Abstract: A shuttle transfer assembly is provided for transferring parts between at least two conveyor lines. The shuttle assembly includes a base and a transfer table which is mounted to the base via a carriage assembly. A conveyor section is in turn mounted to the transfer table. The transfer table under program control is both rotated about a vertical axis and linearly displaced by the carriage assembly so that the conveyor section on the transfer table is aligned with a first selected conveyor line. A loader assembly on the transfer table selectively moves a number of parts from the first conveyor line onto the conveyor section. The transfer table is then moved so that its conveyor section is aligned with a second conveyor line. A unloader assembly then pushes the parts on the conveyor section from the transfer table and onto the second conveyor line.

Abstract: An accumulating lift and carry conveyor system is disclosed which is particularly suitable tier conveying piston connecting rods. The conveyor includes a frame defining an arcuate conveyor section having a receiving end and a discharging end. A pair of arcuate, spaced apart and parallel stationary rails are secured to an upper end of the frame and the stationary rails are adapted to engage and support opposite sides of a workpiece. A pair of arcuate, spaced apart and parallel transfer rails are contained in between the stationary rails and are movable both between an upper and lower position as well as between a forward and a retracted position. An arcuate lift beam is disposed beneath the transfer rails while a slide assembly is disposed between the top of the lift beam and the transfer rails for enabling movement of the rails between their forward and retracted position. The lift beam is also movable between an upper and a lower position.

Abstract: An improved conveyor system and for a lift and carry type conveyor includes a pair of extruded stationary rails and a pair of extruded movable rails. The extruded stationary and movable rails are provided with T slots for modular installation. The improved stationary rail includes an elongated one piece body which is generally L shaped cross section having an upper and generally horizontal leg and a lower generally vertical leg. The improved movable rails include an upper end having a finger formed of thermo plastic wear material and a protection strip of the same material to protect against galling.