An endless conveyor belt loop includes a conveyor belt that has an elongated body and a substantially uniform width. The ends of the conveyor belt each include a splice formation extending across the width of the conveyor belt that are each configured to mate with the other. A thermoplastic connector is thermally engaged between exposed surfaces formed by the splice formation at the ends of the conveyor belt. When the splice formations are aligned, the thermoplastic connector is thermally engaged and continuously interconnected between the ends for conveyor belt to form a seamless end connection. The thermoplastic connector comprises a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer.

An endless conveyor belt loop includes a conveyor belt that has an elongated body and a substantially uniform width. The ends of the conveyor belt each include a splice formation extending across the width of the conveyor belt that are each configured to mate with the other. A thermoplastic connector is thermally engaged between exposed surfaces formed by the splice formation at the ends of the conveyor belt. When the splice formations are aligned, the thermoplastic connector is thermally engaged and continuously interconnected between the ends for conveyor belt to form a seamless end connection. The thermoplastic connector comprises a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer.

Cool-down time is menimized by the use of a cooler having integral fins of high surface area, and the use of high-efficiency fans. Heat-up time is minimized by the low mass of the cooler, and the prevention of transmission of heat to the housing.

Cool-down time is menimized by the use of a cooler having integral fins of high surface area, and the use of high-efficiency fans. Heat-up time is minimized by the low mass of the cooler, and the prevention of transmission of heat to the housing.

A portable conveyor belt splicing apparatus is provided that includes an upper press assembly and a lower press assembly which include, respectively, upper and lower platen assemblies. The upper and lower press assemblies may each include a forced air cooling system for rapidly cooling platens of the platen assemblies. The upper and lower press assemblies may include insulating assemblies with resilient members that support the upper and lower press assemblies. The resilient members provide structural support and insulate the platens from the frame which reduces the power required to heat the platens. In one form, the apparatus includes a power supply circuit that can alternate between providing power to upper and lower heaters in response to the apparatus being connected to different types of standard power supplies. Further, the power supply circuit permits the use of a single recipe for a particular belt irrespective of the type of power supply.

A portable conveyor belt splicing apparatus is provided that includes an upper press assembly and a lower press assembly which include, respectively, upper and lower platen assemblies. The upper and lower press assemblies may each include a forced air cooling system for rapidly cooling platens of the platen assemblies. The upper and lower press assemblies may include insulating assemblies with resilient members that support the upper and lower press assemblies. The resilient members provide structural support and insulate the platens from the frame which reduces the power required to heat the platens. In one form, the apparatus includes a power supply circuit that can alternate between providing power to upper and lower heaters in response to the apparatus being connected to different types of standard power supplies. Further, the power supply circuit permits the use of a single recipe for a particular belt irrespective of the type of power supply.

A continuous loop reinforced food grade belt includes a plurality of extruded filaments comprising a meltable synthetic polymer, and at least one matrix material embedding the filaments. The matrix material includes a food grade polymer, and the matrix material and filaments form a length of belt having opposed first and second ends. The first and second ends are melted together to form a continuous loop belt with no filaments exposed to the belt environment.

A continuous loop reinforced food grade belt includes a plurality of extruded filaments comprising a meltable synthetic polymer, and at least one matrix material embedding the filaments. The matrix material includes a food grade polymer, and the matrix material and filaments form a length of belt having opposed first and second ends. The first and second ends are melted together to form a continuous loop belt with no filaments exposed to the belt environment.

A mechanical drive connection assembly (1) for driving in rotation a carrier shaft (2) of a structure rotating about a central axis (2a) passing through this carrier shaft (2). This connection (1) includes at least one drive ring (3a) that is secured to this carrier shaft (2) and driven in rotation in a given direction (S1) by a transmission member (4a, 4b). This transmission member is connected at one end to the drive ring (3a) by winding and at its other end to a traction device. The rotation in the opposite direction (S2) is generated by a second traction device (5) connected to the carrier shaft (2).

A belt splicer for splicing butt ends of thermoplastic belts together. The splicer uses a plurality of cranks in conjunction with heavy springs to close and rapidly open jaws holding butt ends of a belt in place against a heating wand for melting and against each other for welding the melted ends together. The rapid opening of the jaw also lowers the wand, which is locked in place by a wand lock during the melting of the butt ends.