Abstract: A ball transfer deck facilitates movement of heavy loads across the deck over an array of ball transfer units while reducing attendant operating noise. An annular elastomeric sleeve isolates the upper flange of each individual ball transfer unit from direct contact with the deck, thereby reducing noise generated by the contact between the ball transfer unit and deck. An associated pin stop mechanism is also installed in the ball transfer deck and can be selectively engaged to prevent the movement of a particular load across the deck. To decrease the probability of damage to the deck and increase the stability and strength of the pin stop mechanism, the preferred pin stop mechanism includes a wide upper flange that allows the pin stop mechanism to be easily attached to an upper surface to the deck.

Abstract: A pusher switch assembly for diverting pushers from a first path to a second path includes an electromagnet that when energized attracts a ferrous portion of selected pushers and disengages the selected pusher from the first path so as to divert it to the second path.

Abstract: An apparatus having a rotary member which utilizes various forces acting upon articles when rotated on a surface of the member for singulating the articles. The rotary member has a surface that forms an angle .theta. to a horizontal plane where the angle .theta. is between about 0.degree. and 200.degree.. A motor and coupling elements couple the motor to the surface and the surface is rotated about an axis at about 10 to 15 RPM. The surface of the device has a coefficient of friction with respect to the articles such that the articles entering onto the surface at the region of ingress are moved toward a stationary wall circumscribing the surface. Outboard articles, i.e., articles that are lodged in an abutting relationship with the wall, are translated while the inboard stacked articles, i.e.