Abstract: An articulated chain conveyor has a plurality of links joined together by connecting pins each having a socket formed axially therein. A conveying surface is formed by a plurality of wire rod structures each having two ends respectively received in the sockets of adjacent ones of the pins and a support portion overlying the chain and extending laterally therebeyond to provide a support surface. Welded and non-welded rod structures for single-chain conveyors and a non-welded rod structure for double-chain conveyors are disclosed. Also disclosed are T-shaped mounting members and cooperating clips for connecting wire rod structures to a conveyor chain.

Abstract: A chain link conveyor comprises modules pivotally connected to one another. Each module is designed to be molded as a unit, preferably of an organic plastic material and comprises a number of parallel, spaced links having end sections with aligned holes for snap-together pivot rods, and intermediate sections joined by integral cross members to form a rigid, supporting grid.

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

Abstract: A conveyor, particularly for feeding tobacco to a cutting drum, comprises a number of articulated slats passing around sprocket wheels. The slats are identical and each has extensions and recesses. The extensions of one slat enter the recesses of the next adjacent slat, and are retained by a pin passing through the extensions of adjacent slats. The underside of each extension has a flat surface for contacting a support plate and the top face of the sprocket teeth contact the slats so that the flat underside of each extension is not contacted by the sprocket wheel, in order to maintain a constant pitch as the band travels around the sprocket wheels. In this way the spacing between the conveyor and a dead plate positioned to remove tobacco from the band as it passes over a sprocket wheel remains constant.

Abstract: A conveyor system employing a modular belt of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,870,141 in which the upper surfaces of the modules are shaped to provide guide channels for the teeth of a conveyor comb as the belt passes over a wheel. Upper surfaces of the module and/or the comb teeth can be shaped to minimize the rise and fall of the belt relative to the comb as the belt passes over the wheel.

Abstract: A conveyor chain comprising at least two pivotally connected links, each of said links comprising a flat body portion having a container carrying supporting face, two sets of at least two apertured ears projecting from an integral width of said flat body portion and on opposite sides thereof, said ears being spaced in side by side relation with respect to each other to interfit and align with the apertured ears of an adjoining link on the respective sides thereof, the apertures of said ears on each side of said flat body portion being in alignment, a grooved pin disposed in said aligned apertures of said interfitting ears, at least two of said ears being axially displaced to define an ear gap, said groove on said pin being in alignment with said ear gap, a holding ring means locked on said pin at said groove within said ear gap to hold said grooved pin within said aligned apertures and thereby holding said pivotally connected links in operational position.

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

Abstract: A cradle is provided for use in a train of cradles in a constraining chute which has a universal joint intercoupling adjacent cradles. A joint is provided by a truncated male sphere on one cradle and a slotted female sphere on the next adjacent cradle. Each cradle is made in one piece and is provided with one male and one female sphere.