Abstract: A roller having a torque overload release mechanism for use with an accumulating roller conveyor system. A shaft is rotatably mounted to a frame for the conveyor system while a drive sprocket is rotatably mounted to one end of the shaft. A first friction pad is secured to the shaft and abuts against one end of the drive sprocket while a second friction pad is axially slidably mounted to the shaft and abuts against the other axial end of the drive sprocket. A nut variable compresses one or more belleville washers against the second friction pad to thereby drivingly connect the drive sprocket and shaft together and yet permit torque overload release when the torque between the shaft and the sprocket exceeds a predetermined but adjustable amount.

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.

Abstract: An automatic accumulating transfer mechanism is provided comprising a frame having a pair of spaced and substantially parallel support rails secured near the top of the frame and upon which a series of workpieces are slidably mounted. Each workpiece is positioned at a work station defined along the support rails at evenly spaced intervals from each other. A plurality of pusher dogs are longitudinally slidably mounted to the frame at spaced intervals from each other and so that one pusher dog is associated with each work station. Moreover, each pusher dog is pivotal between an upper workpiece engaging position and a lower workpiece clearing position. A reciprocal drive device longitudinally moves the pusher dogs in unison with each other from its associated work station and to the next forward work station while a knockdown bar moves all of the pusher dogs to their lower position at or near the forwardmost travel of the pusher dogs.

Abstract: A torque limiting coupling for transmitting torque to a tubular member from a driving shaft extending axially throughout the tubular member, and more particularly for driving a conveyor roller from a power shaft, the torque limiting coupling comprising the driving shaft having a polygonal peripheral shape about its portion projecting through the tubular member, and an elongated resilient cylindrical member disposed loosely in the tubular member between the peripheral surface of the polygonal portion of the shaft and the inner bore surface of the tubular member, the diameter of the resilient member being larger than the widest distance between the peripheral surface of the polygonal shaft portion and the inner bore surface of the tubular member.