A conveyor chain includes a plurality of side link assemblies and flight arm assemblies coupled together to form an elongated chain. The flight arm assemblies include a pair of opposing flight arms positioned on either side of the chain with the flight arms each including an elongated body formed with and extending from an integral base and a vertical sprocket opening formed in the integral base. The vertical sprocket opening is configured for engaging a tooth of a drive sprocket to drive the flight arm. The side link assemblies include a pair of opposing side straps positioned on either side of the chain each including a base and a pair of side strap bosses extending outwardly from the base. An articulating connector is positioned between a flight arm assembly and a side link assembly to couple the assemblies together and includes a solid piece and side surfaces having profiled surfaces therein and configured for receiving at least one of a portion of a side strap of a side link assembly or a portion of a base of a flight arm assembly for providing articulation of the assemblies.

The disclosure relates to a driver for scraper chain conveyors, which has a central portion having a chain link receptacle for attaching the driver to chain links of a conveyor chain, wherein scraper wings adjoin both sides of the central portion and each scraper wing has a web portion and an end portion that is widened with respect to the web portion, wherein, on the underside of the web portion, a wear plate is provided, which covers the web portion in the direction of the end portion starting from a step on the underside of the central portion.

The disclosure relates to a driver for scraper chain conveyors, which has a central portion having a chain link receptacle for attaching the driver to chain links of a conveyor chain, wherein scraper wings adjoin both sides of the central portion and each scraper wing has a web portion and an end portion that is widened with respect to the web portion, wherein, on the underside of the web portion, a wear plate is provided, which covers the web portion in the direction of the end portion starting from a step on the underside of the central portion.

A link for a conveyor chain includes a first portion and a second portion laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin protrude laterally away from one another. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin may each have an oblong cross-section. At least one retainer can secure a connecting pin against movement relative to at least one of the first portion and the second portion, and each retainer can be positioned substantially within one of the first portion and the second portion.

A link for a conveyor chain includes a first portion and a second portion laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin protrude laterally away from one another. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin may each have an oblong cross-section. At least one retainer can secure a connecting pin against movement relative to at least one of the first portion and the second portion, and each retainer can be positioned substantially within one of the first portion and the second portion.

A paddle bracket with superior durability and a grain elevator chain including such a paddle bracket are disclosed. The paddle brackets are used to connect paddles for moving the grain to the chain. Each paddle bracket has a brace portion for giving additional support to the intermediate portion of the bracket between the portion of the paddle bracket that connects to the other links in the chain and that portion of the paddle bracket that attaches to the paddle. An austempering process for forming a bainitic microstructure in the paddle bracket to further enhance the strength of the paddle bracket is also disclosed.

The present invention provides an improved conveyor system that provides for a magnetically driven conveyor system in which a sidewall of the conveyor may have minimal or no perforations therein for connecting rollers or other conveying structures in the conveyor bed to an external driving mechanism. The conveyor system may also provide gapless or nearly gapless roller bed that prevents or reduces the accumulation of debris and contaminants in and between the hardware of the conveyor bed. The system of the present invention may provide a more efficient and sanitary conveyor system for produce washing or other food processing application that requires less maintenance.

The present invention provides an improved conveyor system that provides for a magnetically driven conveyor system in which a sidewall of the conveyor may have minimal or no perforations therein for connecting rollers or other conveying structures in the conveyor bed to an external driving mechanism. The conveyor system may also provide gapless or nearly gapless roller bed that prevents or reduces the accumulation of debris and contaminants in and between the hardware of the conveyor bed. The system of the present invention may provide a more efficient and sanitary conveyor system for produce washing or other food processing application that requires less maintenance.

Apparatus for monitoring alignment of a transverse member conveyor. The member is attached transversely at opposite end portions to two parallel endless chains includes two position sensors affixed and located transversely adjacent to each chain and each other. One or more targets are attached to link(s) of each chain, and at predetermined distances from the member. The position sensors inductively or magnetically sense the relative position of the target(s) on each chain with respect to the respective position sensor adjacent the chain, and send a signal comparing the target and sensor proximity with respect to the target on each chain. This allows determination of whether the opposite end portions of the member attached to the respective chains are aligned transversely within predetermined tolerance limits. Another aspect is monitoring a single position on an endless chain. Another aspect monitors chain catenary.

Apparatus for monitoring alignment of a transverse member conveyor. The member is attached transversely at opposite end portions to two parallel endless chains includes two position sensors affixed and located transversely adjacent to each chain and each other. One or more targets are attached to link(s) of each chain, and at predetermined distances from the member. The position sensors inductively or magnetically sense the relative position of the target(s) on each chain with respect to the respective position sensor adjacent the chain, and send a signal comparing the target and sensor proximity with respect to the target on each chain. This allows determination of whether the opposite end portions of the member attached to the respective chains are aligned transversely within predetermined tolerance limits. Another aspect is monitoring a single position on an endless chain. Another aspect monitors chain catenary.