Continuous proofing and baking apparatus having improved conveyor system

Claim 2

A conveyor system for use in a continuous proofing and baking apparatus which comprises: an elongate track characterized by a bottom wall, side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, top wall portions extending inwardly from the side walls, and a slot extending longitudinally between the top wall portions; a conveyor chain for movement through the track and comprising a plurality of identical links each comprising: connection located at one end of the link for connection with an adjacent link; a pair of vertically spaced parallel plates extending longitudinally from the connection means; the connection means secured between the spaced, parallel plates of adjacent links for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a vertical axis thereby facilitating horizontal flexure of the conveyor chain; the upper spaced, parallel plate of each link of the conveyor chain being positioned on the outside of the track and overlying the longitudinally extending slot thereof for preventing debris from entering the track; support means, attached to the connection means, for engaging the bottom wall of the track to facilitate movement of the conveyor chain therethrough; each upper spaced, parallel plate at least partially supported by the support means to facilitate movement of the conveyor chain; a plurality of product supporting grids each carried by the connection means of one of the links of the conveyor chains; and a plurality of cover members each securing one of the product supporting grids to its respective link of the conveyor chain, the cover members extending between the upper plates of adjacent links of the conveyor chain for cooperation therewith in preventing debris from entering the track and wherein each product supporting grid comprises a pair of transversely extending rods secured to the cover member and a W-shaped rod supported on the transversely extending rods.

Claim 3

The conveyor system according to claim 1 wherein each support means includes at least one roller rotatably supported by the connection means of the associated link and engaging the bottom wall of the track to facilitate the movement of the conveyor chain therethrough.

Claim 4

The conveyor system according to claim 1 further characterized by at least one horizontally disposed roller rotatably supported between the spaced, parallel plates of one or more of the links for facilitating movement of the conveyor chain through the track.

Claim 5

For use in a continuous proofing and baking apparatus, a conveyor system which comprises: an elongate track characterized by a bottom wall, side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, top wall portions extending inwardly from the side walls, and a slot extending longitudinally between the top wall portions; a conveyor chain comprising a plurality of identical links each including: a first connection member located at one end of the link; a pair of vertically spaced, parallel plates extending longitudinally from the first connection member; a second connection member located at the opposite end of the link from the first connection member; a pair of vertically disposed pins extending through the spaced, parallel plates and through the first and second connection members, respectively, for coupling the connection members to the plates while facilitating pivotal movement therebetween about vertical axes thereby accommodating horizontal flexure of the conveyor chain; and a horizontally disposed pin coupling the first connection member of each link of the chain to the second connection member of the next adjacent link thereby accommodating relative pivotal movement between the interconnected first and second connection members about a horizontal axis thereby facilitating vertical flexure of the conveyor chain; the upper spaced, parallel plate of each link of the conveyor chain being positioned above the top wall portions of the track to prevent debris from entering the track through the longitudinally extending slot; at least one roller rotatably supported by the first connection means of each of the links for supporting the conveyor chain within the track, the roller being vertically disposed for engaging the bottom wall of the track to facilitate movement of the conveyor chain through the track; a horizontally disposed roller rotatively supported between the longitudinally extending plates of the link for facilitating movement of the conveyor chain through the track; each upper, spaced parallel plate being at least partially supported by the rollers to facilitate movement of the conveyor chain; a plurality of product supporting grids, wherein each of the product supporting grids is supported on the first connection member of one of the links; means supporting each of the product supporting grids on one of the links of the conveyor chain for movement thereby along the track; and means extending between the upper plates of adjacent links and overlying the first and second connection members interconnecting the adjacent links for cooperation with the upper plates to prevent debris from entering the track, wherein the means extending between the upper plates of adjacent links comprises means for securing the product supporting grid to the first connection member of the link.

Claim 6

For use in a continuous proofing and baking apparatus, a conveyor system which comprises: an elongate track characterized by a bottom wall, side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, top wall portions extending inwardly from the side walls, and a slot extending longitudinally between the top wall portions; a conveyor chain comprising a plurality of identical links each including: a first connection member located at one end of the link; a pair of vertically spaced, parallel plates extending longitudinally from the first connection member; a second connection member located at the opposite end of the link from the first connection member; a pair of vertically disposed pins extending through the spaced, parallel plates and through the first and second connection members, respectively, for coupling the connection members to the plates while facilitating pivotal movement therebetween about vertical axes thereby accommodating horizontal flexure of the conveyor chain; and a horizontally disposed pin coupling the first connection member of each link of the chain to the second connection member of the next adjacent link thereby accommodating relative pivotal movement between the interconnected first and second connection members about a horizontal axis thereby facilitating vertical flexure of the conveyor chain; the upper spaced, parallel plate of each link of the conveyor chain being positioned above the top wall portions of the track to prevent debris from entering the track through the longitudinally extending slot; at least one roller rotatably supported by the first connection means of each of the links for supporting the conveyor chain within the track, the roller being vertically disposed for engaging the bottom wall of the track to facilitate movement of the conveyor chain through the track; a horizontally disposed roller rotatively supported between the longitudinally extending plates of the link for facilitating movement of the conveyor chain through the track; each upper, spaced parallel plate being at least partially supported by the rollers to facilitate movement of the conveyor chain; a plurality of product supporting grids, wherein each of the product supporting grids is supported on the first connection member of one of the links; means supporting each of the product supporting grids on one of the links of the conveyor chain for movement thereby along the track; and means extending between the upper plates of adjacent links and overlying the first and second connection members interconnecting the adjacent links for cooperation with the upper plates to prevent debris from entering the track, wherein the means extending between the upper plates of adjacent links comprises means for securing the product supporting grid to the first connection member of the link.

Claim 7

The conveyor system according to claim 4 wherein each product supporting grid comprises a pair of transversely extending rods secured to a cover member which in turn secures the product supporting grid to the first connection member of its associated link, and a W-shaped rod supported on the transversely extending rods.

Claim 8

For use in a continuous proofing and baking apparatus, a conveyor system comprising: a track characterized by a bottom wall, side walls extending upwardly from the outer edges of the bottom wall, top wall portions extending inwardly from the upper ends of the side walls, and a slot extending longitudinally between the top wall portions; a conveyor chain for movement through the track and including a plurality of identical links each comprising: a first connection member including means positioned above the top wall portions of the track for securing a product supporting grid thereto and a pair of vertically disposed rollers rotatably supported thereon within the track and in engagement with the bottom wall of the track; a first plate extending longitudinally from the first connection member and secured thereto for a pivotal movement about a vertical axis; a second connection member connected to the opposite end of the plate for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a vertical axis; a second plate extending between the first and second connection members within the track; the first connection member of each link being connected to the second connection member of the next adjcent link for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a horizontal axis; the pair of vertically disposed rollers supporting the first and second connection means in the track; the rollers of adjacent first connection members at least partially supporting the first plate over the longitudinal slot of the track to prevent debris from entering the track through the slot and to facilitate movement of the chain through the track; and a plurality of product supporting grids each supported on the first connection member of one of the links for movement thereby along the track, wherein each of the product supporting grids includes a cover member for connecting the product supporting grid to the first connection member of the associated link of the conveyor chain, each of the product supporting grid cover members extending between the first plates of adjacent links positioned above the top wall portions of the track and overlying the longitudinally extending slot of the track for cooperation with the first plates to prevent debris from entering the track.

Claim 9

For use in a continuous proofing and baking apparatus, a conveyor system comprising: a track characterized by a bottom wall, side walls extending upwardly from the outer edges of the bottom wall, top wall portions extending inwardly from the upper ends of the side walls, and a slot extending longitudinally between the top wall portions; a conveyor chain for movement through the track and including a plurality of identical links each comprising: a first connection member including means positioned above the top wall portions of the track for securing a product supporting grid thereto and a pair of vertically disposed rollers rotatably supported thereon within the track and in engagement with the bottom wall of the track; a first plate extending longitudinally from the first connection member and secured thereto for a pivotal movement about a vertical axis; a second connection member connected to the opposite end of the plate for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a vertical axis; a second plate extending between the first and second connection members within the track; the first connection member of each link being connected to the second connection member of the next adjcent link for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a horizontal axis; the pair of vertically disposed rollers supporting the first and second connection means in the track; the rollers of adjacent first connection members at least partially supporting the first plate over the longitudinal slot of the track to prevent debris from entering the track through the slot and to facilitate movement of the chain through the track; and a plurality of product supporting grids each supported on the first connection member of one of the links for movement thereby along the track, wherein each of the product supporting grids includes a cover member for connecting the product supporting grid to the first connection member of the associated link of the conveyor chain, each of the product supporting grid cover members extending between the first plates of adjacent links positioned above the top wall portions of the track and overlying the longitudinally extending slot of the track for cooperation with the first plates to prevent debris from entering the track.

Claim 10

The conveyor system according to Claim 6 wherein each link of the conveyor chain further includes a horizontally disposed roller rotatively supported between the first and second longitudinally extending plates thereof.

Claim 11

The conveyor system according to claim 7 further characterized by a drive mechanism for actuating the conveyor chain and including: a drive chain having conveyor chain engaging members mounted thereon; a drive motor fora ctuating the drive chain; and means for engaging the drive chain with the conveyor chain along an arc having a substantial radius thereby propelling theconveyor chain along the track without subjecting the conveyor chain to periods of substantial acceleration.

Claim 12

A conveyor system for use in continuous proof and bak apparatus which comprises: an elongate track characterized by a bottom wall, side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, top wall portions extending inwardly from the side walls, and a slot extending longitudinally between the top wall portions; a conveyor chain for movement through the track and comprising a plurality of identical links each comprising: a first connection member located at one end of the link; a pair of vertically spaced parallel plates extending longitudinally from the first connection member; a second connection member positioned at the opposite end of the link; the first and second connection members being connected to the spaced, parallel plates for pivotal movement with resepect thereto about a vertical axis thereby facilitating horizontal flexure of the conveyor chain; the first connection member of each link being connected to the second connection member of the next adjacent link for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a horizontal axis thereby facilitating vertical flexure of the conveyor chain; the upper spaced, parallel plate of each link of the conveyor chain being positioned on the outside of the track and overlying the longitudinally extending slot thereof for preventing debris from entering the track; a plurality of product supporting grids each carried by the first connection member of one of the links of the conveyor chain; a plurality of cover members each securing one of the product supporting grids to its respective link of the conveyor chain, the cover members extending between the upper plates of adjacent links of the conveyor chain for cooperation therewith in preventing debris from entering the track; wherein each product supporting grid comprises a pair of transversely extending rods secured to the cover member and a W-shaped rod supported on the transversely extending rods; and a rocker mounted on the W-shaped rod of each product supporting grid and including a centrally disposed portion and an offset portion for securing bakery pans in engagement with the product supporting grid during movement thereof along the track under the action of the conveyor chain.

Claim 13

A conveyor system for use in continuous proof and bak apparatus which comprises: an elongate track characterized by a bottom wall, side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, top wall portions extending inwardly from the side walls, and a slot extending longitudinally between the top wall portions; a conveyor chain for movement through the track and comprising a plurality of identical links each comprising: a first connection member located at one end of the link; a pair of vertically spaced parallel plates extending longitudinally from the first connection member; a second connection member positioned at the opposite end of the link; the first and second connection members being connected to the spaced, parallel plates for pivotal movement with resepect thereto about a vertical axis thereby facilitating horizontal flexure of the conveyor chain; the first connection member of each link being connected to the second connection member of the next adjacent link for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a horizontal axis thereby facilitating vertical flexure of the conveyor chain; the upper spaced, parallel plate of each link of the conveyor chain being positioned on the outside of the track and overlying the longitudinally extending slot thereof for preventing debris from entering the track; a plurality of product supporting grids each carried by the first connection member of one of the links of the conveyor chain; a plurality of cover members each securing one of the product supporting grids to its respective link of the conveyor chain, the cover members extending between the upper plates of adjacent links of the conveyor chain for cooperation therewith in preventing debris from entering the track; wherein each product supporting grid comprises a pair of transversely extending rods secured to the cover member and a W-shaped rod supported on the transversely extending rods; and a rocker mounted on the W-shaped rod of each product supporting grid and including a centrally disposed portion and an offset portion for securing bakery pans in engagement with the product supporting grid during movement thereof along the track under the action of the conveyor chain.

Claim 14

For use in a continuous proof and bake apparatus, a conveyor system which comprises: an elongate track characterized by a bottom wall, side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, top wall portions extending inwardly from the side walls, and a slot extending longitduinally between the top wall portions; a conveyor chain comprising a plurality of identical links each including: a first connection member located at one end of the link; a pair of vertically spaced, parallel plates extending longitudinally from the first connection member; a second connection member located at the opposite end of the link from the first connection member; a pair of vertically disposed pins extending through the spaced, parallel plates and through the first and second connection members to the plates while facilitating pivotal movement therebetween about vertical axes thereby accommodating horizontal flexure of the conveyor chain; and a horizontally disposed pin coupling the first connection member of each link of the chain to the second connection member of the next adjacent link thereby accommodating relative pivotal movement between the interconnected first and second connection members about a horizontal axis thereby facilitating vertical flexure of the conveyor chain; the upper spaced, parallel plate of each link of the conveyor chain being positioned above the top wall portions of the track to prevent debris from entering the track through the longitudinally extending slot; a plurality of product supporting grids; means supporting each of the product supporting rids on one of the links of the conveyor chain for movement thereby along the track; means extending between the upper plates of adjacent links and overlying the first and second connection members for cooperation with the upper plates to prevent debris from entering the track; a pair of vertically disposed rollers carried by the first connection member of the link for engaging the bottom wall of the track to facilitate movement of the conveyor chain through the track; a horizontally disposed roller rotatively supported between the longitudinally extending plates of the link for facilitating movement of the conveyor chain through the track; wherein each of the product supporting grids is supported on the first connection member of one of the links and wherein the means extending between upper plates of adjacent links for cooperation therewith to prevent debris from entering the track comprises means for securing the product supporting grid to the first connection member of the link; wherein each product supporting grid comprises a pair of transversely extending rods secured to a cover member which in turn secures the product supporting grid to the first connection member of its associated link, and a W-shaped rod supported on the transversely extending rods; and a rocker member supported on the W-shaped rod of each product supporting grid and including a centrally disposed portion and an offset portion for securing bakery pans on the product supporting grid during movement thereof along the track under the action of the conveyor chain.

Claim 15

For use in a continuous proof and bake apparatus, a conveyor system which comprises: an elongate track characterized by a bottom wall, side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, top wall portions extending inwardly from the side walls, and a slot extending longitduinally between the top wall portions; a conveyor chain comprising a plurality of identical links each including: a first connection member located at one end of the link; a pair of vertically spaced, parallel plates extending longitudinally from the first connection member; a second connection member located at the opposite end of the link from the first connection member; a pair of vertically disposed pins extending through the spaced, parallel plates and through the first and second connection members to the plates while facilitating pivotal movement therebetween about vertical axes thereby accommodating horizontal flexure of the conveyor chain; and a horizontally disposed pin coupling the first connection member of each link of the chain to the second connection member of the next adjacent link thereby accommodating relative pivotal movement between the interconnected first and second connection members about a horizontal axis thereby facilitating vertical flexure of the conveyor chain; the upper spaced, parallel plate of each link of the conveyor chain being positioned above the top wall portions of the track to prevent debris from entering the track through the longitudinally extending slot; a plurality of product supporting grids; means supporting each of the product supporting rids on one of the links of the conveyor chain for movement thereby along the track; means extending between the upper plates of adjacent links and overlying the first and second connection members for cooperation with the upper plates to prevent debris from entering the track; a pair of vertically disposed rollers carried by the first connection member of the link for engaging the bottom wall of the track to facilitate movement of the conveyor chain through the track; a horizontally disposed roller rotatively supported between the longitudinally extending plates of the link for facilitating movement of the conveyor chain through the track; wherein each of the product supporting grids is supported on the first connection member of one of the links and wherein the means extending between upper plates of adjacent links for cooperation therewith to prevent debris from entering the track comprises means for securing the product supporting grid to the first connection member of the link; wherein each product supporting grid comprises a pair of transversely extending rods secured to a cover member which in turn secures the product supporting grid to the first connection member of its associated link, and a W-shaped rod supported on the transversely extending rods; and a rocker member supported on the W-shaped rod of each product supporting grid and including a centrally disposed portion and an offset portion for securing bakery pans on the product supporting grid during movement thereof along the track under the action of the conveyor chain.