Links Having Interfitted Ends Patents (Class 198/853)
  • Patent number: 4776454
    Abstract: A conveyer belt having a large number of links each being made of ceramics. The links are endlessly connected to one another in a front portion and a rear portion of each of the large number of links in the running direction of the conveyer belt. One of the links is provided with a fittable groove of an arc-shaped section in a portion opposed to an adjacent link. The fittable groove has an opening opposed to the adjacent link. The width of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the fittable groove. The adjacent link is provided with a columnar fittable axis portion along a surface opposed to the one link. The fittable axis portion is fit in the fittable groove of the one link so that one link and the adjacent link are turnably connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Inventor: Terunobu Momose
  • Patent number: 4766997
    Abstract: A chain conveyor system includes a plurality of interconnected links. The links include first barrel portions connected to engage and be driven by a mechanical drive mechanism including a sprocket wheel. Removable high wear preformed coiled bands having free ends are wrapped around the barrel portions of the links to provide bearings to minimize wear on the links resulting from contact with the mechanical drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: The Budd Company
    Inventor: Joseph R. Hannum
  • Patent number: 4765454
    Abstract: The present invention provides a chain link for use with a fingered transfer plate. The link comprises a base portion and a raised portion integral with and supported by the base portion. The raised portion includes a plurality of coplanar fork-shaped members, each of the fork-shaped members comprising two prongs and a stem, wherein the prongs of each fork-shaped member are parallel to each other and the width of the stem is less than the distance between the prongs, the fork-shaped members being arranged in a regularly spaced row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventors: Wasyly G. Hodlewsky, Roger H. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 4744211
    Abstract: A detachable chain composed of chain links is broadly used as a conveyor chain with attachments for various kinds of articles to be conveyed, or as a power transmitting chain. The conventional chain of this type, however, could convey only light load when used as a conveyor chain and could run only at a low speed when used as a power transmitting chain. This invention provides a detachable chain improved both in the rupture strength and service life, as well as a method of producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetuo Abe
  • Patent number: 4742854
    Abstract: A feeding device for effecting a longitudinally directed relative movement between a stem and the device proper comprises at least one feeding unit in the form of an endless band or band-like element which is drivable by means of at least one rotatable wheel. The endless element is composed of a large number of hingedly interconnected chain-forming links (11, 12) which are movable along the outer side or the periphery of an elongate guide bar and which, by bearing against said bar (10), are adapted to transfer substantially uniformly distributed bearing pressures to the stem substantially throughout the length of said bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: OSA AB
    Inventor: Torsten Forslund
  • Patent number: 4735032
    Abstract: For transporting cigarette groups (20) within or in conjunction with a packaging machine, a pocket conveyor (21) is used, and in this pockets (24), each receiving one cigarette group (20), are connected to one another so as to be free of play and free of wear by means of connecting joints (25) with rolling bearings. As a result, the pocket conveyor (21) can be used as a high-performance conveyor for cigarette groups with exact relative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventor: Heinz Focke
  • Patent number: 4729469
    Abstract: A conveyor belt is composed of plurality of substantially identical interlinked modules each of which is of integral plastic molded construction. Each module includes a body of plate-like planar configuration and first and second link ends outwardly extending from respective opposite edges of the body, the link ends being mateable with corresponding link ends of adjacent modules. The upper surface of the body and contiguous surfaces of the link ends define a flat conveying surface such that a conveyor belt composed of assembled modules provides an effectively continuous flat top conveyor for carriage of products. Each module includes an array of sprocket teeth across the width of the module and midway between the link ends, which are arranged in operative pairs coacting with corresponding portions of a sprocket wheel for positive belt drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Inventors: James M. Lapeyre, William G. Faulkner
  • Patent number: 4719139
    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: December 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: COFPA Feutres pour Papeteries
    Inventor: Maurice Gauthier
  • Patent number: 4709807
    Abstract: A conveyor belt formed of links, in which the links each carry on a pair of opposite parallel sides, sleeve-shaped, mutually spaced ears which are each fitted into the spaces between the ears of adjoining links, such that the interfitted ears may be articulated relative to each other by transverse rods inserted therein. At the lateral side ears, the transverse rods are secured against displacement by pegs or dowels inserted from the side and acting as closing and stop devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Inventor: Nicolaas J. Poerink
  • Patent number: 4697530
    Abstract: An automatic stoker boiler has a heat transfer compartment above a combustion chamber which is divided by a horizontal partition inclined upwardly from the rear end of the boiler towards but terminating short of the front end thereof to provide a restricted port between the thus established upper and lower portions. An endless link belt establishes the lower portion of the combustion chamber and hot gas conduits extend from the upper portion through the heat transfer compartment to the exhaust and which is provided with a draft inducing fan and adjustable damper. Underfire air under the control of an adjustable damper is introduced into the lower portion of the combustion chamber upwardly through the belt and air jets are delivered into the combustion chamber through the front end both above and below the port. A standby fluid fuel burner is located in the rear end of the upper chamber portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Dumont Holding Company
    Inventors: Richard P. Marcotte, John W. Dumont, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4688670
    Abstract: A conveyor belt composed of interconnected like modules of integral molded construction. Each of the modules has a flat conveying surface and first and second link ends spaced along the width of the module, each of the link ends including segments having circular bores aligned on a pivot axis across the width of the module and which segments are operative to provide a pivot bearing surface, and to cover a pivot rod on the conveying side of the module, the pivot rod remaining substantially exposed on the bottom side of the module for inspection and cleaning and for more uniform temperature cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4682687
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Leege, Robert E. Stacey, Russell H. C. Uttke
  • Patent number: 4676369
    Abstract: A spiral link belt for the manufacture of paper has a multiplicity of mutually parallel helices with the windings of successive helices intermeshing in the manner of a zipper, and pintle wires are inserted into the channels formed by the meshing windings. The belt edges are covered by a protective cover consisting of a fabric wrapped about the belt edges and fastened to the spiral link belt. The protective cover can be a double-layer fabric and can have a seven or eight harness weave in which the longitudinal threads pass over four or five transverse threads or pairs of transverse threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Hermann Wangner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Georg Borel
  • Patent number: 4676368
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Inventor: Poul E. Damkjar
  • Patent number: 4645070
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: PT Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald F. Homeier
  • Patent number: 4643297
    Abstract: A platform conveyor having an articulated chain and bearing elements secured thereon. In order to secure the retention of the bearing elements, which lock into place with claws on the linking bolts of the articulated chain, adjacent claws locking into place on the same linking bolt mesh form-fittingly with one another. To this end, the claws alternate in having protrusions and recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Krieger, Theo Moser
  • Patent number: 4641740
    Abstract: A bobbin tube magazine assembly, includes:a bobbin tube feeding device;a bobbin tube conveyor connected to the bobbin tube feeding device, the bobbin tube conveyor being controlled by the bobbin tube feeding device for discharging bobbin tubes from the bobbin tube conveyor to the bobbin tube feeding device and the bobbin tube conveyor being independently actuatable for circulating bobbin tubes;the bobbin tube conveyor including:at least one endless pulling device, slip-on arbors protruding from the pulling device, each of the arbors having an end distant from the pulling device for receiving bobbin tubes, the arbors passing through a location during circulation in which the arbors point below the horizontal, as seen in direction toward the ends of the arbors, sliding guides disposed adjacent the ends of the arbors at the location for preventing bobbin tubes from slipping off the arbors, a freely accessible bobbin tube filling location, and a bobbin tube discharge location;and a discharge device disposed at th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: W. Schlafhorst & Co.
    Inventors: Hans Grecksch, Hans-Werner Schwalm, Johannes Thomalla
  • Patent number: 4629063
    Abstract: A chain link for a product capturing chain, including a pair of opposed retaining lips integral with the link for retaining the resilient gripping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventors: Wasyly G. Hodlewsky, Roger H. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 4618056
    Abstract: A conveyor belt having plural metal links arranged in rows which extend transversely of the belt. The links in adjacent rows are staggered to interfit with one another, and elongated rods extend transversely for joining the links together. The metal link comprises a central tubular body having a hollow interior and defined by top and bottom walls joined together by spaced sidewalls, the top wall being substantially planar and having planar wings which project outwardly beyond the sidewalls. Front and rear hinge portions are defined at opposite ends of the tubular body, and each hinge portion includes a substantially semi-cylindrical end wall which joins to the adjacent ends of the top and bottom walls, and also integrally connects to the adjacent end of the respective sidewall to define a substantially cylindrical, transversely extending opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: Omega Castings, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Cutshall
  • Patent number: 4615343
    Abstract: Each tobacco compacting chain of a tobacco shredding machine has several rows of block-shaped synthetic plastic links which are articulately connected to each other by transversely extending metallic pins receiving motion directly from the teeth of several coaxial sprocket wheels. The links form several endless rows, one for each sprocket wheel, and the links of neighboring rows are staggered relative to each other. Each pin extends through a pair of coaxial annular bearing elements at the inner side of one link in each of the rows and the end portions of the pins carry caps which are held thereon by screws and serve to hold the links against movement in the longitudinal direction of the respective pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Assignee: Hauni-Werke Korber & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Werner Komossa
  • Patent number: 4611710
    Abstract: A hinge-type table top chain having a plurality of links which are disposed in series and hingedly connected together. Each link includes a metal link plate having wound hinge parts on opposite ends thereof, with the hinge parts of adjacent links interfitting and being joined together by hinge pins. The link plate has a central portion, preferably a substantially planar platelike portion, having engaging portions or openings associated therewith. A separate top plate of a plastics material is positioned to overlie the link plate. The top plate has projections which are integral therewith and project from the underside thereof, which projections cooperatively engage the central part of the link plate, such as by a snap-type connection, for fixedly but releasably connecting the plates together. The top plates are sized such that the edges of longitudinally adjacent top plates are positioned in opposed but closely adjacent relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Takashi Mitsufuji
  • Patent number: 4597492
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Leif Lachonius, Carl Ullberg
  • Patent number: 4586601
    Abstract: A magnetic conveyor including chain links with article carrying portions having magnetized grommets or magnetic filler material dispersed throughout to impart magnetic properties to the conveyor chain for conveying ferro magnetic articles. Preferably, the chain links comprise a polymeric resin material with a magnetic filler material dispersed therein during the molding process. Magnetization to provide multiple poles allows a minimum amount of filler material to be used thereby resulting in a relatively small reduction in the strength of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventor: Wasyly G. Hodlewsky
  • Patent number: 4582193
    Abstract: A flight which is attached to a drive mechanism such as a chain is disclosed. The flight may be used to form a conveyor for transporting articles, when a series of flights are attached to the drive mechanism in succession. The disclosed flight includes a horizontal slot in its forward support element which is slipped onto a pin on the drive mechanism, and a rear support element having a vertical slot with a detent, which is snapped onto a succeeding pin as the flight is rotated downward around the forward support pin in the horizontal slot of the forward support element, acting as a pivot. Attachment and detachment is very simple, requiring no special tools. The forward and rear support elements are in different vertical zones or planes, so that the forward support element of one flight may be attached to the same pin as the rear support element of an adjacent flight. This allows the flight to be used with double pitch as well as single pitch chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Bivans Corporation
    Inventor: Karl H. Larsson
  • Patent number: 4579219
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a conveyor chain with a plurality of chain rollers, for conveying individual items or similar material handling applications, in which respectively two chain rollers are arranged coaxially at a predetermined distance with respect to one another on a common chain pin in such a way so as to be able to rotate, whereby side bars laterally arranged on the chain pins are used to connect respective sequentially arranged chain rollers, and the individual chain components are adapted to form an endless chain. The chain also includes conveyor rollers on those chain pins which are respectively arranged between two adjacent chain rollers of the chain, and these conveyor rollers have a larger diameter than the chain rollers. Recess-like depressions which are formed between two adjacent conveyor rollers in the chain are filled by bridge-forming space members which are secured on the respective chain pins, or on sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Inventor: Volker Burkhardt
  • Patent number: 4576277
    Abstract: A conveyor installation comprises a framework having stationary guides with plastic contact surfaces. A conveyor belt is mounted for travel on the framework and includes plastic carriers mounted on plastic chain links. The carriers are supported for sliding contact with some of the guides which define vertical support rails. The carriers are connected to the links by upstanding coupling members. Plastic clip-on sleeves are mounted on the coupling members for engagement with some of the stationary guides to minimize wear of the chain, while assuring a low friction sliding contact between the chain and the guides. Snap-on pan guides are insertable into recesses of the carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: David B. Park
    Inventors: David B. Park, James R. Snyder, Gerard J. McDonald, Roland Hoet
  • Patent number: 4567077
    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 bearing holes or notches (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: March 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: Cofpa
    Inventor: Maurice Gauthier
  • Patent number: 4558779
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus includes first and second elongate conveyor belts which are parallel and adjacent, which have support surfaces which are approximately flush, and which each have a plurality of compartment walls secured on and projecting outwardly from the support surface. Each compartment wall has a portion which extends laterally over the support surface of the other conveyor belt and each compartment wall is associated with a respective one of the compartment walls on the other conveyor belt. The conveyor belts are normally driven synchronously, but can be moved relative to each other in order to change the spacing between respective pairs of the compartment walls. Each conveyor belt preferably includes at least one elongate chain having a plurality of support elements supported thereon, each of the compartment walls being supported on a respective one of the support elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: Rovema Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhold Schmitt, Manfred Herbert, Walter Baur
  • Patent number: 4556142
    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 terminating in respective link ends and an intermediate section between the link ends of grid-like structure. The link ends each include a generally cylindrical projection which extends from one side of each of the link elements along the pivotal axis of the module. The projections extend from the same facing side of each link element. The modules are linked together with each module rotated 180.degree. with respect to adjacent modules such that the projections of each adjacent module extend in opposite directions. 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: January 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1985
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4538510
    Abstract: A slatted endless plastics conveyor belt preferably with draining slots therethrough is supported over its conveying distance on a bed of runners and passes about end sprockets engaging directly with the belting and one set of which is driven. The edge of the belt is specially shaped to provide a bearing face supported on an inclined step in the side wall of the housing. This arrangement confines the product on the belt while it is "worked" by transverse mechanical manipulators at intervals along the conveying length. The conveyor is used in a food processor principally for processing curd or curd and whey in the cheese industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Assignee: Mauri Brothers & Thomson (N.Z.) Limited
    Inventors: John Latimer, Neil Fortune
  • Patent number: 4531631
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor belt with wire members hinged to one another by means of bars. The members consist of individual chain links which are arranged in succession, transversally to the longitudinal (conveying) direction of the belt, with their longitudinal extension in the longitudinal direction of the belt parallel to and at a distance from one another which is somewhat greater than the thickness of a chain link, and are connected to one another by at least one continuous welded seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Inventor: Rudolf Klefisch
  • Patent number: 4505383
    Abstract: In order to protect the longitudinal edges of a link belt against damage or undue wear it is proposed to provide an edge guard comprising a multiplicity of guard elements engaged with the coils of the belt, the elements each comprising a body part for disposition adjacent the edge of the belt and a mounting element for engagement with a respective coil. The body part is preferably flexible, and the body parts of adjacent elements may partially overlie one another in providing a reinforcing wear resistant edge to the belt for protecting the ends of the coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Scapa-Porritt Limited
    Inventors: John B. Wheeldon, John Jeffery, Paul F. Myerscough
  • Patent number: 4502595
    Abstract: A link conveyor is proposed which includes a first set of helical coils or spirals connected together in interdigitated parallel disposition to define a base structure providing adequate strength and dimensional stability in the conveyor and a second set of interdigitated helical coils or spirals connected together and to the base structure and forming a supplementary structure for protecting the said base structure against damage or undue wear. The base and supplementary structures may be arranged to form a single layer conveyor or may comprise two separate plies connected together by support coils to define a Duplex structure. The conveyor is of particular application to papermachine clothing suitable for dryer fabrics, forming fabrics and base structures for press felts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Assignee: Scapa-Porritt Limited
    Inventor: John B. Wheeldon
  • Patent number: 4500590
    Abstract: A low permeability dryer fabric and method are disclosed which include a helical dryer fabric comprised of helix strips (12) whose winding arcs (16) are intermeshed and joined together by a composite pintle (A) to define a pintle joint. The composite pintle includes a polyester core (B) and an outer low-melt polymeric sheath (C) which has been heat softened and deformed and exhibits a profile (30) which occupies void areas in the mesh of the helical fabric in the area of the pintle joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: Wangner Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Richard W. Smith
  • Patent number: 4490970
    Abstract: A removable, polymeric conveyor link and conveyor utilizing such a link are disclosed. The link is essentially an elongated body of tough, hard slightly flexible elastomer with at least a pair of spaced, parallel, cylindrical cavities in which are disposed rod locking devices. The conveyor is constructed of metal rods, generally round in cross-section, wherein at least a pair of spaced metal rods are held in position by flexible elastomer spacers (fixed links) near each end whereby the end rods protrude through such spacers and then are joined by the removable elastomer links having rod locking sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: Superior Chain, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Curl
  • Patent number: 4483432
    Abstract: An escalator step having a tread and a convex riser, the riser being provided on its convex surface with a number of alternating first and second grooves which are shallow and deep respectively. The tread is provided on the surface with a number of first and second alternating cleats corresponding to the first and second grooves of the riser, the ends of the first and second cleats projecting from the side opposite to the riser a short and a long distance, respectively, corresponding to the depths of the first and second grooves of the riser. The end of the tread at the side adjacent the riser is constituted by recesses conforming to the first and second grooves of the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Matsuhiko Ishida
  • Patent number: 4469221
    Abstract: A papermakers fabric formed from a plurality of elongated, generally cylindrical pintles which are positioned in spaced relationship relative to each other and with their axes substantially parallel to define the width of the fabric. A plurality of link members interconnect the several pintles to define the length of the fabric. Each link interconnects two pintles and the configuration of the link can be varied to facilitate the manufacture thereof, to facilitate construction of the fabric, and to facilitate repair of a damaged fabric while the same is on the papermaking machine. Additionally, the permeability of the fabric can be varied by changing the thickness of the links used to form the fabric. Moreover, the links can be made of injection molded plastic for reduced cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Assignee: Scapa Inc.
    Inventor: Hans Albert
  • Patent number: 4438838
    Abstract: The present invention provides a chain link for use with a fingered transfer plate. The link comprises a base portion and a raised portion integral with and supported by the base portion. The raised portion includes a plurality of coplanar fork-shaped members, each of the fork-shaped members comprising two prongs and a stem, wherein the prongs of each fork-shaped member are parallel to each other and the width of the stem is less than the distance between the prongs, the fork-shaped members being arranged in a regularly spaced row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventors: Wasyly G. Hodlewsky, Roger H. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 4410083
    Abstract: In the present wire-netting conveyor belt, links bent in a meander shape and extending perpendicular with respect to the direction of belt travel are interconnected by transverse rods or bars (4). The links comprising longitudinal webs or legs (1) which extend under a small angle with respect to each other and transverse legs (2) of equal length each, include facing ends looped around said transverse bars (40) by an angle of 180.degree., preferably more than 270.degree.. The length of said transverse legs (2) is smaller than the average spacing of said longitudinal legs (1), this feature being utilized in assembling on said transverse rods (4) to provide a pretension or bias compensating for wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1983
    Inventor: Jannes J. Poerink
  • Patent number: 4406036
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for conveying animals to be stunned. The apparatus comprises two sets of endless conveyor belts. Each set of belts defines a substantially V-shaped passageway. Animals are wedged between the V-shaped belts and conveyed into contact with stunning electrodes. The conveyor belts include a plurality of curved plates hinged together at their edges to form a gap free and uninterrupted operating surface to contact the animals's skin. The trailing edge of each plate partly surrounds the leading edge of the following plate. The outer surface of each plate is curved so that the surface is generally concentric with the axis of the reversing wheel. The gap between the first set of conveyor belts and the second set of conveyor belts is bridged by guide rollers positioned tangentially to the operating surface of the conveyor belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: Machinefabriek G. J. Nijhuis B.V.
    Inventor: Johan W. Nijhuis
  • Patent number: 4397145
    Abstract: A universal or ball pivot-link chain arrangement has chain link elements subdivided in an axial plane, each chain link element has a ball pivot body provided with an undercut portion of substantially hemispherical shape. A ball socket enclosing the ball pivot body of an adjacent link has a ring connection at the region of said undercut portion of the adjacent link. Each ring connection has ring-shaped braces engaging countersurfaces of the ball socket. These braces are effective not only in the radial direction, but are arranged to act as blocking devices against any relative displacement of the two halves of the chain link elements in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Walter Reist
  • Patent number: 4293067
    Abstract: A longitudinally, self-adjustable linking element is used to form a conveyor assembly for moving an article along a path. The linking element has two end sections, bearings mounted at each end section, and coupling elements for connecting the end sections with respect to each other. The coupling elements are fixedly secured to one of the end sections and shiftingly secured to the other end section. A closed loop conveying apparatus includes the longitudinally self adjustable linking element and rail guide members extend along the length of the conveying apparatus. Sprocket mechanisms are disposed at fixed spaced locations for changing the direction of movement of the conveying apparatus along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Assignee: Scandia Packaging Machinery Co.
    Inventor: Andrew W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4276980
    Abstract: An endless belt for a conveyor system comprises a plurality of support bars (36) arranged side by side and each having a plurality of branch bars (42), (44) projecting from opposite sides thereof and formed with bores (46), (48) extending therethrough respectively. Each support bar (36) has the branch bars (42) interposed between the branch bars (44) of another support bar (36) immediately adjacent thereto, with a connecting rod (38) extending through the bores (46), (48) of the opposed branch bars (42), (44) to interconnect the adjacent support bars (36). The bores (48) are in the form of slots, rendering the support bars (36) movable longitudinally of the belt and angularly shiftable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1981
    Assignee: Yamakyu Automatics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshio Oizumi
  • Patent number: 4276040
    Abstract: The barrels of the links of pintle chain for operation open end forward over a drive sprocket are extended inwardly respecting the tooth pockets of the sprocket and two, flat separately distinct areas of interengagement are provided. The two areas of interengagement include the bottom face of the barrel and the bottom face of the tooth pocket and the forward tooth face and rear barrel face. The intermediate corners of the tooth pockets and of the barrel are rounded only for practical purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1981
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventor: Victor D. Petershack
  • Patent number: 4213527
    Abstract: A chain link conveyor comprises modules made of an organic plastic material and pivotably connected to one another. Each module is designed to be extruded as a slab and machined to form a module comprising intermediate sections, reinforcing center sections and a number of parallel spaced link end sections having aligned holes for receiving pivot rods. The module also includes a specially designed rib adapted to interact with suitable drive means of a conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1980
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Lapeyre, Fernand S. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4195887
    Abstract: An elastomeric bushing especially useful in the construction of track-type vehicles. Track links of such vehicles are formed with circular openings and joined by octagonal link pins. A metal pin sleeve having an octagonally shaped internal opening slides onto the pin. The pin sleeve is formed with an elliptical cross sectional shape. An elastomeric bushing having an elliptical shape is bonded to the elliptical metal sleeve with their major axes at right angles to each other. The bushing is forced into the circular opening in the track link so that the elastomeric bushing is under compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1980
    Assignee: Burke Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Ruddell
  • Patent number: 4176528
    Abstract: A conveyor belt for use in an ice body maker adapted to transfer the formed ice bodies from a collecting space to a dispensing space. The conveyor belt is arranged to pick up the ice bodies temporarily stored in the collecting space and drop them into a suitable guide chute leading to an upper portion of the dispensing space so that a receiver disposed in the dispensing space may receive the desired qauantity of ice bodies for subsequent disposition as desired. The belt is formed of a plurality of link plates articulated by cooperating knuckles with each plate having a forward edge provided with upstanding cleats and a rearward edge provided with upstanding cleats. The cleats on the forward edge extend at an angle of less than 90.degree. to the plane of the plate and the cleats on the rearward edge may extend at a greater angle to the plane of the plates. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward cleats extend at an angle of approximately 60.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1979
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Edwin H. Frohbieter
  • Patent number: 4171045
    Abstract: A conveyor belt comprising a plurality of like modules each module including a plurality of links having an upper conveying surface and providing axial passageways into which the teeth of a conveyor comb extend. A plurality of dogs are integrally formed with the links of each module upwardly extending above the conveying surface and disposed along a transverse axis of the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1979
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4159763
    Abstract: A conveyor belt comprising a plurality of like modules on each end of which are an array of link ends. The link ends are of a width substantially less than the spacing between confronting link ends along their pivotal axis. The link ends of each module are pivotally connected to the link ends of adjacent modules by a pivot pin. The pivotally connected modules can be laterally flexed or movable along the pivot axis for exposure to visual inspection of the normally concealed portions of the pivot pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1979
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventors: Monte L. Kewley, LeRoy E. Demarest
  • Patent number: 4155444
    Abstract: A slat link for endless conveyor belts for heavy materials handling has a central transverse reinforcing beam and slat link covers surrounding the transverse reinforcing beam which converge to either side of the beam at a point intermediate the vertical distance between the top and bottom portions of the beam. Material loaded on top of the conveyor slat links contacts the higher portion of the slat link at the portion of the slat link where the beam is located, the beam acting to distribute the shock from the material loaded thereon along its links and to transmit such shock loadings to the conveyor support structure which absorbs the shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1979
    Assignee: Mayfran, Div. of Fischer Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence H. G. Kovats