Systems and methods are provided for an apparatus for moving objects along a predetermined path. A system includes plurality of conveying units, each conveying unit being connected to two other conveying units. A particular conveying unit includes a first link unit configured for connection to a first neighbor conveying unit. A second link unit is configured for connection to the first link unit, the second link unit further being configured for connection to a first link unit of a second neighbor conveying unit. A cup is detachably connected to the second link unit.

In some aspects, a conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link coupled between the first link and the second link. The first link includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion oriented parallel to and laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin protruding laterally, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin protruding laterally. The second link includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging portion protruding laterally, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging portion protruding laterally. A flight bar is positioned adjacent an end of the first sprocket-engaging portion of the first link.

In some aspects, a conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link coupled between the first link and the second link. The first link includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion oriented parallel to and laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin protruding laterally, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin protruding laterally. The second link includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging portion protruding laterally, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging portion protruding laterally. A flight bar is positioned adjacent an end of the first sprocket-engaging portion of the first link.

A conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link. The first link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The second link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The coupler link couples the first link to the second link, and the coupler link is positioned laterally between the first sprocket-engaging portion and the second sprocket-engaging portion of each link. The coupler link includes a first joint pivotably coupled to the first link and a second joint pivotably coupled to the second link. The first joint permits pivoting movement of the first link about a plurality of axes, and the second joint permits pivoting movement of the second link about a plurality of axes.

A conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link. The first link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The second link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The coupler link couples the first link to the second link, and the coupler link is positioned laterally between the first sprocket-engaging portion and the second sprocket-engaging portion of each link. The coupler link includes a first joint pivotably coupled to the first link and a second joint pivotably coupled to the second link. The first joint permits pivoting movement of the first link about a plurality of axes, and the second joint permits pivoting movement of the second link about a plurality of axes.

A rubberized pad with high flexibility, in particular for chains for handling/lifting product line products, has a vertical symmetry axis with a full base for coupling with the chain and a hollow upper part, including a wall opposed with respect to said base and suitable for engaging with a conveyed product. The pad has a total height and the upper part includes lateral walls having two semi-walls, with a thickness and connected with the wall, and two semi-walls having a thickness connected with the base. The pairs of semi-walls making between each other an angle (a1) directed toward the hollow part of the upper part, the semi-walls realizing an angle (a2) with respect to the vertical symmetry axis of the pad. The pad has a ratio between the height and thickness of ≥10, in that the angle (a1) is ≤90°, and in that the angle (a2) is ≥40°.

A rubberized pad with high flexibility, in particular for chains for handling/lifting product line products, has a vertical symmetry axis with a full base for coupling with the chain and a hollow upper part, including a wall opposed with respect to said base and suitable for engaging with a conveyed product. The pad has a total height and the upper part includes lateral walls having two semi-walls, with a thickness and connected with the wall, and two semi-walls having a thickness connected with the base. The pairs of semi-walls making between each other an angle (a1) directed toward the hollow part of the upper part, the semi-walls realizing an angle (a2) with respect to the vertical symmetry axis of the pad. The pad has a ratio between the height and thickness of ≥10, in that the angle (a1) is ≤90°, and in that the angle (a2) is ≥40°.

Mining machines such as continuous miners and chain haulage units may include chain conveyors that are capable of deflecting laterally in order to travel through lateral turns. The chain conveyors may include flight members for pushing or urging material along a pan. The chain may be driven by one or more sprockets. In one independent aspect, a link for a chain conveyor includes a body including a first end a second end opposite the first end, a first opening proximate the first end and extending in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of the link, a second opening proximate the second end and extending in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the link, and a relief opening extending through the link body and positioned between the first end and the second end.

A rubberized pad with high flexibility, in particular for chains for handling/lifting product line products, has a vertical symmetry axis with a full base for coupling with the chain and a hollow upper part, including a wall opposed with respect to said base and suitable for engaging with a conveyed product. The pad has a total height and the upper part includes lateral walls having two semi-walls, with a thickness and connected with the wall, and two semi-walls having a thickness connected with the base. The pairs of semi-walls making between each other an angle (a1) directed toward the hollow part of the upper part, the semi-walls realizing an angle (a2) with respect to the vertical symmetry axis of the pad. The pad has a ratio between the height and thickness of 10, in that the angle (a1) is 90, and in that the angle (a2) is 40.

A rubberized pad with high flexibility, in particular for chains for handling/lifting product line products, has a vertical symmetry axis with a full base for coupling with the chain and a hollow upper part, including a wall opposed with respect to said base and suitable for engaging with a conveyed product. The pad has a total height and the upper part includes lateral walls having two semi-walls, with a thickness and connected with the wall, and two semi-walls having a thickness connected with the base. The pairs of semi-walls making between each other an angle (a1) directed toward the hollow part of the upper part, the semi-walls realizing an angle (a2) with respect to the vertical symmetry axis of the pad. The pad has a ratio between the height and thickness of 10, in that the angle (a1) is 90, and in that the angle (a2) is 40.