Abstract: The operating characteristics of a diverter having a driven article conveying surface of parallel tubes on which article diverting shoes are caused to move across progressively because of contract between a depending drive pin on each shoe and a laterally inclined rail beneath the conveying surface by changing the shape of the rail contacting roller on the pin so that a downward force vector is created tending to hold the shoe down. Also, the shoe is supported on three rollers instead of two to prevent the tendency of the shoe to pivot about one tube due to article resistance to lateral movement. The design of the openings in the shoe through which the tubes pass are such that the shoe will not become bound between two tubes which are not entirely straight.

Abstract: An accumulator conveyor is equipped with sensors which respond to article movement by pivoting about a vertical axis as the result of having a pair of laterally spaced wheels on opposite ends of a shaft with one wheel driven by the propelling member and the other by an article supporting roller. The first wheel is larger than the second wheel and is attached to the shaft while the second wheel is connected to the shaft by a one-way clutch. Pivotal movement of the sensor results from differentiation between the relative speeds of the wheels.

Abstract: An accumulator conveyor having an endless driven propelling member has a vertically adjustable support for said propelling member. The support has a stationary lower member and a vertically movable upper member divided into a plurality of segments arranged in tandem with two or more actuators supporting each segment of the upper member on said lower member. Each actuator has a hinged connection to both the upper and lower members and means to limit variation in the spacing between the plates. An expander is mounted on each actuator for forcibly separating the upper plate and actuator and lifting the upper plate as it pivots the actuator about its hinged connection to both the upper and lower plates. Separating the plates lifts the propelling member into conveying mode.

Abstract: An accumulator has a driven belt which is so supported that it either propels the articles by contact with them or by driving rollers on which the articles are supported. In either case, rotatable supports are provided beneath the belt. Several of these supports constitute a group over which a secondary or satellite belt is trained. The secondary belt contacts the lower face of the driven belt, supporting and spacing it above the rotatable supports. Each support has at least two portions of different diameters with a ramp between. Control means shifts the secondary belt between the portions and in so doing moves the driven belt vertically between a raised article drive position and a lowered article release position.

Abstract: A support for a flat conveyor belt is disclosed which utilizes a pair of tapered rollers, one on each side of the belt's centerline. The rollers are mounted on shafts which are inclined to the plane of the belt such that the roller surfaces are parallel to the surface of the belt. The roller supporting shafts are also at an angle of less than 90.degree. to the centerline of the belt such that they converge either upstream or downstream of the belt with respect to the belt's direction of travel. The rollers are also free for a limited degree of travel in response to the bias given to them by the movement of the belt. The angular relationship of the shafts to the belt centerline can be varied resulting in lateral movement of the rollers. This results in vertical movement of the belt and thus a conveyor with the capacity to serve as an accumulator.

Abstract: An accumulator is disclosed in which the articles are transported on a bed of carrier rollers. Beneath the rollers a plurality of devices, arranged in tandem lengthwise of the conveyor, provide vertical support for the propelling member. Each support has a bracket pivotally mounted between its ends with a propelling member support pulley at one end and a bracket manipulating propelling member tracking roller at the other end. The tracking roller is tapered and is mounted for rotation about a shaft extending transversely of the propelling member. The shaft is longer than the roller permitting the tracking roller a limited amount of axial travel. By changing the angular relationship between the roller and propelling member, the point of contact between the propelling member and tracking roller is shifted lengthwise of the roller, resulting in pivotal movement of the bracket which raises and lowers the propelling member to effect drive and release of the carrier rollers forming the conveyor bed.