Abstract: A carrier locking system for a horizontal pendulum conveyor employs a coupler at the free end of a generally L-shaped pendulum arm which interlocks with a receiver on a carrier. The coupler and receiver are normally in an unlocked position when the carrier travels along a horizontal path, and automatically interlock when the carrier travels along an inclined path. Locking the carrier to the pendulum arms prevents the carrier from becoming separated from the pendulum arms when descending into a surface treatment tank.

Abstract: Apparatus utilizing a special clamping fixture supports a motorcycle or similar vehicle as it is conveyed along an assembly line. The fixture is secured to an overhead conveyor by a stabilized suspension means that positions the fixture beneath the motorcycle so that it may receive a pair of laterally spaced, lower frame members of the motorcycle frame. The fixture employs a pair of vises located fore and aft relative to the direction of movement of the conveyor, each of which has a pair of jaws with an axis of clamping action extending transversely of the direction of conveyor movement for receiving a corresponding frame member. An operating means which may be actuated from either side of the conveyor opens and closes the two vises in unison to clamp and hold the frame members. In order to accommodate dimensional variations in the spacing between the frame members, one of the vises is free to float horizontally independently of the other vise as the jaws are tightened onto the frame.

Abstract: A retarder apparatus controls the speed of a free, load-carrying conveyor as it moves in a predetermined direction along a path of travel defined by the track in which the conveyor runs. Paddle members are spaced at regular intervals along an endless movable chain and each, in turn, is positioned in the track in the path of the next conveyor. Upon engagement of an individual paddle by an oncoming conveyor, the chain is instantly accelerated to the speed of the conveyor and this motion is transmitted through a chain sprocket to a centrifugal brake which, if a normal speed is being exceeded, limits the speed of movement of the chain to hold back a runaway conveyor and return it to the normal speed.

Abstract: The trailing, load supporting component of a product conveyor is connected to a powered, leading component by a shock absorbing tow bar that employs a dampener tube in which a plunger moves against the resistance of a sleeve of resilient material. The head of the plunger is oversized with respect to a passageway defined by the sleeve and thus is forced to compress and displace the resilient material in order to move relative to the passageway in response to an impact caused by rapid acceleration or deceleration of the conveyor. Compression and displacement of the material occurs at a zone of contact of the head with the material, the head shifting the zone of contact and compressing and displacing the material in response to the impact communicated to the tow bar. A protective sleeve shields an exposed plunger rod from contaminants and enhances the structural integrity of the assembly.

Abstract: A raising and lowering mechanism is provided at a work station for vertically transferring articles or products delivered to the station by an overhead delivery conveyor. Discrimination between transfer of a load from the delivery conveyor and transfer back to the delivery conveyor is accomplished by a mechanical discriminator which appropriately conditions suspension hooks on the delivery conveyor for either releasing the load or reconnecting the load. The transfer mechanism employs a vertically reciprocating conveyor which is confined to a vertical transfer axis without the necessity to employ some degree of lateral movement to uncouple the load from the delivery conveyor, present the load at a working position within the work station, and return the load to the delivery conveyor. Drift compensation is provided to allow for some misalignment of a delivered load with the transfer axis.

Abstract: A high-speed, bidirectional transporter for a multiple station production line provides for the programmable pickup, transport and delivery of materials at non-sequential work stations along the production line. The transporter is self-propelled by a rack and pinion drive and moves along a track that defines a course through the multiple work stations. A turntable on the transporter carries an extensible and retractable arm whose motion, when coupled with a materialladen pallet, provides for either the pickup or delivery of a pallet to or from an individual work station. Coupling and uncoupling of the arm with a pallet is effected by the controlled rotation of the turntable, which is capable of 180 degrees of rotation to also impart to the transporter the ability to transfer pallets off of both sides to address a work station on either side of the track.

Abstract: A positive-acting coupling device for rigidly coupling a product-carrying dolly to the shuttle carriage of a high speed indexing conveyor is disclosed. Intercoupling of the carriage and the dolly is effected by a pair of clamp arms carried by the carriage which close against the opposed contact surfaces of a striker bar that projects from beneath the dolly. A cam mechanism on the carriage is operated by remotely mounted pneumatic cylinders located at positions along the conveyor where it is desired to either open or close the clamp arms. The cam mechanism is self-locking in the closed position of the clamp so that only a momentary actuating force applied by a cylinder is required. Since the clamp arms are closed against the opposed contact surfaces of the striker bar, no relative movement of the product-carrying dolly and the shuttle carriage is permitted.