Links Having Interfitted Ends Patents (Class 198/853)
  • Patent number: 5105938
    Abstract: Pivot rods tend to move from a preferred resident working axial position in modular link conveyor belts because of load forces tending to flex the rods, movement of belts around curves and other conditions encountered. This invention provides for pivot rod receptacle apertures in modular link ends which are elongated and contain detenting structure for holding the pivot rod in a bistable position in either end of the elongated apertures. Thus, the edge of links or belts have only one of the ends of the apertures occluded so that rods may be inserted and removed in a slack non-working bistable position and then the rods are moved with a force overcoming the detent into a tension working bistable position where they are confined in their resident working position. A preferred detenting structure in resilient plastic belt modules comprises reduced width waist structure intermediate the two ends of the elongated apertures in one or more of the link ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: Michael K. Tan
  • Patent number: 5101966
    Abstract: A module for forming by a simple two-piece mold, a conveyor belt of integral plastic molded construction and having a conveying surface of selected cross-sections is disclosed. The module includes a first plurality (22) of pivot ends joined to a second plurality (24) of pivot ends by an intermediate section (34). Each of the first and second pluralities of pivot ends define apertures (26, 30) suitable for receiving a pivot rod (16, 18, 20). The intermediate section (34) joins and connects the first and second pluralities of pivot ends (22, 24) such that the pivot axis (26, 28, 32) formed by aligning the first pluralities and second pluralities of apertures respectively are maintained parallel to each other and define a common plane (36). Each of the modules receives a driving force such as a tooth (40) for moving the module orthogonal to the pivot axis (28, 32) and substantially parallel to the common plane (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 5096053
    Abstract: The conveyor chain assembly is made of multiple rows of pivotally connected link modules. Each module has spaced link ends which project between the link ends of the module in the adjacent row. The joint between modules in a row is straddled or bridged by a module in the adjacent row to give a bricked lay-up. Each of the modules on the left side of the conveyor has a solid link end so the pivot rod abuts the inside of the link end. The other end of the pivot rod lies just inside of a spring plug mounted in the arm or link end on the right side module. The modules cannot be end-for-ended and assembled. They must be assembled correctly. Certain link ends are wider than the others to require proper assembly to the modules in the adjacent row and to distribute drive loads over a greater area. Both sides of the conveyor are essentially flush or smooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventor: William G. Hodlewsky
  • Patent number: 5096050
    Abstract: A chain link for use in a low backline pressure chain. The chain link includes a base portion having top and bottom surfaces, first and second shaft support members extending upardly from the top surface of the base portion, at least one shaft extending between the first and second shaft support members, and a plurality of rollers mounted for rotation on the shaft. The chain link also includes a plurality of eye portions extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the base portion and adapted to receive a chain pin so as to permit the link to flex laterally when mounted in a chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventor: Wasyly G. Hodlewsky
  • Patent number: 5083660
    Abstract: Headless pivot pins in flexible plastic modular belts for pivoting modular sections are desirable, but pose a problem in that they must be retained axially in place as the belt is loaded and used, generally under tension. This invention provides pivot pin retention means of low construction and installation cost by means of swivelling an interdigital belt module member, preferably of integrally molded plastic material, from a movable toe end to move about a swivel joint at an opposite anchored heel end out of its retention position blocking the pivot pin axial movement. One embodiment of the invention provides for swiveling of an end plate member at the edge of the belt in a plane normal to the belt and pivot pin axis forcibly away from a biased rest position at least partially covering a pivot pin aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: Paul L. Horton
  • Patent number: 5083659
    Abstract: An endless conveyor belt is assembled of plastic modules having relatively open pintle slots receiving respective connecting rods. The product support surface of the belt is provided by closely-spaced ribs especially well-suited for conveying raw foods and small containers. For transferring product to or from the belt, a transfer plate made-up of closely-spaced, flat-surfaced fingers is provided. The belt is driven and guided by sets of polygonal sprockets having teeth which engage in cavities centrally located on the undersides of the respective belt modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: The Cambridge Wire Cloth Co.
    Inventors: Robert H. Bode, William P. Hidden
  • Patent number: 5070999
    Abstract: A helical conveyor/accumulator includes a side flexing track wound in a helical pattern around a rotary drum. The drum includes longitudinal grooves that carry articles along the helically disposed track as the drum rotates. The grooves have article engaging ribs that cooperate to move the articles for feeding while allowing the article to be spaced from the ribs for accumulation. The side flexing track includes modular links coupled together by connecting rods. The track is supported around the drum by helical coils disposed at the inner edge and the outer edge of the track and support rods passing through the links and clamped to a frame. Articles are fed until stopped by a gate, and then when the gate is opened articles seat in successive grooves in the drum for metered or controlled discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Span Tech Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Mark T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5065860
    Abstract: An improvement in a woven conveyor belt comprising a plurality of links wherein the improvement comprises a plurality of connectors with each connector having one portion connected to one of the links and another portion connected to another link for cooperating to substantially prevent the woven conveyor belt from becoming unwoven or unconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventor: William G. Faulkner
  • Patent number: 5058732
    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 multiplicity 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 alinged 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 5042648
    Abstract: A conveyor system is provided suitable for use over linear and curved paths of travel including sharp bends and turn-arounds which includes a conventional link-type chain, a plurality of separable article carrier members in adjacent orientation which are releasably connected to respective pivot joints of the link-type chain to form a train of consecutive article carrier members having a substantially continuous planar upper face, each of the article carrier members being constructed at is opposite ends to cooperate with the immediately adjacent carrier member, and a support associated with the train of consecutive article carrier members to guide the path of travel thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Garvey Corporation
    Inventor: Francis J. Garvey
  • Patent number: 5040670
    Abstract: A tortilla making machine conveyor includes an endless belt adapted to be moved about an endless path by a rotatable drive roller. The belt is composed of elongated narrow boards and pivotal hinges. The boards are planar in cross-section, disposed in side-by-side relation to one another and extend in transverse relation to the path along which the belt is capable of being moved. The pivotal hinges extend in bridging relation across, and are attached to respective adjacent pairs of, the boards on interior sides thereof. Each hinge along adjacent edge portions of the pairs of boards has pivotally connected portions which project inwardly from the interior surface of the belt. The drive roller receives the endless belt in an entrained relation about it and has a series of drive teeth or cogs defined in spaced relation about its exterior periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Inventor: Fausto C. Mendoza
  • Patent number: 5038914
    Abstract: A sorting conveyor for rail tie plates or the like including an inclined frame having an upper end and a lower end, and an endless conveyor belt formed of a plurality of links pivotally joined to each other. The links are designed to have plate retaining pockets formed thereon and the belt is adapted to travel a contoured path on the frame between the lower end and the upper end. The belt has an upper working strand and a lower slack strand. A hopper provides a supply of randomly oriented tie plates to the lower end of the conveyor which are agitated or tumbled by the action of the moving conveyor belt. At least one rejecter hook is provided to ensure proper positioning of the plates within the pocket. As the conveyor belt progresses towards the upper end of the frame, certain plates are oriented properly within the plate pockets and will be conveyed to the upper end of the frame through the movement of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Oak Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Cotic, John L. Thorson
  • Patent number: 5024321
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 5020656
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: William G. Faulkner
  • Patent number: 5020659
    Abstract: The conveyor chain assembly is made of multiple rows of pivotally connected link modules. Each module has spaced link ends which project between the link ends of the module in the adjacent row. The joint between modules in a row is straddled or bridged by a module in the adjacent row to give a bricked lay-up. Each of the modules on the left side of the conveyor has a solid link end so the pivot rod abuts the inside of the link end. The other end of the pivot rod lies just inside of a spring plug mounted in the arm or link end on the right side module. The modules cannot be end-for-ended and assembled. They must be assembled correctly. Certain link ends are wider than the others to require proper assembly to the modules in the adjacent row and to distribute drive loads over a greater area. Both sides of the conveyor are essentially flush or smooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventor: William G. Hodlewsky
  • Patent number: 5000312
    Abstract: Chain links for chain link conveyors wherein plastic locking dowels are inserted into undercut grooves in the edge of the chain link for preventing pivots in the chain link chains from being axially displaced. In parallel-running chains with common pivots extending across an entire width of a track, to prevent the chain links from sliding away from each other, the locking dowels are inserted into notches in the sides of the chain links which face toward an adjacent chain, with the dowels holding the chain links together at a predetermined defined distance. A mounting and disassembly of the chains and chain tracks can be carried out in a simple manner without the need for special tools, and the entire assembly can be fully automatic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Maskinfabrikken Baeltix A/S
    Inventor: Poul E. Damkjaer
  • Patent number: 4995801
    Abstract: A conveyor having an endless conveying belt, which includes a series of slats, which in the upper course of the belt constitute a conveying surface. The slats include sheet metal blanks and are supported on link chains. The slats are adapted to be manually removed from and to be inserted into the conveying belt. The link chains extend along opposite edges of the conveyor belt and mesh with chain sprockets, which constitute reversing pulleys. The design permits a rational series production and permits the use of the conveyor even for a delivery of very hot moldings made of plastics which have aggressive and/or abrasive properties. When slats or chain links have become soiled to such an extent that the function of the conveyor may adversely be affected or when defects have occurred, such parts can be replaced with a low expenditure of work and with a simple manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Karl Hehl
  • Patent number: 4993543
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4993544
    Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt is formed of a plurality of non-reversible modules having inter-fitting link ends connected together and hinged by pivot rods having a rod capturing arrangement at each end of the outermost link ends of end module assemblies which is a blocking member insertable into a slot in the widest and outermost link end with the flat surface of the blocking member facing the rod and a projection for cooperating with the rod hole for holding the blocking member in place but allowing it to be removed. The belt also has internal modules in addition to end modules and all modules are constructed such that the narrowest link ends of unequal width link ends are adjacent sprocket cavities but are offset in a direction of another link end to provide additional strength and rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Cambridge Wire Cloth Company
    Inventors: Peter K. Bailey, Michael L. Spangler
  • Patent number: 4989723
    Abstract: An endless conveyor belt is assembled of plastic modules having relatively open pintle slots receiving respective connecting rods. The product support surface of the belt is provided by closely-spaced ribs especially well-suited for conveying raw foods and small containers. For transferring product to or from the belt, a transfer plate made-up of closely-spaced, flat-surfaced fingers is provided. The belt is driven and guided by sets of polygonal sprockets having teeth which engage in cavities centrally located on the undersides of the respective belt modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: The Cambridge Wire Cloth Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Bode, William P. Hidden
  • Patent number: 4974724
    Abstract: A module for forming a conveyor belt which uses the center transverse connecting member to receive a driving force from an intermeshed sprocket is disclosed. Each of the modules is suitable for being pivotally connected with a multiplicity of similar modules by pivot rods to construct a conveyor belt. Each of the modules includes a plurality of elongated links which extend the length of the module and which define a pivot hole at each end which are aligned in the module to form first and second pivot axes. The elongated links of each of the modules are joined by an integrally molded connecting structure which extends transvers to the elongated links so as to maintain and join the relative position of the elongated links with respect to each other. The transverse member or connecting structures further define driving surfaces on opposite sides for receiving a driving force to move the module and the belt constructed from a multiplicity of the modules in two selected and opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4972942
    Abstract: A conveyor belt comprising a plurality of link assemblies connected together by a plurality of link shafts. The conveyor belt includes a plurality of first guards with each first guard connected to one end of one link assemblies and encompassing one end of one of the link shafts for protecting the end of the link shaft and substantially preventing the end of the link shaft from engaging objects during the operation of the conveyor belt. A plurality of second guards are connected to the opposite end of the link assemblies for encompassing the opposite ends of the link shaft for protecting such opposite ends and substantially preventing such opposite ends from engaging objects during the operation of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Inventor: William G. Faulkner
  • Patent number: 4971191
    Abstract: An accurately tracking belt with a large amount of open area is disclosed. The belt is made of integrally molded plastic modules connected end-to-end and may be connected side-by-side preferably in a bricklayed fashion to form a conveyor belt. Each of the modules includes a plurality of links spaced apart by a selected distance. Each of the links themselves include an elongated member which extends between and joins first and second groups of link ends. A cross member is integrally molded with the links to maintain the links in the particular spaced relation and to maintain the pivot holes defined in the link ends of each link in alignment such that a multiplicity of the modules may be pivotally connected by pivot rods to form a belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre, deceased
  • Patent number: 4968546
    Abstract: Carbon or inorganic fibers are wound up cylindrically so as to have numerous intersections to each other. They are bound integrally to each other at points including their intersections to form cylindrical component parts which may be used within an extremely high-temperature furnace, such as when used as parts of belt conveyors and trays for carrying articles to be treated within the furnace. The cylinders thus made are comparatively thin and extremely light in weight, while they are afforded with a tensile strength sufficiently high enough to stand against loads exerted thereupon in the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Kanto Yakin Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Susumu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 4958726
    Abstract: The stability and robustness of a curved apron conveyor comprising a plurality of plate members, engaging with one another at their adjacent side edges with hinge eyes, connected to one another by way of hinge pins and having guiding surfaces cooperating with stationary guide rails, is improved by arranging the guiding surfaces off-center of the plate members in relation to the conveying direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Rexnord Kette GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jurgen Fett, Karl G. Oelschlager, Wolfgang Bannert
  • Patent number: 4953693
    Abstract: A conveyor system utilizing substantially V-shaped modular links is disclosed. A plurality of transversely mounted cross rods retain the links together, thereby forming the conveyor belt. The apex of each link includes an elongated slot to allow longitudinal freedom of movement to the conveyor belt. Special side links are adapted to engage conveyor guide rails integral with a support frame. Each side link is formed by including a depending arm having a transversely extending tab on a modular link. A locking tab is placed within a corresponding slot in each side link to retain the cross rod. The combination of the shape of the links and the longitudinal freedom of movement of the conveyor allows substantially unrestricted motion through curves and bends. In an alternative embodiment, upstanding fins can be provided on one or each leg of a link. The angle of the fins to the forward travel gives better lateral support to the product on the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Span Tech Corporation
    Inventor: Jorgen Draebel
  • Patent number: 4949838
    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 multiplicity 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 re-use. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Lapeyre, James O. Gundlach
  • Patent number: 4941568
    Abstract: An accurately tracking belt with a large amount of open area is disclosed. The belt is made of integrally molded plastic modules connected end-to-end and side-by-side preferably in a bricklayed fashion to form a conveyor belt. Each of the modules includes a plurality of links spaced apart by a selected distance. Each of the links themselves include an elongated member which extends between and joins first and second pairs of link ends. A cross member is integrally molded with the links to maintain the links in the particular spaced relation and to maintain the pivot holes defined in the link ends of each link in alignment such that a multiplicity of the modules may be pivotally connected by pivot rods to form a belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4934518
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4932515
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shavings conveyor, consisting of a hinged belt and two side plate chains, in which the rims of the hinged belt at the same time form the inner side plates of the two side plate chains and the height of these inner side plates is chosen so as to be greater than the height of the rollers of the side plate chains, so that a lateral definition of position of the shavings conveyor with respect to the stationary guide profile is produced in the lower and upper run of the hinged belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Gebr. Hennig GmbH
    Inventor: Albert Stohr
  • Patent number: 4925013
    Abstract: A module for forming a conveyor belt (22) having a high friction conveying surface and which is comprised of a plurality of identical modules (36, 38, 40, 42 and 44) preferably formed by injection molding is disclosed. Each module (36) has a top portion and bottom portion, and includes a plurality of elongated elements each of which has first pivot ends (36A) and second pivot ends (36B) formed integral with an intermediate section (54). Each of the plurality of pivot ends define pivot holes (62) which have axes (64 and 66) aligned such that the pivot ends of other modules may be pivotally connected by a pivot rod (46 and 50). Modules of a conveying belt include a device for receiving a driving force which is applied to the module orthogonally to the pivot axis and substantially parallel to a first plane defined by the first and second axis (64 and 66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4925016
    Abstract: A sprocket and a module for forming a heavy duty, smooth top, straight running conveyor belt which is easy to clean and which uses a center transverse tooth member to receive a driving force from an intermeshed sprocket is disclosed. Each of the modules is suitable for being pivotally connected with a multiplicity of similar modules by pivot rods to construct a conveyor belt. Each of the modules includes first and second pluralities of link ends which are aligned in the module to form first and second pivot axes. Each of the link ends have a topmost portion which has a width which is just less than the space between two adjacent link ends on the same module, such that when intermeshed with link ends of another module a continuous, flush, smooth top surface is provided. The pluralities of link ends of each of the modules are joined by an integrally molded smooth top connecting structure which includes a tooth member extending downward and parallel to the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4909381
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shavings conveyor in which the members of the hinged belt have on their edges running at right angles to the transport direction joint axis parts which extend over the entire width of the hinged belt and of which one is provided with a part-cylindrical outer surface and the other with a complementary part-cylindrical inner surface. Such a shavings conveyor is distinguished by particularly simple production of the hinged belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Gebr. Hennig GmbH
    Inventor: Albert Stohr
  • Patent number: 4909380
    Abstract: A chain link for a low backline pressure chain. A shaft is mounted on the link, and a plurality of rollers are mounted for rotation on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventor: Wasyly G. Hodlewsky
  • Patent number: 4903824
    Abstract: A conveyor belt for circulating within a high temperature furnace, which is consisted of a desired number of flattened cylinders, each of the cylinders being composed of a number of carbon or ceramic fibers cylindrically wound up and flattened. The fibers extend substantially in parallel with a longitudinal or moving direction of the conveyor belt, so that they can exhibit well their tensile strength when the belt is circulated through the furnace. The flattened cylinders are hinged to each other by hinge pins made of carbon or ceramic materials, and are kept as flattened and stretched by means of planar stretchers located within an inner hollow space of each of the flattened cylinders and made also from carbon or ceramic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Kanto Yakin Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Susumu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 4893709
    Abstract: An article carrying chain includes a plurality of interconnected molded plastic chain link assemblies each having a planar top plate. The chain link assemblies are interconnected so as to permit articulation between adjacent links around orthogonal axes. The potential for wear or breakage between adjacent links is reduced by beveling at least one of the mating edges between the top plates of adjacent links. Product kick-up is avoided by rounding the upper surface of each top plate along its leading and trailing edges. The underside of each link assembly is shaped so as to be engageable by either side of a sprocket tooth to thereby permit the sprocket to drive the chain in either of two directions. A plurality of upper and lower tabs formed along the lower portions of the chain link assemblies function to stabilize the chain relative to a pair of glide rails while permitting free removal of the chain link assemblies from the guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventors: Roger H. Schroeder, William G. Hodlewsky, James F. Murphy
  • Patent number: 4893710
    Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt is formed of a plurality of non-reversible modules having inter-fitting link ends connected together and hinged by pivot rods having a rod capturing arrangement at each end of the outermost link ends of end module assemblies which is a blocking member insertable into a slot in the widest and outermost link end with the flat surface of the blocking member facing the rod and a projection for cooperating with the rod hole for holding the blocking member in place but allowing it to be removed. The belt also has internal modules in addition to end modules and all modules are constructed such that the narrowest link ends of unequal width link ends are adjacent sprocket cavities but are offset in a direction of another link end to provide additional strength and rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Cambridge Wire Cloth Company
    Inventors: Peter K. Bailey, Michael L. Spangler
  • Patent number: 4886158
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4882901
    Abstract: A transmission or conveyor chain composed of a plurality of interconnected identical links which are attachable and detachable without need for pivot pins or other separate connecting hardware. Each link is preferably molded as a unitary structure of plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4880107
    Abstract: An improved table top chain link providing a plurality of upstanding ribs on the top surface thereof in order to allow for cooperative engagement with a transfer comb and the in-line transfer of articles to and from the transfer comb to the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas O. Deal
  • Patent number: 4865183
    Abstract: A sprocket and drive shaft assembly for a wide conveyor belt composed of modules pivotally connected in chain-like fashion and subject to environmentally caused fluctuations in width such as extreme temperatures. The assemlby includes a drive shaft with a polygonal cross section and a plurality of toothed sprockets each having an axial bore which slidingly engages the cross section of the shaft and permits the sprockets to move laterally in response to fluctuations in conveyor width and lateral alignment, as the rotating sprocket assembly drives the conveyor. Restraining devices such as set screws are provided on the drive shaft to prevent the sprockets from undergoing excessive axial movement (toward the ends of the drive shaft) while allowing the sprockets axial freedom to shift in response to lateral belt misalignment and width fluctuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventors: Wasyly G. Hodlewsky, Roger H. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 4858753
    Abstract: A chain module for use in forming a conveyor chain assembly, the chain module having a plurality of link ends being adapted to intermesh with link ends of an adjacent module, the link ends have aligned slots adapted to house a hinge pin for pivotally joining together adjacent modules. The chain module also has a link end having a generally circular aperture, the generally circular aperture being aligned with the ends of the slots adjacent the body of the module and such that the hinge pin is out of alignment with the circular hole during operation of the conveyor chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventor: William G. Hodlewsky
  • Patent number: 4850542
    Abstract: A winding apparatus for winding a magnetic element through a form, the apparatus having at least one chain which has a plurality of magnetic carrier units disposed about the form for loading the coil of the element through the form and, after loading, for winding the element from the loading coil about the form under tension to tightly wind a final coil. Each carrier unit includes a device for generating a magnetic force to magnetically hold the element and to release portions of the element when tension on the element between the outer periphery of the final coil and the advancing point of separation of the element from the inner periphery of the loading coil exceeds the magnetic force exerted by the carrier units. The winding apparatus also includes a device for driving the chain during loading and winding, and structure for defining the path of the chain during loading and winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Isoreg Corporation
    Inventor: Emil B. Rechsteiner
  • Patent number: 4839213
    Abstract: A conveyor belt such as a paper-making fabric, said belt being made of spirals (2, 3) assembled together by rods (5) or by imbrication. With a view to reducing the permeability or to changing the surface condition, it has a generally flat member (7) which is inserted inside the spirals (2, 3) so as to completely or partially fill the spaces between or inside the spirals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Cofpa
    Inventor: Maurice Gauthier
  • Patent number: 4832187
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4821872
    Abstract: A conveyor belt composed of interconnected identical modules of integral plastic molded construction. Each of the modules includes a multiplicity of elongated parallel spaced link elements having first and second pluralities of link ends and an intermediate section of a grid-like structure between the link ends. The link ends each include a portion projecting from one side of each of the link elements along the pivotal axis of the module. The portions extend from the same facing side for each group of link ends, such that when adjacent modules are linked together the projecting portions of adjacent link ends are rotated 180.degree. with respect to each other, in that the projecting portions of the link ends of each adjoining module extend in opposite directions. Thus, the flat sides of the linked ends of mated modules are in engagement to provide only a very small offset in the line of pull through the adjacent link elements to minimize bending forces in the links and link ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4815270
    Abstract: A transmission or conveyor chain composed of a plurality of interconnected identical links which are attachable and detachable without need for pivot pins or other separate connecting hardware. Each link is preferably molded as a unitary structure of plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4815271
    Abstract: A transmission or conveyor chain composed of a plurality of interconnected identical links which are attachable and detachable without need for pivot pins or other separate connecting hardware. Each link is preferably molded as a unitary structure of plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4809846
    Abstract: A chain link for a product capturing chain, including a pair of opposed retaining lips for retaining the resilient gripping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventors: Wasyly G. Hodlewsky, Roger H. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 4796749
    Abstract: A spiral link belt comprising a multiplicity of synthetic resin helices consisting of flat winding lets and winding arcs with the winding arcs of a helix meshing in zipper fashion with the winding arcs of the adjacent helix. Pintle wires are inserted into the channels formed by the meshing winding arcs of each two helices. A plurality of helices consist of at least two components, the first component being disposed on the inside of the helix and the second component being disposed on the outside of the helix. Preferably, the second component which is disposed on the outside of the helix, is embedded in a groove in the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Siteg Siebtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Lefferts