A band includes a pair of members moveable between an open position adapted to receive an article in a channel and a closed position adapted to retain the article within the channel. Each of the members includes a plurality of pivotally attached bistable compliant links, such that when the links are pivoted past a threshold position toward the closed position, the links are biased toward the closed position and such that when the links are pivoted past the threshold position toward the open position, the links are biased toward the open position. An actuator linkage is pivotally connected to at least one of the links, the actuator linkage including an engagement end protruding into the channel when the members are in the open position, such that movement of the article into the channel causes the article to contact and exert actuation forces on the engagement end.

A chain link for a plate-link chain of a chain conveyor having two substantially flat side walls, which are spaced apart from, and parallel to, each other in a transverse direction (x-direction) of the chain link and securely fastened together, and two force introduction components. Every force introduction component protrudes outwards in the transverse direction (x-direction) from its associated side wall for the purpose of fastening it to a conveyor belt of the chain conveyor and is a component that is separate from the side walls. The force introduction components are substantially flat and every force introduction component is interlockingly connected to its associated side wall. A plate-link chain having multiple chain links and a chain conveyor comprising a plate-link chain are also provided.

A band includes a pair of members moveable between an open position adapted to receive an article in a channel and a closed position adapted to retain the article within the channel. Each of the members includes a plurality of pivotally attached bistable compliant links, such that when the links are pivoted past a threshold position toward the closed position, the links are biased toward the closed position and such that when the links are pivoted past the threshold position toward the open position, the links are biased toward the open position. An actuator linkage is pivotally connected to at least one of the links, the actuator linkage including an engagement end protruding into the channel when the members are in the open position, such that movement of the article into the channel causes the article to contact and exert actuation forces on the engagement end.

A band includes a pair of members moveable between an open position adapted to receive an article in a channel and a closed position adapted to retain the article within the channel. Each of the members includes a plurality of pivotally attached bistable compliant links, such that when the links are pivoted past a threshold position toward the closed position, the links are biased toward the closed position and such that when the links are pivoted past the threshold position toward the open position, the links are biased toward the open position. An actuator linkage is pivotally connected to at least one of the links, the actuator linkage including an engagement end protruding into the channel when the members are in the open position, such that movement of the article into the channel causes the article to contact and exert actuation forces on the engagement end.

A track pin assembly includes a pin having a first axial end and a second axial end configured to engage a respective outer link of a joint, a first cavity which defines a tank for containing lubricating oil or grease, and a second cavity arranged at the second axial end of the pin and open at the second axial end of the pin. A sensor, arranged in the second cavity, includes a sensor element configured to measure a temperature and to generate a signal indicative of the measured temperature, and a transmitter configured to irradiate a measuring signal that is representative of the signal generated by the sensor element. A power source, arranged in the second cavity, is configured to constantly supply the sensor.

A chain link for a plate link chain of a chain conveyor, having two disk-shaped side walls that are spaced apart from one another in parallel in a transverse direction of the chain link and fixedly connected to one another. The side walls each include a rabbet having a force transmission surface oriented essentially perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal direction of the chain link, and the force transmission surface is designed and provided for the direct transmission of force to a conveyor plate of the chain conveyor. A kit comprising such a chain link and a conveyor plate, and a chain conveyor having a plurality of such kits are also provided.