Abstract: A pusher for a conveyor system or accumulator is provided. The pusher has an equalized motion across its length which is created by a drive train linkage including first and second rack and pinion assemblies wherein the pinion gears rotate about a common axis and are joined together by a connecting rod. The drive train linkage allows the pusher bar to be actuated by a single pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder connected to the pusher bar outwardly of the rack and pinion drive linkage. Positioning the pneumatic drive cylinder outwardly of the support linkage achieves a lower profile than achieved by prior art pushers.

Abstract: A chain drive continuous vertical conveyor is provided wherein multiple slats carried by multiple pairs of chain cooperate to form multi-sectional elevator surfaces. The elevator surfaces are capable of lifting wide and heavy loads. A live storage accumulator is also provided including multiple horizontal live storage levels which are stacked vertically. Each of the live storage levels includes a low profile belt conveyor. Containers may be transferred from a vertical conveyor to the accumulator and from the accumulator to another vertical conveyor.