Abstract: A central impeller is sandwiched between fixed walls and is driven through a circular path of small radius, but prevented from rotating by a ring-shaped shutter or slider which surrounds and guides it. The shape of the impeller and slider are such that displacement chambers are formed between them, which expand and contract as the impeller follows a circular path and imparts a reciprocating motion to the slider. The two fixed walls contain suction and discharge ports which are covered and uncovered by the impeller and the slider as they perform their motions.

Abstract: A conveyor system for cigarettes and other rod-like articles includes a reservoir consisting of a conveyor which is preferably laterally flexible and moves along a helical path so that a long thin stack of articles can be taken into the reservoir and can be delivered from the reservoir when necessary. The conveyor may consist of a plastic surface member which has a flexible zig-zag shape and is driven by a chain. The conveyor system may be overhead and may receive the articles from an elevator consisting of two parallel bands moving upwards along a minuous path so as to grip the articles between them.

Abstract: For use in a conveyor system having a curved or nonlinear portion, a conveyor is provided which is sufficiently flexible to pass around a pulley and is also laterally flexible so as to move along a curved or helical path. The conveyor is formed of a plastic surface member which has a flexible zig-zag shape and is driven by a chain secured thereto at regular intervals. The chain is preferably formed of pairs of parallel links pivoted together about lateral axes parallel to the conveyor surface and being constructed to have lateral play whereby the chain can curve laterally in the direction of the article-supporting surface.