Abstract: A magnetic separator for separating magnetically permeable, stacked sheets has permanent magnets mounted on a movable support for movements toward and away from the stack of sheets. The magnets normally occupy a position closely adjacent the stack of sheets but are movable away from such position in response to inflation of inflatable and deflatable air bag activators. Deflation of the air bag actuators enables biasing springs to return the magnets to the normal position. The rate of inflation and deflation of the actuators is controllable so as to regulate the rate of movement of the magnets.

Abstract: A conveyor comprises a plurality of rotors spaced longitudinally along a conveyor frame, each rotor having a rotatable shaft on which is fixed a number of axially spaced discs. The discs are staggered laterally of the conveyor and are of such diameter that the discs of adjacent rotors overlap one another. Each disc has at least one notch in its periphery, but the remainder of the peripheral surface is smooth. The notches of the discs of each rotor are adapted to support a workpiece and transfer it from one rotor to another in response to rotation thereof. A barrier is mounted between each adjacent pair of rotors to prevent transfer of a workpiece from one set of discs to another unless the workpiece is properly seated in the notches of the upstream rotor. Each rotor has a clutch assembly connecting it to a continuously operable driving motor, thereby enabling any rotor to cease rotation without stopping the motor.

Abstract: A roller conveyor construction has a plurality of longitudinally spaced rollers through each of which extends a shaft journaled at its opposite ends in journal supports which are slideably mounted between a pair of support members for linear movement in a vertical plane only. The journal support for each roller preferably is equipped with yieldable and adjustable suspension means and each roller may include an adjustable, overload clutch drive mechanism.