Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carrier and conveyor system that permits the carrier to be driven by at least two different types of conveyors or drive assemblies, including a power and free conveyor. The system includes a plurality of carriers, first and second areas, a power and free conveyor assembly, and a friction drive assembly. The power and free conveyor drivably engages the first and second carriers when the carriers are in the first area and is out of driving engagement with the carriers in the second area. The friction drive assembly is engageable with each carrier when the carriers are in the second area and out of driving engagement with each carrier when the carriers are in the first area.

Abstract: A system for transporting articles along a treatment path in a treatment area. The conveyor system includes a conveyor and a plurality of pendulums. The conveyor includes first and second drive segments laterally spaced from and parallel to one another. The pendulums include first pendulums moving along the first drive segment and second pendulums moving along the second drive segments in aligned and opposed pairs. Further features of the invention include a guide assembly having a first element coupled to move with a carrier assembly and a second element engaging the first element to stabilize the rotational orientation of the carrier assembly. Other features of the present invention include a conveyor system configuration that facilitates transportation of articles about horizontal curves as well as a unique pendulum configuration particularly suited for use with the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carrier and conveyor system that permits the carrier to be driven by at least two different types of conveyors or drive assemblies, including a power and free conveyor. The system includes a plurality of carriers, first and second areas, a power and free conveyor assembly, and a friction drive assembly. The power and free conveyor drivably engages the first and second carriers when the carriers are in the first area and is out of driving engagement with the carriers in the second area. The friction drive assembly is engageable with each carrier when the carriers are in the second area and out of driving engagement with each carrier when the carriers are in the first area.

Abstract: A system for transporting articles along a treatment path in a treatment area. The conveyor system includes a conveyor and a plurality of pendulums. The conveyor includes first and second drive segments laterally spaced from and parallel to one another. The pendulums include first pendulums moving along the first drive segment and second pendulums moving along the second drive segments in aligned and opposed pairs. Further features of the invention include a guide assembly having a first element coupled to move with a carrier assembly and a second element engaging the first element to stabilize the rotational orientation of the carrier assembly. Other features of the present invention include a conveyor system configuration that facilitates transportation of articles about horizontal curves as well as a unique pendulum configuration particularly suited for use with the invention.