Abstract: The present invention relates to an article elevator for moving lightweight open ended containers from a first level to a second level vertically spaced from the first level. The article elevator includes an input section at the first level for receiving container bodies. An elevator section is positioned for receiving container bodies from the input section. A discharge section is located at the second level for receiving container bodies from the elevator section. A plurality of arms is movably mounted above the input section, the elevator section, and the discharge section. Each of the arms moves a group of container bodies from the input section over the elevator section to the discharge section so that successive groups of container bodies are moved to the discharge section from the input section.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus is provided which includes a pair of conveyor belts constructed from a resilient material and arranged to securely grip and release the neck ring of bottles to be conveyed. Each one of the conveyor belts is formed with a groove having coacting opposed sides. The opposed sides part to open the groove to facilitate and expedite receiving the bottle neck ring in the grooves of the conveyor belts. The opposed sides of the groove then coact to close the groove and securely grip the neck ring therebetween to transport the bottle. At the discharge area of the conveyor line, the opposed sides once again flex away from the groove to facilitate and expedite the discharge of the bottle from the groove of the conveyor belts. Also provided is an adjustable block to support the conveyor belts, which block is constructed with at least one (1) port arranged to direct the flow of gas along the conveyor belt and into the conveying path.