Abstract: A conveyor system comprising a fixed, non-powered rail defining a conveyor path and an automated conveyor carrier (ACC) supported on the rail to be movable along the conveyor path. The ACC includes an on-board motor and an on-board electrical power source selectively powering the on-board motor to drive the ACC along the rail. The ACC may include a wireless sleep mode module operable to selectively shut off power to an on-board ACC controller.

Abstract: A conveyor roller turn for establishing a curved path for a conveyor chain includes a frame supporting a rail defining a curved conveyor path, and a roller body supported rotatably on the frame along the curved conveyor path. The roller body has an outside surface positioned to provide horizontal support to the conveyor drive chain. At least one bearing supports the roller body on the frame, the at least one bearing including: a plurality of ceramic rolling elements, an inner race supporting the plurality of ceramic rolling elements on a radial inner side of the bearing, an outer race supporting the plurality of ceramic rolling elements on a radial outer side of the bearing, and tungsten disulfide dry film lubricant on the ceramic rolling elements.

Abstract: A conveyor roller turn for establishing a curved path for a conveyor chain includes a frame supporting a rail defining a curved conveyor path, and a roller body supported rotatably on the frame along the curved conveyor path. The roller body has an outside surface positioned to provide horizontal support to the conveyor drive chain. At least one bearing supports the roller body on the frame, the at least one bearing including: a plurality of ceramic rolling elements, an inner race supporting the plurality of ceramic rolling elements on a radial inner side of the bearing, an outer race supporting the plurality of ceramic rolling elements on a radial outer side of the bearing, and tungsten disulfide dry film lubricant on the ceramic rolling elements.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprising a fixed, non-powered rail defining a conveyor path and an automated conveyor carrier (ACC) supported on the rail to be movable along the conveyor path. The ACC includes an on-board motor and an on-board electrical power source selectively powering the on-board motor to drive the ACC along the rail. The ACC may include a wireless sleep mode module operable to selectively shut off power to an on-board ACC controller.

Abstract: An adjustable transfer mechanism for a power and free conveyor system includes a free track defining a conveyor path. A first power track defines a first drive path for a first drive member of the first power track to drive a trolley. The first power track is positioned to extend along the conveyor path up to a divergence point where the first power track diverges from the conveyor path. A second power track defines a second drive path for a second drive member of the second power track to drive the trolley. The second power track is positioned to extend along the conveyor path from a convergence point downstream of the divergence point so that the second drive member can pick up the trolley dropped off by the first power track. At least one of the divergence and convergence points is adjustable along the conveyor path.

Abstract: A conveyor-to-convey transfer mechanism is provided, and in some embodiments comprises a transfer conveyor extending between first and second conveyors for receiving items from the first conveyor and for dispatching the items to the second conveyor. In some embodiments, movement of items to the transfer conveyor comprises a convergence of a portion of the first conveyor with respect to the transfer conveyor and/or movement of items from the transfer conveyor comprises a divergence of a portion of the second conveyor with respect to the transfer conveyor. The convergence and/or divergence can include vertical change in the first, second and/or transfer conveyors, and can occur by supporting one portion of a bracket carrying an item upon at least one of the first and second conveyors, and supporting another portion of the bracket carrying the item upon the transfer conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor-to-convey transfer mechanism is provided, and in some embodiments comprises a transfer conveyor extending between first and second conveyors for receiving items from the first conveyor and for dispatching the items to the second conveyor. In some embodiments, movement of items to the transfer conveyor comprises a convergence of a portion of the first conveyor with respect to the transfer conveyor and/or movement of items from the transfer conveyor comprises a divergence of a portion of the second conveyor with respect to the transfer conveyor. The convergence and/or divergence can include vertical change in the first, second and/or transfer conveyors, and can occur by supporting one portion of a bracket carrying an item upon at least one of the first and second conveyors, and supporting another portion of the bracket carrying the item upon the transfer conveyor.