Abstract: An accumulating conveyor of the walking beam type is presented in which a walking shuttle mechanism selectively lifts articles from a stationary portion of a conveyor only when downstream positions of the stationary portion of the conveyor are free to receive them. Sensors at each holding station along the shuttle mechanism are used to detect the absence or presence of an article at each holding station to supply a detection signal to the conveyor controller.

Abstract: A work station having an arch frame which adjustably carries work processing units for performing an operation on work located on a carrier in an archway below the arch frame. The position of the work processing units are adjusted to accomodate different work configurations. The arch frame work station design has particular utility in assembling and machining V engine blocks where models have different V angles.

Abstract: A conveyor system is provided and comprises an elongated frame having a plurality of rollers mounted to the frame in a spaced and parallel relationship so that the rollers define an elongated conveyor track along which a series of workpieces are transported. A plurality of work stations are defined at predetermined longitudinally spaced positions along the track while work stops associated with the frame selectively engage and hold the workpieces at the individual work stations. The rollers between the work stations are continuously rotatably driven at a constant speed while, conversely, a friction drive arrangement is used to rotatably drive the rollers at the work station. The friction drive permits the work station rollers to remain stationary when a workpiece is held at the work station.

Abstract: A transfer shuttle is alternately moved in a forward motion and then a rearward motion by a rotary power drive. As the rotary power drive is rotated through an arc of 180.degree., a dog, coupled to the power drive, is accelerated and then decelerated before engaging the work piece transfer member, and then accelerated and decelerated after engaging the transfer member to complete its forward motion.