CHAIN APPARATUS FOR HIGH-SPEED MEDIA PROCESSING

摘要

A lightweight chain apparatus (10) is provided for rotation in a high-speed media processing apparatus for particularly causing media to be conveyed. The chain apparatus includes a plastic chain (20) having a series of substantially parallel rollers (22A, 22B) maintained in a spaced-apart relationship by a series of interconnected link plates (24A, 24B) positioned on opposing ends of the rollers wherein the rollers and the link plates are constructed of different materials. One or more push members (30A, 30A') are mounted on the chain for engaging and conveying media, and each push member includes opposing substantially parallel push plates (32A, 32B) attached substantially perpendicularly to opposing ends of at least a pair of the rollers so as to link the pair of rolers. Each push member forms a laterally extending portion (50A, 50B) which can be supported against adjacent link plates of the chain for increased stability and longer life when the push member encounters media to be conveyed.