Abstract: An accumulating live roller conveyor in which articles of different sizes and weights may be stopped when movement of a lead article is blocked. The accumulation is in cascading fashion, and release may either be cascading or simultaneously. The conveyor comprises a series of article-supporting rollers with a powered endless belt having a driving run over one side of said rolls. A plurality of frames fitted with pressure rolls are disposed above the belt, one or more frames corresponding to an accumulation zone. Normally, the rolls hold the belt in driving contact with the article-supporting rollers. A plurality of sensing rolls are each connected to a frame in an upstream zone so that an article engaging a sensing roll will hold the corresponding frame in an upper position, eliminating belt pressure in that zone to stop an article. Following articles will be likewise stopped.

Abstract: A material handling system for conveying or accumulating parts between work stations. The system permits accumulation in all portions of a closed loop, including upwardly or downwardly extending legs. The system comprises a series of trolleys supported for free movement alongside a powered endless member, each trolley having a retarding dog and a driven dog. In the downwardly extending legs, the retarding dogs normally rest against driving dogs on the constantly moving endless member, and are thus transported at a controlled rate. If trolleys are obstructed on these legs and are to be accumulated, the driving dogs will slip past the retarding dogs, which are resiliently mounted. If no accumulation is needed on an upward leg, a fixed cam immediately before this leg moves the driven dog of each trolley into position to be engaged by a driving dog.