Integrally driven linkage for industrial/commercial equipment

Abstract

An integrally driven linkage for a conveyor system is provided. The integrally driven linkage includes inner and outer links, an axle upon which bearings are placed to support a two stage pulley arrangement and a multitude of additional axles which carry bearings and two position sheaves which carry daisy chained belt loops from one axle to the next. Cables and hoses may be externally attached at each outside link thereby providing a functional cable carrying device. The outside links may be stepped to prevent radial motion in one or more direction and/or to limit radial motion. The integrally driven linkage may be used for virtually any industrial or commercial application where mechanical and control energy is needed for non-stationary equipment, and is not limited to conveyor systems but may be applied to virtually any electro-mechanical device, including but not limited to pneumatic and hydraulic devices.