Systems, methods, and apparatus for improved conveyor system drive

A drive assembly comprising:

• a drive motor drivingly coupled with a drive gear unit, the drive gear unit being configured to engage and propel a tow chain in a conveyor system;
• a floating-chassis comprising a motor mount, and a set of guide cams configured to guide the floating-chassis along a take-up system, the take-up system comprising an automatic tensioner and a set of guide rods;
• and
• wherein the drive assembly is configured to be mounted on a surface and whereby the tow chain is propelled along a common plane with the drive assembly.

A conveyor system comprising:

• an elevated conveyor track comprising a tow chain guide configured to support a conveyor tow chain;
• a hanging load carrying unit having a tow pin assembly including a tow pin configured to engage and disengage with the tow chain;
• and
• a drive assembly configured to engage and propel to the tow chain without the use of a separate drive chain, the surface-mounted drive assembly comprising:
• a floating-chassis take-up system;
• and
• an automatic tensioner;
• wherein the floating-chassis take-up system and automatic tensioner operate to automatically maintain a desired tension in the tow chain.