A system, and associated method, for launching and delivering separated food product in organized groups to a robotized packaging station for the product. The system initiates the delivery via a metered hopper of food product delivering the product to a launch V-belt that aligns the product end to end. A successive singulator belt, positioned adjacent to and receiving product from the launch belt, further organizes the product into a single file alignment. An optional separator belt may follow the singulator belt to create gaps between successive product units. The product is then delivered to a pick belt for product to be provided to the packaging robot. The system product information is from a single (per product delivery line) sensor, enabling intergrated end-to-end control from hopper to robot, and a nearly continuous motion of said pick belt.

A conveyor device for food includes bar members coupled with coupling members to form a conveyor belt. A guide rail supports the belt, and a sprocket meshes with tooth-shaped portions formed on the coupling members. Each coupling members includes a metallic insert member. A wear resistant resin member incorporating the metallic insert member has a bent shape with an interior space(s), both end portions coupled to a first bar member, and a pair of slotted holes in which a second bar member which is adjacent to the first bar member is loosely fitted. Wear resistant resin members form tooth-shaped portions and slide surfaces which slide on the guide rail. Meshing portion of the sprocket which meshes with the tooth-shaped portions is formed of wear resistant resin. Contact pressure and friction in a slide portion between the belt and the slide portion is prevented from increasing in low temperature environments.

A fastener for a rod belt having one or more rods includes a support area, at least one intermediate area, and a fastening area. The support area extends in a longitudinal direction and includes a support side. The at least one intermediate area and the support area are made as one piece. The fastening area projects away from the intermediate area in the longitudinal direction.

A conveyor belt is provided that includes a first lateral end, a second lateral end, a plurality of rods, and a plurality of links. The plurality of rods are spaced apart from one another and each extends from the first lateral end to the second lateral end. The plurality of links interconnect the plurality of rods and include a first link coupled to two adjacent rods of the plurality of rods at the first lateral end. The first link includes a tail that extends laterally outward past an outermost portion of the plurality of rods.

A modular metal-wire conveyor belt constructed of belt rows having an interior article-supporting wire-mesh section flanked by tension links at opposite side edges. Hinge rods through the article-supporting sections and the tension links in adjacent belt rows join adjacent modules at hinge joints into an endless belt loop. Some of the hinge rods have blocking structure at the inner sides of the tension links to maintain the belt's width constant. Other hinge rods are devoid of blocking structure and have rod caps on one end that can be removed to allow the rod to be pulled out of the hinge joint to open the belt for servicing. The article-supporting wire- mesh section can define a flat or a curved top.