Abstract: A system includes a conveyor and a cable adapted to travel along an endless path to extend or retract a first adjustable guiderail for guiding one or more articles when being conveyed along the conveyor. A cable actuator adapted to move the cable along an endless path. The cable actuator may include a capstan adapted to receive at least a portion of the cable and rotate to cause the cable to move along the endless path, a tensioner adapted to tension the cable, or both the capstan and the tensioner. First and second adjustable guiderails may also be provided, along with a controller for controlling associated cable actuators. The controller may include a plurality of preset conditions, each corresponding to a width of an article to be conveyed or to a width of the conveying path between the first adjustable guiderail and the second adjustable guiderail.

Abstract: An apparatus is for supporting a guiderail for guiding one or more articles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path in a conveying direction. The apparatus include a support rail and at least one movable support for adjusting a position of the guiderail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. The at least one movable support includes a collapsible support for engaging the support rail and supporting the guiderail. The collapsible support is adapted to extend and retract into the conveying path in a direction transverse to the conveying direction to selectively position the guiderail relative to the support rail. The movable support includes a clamp for fixing a location of the movable support relative to the support rail. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying an object in a conveying direction includes a conveyor comprised of a plurality of modular links adapted for interconnecting to form a chain. At least one of the links comprises a rounded upper portion forming an apical region for contacting and supporting the article for conveyance along at least a forward run in the conveying direction. The at least one link further including a forwardly projecting portion associated with a first transverse connector forming a part of the upper portion and a rearwardly projecting portion associated with a second transverse connector forming part of the upper portion. The first and second connectors may be staggered in the conveying direction and a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Further aspects pertain to a link with an apical engaging structure, and a sprocket with a removable tooth.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a guiderail for guiding one or more articles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a mount for mounting to the conveyor. The mount includes a support rail for supporting the guide rail, which support rail may have a length in the conveying direction less than a length of the conveyor. The support rail may include one or more stops for engaging one of a pair of movable supports. The supports may be slidably mounted to the support rail for adjusting a position of the guiderail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying an object in a conveying direction includes a conveyor comprised of a plurality of modular links adapted for interconnecting to form a chain. At least one of the links comprises a rounded upper portion forming an apical region for contacting and supporting the article for conveyance along at least a forward run in the conveying direction. The at least one link further including a forwardly projecting portion associated with a first transverse connector forming a part of the upper portion and a rearwardly projecting portion associated with a second transverse connector forming part of the upper portion. The first and second connectors may be staggered in the conveying direction and a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Further aspects pertain to a link with an apical engaging structure, and a sprocket with a removable tooth.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor system for sorting articles being conveyed in a conveying direction. A first conveyor section includes a plurality of inclined conveyors for de-stacking articles. A second conveyor section includes at least one indexing conveyor for spacing a first group of articles from upstream articles. A third conveyor section includes a chicane conveying path for forming the first group of articles into a single row generally aligned with the conveying direction. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying an article in a conveying direction is provided. A conveyor includes a plurality of modular links and one or more removable connectors for interconnecting adjacent links of the plurality of modular links to form an endless chain for conveying the article in the conveying direction, at least one of the links comprising an upper link surface sloping in both the conveying direction and a transverse direction, thereby forming an apical region for contacting and supporting the article for conveyance along at least a forward run in the conveying direction.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a movable conveyor belt adapted for conveying articles supported by a conveying surface in a conveying direction, the conveyor belt including guide links. Guides in the form of at least two stationary rods elongated in the conveying direction engage the guide links of the conveyor belt during conveyance. The guides may form part of a conveyor frame including connectors spaced in the conveying direction connecting to at least one upper guide and at least one lower guide without projecting between them. An elongated support may be provided for supporting the connectors, and may include at least portion curved in the conveying direction and a vertical direction.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a movable conveyor belt adapted for conveying articles supported by a conveying surface in a conveying direction, the conveyor belt including guide links. Guides in the form of at least two stationary rods elongated in the conveying direction engage the guide links of the conveyor belt during conveyance. The guides may form part of a conveyor frame including connectors spaced in the conveying direction connecting to at least one upper guide and at least one lower guide without projecting between them. An elongated support may be provided for supporting the connectors, and may include at least portion curved in the conveying direction and a vertical direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying an article in a conveying direction is provided. A conveyor includes a plurality of modular links and one or more removable connectors for interconnecting adjacent links of the plurality of modular links to form an endless chain for conveying the article in the conveying direction, at least one of the links comprising an upper link surface sloping in both the conveying direction and a transverse direction, thereby forming an apical region for contacting and supporting the article for conveyance along at least a forward run in the conveying direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction is provided. The apparatus includes a first guide rail for at least partially forming a conveying path for products on the conveyor. At least one flexible support provides support for the first guide rail along the conveyor. The at least one flexible support is adapted for being extended and retracted to selectively position the first guide rail relative to the conveyor. The support may be pivotally mounted to the guide rail. The guide rail may also include fixed and slidable portions, including possibly curved portions, which allow for a sliding joint to be formed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a movable conveyor belt adapted for conveying articles supported by a conveying surface in a conveying direction, the conveyor belt including guide links. Guides in the form of at least two stationary rods elongated in the conveying direction engage the guide links of the conveyor belt during conveyance. The guides may form part of a conveyor frame including connectors spaced in the conveying direction connecting to at least one upper guide and at least one lower guide without projecting between them. An elongated support may be provided for supporting the connectors, and may include at least portion curved in the conveying direction and a vertical direction.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a movable conveyor belt adapted for conveying articles supported by a conveying surface in a conveying direction, the conveyor belt including guide links. Guides in the form of at least two stationary rods elongated in the conveying direction engage the guide links of the conveyor belt during conveyance. The guides may form part of a conveyor frame including connectors spaced in the conveying direction connecting to at least one upper guide and at least one lower guide without projecting between them. An elongated support may be provided for supporting the connectors, and may include at least portion curved in the conveying direction and a vertical direction.