Laitram, LLC

Darrell E Kissee

Timothy J Hicks

A conveyor () comprising at least one belt () defining an outer conveying surface divided into at least two laterally offset regions in which the rollers () in one region rotate in a first direction and the rollers () in a second region rotate in a second direction as the conveyor belt () advances in a conveying direction. The rollers () rotate by rolling along roller-engagement surfaces () underlying the conveyor belt along a carryway. The rollers rotating in the first direction rotate with a velocity component in the conveying direction () different from the velocity component in the conveying direction of the rollers rotating in the second direction. An article positioned simultaneously atop rollers in both regions is rotated by the rotation of the rollers as the conveyor belt advances.

Article-rotating belt conveyor

A conveying apparatus includes first and second shafts each having a sprocket mounted thereon for rotation with the shafts. A conveyor belt is engaged with the sprockets. A retaining clamp is mounted on one of the shafts adjoining one of the sprockets. The retaining clamp includes a body shaped to fit loosely around the shaft and a force-applying member disposed on the body for pressing the body against the shaft to prevent movement of the body along the shaft.

Conveying apparatus

Plastic modular link belt conveyors are provided with an inner drive belt system disposed along a variable length of the conveyor belt at one or more positions to produce various advantages including operation of longer belts and those which have curved conveyance paths. The modular characteristics of these drive systems permit custom design in the field for different conveyor loadings, paths and loads. Thus, belt life and performance is enhanced by driving a belt with a belt drive system. The system advantageously uses standard modules of one type in both the driven and driving belts. Thus the modules have similar manufacturing tolerances and temperature characteristics. Pivoted link modules with oblong apertures in the belt drive system permits choices of modules for belt constructions compatible with curved paths. The modularized belt systems are versatile for adaptation to such applications as wide bricklayered modular belts and non-conventional conveyor needs. In the drive system integrally formed gear teeth on the modular links intermesh in the space between the transverse pivot rods in the respective innermost driving belt and the outermost driven belt. By running the inner drive belt 'inside-out' modular links with drive tooth appendages extending from opposite belt sides, standard modules of the type having special conveyance structure on the conveying belt side may be used in the driving belt.

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Kenner, LA, United States of America

Darrell E Kissee