Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
215 words
A module having a top and bottom surface suitable for being pivotally connected with a multiplicity of similar modules by pivot rods to construct a conveyor belt which can move along a predetermined path, said module comprising: a plurality of elongated links extending the length of the module, each of said plurality of elongated links defining a first set of pivot holes aligned along a first pivot axis in the link ends at one end and a second set of pivot holes aligned along a second pivot axis in the link ends at the other end of said elongated link and also including a portion thereof which is not orthogonal to said pivot axes; the link ends of each link of said module suitable for being intermeshed and pivotally connected by pivot rods extending through said pivot holes with the link ends of a similar module to form a conveyor belt; an integrally molded connecting structure extending transverse to said elongated links so as to join and maintain the other and having a bottom-most point which terminates substantially at said bottom surface; and driving surfaces defined by said connecting structure suitable for receiving a driving force to move said module and a conveyor belt constructed from a multiplicity of such modules in a selected direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
215 words
A module having a top and bottom surface suitable for being pivotally connected with a multiplicity of similar modules by pivot rods to construct a conveyor belt which can move along a predetermined path, said module comprising: a plurality of elongated links extending the length of the module, each of said plurality of elongated links defining a first set of pivot holes aligned along a first pivot axis in the link ends at one end and a second set of pivot holes aligned along a second pivot axis in the link ends at the other end of said elongated link and also including a portion thereof which is not orthogonal to said pivot axes; the link ends of each link of said module suitable for being intermeshed and pivotally connected by pivot rods extending through said pivot holes with the link ends of a similar module to form a conveyor belt; an integrally molded connecting structure extending transverse to said elongated links so as to join and maintain the other and having a bottom-most point which terminates substantially at said bottom surface; and driving surfaces defined by said connecting structure suitable for receiving a driving force to move said module and a conveyor belt constructed from a multiplicity of such modules in a selected direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A module according to claim 1, wherein the said portion of the elongated link extends from one link end to the other link end.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A module according to claim 1, wherein the said portion of the elongated link is intermediate two portions orthogonal to said pivot axes and extending to respective link ends.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
A module according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein same of the elongated links include integrally molded raised portions presenting surfaces defining a plane above the plane of the surfaces of the other elongated links, whereby to provide channels for receiving the teeth of a comb to remove articles from said module.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
A module according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the elongated links include integrally molded raised portions presenting surfaces defining a plane above the surface of the connecting structure, whereby to provide channels for receiving the teeth of a comb to remove articles from said module.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
85 words
A module according to any preceding claim comprising a first group of spacers integrally molded to a selected side surface of selected ones of said first plurality of link ends, and a second group of spacers integrally molded to the other side of selected ones of said second plurality of link ends so as to maintain one side of said elongated links in contact with the opposite side of an elongated link of a pivotally connected module, and such that the module is end-to-end reversible.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
A module according to claim 6, wherein the spacers are circumferentially relieved.