Importance

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Abstract

A chain conveyor is described having a pair of loops of triple strand chains, frictionally driving pallets supported on upper advance runs, the pallets linked together in subgroups to be able to support long length workpieces. The pallets are driven around the chain loop sprockets at either end of the conveyor, the linked connection allowing relative tilting of the pallets in the subgroup as each subgroup is driven around the sprocket axes. The pallets are held as they are swung around either sprocket axis by a split disc gripper mechanism at each end of the conveyor, which each grip a tapered edge gripper bar mounted spaced below the pallet. A pair of ride bars are also mounted below the pallet, each having a rounded shoulder at either end engaging a chain loop across the inside curvature of the chain loop when passing around the sprockets. The rounded shoulders nonpositively engage the chain link rollers so that the pallets are not positively fixed to the chain loops when swung around the sprocket axis at either end. An overhead form of the conveyor has workpiece hangers depending from each pallet during movement down the lower run, with workpiece suspended therefrom, the upper run being the return run in that embodiment.

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First Claim