Abstract: Modular belting for use in the food processing industry having a smooth, planed surface, and an apparatus and method for refurbishing damaged belting. The apparatus includes a frame with a conveyor system. A mechanism is attached to the frame for removing a desired amount of the belting surface as the belting moves relative to the frame on the conveyor system.

Abstract: An endless belt for supporting a continuous web of filter media and moving it through liquid filtration apparatus where a pressure differential is applied across the belt and media. The belt may be fabricated at relatively low cost while retaining the required tensile strength. The belt is formed from a plurality of unique, unitary portions termed "hinge members" which are arranged in longitudinal columns and lateral rows, a plurality of links between each pair of laterally adjacent hinge members and connecting rods extending the full width of the belt through aligned openings in looped portions of the hinge members and openings in the links. The hinge members are preferably formed from a continuous strip of sheet metal by stamping and bending operations, with the links providing added tensile strength.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt is formed of interconnected modules having upper sides which divide the belt into longitudinal or transverse lane;, for conveying items which are either generally elongated so as to fit lengthwise in the lanes, or are generally round or otherwise adapted for lying together in extended rows, for aid in inspection, sorting or packaging. Ridges between lanes may support items for cooling, such as cooked foods. Formed as parallel troughs, the lanes in one embodiment are defined by the upper surfaces of forward and rearward link ends and of a transverse connecting section of the modules. Two specific embodiments have lanes defined on top of a solid platform belt, one with longitudinal lanes and one with transverse lanes.

Abstract: Side-flexing conveyor belt built up of a number of chain links which are joined together in a hinge-like manner by means of transverse rods (5, 6) through openings in the individual chain links. Use is made of chain links of at least two types, i.e. edge chain links (1, 2) with one-sided reinforcement (18), and module chain links (3, 4) between the edge chain links. The chain links of both types can be configured in various module breadths, and the individual links are staggered in relation to one another. Each link has a first row of eye parts (12) with mutual intervals between them in the transverse direction, and with elongated holes in line with one another for the engagement of a transverse rod, and a second row of eye parts (11) disposed midway between the first-mentioned eye parts and with holes in line with one another for the engagement of a second transverse rod, and the two sets of eye parts are held together by a transversely-extending bridge part.

Abstract: A conveyor belt with rods and connective links that engage one another so as to resist lateral and rotational movement about the rods during conveyor operation. The links are affixed on the rods by resistance welding the rod to the link apertures. In addition to the resistance weld, the rods include diametrically enlarged protrusions or swells that are placed proximate the link apertures to constrain the links from lateral movement on the rod. At the ends of the rod, this protrusion is in the form of an upset or button head. Alternative embodiments also include rotational constraints of the links relative to the rod. The additional fixation steps such as manual welding used in conventional belt manufacture are thus eliminated. By affixing the links and rods together in the manner disclosed, repeated movements of the link legs relative to the rods are eliminated thereby significantly reducing the chances of fatigue failure of the links.

Abstract: A reduced friction conveyer chain is used for conveying aluminum cans, glass bottles, PET bottles and other objects in a conveyer chain system where such objects are produced continuously. The conveyer chain is especially useful in the system where the objects being conveyed are slid on the surface of the chain and relatively thereto. Since the kinetic friction coefficient of the outer surfaces of the links, which constitute the conveyer chain and on which the objects to be conveyed are put, is reduced, the slidability of the links is improved, and the bottom surfaces of the objects being conveyed are prevented from being scratched.

Abstract: A conveyor chain unit possessing a central straight rib extending longitudinally from one end of the unit to the other end. The rib has a vertical height extending from the conveying surface to the bottom surface of the unit. A plurality of pairs of vertical side walls extend from the rib perpendicular to through-holes to form projections. The projections are positioned alternately on opposite sides of the rib having equal interval spacing. The number of the projections on one side is even and identical to the projections on the opposite side. At least one pair of projections positioned on opposite sides of the rib have recesses that are formed at the rib, and the projections are connected along the full height of the rib and spaced in a manner that chain units may be coupled together interchangeably via projections on either side of the rib.

Abstract: A modular link conveyor including a plurality of modular link assemblies made up of links of an improved design assembled to create a closely interdigitating conveying surface is disclosed. The improved links eliminate undesirable gaps or openings in the conveying surface. Particularly, the improved links include a forwardly extending tongue, projecting from the leading apex of the link, which occupies an open space between the trailing apexes of the legs of the next forward link, thus minimizing the tendency of foreign objects from falling into the open space. The topside of the tongue is tapered downward so as to lift free any objects present in the open spaces primarily while the conveyor is maneuvering through a turn. A forwardly projecting finger, positioned between adjoining links, is also provided for filling a void between the adjoining links. The finger aids in dislodging any foreign objects present in an opening between the legs of the next forward adjoining link, also primarily during turning.

Abstract: Germicidal composition for incorporation into polymeric materials molded to form germicidally protected conveyor components used for food handling. Germicidally protected conveyor components are also provided.

Abstract: To provide a lightweight, rust-free conveyor which is easy to install, remove, and repair. In a plastic conveyor belt, belt element pieces which have connecting holes opening widthwise are joined by communicating the connecting holes lengthwise and are disposed at both widthwise ends. A rod is inserted in a common hole formed at a joint for connection at a lengthwise end, and the respective belt element pieces are rotatably joined around rods to form an endless belt. Rods are installed widthwise between the belt element pieces. A plastic conveyor belt is provided having plastic belt element pieces and rods composed of metallic cores and plastic sheaths, and a conveyor apparatus drives the plastic conveyor belt with a sprocket.

Abstract: A link in a chain for conveying--in an unusually reliable manner--products such as containers, packets and the like in a given direction, comprises a link body with opposite side edges, a pin which is inserted through the link body and has head and tail ends supported in the side edges, and a plurality of rollers mounted so that they can rotate idly on the pin between the side edges, the head end of the pin being inserted in the corresponding side edge by means of a snap action.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving an extruded strand of sausage from an extruding machine for coagulating the outer surface of said strand of sausage has a frame, a continuous conveyor on the frame sloping downwardly from a point of beginning to a discharge station, and thence back to the point of beginning, a brine fluid circuit disposed on the frame above the conveyor with a plurality of discharge nozzles thereon to spray brine on a strand of sausage moving with the conveyor, the conveyor being comprised of a plurality of link elements pivotally secured together, each link element having a generally flat supporting surface, the supporting surface having a plurality of protruding support elements thereon with liquid channels therebetween so that the strand of sausage can have a lower surface supported by a plurality of laterally extending elements whereupon brine fluid in the channels can contact the lower surface of the strand of sausage above the channels.

Abstract: A conveyor belt is formed from a plurality of conveyor links having crest and valley link bodies and apertures. The links are interwoven together and operatively coupled together by hinge pins extending in a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction of travel. Each link as on at least one end, an integral drive arm in the same plane as the link body and adapted to engage a drive element. The drive arm has an angled surface and a straight surface. The angled surface biases the drive element inward and into abutment with the straight surface of a neighboring link to provide a stable operating engagement between the drive element and conveyor link.

Abstract: A plastic module for a conveyor mat, each module comprising on both sides over the entire width a number of equidistant hinge eyes and having a closed bearing surface, the hinge eyes being coupled on a side of a module to those of a module adjoining in the longitudinal direction of the mat by means of a hinge pin. According to the invention a lip-shaped flexible member is provided in the outermost hinge eye of the module includes and extends transversely over the opening for the hinge pin into a part of the hinge eye extended to the longitudinal center of the module, where the lip-shaped member is attached to an end wall of the extended portion. The opposite end wall of the hinge eye is provided with a cam-shaped projection for cooperation with the free end of the lip-shaped member so that this member can be fixed in a position blocking the hinge pin.

Abstract: A transfer conveyor having a frame assembly in which a large diameter drive roller is mounted together with tension rollers. A pair of small diameter nose bars are mounted on each end of the frame assembly, and an endless conveyor belt of fabric or plastic chain is looped around the drive roller, tension rollers, and nose bars. A quick release tension mechanism is operatively connected between the frame assembly and one of the tension rollers, whereby the belt can be removed from the rollers and nose bars without the use of any special tools. A lateral adjustment mechanism is operatively connected between the frame assembly and upper run of the endless conveyor belt, whereby the transfer belt can be maintained in alignment with two other conveyors between which the transfer conveyor is interposed, and a quick disconnect mechanism is also provided for releasing the transfer conveyor from a base support.

Abstract: A transfer conveyor having a frame assembly in which a large diameter drive roller is mounted together with tension rollers. A pair of small diameter nose bars are mounted on each end of the frame assembly, and an endless conveyor belt of fabric or plastic chain is looped around the drive roller, tension rollers, and nose bars. A quick release tension mechanism is operatively connected between the frame assembly and one of the tension rollers, whereby the belt can be removed from the rollers and nose bars without the use of any special tools. A lateral adjustment mechanism is operatively connected between the frame assembly and upper run of the endless conveyor belt, whereby the transfer belt can be maintained in alignment with two other conveyors between which the transfer conveyor is interposed, and a quick disconnect mechanism is also provided for releasing the transfer conveyor from a base support.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a conveyor having an intended direction of travel and comprising a link module extending transversely of the intended direction of conveyor travel and comprising a plurality of ears including a laterally located outer side ear having a bore extending transversely of the direction of intended conveyor travel, and a pair of gripping surfaces extending in spaced parallel relation to each other to define a gripping portion extending along the direction of intended conveyor travel, and a plug fabricated of resilient material and including a cylindrical barrel portion extending in said bore, and spaced surfaces extending parallel to and inwardly of said outer side surface to define a notch resiliently engaging said gripping portion of said outer side ear.

Abstract: A chain includes resin links 1 and resin link pins which are formed by molding a mixture of polyacetal as resin material and 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent containing silver such as silver phosphate salt glass, which antibacterial agent is dispersed homogeneously in the resin material. The growth of bacteria and fungi on a chain for conveying products such as food and medicines is suppressed.

Abstract: A conveyor belt having a drive mechanism and specifically rod and side link connections in the belt. The belt includes a plurality of pivotal link members by which the belt can collapse or extend along a side edge to follow a curved path. One end of each of the link members along the edge of the belt that engages the drive mechanism is formed into a hook-shape. The belt also includes a plurality of transverse rod members. At least one end of each rod is headless and is captured within the hook-shaped end of a link member. This results in the hook-shaped end of the link member engaging the drive mechanism, with the rod end being secured to the link member within the hook-shaped end of the link.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and for conveying fabrics, individual articles and other material, in particular for feeding web-shaped material into a machine which processes it, for example a paper web into a printing machine, with at least one conveyor element formed for engagement with the material, a guide rail, in and/or along which the conveyor element(s) can move, and a drive device comprising the conveyor element in order to convey the material into and/or through the machine via the conveyor element, wherein the drive device is formed by an electric linear motor whose secondary part or rotor device comprises and/or bears the conveyor element(s) and whose primary part or stator device is mounted in a stationary manner on the guide rail, and the guide rail is formed from a non-magnetic and non-conducting or electrically insulating material, preferably a plastics material, and comprises therein one or more electrical conductor strands to which the stator device is coupled and/or connected so as to be ene

Abstract: A transfer conveyor having a frame assembly in which a large diameter drive roller is mounted together with tension rollers. A pair of small diameter nose bars are mounted on each end of the frame assembly, and an endless conveyor belt of fabric or plastic chain is looped around the drive roller, tension rollers, and nose bars. A quick release tension mechanism is operatively connected between the frame assembly and one of the tension rollers, whereby the belt can be removed from the rollers and nose bars without the use of any special tools. A lateral adjustment mechanism is operatively connected between the frame assembly and upper run of the endless conveyor belt, whereby the transfer belt can be maintained in alignment with two other conveyors between which the transfer conveyor is interposed, and a quick disconnect mechanism is also provided for releasing the transfer conveyor from a base support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor provided with a frame and with an endless conveying element, which can be moved in a longitudinal direction by a drive mechanism during operation. The conveying element furthermore includes interconnected carriers, which are pivotable with respect to each other about upwardly extending pivot pins. The carriers are guided by guide wheels coupled to the carriers, which during operation roll on guide rails connected to the frame, and which are near end portion thereof provided with guide wheels, which are rotatable about axes of rotation extending parallel to the pivot pins. A pivot pin, about which a carrier is pivotable with respect to the adjacent carrier, lies in one plane with the axes of rotation extending parallel to the pivot pin of the guide wheels provided on the adjacent carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor belt having a plurality of link assemblies. Each of the link assemblies has a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side. A forward shaft opening extends through the forward end of each link assembly and a rearward shaft opening extends through the rearward end of each link assembly. A plurality of link shafts are provided for interconnecting adjacently disposed link assemblies such that the link assemblies are laterally movable relative to adjacently disposed link assemblies. One of the link shafts extends through the forward shaft opening of each of the link assemblies and through the rearward shaft openings of an adjacently disposed link assembly.

Abstract: A modular link of a conveyor belt is provided with belt edge structure for retaining in the belt so that it may not escape or protrude from a belt edge a headless pivot rod journalled in apertures in interdigitated link ends interconnecting adjacent links. The retention structure provides a shuttling plug movable into two bistable positions within a mating shuttle cavity having an open end and a blind end. The cavity extends transversely in the link between two link end pivot rod journalling apertures to intersect only one journalling aperture. The two bistable states for the shuttle plug respectively (1) lock the headless pivot rod in place in a stable pivot rod occluding position extending into said journalling aperture, and (2) permits the headless pivot rod to enter or leave the journalled position by movement of the shuttle plug out of the occluding position into a second stable position.

Abstract: A conveyor belt is made from rows of plastic conveyor belt modules having interfitting end members in adjacent rows connected by a lateral pivot rods extending through aligned holes in the end members. To retain the pivot rods in place an outermost end member of each module is provided with an aperture intersecting its pivot rod hole at a location adjacent one end of the pivot rod. A rotary cylindrical stop member is fitted in the aperture to block the end of the pivot rod. The stop member has a lateral through-bore which can be aligned with the pivot rod hole when the stop member is rotated in the aperture to a release position so that the pivot rod can be removed through the stop member.

Abstract: This invention provides improvements in modular links and conveyor belt systems for transferring moving articles from one conveyor belt to another disposed at ninety degrees. Thus a transferring belt has specially constructed links with two integrally formed portions across the width, one for pivotable connection in a moving belt configuration and the other specially constructed with features for more effective transfer of articles from the edge of a transfer belt to a moving belt disposed at ninety degrees which excludes inter-link pivoting structure. Thus with specially formed belt edge transfer modular links, a planar edge transfer platform is formed by the upper surfaces of a series of link end and belt edge planar conveyance surfaces located on the respective belt links.

Abstract: A conveyor is provided with at least one flexible elongated transporter which is movable lengthwise by a driving mechanism. Overlapping platforms are coupled to the transporter by the use of supports. At least some of the supports connecting the platforms to the transport mechanism are capable of pivoting movement with respect to the transporter about pivot pins extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the transporter. Mechanisms are provided for causing selected supports and the platforms connected thereto to pivot about associated pivot pins in at least one predetermined place. The supports are arranged in spaced-apart groups of two supports disposed near each other, whereby the platforms connected to the supports of one group extend from the respective supports in a direction away from each other.

Abstract: The conveyor belt assembly includes links having forward and rearwardly laterally spaced projections with forward and rearward projections of adjacent links being interdigitated and coupled to one another by a shaft passing through the aligned openings of the link projections. The shaft includes a headed end having two retainer sections with projections extending in diametrically opposite directions outside of the peripheral confines of the shaft. Diametrically opposite inset portions at axially spaced locations are also provided. By inserting the non-headed end of the shaft through the aligned openings and pressing the headed end through the first opening, the headed end is deformed laterally, first in one direction and then in an opposite direction, in order to pass through the end opening into a lock cavity. The projections prevent axial movement of the shaft in respective opposite directions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a conveyor including a first conveyor element having an end comprising a series of eyes spaced from each other, defining therebetween a series of spaces, and including a sub-series of centrally located eyes respectively including therein openings aligned with respect to each other, and an end eye adjacent one end of the sub-series of centrally located eyes and including therein an opening located in partial registry with the openings of the sub-series of centrally located eyes and including an abutment area located within an extended projection of the openings of the sub-series of centrally located eyes, a second conveyor element including an end comprising a series of eyes spaced from each other, extending into the spaces between the eyes of the first conveyor element, defining therebetween a series of spaces receiving the eyes of the first conveyor element, and respectively including therein openings aligned with respect to each other and with respect to the openings of the sub-series of

Abstract: The present invention provides a slat band chain for both straight and curved lines and a sprocket made of synthetic resin which the chain can engage with every other tooth of the sprocket. At least three reinforcement ribs 24a-24c connecting the front curled portions 14 with the rear curled portions 16 are installed. The width B, and the length C, of the rear curled portions in the feeding direction are set to the intermediate value of those conventional slat band chains for straight and curved lines.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt of heavy duty construction has a solid top with closely fitted together interdigited link ends or projections on the modules for minimizing dropping of particles, liquids, etc. from conveyed objects through the belt. The link ends extending in both directions from the belt are sharply tapered, generally triangular in shape so as to expose large gaps between the link ends and a large proportion of each connecting rod when the belt modules travel around a sprocket, making the gaps and the connecting rods more easily cleaned. The spacing between adjacent link ends is wide, minimizing the number of link ends and thus the number of gaps for cleaning. In addition, the link ends and the connecting rods are relatively heavy in dimension, providing for high tensile strength in the conveyor belt. The belt is driven by engagement of sprocket teeth between the generally cylindrical barrels of the link ends, at the underside of each module.

Abstract: A modular link conveyor including a plurality of modular link assemblies made up of links of an improved design assembled to create a closely interdigitating conveying surface is disclosed. The improved links eliminate undesirable gaps or openings in the conveying surface. Particularly, the improved links include a forwardly extending tongue, projecting from the leading apex of the link, which occupies an open space between the trailing apexes of the legs of the next forward link, thus minimizing the tendency of foreign objects from falling into the open space. The topside of the tongue is tapered downward so as to lift free any objects present in the open spaces primarily while the conveyor is maneuvering through a turn. A forwardly projecting finger, positioned between adjoining links, is also provided for filling a void between the adjoining links. The finger aids in dislodging any foreign objects present in an opening between the legs of the next forward adjoining link, also primarily during turning.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a conveyor comprising a first conveyor element including an end comprising a first series of eyes spaced from each other to define therebetween a series of spaces, having therein respective openings axially aligned with each other, and including an end eye, a second conveyor element including an end comprising a second series of eyes which are spaced from each other to define therebetween a series of spaces receiving the eyes of the first conveyor element, which extend into the spaces between the eyes of the first conveyor element, and which have therein respective openings axially aligned with respect to each other and axially aligned with respect to the openings of the eyes of the first conveyor element, a cylindrical hinge pin extending in the openings of the eyes of the first and second conveyor elements and including an end located adjacent the end eye of the first conveyor element, a plug fixed in the opening of the end eye of the first conveyor element and including an end in axial

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor having a first conveyor element including an end made of an interiorly located eye including therein an opening, and an end eye adjacently spaced from the interior eye to define therebetween a space and including therein an opening located in axial alignment with the opening in the interiorly located eye and having a given dimension, a second conveyor element including an end having an eye extending into the space between the end eye and the interiorly located eye and including therein an opening axially aligned with respect to the openings in the end eye and the interiorly located eye, and a hinge pin including a cylindrical portion extending in the opening in the interiorly located eye of the first conveyor element and in the opening in the eye of the second conveyor element, and an axially outwardly diverging conically shaped end portion extending axially from the cylindrical portion and including a diametrically and axially extending slot defining opposed barbs having o

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt formed of a large number of plastic belt modules includes plastic connecting rods, serially connecting belt modules, which are discontinuous in length. The discontinuous rods are made up of several coaxial pieces held in place by press fitting at the outer ends. Integral sideplates are disclosed for plastic conveyor belts, eliminating the need for separate tension-accepting sideplates secured to the outside edges of radius belts.

Abstract: The invention provides a conveying apparatus including an upstream conveyor, a downstream conveyor oriented perpendicularly to the upstream conveyor to form a butt turn, and a mechanism for transferring conveyed articles from the upstream conveyor to the downstream conveyor. The transfer mechanism includes guide rails that provide a corner to change the direction of travel of the conveyed articles and a transfer assist conveyor for supporting the articles as they travel between the upstream and downstream conveyors. The transfer assist conveyor runs alongside the upstream conveyor and has a cantilevered section that extends over the sprocket location of the downstream conveyor to perform the function of a prior art static transfer plate.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus having a plurality of link members pivotally connected. Each link member having a forward end, a rearward end, a lower side, and an upper side. The upper side having a plurality of spaced apart nodules extending upwardly therefrom which function to effectively decrease the friction between an object disposed on the conveyor apparatus and the conveying surface of the conveyor apparatus.

Abstract: A method for transferring conveyed articles to and from a plastic conveyor belt involves a flat transfer plate positioned directly adjacent to the end run of a plastic open-link modular conveyor belt. The belt is of the type with interdigited projections of modules connected by transverse rods, and driven by sprocket wheels. Either a straight belt or a belt capable of travel around lateral curves can be used. For the smooth transfer of conveyed articles onto and off the belt, the plastic belt modules have arched upper surfaces, each defining a short segment of a cylinder, so that when the belt passes over a sprocket wheel or roller at the end run, the upper surfaces of adjacent modules define a smooth half cylinder. A fixed preferably fixed transfer plate is positioned against the defined cylindrical surface, at or slightly below the level of the belt's upper surface.

Abstract: A conveyor belting comprising a plurality of like modules having a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent associated therewith, is described. The modules are of an integral molded construction and the antimicrobial agent is preferably a chlorinated phenoxy incorporated into the polymeric material comprising the modules. The belting of the present invention is particularly useful for conveying and transporting foods including food processing and food handling applications.

Abstract: A chain for conveying slices of a food product comprises a series of interlocking U shaped links each having a crossbar and two legs. The legs are provided with loops which partially surround the crossbar of an adjacent link. Some of the loops have an endpiece which is bent through at least 270.degree. and is provided with an elongated tip which extends appreciably from and at substantially right angles to the plane of the chain. These tips penetrate the slices and ensure that they are carried by the chain without slippage. Preferably each endpiece having a tip is adjacent the outer portion of a leg so that the mechanism for lifting the slice from the chain can operate in the closest possible proximity to the tip in order to reduce bending of the slice.

Abstract: A link (11, 111, 211) for a chain conveyor running along a guide (12, 112, 212) comprises at least one sliding surface moving on the guide. At least part (25, 125, 225) of the sliding surface belongs to a sliding element (24, 124, 224) fastened to the link. The sliding element is advantageously removable for replacement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a conveyor comprising a first conveyor element including a series of eyes spaced from each other, defining therebetween a series of spaces, and including a sub-series of centrally located eyes respectively including therein openings aligned with respect to each other, and an end eye adjacent one end of the sub-series of centrally located eyes and including therein an opening located in partial registry with the openings of the sub-series of centrally located eyes, and an abutment area adjacent the opening in the end eye, a second conveyor element fabricated of resilient material and including a series of eyes spaced from each other, extending into the spaces between the eyes of the first conveyor element.

Abstract: A plastic modular conveyor belt of the type having slotted openings in one set of projections for allowing collapse of the inner side of the belt in travel around curves includes a guide roller on the underside of the belt. The guide roller, with a low-friction bearing, smoothly guides the belt so that contact is avoided at the inner side belt edge. In some preferred embodiments the guide roller can also serve as a hold down for the belt around curves, by engaging upwardly against a guide strip. In another embodiment separate hold down tabs are included, so that the roller serves only a guiding function.

Abstract: A conveyor belt, particularly suited to the food processing industry, includes a tension-bearing framework of transversely extending rods connected to tension bearing interconnected links into which is attached a series of loose-fitting modular product support members. The product support modules include forwardly and rearwardly extending link ends such that successive modules are interfitted with one another. Each of the forwardly and rearwardly extending link ends are provided with slotted longitudinal openings through which the transverse rods extend. The distance between a front wall portion defining the slot in a forwardly extending link end and a rear wall portion defining the slot in an associated rearwardly extending link end is greater than the fixed longitudinal spacing spanned by adjacent transverse rods so as to permit some relative longitudinal movement between the conveyor modules and the rods.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a two piece grate clip with first and second grate pieces releasably secured to one another and loosely mounted on a grate bar support. The first piece and the second piece have corresponding transverse notches which form a T-shaped transverse notch when the clip is assembled. The T-shaped transverse notch allows the grate clip to be mounted onto a grate bar support. A fastener, while releasably securing the two pieces together, allows the two pieces to be extended apart and easily mounted on and removed from the grate bar support. The grate clips, when mounted and arranged side by side in rows upon each grate support bar, comprise a traveling grate stoker having a uniform, level grate surface.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt formed of a large number of plastic belt modules includes outer belt modules having integral sideplates. The sideplates are of heavier material and higher strength, for withstanding stress around the outside of curves and for withstanding edge wear in certain types of conveyor systems. In a preferred embodiment, each sideplate has a depending guide member which may include a hold down tab. In one embodiment, plastic connecting rods which serially connect belt modules are discontinuous in length, made up of several coaxial pieces which are held in place by press fitting at the outer ends. This enables the rod to be of high shear strength in areas of high pulling force, e.g. at the outside of a radius conveyor belt in a curve, but of lower strength extruded construction elsewhere.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt system provides high frictional surface contact between the conveyor work surface and the load carried by the conveyor. This is achieved by modular belt links integrally formed of two diverse plastic materials such as a low friction polypropylene and a high friction elastomer thermoplastic rubber. Typically a belt modular link having a planar load support area disposed in its lower forming mold piece with an upper mold piece removed to expose the planar area. Then a further mold piece is mated with the lower mold piece to integrally join by thermal bonding the two diverse materials producing on the planar link load bearing surface area an elastomer strip with an outer frictional load surface for encountering the belt load and resiliently conforming with the load for conveyance in incline and decline conveyor patterns, for example. Special belt patterns such as extending tooth-like appendages on the outer resilient surface layers provide specific advantages of belt operation.

Abstract: A conveyor chain is made up of carrier links and connector links, and the carrier links provide forward and rear drive surfaces, so as to provide a smooth drive.