Belt conveyor assembly for chamber packaging machines

Abstract

A chamber-type vacuum packaging machine ( ) equipped with a conveyor assembly ( ) is provided which has increased productivity and ease of use inasmuch as the assembly ( ) permits rapid assembly-line transfer of packages between the loading station ( ) and the sealing station ( ) of the machine ( ). The assembly ( ) includes a continuous belt ( ) presenting an upper run ( ) and a lower run ( ) together with end-mounted roller assemblies ( ) which support the belt ( ) and permit selective shifting of the upper run ( ) between the stations ( ) in order to transfer loaded packages to be sealed to the sealing station ( ). In order to facilitate mounting of the assembly ( ) and periodic breakdown thereof for cleaning and/or replacement of belt ( ), the assembly ( ) is configured so that the upper and lower runs ( ) are both located atop the table ( ) of the machine ( ). Optional upper and lower plate assemblies ( ) having low-friction undulating surfaces are preferably located atop table ( ) and between the runs ( ) of the belt ( ). The assembly ( ) may also be used on a variety of elongated table processing or handling machines ( ). A double-chamber vacuum packaging machine ( ) is also provided having a continuous conveyor assembly ( ) on the assembly ( ).