Patent ID: 8387777
Filing Date: 2013-03-05
Classification: B65G,G01L

Abstract:
1. A single link of a conveyor chain, the link configured to support a tension load cell, the link comprising: a main body portion including a central cavity, a first end, a second end, a connecting bore extending through the first end, and at least one auxiliary cavity; the central cavity being configured to hold the load cell, the load cell for measuring a tension applied to the load cell, the second end including an opening into the central cavity, through which the load cell can be inserted, the connecting bore being oriented to receive a link pin of a mating dual link of the conveyor chain, and the at least one auxiliary cavity being sized to contain circuitry and at least one battery cell; and a cap portion for closing off the opening into the central cavity of the main body portion and, thereby, enclose the inserted load cell within the link, the cap portion including a mating segment, anti-rotation surfaces, a longitudinal bore extending through an entirety of the cap portion, and a connecting bore extending through the mating segment of the cap portion, approximately orthogonal to the longitudinal bore of the cap portion, and being oriented to receive a link pin of another mating dual link of the conveyor chain, the longitudinal bore of the cap portion being adapted to receive a fastener for attaching to an end of the inserted load cell within the central cavity of the main body portion, when the cap closes off the opening into the central cavity; wherein the anti-rotation surfaces mate with one or both of: the inserted load cell and the opening into the central cavity of the main body portion, when the cap closes off the opening into the central cavity.