Abstract: A dual-T transfer conveyor (10) includes a cross conveyor (12) wherein a plurality of interconnected flights (42) formed from low friction plastic material define a conveying plane (114). Input conveyors (14,16) each have a belt (80) formed from belting material and defining conveying planes (116) situated above the conveying plane (114) of the cross conveyor (12). Permanent magnets (86) are used to return the trailing end of each article carried by each input conveyor (14,16) in engagement with the belt (80) thereof as the leading end of the article is extended over the conveying plane of the cross conveyor (12).

Abstract: A grouping system (10) includes parallel conveyor belts (28) for conveying the objects from the unloader system (14) to the oven-ready conveyor (24). A group end sensor (64) is moveable along the grouping system (10) between the conveyor belts (28). The sensor includes both forward and rearward sensors (128, 130) for sensing the proximity of pans at a predetermined separation in the direction of travel. The group end sensor moves forward until its forward limit is reached or the forward sensor senses an object representing the last stopped pan. The conveyor then moves at full speed until the rearward sensor senses the following pan. The conveyor speed is then reduced so that the pan contact does not damage the dough.

Abstract: A grouping system (10) includes parallel conveyor belts (28) for conveying the objects from an unloader system (14) to an oven-ready conveyor (24). A group end sensor (64) is moveable along the grouping system (14) between the conveyor belts (28). The sensor includes both forward and rearward sensors (128, 130) for sensing the proximity of pans at a predetermined separation in the direction of travel. The group end sensor moves longitudinally until the forward sensor senses an object representing the last stopped pan. The conveyor operates at full speed until the rearward sensor senses the following pan. The conveyor speed is then reduced so that the pan contact does not damage the dough.

Abstract: In a pan unstacking and stacking system, stacks of pans are vertically positioned by pairs of spaced, parallel lift chains and pan engaging members mounted thereon. The lift chains are driven by drive shafts and drive sprockets which engage the upper and lower courses of a drive chain, respectively, thereby permitting adjustment of the spacing between the pan engaging members to accommodate pans of various sizes. The drive chain is in turn driven by a fluid powered cylinder operating through a clutch and brake apparatus to control the vertical positioning of the pan engaging members and pan stacks mounted thereon. Pans are transferred laterally relative to pan stacks supported on the pan engaging members by means of magnets positioned along a line in a horizontal plane situated above a stack and V-belts mounted for rotation around parallel courses situated on opposite sides of the line of magnets and including horizontal portions extending coincident therewith.

Abstract: A sorting switch comprises a plurality of channel-shaped pallet support members mounted on drive chains for movement around a course including an upper article sorting portion and a lower return portion. The upper article sorting portion of the course includes parallel article conveying paths, and the pallet support members extend across both article conveying paths. A pallet is slidably supported on each pallet support member and has a switch engaging member depending therefrom. The pallets are arranged in sets, with alternate sets of pallets being normally aligned with opposite article conveying paths. Switching mechanisms are provided for selectively allowing each set of pallets to remain aligned with the article conveying path normal thereto or for diverting the pallets comprising the sets into alignment with the opposite article conveying path.