Abstract: Chain link made of plastic having at least one hinge eye (2, 2') with a transverse shaft bore (3) and adapted to be interconnected in a number to form a conveyor chain or a conveyor belt in that adjacent links are interconnected in a hinge-like manner by a shaft or a pivot and where the chain link comprises a locking device (4) formed integrally with the hinge eye (2') of the chain link for positionally securing the lateral movement of the shaft.

Abstract: An endless conveyor belt constructed of rows of pivotally interfitted modules and flight members for supporting product conveyed along inclined paths. The conveyor belt is constructed of a sequence of rows of belt modules joined by pivot rods to form a hinged joint between adjacent rows. Each belt module has a product-conveying surface on one side between a first end and a second end. Hinge elements at the ends of each row of belt modules are interleaved with the hinge elements of an adjacent row and pivotally interconnected by pivot rods through aligned apertures formed in the interleaved hinge elements to form an endless belt having an outer conveying surface and capable of articulating about a drive sprocket. The hinged flight member is preferably tent-shaped and comprises two panels extending outwardly from the conveying surface of the belt. The two panels are hingedly joined along an apical ridge and pivotally attached at two spaced apart belt rows.

Abstract: A conveyor mat built up of first and second modules, made in one piece of synthetic material, the width of the first modules being substantially twice the width of the second modules, with the modules, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the mat, being staggered, each module consisting of a plurality of substantially equally spaced-apart hinge plates, each extending over substantially the entire length of the module and each having hinge loops at the two ends thereof, the hinge plates of a module being coupled by at least one rib disposed between the two ends, the ends of the hinge plates being disposed at a longitudinal side of a module between the ends of the hinge plates of an adjacent module in the longitudinal direction of the mat, the hinge loops of the two modules being substantially in alignment and coupled to each other by a hinge pin extending through the hinge loops, the second modules are located exclusively on the two lateral sides of the conveyor mat, a first module always being disposed bet

Abstract: An improved cast grate cooler side plate having a bottom surface containing a metal alloy insert embedded therein wherein said insert is formed from an alloy selected from the group consisting of:A. an alloy consisting essentially of, by weight,______________________________________ Carbon about 1.5-3% Chromium about 23-30% Manganese <2.5% Silicon <2.5% Nickel up to about 3% Molybdenum up to about 3% Iron essentially the balance ______________________________________B. an alloy consisting essentially of, by weight, ______________________________________ Carbon about 2.5-3.6% Chromium about 1.4-3.5% Manganese about 0.4-0.7% Silicon about 0.4-0.7% Nickel about 4.0-4.75% Iron essentially the balance ______________________________________andC. an alloy consisting essentially of, by weight, ______________________________________ Carbon about 0.25-1.6% Chromium about 3-12% Manganese <1.5% Silicon <1.5% Molybdenum <2% Vanadium <1.

Abstract: An improved adjustable conveyor belt has a plurality of modules having intermeshing link ends extending lengthwise. The modules are connected together by connecting pins extending widthwise through holes formed in the link ends. Each of the modules also has side edges and a slot adjacent to each of its side edges. Thus, slots are provided along the side edges of the belt regardless of the arrangement of the modules. A stop, removably fitted into slots located along the side edges of the belt, prevents widthwise movement of the connecting pins. The stop has a guide mechanism for guiding the stop into the slot, an end portion which extends into the pin insertion hole, an engaging portion which engages a tongue formed in the slot, and a protrusion which snaps into the pin insertion hole. This configuration makes it easy to assemble, add to, and dismantle the conveyor belt, without substantially increasing the size or weight of the assembly.

Abstract: A spiral conveyor belt comprising a plurality of link assemblies adapted to be interconnected so as to permit coplanar rotational movement relative to one another. Each of the link assemblies having a plurality of forward link ends and a plurality of rearward link ends. A link shaft is disposed through the forward link ends and the rearward link ends of adjacent link assemblies for interconnecting the link assemblies to form the spiral conveyor belt. Each of the link shafts is tapered at least near the first end thereof to permit movement of the tapered portion of the link shaft in shaft openings in the forward and rearward link ends as the spiral conveyor belt is turned on a radius.

Abstract: A conveyor mat built up of plastic intermediate modules and end modules, each module is made up of a plurality of equally spaced-apart hinge plates having hinge loops at the two ends thereof, the hinge plates of a module being coupled to each other by means of a rib asymmetrically located between the hinge loop openings which are located opposite each other, the ends of the hinge plates on a longitudinal side of a module being located between the ends of the hinge plates of a module adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the mat, the hinge loops of the two modules being coupled to each other by way of a hinge pin extending through the hinge loop openings. In operation, when the conveyor mat is driven in a first and second, opposite, direction, a sprocket wheel meshes with a side face of the rib and, respectively, the opposite hinge loop of a module. Through these measures, a conveyor mat is obtained whose modules can have an extremely slight length, up to 0.5".

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to conveyor belts and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a conveyor belt having ribs formed on a lower surface thereof for moving particles generally outwardly toward the first and the second sides of link assemblies which form the conveyor belt, and to a conveyor belt constructed of modules shaped so that the interconnections between modules are offset between each link assembly and adjacent link assemblies, and a flight link having curved portions formed the faces thereof so product slides on the surfaces rather than being toppled and a conveyor belt with a tracking product groove to substantially limit lateral movement of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing essentially fat free chips such as potato chips and the like having an appearance and taste similar to conventional chips without the use of deep fat frying processes. The method of the present invention includes the steps of exposing sliced raw potatoes and the like to a high intensity microwave field that rapidly converts moisture within the slice into steam. These exposed slices are then dried by longer exposure to a lower energy microwave field. The apparatus of the present invention includes a meander waveguide with a microwave absorptive terminator at an end of the waveguide. Apertures are provided along portions of the waveguide for transporting the potato slices and the like through the waveguide. A belt link type conveyor belt having an open lattice structure is employed to convey raw product slices through the meander waveguide.

Abstract: A chain link conveyor comprising a plurality of identical plastic chain links having eye-shaped hinge parts on opposite side edges, with the eye-shaped hinge parts being arranged so as to enable the neighboring chain links to be coupled by a pin or axle. The eye-shaped hinge parts on the opposite sides of each chain link are mutually displaced and the opposite hinge parts in each chain link are integral with each other by ribs or connecting parts. Transverse parts are integral with the ribs or connecting parts, with at least some of the transverse parts being arranged so as to engage the driving wheels of the chain link conveyor. Each chain link is configured as a fine-meshed grate structure including surface or surface like parts substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom surface of the chain link. An edge constituting the top and bottom surface of the surfaces or surface-like parts have a decreasing thickness and end in edges having a slight thickness.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method associated with conveyors for moving items where the conveyor has an endless loop belt, a wear strip for supporting the belt and a way of moving the belt. The endless loop belt comprises a succession of individual components, each component having a first end, a second end, an inner surface and an outer surface such that the first end and the second end comprise a pivot.

Abstract: Fork-shaped links on a conveyor chain allow the chain to follow sharp curves in a right angle to the plane of the links as well as allowing oscillation of adjacent links in the same plane as the links. Each link has a crosspiece and a pair of arms. A seat of articulation and oscillation having a central narrowing is positioned on the crosspiece. The crosspiece is inserted between the arms of an adjacent link, and a pin having a longitudinal flattening is inserted with the flattened portion facing the central narrowing, through holes in the arm, and through the seat.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt system provides high frictional surface contact between the conveyor work surface and the load carried by the conveyor. This is achieved by modular belt links integrally formed of two diverse plastic materials such as a low friction polypropylene and a high friction elastomer thermoplastic rubber. Typically a belt modular link having a planar load support area disposed in its lower forming mold piece with an upper mold piece removed to expose the planar area. Then a further mold piece is mated with the lower mold piece to integrally join by thermal bonding the two diverse materials producing on the planar link load bearing surface area an elastomer strip with an outer frictionally textured surface for encountering the belt load.

Abstract: A link assembly for an endless conveyor belt includes a pair of side links and a center link interconnected together by way of a spring-biasing mechanism such that the conveyor belt provides its own tension without auxiliary tensioning apparatus.

Abstract: A conveyor having a plurality of link assemblies with a leading end of each link assemblies being connectable to the trailing end of one of the other link assemblies for forming the conveyor belt. A plurality of spaced apart leading shaft projections are formed on the leading end of each link assembly and a plurality of trailing shaft projections are formed on the trailing end of each link assembly. Each of the leading shaft projections has a thickness which is greater than a thickness of each of the trailing shaft projections. Each of the leading shaft projections has a first wall and a second wall. The first and the second walls are each formed on a radius and curved inwardly from an upward end toward a lower end of each leading shaft projection. The trailing shaft projections are disposed in the spaces between the leading shaft projections and the curved walls on the leading shaft projection cooperate to expose a substantial portion of the shafts connecting adjacent link assemblies.

Abstract: A conveyor chain assembly including a multiplicity of rows of chain modules, each module includes a plurality of link ends with coaxially aligned openings. A chain pin passes through the coaxially aligned openings of adjacent modules. On the opposite ends of each module is a plug socket which is adapted to house a plug. The plug includes a shaft and an arm. The arm is moveable when the shaft is mounted in the socket between a first position in which the arm restricts axial movement of the chain pin and a second position in which the arm does not restrict axial movement of the chain pin.

Abstract: An occlusion system is provided for retaining pivot rods of modular link belts in residence in journalled positions within the designated sets of aligned link end apertures with particular advantages in reducing belt wear and maintaining belt lengths more stably in the presence of load and slack conditions. Thus the pivot rods are confined in journalled positions in pivot apertures in the link modular link ends by way of a belt edge occlusion member which is a stiff integral modular member that covers a significant portion of the journalling aperture area. The occlusion member has a notch shaped as a cylindrical segment for mating with a headless flexible pivot rod to guide it into a journalled position with a set of apertures as it is bent to pass the occlusion member in entering or leaving a journalled position within a set of apertures.

Abstract: The invention provides a ceramic conveyor belt assembly including a plurality of first conveyor belt parts, each comprising front and rear transverse bars and left and right longitudinal bars connecting the transverse bars, and pins located on the front and rear transverse bars and extending laterally therefrom. Further, there exists a plurality of second conveyor belt parts in the shape of a columnar member, each having a keyhole shaped so as to conform with the corresponding portion of the transverse bars. This ceramic conveyor belt is excellent in heat resistance and chemical resistance, unlikely to form rust and less likely to undergo loss in strength even at high temperature. In case some parts fail, they can be easily replaced by new parts.

Abstract: A spiral conveyor belt adapted to turn on a radius. The spiral conveyor belt comprises a plurality of link assemblies with each of the link assemblies having a plurality of forward link ends and a plurality of rearward link ends. Each link assembly is positioned near one of the other link assemblies with the forward link ends on one of the link assemblies being disposed near the rearward link ends on the other link assembly. A link shaft is disposed through the forward link ends and the rearward link ends of the adjacent link assemblies for interconnecting the link assemblies to form the spiral conveyor belt.

Abstract: A chain-link conveyor comprising a plurality of chain links hinged together by transversely extending hinge pins disposed in traction eyes. A top plate of each chain link is provided with fingers and recesses disposed between the respective fingers at both a front edge and a rear edge, as viewed in a direction of movement of the conveyor. The fingers are staggered with respect to each other so that the fingers and recesses on adjacent links are adapted to engage with each other. An additional finger is disposed substantially centrally of the chain link in the front edge, as viewed in the direction of movement of the conveyor and the corresponding central recess is provided in the rear edge of an adjacent link. The chain links may be injected moulded plastic links or links blanked from sheet metal.

Abstract: A chain link conveyor formed of a number of identical plastic chain links with a number of eye-shaped hinge parts being provided in the edge of opposite sides of the individual chain links. The hinge parts are arranged so as to be coupled together with corresponding hinge parts in adjacent chain links by a common pin or pivot. On the underside, between the hinge parts, ribs extend in the conveying direction of the chain link conveyor. The ribs on the underside are configured with transverse openings or grooves so that a vacuum can distribute itself over the entire underside of the chain link when the chain link is used as a chain link vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: A chain for use primarily in conveyor systems includes a plurality of male and female links pivotally coupled together. The female link includes a generally I-shaped body segment and a pair of bifurcated arms at each end. The arms are asymmetrically formed so that one arm defines a stop for preventing turning of the pivot pin and the other arm defines an enlarged boss. The provision of the flanges along the body segment and the boss at the ends function to increase the bearing surface at points of greatest wear to thereby increase the useful life of the links. The provision of the boss further obviates the need for spacers heretofore required in such chains of the prior art.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt having a plurality of substantially identical thermoplastic modules in end-to-end arrangement. The forward and rearward ends of the modules are provided with interlocking hinge barrels. A plurality of pivot pins extend through the hinge barrels and are retained by means of inserts received in sockets formed at each side of the modules. The upper surface of each module is flat and the corners formed at the forward and rearward ends are rounded to form a smooth transition between modules. The lower surface of each module is flattened somewhat to avoid increased apparent wear, and the side of the modules are rounded slightly to avoid height disparities between adjacent belts as the modules wear.

Abstract: A link (10) of a chain conveyor has a plane (12) region terminating at at least one end thereof with an enlarged articulation element (13) projecting downwardly from the plane (12) and passed through by a hole (15) parallel to the plane (12) for the introduction of a pivot pin (11). The enlarged element (13) has at least at one end (17) close to the hole (15) opening, a plug (18) preventing the pivot pin (11) from slipping out of the hole itself. The plug (18) has facing parallel resilient arms (20, 21) terminating with undercut teeth (22, 23) projecting towards each other for fitting in corresponding rectilinear undercuts (29, 30) disposed parallelly on opposite sides of the enlarged element (13) close to the hole (15) opening.

Abstract: A belt includes a plurality of rows of endless chains and can body conveying sections each defined between adjacent ones of the chains. Each of the endless chains are formed includes a plurality of U-shaped unit members each having a bottom fitted in an open end portion of a preceding one in the row, the engaged portions of the preceding and succeeding unit members being connected together by a plurality of rotatable connecting rods common to the chains. Intermediate rods having a length a little greater than the can body diameter are each provided between adjacent ones of the rods of the chains and also being opposed unit members of adjacent chains. The intermediate rods are disposed at a common elevation as the connecting rods beneath the top of the chains. Thus, the conveyer belt can convey can bodies in a plurality of rows in which the can bodies will not touch each other at the open ends of these can bodies.

Abstract: A conveyor system (10) is manufactured or retrofitted to include porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22). The porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22) may have decorative designs (30). The pallets (22) are secured to pallet support members (16) that have wheels (18) secured to them. The pallets (22), support members (16) and wheels (18) travel along wheel tracks (14) that form an endless path under the influence of a motive force. Airport luggage carrousels may be retrofitted to include porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22) by removing the existing panels, fabricating porcelain enamel steel pallets (22) that are approximately the same size the previously used panels and then fastening the porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22) to the carousel (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlocking flight for forming a flexible platform of a conveyor which may be of the continuous, vertical type. The flight is provided with oppositely-disposed first and engaging surfaces and an elongate portion having an upper surface generally normal to the engaging surfaces for forming a portion of the top surface of the platform. The flight is also provided with a pair of flanged portions which extend from opposite ends of the elongate portion. The flanged portions have opposing inner surfaces disposed generally normal to the elongate portion upper surface and a pair of opposing pivot pins, each of which extends from an inner surface. Also disposed at opposite ends of the elongate portion are a pair of land portions configured for rotatably receiving a corresponding flanged portion from another flight and having an opening for receiving a corresponding pivot pin therefrom to effect an interlocking engagement therebetween.

Abstract: An endless conveyor comprises a sequence of link elements (10) connected to each other in an articulated manner, each of them supporting a plurality of idler rollers (14) disposed on parallel pivot pins (15) for defining a transporting surface at the upper part thereof. Each link element (10) is provided with faced side shoulders (18) having housings (19) designed to receive the pivot pin (15) ends. Shoulders (18) are engaged to the link element (10) by snap coupling means (24).

Abstract: A conveyor chain assembly including a plurality of modules which are pivotally connected by a plurality of chain pins and which include a plurality of link ends which have a bore housing a chain pin and an opening exposing the chain pin, a plurality of reach bars extending between the link ends and having a convex upper surface, and a support rib extending between the reach bars, the link ends, reach bars and support rib providing a support surface and defining therebetween a plurality of openings adapted to provide a free flow of fluid therethrough in a direction generally perpendicular to the support surface.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly for a braze furnace includes a plurality of first chain links pivotally interconnected to form a continuous loop chain and a plurality of second chain links pivotally interconnected to form a continuous loop chain identical to the first chain links. The first and second chain links are interconnected by rod-like cross members which also integrally form the pintles for the respective first and second chain links. First and second rollers are rollably supported from each cross member adjacent the respective first and second chain links. First and second workpart support members are pivotally connected between adjacent pairs of cross members and disposed equidistantly between the first and second rollers. The first and second workpart support members may be either cast or stamped structures having a flat upper surface for supporting workparts above the first and second chain links and above the first and second rollers.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt, formed of plastic modules having rows of first and second projections extending in opposite directions, is adapted to optionally receive one or more rollers for reducing backline pressure on the belt. The rollers are positioned directly on the connecting rods which extend transversely through the belt, by occupying positions where projections in a row of projections would otherwise occur. A module having one or more of such openings or voids may be a part of a set of component modules, some having voids for receiving rollers and some not having such voids. A belt may be formed of mixtures of said modules, with or without any rollers on the belt. In one preferred embodiment the modules are for a radius type conveyor, with the second projections having elongated, slotted openings to allow the modules to angularly collapse together at curves.

Abstract: A chain link for a product capturing chain, including a pair of opposed retaining lips for retaining the resilint gripping member.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt with a plurality of modules with interfitting link ends, connected by pivot rods has a rod-retention system with a slidable pivot rod hole blocking member which is inserted from the bottom of the outermost link end of an edge module and is captured in the edge module after insertion while being slidable to blocking and nonblocking positions. The modules are constructed with wide link ends for driving and narrow link ends to create multiple shear planes on one side and constant width link ends on the other side of the module, the constant width link ends being spaced to accommodate the wide and narrow link ends and there being a connecting structure between the link ends for stiffening.

Abstract: A conveyor chain is formed from a plurality of molded plastic chain links assembled in brick-laid fashion. The molded plastic chain links each include an intermediate structure connecting a first plurality of link ends to a second plurality of link ends, the intermediate structure including notches provided for facilitating breaking of the molded plastic chain link at selected locations along the length of the chain link and such that the molded plastic chain link is broken along a line extending in the direction of the chain pitch at each such selected location.

Abstract: A curve traveling steel plate conveyor comprises a plurality of conveyor plates with a series of interconnecting chain links flexibly interconnecting the conveyor plates. Structure is provided for guiding the conveyor plates over a path of travel that includes a curved segment. A drive for the conveyor plates includes a driven conveyor belt below the conveyor plates in frictional engagement with the conveyor plates at least over a selected portion of the path of travel of the steel plate conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor includes a track having at least one arcuate section, and a conveyor chain. The track comprises a pair of spaced apart track portions, each including a generally vertical guide surface. A first one of the guide surfaces defines the inside of an arcuate path and the other one of the guide surfaces defines the outside of the path. The conveyor chain is constructed and arranged for traversing the path and comprises a plurality of links, each of which has a first pivot eye at one end thereof and a pair of pivot eyes at the other end thereof and complementary to the first pivot eye. Pins couple the pivot eyes of pairs of adjacent links for pivotally connecting the same. Each link engages the first one of the surfaces as the chain traverses the path to generate reaction forces acting on each link and having an average line of action intersecting the first one of the surfaces.

Abstract: Wire stock for connecting rods is run through the nip of a pair of obliquely toothed rolls having teeth which taper from one face of the roll towards the other, and have a larger radius at the tip than along the portions flanking the tip. The angle of obliqueness matches the angle that a turn of a spiral wire will traverse the connecting rod. Round wire stock for the single-faceted spiral wires is run through the nip of a pair of rolls one of which has a cylindrical surface (i.e., a flat longitudinal profile), and the other of which has a circumferential groove with a slightly larger diameter than the round wire stock. As the wire is flattened on one side, its curved side is broadened. As the resultingly single-faceted round wire is wound into flattened spiral form, it is spatially orientationally guided, so that the facet becomes located facing outwards.

Abstract: A conveyor belt that is constructed from a plurality of adjacent slabs. Each slab has a plurality of lugs on one side and a plurality of hooks on the other side of the slab. The lugs and hooks extend from a center plate section which provides the support surface for the products that are to be moved by the conveyor. Each slab has a pintle that is inserted into the lugs while the slab is still in a heated super plastic state. Subsequent cooling of the slab causes the lugs to shrink around the pintle such that the pintle is securely fastened to the slab. The pintle extends between the lugs so that the hooks of an adjacent slab can be inserted into the pintle to attach the adjoining slab.

Abstract: A modular plastic turn belt has internal modules with link ends of varying shapes, a central body formed for high stiffness, large open area, and light-weight construction. Special edge modules with closer link end spacing and tapered pivot rod slots provide improved edge strength, load distribution, and collapsibility. A bi-directional pitch line drive from both surfaces is provided by a symmetrical drive barrel. Unique hold down arrangements, traction improved constructions, and rod retention arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention solves a problem encountered in driving conveyor belts where mating belt drive engagement surfaces and sprocket drive surfaces interact to cause wear and to force the belt away from the sprocket. Thus, various shaped modular belt links, provided in accordance with this invention to fit into various conveyor belt configurations, have drive structure appendages extending from cylindrical structure about the pivot rod journalling aperture to form drive surfaces which enter and leave mating sprocket drive channels, with wall surfaces formed between adjacent sprocket teeth in a substantially parallel drive relationship to avoid radially directed forces that drive the belt away from the drive sprocket. Trapezoidal shaped drive surface appendages from the links extend from a generally cylindrical body about the pivot rod in a preferred embodiment.

Abstract: An integrally molded module for forming a conveyor belt which receives a driving force from an intermeshed sprocket is disclosed. Each of the modules is suitable for being pivotally assembled and disassembled with a multiplicty of similar modules by pivot rods to construct the conveyor belt. More specifically, the pivot rods can be removed in a non-destructive manner such that they are suitable for reuse. Each of the modules includes first and second pluralities of link ends, each of which define a pivot hole and are aligned to form first and second pivot axes. The link ends of each of the modules are joined by an integrally molded connecting structure which maintains and joins the relative position of the elongated links with respect to each other. One or more stop members are also integrally molded in close proximity to the outermost link ends of one of the pluralities and partially obstructs the insertion of a pivot rod into the aperture defined in the outermost link.

Abstract: A propellant magazine includes a conveyor for mechanizing the handling of propellant charge units into and out of magazine storage. The charge units are contained in open ended tubular packs which are loaded onto the conveyor at a resupply loading station and are axially discharged from the packs through one open end at a gun loading station. The conveyor is comprised of a series of transversely elongated conveyor elements having a pair of hoops at each end with hoops of each adjacent pair of elements retained in nested relation to pivotally interconnect the elements in chain link fashion. The propellant charge units are discharged axially through the nested hoops along one side of the conveyor.

Abstract: A continuous furnace for the heat-treatment of workpieces comprising an endless chain-like conveyer belt (18) consisting of a ceramic material and having a plurality of links (34, 34', 34", 34'"; 36, 36',36', 36""; 38, 38', 38") which are arranged one beside the other and one behind the other and which are interconnected by rods extending transversely to the feeding direction (19). The arrangement provides that a plurality of separate rods (40, 44, 48) are provided one behind the other, viewed over the full width of the conveyor belt (18), and that gaps (42, 46, 50 to 55) remaining between the separate rods are offset laterally, viewed in the feeding direction (19).

Abstract: A chain link conveyor which includes chain links and a curved section as well as an interacting arrangement in the shape of a longitudinally extending profile in the curved section, and downwardly extending parts on the chain links so that interacting slanting surfaces are provided. The interacting slanting surfaces permit the chain to be automatically held down in a correct plane during a passage of the chain links through the curves. A free passage is provided so as to enable the chain links to be lifted free of the track as soon as the chain link conveyor is stopped.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt composed of a plurality of modules. Each module comprises an integrally formed body having a planar conveying surface and pivotal coupling structure on a pair of opposite sides of the body. The pivotal coupling structure on one side of the body being complementary to that on the other side thereof whereby the module may be pivotally connected to like modules on the opposite sides thereof to form the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A conveyor belt composed of a plurality of interconnected modules, each of identical construction and end to end mateable. Each module includes a multiplicity of elongated parallel spaced link elements terminating in first and second link ends. An intermediate section between the link ends is of grid-like structure providing a box beam across the width of the module for structural strength. This intermediate section also includes angled surfaces which define sprocket recesses located midway between the pivot axes and which are adapted to mate with corresponding sprocket teeth of an associated sprocket wheel. These intermediate sprocket recesses provide the benefit of minimizing chordal action and scrubbing between the mating surfaces of the module and sprocket.

Abstract: An improved link for a grate conveyor or the like, which is an elongate casting having at a first end thereof a pair of transversely spaced side walls and at the other or second end thereof a lug having a width generally corresponding to the width of the space between said walls and extending out endwise at said second end. The lug is adapted to fit between the spaced side walls of the next link in a series of links making up the chain. The side walls have aligned holes therein of circular cross section coaxial on a first axis extending transversely of the link adjacent its first end. The lug also has a hole therein of circular cross section on a second axis extending transversely of the link adjacent its second end wherein the second axis is parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A closed-hinge conveyor belt constructed of interconnected modules in which the tracking of drive sprockets is achieved by belt link end structure forming tracking recesses that mate with the tracking teeth of drive sprockets. In conventional open-hinge belts in which tracking is so achieved, tracking recesses are formed in link end structure that forms pivot rod bearing holes only partly surrounded by the link end structure, thereby exposing the pivot rod directly to contamination in such an open-hinge construction. According to this invention, shallow tracking recesses are formed in link end structure that forms pivot rod bearing holes to ensure that no part of the pivot rod across the width of the belt is left openly exposed, but rather is surrounded by link end structure. Thus, the access of grit and grime to the pivot rod in such a closed-hinge belt is restricted, thereby affording longer belt operating life, particularly in abrasive environments.

Abstract: A chain belt formed of a plurality of pivotally connected preassembled parallel links. Each link includes a driving tooth protruding from one surface of the link midway between the pivotal axes of the link. The tooth is preferably formed so that its faces are a pair of intersecting, convex, cylindrical segments of like radii of curvature, the cylindrical axes of the segments being located such that the curvature of the faces insures that there if no scrubbing action where the belt is driven by a sprocket, the teeth of which are shaped to provide an inversely curved mating surface with the link teeth.