Abstract: An arrangement for supporting rollers in a roller conveyor includes at least three support rails arranged parallel to each other. The support rails define a set of holes aligned coaxially with each other. A bearing block is arranged on an intermediate one of the support rails. The bearing block includes a base strip defining a groove extending in a longitudinal direction along a lower side, and defining a hole extending in a lateral direction. An upper portion of the intermediate support rail is disposed in the groove and the hole is aligned coaxially with the set of holes in said support rails. A plurality of bearing supports extending from an upper side of the base strip. Each of the bearing supports defines a bearing surface extending in the lateral direction. Adjacent ones of the bearing supports are spaced apart from each other in both the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a transport apparatus, or combiner, for transporting light-weight containers at high speed rates. The combiner includes one or more conveyor belt-type surfaces that have openings thereupon, a guide rail assembly, and a vacuum source that adds a "drag" or "weighting" force on the light-weight containers. The conveyor belt-type surfaces may or may not be moving at the same velocity. The guide rail assembly is comprised of rods and rollers, wherein the rollers are aligned in a unique anti-jamming staggered or diamond pattern. The guide rail assembly can be positioned such that it is substantially upright, or the guide rail assembly can be positioned such that it is sloped over the conveyor surfaces. The rods within the guide rail assembly may be substantially vertical, or they may be pitched forward. One vacuum source may be used for the plurality of conveyor surfaces, or one vacuum source may be used for each individual conveyor.

Abstract: A right angle flow-through jump transfer conveyor system having a plurality of tensioning strips disposed between a plurality of rollers arranged in a planar array and rails which are sequentially operated by actuator cylinders is disclosed. The strips are raised above the planar array of rollers when a re-direction of the flow of articles through a conveyor system is required. Along the jump transfer conveyor system are a plurality of sensors coupled to a programmable controller for triggering the actuator cylinders responsive to the condition of the flow of articles along various portions of the conveyor.

Abstract: A drive unit for a roller-type conveyor system which comprises a drive gear mounted on a drive shaft within heat sink plates and driving a number of pinion gears connected to a pinion shaft each of which is connected to a roller by crimping with a flexible shaft. Each pinion shaft is completely supported within the heat sink plates. A tangential drive frangible sprocket wheel is directly connected to the drive shaft. The mounting plates relieve heat generated from the drive shaft and the frangible sprocket wheel. A number of transport mechanisms containing rollers and a control unit as just described are mounted together to form a conveyor system.