Abstract: The present invention intends to prevent generation of metallic noise when both longitudinal sides of the chain supporting trolley (22) installed to the center link (19) of the chain collide against the ends of the adjoining side links (20a, 20b, 25) when the driving chains (18) which comprise linkchains in which a center link (19) whose plane shape is an elongated ring and a pair of top and bottom side links (20a, 20b, 25) are linked alternately become loose.

Abstract: A portable system for aiding persons in ascending or descending stairways comprises either a motorized portable upper body support assembly or a motorized vehicle for detachably drivingly engaging elongate tracks associated with different stairways. The detachability of the motorized unit from the track, combined with its portability, enables the user to employ the same portable unit interchangeably with any stairway in any location so long as the stairway is equipped with a mating track, thereby enabling an unlimited number of stairways in private or public buildings to be adapted inexpensively for use by physically impaired persons. The portable motorized unit is readily able to adapt to stairways of different slopes and configurations, and to tracks on either the right-hand or left-hand side of the stairway, so as to maximize the versatility of the portable unit for use with virtually any track-equipped stairway.

Abstract: A trolley assembly is provided including a pair of trolley brackets with an axle extending outwardly from each of the trolley brackets. Bushings adapted to rotatably engage each of the axles are provided with a wheel fixedly attached to each of the bushings. The bushings include an interlock to prevent rotation of the bushing with respect to the wheel. A pendant is attached to the pair of trolley brackets. The components of the trolley assembly can be replaced on a one-to-one basis with parts of prior art trolley assemblies.

Abstract: Carrier system for a mobile device positionable in various directions in space, such as a directive light source, including a trolley which can move along a guide ramp. The ramp includes two helical rails turning about a given longitudinal axis, and the trolley includes a pair of axles with parallel axes holding the ramp therebetween. Each axle is provided with a central body engaging with an associated face of the ramp by wheels capable of running the ramp and guiding the axles when the wheels move along the ramp, with which the wheels are held in contact by an elastic connecting member pulling them towards each other. The light source is fixed to the central body of one axle, and the central body is coupled in rotation with the wheels of the axle.

Abstract: An automated electric transportation system which has an electrically driven vehicle (30) including onboard energy storage (34), combined road wheels (56) and rail wheels (58) along with manual controls (68) for transporting people and objects from one place to another. A network of roads (60) and rails (62) is employed with an electrical power bus (100) positioned adjacent to the rails for electrically powering the vehicle while on the rails. An overhead monolift (196) removes the vehicle from the road using a strut arm (208) with casters (184) that extends above the vehicle and deposits the vehicle on the railroad tracks where it is controlled by an onboard computer (134). Automatic controls and indication (132) including this computer regulate the speed and relationship to other vehicles while on the rail network. Another monolift (196) removes the vehicle from the tracks in a similar manner.

Abstract: The amusement ride comprises at least one seat suspended on a bogie moving along at least one rail. The seat is provided with a harness for the restraint of at least one passenger in the seat. The seat-harness unit is shaped so as to form a restraint imprisoning the passenger's body when the harness is in the closed position, each of the passenger's four limbs emerging from said restraint through a separate opening, so that the passenger is suspended with his legs in mid-air without a wall or a floor around him.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a travelling mechanism of automatic service carriages for spinning or twisting machines. The invention includes a travelling mechanism having a supporting wheel mounted in a pivot bearing, the guiding axis of the pivot bearing coinciding with the central vertical axis of the supporting wheel. The pivot bearing is connected via a connecting link to a swivel bearing installed on the travelling gear. The connecting link is arrested on either side by a fixed stop and a swivelling latch.

Abstract: A portable system for aiding persons in ascending or descending stairways comprises either a motorized portable upper body support assembly or a motorized vehicle for detachably drivingly engaging elongate tracks associated with different stairways. The detachability of the motorized unit from the track, combined with its portability, enables the user to employ the same portable unit interchangeably with any stairway in any location so long as the stairway is equipped with a mating track, thereby enabling an unlimited number of stairways in private or public buildings to be adapted inexpensively for use by physically impaired persons. The portable motorized unit is readily able to adapt to stairways of different slopes and configurations, and to tracks on either the right-hand or left-hand side of the stairway, so as to maximize the versatility of the portable unit for use with virtually any track-equipped stairway.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a support rail with travel surfaces for driven support wheels of vehicles, such as suspended or elevated trolleys or the like. An additional rail is provided for additional wheels which apply contact pressure to the support wheels. Such a conveyor system with a plurality of vehicles and a small number of ascending and descending paths is simplified by supporting the additional rail directly or indirectly through springs on the support rail.

Abstract: For the transport of blank stacks (22) to a packaging machine, there are re-usable cassettes (21) which have chambers (23) for receiving a multiplicity of blank stacks (22). The cassettes (21) are filled with the blank stacks (22) in a paper factory and are emptied in the region of the packaging machine. The cassettes (21) are designed so that several emptied cassettes (21) can be nested in one another and returned as a space-saving unit to the paper factory. Furthermore, the cassettes (21) are designed so that they can be transported by overhead conveyors and supported on downwardly directed carrier arms (49) which include horizontally directed carrier spars (50) having a step-shaped configuration (60, 62, 64) which also accommodates different sizes of material reels associated with the packaging machine.

Abstract: A suspension conveyor system includes a conveyor adapted to be moved along a conveying path predetermined by a rail. The conveyor is driven by an elongated flexible conveyor element having arranged thereon at least one driver, which projects into the conveying path and which pushes the conveyor in response to a driving movement of the conveyor element. In order to improve the pushing function in a structurally simple manner, the driver is constructed as a plastic component comprising a holding member, which is to be connected to the conveyor element in an essentially rigid manner, and a driving finger arranged on the holding member, so that it is elastic in the direction of transport and adapted to be moved in the conveying path by the conveyor element.

Abstract: Apparatus for the adjustment of the accommodation volume of a workpiece carrier supported on a line. A bottom plate is disposed in the side walls of the workpiece carrier and is loosely displaceable at different heights within the workpiece carrier to provide a different volume for the carrier, there being provided a positioner for picking-up and moving a plate to different level within a workpiece carrier.

Abstract: A single-line parts coating system comprises plural coating sections each housing plural coating booths, horizontally-movable nonflexible rails located in the respective coating sections, a first fixed nonflexible rail for introducing parts to be coated into a first coating section, intermediate fixed non-flexible rails located between the coating sections, a last fixed nonflexible rail for discharging the parts from a last coating section, and horizontally-flexible rails located between the nonflexible rails to connect the nonflexible rails. Each flexible rail comprises rail pieces and connecting plates connecting the rail pieces together. The rail pieces are in contact with each other. Each connecting plate is fixed to one of adjacent rail pieces, and is pivotally connected to the other rail piece. Thus, the rail pieces, together with the connecting plates fixed thereto, are capable of horizontal arcing motion relative to adjacent rail pieces.

Abstract: A flexible conveyor line comprises (i) an integrally-formed central nonflexible rail which is movable in a horizontal plane, (ii) a first integrally-formed outer nonflexible rail which is immovable, (iii) a second integrally-formed outer nonflexible rail which is immovable, (iv) a first horizontally-flexible rail connected between the first outer nonflexible rail and the central nonflexible rail, and (v) a second horizontally-flexible rail connected between the central nonflexible rail and the second outer nonflexible rail. Each flexible rail comprises rail pieces and connecting plates connecting the rail pieces together. The rail pieces are in contact with each other. Each connecting plate is fixed to one of adjacent rail pieces, and is pivotally connected to the other rail piece. Thus, the rail pieces, together with the connecting plates fixed thereto, are capable of horizontal arcing motion relative to adjacent rail pieces.

Abstract: A trolley wheel assembly (10,100) includes a wheel member (18,118) and a support pin (12) defining an axis of rotation. A mounting sleeve 922,122) is fixedly secured about the support pin (12). Bearing sleeve halves (30,32,130,132) are disposed about the mounting sleeve (22,122) for allowing rotation of the wheel member (18,118) about the axis of rotation. Further, a method of replacing a worn trolley wheel includes the steps of removing the worn trolley wheel from the support pin (12), mounting a bearing sleeve 926,126) over a mounting sleeve (22,122) for allowing rotation of the wheel member 918,118) relative to the axis of rotation when the mounting sleeve (22) is mounted on the support pin (12), and mounting an unworn wheel member (18) about the bearing sleeve (26) for rotation relative thereto, and fixedly securing the mounting sleeve (22) about the support pin (12).

Abstract: A horizontally-flexible rail which comprises rail pieces and connecting plates connecting the rail pieces together, the rail pieces being in contact with each other, each connecting plate being fixed to one of adjacent rail pieces, and pivotally connected to the other rail piece, the rail pieces, together with the connecting plates fixed thereto, being capable of horizontal arcing motion relative to adjacent rail pieces, the connecting plates serving to limit the arcing motions to a relatively small range.

Abstract: A conveying unit for a suspension conveying system having an elevated rail which unit includes two roller supports for rolling on a rail and a supporting element connected to the roller supports, on which the object to be conveyed are to be disposed. A coupling is provided in order to be able to couple the conveying unit to other conveying unit. In order to be able to better adapt the conveying unit to special operating conditions the coupling is arranged directly on the roller support.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a transportation device (1) with a load carrier (3) having on its upper side supports (6) running vertically upwards. Rollers (9, 10) are provided on the ends of the supports, with which the load carrier (3) is attached in suspended and movable fashion from a rail (2). The load carrier contains a winch (72) with a belt (82) for suspended loads. A drive motor (60) is provided to move the load carrier along the rail (2). A further drive motor (63) powers the winch (72). The switches (61, 62) for the drive motors (60, 63) are provided with pneumatically operable switching elements (89). The compressed air for the switching elements is generated by a control element (99) operable by hand that is connected to the load carrier (3) via air lines (98). In the inside of the rail (2) are current paths against which carbon brushes (44, 45) are pressed that are arranged staggered in the longitudinal direction of the rail (2).

Abstract: The present invention is based on the critically important feature of providing a left-right parallel arranged linear motor-based conveying system in which the upper surfaces of the guide rails do double duty as providing the rolling surfaces for the wheel pairs, and also as being secondary (reaction) conductor surfaces for the linear motors, and the linear motors are spaced closely above the upper surfaces of the guide rails by a predetermined clearance.

Abstract: In order to reduce operating costs while enhancing the overall operating efficiency of an industrial plant, a method for automating a plant or warehouse using portable gantry robots is provided. Work stations for the robots are organized along rows in various parts of the plant where work is present. An overhead rail system is provided over the work stations wherein at least some overhead rail system have sections of displaceable rails. A transporter is provided for transporting the portable robots between rail systems or locations within a rail system. The transporters have a section of transfer rails which are identical in size to the displaceable rail section. A displaceable rail section is displaced following which the transfer rail section is locked into plance. The transfer rail section may also be aligned at one end of an overhead rail system. The robots are then added or removed from the overhead rail system while the transfer rail section is aligned with the overhead rail system.

Abstract: In a conveyor system for conveying a carrier member supporting a workpiece among working stations, provided are course changing units for changing the course through which the carrier member is conveyed, each of the course changing units being formed with a plurality of connecting portions, a pair of first conveying devices for conveying the carrier member between two of the course changing units, one and the other ends of each pair of first conveying devices being connected with ones of the connecting portions of different ones of the course changing units, respectively, each one of the pairs of first conveying devices conveying the carrier member in reverse direction with respect to each other, and second conveying devices for conveying the carrier member between one of the working stations and the course changing units.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for transferring items such as garments. Each item has associated with it an information code describing the location to which the item is to be sent, as well as other information. The invention uses a main track to transport the items while the items are hanging, and to store and retrieve the items from one of a number of diverging tracks.

Abstract: Apparataus for butt joining hanging conveyor supports having a C-shaped rail section in which conveying hangers can travel back and forth along the rail section. The supports each have a hollow section above the rail section and trolley wires running along at least one vertical side of the supports. Connecting parts are disposed between ends of adjacent supports, the hollow section having at least one profiled section in the shape of a square standing on a point. A square tube connects the ends and bridges the connecting parts and are inserted into the profiled sections at the ends of adjacent supports. Tie rods connect the ends of the adjacent supoorts. At least one L-shaped angle iron is disposed on each of the top sides of the ends of adjacent supports. The angle irons are connected to one another via at least one screw bolt and act, on both vertical sides of the ends of adjacent supports, on the tie rods which connect the ends together.

Abstract: A flexible rail comprises rail pieces arranged in line, laterally opposed side plates, and laterally opposed connecting plates. Each rail piece includes a generally I-shaped member and a shelter member which is fixed to a top of the I-shaped member. The opposed side plates are fixed to respective side walls of the shelter member. The side plate overlaps one side of the rail piece. The connecting plate is fixed to a rear one of adjacent side plates, and is connected to the front side plate for pivotal movement. Thus, the rail piece, the side plates fixed thereto, and the connecting plates fixed to the side plates, as one body, are capable of pivotal movement.

Abstract: A structure for supporting a trackway of a track following transportation system, particularly, a magnetic suspension railroad and including a support and at least one equipment element having an operational surface and attached to the support. The supporting structure further includes bolts for securing the equipment element to the support. There is further provided a form-locking means which becomes effective only if the fixing bolts fail and which then limits displacement of the equipment element relative to the support to a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A trolley body for a power and free conveyor system having preformed machinable inserts cast into an austempered ductile iron body for axles wherein ends of the inserts to be embedded therein are center-drilled for positioning purposes in a casting mold. The preformed axles have a hexagonally-shaped cross-section to prevent rotation of the axles relative to the body and also have a groove thereabout to prevent axial movement of the axles relative to the body. The axles are constructed of swagable material to allow subsequent securement of wheels thereon. Gates in the trolley body casting for introducing the molten iron into the casting are situated immediately above or in near proximity to each insert embedded therein to minimize solidification shrinkage thereabout.

Abstract: A hanger caddy transporter includes a rectangular frame and two hooks for coupling the transporter to a trolley. A pair of slidable blocking members move between an upper position to retain the hooks on the trolley and a lower position to release the hooks from the trolley. The hooks are adjustably mounted on the transporter to allow the separation between the hooks to be adjusted as desired.

Abstract: A conveyor anti-runaway apparatus is provided for a conveyor of the type driven by an electric motor connected to a source of electrical power. The anti-runaway apparatus includes a switch tripping device having a tripping arm structure which is periodically bumped by conveyor wheel structure and which is caused to pivot into a switch opening position when the conveyor speed is unacceptably high. The tripping arm structure also functions as a blocking element to prevent conveyor movement. Jackscrew structure is provided to permit rapid disengagement of the tripping arm structure to facilitate restart of the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor system including a conveyor track, carriers supported thereby, and carrier propelling elements associated with the conveyor track, wherein each carrier includes frame structure having an article supporting portion disposed to one side of the conveyor track and a stabilizing portion disposed to the opposite side thereof. An auxiliary track mounted in parallel, transversely spaced relation with the conveyor track on the opposite side thereof, is engageable by stabilizing wheels on the stabilizing portion of the carrier frame structure so that the article supporting portion thereof is adapted to form a cantilevered type support on which an article can be mounted and transported, spaced transversely from the conveyor track and propelling elements. An article processing station is separated from the conveyor track and propelling elements by a slotted barrier wall through which the article supporting portion of the carrier frame structure projects.

Abstract: A trolley carriage comprising rollers for carrying the trolley carriage along a bearing rail. The rollers are supported by at least one roller support of the trolley carriage. The bearing rail has live rails which are insulated from one another extending along the bearing rail, and the trolley carriage has sliding contacts which are in flexible contact with the live rails. A common housing part which is connected to at least one roller support via a detachable quick coupling supports the sliding contacts.

Abstract: A track expanding device is employed in a conveyorized transport system to spread apart adjacently disposed sections of track thereby tensioning an endless chain travelling with these track sections. The expanding device comprises a splice and an expander having a threaded member for engaging with the splice with each of the splice and the expander being connected to an associated one of the adjacently disposed track sections thereby tensioning the endless chain as the threaded member is rotated.

Abstract: A device for the transfer of an overhead conveyor carriage (1) from one track (4) onto another track (4A) in an overhead conveyor system. The transfer takes place by altering the height positions of the wheels in relation to the track (4). An overhead conveyor carriage (1) that is provided with two sets of transfer wheels (9) placed at a transverse distance from each other is brought to a track-exchange area, where a first track (4) and a second track (4A) are placed at a specified distance in parallel to each other. The height positions of the sets of transfer wheels (9) of the conveyor carriage (1) placed facing the first track (4) and the second track (4A) are altered in such a way that the wheel sets (9) in the carrying position are detached from the first track (4) and the wheel sets (10) in the detached position are placed into the carrying position on the second track (4A).

Abstract: A rail switch (1), particularly for an overhead conveyor system, adapted to assume at least two switch positions (I, II, III) for selectively connecting a first rail (2) comprising a runway (2a, 2b) for casters (7a, 7b) of conveyor carriages (6) to the free ends of other rails (3, 4, 5). The switch includes a switch portion (10) carrying a corresponding runway (10a, 10b) and having one of its ends connected to the free end of the first rail (2) by a hinge (9) permitting it to be pivoted about a pivot axis (11) so that the opposite free end of the switch portion (10) may be selectively connected to the free ends of the other rails (3, 4, 5). To ensure substantially smooth passage of the casters (7a, 7b) over the hinge (9), the runway adjacent the hinge (9) is formed by mutually overlapping runway surface portions (17a, 17b, 19a, 19b) on the switch portion (10) and on the first rail (2).

Abstract: A suspension conveyor system including a plurality of carriers for conveying objects in suspended condition traveling on spaced, parallel rails, and a friction drive wheel located between every two of the carriers wherein the drive wheel is shiftable between a neutral position and first and second operating positions where it is in frictional engagement with one of the carriers.

Abstract: A transport and handling system for multi-position textile machines, in particular twisting machines, comprising a first track system, the path of which extends along the longitudinal sides of the machines, and which accommodates at least one automated handling device to perform servicing operations, and further comprising a second track systems, the path of which extends likewise along the longitudinal sides of the machines, and along which transport devices travel, which are adapted to be combined to trains and to receive working materials and/or working means. The paths of the two track systems extend parallel to each other over at least a portion such that the automated handling device is adapted to both engage with the transport devices and move past same.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a power and free section transporting product carriers on power and free type trolleys and a monorail section transporting utility carriers about a fixed loop. The monorail system is connected to the power and free section to receive and transport the trolleys with the product carriers interspaced between the utility carriers.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus having an overhead conveyor; a L-shaped hanger suspended from the overhead conveyor, a load supporting portion of the hanger being located sidewardly of the conveyor; a guide roller provided on the load supporting portion; and a guide rail for guiding the roller. The L-shaped hanger may be suspended through a C-shaped fitting, the opening of the C shape facing toward the load supporting portion of the hanger; and a foreign matter shield may be provided having both a horizontal plate member projecting into the opening of the C shape and an upright plate member.

Abstract: The switching device which interconnects a substantially linear primary track with a curved branch track, wherein each such track possesses a travel rail and in a plane above each of the travel rails a guide track, comprises two pivotable or swivelable travel rail sections and a curved pivotable or swivelable guide rail section. The pivotable or swivelable travel rail sections are alternatively movable out of rest positions into travel positions in which such are located in recesses formed by stationary travel rail sections. The movable rail sections are mutually interconnected with one another and with an actuation rod by toggle levers or toggle joint structures and thus commonly actuatable. These toggle levers or toggle joint structures coact with abutments and enable locking the movable rail sections in their travel positions. The switching device affords quiet travel of the vehicles of the overhead cable transport installation and prevents derailing thereof.

Abstract: An auto body side sill holding apparatus for an auto body conveyor apparatus wherein spaced pairs of hanger arms are pivotally mounted on a frame on opposite sides of the line along which the conveyor apparatus is conveying the auto bodies for pivoting movement about the upper ends of the hanger arms for moving the lower ends of the hanger arms away from and toward an auto body. The auto body side sill holding apparatus includes a first side sill holding support on the lower ends of the hanger arms on one side of the line for holding one side sill of an auto body in a fixed position laterally of the direction of movement of the conveyor apparatus and a second side sill holding support on the lower ends of the hanger arms on the other side of the line for supporting the other side sill of an auto body and for permitting movement thereof laterally of the direction of movement of the conveyor apparatus.

Abstract: An automated thread processing system is characterized by reducing thread package handling and labor requirements. The system includes a textile thread processing machine station having a plurality of spindle assemblies for processing thread and forming wound packages of thread. At least one additional station is also provided. A thread package transporting mechanism includes a stationary continuous rail passing through the thread processing machine station and to and through the additional station and back to the thread processing machine station. Thread package carrying devices are movably mounted on the rail and positioned for receiving the wound packages of thread doffed from the spindle assemblies of the thread processing machine station and then carrying the thread packages from the thread processing machine station to the additional station and releasing the thread packages at the additional station and then returning to the thread processing machine station.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus having utility in the construction of roof trusses at a job site. An elongate trailer frame is mounted to a wheel and axle assembly and is transportable on public highways by towing. A jig assembly supported by the frame is formed primary of uni-strut members and has a first elongate fixed position side rail and a second parallel but movable jig support rail. Plural transversely disposed jig members are slidably mounted for lateral movement along the extent of the first and second side rails of the jig assembly. A clinching device is mounted for longitudinal movement along the extent of the jig assembly by an overhead cantilevered track support structure. The jig assembly is longitudinally extendable, and the overhead track support member has a hingedly mounted auxiliary portion that may be deployed so that the clincher device can reach even the extended portion of the jig assembly.

Abstract: A system for moving a robot manipulator being mounted on a carriage over a track system which includes a pair of rail carriers for rails and being interconnected to extend parallel to each other in spaced apart relationship; a carrier carriage runs on these rails with unequally large rollers and the manipulator carriage runs on a rail on the carrier carriage; all of the rails are mounted by means of a plurality of nonstraightness compensating support bars being adjustably bolted to the rail carriers, at least two per carrier, as well as on the carrier carriage and in aligned relationship as to each carrier to establish straight rail mounting facilities.

Abstract: A load carrier for the carrier track of a power and free conveyor has load carrying structure comprising a front suspension member pivotally connected to a front trolley and a rear suspension member pivotally connected to a rear trolley, each suspension member having an upper portion extending transversely to one side of the track and a vertical portion extending obliquely downwardly from the upper portion through a vertical plane containing the pivotal connections. A load supporting member connects the lower ends of the suspension members and is positioned so that the center of gravity of the load carrying structure and of a load supported thereby lies in the vertical plane. A drip pan is mountable below the upper portions of the suspension members.

Abstract: The rail vehicle has four wheels, the two on one side are pivotably mounted on bogies which are themselves pivotably mounted to the frame on the vehicle. The wheels on the other side just pivot on vertical axes.

Abstract: An automatic, rail-based passenger and cargo transportation system which is particularly well suited for use as a moderate speed people mover is disclosed. The system includes a rail structure on which passive carrier cars are movably supported from opposite sides of the rail. In one aspect a plurality of drive wheels are rotatably mounted to the rail assembly and span across the width of the rail structure so as to drive the carrier cars along the rail in opposite directions on opposite sides of the rail. In another aspect of the invention, the carrier cars are cantilever supported from the sides of the rail so as to cause gravity biasing of the cars inwardly such that a shoe is forced into driving engagement with alternating toothed and smooth drive wheels mounted in the rail framework and sufficiently spaced so that only one toothed drive wheel interengages with the shoe assembly at any time.

Abstract: The transportable robot system comprising a plurality of robot working areas, an unmanned transporter for transporting a robot mounted thereon and moving between the robot working areas and a travel track for the unmanned transporter to provide a communication between the areas. The unmanned transporter provides a base to which to robot is mounted and secured, and a locating station for the base is provided near a machine tool in the working area so that the base may be put on the locating station at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprises a runway rail in the form of an extruded hollow body of oblong cross-section. The runway rail has a top portion which includes a pair of parallel surfaces including between them an angle. A similar pair of parallel surfaces is disposed at the bottom portion of the runway rail, which surfaces are parallel to respective surfaces of the top portion and include the same angle. A crab having load and guide wheels is disposed on the runway rail, the load wheels engaging the pair of surfaces at the top portion and at least one guide wheel engaging one of the surfaces at the bottom portion. A driving motor mounted to the lateral flange of the crab is adapted to drive the crab along the runway rail by engaging a stationary drive element mounted to a side rail of the runway rail. A hoist mounted to the crab serves to raise and lower work pieces.

Abstract: A conveyer for hanging garments or the like in which the carriage for the articles to be suspended as rollers riding on an on-edge endless band formed along its upper edge with a continuous bead and suspended from a track in which an endless chain supporting the band is continuously driven. An abutment can be selectively introduced into the path of the carriage to temporarily immobilize it and allow loading of articles onto or unloading of articles from the carriage.

Abstract: A conveyor system in which loads supported by forwardly driven carriers of an overhead power and free conveyor are automatically transferred to a second conveyor arranged below the overhead conveyor at a transfer zone and driven at the same forward speed. The vertical spacing between the overhead and second conveyors is decreased from a greater spacing at which a load is engaged and supported by downwardly extending structure of a carrier to a lesser spacing at which the load is disengaged from the carrier structure and is supported by the second conveyor. As the disengaged carrier and load move forwardly in unison on their respective overhead and second conveyors, the carrier is engaged and moved by a transfer conveyor obliquely to the second conveyor at an increased speed such that the carrier continues to move forwardly in unison with the load while simultaneously moving laterally out of alignment therewith.

Abstract: An automatic latching assembly is provided for retaining vehicle bodies upon conveyor carriers during conveyance into and out of treatment baths. The assembly includes a carrier having latches mounted thereon which selectively engage the vehicle body securing it to the carrier. The latches comprise pivoting hooks rotatably mounted upon the carrier. Generally, gravity actuates pivoting of the hooks, biasing them into latching orientations. Unlatching orientations are achieved by a stationary, upward biasing cam operating upon the hooks. A downward biasing cam aids in the gravity actutation of the hooks into the latching orientation. The assembly selectively, automatically secures the vehicle body to the conveyor carrier, or releases it therefrom, as desired during transport of the vehicle body by the conveyor.