Abstract: A chain conveyor is described having a pair of loops of triple strand chains, frictionally driving pallets supported on upper advance runs, the pallets linked together in subgroups to be able to support long length workpieces. The pallets are driven around the chain loop sprockets at either end of the conveyor, the linked connection allowing relative tilting of the pallets in the subgroup as each subgroup is driven around the sprocket axes. The pallets are held as they are swung around either sprocket axis by a split disc gripper mechanism at each end of the conveyor, which each grip a tapered edge gripper bar mounted spaced below the pallet. A pair of ride bars are also mounted below the pallet, each having a rounded shoulder at either end engaging a chain loop across the inside curvature of the chain loop when passing around the sprockets.

Abstract: An over/under pallet accumulating chain conveyor is described in which the pallets are supported on the center roller strand of triple roller strand chain loops to achieve a balanced loading of the chain pins. The pallets have sets of roller pairs engaged by a pallet drive disc having pockets receiving the rollers to drive the pallets around the chain sprocket axes, the pallets returning inverted on the return chain loop segments. The pallets can be linked together to accommodate larger sized workpieces. For declined conveyors, anti-runaway dogs carried by the carrier positively engage the chain.

Abstract: A chain conveyor is described having a pair of loops of triple strand chains, frictionally driving pallets supported on upper advance runs, the pallets linked together in subgroups to be able to support long length workpieces. The pallets are driven around the chain loop sprockets at either end of the conveyor, the linked connection allowing relative tilting of the pallets in the subgroup as each subgroup is driven around the sprocket axes. The pallets are held as they are swung around either sprocket axis by a split disc gripper mechanisms which each grip a tapered edge gripper bar mounted spaced below the pallet. A pair of ride bars are also mounted below the pallet, each having a rounded shoulder at either end engaging a chain loop across the inside curvature of the chain loop when passing around the sprockets. The rounded shoulders nonpositively engage the chain link rollers so that the pallets are not positively fixed to the chain loops when swung around the sprocket axis at either end.

Abstract: A measuring device (60) measures the value (t) of a chosen parameter (thickness) of what has been lifted by a lifting assembly (40) from a stack of sheets (1) of material and allows the lifted material to be moved from the stack when the value is in a predetermined relationship to a reference value (T). One (45a) of a plurality of selectively releasable members (45) on the lifting assembly (40) is moveable in two horizontal directions to locate a sheet attached to the one releaseable member (45a) against locating pins (5, 6) on the work table (3) of the punch press (4). The entire system may be operated automatically by a controller (90).

Abstract: Self propelled pallet vehicles (12a) are guided along a track network (10) by downwardly projecting guide pins (350, 352) carried by each pallet vehicle (12) which engage slots (354, 358) in the track network and steer the pallet vehicle (12) along the track network (10). The track network has main (20) and branch (22) track sections, and selective delivery of the vehicles to various destinations along the track network (10) is achieved by controlling the position of the guide pins (350, 352) between alternate rotated raised and lowered positions. In the lowered position the guide pins (350, 352) interact with the track network (10) to guide the pallet vehicle (12) into a branch section (20) of the track. In the raised position, the guide pins (350, 352) cause continued movement of the vehicle (12) along the main track section (22) and past a junction (38). The guide pin position may be controlled by a photoemitter (364) at the junction (38), or by various other alternatives.

Abstract: A measuring device (60) measures the value (t) of a chosen parameter (thickness) of what has been lifted by a lifting assembly (40) from a stack of sheets (1) of material and allows the lifted material to be moved from the stack when the value is in a predetermined relationship to a reference value (T). One (45a) of a plurality of selectively releasable members (45) on the lifting assembly (40) is moveable in two horizontal directions to locate a sheet attached to the one releaseable members (45a) against locating pins (5, 6) on the work table (3) of the punch press (4). The entire system may be operated automatically by a controller (90).