Abstract: A production apparatus includes a workbench, a movement apparatus, a conveyance apparatus, a motion detector, and a control unit. The movement apparatus configured to move the workpiece on the workbench to a predetermined delivery position. The conveyance apparatus configured to convey the workpiece moved to the predetermined delivery position to an adjacent production apparatus. The motion detector configured to detect conveyance motion of the conveyance apparatus of the adjacent production apparatus. The control unit configured to operate the movement apparatus to move the workpiece on the workbench to the predetermined delivery position. If conveyance motion of the conveyance apparatus of the adjacent production apparatus is detected by the motion detector, the control unit operates the conveyance apparatus to convey the workpiece to a delivery position of the adjacent production apparatus.

Abstract: An outdoor advertisement structure on a bus roof of the present invention can hide the untidiness of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and the like mounted on the bus roof by a rectangular-shaped advertisement structure (10) since the advertisement structure (10) of which upper and lower parts are open and the four surrounding surfaces thereof are connected, is mounted on a bus roof (1) to cover an HVAC system (3) mounted on the bus roof (1) such that the HVAC system (3) is not exposed to the outside and to simultaneously provide a mounting area for traffic information notification and advertisements, wherein a front light guide panel (20) and a side light guide panel (22) for traffic information notification and advertisement are respectively mounted on a front part (12) and both side parts (14) of the advertisement structure (10), and thereby providing a balance between the bus and a cityscape by finishing the exterior appearance state of the bus roof (1) to be relatively aesthetical

Abstract: A leaf chain includes a plurality of chain units each having two pins, around which first and second alternate inner plates between outer plates are mounted. The plates form respective apertures where the pins penetrate. Each chain unit has bushings located in the apertures of the first and second inner plates, and first washers disposed between any two adjacent bushings and between the bushings and the outer plates. There are connecting plates located at an outer side of the outer plates and tightly engaged with the pins to prevent the outer plates from being deformed because of a concentration of large force in the outer plates during the transmission. The outer plates have a loose engagement with the pins to prevent the pins and inner plates from being worn away. The first washers help the sealing effect to maintain the preferable stability and transmissibility and prolong the operating life.

Abstract: A handrail assembly for an escalator system includes a handrail movable along a length of the escalator and a handrail guide assembly defining a travel path for the handrail. The handrail guide assembly includes a handrail guide and a plurality of sliding bearing supports interconnected to form a handrail chain and secured to the handrail guide. One or more sliding bearings extend at least partially through each sliding bearing support of the handrail chain. A shaft extends through each sliding bearing support and is in sliding contact with the one or more sliding bearings. One or more rollers are secured to at least one end of the shaft and is in rolling contact with the handrail.

Abstract: A stop unit comprising: a guiding device which can be mounted to an overhead conveyor; a carriage having an abutting section, wherein the carriage is movably supported by the guiding device along a transverse direction which is orientated transversely relative to a longitudinal direction; and a drive which is coupled to the carriage and which is configured to extract, during activation, the carriage from a release position.

Abstract: A conveyor installation for conveying and accumulating hanging items comprises a drive chain which is mounted to a guide rail, and retaining members which are mounted on rollers below the drive chain. The retaining members—together with the items to be transported which are suspended therefrom—are conveyed by the drive chain in a direction of conveyance and, if required, stopped and accumulated by means of a stopping device, with the drive connection being released between the drive chain and the retaining members by displacing the drive chain upwards due to a particular design of coupling members arranged on the lower side of the drive chain.

Abstract: A drive chain of an overhead conveyor for transporting hanging articles. The drive chain comprises a plurality of traction rod elements connected by coupling elements. Each traction rod element comprises a base body extending substantially along a conveying direction and having a first longitudinal end and an opposite second longitudinal end, which respectively comprise a connection section into which a connection bolt is insertable. The base body comprises a frictional engagement section for interacting in a frictional-engaged manner with a drive wheel of a friction roller drive, which drive wheel is forced against the frictional engagement section to move the drive chain in the conveying direction. The base body further comprises a positive engagement section for interacting with spaced synchronization units to prevent displacement of neighbouring traction rod elements in the conveying direction by a positive engagement. The displacement is adjusted variably between the neighbouring traction rod elements.

Abstract: A conveyor installation for conveying and accumulating hanging items comprises a drive chain which is mounted to a guide rail, and retaining members which are mounted on rollers below the drive chain. The retaining members—together with the items to be transported which are suspended therefrom—are conveyed by the drive chain in a direction of conveyance and, if required, stopped and accumulated by means of a stopping device, with the drive connection being released between the drive chain and the retaining members by displacing the drive chain upwards due to a particular design of coupling members arranged on the lower side of the drive chain.

Abstract: Construction element for a device for forward feeding of product carriers (16), which construction element comprises a first beam section (14) presenting a main rail (15) intended to carry product carriers (16) movably resting on said main rail (15), a second beam section presenting a console intended to carry an endless belt (1) or chain, which is intended to contribute to the forward feeding of said product carrier (16), and guiding means (19) running along said main rail (15) intended to retain product carriers (16) on the main rail (15), and also a device for forward feeding of product carriers including such a construction element.

Abstract: A production apparatus includes a generally overhead track, a vertically adjustable link assembly supported from the track by one or more trolleys, a substantially horizontally oriented build beam attached to the link assembly opposite the track, a set of first and second cross beams extending from opposite sides of the build beam, and a set of third and fourth cross beams extending from opposite sides of the build beam. A set of first and second connectors are attached to the set of first and second cross beams, respectively, and are configured for attachment to a workpiece. A set of third and fourth connectors are attached to the set of third and fourth cross beams, respectively, and are configured for attachment to a workpiece. The first, second, third and fourth cross beams are each generally perpendicular to the build beam.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a belt for overhead conveyor systems, of the type provided with regularly spaced openings (F), characterised by the fact that it has a close series of brackets (1) fixed to the upper longitudinal edge of the belt, each bracket being composed by an opposite pair of identical curved jaws (2, 3) and designed to support an opposite pair of wheels (10) with horizontal axis in central position and a single wheel with vertical axis at each end; it being provided that the wheels (8) allow the belt to remain coupled and slide inside a boxed rail that is the bearing structure of the overhead conveyor system.

Abstract: Hanging conveyance equipment according to the present invention comprises a carriage, a number of work supports and a work hand. The carriage travels along a horizontal travelling path, which has stop positions arranged along it. Each of the work supports is fixed below one of the stop positions. An amount of work-lifting positioning and an amount of work-lowering positioning are set for each of the work supports. The work hand can hold a work W hanging from it. The work hand is supported by the carriage in such a manner that the work hand can be positioned horizontally two-dimensionally with respect to the carriage. The work hand can vertically move with respect to the carriage to load a work onto or unload a work from each of the work supports. When the work hand is lowered from the carriage in each of the stop positions to lift a work from the associated work support, the work hand is positioned horizontally two-dimensionally in accordance with the amount of work-lifting positioning for the support.

Abstract: A conveyor for and method of transporting workpieces along a path having a straight portion and a curved portion are provided. Workpieces during certain operations must be maintained a minimum distance apart during transportion. The workpieces, on the curved portion of the conveyor path, are moved outside the conveyor path to enable them to travel greater distances and maintain a minimum spacing without the necessity of spacing them an extra distance apart on the straight portions of the conveyor path. This enables a larger number of workpieces to be handled on a given conveyor or enables a shorter conveyor to be employed for a given number of workpieces.

Abstract: An overhead conveyance device and an overhead conveyance vehicle that can convey a conveying object, while keeping it at a minimum distance from surrounding equipment when the overhead conveying vehicle turns around during conveyance of the conveying object. The overhead conveyance device (1) is so structured that even when a carriage part (6) of the overhead conveyance vehicle (5) enters a branching part (3) for allowing the carriage part to change in traveling direction and turns around, the conveying object (25) grasped by a hand (9) can be kept unchanged in direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying apparatus, in particular overhead conveying apparatus, for transporting conveyable articles along at least one conveying route (2). The conveying apparatus comprises a carrying-profile arrangement (4) which extends along the conveying route and has a running-rail arrangement (6) for guiding conveyable-article carriers (8). It is proposed that at least one running rail (6) of the running-rail arrangement be designed as a running-rail component which is separate from the carrying-profile arrangement (4) and is mounted in a floating manner on the carrying-profile arrangement such that, at least in certain areas, it can compensate for a change in length by moving relative to the carrying-profile arrangement.

Abstract: A conveyor intended to conduct components to different work stations, the conveyor including: a bearing and guide rail positioned on the work site so as to conduct the products to be conveyed to the work stations, a traction member carried by the rail the member being driven by a drive unit, and a multitude of trolleys movable on the rail and to which the components are attached, each trolley having two wheels running on the rail and two arms bearing the load to be conveyed. The wheels of the trolley include a central core and an outer band both made of composite material and positively connected by fixing element which immobilize the outer band with respect to the central core in order to absorb tensile or compressive stresses and shocks, thereby reducing the noise, wear and lubrication of the elements of the conveyor.

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: An attachment member for securing a pair of conveyor trolley brackets to a conveyor chain center link has a stem portion insertable through the center link between the trolley brackets to position recesses thereon in engagement with the center link sides and has a pair of integral end portions which overlap the opposite ends of the trolley brackets, which overlappingly engage the center link sides, and which form buffers for the ends of chain side bars connected to the center link. The attachment member is preferably formed of an impact noise suppressing material such as nylon.

Abstract: A forged conveyor trolley bracket has head, arm and base portions bounded by sides, and a bent elbow formed in the arm portion medially of the head and base portions. A web, disposed centrally between the sides along the base and arm portions, has outer and inner faces. Projecting from the web outer face adjacent to the bracket sides are a pair of base portion reinforcing ribs and an outer pair of arm portion reinforcing ribs forming continuations of the base portion reinforcing ribs. An inner pair of arm portion reinforcing ribs project from the web inner face along the arm portion in opposed aligned relation with the outer pair of arm portion ribs; and, this inner pair of ribs extends from the base portion along the arm portion with a depth which increases to substantially equal the depth of the outer pair of ribs at the bent elbow, and which gradually decreases from the bent elbow to the head portion where the inner pair of ribs terminates.

Abstract: A series of rigid I-beams are secured to the underside of a driven endless looped chain and supported by a leading trolley and a trailing fixed connector. The chain is supported in a track by trolleys. End hooks on the beam support a load crossbar. A drive and brake assembly includes a reciprocating drive unit having a rail with a drive member sliding therein. The rail is mounted adjacent the chain and includes an inverted U-shaped arm pivotally mounted with the rail at one end. The slide has coupling fingers spaced in accordance with the chain links. A cylinder is coupled to the rail support and pivots the rail and slide member to selectively engage the chain link. A brake member secured to the U-shaped arm opposite side of the rail and has locking fingers spaced corresponding to the chain links. Pivoting of the rail to engage the slide member disengages the brake member to move the chain unit.

Abstract: For supplying sheet-like material to packaging machines and other processing machines, a rotating circular conveyor (32) is installed within a production or packaging plant. Reel carriers (34) rotate continuously in its conveying rail (33). Reels are automatically picked up in the region of a loading station (36, 36a, etc) and, after rotation about a vertical axis, are automatically taken off from the reel carrier at an unloading station (71) by being stripped off.

Abstract: A device for transporting objects to be passed through treatment tanks indes two laterally spaced overhead conveyors between which each object moves along a path of travel at a distance from the vertical planes of the conveyors and pendulums freely suspended at the upper ends thereof by means of articulation members coupled with driving members provided respectively for each conveyor. The pendulums associated in a pair on each conveyor in the same plane of progression are provided at the free ends thereof with members for suspending carrier frames designed to support the objects to be treated. Each carrier frame thus cooperates with at least two pendulums respectively associated with each conveyor.

Abstract: An assembly consisting of a conveyor chain link having sides and ends defining an open center, a supporting bracket having an attachment portion which engages the sides of the link and interlocks longitudinally and transversely within the center of the link, a clamp member engaging the sides of the link opposite to the bracket, and a fastener engaging the bracket and clamp member and extending through the center of the link. The clamp member is interlocked with the link and the bracket by lugs projecting into the center of the link and has tabs deformable into interlocking engagement with the fastener after assembly.

Abstract: A monorail conveyor system having an inverted plastic T-bar monorail track suspended from supporting structural members conjoined by conventional bolt and nut fasteners, a plurality of plastic conveyor trolleys operatively movable on the T-bar monorail by a drive chain comprising a plurality of plastic chain links articulatedly connected together, the drive chain being driven by conventional conveyor drive chain power mechanism. Each plastic T-bar monorail track section comprises an upstanding stem having a laterally extending pendant lobe on each side thereof and a pair of laterally outwardly directed flanges at the distal end of said stem for both horizontal and inclined travel of the conveyor trolleys.

Abstract: A plastic arcuate turn wheel structure for a plastic monorail conveyor structure is disclosed. The turn wheel structure is driven by a plastic chain drive and comprises a supporting structural framework, an arcuate inverted T-bar track section, a disc supporting plate, a turn wheel which is either an idler or a driven wheel, an axial bearing hub for said wheel, and a bearing thrust collar for said wheel.

Abstract: A two-piece plastic clevis device for a monorail conveyor trolley system, the device having an upper trolley connected member and a manually engageable and disengageable lower clevis member which is connected to and supports a parts carrying hanger. The upper clevis member has a flanged member on each side of a medial plate or stem, the lower member having a pair of spaced apart hub-supported arcuate bodies that engage the flanged members on each side of the medial plate and suspend the hanger at and from the surfaces of engagement.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor trolley structure having plastic bearings and made of a super tough plastic material, comprises a pair of complementary arms each supporting a wheel for rotation on roller bearings held in a fixed inner race forming an integral part of a stub axle on which the trolley wheel is rotatable. The trolley is readily movable on the flanges of an I-beam monorail. A pendant member secured to and between the lower ends of the trolley arms is engaged by the conveyor drive chain to move the trolley along on the monorail. Metal screws are used to hold the depending member to the arms and to secure the stub axle for the trolley wheel to its supporting arm.

Abstract: A track member for use in a track arrangement of a power driven overhead trolley conveyor apparatus, each track member including an upper enclosure which receives wheels of trolley load support members of the apparatus, and an integral lower enclosure which encloses an endless drive chain of the apparatus. The track members are longitudinally joined to form a continuous overhead track arrangement which encloses the trolley wheels, as well as the chain support portion, of trolley members riding therealong.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus for roasting, broiling or smoking meat or other food by hanging the item over a source of heat in a manner that the meat and the like is constantly moved to accomplish rapid and flavorful cooking. The food is carried by a series of removable hangers attached to a rack which is subjected to motion by use of an electric motor and the like. The drippings from the food being cooked drips downward for efficient collection as needed during operation of the barbecue cooking apparatus. The barbecue cooking apparatus is insulated to prevent the escape of heat to the surroundings and is capable of superior cooking of food with juices substantially intact.

Abstract: A workpiece hanger carriage (10) is movable along a first rail (11) and a pair of second rails (17,18) having portions (14,20) vertically curved toward each other. The carriage (10) includes a first frame (21) having rollers (26) rollingly engageable with the first rail (11), and a second frame (31) pivotally mounted on the first frame (21) and having a pair of rollers (51,52) rollingly engageable with the second rails (17,18). The first and second frames (21,31) are angularly movable relative to each other to maintain the second frame (31) substantially horizontally at all times when they move along the vertically curved portions (14,20) of the first and second rails (11,17,18). A pair of L-shaped arms (42,43) are pivotally mounted on the second frame (31) in laterally spaced relation for supporting a workpiece (W), the arms (42,43) having a pair of rollers (55,56) rollingly engageable with a pair of guide rails (57,58) having vertically curved portions ( 59).

Abstract: An improved chain bracket, and especially a trolley bracket, for use with overhead conveyor chains and a method for making same which provides an economical bracket having increased chain support strength. The bracket is stamped from sheet metal and includes a chain pad extending transversely across the bracket for engaging and supporting one link of a conveyor chain when mounted on the bracket. A reinforcing portion formed in one piece with and bent from the bracket sheet metal resists and substantially prevents bending of the chain pad under load. The method includes stamping the peripheral outline of the bracket from sheet metal, and bending the chain pad and reinforcing portion integrally and in one piece from the bracket sheet metal.

Abstract: An improved chain bracket, and especially a trolley bracket assembly for use with conveyor chains in overhead conveyor systems. The bracket and assembly parts are economically stamped from sheet metal and include strengthened, reinforced chain link supports or pads which resist bending and wear when under load. In one embodiment, the chain pads extend from one of either the chain bracket or a separate bracket attachment while the reinforcing member extends from the other of the chain bracket or bracket attachment. In another embodiment, the reinforcing portion extends generally in a plane perpendicular to both the chain pad and to the planar bracket portion from which the pad is formed. In this latter case, the reinforcing member may be either integral and in one piece with the chain bracket and pad or extend separately from the bracket attachment.

Abstract: In a conveyor chain and trolley assembly consisting of a chain center link having an open central portion through which the bases of a pair of trolley brackets extend, an interlocking connection is provided for preventing relative movement between the center link and trolley brackets. A pair of bosses are formed on the sides of the center link and project inwardly into the open central portion medially between the ends of the center link. Complimentary shaped recesses on the bases of the pair of trolley brackets are positioned in interlocking engagement with the pair of bosses by an attachment member which is mounted between and is connected to the bases of the pair of trolley brackets. In an alternative construction, only the attachment member extends through the open central portion of the center link and is provided with grooves engaged by the pair of bosses.

Abstract: An improved chain bracket and especially a trolley bracket for use in overhead conveyor systems including a strengthened chain support structure. The bracket is stamped from sheet metal but includes chain support pads formed separately and secured to the stamped bracket by welding or the like. In one embodiment, reinforcing members back up at least some of the chain pads to resist bending and deformation when the pads support a conveyor chain link under load. Alternately, the chain pads can be bent in one piece from the bracket sheet metal and reinforced with separate rigid bars or triangular supports welded or otherwise fastened to the stamped bracket preferably intermediate upstanding marginal side edge flanges which help stiffen, rigidify and strengthen the bracket. The separate pads or reinforcing members can be made from harder, more wear resistant materials than the remainder of the bracket.

Abstract: A conveyor trolley structure made of a plastic super tough nylon material comprises a pair of arms each supporting a wheel for rotation and bearing upon the flanges of an I-beam monorail. A pendant member is secured to and between the lower ends of the arms. Metal screws are used to hold the depending member to the arms and to secure stub axles for the trolley wheels to their arms.

Abstract: An improved chain bracket, and especially a trolley bracket, for use with overhead conveyor chains and a method for making same which provides an economical bracket having increased chain support strength. The bracket is stamped from sheet metal and includes a chain pad extending transversely across the bracket for engaging and supporting one link of a conveyor chain when mounted on the bracket. A reinforcing portion formed in one piece with and bent from the bracket sheet metal resists and substantially prevents bending of the chain pad under load. The method includes stamping the peripheral outline of the bracket from sheet metal, and bending the chain pad and reinforcing portion integrally and in one piece from the bracket sheet metal.

Abstract: A circulating conveyor, e.g. of the type in which a load carrier passes along an endless track and supports material to be conveyed, e.g. garments suspended by hangers from the load carrier, comprises in addition to the circulating track, a load carrier which runs with a plurality of wheels on the endless rail and has a displacement chain formed by a multiplicity of rigid links each constituted by a rigid bar hinged at its ends to the adjoining links. The lateral flanks of the bar are engageable by a friction drive roller and a counter roller to displace the chain and hence the load carrier along the circulating path.

Abstract: An improved chain bracket, and especially a trolley bracket assembly for use with conveyor chains in overhead conveyor systems. The bracket and assembly parts are economically stamped from sheet metal and include strengthened, reinforced chain link supports or pads which resist bending and wear when under load. In one embodiment, the chain pads extend from one of either the chain bracket or a separate bracket attachment while the reinforcing member extends from the other of the chain bracket or bracket attachment. In another embodiment, the reinforcing portion extends generally in a plane perpendicular to both the chain pad and to the planar bracket portion from which the pad is formed. In this latter case, the reinforcing member may be either integral and in one piece with the chain bracket and pad or extend separately from the bracket attachment.