Abstract: A combiner conveyor arrangement for conveying articles of product has a first longitudinal conveyor for urging a plurality of the articles of product in parallel in a predetermined direction of travel. First and second bilateral guide ways urge the articles translongitudinally. A switching arrangement selects articles of product from between the first and second bilateral guide ways. A plurality of actuatable fingers block or open the first and second bilateral guide ways synchronously. A switching arrangement directs a product being conveyed to a selectable conveyance pathway, and has a gate that is pivotally displaceable between first and second positions in response to the conveyance of the product. A first spring applies a position restoration force and locking arrangement locks the gate. In a dual gate arrangement, a further pivotable gate has applied thereto a spring that is stronger than the first spring.

Abstract: A combiner conveyor arrangement for conveying articles of product has a first longitudinal conveyor for urging a plurality of the articles of product in parallel in a predetermined direction of travel. First and second bilateral guide ways urge the articles translongitudinally. A switching arrangement selects articles of product from between the first and second bilateral guide ways. A plurality of actuatable fingers block or open the first and second bilateral guide ways synchronously. A switching arrangement directs a product being conveyed to a selectable conveyance pathway, and has a gate that is pivotally displaceable between first and second positions in response to the conveyance of the product. A first spring applies a position restoration force and locking arrangement locks the gate. In a dual gate arrangement, a further pivotable gate has applied thereto a spring that is stronger than the first spring.

Abstract: A conveyor system transports a multiplicity of product items from an input portion to an output portion and is provided with a first conveyor that transports the product items from the input portion to a distal turnaround region. A second conveyor transports the product items from the distal turnaround region to a redistribution region. A first product transfer arrangement urges the product items from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. A plurality of exit conveyors are arranged to be parallel to each other for transporting the product items from the redistribution region to a product exit region located at the output portion, and are arranged to transport the product items at a respectively associated rates of transport. A product redistribution arrangement directs the product items to respective input ends of the plurality of exit conveyors.

Abstract: A conveyor arrangement that conveys cargo along a predetermined path of conveyance between an initial cargo intake portion and a final cargo releasing portion is provided with a first conveyor that is arranged to convey the cargo along a first portion of the predetermined path of conveyance between a first cargo receiving portion and a distal first cargo releasing portion of the first conveyor. The first conveyor has a twist that varies with respect to distance along a first intermediate cargo conveyance region. There is additionally provided a second twisted conveyor arranged to convey the cargo along a second portion of the predetermined path of conveyance. The second portion of the predetermined path of conveyance overlaps the first portion of the predetermined path of conveyance. A third twisted conveyor is arranged to convey the cargo along a third portion of the predetermined path of conveyance between a third cargo receiving portion and a third cargo releasing portion of the third conveyor.

Abstract: A zero back-pressure conveyor system of the type having a continuous transport element for urging articles along a predetermined conveyor path employs a frame that supports the continuous transport element and is formed of first and second side on opposite sides of the continuous transport element. Articles being transported along the conveyor system are supported on wear strips that are fashioned as segments along the conveyor path and are each individually actuatable between distal and proximal positions with respect to the continuous transport element. Preferably, the wear strips are actuated in pairs by operation of an articulated mechanism that precludes tilting of the articles during coupling and decoupling with respect to the continuous transport element. The articulated motion is achieved by operation of a support bar coupled to the associated wear strip, the support bar having at least one pair of pivotally coupled coupling arms.

Abstract: A splice box arrangement for a conveyor employs first and second end members that are coupled to one another and to base and top members using conventional fasteners, obviating the need for total replacement of the splice box when a conveyor of a different width is desired to be installed. The end members have parallel angled portions extending outwardly from a central portion, the angled portions having apertures therethrough that register with corresponding apertures of the base and top portions. The apertures accommodate removable fasteners, such as threaded fasteners. Only the base and top members of the splice box need to be removed and replaced when a conveyor having a different width is installed.

Abstract: An improved spiral conveyor comprising a rigid integral central tubular core member which is arranged vertically dependent upon the desired height of the conveyor system. A continuous conveyor chain is moved over a pair of continuous spaced tracks which are mounted in a generally spiral path about the central member. The tracks are constructed and arranged to include flat surfaces disposed for minimizing frictional contact with the conveyor chain whereby the capstan affect is reduced. The chain is driven at its infeed and outfeed ends by an electric motor disposed at one of these locations and is reversible depending upon the desired direction of flow. The chain returns upon itself. The infeed and outfeed ends of the conveyor chain are arranged in tangential relationship with respect to the adjoining portion thereof to facilitate side transfer, if desired, of the conveyed product.