Rexnord Gmbh

James W Leege

Russell H Uttke

Robert E Stacey

Roy C Anderson

A chain having a plurality of block links each including longitudinally spaced apart ends each of which has a pivot pin receiving first bore therethrough of a first diameter. The chain also has a plurality of connecting links each including longitudinally spaced pivot pins mounted in the block link first bores for articulatively interconnecting the ends of adjacent block links. The pivot pins have a close tolerance fit in the first bores to form a chain that extends along a straight line of travel. The chain further has at least one flight attachment link having a flight attachment support and longitudinally spaced leading and trailing ends pivotally connected between adjacent connecting links of the chain. The leading and trailing ends of the flight attachment link each have a second pivot pin receiving bore of a second diameter sufficiently larger than the pivot pin on which it is mounted to allow only the flight attachment link or links in the chain to cant relative to the chain straight line of travel for automatic self alignment in response to force moments on the flight attachment link to minimize torsional stress imposed on the flight attachment link and its flight attachment support.

Chain with self aligning flight support links

A conveyor chain of the type comprising a plurality of pintle links and a plurality of pins connecting the links together. The pins have a first end which is necked-down and has a noncylindrical cross-section so as to resist rotation relative to the link, and the second end of the pin is knurled to limit axial movement.

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Greendale, WI, United States of America

James W Leege