Abstract: A rotation detection device is provided in a motor roller of a conveying apparatus to detect changes in the rotation speed of the motor roller. When an object is moved from an upstream location of a conveyance path to the motor roller having the rotation detection device, the rotation detection device detects the presence of the object by measuring the slight variation in rotation speed of the motor roller. A control unit is provided to monitor the output signals from a plurality of rotation detection devices, arranged along the conveyance path. The control device independently adjusts the conveyance speeds of a plurality of independent conveyance portions along the conveyance path based upon these output signals. This system allows conveyance of a plurality of objects along the conveyance while avoiding one object from running into another object due to, for example, a delay at a particular point along the conveyance path.

Abstract: A pallet loading apparatus wherein an article is held by a holding device that can move freely vertically and horizontally at the article line-up position. The article is then moved and lowered onto articles on a pallet at the pallet loading position. The holding device is provided at the lower sections on its both sides with a plurality of scooping fork members, each of which has a supporting section that is supported on a shaft in such a manner that it can be opened and closed and is horizontal when it is closed. The supporting sections of the scooping fork members are provided at one or more positions of each section with joint sections and the end section of the joint sections is formed so as to bend only upwards.