Abstract: A right angle flow-through jump transfer conveyor system having a plurality of tensioning strips disposed between a plurality of rollers arranged in a planar array and rails which are sequentially operated by actuator cylinders is disclosed. The strips are raised above the planar array of rollers when a re-direction of the flow of articles through a conveyor system is required. Along the jump transfer conveyor system are a plurality of sensors coupled to a programmable controller for triggering the actuator cylinders responsive to the condition of the flow of articles along various portions of the conveyor.

Abstract: A drive unit for a roller-type conveyor system which comprises a drive gear mounted on a drive shaft within heat sink plates and driving a number of pinion gears connected to a pinion shaft each of which is connected to a roller by crimping with a flexible shaft. Each pinion shaft is completely supported within the heat sink plates. A tangential drive frangible sprocket wheel is directly connected to the drive shaft. The mounting plates relieve heat generated from the drive shaft and the frangible sprocket wheel. A number of transport mechanisms containing rollers and a control unit as just described are mounted together to form a conveyor system.

Abstract: An improved conveyor drive unit with a method of operation thereof, which can be rapidly and easily mounted on a roller-type conveyor system and which, when arranged in series, can be sequentially stopped and restarted relative to predetermined parameters in the article flow along a conveyor path. In one embodiment, each drive unit has an arm which extends at a desired distance over an article conveyor path which can be tripped at the occurrence of accumulation. A pneumatic valve is operably coupled to the arm for releasing air into an actuating cylinder having operably coupled thereto a shifter rod. The shifter rod is axially displaced by the actuating cylinder which in turn releases a drive collar from a keyed sprocket of the pinion gears of a transfer mechanism or "module" of the conveyor system. When the drive collar is disengaged, the operation of transport mechanism or module is thus halted.