Abstract: A method and apparatus for cyclically shielding a work chamber opening (25) when loading and unloading workpieces using a conveyor device (10) that passes through the work chamber opening. A first shielding element (21) is placed at a workpiece loading station (11.1), and a second shielding element (22) is placed behind a second workpiece placement location (11.2), as viewed in the conveying direction. When the first workpiece is loaded into the work chamber (20), the first shielding element (21) is placed at or in the work chamber opening (25) by advancing the conveyor device (10). The first shielding element (21) is then removed from the work chamber opening (25) and placed behind the second shielding element (22). These steps are repeated with subsequent workpiece placement locations (11.2, 11.3, . . . ) of the conveyor device (10) and with respective cross-over changes of the shielding elements (21, 22).

Abstract: A sheet conveyor includes a first conveyance belt, a second conveyance belt, a first driving roller, a second driving roller, a first gear, and a second gear. In switching between sandwich and separation states, an axial center of a rotation shaft of the first or second gear moves on a movement plane substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the first conveyance belt and the second conveyance belt convey a sheet. Where L represents diameter of a tooth edge circle of the second gear in unit of millimeter and T1 represents a chordal tooth thickness of the second gear, an acute-side angle ? in unit of degree (°) formed by the movement plane and an interaxial-center plane including the axial center of the rotation shaft of each of the first gear and the second gear in the sandwich state is within a range represented by the following Formula 1: Tan?1(2×T1/L)<|?|<45°.

Abstract: A system for heating conveyors which extend outside a wash tunnel of a carwash utilizes concrete structural slabs with heating apparatus embedded in the slab near a top surface and supported adjacent the conveyor. The heating apparatus can be a hydronic system or an electric heating mat embedded in the slabs which prevents water on the slabs or the conveyor from freezing in low ambient temperature conditions.

Abstract: A conveying system for conveying material having a tendency to stick, in particular a mobile conveying system for paving material used for constructing road mats has at least one conveying element which is accommodated in a conveying channel. The conveying element is directly or indirectly driven by at least one combustion engine. The conveying system has a primary heating device predominantly for the conveying element and/or the conveying system. Furthermore, the conveying system has at least one secondary heating device for at least partially relieving the primary heating device. The secondary heating device is operated with direct or indirect exit heat of the combustion engine. Alternatively, a combination of a primary heating device and at least one secondary heating device is provided, which secondary heating device is operated with exit heat originating from the combustion engine in order to at least partially relieve the primary heating device.

Abstract: In a cooling method of a carrying section including a conveyor for carrying an inverter component, a heating furnace covering a part of the carrying conveyor and heating the inverter component, and a mechanism for cooling the carrying conveyor and cooling the carrying conveyor by means of the cooling mechanism, the conveyor for carrying the inverter component is provided with a roller for carrying the inverter component by touching it, a roller cooling member surrounding the outer periphery of the carrying roller and having an opening for projecting a part of the outer periphery of the carrying roller is provided as the cooling mechanism, and the carrying roller heated by the heat of the heating furnace is cooled by the roller cooling member.

Abstract: An assembly device (20) used in assembling portable electronic devices is provided. The assembly device (20) includes a support, a transmission belt (24) moveably mounted on the support and several fans (25) rotatably mounted on the transmission belt (24) for dissipating heat in the area of the transmission belt (24).

Abstract: A heating apparatus cooling a substrate heated by a hot plate at a cooling position adjacent to the hot plate, capable of achieving a smaller height and reducing an operation time in the apparatus, in which contamination of the substrate by particles or the like is less likely, and the like, are provided. The heating apparatus includes a hot plate for heating a wafer representing a substrate from below, in a heating chamber having a wafer load/unload port. In addition, a wire for transferring the wafer between a cooling position of the substrate adjacent to the load/unload port of the heating chamber (position above a cooling plate) and a position above the hot plate is provided and extends. The wafer is mounted on a gap forming member provided on the wire, and thereafter loaded into the heating chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing products by chilling or freezing includes a conveyor for conveying the products along a plane of travel; lifting means disposed for intermittent contact with the conveyor during processing; cam means rotatable for contacting and displacing the lifting means to contact and displace the conveyor from the plane of travel, thereby displacing the products on the conveyor to prevent the products from adhering to the conveyor and other of the products; and drive means operatively associated with the cam means to impart rotational movement to the cam means for intermittently contacting and displacing the lifting means.

Abstract: A circulation conveyor for foods and drinks effectively controls internal temperature of a tunnel section covering an upper portion of a circulation-type conveyor path for foods and drinks. The conveyor has a tunnel section covering an upper portion of and in the longitudinal direction of the carrying path. A cooling and heating pipe 24 inside the tunnel section in its longitudinal direction controls internal temperature of the tunnel section. In the tunnel section, upper and lower ventilation openings 32 and 33, disposed above and below, respectively, of the cooling and heating pipe 24 are provided. The ventilation openings communicate via communication pipes 30a to 30c to circulate air, and an air blowing section 34 circulates air in the tunnel section by drawing air from one of the upper or lower ventilation openings, into the pipes, and discharges the air from the other opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for integrated curing and cooling of golf ball cores. A plate die is used to separate hot golf ball cores from a post-mold matrix. The hot golf ball cores are held in an insulated unit to maintain the elevated temperature of the golf ball cores to achieve additional curing or cross-linking. The hot, cured golf ball cores are then passed through a cooling section where ambient, turbulent air is passed over the golf ball cores to achieve the desired level of cooling. The cooled golf ball cores are delivered to a pneumatic delivery system for additional processing. A cueing hopper is also provided between the insulated unit and the cooling section to serve as a buffer or accumulator in the system.

Abstract: A conveying system for conveying material having a tendency to stick, in particular a mobile conveying system for paving material used for constructing road mats has at least one conveying element which is accommodated in a conveying channel. The conveying element is directly or indirectly driven by at least one combustion engine. The conveying system has a primary heating device predominantly for the conveying element and/or the conveying system. Furthermore, the conveying system has at least one secondary heating device for at least partially relieving the primary heating device. The secondary heating device is operated with direct or indirect exit heat of the combustion engine. Alternatively, a combination of a primary heating device and at least one secondary heating device is provided, which secondary heating device is operated with exit heat originating from the combustion engine in order to at least partially relieve the primary heating device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for cooling a sealed portion of a container, the apparatus having a transferring arrangement for transferring one or more containers; and a plurality of cooling arrangements with one or more gripping mechanisms for gripping the containers and one or more cooling mechanisms for cooling one or more sealed portions of the containers. Preferably, the cooling arrangements are constructed and arranged to cool the sealed portions of the containers while the containers are being transferred.

Abstract: A device for refrigerating and/or freezing products in which the products are conveyed by a conveyor belt through a treatment zone equipped with refrigeration equipment. The conveyor belt passes over sliding rails which are mounted on a supporting frame. To prevent excessive sticking of products on the conveyor belt, the sliding rails are arranged with a convex and/or concave curvature in at least in some sections, so that the conveyor belt slides on predetermined curvatures. Shearing forces are therefore created at the contact faces of the conveyor belt and product, resulting in release of the product.

Abstract: A device for freezing and/or refrigerating articles, in which at least one cold gas generating device is provided in a refrigeration room and at least one fan is provided for distributing the cold gas in the refrigeration room. The fan is connected to a drive motor. In order not to damage the drive motor when cleaning the refrigeration room, the drive motor is accommodated in a motor room which is separate from the refrigeration room.

Abstract: Heat is transferred away from the rollers and base of a printer heater by introducing chilled water into the rollers and the base. The paper upon which print has been applied remains at an elevated temperature so that the drying of the print is not delayed. A conventional roller is modified by having an annular cavity formed in its interior and providing fluid communication between the cavity and a chiller. A conventional base is modified by the addition of a serpentine passageway formed in its interior and providing fluid communication between the passageway and the chiller. Cold water provided by the chiller to the roller prevents breaking down of oil in the bearings of the roller. Cold water provided by the chiller to the base carries the heat from the base, increasing the safety of the workplace and extending the working lifetime of the base and its related parts.

Abstract: A conveyor for hot material comprising a conveying unit for conveying the hot material, a material delivery unit for delivering the hot material to the conveying unit, a housing for covering at least a portion of the length of the conveying unit, introduction devices disposed in the housing for furnishing water to the hot material on the conveying unit, wherein the introduction devices are disposed exclusively in a section of the housing that in the conveying direction is remote from the material delivery unit, and an exhaust unit connected to the material delivery unit for withdrawal of water vapor, generated by the furnishing of water, to produce a water vapor stream that is counter to the conveying direction of the hot material and is directed toward the material delivery unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sorting workpieces (204) includes multiple conveyors (201, 202), a scanner (208), an offloading device (216), a workpiece processor (218), and a computer (210). The computer has instructions for carrying out a method for sorting that includes obtaining the physical parameters of the workpiece by scanning the workpiece, obtaining an updated distribution of a physical parameter of a population of workpieces, obtaining an updated loading on each conveyor, obtaining the workpiece processor's capacity, obtaining a processing parameter indicating the required amount of workpiece processing to be performed, and obtaining each conveyor's speed. This information is used to place the workpiece on a conveyor in a manner that is calculated to utilize the optimum amount of workpiece processor capacity, while at the same time maintaining an even belt loading.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cooling or heating product by passing it through a tunnel in which gaseous heat transfer medium such as cryogen vapor or steam is impinged toward the product and then drawn away from the product in a manner that minimizes intersection with impinging medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cooling products to be cooled, said device comprising a carrier for products to be cooled, a housing, a coolant supply for supplying coolant into the housing, and at least one opening of the housing for supplying and extracting the product to be cooled. At least one channel is provided in the region of the opening for receiving the coolant, said channel being actively connected to a suction-side connection of a fan and comprising an inlet which is arranged outside the housing, adjacent to the opening thereof. Preferably, two channels are provided, said channels being arranged opposite each other, adjacent to the opening, and being embodied in such a way that essentially only heated, gaseous coolant, i.e. which has already fulfilled its cooling purpose, is carried off, while removal by suction of the coolant which has not yet received the heat quantity is prevented from the inside of the housing.

Abstract: A non-conductive insulating ring (210) is inserted between a motor bell (130) and a motor bearing (135) that supports a motor shaft (110). Stray currents that normally discharge thorough the motor shaft and the motor bearing to the motor bell are prevented due to the non-conductive nature of the insulating ring. Additionally, the motor shaft is grounded to provide a low-impedance alternative path to stray shaft currents. When a fast-switching frequency converter is used to drive the motor shaft, additional arrangements such as a common mode choke, reduction of the switching frequency of the converter, and reduction of the turn-of/off rate of a semiconductor device used in the converter, may be provided to further reduce the stray currents flowing thorough the motor bearings.

Abstract: Cooling tunnel for flexible packages filled with hot liquid products. The cooling tunnel is applicable to automatic packaging installations and comprises a main conveyor belt (1) adapted for the transport of packages (2) filled with hot liquid products through a cooling device (3), loading means (4) of packages (2) onto the main conveyor belt (1), unloading means (5) of packages (2) from the conveyor belt (1) and emptying means (6) of the packages (2). The loading means (4) are adapted for loading the packages (2) onto the main conveyor belt (1) forming successive sets (15), in which the packages (2) form an arrangement of orthogonal rows and columns, whereas the unloading means (5) are adapted for the simultaneous unloading of the packages (2) from each row of the sets (15) of packages (2).

Abstract: A conveyor belt for a continuously operated conveyor-type thermal treatment of a material bed includes metal conveyor belt elements that are connected to each other. Each conveyor belt element is formed with perforations in order to allow gas to flow through the conveyor belt. The perforations are distributed non-uniformly over the conveyor belt element and are located in at least two perforation zones. The perforation zones are separated from each other by perforation-free zones.

Abstract: A chiller comprises a vessel for coolant and an endless conveyor having transverse flights. The conveyor passes in a loop from one side to another of the vessel. An arrangement is provided to alter the path of the conveyor so as to shorten and lengthen the loop. In use, when the loop is lengthened articles are tumbled in the coolant by the flights, and when the loop is shortened articles are conveyed out of the vessel.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus. The apparatus includes an air-cooled hydraulic driving unit, a hydraulic motor, a conveyor and a connecting element. The air-cooled hydraulic driving unit includes a hydraulic pump, an electrical motor, pipes, a flow regulator, and a cooling fan. The cooling fan is adapted for low temperature environment and does not require complicated pipes, so that the conveying apparatus of the present invention can be flexibly combined with other devices or applied to various processes.

Abstract: In a coating plant, the powder feed device is cooled permanently in order to avoid the deterioration of the powder which could be caused by an excessively high temperature. The air for the fluidization of the powder contained in the reservoir (1) is cool, dry air. A heat exchanger (30) supplies a closed loop circuit which includes an annular cooling chamber (32) and a coil (33) arranged in the path of the powder. The shaft of the worm screw may also be cooled.

Abstract: A high-temperature, conveyer-type furnace includes a selectively flexible-inflexible conveyer belt for transporting articles through the furnace. The belt, which is preferably made of ceramic, includes a plurality of longitudinally-extending, pivotally-interconnected links and a locking mechanism for locking the links into a relatively inflexible mode when the belt is subjected to longitudinal compression so that the belt can be pushed through the furnace.

Abstract: A device for removing deposited material from a liquid in flume includes a conveyor for the deposited material that is disposed at an ague with respect to the plume and leads to a discarding point. The device includes a housing which houses a shaft and a conveyor screw mounted to the shaft. The shaft includes a hollow portion therein for housing a heater. The heater heats the conveyor for preventing material from freezing in the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting menu boxes (14) in an aircraft is equipped with at least one heater element (17) or groups of such elements (17/17A . . . ) which tilt automatically into spaces (16) between neighboring boxes (14) or pairs of boxes within the conveyor which is stopped during heating. When the heating is completed the elements (17) are again tilted into a rest position (17') outside the conveyor. Induction heating is preferably used.

Abstract: A chain incubator or conveyor, and method of use in an analyzer, wherein an endless chain is formed of repeating members and each comprising a link, element support, a cover, and means for biasing the cover onto the support with an article such as a test element between them. The members are linked together by a pair of pivot pins, and the chain is engaged by a drive sprocket and an idler sprocket.

Abstract: A horizontal cooler/dryer having a continuous traveling conveyor, the conveyor being a chain conveyor formed of a plurality of links adjoined in end-to-end relationship, each of the links being pivotally pinned at its ends to adjacent links; a housing about the conveyor, the housing having a cooling gas inlet, a gas exhaust, a product inlet through which material to be cooled may be deposited on the conveyor and a product outlet through which cooled material can be discharged; and a plurality of non-perforate material pans mounted to the conveyor in juxtaposed overlapping relationship to form a substantially continuous surface about the conveyor. The product bed is leveled by dragging the lower edge of a hollow pivoting quarter drum across the product. The leveling is produced by the weight of the quarter drum pivoting down against the product. Counter weights can be used to control the leveling pressure against the product to avoid crushing or other product damage.

Abstract: A conveyor device comprises at least two training chains, which adjoin and support a plurality of rod-like elements, arranged between the chains and transversely of the driving direction, so as to define a supporting surface for the articles to be conveyed, the rod-like elements being spaced from one another and made of thermally insulating material.

Abstract: A material treatment system for treatment of particulate material includes a transport conveyor including a transport surface for transporting particulate material through a treatment zone, conveying compartments attached to the transport surface, and foraminous cover structure travelling with and covering the conveying compartments. The system further includes a supply plenum above the treatment zone, a gas flow system for placing particles on the conveyor in fluidized condition as they move through the treatment zone, and exhaust structure for moving gases from the treatment zone upwardly away from the treatment zone. The conveying compartments and foraminous cover retain particulate material being fluidized and provide increased control of the position and movement of the particles passing through the treatment zone of the system.

Abstract: A slat for a transporting device for an extruded article of aluminum or an aluminum alloy in which only a worn-out portion of a heat-resistant member may be exchanged easily. The slat includes an elongated base member secured to the transporting device for the extruded article, subsidiary heat-resistant members removably mounted at terminal ends of the base member, and a main heat-resistant member arranged between the subsidiary heat-resistant members.

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting fresh lasagne through a drier includes a plurality of container-supports substantially like cylindrical cages and each having a plurality of radial pockets for receiving and holding the lasagne. The containers are mounted removably on a conveyor with parallel chains and roll relative to the chains as they pass through the drier.

Abstract: A processing facility, for subjecting products to process conditions for lengths of time and having a processing chamber equipped for establishing a predetermined condition within and throughout the chamber, a pair of continuous flexible conveyor elements, extending through the chamber along a generally zig-zag pathway, rotatable bearing members for supporting the flexible elements in predetermined lengths, spaced one above the other, and spaced apart from one another, the flexible elements being extended around respective bearing members, in a generally zig-zag fashion, product supports extending between the flexible elements, attachments at each end of the products supports for attachment to respective flexible elements, so that the product supports are freely swingably supported between the flexible elements, and the rotatable bearing members being spaced apart on opposite sides of the chamber a distance greater than the length of the product supports so that the product supports may freely pass between th

Abstract: A carrier for holding irregularly shaped containers for movement through a hydrostatic sterilizer. The carrier adapts irregularly shaped containers for movement through a sterilizer which can also process contents of cylindrical food cans. A plurality of openings in the carrier allows fluid and steam to surround the containers for uniform processing of the contents of the containers.

Abstract: A spiral drum freezer apparatus having a system for measuring and monitoring the "overdrive" of a rotated drum relative to a spiral belt helically wrapped around the drum in an ascending fashion. The system measures overdrive directly and continuously by obtaining a first speed measurement of the drum directly from the sprockets of a drive gear box drivingly engaging the drum. An alternative point of measurement for measuring rotational speed includes proximate the sprockets of a drum wheel driven by a belt, or sensing spaced-apart vertical outer structure members of the drum. Another point yet is on a disc-like plate. This plate is coaxially aligned and attached to the drum, and has precisionally spaced apart markings proximate a periphery where the rotational speed of the plate is directly proportional to the rotational speed of the drum. A second speed measurement is obtained by measuring the rotational speed of sprockets of a guide roller guiding the spiral belt.

Abstract: A drier comprises a plurality of structurally independent drying chambers in each of which a respective climate, which does not interfere with that of the other chambers, is created and controlled. The chambers, each of which is equipped with its own conveyor for pasta-holders, are connected by tunnels in which devices transfer the holders from one chamber to another.

Abstract: A handler used in a testing system for semiconductors includes an arm shaped conveyer unit for conveying a semiconductor device from a first end thereof to a second end thereof and vice versa,a loader/unloader unit which is provided at the first end of the conveyer unit, a setting unit which is provided at the second end of the conveyer unit, and an adjusting unit for adjusting the setting unit on a testing position which is a predetermined position with respect to a test head. The conveyer unit includes a ring shaped conveyer belt which is rotated between the first end of the conveyer unit and the second end thereof, and a plurality of holders each of which is fixed on an outer surface of the conveyer belt and holds the semiconductor device.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing, heating and dispensing portioned foods items has a cooled storage unit for storing portioned food items, a cooking unit for heating the portioned food items, a transport lift unit for transferring the food items to be heated from the storage unit to the cooking unit and an output unit for transferring heated food items from the cooking unit to a dispensing station for dispensing. The storage unit includes a plurality of conveyor belts upon which the portioned food items are stored and which transport the food items to the transport lift unit. Each of the lift transport unit, the cooking unit and the output unit includes a conveyor for transferring the food items.

Abstract: The process of our invention heats a plurality of partially finished products extruded in an extrusion unit or changed in a transforming unit as a preparation for introduction into subsequent transformation or processing units. In extruding and/or transforming or heating the heat applied to at least one partially finished product length group is transferred during intermediate transport of the partially finished product length group and/or during storage by heat transfer with other partially finished product length groups. The heat transfer is caused by radiation, convention and/or direct contact. An apparatus for performing the process according to our invention comprising a thermal insulating chamber provided with an air flow and air feed devices and if necessary an auxiliary heating unit is also provided.

Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaner is disclosed which comprises a body with cleaner elements attached side by side to the body, each cleaner element consisting of a blade, a blade holder attached to the body and a torsion spring element located between the blade and the blade holder. The blade consists of an upper part which is pressed against the underside of the return belt of a conveyor belt and a lower part which is disposed at an angle relative to the upper part and attached to the torsion spring element. The blade is of uniform width from its lower edge to the upper edge which presses against the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A heated conveyor belt cleaner is provided including a support shaft positioned adjacent to the belt to be cleaned and generally transverse to the belt's direction of travel, an electric resistance heating element is disposed within the support shaft, a heat conducting medium is disposed between the support shaft and the heating element to effectively conduct heat from said heating element to the support shaft, a mounting sleeve concentrically surrounding the support shaft for mounting a belt scraper element on the support shaft, at least one belt scraper element connected to the mounting sleeve and, through the mounting sleeve, to the support shaft, such that heat generated within the support shaft is communicated from the support shaft through the mounting sleeve to the scraper element to heat the scraper element for effective removal of adherent materials from the conveyer belt.

Abstract: A fuser belt for a reproduction machine is disclosed. The belt may have one of several configurations which all include ridges and interstices on the outer surface which contacts the print media. These interstices are formed between regularly spaced ridges, between randomly spaced particles, between knit threads. These interstices allow the free escape of steam from the media during high-temperature fusing of the reproduction process. As the steam escapes freely, the steam does not accumulate in the media causing media deformations and copy quality deterioration. Additionally, media handling is improved because the ridges and interstices reduce the unwanted but unavoidable introduction of thermal energy into the copy media.

Abstract: A conveyor belt advances over an assembly of cylindrical idler rollers. Each idler roller includes a cylindrical body rotatable about an axially disposed tubular shaft. Air under pressure enters the proximal end of the tubular shaft and advances through the tubular shaft to be discharged through openings in the distal end of the tubular shaft. The air under pressure leaving the distal end of the tubular shaft advances through the space between the inner wall of the cylindrical body of the idler roller and the outer wall of the tubular shaft to be vented to atmosphere for reducing heat build-up in the idler roller.

Abstract: A conveyor belt for circulating within a high temperature furnace, which is consisted of a desired number of flattened cylinders, each of the cylinders being composed of a number of carbon or ceramic fibers cylindrically wound up and flattened. The fibers extend substantially in parallel with a longitudinal or moving direction of the conveyor belt, so that they can exhibit well their tensile strength when the belt is circulated through the furnace. The flattened cylinders are hinged to each other by hinge pins made of carbon or ceramic materials, and are kept as flattened and stretched by means of planar stretchers located within an inner hollow space of each of the flattened cylinders and made also from carbon or ceramic materials.

Abstract: In spiral drum freezer apparatus having an insulated disclosure a spiral drum is mounted for rotation within the enclosure and includes a spiral belt to the spiral drum with the top of the spiral drum being supported by UHMW bearings and the bottom of the spiral drum being supported by a planetary wheel drive. A gear motor is connected to the planetary wheel drive for rotating the spiral drum at a specified speed. A take-up drive gear motor drives the spiral belt. A tachometer feedback speed control sense the speed of the drum gear motor and controls the speed thereof and the take-up drive gear motor in accordance with the preselectable speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure for controllably discharging articles that are being continuously transported by a primary conveying structure. A discharge assembly is provided having a chute with an inlet and an outlet. Articles are diverted away from the primary conveying structure and delivered to the chute inlet. The discharge chute is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and structure is provided for reciprocatively moving the chute outlet back and forth over an infeed portion of a secondary conveying structure to evenly distribute material in a serpentine path along the length of the infeed portion of the secondary conveying structure. In a preferred form, the secondary conveying structure has an associated trough for containing a cooling fluid.

Abstract: A feeding and processing apparatus has a plurality of intermediate conveyor members disposed between upstream and downstream conveyor means, the intermediate conveyor members being vertically spaced. The feeding and processing apparatus also includes a device for vertically moving the intermediate conveyor members and a device disposed in the vicinity of at least a portion of the intermediate conveyor members for processing objects thereon.

Abstract: A conveyor drive sprocket system for driving a conveyor belt in a conveyor system used in varying ambient temperature conditions within a predetermined range is disclosed. The conveyor belt is formed of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion different from that of the material forming the sprockets of the drive sprocket system so that the drive sprockets expand and contract at a different rate than the conveyor belt when the ambient temperature varies. The drive sprocket system includes a plurality of sprocket segments spaced from one another along the width of the conveyor belt. Each sprocket segment has a plurality of spaced teeth arranged along the width and circumference of the segment in order to mesh the conveyor belt. Each sprocket segment has a width no greater than that required to have the teeth remain in mesh with the conveyor belt throughout the predetermined range of varying ambient temperature.