Abstract: A guide system for an extendable conveyor that conveys a product includes a bracket configured to be coupled to the conveyor such that the bracket moves with the conveyor as the conveyor is moved into different positions. A guide member having a leading end that is coupled to the bracket and a trailing end that is configured to be coupled to the conveyor at a position spaced apart from the bracket. The guide member is configured to guide the product along the conveyor, and as the conveyor is moved, the guide member extends or retracts.

Abstract: A cart for transporting objects has a base and a first end wall and an opposite second end wall extending from the base. A sidewall extends from the base and between the end walls such that the base, the first end wall, the second end wall, and the sidewall define an interior space of the cart. A hinge couples a door to the first end wall such that the door can be pivoted into different positions. One or more arms extend into the interior space to support and retain objects therein.

Abstract: A guide system for an extendable conveyor that conveys a product includes a bracket configured to be coupled to the conveyor such that the bracket moves with the conveyor as the conveyor is moved into different positions. A guide member having a leading end that is coupled to the bracket and a trailing end that is configured to be coupled to the conveyor at a position spaced apart from the bracket. The guide member is configured to guide the product along the conveyor, and as the conveyor is moved, the guide member extends or retracts.

Abstract: A cart for transporting objects has a base and a first end wall and an opposite second end wall extending from the base. A sidewall extends from the base and between the end walls such that the base, the first end wall, the second end wall, and the sidewall define an interior space of the cart. A hinge couples a door to the first end wall such that the door can be pivoted into different positions. One or more arms extend into the interior space to support and retain objects therein.

Abstract: A cart for transporting objects has a base and a first end wall and an opposite second end wall extending from the base. A sidewall extends from the base and between the end walls such that the base, the first end wall, the second end wall, and the sidewall define an interior space of the cart. A hinge couples a door to the first end wall such that the door can be pivoted into different positions. One or more arms extend into the interior space to support and retain objects therein.

Abstract: A cart for transporting objects has a base and a first end wall and an opposite second end wall extending from the base. A sidewall extends from the base and between the end walls such that the base, the first end wall, the second end wall, and the sidewall define an interior space of the cart. A hinge couples a door to the first end wall such that the door can be pivoted into different positions. One or more arms extend into the interior space to support and retain objects therein.

Abstract: A modular cart assembly includes a first cart and an identical second cart. Each cart has a latching assembly that vertically slides along the cart and a coupling arm spaced apart from the latching assembly. The first cart is coupled to the second cart by positioning the first cart next to the second cart, vertically sliding the latching assembly of the first cart along the first cart until the latching assembly of the first cart couples to the coupling arm of the second cart, and vertically sliding the latching assembly of the second cart along the second cart until the latching assembly of the second cart couples to the coupling arm of the first cart.

Abstract: In certain examples, a cart is for lifting a load and the cart has a base frame, a lifting frame pivotally coupled to the base frame with a link arm, a handle pivotally coupled to the base frame at a first pivot axis, and a brace. The brace has a first end pivotally coupled to the handle at a second pivot axis that is spaced apart from the first pivot axis along the handle and an opposite second end pivotally coupled to the lifting frame at a third pivot axis that is between the link arm and the first pivot axis along the lifting frame to thereby achieve a mechanical advantage for pivoting the lifting frame relative to the base frame as the handle is pivoted about the first pivot axis.

Abstract: An apparatus is for conveying cases from an upstream end to one of a first downstream end and a second downstream end. The apparatus includes a conveyor and a diverter assembly that receives the case and dispenses the case toward the first downstream end or the second downstream end. The diverter assembly is pivotable to thereby direct the case toward the first downstream end or the second downstream end, and the diverter assembly is configured to clamp the case to thereby stop conveyance of the case as the diverter assembly pivots and also pivot the case to clear an obstruction presented by an adjacent conveyor.

Abstract: A case washer for use in a dairy processing machine has an enclosure through which the cases are conveyed, a plurality of nozzles that spray a fluid into the enclosure to thereby remove debris from the cases as the cases are conveyed through the enclosure, and a funnel that receives the fluid and the debris from the enclosure. A sidehill screen assembly receives the fluid and the debris from the funnel. The sidehill screen assembly has a screen along which the fluid and the debris are conveyed such that the fluid percolates through the screen and the debris is collected on the screen and the debris falls off the screen under force of gravity.

Abstract: A system for loading containers onto a transport structure includes a slip sheet configured to receive the containers. The slip sheet is moveable from a first position in which the containers are received onto the slip sheet and a second position in which the slip sheet is vertically above the transport structure. A first brace member is adjacent to the second end of the slip sheet and a second brace member is adjacent to the first end of the slip sheet when the slip sheet is in the second position such that when the slip sheet is moved in a second direction from the second position to the first position the second brace member is configured to prevent the containers from moving in the second direction with the slip sheet and the containers vertically fall off the slip sheet onto the transport structure.

Abstract: A system for loading containers onto a pallet or a dolly includes a conveyor configured to convey the pallet or the dolly from an upstream end to an opposite downstream end. The conveyor has a first conveyance device configured to convey the pallet and a second conveyance device configured to convey the dolly. The second conveyance device is vertically below the first conveyance device such that the pallet is conveyed above the second conveyance device. A loading system is configured to receive, organize, and load the containers onto the dolly or the pallet conveyed by the conveyor.

Abstract: Various continuous chain conveyors, parts for same (e.g., chain guides, chain drives, etc.), packaging and handling equipment and systems and related methods are disclosed herein. In one form, a chain conveyor comprising a primary continuous chain having a first portion configured to carry objects along a path and a return portion, a motor operably coupled to the primary continuous chain so as to induce movement of the chain, a first sprocket engaging the return portion of the primary continuous chain, wherein movement of the return portion causes the first sprocket to rotate, a second sprocket coupled to the first sprocket by a drive shaft, wherein rotation of the first sprocket causes the second sprocket to rotate, and an auxiliary chain operably coupled to the second sprocket such that rotation of the second sprocket causes movement of the auxiliary chain.

Abstract: A conveyor for conveying and supporting a chain includes a frame member having a first slot and a second slot spaced apart from each other along the frame member and a liner configured to support the chain relative to the frame member. A first fastener and a second fastener are spaced apart from each other and extend from the liner toward the frame member such that the liner is installed onto the frame member by moving the first fastener into the first slot and sliding the liner along the frame member until the second fastener is aligned with the second slot and can be moved into the second slot.

Abstract: An apparatus is for conveying cases from an upstream end to one of a first downstream end and a second downstream end. The apparatus includes a conveyor and a diverter assembly that receives the case and dispenses the case toward the first downstream end or the second downstream end. The diverter assembly is pivotable to thereby direct the case toward the first downstream end or the second downstream end, and the diverter assembly is configured to clamp the case to thereby stop conveyance of the case as the diverter assembly pivots and also pivot the case to clear an obstruction presented by an adjacent conveyor.

Abstract: A mounting and latching arrangement is provided for locking and unlocking a cart relative to a support structure. The mounting and latching arrangement includes an elongated mounting channel having opposed ends configured with mounting bracket assemblies adapted to be secured to the support surface, and one of engagement structure and latching structure located between the mounting bracket assemblies and configured for selective engagement and disengagement with the cart for enabling locking and unlocking thereof relative to the elongated mounting channel.

Abstract: An apparatus is for locking a caster wheel in a steering position about a steering axis. The apparatus comprises a base member; a lever arm; and an engagement member. The lever arm is movable with respect to the base member into and between an engaged position in which the engagement member locks the caster wheel in the steering position and a disengaged position in which the caster is steerable out of the steering position.

Abstract: A modular cart assembly includes a first cart and an identical second cart. Each cart has a latching assembly that vertically slides along the cart and a coupling arm spaced apart from the latching assembly. The first cart is coupled to the second cart by positioning the first cart next to the second cart, vertically sliding the latching assembly of the first cart along the first cart until the latching assembly of the first cart couples to the coupling arm of the second cart, and vertically sliding the latching assembly of the second cart along the second cart until the latching assembly of the second cart couples to the coupling arm of the first cart.

Abstract: A mounting and latching arrangement is provided for locking and unlocking a cart relative to a support structure. The mounting and latching arrangement includes an elongated mounting channel having opposed ends configured with mounting bracket assemblies adapted to be secured to the support surface, and one of engagement structure and latching structure located between the mounting bracket assemblies and configured for selective engagement and disengagement with the cart for enabling locking and unlocking thereof relative to the elongated mounting channel.

Abstract: A cart apparatus for moving objects includes a frame that defines a cavity and steps operably coupled to the frame. The steps are movable into and between an inoperable position in which the steps are nested in the cavity and an operable position in which the steps are at least partially outside the cavity. One of the steps and the frame has a guide pin, and the other of the steps and the frame defines a slot in which the guide pin is slideably received. The slot is configured to guide the steps into and between the inoperable position and the operable position as the guide pin slides in the slot.