Abstract: A push-back rack with product support surfaces which are strung together and which move relative to the rack structure. In one embodiment, support surfaces include wheels or rollers, which roll on the rack frame. The support surfaces are connected together by flexible members. In another embodiment, the support surfaces are links of a chain and are connected together by pin and eye connections, and support rollers are provided on the rack rather than on the support surfaces.

Abstract: A sorter uses pushers to push products over angled idler wheels in order to sort the products off of the main conveyor path.

Abstract: A modular conveyor system includes modular conveyor units and modular transfer units, which are driven by the driveshafts from adjacent modules. The transfer units include a first driveshaft segment extending below the conveyor frame and first and second multi-direction wheels mounted on the shaft segment such that when the first driveshaft segment rotates, it drives the first wheel in a forward direction and the second wheel in a backward direction, the wheels being independently shiftable relative to the top surface of the conveyor frame so as to either convey a product or not convey a product.

Abstract: The rollers of a live roller conveyor are driven by drive wheels, which are driven from a driveshaft extending along the conveyor. When the drive wheels and their respective conveyor rollers are in contact with each other, the drive wheels cause the conveyor rollers to rotate. When the drive wheels and conveyor rollers are out of contact, the rollers are not driven and can accumulate product. Relative motion between the drive wheels and the conveyor rollers causes the drive to be engaged and disengaged.

Abstract: A conveyor has a drive wheel which is driven from a driveshaft and which moves into and out of driving engagement. In the preferred embodiment, there is a drive gear mounted on the drive shaft, and the drive gear drives a drive wheel, which is mounted on a drive wheel mounting frame that pivots about the axis of the drive shaft, so that the drive wheel is constantly driven from the driveshaft and pivots into and out of driving engagement with the conveyor roller.

Abstract: A pallet rack has carts which can nest and un-nest while running on the same sets of rails.

Abstract: A conveyor designed for high speed operations includes a drive shaft, a first friction wheel having a beveled end and mounted on the drive shaft, a second friction wheel mounted on the conveyor frame and having a beveled end which mates with the beveled end of the first friction wheel, and a drive wheel mounted on the same shaft as the second friction wheel, wherein the drive wheel contacts at least one of the conveyor rollers.

Abstract: An accumulating conveyor is driven by a single, long drive shaft and a plurality of clutch shafts driven off of the drive shaft.

Abstract: The rollers of a live roller conveyor are driven by drive wheels, which are driven from a driveshaft extending along the conveyor. When the drive wheels and their respective conveyor rollers are in contact with each other, the drive wheels cause the conveyor rollers to rotate. When the drive wheels and conveyor rollers are out of contact, the rollers are not driven and can accumulate product. Relative motion between the drive wheels and the conveyor rollers causes the drive to be engaged and disengaged.This is a Reissue of a Patent which was the subject of a Reexamination Certificate No. B1 5,375,696, dated Nov. 12, 1996, Request No. 90/003,811.

Abstract: A conveyor has a drive wheel which is driven from a driveshaft and .[.which moves.]. .Iadd.relative motion between the drive wheel and conveyor roller causes movement .Iaddend.into and out of driving engagement. In the preferred embodiment, there is a drive gear mounted on the drive shaft, and the drive gear drives a drive wheel, which is mounted on a drive wheel mounting frame that pivots about the axis of the drive shaft, so that the drive wheel is constantly driven from the driveshaft and pivots into and out of driving engagement with the conveyor roller.