Abstract: Load bars are transferred, in loaded condition, to or from the hangers of an overhead conveyor by a load transfer apparatus having a pair of parallel tracks approaching the power-driven conveyor path perpendicularly. The parallel tracks guide manually movable trolleys toward the power-driven conveyor path. The ends of these tracks nearest the power-driven conveyor are pivotable downwardly. To transfer a load from the manual trolleys to the power conveyor, the power conveyor is stopped, suspension chains of the power conveyor trolleys are hooked to the load bar, and the pivoted track sections are lowered until the suspension chains of the power-driven trolleys bear the load. Suspension chains of the manually movable trolleys can then be disconnected from the load bar, and the manual trolleys are removed from the tracks for reuse.The tracks are designed with flanges which prevent removal of the manual trolleys except at specified locations.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for transferring workpieces from an entry station and to a predetermined position on a continuously moving conveyor. The device comprises a housing wherein at least a portion of the conveyor extends through and is movable along a predetermined path of movement through the housing. A carriage assembly is movably mounted to the housing along the path of movement and is movable from a first position in which the carriage assembly is aligned with the entry station and a second position which is spaced from its first position along the path of movement. The carriage assembly includes arms which engage and receive a workpiece from the entry station. Thereafter, a coupling member on the carriage engages an abutment member on the conveyor so that the carriage assembly and conveyor move in unison with each other.