Abstract: An apparatus and a method of positioning pallets on roller chains mounted on a free flow conveyor is basically composed of a detector for detecting an oncoming pallet, a stopper for stopping the pallet at an approximately required position, a controller capable of positioning the pallet in the x- and y-directions, and another controller capable of positioning the pallet in the z-direction. With an application of the foregoing method proposed, a device is designed to provide a highly accurate positioning of the pallet with a single device and therefore contributes greatly to an economization of operating costs.

Abstract: A free flow conveyor which conveys in order a plurality of pallets freely loaded on roller chains in a required direction comprises a conveying feed path for the pallets to be defined at a first horizontal elevational level, another conveying return path for the pallets to be defined therebelow, and roller chains, to be mounted on both sides of the conveying paths, being endlessly wound in common with both feed and return paths so that the roller chains can be commonly driven. This invention will therefore provide a simple mechanism and a reduction in operating costs so as to eliminate the disadvantages of a free flow conveyor to which the prior art pertains.