A surface platform for a conveyor belt includes a platform member having an upper surface and a rail member at one side of the upper surface. The upper surface has a first portion adjacent the rail member, a second portion adjacent the first portion, and a third portion adjacent the second portion. The second portion extends upward at a distance and in a direction such that when an article is placed on the platform member in contact with the rail the article extends to, and no further than, the second portion. The first portion may be horizontal or curved.

The present invention discloses a fruit and vegetable conveyor machine having a traction cable whereon a number of rotating elements are suspended which travel along mechanised rails to determine their path. The advance of the fruits and vegetables is generated by the translation and a continuous rotation of the rotating elements that form at least one circuit associated with the traction cable, which moves defining a conveying speed of the rotating elements. The configuration of the machine enables the differentiation of an alignment area which includes corresponding opposite-facing belts, forming a V, and in movement, and an area for the inspection of the fruit or vegetable conveyed, where the rotating elements are illuminated with a colour that may be selected so as to enable the differentiation of the background image from the product.

The present invention discloses a fruit and vegetable conveyor machine having a traction cable whereon a number of rotating elements are suspended which travel along mechanised rails to determine their path. The advance of the fruits and vegetables is generated by the translation and a continuous rotation of the rotating elements that form at least one circuit associated with the traction cable, which moves defining a conveying speed of the rotating elements. The configuration of the machine enables the differentiation of an alignment area which includes corresponding opposite-facing belts, forming a V, and in movement, and an area for the inspection of the fruit or vegetable conveyed, where the rotating elements are illuminated with a colour that may be selected so as to enable the differentiation of the background image from the product.

A conveyor belt system provides a continuous flat support surface for a food item that moves the food item through a food preparation device. The conveyor belt system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of spaced apart rods and a plurality of slats that are removably attached to the conveyor belt with a snap on mechanism. The slats are easily assembled and provide enhanced field service and/or replacement capability.

A conveyor belt system provides a continuous flat support surface for a food item that moves the food item through a food preparation device. The conveyor belt system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of spaced apart rods and a plurality of slats that are removably attached to the conveyor belt with a snap on mechanism. The slats are easily assembled and provide enhanced field service and/or replacement capability.

A container gripping device for use on machines which are used for filling, capping, sterilizing, or the like containers, particularly fluid containers such as plastic bottles, wherein the device has a base adapted for attachment to the links of a chain conveyor, wherein the device has a container gripper body mounted on the base, wherein the base is provided with a hook structure at each of its ends, wherein the gripper body ends have recessed floor portions, wherein locking tabs on the hook structures are in engagement with the upper surface of the recessed floor portion, and wherein the longitudinal outer end surface of the hook structures lie substantially flush with the faces of the body ends.

A container gripping device for use on machines which are used for filling, capping, sterilizing, or the like containers, particularly fluid containers such as plastic bottles, wherein the device has a base adapted for attachment to the links of a chain conveyor, wherein the device has a container gripper body mounted on the base, wherein the base is provided with a hook structure at each of its ends, wherein the gripper body ends have recessed floor portions, wherein locking tabs on the hook structures are in engagement with the upper surface of the recessed floor portion, and wherein the longitudinal outer end surface of the hook structures lie substantially flush with the faces of the body ends.

A container gripping device for use on machines which are used for filling, capping, sterilizing, or the like containers, particularly fluid containers such as plastic bottles, wherein the device has a base adapted for attachment to the links of a chain conveyor, wherein the device has a container gripper body mounted on the base, wherein the base is provided with a hook structure at each of its ends, wherein the gripper body ends have recessed floor portions, wherein locking tabs on the hook structures are in engagement with the upper surface of the recessed floor portion, and wherein the longitudinal outer end surface of the hook structures lie substantially flush with the faces of the body ends.

A container gripping device for use on machines which are used for filling, capping, sterilizing, or the like containers, particularly fluid containers such as plastic bottles, wherein the device has a base adapted for attachment to a conveyor like chain, and has a container gripping body mounted on the base, and wherein the base and body have cooperating elements of a quick release locking structure for stabilizing the mounting and configuration of lengthy gripper bodies on gripper bases.

A container gripping device for use on machines which are used for filling, capping, sterilizing, or the like containers, particularly fluid containers such as plastic bottles, wherein the device has a base adapted for attachment to a conveyor like chain, and has a container gripping body mounted on the base, and wherein the base and body have cooperating elements of a quick release locking structure for stabilizing the mounting and configuration of lengthy gripper bodies on gripper bases.