Abstract: A product conveying and accumulation system utilizes multiple moving conveyors, including a first conveyor which transports product from an upstream location. A second accumulator conveyor, curvilinear in configuration, traveling at substantially the same or similar speed or a designated variable speed as the first conveyor, is aligned in the same plane as, is adjacent to, and may mate with the first conveyor at a predetermined location for contiguous movement in the same direction as the first conveyor at this predetermined location. A third accumulator conveyor is located within the curvilinear conveyor and substantially within the same transverse plane as the first and second conveyors. The presence of this third accumulator component into the conveyor system permits additional products to accumulate and circulate on and then ultimately be discharged from the conveyor system.

Abstract: A product conveying and accumulation system utilizes an alignment wheel which rotates non-aligned rectangular shaped bottles and containers, for smooth movement through the system. The alignment wheel is located at the product pinch point exit of the system, such that products which are out of alignment are reoriented and aligned with the other products in the system, before proceeding to the downstream product destination.

Abstract: A product stabilizing conveyor system for a continuous, segmented lane curvilinear conveyor having linear and curvilinear sections. The conveyor is configured to transport small products, e.g. 0.46 diameter glass vials, in circular fashion. Wedged-shaped diverter elements are positioned at the juncture between a linear section and curvilinear section of the conveyor, after the registry and outfeed area. The diverter elements serve to direct the minute vials away from the larger interstices which form on the outbound paths of travel of the curvilinear section and towards the smaller sized interstices on the inboard paths of travel. Diverting the vials in this manner ensures they do not cross over the edges of the larger sized interstices and fall over onto the conveyor surface. Instead they remain upright as they travel around the curvilinear section and hence around the entire conveyor.

Abstract: An accumulation table is disclosed. The accumulation table includes a frame, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and an adjustable discharge chute. Each conveyor has a U-shaped product carrying section on the top of the frame and an arcuate return section located on the bottom of the frame. Some embodiments further include non-linear tracks located between two conveyor chains to direct one of the conveyor chains towards the adjustable discharge chute. The accumulation table can be formed with three or more aligned modular sections, two arcuate sections, and one or more intermediate, straight center sections. Tracks located on each section are aligned to form the complete accumulation table.

Abstract: A product conveying and accumulation system and method employs a primary product transporting conveyor with accumulation and re-circulating sections. The conveyor is configured to receive products from an upstream destination and discharge products to a downstream destination. A second conveyor, operable at a considerable slower speed than the first conveyor, is located in the same transverse plane as and is aligned adjacent to the first conveyor. Both conveyors travel in the same direction at the adjacent alignment. As products are discharged from the system, a wall of product is formed on the slower moving conveyor. As a result, products on the inner lane of the faster moving conveyor which would otherwise tend to move inward towards the discharge point, causing product turbulence and disruption, are urged back onto the inner lane by the product wall and then smoothly discharged from the system to the downstream destination.

Abstract: An accumulation table is disclosed. The accumulation table includes a frame, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and an adjustable discharge chute. Each conveyor has a U-shaped product carrying section on the top of the frame and an arcuate return section located on the bottom of the frame. Some embodiments further include non-linear tracks located between two conveyor chains to direct one of the conveyor chains towards the adjustable discharge chute.

Abstract: A step down product conveying and accumulation system employs one or more conveyors with a product path section, on which products are conveyed, and an accumulator section, for accumulation of products for recirculation and eventual delivery to a downstream destination. A length of the product path section is located within a first transverse plane. The accumulator section is located within a second transverse plane, in spaced apart relation with the product path section. A transfer surface in the form of a slide plate, air slide plenum system, or other low resistance or frictionless surface is employed as the transfer medium.

Abstract: A product conveying and accumulation system employs at least one product delivery conveyor which transports products from an upstream location and another conveyor which delivers products to a downstream location. Dual U-shaped accumulator conveyors in the system are positioned to accept upstream products from the delivery conveyors and to transport the products to the downstream conveyor. The dual conveyors each have straightaway conveyor sections which are aligned parallel to each other. Accumulator sections are formed at these parallel alignments. In one configuration, the two straightaway sections of one of the dual conveyors are parallel to and in adjacent alignment with the straightaway sections of the other of the dual conveyors.

Abstract: A continuous product conveyor system of loop configuration is provided to receive products from an upstream destination in a given product delivery path arrangement and to deliver those products to a downstream destination in a different product delivery path arrangement. The system is adapted, for example, to deliver a single file product path from an upstream destination and deliver multiple delivery paths downstream. The system also can be used to receive multiple product delivery paths from an upstream destination and deliver a single file product path or a different number of product paths downstream. The system can further be used for receiving mass product flow and delivering one or more product delivery paths downstream.

Abstract: A product conveying and accumulation system is provided for use with products of various sizes, shapes, and stability characteristics. The system comprises multiple moving conveyors, including a first conveyor which transports product from an upstream location to the inner path of an accumulator conveyor. The accumulator conveyor, traveling at a substantially similar speed or a designated variable speed as the first conveyor or conveyors, is aligned in the same plane as, is adjacent to, and may mate with the first conveyor at a predetermined location at the inner path of the accumulator conveyor for contiguous movement in the same direction as the first conveyor at this predetermined location.

Abstract: A conveyor system which has a continuous path conveyor is to be used for transporting and accumulating excessive loads. The conveyor may be formed of a continuous loop of chain elements. The conveyor path consists of two or more product carrying sections and corresponding offset return path sections. A product carrying section of the conveyor wraps around power driven sprockets where it is fed into and becomes a return path section. From there the path is guided over and aligned with free turning tail sprockets, where it is returned as a product carrying section. This section is then fed onto second drive sprockets, powered by another power means, where it again becomes a return path section, guided over tail sprockets and returned as a product carrying section. In this manner, the load of the conveyor chain is relieved at each drive sprocket assembly, thereby increasing the available working distance of the system.

Abstract: A tray loading apparatus for the efficient loading of cylindrical articles onto trays. The apparatus functions to align cylindrical articles in a staggered manner so as to make the most efficient use of space. As such, a subsequent manufacturing process such as freeze drying is allowed to reach the largest amount of articles per operation, thereby saving time, energy and cost. The apparatus uses a conveyor having a staggering mechanism which includes undulated guides located adjacent the edges of the conveyor. The undulated guides have an edge facing the conveyor surface formed from a plurality of triangular peaks and valleys. At least one of the guides is connected to an oscillating mechanism for assisting the staggering of the articles. A slide plate which moves transversely to the conveyor includes a tray loading section. The tray loading section is adapted to be moved into alignment with the conveyor so as to accumulate the articles therein in the staggered pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing shrinkwrap from a plurality of bottles encased in the same and arranged in the form of a substantially rectangular package. The apparatus includes a base frame that has an upper support surface. Extending upwardly through the support surface is a first cutting assembly. Spaced from the first cutting assembly and also extending upwardly through the support surface is a second cutting assembly. A pusher is connected to the base frame and is adapted to move the package along the support surface over the first cutting assembly in order to effectuate a lengthwise cut in the bottom of the package. A second pusher is also secured to the base frame and is adapted to move the package across the support surface over the second cutting assembly in order to effectuate a widthwise cut in the bottom of the package. The shrinkwrap removing apparatus also includes a debagging station for removing the shrinkwrap from the plurality of bottles.

Abstract: A cover for an article conveyor or accumulator having a table-like support surface includes a substantially planar and transparent member mounted above the support surface. The distance between the cover and the support surface is adjusted to be slightly greater than the height of the articles being carried on the conveyor or accumulator. The cover maintains the articles in their upright position by preventing them from tipping over.

Abstract: A conveyor system is provided suitable for use over linear and curved paths of travel including sharp bends and turn-arounds which includes a conventional link-type chain, a plurality of separable article carrier members in adjacent orientation which are releasably connected to respective pivot joints of the link-type chain to form a train of consecutive article carrier members having a substantially continuous planar upper face, each of the article carrier members being constructed at is opposite ends to cooperate with the immediately adjacent carrier member, and a support associated with the train of consecutive article carrier members to guide the path of travel thereof.

Abstract: A product accumulator for a conveyor system includes a movable through-lane belt having an in-feed end and an out-feed end, at least one first auxiliary belt disposed adjacent the through-lane belt and movable in the same direction, and at least one second auxiliary belt disposed adjacent the through-lane belt and movable in the opposite direction, adjustable stationary guides, one guide disposed adjacent one end of the first auxiliary belt near the out-feed end of the through-lane belt to guide product from the first auxiliary belt onto the through-lane belt, and another guide disposed adjacent one end of the second auxiliary belt near the in-feed end of the through-lane belt, to guide product from the second auxiliary belt onto the through-lane belt, said guides disposed closely above the belts and arranged to move product from belt to belt whenever product is prevented from moving along the out-feed end of the through-lane belt.

Abstract: In an article elevating apparatus, articles such as cigarette cartons, are picked up at a loading station by inclined roller carriers moving in an upward vertical direction. During upward movement the articles are held on the roller carriers by sliding engagement of the downward end of the articles against a vertical rail. The articles roll off of the carriers at a discharge station defined by the upper end of the rail.

Abstract: A cleat member for the conveying surface of a conveyor that moves in one or more planes. The conveyor surface may be formed of a plurality of flat, flight attachments and one or more cleat members positioned between spaced flight attachments, all being secured to drive chain. The cleat members include shoulder means permitting the cleat to push as well as to, in certain circumstances, slip under articles such as cartons carried by the conveyor. The shoulder means may also be formed on flat, belt type conveyor surfaces to provide a similar slip cleat in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A carton inspecting and conveying apparatus is disclosed as including a lower horizontal conveyor formed by two parallel spaced plastic chain loops with retractable pawls therebetween for stopping cartons at stations along the conveyor. At one such station, jets of air are directed at each carton to open any improperly sealed flaps, open flaps being photoelectrically detected. A pneumatic ejector at a subsequent station is selectively actuated by an electronic control unit responsive to the photodetector to remove unsealed cartons from the conveyor. A pneumatic lifting head is provided to transfer cartons from the conveyor to an accumulator column in the event of a carton backup. An elevator having platforms passing between the plastic chains lifts cartons from the lower conveyor, and a rotary transfer device places them on an upper outfeed conveyor belt.

Abstract: A card conveyor is disclosed as including a frame with a horizontal top surface supporting two spaced rows of conveyor rollers adapted to engage opposed edges of a card. An endless belt passes along a line tangent to the periphery of each conveyor roller in a row, the belt being pressed against each conveyor roller at its respective point of tangency therewith by a pressure roller which is biased toward the respective conveyor roller, enabling the belt frictionally to drive the conveyor rollers.