Abstract
The paper describes the adaptation of industrial chain conveyors for the task of moving mail bags, consequent upon the development of a cheap and simple self-gripping carrier for use with such bags. Elements of system design which particularly affect the mail-handling application are surveyed, together with environmental, safety, and economic considerations. Comparison is made of the relative merits of chain and belt conveyors, the latter being the only other broadly applicable alternative. An indication is given of possible lines of future development in the field of chain conveyors. The paper includes an appendix which outlines an empirical method for estimating tractive resistance and driving power requirements.
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