Abstract: A sorting conveyor of the tilt tray type comprising an endless train of carrier elements moved along a guiding rail system past a number of unloading stations in which the trays are selectively laterally tiltable for unloading articles therefrom. The guiding rail system extends partially along vertically sloping portions, and control means are provided for automatically holding the trays in their horizontal article carrier positions while the respective carrier elements or lower rail engaging support portions thereof are generally inclined during their passage along the sloping rail portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading containers with articles, such as post parcels, includes the use of a carrier device which is lowered into a container by suitable hoisting means at a rate dependent upon the number of articles deposited on the carrier device. The carrier device is positioned within the upper portion of a container in which articles are to be stored, and a conveyor belt delivers articles onto a pivotal flap member of the carrier device. Once the articles reach a certain height on the flap member, photocells signal the hoisting means to lower the carrier device further into the container, and this process continues until the carrier device is near the bottom of the container. Once the carrier device reaches its lowermost position, the pivotal flap member swings downwardly to release the accumulated articles into the container. The carrier device is then withdrawn from the filled container, and the container may then be removed.

Abstract: A conveyor system including an overhead conveyor rail system for a plurality of traction members each having a depending tie rod provided at its lower end with a snap coupling for releasably receiving the outer end of a handle rod of any of a plurality of wheel supported carts belonging to the system, for moving the carts on the floor along a predetermined path. The snap coupling an elongate extension member on the tie rod having adjacent its top end a snap latch arrangement for receiving an outermost transverse standard handle bar on the handle rod, and the lower end of the extension member having a transverse portion for abuttingly engaging the adjacent portion of the handle rod itself, when the handle bar is received in the snap lock arrangement, such that by stoppage of the traction member the cart is prevented from moving further by its inertia, without the handle rod having to be of any special design for being usable in the system.