Span Tech LLC

Michael D McDaniel

James L Layne

Mark T Johnson

Wendell S Bell

Stephen C Fye

Otto Jorgen Draebel

B Keith Thomas

Lewis W Ward

A conveyor system includes a chain with modular side and intermediate guide links. The guide links assist in supporting the chain along the return run in a suspended fashion intermediate of the outer sides without causing wear on the conveying surface. Related methods are also disclosed.

Modular link conveyor chain with return run support arrangement

A modular link or link section for use in forming a rodless conveyor belt or a section thereof is provided. In one embodiment, the link section is unitary and includes a plurality of laterally-repeating link-shaped portions, each including an apex portion and a pair of leg portions. Each apex portion includes a receiver for receiving an integral first connector extending between the leg portions of a next-adjacent link or link section, preferably in snap-fit engagement, such that relative pivoting movement is established. A second integral connector may be provided between the leg portion of each adjacent apex portion to create an engagement surface for a tooth of a drive or idler sprocket. The underside surface of each link section may also be specially contoured or curved to facilitate smooth passage over a guide structure, such as a small diameter, cylindrical nosebar or the like.

Modular link or link section for use in forming a rodless conveyor belt

An improved conveyor chain formed from a plurality of modular links arranged in rows and each associated with at least two elongated transverse connectors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the connectors together create a substantially open, planar support surface intermediate of the links in each row. Each link in a first row includes apertures for receiving a first of the connectors extending through a slot in the links of an adjacent row, as well as a receiver having a closed end and an open end for receiving one end of a second one of the connectors. The chain with the connectors associated with each row is thus capable of side-flexing to negotiate curves or bends, as well as longitudinal compression/expansion, while at all times providing full and even article support.

Side-flexing conveyor chain having twin transverse connectors

A unitary modular link or link section for use in forming a rodless conveyor belt or a section thereof is provided. The link section includes a plurality of laterally-repeating link-shaped portions, each including an apex portion and a pair of leg portions. Each apex portion includes a receiver for receiving an integral first connector extending between the leg portions of a next-adjacent link or link section, preferably in snap-fit engagement, such that relative pivoting movement is established. A second integral connector maybe provided between the leg portion of each adjacent apex portion to create an engagement surface for a tooth of a drive or idler sprocket. The underside surface of each link section may also be specially contoured or curved to facilitate smooth passage over a guide structure.

Rodless conveyor belt or chain

A conveyor for possible use in transferring articles between two adjacent conveyors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the conveyor includes a pair of idler structures and a drive structure for collectively guiding and moving a conveyor belt or chain relative to a bed. At least one of the drive structure or idler structures is mounted or positioned so at to be capable of moving relative to the belt or chain to provide tensioning therefor. In another embodiment, a bed assembly including the chain or belt, the drive structure, and the idler structure is also substantially fully releasable from a corresponding base for servicing or clearing a jam. In either case, the conveyor may be driven using a slave drive associated with an adjacent conveyor.

Self-tensioning conveyor with slave drive

An improved conveyor chain formed from a plurality of modular links arranged in rows and each associated with at least two elongated transverse connectors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the connectors define a substantially open, planar conveying surface intermediate of the links in each row. Each link in a first row includes apertures for receiving a first of the connectors extending through a slot in the links of an adjacent row, as well as a receiver having a closed end and an open end for receiving one end of a second one of the connectors. The chain with the connectors associated with each row is thus capable of side-flexing to negotiate curves or bends, as well as longitudinal compression/expansion, while at all times providing full and even article support.

Link for a conveyor chain

A conveyor for possible use in transferring articles between two adjacent conveyors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the conveyor includes a pair of idler structures and a drive structure for collectively guiding and moving a conveyor belt or chain relative to a bed. At least one of the drive structure or idler structures is mounted or positioned so at to be capable of moving relative to the belt or chain to provide tensioning therefor. In another embodiment, a bed assembly including the chain or belt, the drive structure, and the idler structure is also substantially fully releasable from a corresponding base for servicing or clearing a jam.

Self-tensioning conveyor

Modular guide link for conveyor chain

A split sprocket assembly, related apparatus, and a method of mounting a sprocket to a rotatable structure, such as a drive or idler drum, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sprocket assembly is comprised of at least three sections or segments, each of which is secured to the adjacent section or segment by a fastener, such as a tangentially-extending bolt and nut combination. The sprocket assembly includes a plurality of receivers, each for receiving a key that corresponds to a keyway formed in the rotatable structure. In one embodiment, at least one of the keyways is truncated and, thus, extends only partially across the rotatable structure in the axial direction. A key substantially identical to the truncated keyway in length and width is placed therein, such that the sprocket is prevented from traveling or &ldquo;walking&rdquo; along the rotatable structure.

Split sprocket assembly, related apparatus, and related mounting method

A modular link conveyor system ( ) for transporting articles is provided having a plurality of modular link sections ( ) providing a support surface for the articles and wherein one or more rollers ( ) are positioned in the underside of selected link sections ( ) to provide support by rolling on a guide rail ( ) of the conveyor system ( ). Each link section ( ) includes at least one interengaging apex ( ) and leg portion ( ) having a matching hole ( ) and slot ( ) for receiving a transverse rod ( ) to permit side flexing action. An enclosure ( ) for each roller ( ) 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 ( ) is mounted in each side link section ( ) that also provides a depending arm ( ) and transverse tab ( ) for lateral guiding action. The link sections ( ) are combined to form a composite link and a cover plate provides an extended support surface.

Modular conveyor system with side flexing belt having roller support

A split housing for a sprocket in a conveyor system is disclosed. The sprocket includes a first, preferably upper portion that mates with a second, preferably lower portion to define a curved guide track for guiding a conveyor belt from a forward to a return run, or vice versa. The split nature of the housing allows for the removal of one portion, such as the upper portion, in a vertical direction without the need for moving the adjacent sprocket or guide rail. Hence, the other portion may remain attached to a stable structure used to support the conveyor system.

Split sprocket housing for a conveyor system and related method

An intermediate drive for a conveyor system is disclosed. The drive includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of spaced parallel drive sprockets gang mounted on a common drive shaft. In the preferred embodiment, each sprocket engages a separate conveyor belt to drive it in the same direction in an endless path along a conveyor guide rail. Each guide rail includes a recessed portion that preferably matches the contour of the corresponding sprocket. By juxtaposing each sprocket in the recessed portion, engagement between each drive sprocket and the corresponding modular link belt is made. The drive may also be used along a curved section of the conveyor system, in which case the drive sprockets have different diameters for driving the belts at different speeds, and the contour of the recessed portions correspond to the adjacent drive sprocket.

Growing community of inventors

Glasgow, KY, United States of America

Michael D McDaniel