Abstract: A modular conveyor belt forming a hinge between consecutive belt rows (14A-C) hingedly connected by a noncircular hinge pin (34). Hinge eyes (28) along the forward and rearward ends of each row (14A-C) of belt modules include aligned openings for the hinge pins (34). The belt rows (14A-C) are arranged end-to-end with the hinge eyes (28) of adjacent rows interleaved. In one version, the hinge pins (34) are inserted in the passageway formed by the aligned openings of the interleaved hinge eyes. The hinge pins (34) include first (40) and second (41) hinge pin members, such as flat strips. The openings in the hinge eyes (28) are characterized by a narrow slotted portion (32) for restraining the first hinge pin member (40) against rotation within the slotted portion and a wider sector-shaped portion (33) that allows the second hinge pin member (41) to rotate relative to the first hinge pin member (40).

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt formed of rows of belt modules pivotally interlinked by transverse pivot rods and specially adapted for following a curved conveyor path. The modules include a top, product conveying surface and a bottom, sprocket-driven surface. The belt modules have a plurality of first link ends disposed in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt and a plurality of second link ends disposed in the opposite direction. Transverse holes in the link ends are aligner to accommodate a pivot rod. When the link ends of the consecutive rows of side by side modules are intercalated, the pivot rod serves as a hinge pin in a hinged joint between consecutive interlinked rows. To permit the belt to flex sidewise, the openings in the first link ends are slotted longitudinally in the direction of belt travel.

Abstract: A chain link (10) of a curved conveyor chain has been proposed, which has a carrying device (12) for transport material. A head part (24) disposed under the carrying device (12) has a lateral bore (40) for a pin (48) of a first adjacent chain link (10). The head part (24) is adjoined by a fork-shaped section (26) with two legs (44), which encompass the head part (24) of a second adjacent chain link (10). The legs (44) and contain lateral bores (46). A pin (48) is also provided, which is contained in the lateral bores (46) of the legs (44) and in the head part (24) of the second adjacent chain link (10). Projections (52) protrude from the legs (44) and are designed to be guided in a guide profile and driven by means of a driving wheel. The object of the invention is to produce a chain link (10), which permits a favorable introduction of force.

Abstract: A chain conveyor link (10) pressed in plastic material comprises a plate (11) defining on top a conveyance surface (12) of the conveyor. Near the front and rear edges of the link there are seats (15,16) for hinging the link to the other similar links of the chain. Below the plate (11) but spaced therefrom is at least one longitudinal rib (18) extending between the hinging seats (15,16). The space (19) created between the plate and the rib allows better flatness both static and dynamic of the conveyance surface (12).

Abstract: A chain conveyor formed from a plurality of modules or links (1a, b, c) connected together by pins c2a, b) which are inserted through holes (4, 4A) present in the modules or links (1a, b, c) and are prevented from escaping by axially counteracting elements (5) mounted in seats (6) also present in the modules or links (1a, b, c), in which the axially counteracting elements (5) present a flexible tang (5c) which, when the axially counteracting element is mounted in the seat (6), intersects an end portion (4A) of the holes (4, 4A) through which the pin (2a, b, c) is inserted, to thus prevent the pin withdrawing from the holes (4, 4A), such withdrawal however being enabled by deflecting the flexible tang (5).

Abstract: Modular plastic conveyor belts constructed of split belt modules. Each module includes a first piece and a second piece. Side-by-side first pieces mate with side-by-side second pieces to form a row of belt modules. Each row has sets of hinge eyes along opposite ends. Hinge pins extending through the hinge eyes at the ends of each row connect the pieces in the row together to adjacent belt rows. Other components, such as rollers, can be inserted into and removed from the unmated pieces and retained in place by retention structure when the module pieces are mated.

Abstract: The invention provided a conveyor belt, which is special in that the belt in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the belt is made from one single chain link, and that the transport top surface comprises a wide main portion and the top part of the eye projections which are flush with the main portion, such that the belt surface is substantially without apertures and/or openings and further that the hinge-like assembly arrangement is fully accessible only from the underside of the belt. By this inventive chain link is achieved that the narrow gaps between each assembled chain link in the prior art is not present such that from a hygienic point of view it becomes much easier to clean the entire conveyor belt satisfactory in that for each chain link, which usually constitutes 40-60 mm of the total length of the conveyor belt, which altogether, especially for deboning lines, might be 300-400 meter long, no gaps are present.

Abstract: A belt module having a peripheral frame and a network of channels or holes disposed in an upper surface for attaching a high friction material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chain for use in a three-dimensional conveyor line, formed from synthetic resin-made chain links A connected endlessly to each other by a shaft pin C. The chain link A includes a top plate part A2 on which a product to be conveyed is placed, and a link part A1 formed under the top plate part to couple two adjacent chain links to each other and which includes a projecting head portion 1 and a pair of leg pieces 2. The upper surface of the projecting head portion 1 is formed circular nearly along a circle whose center lies on the longitudinal axis of the shaft pin C and smoothly contiguous to the upper surface of the top plate part A2. The length of the top plate part A2 in the conveying direction is set shorter than the chain pitch. The top plate part A2 has a lower slant face 11 formed on the front edge thereof, and also formed on the central rear edge thereof a curved concavity 7 with a concave slant face 7a.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt assembly having a plurality of modular links, each of the modular links including a pair of first projecting legs and a pair of second projecting legs, the first projecting legs each having an inwardly projecting engagement element and the second projecting legs each having an engagement slot. The plurality of modular links are interconnected to form a conveyor belt through engagement of the engagement elements in the engagement slots.

Abstract: A module having a flat top construction with a planar deck extending to opposed link ends provided with pivot rod openings. The pivot rod openings are oval-shaped with the longitudinal axis of the oval aligned at a 45° angle with respect to and toward the planar surface of the deck. The link ends have a proximal, planar upper surface portion extending from the deck and forming into a distal, curved upper surface portion beginning at a position almost vertically aligned with the outer longitudinal extent of the oval pivot rod openings. The distal portion of the link ends has an inwardly angled, planar outer surface extending downwardly from the curved upper surface portion to a position substantially horizontally coplanar with a lower extent of the pivot rod openings and then to an inwardly curved surface leading to a planar bottom of the link ends. The inner portion of the link ends curves upwardly to a planar bottom surface of the deck.

Abstract: To provide an improved conveyor chain, which can convey even a conveying object having high center of gravity at high speed without felling it down in a curved conveying section. A conveyor chain according to the present invention has a plurality of links (10) arranged in rows. Each of the links includes a top plate (11) having a flat top surface (12) and a hinge portion (13) provided on the top plate pin-connected to a hinge portion of a link positioned on the front side and to a hinge portion positioned on the rear side. Edges (19, 24) adjacent to links positioned on the front and rear sides in the top plate and the hinge portions are composed of curved surfaces. An angle of inclination formed by a flat surface (31) including a tangential line with respect to the edge and the top surface (12) of the top plate (11) is formed to be smaller as it goes from the central axis of said link in its arrangement direction toward a link side.

Abstract: The crossover conveyor chain system includes a first conveyor chain (S1) and a second conveyor chain (S2) crossing the first conveyor chain (S1) to transfer the product from the first conveyor chain (S1) to the second conveyor chain (S2) while reorienting the product to a direction nearly perpendicular to that on the first conveyor chain (S1). The first conveyor chain (S1) is supported on an end bar (10) or a small-diameter sprocket, and the second conveyor chain (S2) is formed a plurality of chain unit pairs each including at least two types of chain units (A) different in length from each other and a coupling pin (B). Each of the chain units (A) has front convex portions (1) and front concave portions (3), disposed alternately at the front thereof, rear convex portions (2) and rear concave portions (4), disposed alternately at the back thereof, and a transfer overhanging portion (7) formed integrally at one lateral thereof.

Abstract: A module for a modular conveyor belt has a plurality of projections on its top surface for supporting objects. The module may include drainage openings through which fluids can drain from objects disposed on the projections. The projections can be used to prevent objects from adhering to the top surface of the module and/or to immobilize the objects during movement of a conveyor belt including the module.

Abstract: A conveyor oven for cooking food items, having a conveyor belt that passes through the oven. The conveyor belt may include a plurality of tablets composed of a stone-like material attached to a stainless steel linking assembly, or alternatively, a drive chain. Infrared radiation heat sources are provided above and below the conveyor belt. Food passing through the oven on the conveyor belt is cooked by heat transferred directly from radiant heat sources. Cooking is also facilitated by heating stone-like tablets of the conveyor belt with infrared heat sources inserted inside the conveyor belt loop. Heat is transferred from the tablets to the food items, producing superior qualities in the cooked food. Waste heat is reduced by providing a means for automatic control of the heating elements.

Abstract: Modular plastic conveyor belt modules with flexible flights. The belt modules are molded out of a hard thermoplastic material. Upstanding structure made out of a resilient rubber-like material is bonded to a base portion of the belt module to form a flexible flight that can yield to obstructions and blows that might otherwise damage flights made of less resilient materials.

Abstract: A joint for toothed belt aimed at conveying articles, with the belt including an inner central layer, which defines the belt body, an upper layer, which defines a surface for receiving articles to be conveyed, and a lower layer featuring teeth, includes: first connecting mechanism, attached in an irremovable way to the central layer in the area of the terminal section of a belt first edge to be joined; second connecting mechanism, attached irremovably to the central layer in the area of the terminal section of a belt second edge to be joined. After the first edge had been moved close to the second edge to complete a closed loop formed by the belt, the first connecting mechanism and second connecting mechanism engage with each other and are reciprocally locked in a removable way by locking mechanism, acting crosswise to the belt in the area of the central layer, to join the first edge and second edge.

Abstract: Split belt modules used to construct modular plastic conveyor belts. Each module includes a first piece and a second piece, each of which has sets of hinge eyes on opposite ends. The module pieces mate to form complete belt modules. Hinge pins extending through the hinge eyes at the ends of each module connect the pieces together. Other components, such as rollers, can be inserted into and removed from the unmated pieces and retained in place by retention structure when the module pieces are mated.

Abstract: A conveyor belt is made up of plastic links that are capable of traversing a radiused or curved path. The links are provided with a cover member, such as a plate. Articles to be conveyed are put on top of the plates. The links are interconnected together so as to reduce the exposure of gaps between the links. Each link has a slot on the ends, with the slot receiving a guiderail or track. Each slot has a convex inside surface which contacts the guiderail. The belt is supported by side frames, which side frames have lips that form the tracks. Each side frame has an upper lip and a lower lip. Thus, the side frames can support and guide both an upper portion of the conveyor belt as well as a lower portion of the conveyor belt in a self contained assembly. The side frames are coupled together by cross beams to provide the support, as well as provide a path of the tracks. The side frames are coupled to vertical supports.

Abstract: A chain conveyor assembly having the combination of a polymeric material and a hard diamond-like coating at the frictional interface of the chain links. The conveyor chain preferably includes male and female links connected to one another by connector pins. The shaft of each connector pin is coated with a diamond-like coating having high hardness, low friction and low wear characteristics. Opposite ends of the connector pins are connected to the female link while the shaft of the connector pin passes through the male link. A polymeric bushing is fitted to the male link in engagement with the shaft of the connector pin. Accordingly, relative movement between the links occurs at the interface of the DLC connector pin and the polymeric bushing.

Abstract: A two-material hinge pin for hingedly interconnecting consecutive rows of belt modules together into a modular plastic conveyor belt. The hinge pin includes an interior rod surrounded by an outer tube. The interior rod is made of a rigid material, such as acetal, nylon, polypropylene, PVC, or steel. The outer tube is made of urethane, which provides inherent abrasion resistance in contact with the belt modules and is especially effective in abrasive environments.

Abstract: An article-diverting conveyor belt and modules for constructing such a belt. The conveyor belt includes a series of modules interconnected end to end to other like modules. At least some of the modules include a module body with a positioning belt arranged to move transversely on the module body. A cam follower, attached to the positioning belt, extends below the bottom side of the module. A transport element, also attached to the positioning belt, extends above the top side of the module. The transport element may be a separate piece attached to the positioning belt or an integral outer surface of the positioning belt. The cam follower is guided along a track in the bottom side of the module by a network of guides in a supporting conveyor frame beneath the conveyor belt along the carryway. Because the transport element is attached to the positioning belt on the top side of the module, movement of the cam follower causes the transport element to move by means of the positioning belt.

Abstract: A platform-top modular radius belt capable of conveying articles along a conveying path that includes straight and curved segments. The belt is constructed of a series of rows of belt modules hingedly interconnected by hinge pins received in aligned apertures formed in interleaved hinge elements of adjacent belt rows. A product support platform is attached to intermediate belt module structure to form a generally continuous article-conveying surface. An overhang forms an extension of the conveying surface and extends over hinge elements along one end of the row to form a gap between the overhang and the hinge elements. An edge portion of the product support platform extends from and is recessed below the level of the conveying surface. The recessed edge of a belt row is received in the gap of an adjacent row below the overlying overhang without interference to allow the inside edge of the modular platform-top belt to collapse at the inside of a turn.

Abstract: A module for a modular conveyor belt has a plurality of projections on its top surface for supporting objects. The module may include drainage openings through which fluids can drain from objects disposed on the projections. The projections can be used to prevent objects from adhering to the top surface of the module and/or to immobilize the objects during movement of a conveyor belt including the module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor chain (1) with a plurality of main links (2) which are moveably interconnected by connecting links (4). A first end of a first main link (2) forms a first joint (6) with a first end of a connecting link (4) in the longitudinal direction of the chain. Said joint (6) allows a pivoting movement about an axis (A), essentially at a right angle to the longitudinal direction of the chain and essentially parallel to the chain surface. The second end of the connecting link (4) forms a second joint (8) with the second end of the next main link (2). The second joint allows a pivoting movement about an axis (B), perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chain and the pivoting axis (A) of the first joint (8). The two axes (A, B) are situated in different planes when seen in the longitudinal direction of the chain.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt formed of rows of belt modules pivotally interlinked by transverse pivot rods and specially adapted for following a curved conveyor path. The modules include a top, product conveying surface and a bottom, sprocket-driven surface. The belt modules have a plurality of first link ends disposed in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt and a plurality of second link ends disposed in the opposite direction. Transverse holes in the link ends are aligned to accommodate a pivot rod. When the link ends of the consecutive rows of side by side modules are intercalated, the pivot rod serves as a hinge pin in a hinged joint between consecutive interlinked rows. To permit the belt to flex sidewise, the openings in the first link ends are slotted longitudinally in the direction of belt travel.

Abstract: A method for assembling a conveyor belt and a conveyor belt is provided, the conveyor belt including a plurality of elongated rods, a plurality of slide-in overlay elements, and a plurality of retaining overlay elements having a vertical opening to allow vertical insertion of the retaining overlay element on to an elongated rod. In one embodiment, the vertical opening includes a retainer such as a clip that resists removal of the retaining overlay element from the elongated rod. In another embodiment, the slide-in overlay element includes a lock mechanism which locks the retaining overlay element with the slide-in overlay element to resist removal of the retaining overlay element. The lock mechanism preferably includes a lock protrusion on the slide-in overlay element, and an interlock protrusion provided on the retaining overlay element offset relative to one another to allow interlocking of the lock protrusion with the interlock protrusion.

Abstract: Structure and method for maintaining side-by-side belt modules aligned in a belt row of a modular conveyor belt in the absence of a hinge pin along at least a portion of one end of the belt row. Mating engagement structure on confronting sides of side-by-side modules maintains the modules in alignment. One version of mating engagement structure includes a protrusion, such as a rectangular pad, extending from a side of a belt module and a mating receptacle formed at the confronting side of an adjacent side-by-side module. The receptacle is defined by discontinuous wall structure forming a gap opening toward the top or bottom surface of the module. The modules are put together by sliding the protrusion into the receptacle through the gap in the wall structure. When modules with the mating engagement structure are interconnected side by side by a hinge pin through the hinge eyes along one end, the modules remain aligned despite the absence of a hinge pin interconnecting the hinge eyes on the opposite end.

Abstract: A chain conveyor link (10) pressed in plastic material comprises a plate (11) defining on top a conveyance surface (12) of the conveyor.

Abstract: A modular link conveyor system (10) for transporting articles is provided having a plurality of modular link sections (15) providing a support surface for the articles and wherein one or more rollers (30) are positioned in the underside of selected link sections (12) to provide support by rolling on a guide rail (25, 26) of the conveyor system (10). Each link section (12) includes at least one interengaging apex (13) and leg portion (14) having a matching hole (22) and slot (21) for receiving a transverse rod (20) to permit side flexing action. An enclosure (36, 37) for each roller (30) provides protective encapsulation along at least the two sides and substantially around the rolling face to prevent debris build up. Advantageously, at least one roller (30) is mounted in each side link section (13, 14) that also provides a depending arm (28) and transverse tab (29) for lateral guiding action. The link sections (15) are combined to form a composite link and a cover plate provides an extended support surface.

Abstract: A chain conveyor formed from a plurality of modules or links (1a, b, c) connected together by pins (2a, b) which are inserted through holes (4, 4A) present in said modules or links (1a, b, c) and are prevented from escaping by axially counteracting elements (5) mounted in seats (6) also present in said modules or links (1a, b, c), in which said axially counteracting elements (5) present a flexible tang (5c) which, when the axially counteracting element is mounted in the seat (6), intersects an end portion (4A) of the holes (4, 4A) through which the pin (2a, b, c) is inserted, to thus prevent said pin withdrawing from said holes (4, 4A), such withdrawal however being enabled by deflecting the flexible tang (5)

Abstract: A conveyor mat comprises a number of plastic modules succeeding each other in a conveying direction and whose top sides form a conveying face and provided with converging hinge loops which have equal basic forms and which alternately extend forwards and rearwards relative to the conveying direction and successive modules are coupled by means of hinge pins, such that the forwardly extending hinge loops of the rearmost module can slide between the rearwardly extending hinge loops of the next module between a slide-out position and a slide-in position, a sidewall of a forwardly extending hinge loop is provided with a projection which in the slide-out position cooperates with the top of the adjacent, rearwardly extending hinge loop, and the sidewall of the adjacent hinge loop is provided with a recess in which the projection can be received during sliding into the slide-in position.

Abstract: A spiral conveyor with a belt having rollers at the inside edge. The spiral conveyor includes a rotating tower with a conveyor belt following a helical path around the tower. Rollers extending outward from the inner side edge of the belt have an axis of rotation generally parallel to the helical path. The rollers engage the outer surface of the tower in high-friction rubbing contact in the circumferential direction, but in low friction rolling contact in the vertical direction to provide a low-tension spiral conveyor system. The belt is preferably a modular conveyor belt constructed of a series of rows of belt modules connected together at hinge joints.

Abstract: A conveyor chain has a number of chain units connected together by connecting pins in an endless fashion. Each of the chain units is composed of a plurality of inverted tooth plates disposed in the width direction of the chain, and a slat disposed on one side of the tooth plates and extending across the width of the chain transversely across the tooth plates for carrying an object to be conveyed. The tooth plates each have a pair of inverted teeth formed on the other side thereof for meshing with sprocket teeth, and a pair of pin-accommodation holes for receiving a pair of connecting pins, respectively. The connecting pins each connect adjacent two chain units such that the tooth plates of one chain unit are interleaved with the tooth plates of the other chain unit.

Abstract: A method for producing the conveyor assembly is also provided. A plurality of layers of reinforcing material are arranged in overlapping relation. A binding material such as thermoset urethane is deposited on the reinforcing material to bind the reinforcing materials together, thereby forming a composite material. A gripping material is deposited on the composite material, forming a gripping layer. The combined gripping layer and composite material are cured so that the gripping layer permanently bonds to the composite material. The combined gripping layer and composite material are then cut into a plurality of belt links, such that the gripping layer of each belt link is coextensive with the upper surface of the belt link. The belt links are then assembled to produce a link belt having a gripping surface formed from the gripping layers of the individual belt links.

Abstract: Split belt modules used to construct modular plastic conveyor belts. Each module includes a first piece and a second piece, each of which has sets of hinge eyes on opposite ends. The module pieces mate to form complete belt modules. Hinge pins extending through the hinge eyes at the ends of each module connect the pieces together. Other components, such as rollers, can be inserted into and removed from the unmated pieces and retained in place by retention structure when the module pieces are mated.

Abstract: A two-material hinge pin for hingedly interconnecting consecutive rows of belt modules together into a modular plastic conveyor belt. The hinge pin includes an interior rod surrounded by an outer tube. The interior rod is made of a rigid material, such as acetal, nylon, polypropylene, PVC, or steel. The outer tube is made of urethane, which provides inherent abrasion resistance in contact with the belt modules and is especially effective in abrasive environments.

Abstract: Structure and method for maintaining side-by-side belt modules aligned in a belt row of a modular conveyor belt in the absence of a hinge pin along at least a portion of one end of the belt row. Mating engagement structure on confronting sides of side-by-side modules maintains the modules in alignment. One version of mating engagement structure includes a protrusion, such as a rectangular pad, extending from a side of a belt module and a mating receptacle formed at the confronting side of an adjacent side-by-side module. The receptacle is defined by discontinuous wall structure forming a gap opening toward the top or bottom surface of the module. The modules are put together by sliding the protrusion into the receptacle through the gap in the wall structure. When modules with the mating engagement structure are interconnected side by side by a hinge pin through the hinge eyes along one end, the modules remain aligned despite the absence of a hinge pin interconnecting the hinge eyes on the opposite end.

Abstract: A conveyor belt and an attachment element that firmly interlocks into a row of the conveyor belt. In one version, the attachment element includes a base from which two sets of hook-shaped appendages extend. The appendages each include a shank portion extending from the base and a hook portion angling from the shank portion to a distal end. The hook portions of the first set extend in different directions from the hook portions of the second set. Belt modules in the interconnected rows of the conveyor belt have receptacles that open onto an outer surface of the belt. The receptacles are shaped to receive the differently-directed appendages. Blocking surfaces bounding the receptacles constrain the differently-directed appendages against removal. In another version, the attachment element includes a flange that extends outward in a different direction from a set of appendages.

Abstract: A module for a modular conveyor belt, is described. The module is of a sandwich layer construction having a core polymeric material completely surrounded by a skin polymeric material. The skin material includes an antimicrobial material for inhibiting bacterial growth on the module, and the conveyor belt is particularly useful for conveying and transporting foods including food processing and food handling applications.

Abstract: A roller adapted to be rotatably mounted on a bushing of each link assembly of a chain comprises a split roller composed of two roller segments assembled together. The split roller can be easily mounted on the bushing from a radial direction of the bushing even though the bushing is integrally formed with links to form a single link assembly. The link assembly has a one-piece structure and hence is improved in strength and rigidity. The bushing of the link assembly is free from damage or break even when the chain is subjected to a great tensile force.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt formed of rows of belt modules pivotally interlinked by transverse pivot rods and specially adapted for following a curved conveyor path. The modules include a top, product conveying surface and a bottom, sprocket-driven surface. The belt modules have a plurality of first link ends disposed in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt and a plurality of second link ends disposed in the opposite direction. Transverse holes in the link ends are aligned to accommodate a pivot rod. When the link ends of the consecutive rows of side by side modules are intercalated, the pivot rod serves as a hinge pin in a hinged joint between consecutive interlinked rows. To permit the belt to flex sidewise, the openings in the first link ends are slotted longitudinally in the direction of belt travel.

Abstract: A chain conveyor assembly having the combination of a polymeric material and a hard diamond-like coating at the frictional interface of the chain links. The conveyor chain preferably includes male and female links connected to one another by connector pins. The shaft of each connector pin is coated with a diamond-like coating having high hardness, low friction and low wear characteristics. Opposite ends of the connector pins are connected to the female link while the shaft of the connector pin passes through the male link. A polymeric bushing is fitted to the male link in engagement with the shaft of the connector pin. Accordingly, relative movement between the links occurs at the interface of the DLC connector pin and the polymeric bushing.

Abstract: A module having a cross-rib that is alternately offset from a centerline of the module and that is used in connection with a double row sprocket with alternating sprocket teeth. The module is of the type where a series of spaced apart link ends extending from each side of the module include aligned apertures to accommodate a pivot rod. The link ends along one end of a row of modules are interconnected with the link ends of an adjacent row. A pivot rod journaled in the aligned apertures of the side-by-side and end-to-end connected modules forms a hinge between adjacent rows. Rows of belt modules are then connected together to form an endless conveyor belt capable of articulating about a drive sprocket.

Abstract: Modules for plastic conveyor belts may comprise a body and a resilient stop cooperatively arranged with the body. The body has at least one aperture which may receive a pivot rod. The resilient stop is preferably bendable in the direction of insertion of the pivot rod and/or in the direction toward the aperture or the pivot axis. Methods of assembling plastic conveyor modules may include bending a resilient stop in the direction of insertion of the pivot rod, and methods of disassembling plastic conveyor modules may include bending a resilient stop toward a pivot rod. Methods of maintaining pivot rods in position in an aperture of a plastic conveyor module may include reacting a resilient stop against axial outward movement of the pivot rod.

Abstract: A module having a flat top construction with a planar deck extending to opposed link ends provided with pivot rod openings. The pivot rod openings are oval-shaped with the longitudinal axis of the oval aligned at a 45° angle with respect to and toward the planar surface of the deck. The link ends have a proximal, planar upper surface portion extending from the deck and forming into a distal, curved upper surface portion beginning at a position almost vertically aligned with the outer longitudinal extent of the oval pivot rod openings. The distal portion of the link ends has an inwardly angled, planar outer surface extending downwardly from the curved upper surface portion to a position substantially horizontally coplanar with a lower extent of the pivot rod openings and then to an inwardly curved surface leading to a planar bottom of the link ends. The inner portion of the link ends curves upwardly to a planar bottom surface of the deck.

Abstract: Side-flexing conveyor belt for use in a conveyor comprising a number of chain links which are joined together in a hinge like manner to form the belt, having at least one chain link arranged with a friction reducing wheel member in an outer part of the belt and that said wheel member is arranged to reduce friction in a plane parallel to the width plane of the conveyor belt. By arranging the wheel in an outer part of the belt, which is the most stable part of the belt due toe the tension arising from the belt going through a curve, an effective guidance and friction reducing effect is achieved.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt (20) constructed of a series of rows (24, 25) of belt modules hingedly interlined by tapered oblong hinge pins (22) and suitable for following straight or curved conveyor paths. Aligned slots (30) formed in one set of hinge elements between successive rows are elongated in the direction of belt travel to allow the belt to fan out in turns. Fan-shaped apertures (38) formed in interleaved hinge elements of an adjacent row and aligned axially with the slots to admit a hinge pin (22) allow the belt to pivot at the hinge to articulate about a sprocket (181) or idler (186) or to enter and exit an incline. The oblong hinge pin has a first region at a first end (88) with a constant long axis to share the belt load among hinge elements encompassing the first region on straight runs.

Abstract: A conveyor belt is made up of plastic links that are capable of traversing a radiused or curved path. The links are provided with a cover member, such as a plate. Articles to be conveyed are put on top of the plates. The links are interconnected together so as to reduce the exposure of gaps between the links. Each link has a slot on the ends; with the slot receiving a guiderail or track. Each slot has a convex inside surface which contacts the guiderail. The belt is supported by side frames, which side frames have lips that form the tracks. Each side frame has an upper lip and a lower lip. Thus, the side frames can support and guide both an upper portion of the conveyor belt as well as a lower portion of the conveyor belt in a self contained assembly. The side frames are coupled together by cross beams to provide the support, as well as provide a path of the tracks. The side frames are coupled to vertical supports.

Abstract: A conveyor chain manufactured from plastic, which is adapted to move at higher speeds than has been conventional heretofore and which is consequently particularly suitable to be used in a conveying system together with a conveyor mat to take over products from this mat or feed them to it. The chain has as a specific property that the front edge and the rear edge of the bearing surface of the chain link are of curved, preferably elliptically-shaped design in the plane of the bearing surface, that the single hinge eye at the rear edge of the bearing surface has an upper surface which extends in the same plane as the bearing surface and which engages through a convexly shaped end in a correspondingly shaped recess in the bearing surface of the adjacent link coupled thereto through the hinge pin. By these measures the transition of products to and from the chain proceeds extremely smoothly at high speeds too.