Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conveying a stack (22) of paper products by the use of rollers (50, 150, 250 or 350) that include lobed outer surfaces for contacting the stack of paper.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for diverting objects to a second path from a first path. Some embodiments include an articulatable diverting member coupled to an endless loop placed at an oblique angle above the first path of the conveyor. The diverting members are selectively placed in either a retracted position or an extended position based on sensory knowledge of the particular objects passing underneath the endless member. In the extended position, the diverting members contact the particular objects and slide them to the second path. In the retracted position, the conveyed objects pass underneath the diverting member.

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting objects sensitive to electrostatic discharge. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a roller conveyor with conductive rollers in electrical communication with an electrical ground. The rollers preferably have about 105 ohms resistance from the outer diameter to the inner diameter to ensure that electrostatic charges built up on the conveyed object can flow to ground, yet not flow too quickly. In another embodiment, the roller shafts are supported on highly conductive bushings that provide a path to electrical ground that is preferably less that 104 ohms. In yet another embodiment, the roller shafts are driven by a conductive pulley that minimizes the build-up of electrostatic charge as a result of a triboelectric effect with the drive belt.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for conveying products to be wrapped. In one embodiment, a conveying section is located upstream of a product infeed and wrapping mechanism. The conveying section includes rollers for conveying the products. The roller shafts are controlled in three different groups by an electronic controller. In one embodiment the first group comprises slippable rollers, and the two downstream conveying sections include fixed rollers. The fixed rollers are electronically controlled to substantially the same speed, but with slight phase or positional differences therebetween. In another embodiment of the present invention, a conveyor includes a right side drive on the right side of the conveying path, and a left side drive on the left side of the conveying path. The conveyor includes a plurality of roller shafts which have a single driving wheel on one end.

Abstract: A conveyor (20, 120, 220, 320) for transporting objects sensitive to electrostatic discharge. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a slippable roller conveyor (20, 120, 220, 320) with conductive slippable rollers (30, 30′) in electrical communication with an electrical ground (60). The slippable rollers (30, 30′) preferably have about 105 ohms resistance from the outer surface (40) to the inner diameter (34) to ensure that electrostatic charges built up on the conveyed object can flow to ground, yet not flow too quickly. In another embodiment, the roller shafts (35) are supported on highly conductive bushings that provide a path to electrical ground that is preferably less than 104 ohms. In yet another embodiment, the roller shafts (35) are driven by a conductive pulley (65) that minimizes the build-up of electrostatic charge as a result of a triboelectric effect with the drive belt (70).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conveying objects to a seated human operator, including a powered conveyor with slippable rollers that is part of a workstation area for the operator. The conveyor is compact enough that a human operator can sit adjacent to it with the operator's legs underneath the moving surface path and perform work on objects being conveyed along the surface path. Also there is a compact driving mechanism for driving the roller shafts. The roller driving and support assemblies are of low vertical height and clear the operator's legs while at the same time maintaining the top surface of the driving and support assemblies and surface path at a comfortable height for the operator's arms. The driving and support assemblies, rollers and roller shafts, and various driving elements provide protection for the human operator. A product stop assembly is also included that stops an object being conveyed along the surface path so that it can be worked on by the human operator.

Abstract: A slippable roller conveyor for a class one cleanroom. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a slippable roller conveyor with a surface path for conveying objects that is largely open so as to facilitate the downward flow of air from a clean air source above the conveyor to an evacuator below the conveyor. The slippable rollers include guiding flanges to resist lateral movement of the object being conveyed. The conveyor includes skirts with substantially smooth surfaces and minimal horizontal surfaces that assist in discouraging lateral flow of the clean air. Also, one embodiment of the invention includes a powered transfer mechanism for transferring objects from one conveyor path to another conveyor path. The transfer mechanism is enclosed and evacuated so as to prevent the escape of particulate matter into the cleanroom. The driving mechanism, motor, and electrical components are also contained in evacuated enclosures.

Abstract: A roller conveyor apparatus includes a plurality of tapered tubular rollers, each rotatably mounted on an axle. The roller axles are supported by a frame so that, in one embodiment, the rollers are arranged to form a conveyor turn segment. A drive wheel, also mounted on the axle, is associated with each roller to provide a friction surface operating against one end of the roller for rotation of the roller. A spring load assembly at the other end of the roller controls the frictional contact between the roller and the drive wheel. The drive wheel for each of the plurality of rollers is driven by a friction drive assembly including a sprocket horizontally supported beneath the drive wheel. A drive tire is mounted on the sprocket so that the tire surface contacts the drive wheel. A chain, driven by a single motor and drive sprocket, engages the sprocket of each friction drive assembly to rotate the sprocket, and therefore the drive tire.

Abstract: An improved multiple-roller conveyor having a support for objects located between adjacent shafts. The support snaps onto the shafts between rollers mounted upon the shafts. The support extends between the shafts and extends upwardly less than the rollers mounted on the shafts. Small objects being conveyed along the tops of the rollers may fall over due to the spaces between the tops of adjacent rollers. The support prevents the bottoms of the objects from dipping too much into the spaces between the rollers, and thereby keeps the objects from falling over.

Abstract: A support for a conveyor shaft having a plurality of rollers mounted thereon. The support snaps onto the shaft between two of the rollers. The support projects downwardly below the rollers, and is spaced above a support surface. Excessive weight on the shaft will cause the shaft to bow or bend downwardly and the support will then engage the support surface to resist further bowing of the shaft. The support extends perpendicularly to the shaft to support similarly a plurality of shafts.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving objects having driven rollers which slip with respect to the drive shafts extending therethrough. Each drive shaft has a plurality of side-by-side rollers mounted thereon. A pulley is mounted to the end of each drive shaft to receive a belt which is in driving engagement with a main shaft. The main shaft is connected by belts and pulleys to a motor. The rollers may be arranged in different groups having different rotating speeds with an arrangement of rollers provided for moving objects around a corner. A movable roller pan mounted in a case packer is disclosed having the subject rollers.