Abstract: In a power-and-free conveyor including a first free rail, a second free rail branching off from the first free rail, a first and a second power rail provided above the free rails respectively, a transfer system for transferring the carriers movably supported by the first free rail to the second free rail. An auxiliary rail attached to the first of the free rails slightly projects above the first free rail and has a cutaway section of requred length to the rear of the branching point of the second free rail. The carrier has at its front portion a pair of tilting drive and back-up dogs engageable with the propelling member driven along the power rail and at its rear portion a propelling member raising cam member. When a carrier advances into the cutaway section, a raising plate disposed near the front end of the rail cut-away portion, disengages the propelling member from the tilting drive dog on the carrier.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive and compact ride for an amusement park and the like, which creates the illusion that the passengers are seated in a rapidly maneuvering vehicle, by applying forces to the passenger in synchronism with the display of a motion picture image. The apparatus includes a passenger-holding frame which has three locations resting on hydraulic rams that can tilt the frame or move it up and down, and a film projector and viewing screen connected to the frame to move with it. When the motion picture simulates the view from a vehicle that is turning to the right, the rams are operated to tilt the vehicle to the left, to simulate the centrifugal forces that would result from a vehicle turning to the right. When the motion picture indicates forward acceleration, the vehicle is tipped backwardly. When the motion picture indicates vertical acceleration, the rams are rapidly moved up or down.

Abstract: A device for separating, scanning and sorting publications bearing the Universal Product Code. The device comprises a flat bed extending horizontally but inclined to one side, along which move parallel belts at high speed. A loading bit or hopper at one end receives magazines stacked in random sequence. These are separated by means of the synchronized movement of stack lifting bars at the bottom of the bin and movable separating fingers downstream. The fingers drop on each magazine as it begins to pass beneath them, and the stack lifters are simultaneously raised to lift the remaining magazines off the belts. The fingers are lifted a short time after the trailing edge of the magazine passes them to ensure a gap between adjacent magazines. The stack lifters to drop as the trailing edge passes the fingers, without a time delay.

Abstract: A conveyor chain for conveyor cars and the like having a plurality of rollers for engagement with guide rails for the chain and a plurality of members carried by the chain having at least one substantially flat surface extending laterally of the chain adapted to be engaged by a chain driving member.