be driven so that one of its spans moves longitudinally along the upper surface of the base means bottom and between the side guides or flanges in a conveying direction so as to advance therealong the material being conveyed. The chain comprises a plurality of pusher elements normally extending substantially transversely of the conveying direction. Adjacent pusher elements are joined together by a series of block-like links and pairs of plate-like links arranged alternately and joined together and to the pusher elements by pintle means permitting vertical articulation.

Abstract: A conveyor chain link with ribs on the load-bearing side has the ribs designed substantially parallel and extending in the direction of travel and comprising two connected parts being offset relative to each other by one rib width, and has the ribs designed with different overall lengths so that the outer ribs have the greatest overall length and decreasing length towards the center rib being the shortest. Some of the rib ends have an oblique cut by a vertical, plane cut at an angle of about 111/2.degree.. The cut is greatest at the outer ribs and decreasing towards the center.

Abstract: A chain conveyor moves gripper assemblies to pass a pickup station. A signature stream moves at a faster velocity beneath the gripper assemblies whereby the leading edge of each signature enters the open jaws of a gripper assembly. A closing cam closes the jaws which firmly grip the leading end. The gripper assemblies enter a curve abruptly accelerating the gripped signature and the upstream signature resting thereon to facilitate its entry into the next set of jaws. A conveyor delivers the signature stream to the pickup station. A vacuum is provided to retain signatures in alignment on the conveyor, the vacuum condition terminating before a signature is gripped by the jaws. Each gripper assembly includes a wrap spring normally holding the jaws closed. When a release ring engages an opening cam, the wrap spring opens the jaws. A closing lever roller engages a closing cam to close the jaws to firmly grip a signature. Otherwise, the jaws are maintained open by the clutch, enabling selective release of the jaws.

Abstract: A conveyor belt made of plastic modules capable of being integrally driven by sprocket wheels. The modules are elongated molded bodies having projections extending integrally from the opposite sides thereof. The projections of adjacent modules are interdigited and connected by rods. The modules are provided with cylindrical driving surfaces in transverse openings therethrough which openings are each aligned with a different projection on one side of the bodies. The combination of projections and driving openings provides a foraminous belt, upon interconnection of the modules, allowing free circulation of gases and liquids through the belt for processing of products carried thereby and for cleaning and sterilization of the belt. The belt may be adapted to traverse a curved path.

Abstract: A conveyor system (28-30) includes a track (110) and a conveyor chain (70) for movement along the track. The conveyor chain comprises a plurality of identical links (72) each including a first connection member (74), spaced, parallel, longitudinally extending plates (76) and a second connection member (78). The plates are connected to the connection members for pivotal movement about vertical axes, and the connection member of adjacent links are connected to each other for pivotal movement about horizontal axes thereby accommodating horizontal and vertical flexure of the conveyor chain. The conveyor chain (70) is actuated by a drive mechanism (180) including a drive chain (198) and chain engaging members (206) carried thereby which engage the conveyor chain along an arc having a substantial radius, thereby propelling the conveyor chain through the track (110) without subjecting the conveyor chain to periods of high acceleration.

Abstract: A conveyor chain of the type comprising a plurality of pintle links and a plurality of pins connecting the links together. The pins have a first end which is necked-down and has a noncylindrical cross-section so as to resist rotation relative to the link, and the second end of the pin is knurled to limit axial movement.

Abstract: A curvilinear escalator comprises, in combination: a main frame having an arcuate shape in the horizontal plane of projection and disposed in inclined condition, the main frame having a forwarding way formed on the top surface side thereof, a turning section at one distal end part of the main frame in the longitudinal direction thereof, and a return way on the bottom surface side thereof to thereby construct an endless conveying path; a plurality of steps continuously disposed in the conveying path and guided therealong, each of the steps being in a sector shape; a pair of step chains disposed at both sides of the steps on the edge part in the breadthwise direction thereof and provided along the conveying path, the each step chain being constructed with joint pieces, each of which is engaged with the end part of a step shaft disposed in each of the steps in the breadthwise direction thereof, and link members with one end part thereof being connected with one end part of the joint piece and to bring the adjace

Abstract: The present invention is directed to members (10) by which a flat conveyor belt (11) can negotiate a turn while supporting a ribbon (12) of material and without deleteriously deforming that ribbon. A series of flights (50) are spaced longitudinally along the conveyor (11). Each flight is inclined at an angle (.theta.) with respect to the plane of the conveyor (11). The apex (52) of the angle .theta. is located in proximity to the outer edge of the conveyor such that the support member 51 is inclined upwardly and inwardly. Because of the orientation of the inclination, the outer edge of the ribbon will be supported by the support member (51) and/or the belt member (20) to be transported without any change in disposition and without being subjected to any substantial tensile stresses.

Abstract: In a conventional bottle conveyor chain, in which sheet metal chain links are joined by a hinge between the links formed by a transverse pin mounted through two outer hinge parts constituted by rolled up plate strips projecting from one link, and a broad middle hinge part made as a rolled up strip projecting from the other link, the hinge pin is narrower than the middle hinge part, whereby the links are mutually transversely pivotal, for horizontal curve driving of the chain. For increasing the pivotability without weakening the chain, the front edge of the middle hinge part is maintained at full width, but the outer end of the rolled up strip is formed with a considerably reduced width.

Abstract: A conveyor adaptable for bending in vertical and horizontal planes having a central guide and drive, steel base chain capable of being driven in two planes and a continuous, horizontal, carrying surface formed by a plurality of removable, non-metallic top plates having flexible, outwardly extending, finger members interlaced between one another and adaptable for slidable engagement and flexural movement when the conveyor moves in either a horizontal or a vertical plane.

Abstract: The invention deals with a stairlift. An endless tubular guide track 1, 2, 3 comprises two parallel rails 1, 2 one above the other and two connecting parts 3. A series of transmission elements 5 may move inside the guide track and a toothed wheel 12, driven by a motor, can engage via a groove 4 in at least the top rail 1 with an aperture 9 in each transmission element 5. A carrying platform 13 is connected to carriage 14 whose top end is attached to a roller 19 which moves inside the top rail 1, and whose bottom end is conducted relative to the outer surface of the bottom rail 2. In order to improve the stability of the carriage during the negotiation of bends, the carriage consists of a parallelogram of vertical bars 15 and crossbars 16, said crossbars 16 being hingedly connected with the vertical bars 15 about a vertical and about a horizontal axis, and the carrying platform 13 being hingedly connected with two points 26 of the crossbars 16 located more or less directly above one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor chain having a number of links connected by cardan joints. Each link has a main portion (2) and a fork portion (3, 4) the fork surrounding the main portion of an adjacent link. A rotatable element (6) is arranged in a bore (5) in the main portion and a pin (7) extends into each fork leg from the rotatable element. In order to improve strength and provide largest possible contact surfaces in the members possible against the pin, the pin is fixed in the element (6) and slidable in bores (9) in parts (10, 11) extending from the respective fork legs.

Abstract: Especially for modular conveyor belting that is capable of negotiating both horizontal curves and vertical ones, belt tension is spread across the belt using, for each respective set of interconnected links, a rod which can be cammed vertically against an inclined surface at a lateral margin of the belt as a horizontal curve is negotiated, thereby altering the distance between the links in the set. In various embodiments, the camming force is supplied by a conveyor bed rail surface provided in the turn, by the gravity force on at least one link in each set or by rotation of the rod. In preferred embodiments, the cam slots are relieved to facilitate cleaning. Even where horizontal turning is not required, some cammed adjustment is preferably provided, again to facilitate cleaning.

Abstract: A conveyor drive and guide chain having links pivotably coupled to each other by a cylindrical socket and trunnion structure, the cylindrical socket being formed by an end member integral with the links and the trunnion being on the end of an offset member integral with another link, the trunnion being engaged in the half cylindrical recess and held in position with a cap clamped over the socket member and having a cylindrical segment surface preventing the trunnion from escaping its pivotal position. For the purpose of longitudinal alignment, the cylindrical socket is provided with a longitudinal ridge engaged in the corresponding longitudinal groove in the surface of the trunnion member.

Abstract: A ball and socket conveyor chain, the links of which are designed so as to be capable of flexing in a plurality of planes and also designed to have upper table portions for supporting articles to be conveyed and which include a ball portion and a socket portion integrally made a part of the table portion. The ball portion of one link is retained in the socket portion of an adjacent link by a cap having outer surfaces that are drivingly engagable by some drive means. The method of connecting the links is unique in that the successive links comprising the chain are not connected to each other, but rather to every other link in the chain.

Abstract: A plate chain conveyor assembly including a plurality of plate members each having first and second opposite ends, a single hinge eye being provided at the first end of each plate member and two juxtaposed hinged eyes being provided at the second end of each plate member. Plate members are disposed adjacent one another such that the single hinge eye of each plate interengages with the two juxtaposed hinge eyes of an adjacent plate member to form a passage therethrough. A hinge bolt is disposed in each passage formed by the interengaged hinge eyes. Each hinge bolt has cylindrical ends connected to a center section. The center section has a cross section which changes from a substantially circularly shaped center portion to a substantially lens shaped cross section towards each of the cylindrical ends.

Abstract: A trolley conveyor system chain for pulling trays of the conveyor through horizontal turns and climbing and descending grades. A link of the chain has a single pair of vertical and a single pair of horizontal wheels mounted thereon. A Y or vertical axis of the vertical wheels and an X or horizontal axis of the horizontal wheels intersect at a point and a link mechanism maintains the horizontal wheels in an ideal position relative to a chain rail assembly on which the wheels rotate and also aligns the chain to prevent collapse of the chain under tensile and compressive forces.

Abstract: An endless conveyor chain is a sequential assembly of block links formed of a polymeric material, interconnected by thin fleixble links of undulated shape, formed of either metallic or polymeric material, which are easily capable of flexing through their thicknesses, making it possible for the chain to negotiate lateral turns in the conveying run by producing edgewise flexure in the links. Large bearing stresses, which normally result in applications where chain joint lateral articulation occurs in nonlinear chain travel, are minimized or eliminated since the requisite lateral movement is allowed by flexure in the thin links away from the chain joints.

Abstract: A chain driven flexible belt conveyor for carrying solid materials around corners avoiding the use of edge guiding rollers.

Abstract: A multiple link transmission chain composed of interconnected identical links, having identical ends which are angularly disposed with respect to each other by 90 degrees in relation to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A conveyor system for the transport of a product over a long travel path within a relatively small volume. A bi-directionally movable conveyor belt is disposed in a closed multiple loop path about at least one driving shaft having a number of sprockets therein each in driving engagement with a respective loop of the belt, and at least one idler shaft also having a number of sprockets, each in engagement with a respective loop of the belt. A travel path of substantial total length is provided within a small volume for movement of a product through the volume which can contain a controlled environment.

Abstract: A conveyor system consists of an endless loop of pallet assemblies linked together and mounted on a number of modules positioned end-to-end. One, at least, of these modules is a drive module but the remainder are non-powered. The drive module includes a pair of chains having links whose pitch is a sub-multiple of the pitch of the teeth on driving wheels. Teeth are provided on the pallet assemblies to engage the chains. A lateral guide roller has an axle which serves also as part of an articulated joint between successive pallet assemblies. The pallet assemblies can each be formed of a rigid portion linked to a flexible portion. Each pallet assembly has a pair of guide rollers to engage guide sections for vertical positioning. A single chain drive and pins on the pallet assemblies to engage the chain are alternatives.

Abstract: A swivel link for a dual chain conveyor which permits predetermined sections of a pair of endless chains to be rotated perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of movement of the chains. The dual chain is used as a conveyor for a load and the swivel link allows a work piece transported on the dual chain conveyor to be moved at a work station.

Abstract: A conveyor composed of a plurality of identical interconnected modular links and movable through straight and multiply curved travel paths. Each link is pivotally connected to adjacent links for relative pivotal movement about a first axis. Each modular link is composed of two sections which are pivotally joined for relative pivotal movement of the sections about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. Sprocket teeth are integrally formed with the modular links along for cooperation with vertical or horizontal sprocket wheels for transport of the conveyor in either plane. The upper surface of the modular links defines a conveying surface and may include a spaced array of upstanding ribs.

Abstract: A small radius conveyor belt for traveling along both straight and laterally curved paths and a conveyor system including such belt is shown. A plurality of rods extend across the belt and are pivotally connected together by tractive central links and inner and outer edge links which are longitudinally expandable and collapsible. The inner links are fully expanded and the outer links are collapsed in the straight path. The inner links collapse and the outer links expand to allow the belt to bend around the curve.

Abstract: A device for displacing the weft-carriers in a weaving loom which comprises an endless chain composed of discrete links, one of the links having a space in which a carriage with a carrier roller is arranged. The links are universally connected to one another so that they can be displaced on planes which are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A conveyor chain for a dishwasher conveyor which is adapted for movement in two directions. The links are pinned such that there is relative oscillatory movement in the horizontal plane and also pivotal motion in a vertical plane. The links include rollers which contact a conveyor pan and a limited top surface to carry trays. The top surface is designed such that if a tray is obstructed, the conveyor chain will continue to run.