Abstract: An improvement in lift and carry conveyor systems includes the use of fixed guide rails which guide lower portions of a part as the part moves between sequential conveyor sections. The guide rails ensure that the part continues to be properly guided as it moves between the sequential stations, or between a workstation and a conveyor section. Further, the lift members are formed of aluminum extrusions and have plastic inserts.

Abstract: A shuttle type accumulating conveyor adapted to advance articles located behind an empty station to their next successive stations. The conveyor comprises an elongated support along which the stations are longitudinally spaced apart, a transfer bar movable forwardly and rearwardly longitudinally of the elongated support, pusher type feed units and feed unit setting assemblies mounted on the transfer bar and actuator assemblies for moving the feed units to feed positions so that upon an initial rearward movement of the transfer bar from a start position all feed units behind an empty station are moved to their feed positions. The transfer bar is then moved forward a distance substantially greater than the distance between stations to advance articles from station to station. Binding of the drive mechanism due to the prolonged travel of the transfer bar, during which feed unit setting assemblies contact actuator assemblies, is prevented by cooperating recess and pivot means on the actuator assemblies.

Abstract: An accumulating conveyor adapted to advance articles from station to station comprising an elongated support along which the stations are longitudinally spaced apart, a transfer bar movable forwardly and rearwardly longitudinally of the elongated support, independently movable feed units on the transfer bar, and means for moving the feed units to feed positions so that upon an initial rearward movement of the transfer bar from a start position all feed units behind an empty station are moved to their feed positions. A work transfer cycle then is completed by moving the transfer bar forwardly to advance the articles behind the empty station to their next adjacent stations and then returning the transfer bar to its start position.