Abstract: An accumulator for storing rows of articles thereon includes a frame having upper and lower shafts rotatably supported thereon. A plurality of sprockets are mounted on each of the upper and lower shafts for rotation therewith. Each of the sprockets defines a radius. An electric motor is provided for selectively rotating the shafts and the sprockets mounted thereon. A plurality of roller chains are mounted on associated pairs of the upper and lower sprockets for movement when the shafts and sprockets are rotated. Each of the roller chains includes a plurality of spaced apart pins. A plurality of link are carried on each of the roller chains for movement therewith. Each of the links has a pair of apertures formed therethrough and a pair of arcuate slots formed therethrough. The apertures and the slots having respective first edges which define a straight line and respective second edges which define a radius.

Abstract: An accumulator for storing rows of articles thereon includes a frame having upper and lower shafts rotatably supported thereon. A plurality of sprockets are mounted on each of the upper and lower shafts for rotation therewith. Each of the sprockets defines a radius. An electric motor is provided for selectively rotating the shafts and the sprockets mounted thereon. A plurality of roller chains are mounted on associated pairs of the upper and lower sprockets for movement when the shafts and sprockets are rotated. Each of the roller chains includes a plurality of spaced apart pins. A plurality of link are carried on each of the roller chains for movement therewith. Each of the links has a pair of apertures formed therethrough and a pair of arcuate slots formed therethrough. The apertures and the slots having respective first edges which define a straight line and respective second edges which define a radius.

Abstract: An accumulator for storing rows of articles thereon includes a frame having upper and lower shafts rotatably supported thereon. A plurality of sprockets are mounted on each of the upper and lower shafts for rotation therewith Each of the sprockets defines a radius. An electric motor is provided for selectively rotating the shafts and the sprockets mounted thereon. A plurality of roller chains are mounted on associated pairs of the upper and lower sprockets for movement when the shafts and sprockets are rotated. Each of the roller chains includes a plurality of spaced apart pins. A plurality of link are carried on each of the roller chains for movement therewith. Each of the links has a pair of apertures formed therethrough and a pair of arcuate slots formed therethrough. The apertures and the slots having respective first edges which define a straight line and respective second edges which define a radius.

Abstract: A drive system for a curved, live roller conveyor comprised of two groups of rollers is disclosed. The drive system includes separate drives, one for each group of rollers and a common power source for rotatably driving each of the separate drives. Each roller group drive includes a pair of parallel arranged drive shafts which drive corresponding individual rollers through an elastomeric belt entrained about pulleys affixed to the drive shaft and the rollers.