Abstract: A roller having a torque overload release mechanism for use with an accumulating roller conveyor system. A shaft is rotatably mounted to a frame for the conveyor system while a drive sprocket is rotatably mounted to one end of the shaft. A first friction pad is secured to the shaft and abuts against one end of the drive sprocket while a second friction pad is axially slidably mounted to the shaft and abuts against the other axial end of the drive sprocket. A nut variable compresses one or more belleville washers against the second friction pad to thereby drivingly connect the drive sprocket and shaft together and yet permit torque overload release when the torque between the shaft and the sprocket exceeds a predetermined but adjustable amount.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for transferring workpieces from an entry station and to a predetermined position on a continuously moving conveyor. The device comprises a housing wherein at least a portion of the conveyor extends through and is movable along a predetermined path of movement through the housing. A carriage assembly is movably mounted to the housing along the path of movement and is movable from a first position in which the carriage assembly is aligned with the entry station and a second position which is spaced from its first position along the path of movement. The carriage assembly includes arms which engage and receive a workpiece from the entry station. Thereafter, a coupling member on the carriage engages an abutment member on the conveyor so that the carriage assembly and conveyor move in unison with each other.