Abstract: A load separating mechanism for a roller conveyor includes an actuating member pivotally mounted at a discharge point on the conveyor and a stop member pivotally mounted at a load holding point upstream from the discharge point. The actuating member and stop member are operatively connected so that the stop member assumes a load blocking position to arrest further movement of the loads when a load load at the discharge point depresses the actuating member. The actuating member is biased to an extended position to cause the stop member to assume a load releasing position when the lead load is removed from the conveyor. The return of the actuating member to the extended position is delayed for a predetermined period after the lead load is removed from the discharge point.

Abstract: A longitudinally-extending constant speed decline belt conveyor for conveying a load along a downwardly sloped planar surface thereon. An endless traction belt rotatable about terminal rollers at the ends thereof, has an upper run extending in the longitudinal direction along the entire length of the conveyor. At least one of the terminal rollers of the endless traction belt is a speed control or braking roller for applying a braking force to the traction belt. The braking roller retards the rotation of the endless belt thereby retarding the movement of the load along the conveyor. A traction belt is utilized for braking so that the loads on the belt may have a uniform braking action applied thereto continuously as the loads move downwardly along the conveyor.

Abstract: A motorized conveyor roller is mounted in a conveyor frame to support and propel articles from one end of the conveyor path towards the opposite end. The conveyor roller includes a roller tube rotatably mounted in the conveyor frame and a drive means contained inside the roller tube for driving the roller tube. The drive means includes a motor; a gear reducer assembly operatively connected to the motor; and a drive member connected to the output shaft of the speed reducer for engaging and rotating the roller tube. The drive member preferably includes an elastomeric means for frictionally engaging the inner wall of the roller tube, and a clutch means adapted to slip at a predetermined torque to protect the motor and gear reducer assembly from torque overload.

Abstract: A tandem braking system for use in gravity conveyors to control the speed of loaded pallets travelling thereon, especially pallets which have non-continuous support surfaces or support surfaces which are aligned perpendicular to the direction of travel. A brake roller is mounted below the conveyor support plane. Two floating rollers with pliable surfaces are rotatably mounted above the brake roller and rise above the conveyor support plane. Engagement of the tandem brake roller causes downward movement and compression of the floating rollers and causes a braking force to be exerted on the pallet base.

Abstract: A gravity flow storage system for storing pallets includes at least one pair of parallel and laterally spaced-apart conveyors having a plurality of rotatably mounted, parallel longitudinally spaced-apart rollers. The conveyors are disposed at an inclined angle to define a storage lane having a front lower end and a rear upper end. At least one pair of pallet carrier sets are provided, each of which is disposed respectively on an associated conveyor and includes at least two nested telescoping pallet carriers having an innermost and an outermost pallet carrier. The nested pallet carriers normally rest upon the conveyor rollers and are longitudinally displaceable on the associated conveyor via the rollers thereof. Corresponding pallet carriers of the carrier sets cooperate to support a pallet thereon.