User:Bchenoweth

The belt power turn is a curved conveyor that utilizes a belt, rather than rollers to convey material. It can be driven by a chain that is attached to the outside perimeter of the belt or by a roller that is located at one end of the conveyor.

The original belt power curve was invented in the 1950's by Charlie and Ed Fry. These two brothers developed and built mining equipment for the gold mines in Cripple Creek, Colorado. Charlie and Ed held several mining patents. Charlie was the salesman and Ed was the mechanical genius.

In 1951, Charlie was introduced to Frank Dakin from Continental Airlines in Denver. Charlie sold Continental Airlines straight conveyors, which were fabricated by his brother, Ed. Continental was so pleased with the straight conveyors, that the Fry brothers began selling conveyors to other Continental locations outside of Denver. In 1957, manufacturing operations moved from Cripple Creek to Canon City.

In 1959, the first successful belt power turn was developed by Ed Fry. It was a solution to one of the airports biggest problems, which was how to efficiently change direction with a conveyor line. The first conveyor was installed in United Airline’s Seattle facility. Other airlines soon followed United’s lead. The original belt power turn, developed into a large range of sizes and configurations.

There are several belt power turn manufacturers, with many focusing in a specific industry.

The two main belt power turn conveyors in the United States are Portec, Inc. and Transnorm. They use competing technologies in the design of their conveyors. Portec uses a chain to guide the belt. Transnorm uses a polyurethan bead that is sewn into the belt and is guided with rollers.