Abstract: A stacker assembly for a conveyor system. The conveyor system includes a belt conveyor to convey a plurality of articles having a size such that the sides of the articles overhang the side edges of the conveyor. A pair of lift blocks are disposed beneath and on opposite sides of the conveyor and can be moved from an outer retracted position to an inner lifting position. In the lifting position the inner edges of the lift blocks are located beneath the overhanging sides of an article stopped on the conveyor. The lift blocks are elevated by means of a fluid cylinder to raise the article above the conveyor and into a storage rack. As the article is elevated, cams on the lift blocks engage cam surfaces on spaced support members to wedge the support members apart and enable the articles to be elevated above the support members. The support members automatically return to the supporting position to hold the article in the storage rack.

Abstract: A storage unit for storing articles being conveyed on a conveyor system. The storage unit is located laterally adjacent a main conveyor, and includes a plurality of spaced parallel secondary conveyors that are disposed laterally of the main conveyor. The storage unit also includes a lifting assembly composed of a plurality of generally parallel supports which are adapted to pass within the spaces between the secondary conveyors as the lifting assembly is moved vertically. To operate the storage unit, a stop member is moved to an obstructing position with respect to the main conveyor to stop a row or train of articles, and the train of articles is then pushed laterally from the main conveyor by a pusher unit onto the secondary conveyors where the train is conveyed to the ends of the secondary conveyors. In this manner, successive rows or trains of articles are transferred from the main conveyor to the secondary conveyors until the secondary conveyors are filled.

Abstract: A conveying system including a pair of endless belt conveyors that are in vertically spaced relation. A series of work stations are located along the length of the conveyors and a plurality of small pallets which contain workpieces or component parts are conveyed on the upper conveyor and are individually pushed from the upper conveyor onto an inclined lateral conveyor where they are delivered to a work station. After a working operation has been performed on the workpiece, the pallets are conveyed to the lower conveyor. A plurality of finger stop assemblies are located in the conveyor system and are arranged to stop and accumulate a series of pallets. On signal, the finger stop assemblies are retracted to permit movement of the pallets on the conveyor. A pivotable conveyor section is incorporated in the system and can, when pivoted, transfer pallets from the lower conveyor to the upper conveyor.

Abstract: An elevator for a conveyor system and adapted to move articles between two different vertical levels. The elevator comprises a pair of endless chains mounted to travel in parallel offset vertical paths. The opposite corners of a plurality of platforms or carriers are connected to the respective chains and as the chains move in their paths of travel, the platforms move in a generally rectangular path consisting of an upward vertical run, an upper horizontal run, a downward vertical run, and a lower horizontal run. Horizontal conveyors located at different vertical levels intersect the vertical runs of the platforms, and the platforms are provided with recesses so that the platforms can move vertically around the conveyors. Articles to be conveyed are delivered to the elevator by one of said conveyors, and are individually lifted from the conveyor by a platform moving in the upward vertical run.

Abstract: A magnetic transfer mechanism for transferring ferro magnetic articles from one endless belt conveyor to another. The transfer mechanism includes a magnetic pulley and the conveyor belts are disposed in side-by-side relation on the pulley. Guide rails are disposed outwardly of the pulley and arranged in a generally helical configuration and serve to guide the articles from one belt to the other belt as the belts travel over the pulley.