Abstract: For use with an elongate conveyor belt designed to transport articles from one location to another, a novel pusher device mounted adjacent one long side of the belt. The pusher device utilizes an elongate, rotatably mounted arm having first and second ends, with the first end being pivotally affixed at a location relatively close to the belt, and arranged to rotate about the fixed pivot for less than 90°. The arm normally resides in an inactive position extending along the long side of the belt, with the second end of the arm being arranged to move outwardly, on occasion, from the inactive position and across at least a portion of the belt when an article is to be deflected off of the belt.

Abstract: A conveyor arranged to travel along a prescribed path, the upper surface of which conveyor being constituted by a comparatively large number of separate segments, with each segment supported by a carriage member. The conveyor utilizes a substantial number of interconnected carriage members, with at least one elongate linear sprocket attached to each carriage member. Each linear sprocket has a number of consistently spaced, generally downwardly directed teeth, which are successively brought into operative contact with components of a powered endless chain that is disposed under, and in general alignment with, the intended path of travel of the carriage members.

Abstract: A pusher mechanism supported on a framework for deflecting objects from a conveyor has a retractable pusher which is mounted for linear movement transversely across the conveyor. A paddle is pivotably attached at its midportion to an outer end of the pusher. A movable link is secured between the framework and an end of the paddle. Due to these paddle connections, controlled linear movement of the pusher will cause the paddle to articulate on the pusher from a rest position to an operating position at which an object is deflected from the conveyor and back to the rest position.

Abstract: A method for measuring the weight of material carried by a moving conveyor belt at an angle to the horizontal and passing over a belt scale, and a method for calibrating the belt scale under actual field conditions using previously determined calibration curves.

Abstract: A turntable comprising a plurality of transfer roller assemblies of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,804,230. The transfer roller assemblies are mounted in two parallel ranks in planar array, and means are provided for controlling the direction of rotation of the cylindrical rollers and stub rollers in selected subsets of the planar array so as to impart rotary and/or translational motion to an object positioned on the array. A center pivot pad and means for selectively urging the center pivot pad upwardly against an object positioned upon the transfer rollers may be provided to provide resistance to unwanted translation by the object.