The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 21, 1992
Filed:
May. 01, 1991
James O Gundlach, New Orleans, LA (US);
The Laitram Corporation, Harahan, LA (US);
Abstract
A closed-hinge conveyor belt constructed of interconnected modules in which the tracking of drive sprockets is achieved by belt link end structure forming tracking recesses that mate with the tracking teeth of drive sprockets. In conventional open-hinge belts in which tracking is so achieved, tracking recesses are formed in link end structure that forms pivot rod bearing holes only partly surrounded by the link end structure, thereby exposing the pivot rod directly to contamination in such an open-hinge construction. According to this invention, shallow tracking recesses are formed in link end structure that forms pivot rod bearing holes to ensure that no part of the pivot rod across the width of the belt is left openly exposed, but rather is surrounded by link end structure. Thus, the access of grit and grime to the pivot rod in such a closed-hinge belt is restricted, thereby affording longer belt operating life, particularly in abrasive environments.