Abstract: A retarder device for applying gradually increasing braking force to a moving object such as a pallet rolling on a gravitationally actuated conveyor system. The device produces a three-stage application of braking force to the moving object as the object moves along its predetermined path and rolls over a brake wheel that actuates a gear train. The gear train comprises a plurality of intermeshed gears that progressively increases the angular velocity of the rotating gears as the first gear in the train is rotated. A fly wheel carrying at least one pivotally mounted fly weight, and preferably a plurality of weights equally spaced around the wheel, is fixedly secured to the terminal gear of the train. The inertia of the various members of the gear train, the fly wheel, and the fly weights applies the first stage braking force to the moving object.

Abstract: Front register lays for a sheet-fed rotary printing press are disclosed. Each front register lay includes one or a plurality of front register lay fingers secured to a rotatable shaft. The sheets to be registered are conveyed along a feed metal sheet into engagement with a registering surface of each lay finger. This registering surface is disposed generally vertically and perpendicular to the direction of sheet travel during registry of the sheet against the registering surface of the lay fingers. After the sheet has been registered, the register lay fingers are rotated out of engagement with the sheet so that the sheet can proceed to the rotary printing press.

Abstract: This disclosure depicts a novel reversing conveyer track for changing the orientation, direction and spacing of books for use with book construction machinery. The reversing conveyor track first comprises a means for accepting the books and for establishing a predetermined spacing of the books. The means for accepting the books outputs the books with a predetermined velocity. The conveyor track further comprises a means for orienting and directing the books which is attached to the means for accepting the books. The orienting of the books is a change from an edge position to a side position and the direction of the books is a direction of movement different from the input movement direction of books to the means for accepting the books.

Abstract: A retractible stop mechanism is disclosed, for a conveyor system or the like, in which a stop member is moved up and down between a retracted position and a position in which it blocks an article, and a pivoted tension link is connected between the supporting structure and the stop member to provide the reaction force against the force exerted by the blocked article on the stop member, thereby removing frictional resistance to retraction of the stop member. Also, the location of the pivot of the tension link is such that a force component is developed which assists the retracting force acting on the stop member.

Abstract: Elongate brake members are located under certain of the rollers of an inclined roller type conveyor and are raised by weighted levers into frictional braking engagement with those certain rollers to brake an item moving down the conveyor and over the rollers. The brake members are pivotally supported intermediate their ends so as to apply an equal braking force to the overlying rollers. The levers are rocked by actuators under control of item sensing members located at loading and unloading stations situated adjacent opposite ends of the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and transferring a matrix arrangement of batteries which has two interrelated parts. A matrix-forming device which receives a plurality of batteries therein on base rollers space the batteries and which arranges the batteries on the base rollers into a matrix of rows of batteries. Pivoted spacing rollers from the battery adjacent thereto, and a shuttle moves the batteries transversely across the base rollers. Limit switches are provided to control the movement of the shuttle. Secondly, a transfer frame fits within the matrix-forming device, and fits around and expands tightly against the batteries in the matrix-forming device to hold the batteries tightly on at least two sides thereof. The transfer frame is adapted to to lifted so that the batteries may be lifted from the matrix-forming device in their matrix formation.

Abstract: A reciprocating traversing apparatus discharges material onto, inspects marks, or cleans a device that it is traversing is provided that has reduced requirements for a driving motor, and has smoother traversing motion. A traversing mechanism has a driving motor with horsepower and torque requirements to maintain operational speed of the reversible traversing mechanism. The driving force to overcome inertia of the traversing mechanism when it reverses to traverse in the opposite direction is provided by a gas cylinder with extending arm. The traversing mechanism moving in a track has a gas cylinder at each end of the track. The extended arm of the cylinder engages the mechanism as it approaches one end of its traverse. The arm is depressed, and when the motor reverses the arm is extended by gas pressure to its original position. By the extension the arm accelerates the mechanism up to is operational speed.

Abstract: A method wherein palletized loads are deposited on a gravity-type conveyor at the upper end, and are moved by gravity toward the lower end, with the palletized loads being stored on the conveyor until the load at the lower end is removed, whereupon the loads are then automatically advanced downwardly. The conveyor includes a pair of parallel roller assemblies which vertically cyclically reciprocate according to a preselected pattern, the reciprocation of the roller assemblies being controlled by pneumatically inflatable hoses. Upon inflation, the roller assemblies are lifted upwardly to permit gravity-urged advance of the palletized loads, and upon deflation the loads are automatically lowered into braking engagement with stationary brake flanges positioned adjacent the roller assemblies.

Abstract: A conveyor arrangement for moving steel slabs on motor driven rollers includes a stop assembly which is positionable in the path of movement of the slabs for preventing further movement. The shock of the moving slab against the stop plate is absorbed by a plurality of spherical elastomeric cushion members positioned to achieve maximum cushioning efficiency.

Abstract: An automatic conveyor system for transporting articles from one place to another gently and without injury to any of them. A roller type conveyor is employed providing a track on top of the rollers with a braking arrangement which is normally in effect but which is intermittently and automatically relieved so that the articles move during relatively short periods and do not have a chance to build up momentum. Means are provided for relieving the braking action against the rollers and such means is automatically regulated by the putting on of articles at the beginning end of the conveyor and the taking off of articles at the terminal end of the conveyor.

Abstract: In a system wherein pallets and their loads are conveyed along paths to one or more unloading stations, a method of preventing piling up at the station and of load-shifting of stopped pallets, comprising the step of, in sequence, sensing the arrival of a pallet at the unloading station, applying a braking force to the underside of an arriving upstream pallet at an upstream position so as to decelerate it gradually and safely to a stop at a distance from the unloading station pallet, unloading the pallet from the unloading station and relieving the braking force from the upstream pallet so it can be conveyed onto the unloading station. The apparatus is in the form of a holdback assembly having a feeler assembly adjacent the unloading station responsive to a pallet or article moving into the unloading station for actuating a brake assembly to apply a braking force to the underside of the upstream pallet or to the engageable surface of the upstream article.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for automatic handling of bread pans adapted for use in a baking process, individual empty pans are received and stacked at a first station and automatically moved to a predetermined storage station. When individual pans are required, the stacked pans are selectively removed from the storage station and transported to an automatically operable unstacking device. The method and apparatus includes a control system for detecting a demand for individual pans which operates the unstacking device and distributes individual pans in response to the demand.

Abstract: Automatic braking apparatus for controlling the speed of a vehicle travelling downwardly on an inclined slope. The apparatus comprises a wheel housing, a pair of specially designed wheels mounted in the housing for combined rotary and axial motion, and a rail engageable between the wheels and moveable longitudinally relative thereto. The wheels have tapered camming surfaces which confront one another and annular braking surfaces facing outwardly in juxtaposition with respect to pads of friction material carried by the housing. A load applied between the rail and the wheels forces the wheels axially outward into engagement with the friction pads to retard rotation of the wheels and thereby to limit the relative velocity between the rail and the wheel housing. In one embodiment, the wheel housing is carried by a pallet and the rail is mounted stationary. Wedge means is provided at the lower end of the rail for engaging between the wheels relatively close to their rotational axis to arrest motion of the pallet.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for an accumulation conveyor includes a brake frame supporting a brake pad at an angle and movable between a lower braking position with the brake pad frictionally engaging one of the conveyor rollers on an upper non-braking position. Preferably, the brake frame includes pressure rollers for moving a roller driving belt into contact with the conveyor rollers in the non-braking position and out of contact with the rollers in the braking position. The brake frame includes ramp members engaging bearing rollers on the conveyor frame, and an extendible member is operable by actuation of a downstream signal roller to move the brake frame relative to the conveyor frame.

Abstract: A conveyor stop structure arrests the forward motion of a selected article carried by a belt driven live roller conveyor and simultaneously disengages an associated roller from powered engagement with the belt. The stop structure includes a stop connected to conveyor frame members for upward pivotal movement, and a roller contacting cam for raising a selected roller from powered engagement with the belt. The stop has an angled lower portion which receives a bottom leading edge of the article and lifts at least the bottom leading edge from contact with another roller as the article swings the stop rearwardly and upwardly.

Abstract: A gravity conveyor retarder includes a housing having a cylindrical cavity in which a rotor connected with a rotatable member of the gravity conveyor rotates. The housing includes an annular reservoir surrounding the cavity and separated therefrom by an annular wall provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending, restricted passageways so that, regardless of the circumferential orientation of the housing, any air in the cavity will migrate upwardly therein, through the restricted passageways and accumulate above the liquid level at the upper end of the reservoir.

Abstract: A gravity-type roller conveyor having plural rollers mounted on an elongated support member which is movably positioned within an elongated frame member. The upper edges of the frame member have sidewardly extending flanges which define braking surfaces. An elongated hose is positioned in the bottom of the frame member and, when inflated, causes the support member and rollers to raise upwardly so that the rollers project above the braking surfaces. The hose, when at least partially deflated, causes the support member to move downwardly so that the rollers are positioned below the braking surfaces, whereby the articles supported on the rollers are lowered into engagement with the braking surfaces. A control device provides pressurized air to the hose in a pulsating manner to cause periodic raising and lowering of the rollers for controlling movement of the articles.

Abstract: A load spacing mechanism for a load conveyor in which an actuating member is mounted on the conveyor and pivotable between an extended position and a retracted position. The actuating member is connected by linkage to a support mechanism which in one position thereof supports a stop mechanism in the raised position, thereby to stop a load on the conveyor from advancing toward the actuating mechanism. When a load is lifted from the actuating member, the linkage operates, as the actuating member moves to the extended position thereof, to move the stop support away from the stop thereby permitting the load at the stop mechanism to force the stop mechanism downwardly and pass thereover toward the actuating mechanism. All of the actuating mechanism, the stop mechanism and the support mechanism are pivotly mounted to the conveyor thereby obviating the need for toggle mechanism and enabling the foregoing load spacing mechanism to operate with either heavy or light loads without adjusting the mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively by-passing, stopping, and releasing loads traveling on a conveyer having a case equipped with a stop arm and a stop lever on a pivotal stop shaft. The stop arm is swung to a stopping position above the conveyer to stop a load by pivotal movement of the stop shaft and stop lever in one direction and is swung to a non-stopping position not above the conveyer by pivotal movement of the stop shaft and stop lever in the other direction. A blocker leg is pivotally mounted at one end on the case and has an outer end engageable with the stop lever. When the stop arm, stop shaft, and stop lever are in their stopping position for the purpose of stopping a load, a spring or power means swings the blocker leg to abut its outer end against the stop lever so that when the load encounters the stop arm, the inertia and momentum forces of stopping the load is borne by the blocker leg and not borne by the spring or power means.

Abstract: A pallet feeding apparatus for linearly feeding a succession of pallets toward a discharge station includes a frame, a pair of horizontal, parallel track members having a plurality of rollers rotatably connected therewith to support the pallets, and a feed mechanism associated with one of the track members, or on horizontal beams aside from the track members or in the middle between the track members. A pin and guide slot arrangement is provided to permit longitudinal displacement of a feed rod relative to the track member, and pickup levers pivotally secured to each end of the feed rod are adapted to engage the pallets. A spring biases the feed rod longitudinally in a direction away from the discharge station.

Abstract: A free wheeling tire having the ability to resist increased rotational speed under load is comprised of a hub portion, rim portion, and a multiplicity of flexure members defining voids extending continuously from one side of the tire to another. Deleterious heat generated during operation is successfully dissipated through the increased surface area provided by the voids and by the nature of geometrical element configuration. The tires are placed in a gravity roller conveyor in arrays where each array may have different speed control characteristics permitting variations in speeds of objects as they move from one array to another.

Abstract: An improved fully mechanized sawmill is provided which is composed of structurally independent modules which are removably mounted on a platform composed of a plurality of side-by-side longerons supported horizontally on files of spaced-apart vertical piers and columns. The longerons provide horizontal stress support for the platform along the files of piers and columns perpendicularly to the cutting axis of the sawmill, and the modules mounted thereon provide horizontal stress support for the platform along the ranks of the piers and columns parallel to the cutting axis. In addition, improved mechanisms and techniques are provided for handling and selecting the sawlogs to be cut, for selecting and distributing the pieces cut therefrom according to shape and utility, and for stacking and handling the distributed pieces at preselected locations according to shape and utility.

Abstract: For cold temperature storage on a gravity rollerway conveyor, the parallel flights of rollers of the rollerway conveyor each have a first group of rollers engaging the pallets in their storage position with surfaces having no appreciable compression set characteristics and a second group of rollers not in engagement with the pallets in their storage position but engaging the pallets when moving from one storage position to another storage position with elastomeric surfaces having appreciable compression set. The first group of rollers may be constructed with support surfaces that are rigid, while the second group of rollers may be constructed with support surfaces that are elastomeric with substantial hysteresis properties.

Abstract: A gravity undriven roller conveyor is provided with speed control so as to maintain articles travelling thereon within a narrow speed range generally independent of the length of the conveyor, the starting speed of the article, and the load of the conveyor by providing an elastomeric tired wheel on a bracket beneath the cylindrical rolls of a conveyor so as to engage two adjacent cylindrical rolls and absorb kinetic energy through hysteresis properties of the material of the elastomeric tire on the wheel. Vertical adjustment is provided with a rigid screw mounting or a biased spring mounting, and flanges radially overlapping the tire are provided on the wheel so as to limit the compression of the tire through such vertical adjustment to within the elastic limit of the elastomeric material.

Abstract: Conveyor apparatus comprises a series of spaced rollers defining thereover a travel path for articles and an article stop located adjacent and downstream with respect to one of the rollers and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In its extended position, the article stop extends into the travel path to obstruct passage of articles from the roller, and in its retracted position the article stop is spaced from the travel path to permit passage of articles from the roller. A roller stop is secured to the article stop and movable therewith, the roller stop being operatively disengaged from the roller when the article stop is in the retracted position and operatively engaged with the roller when the article stop is in the extended position. Operative engagement of the roller stop with the roller inhibits rotation of the roller and thus reduces the momentum with which an article engages the article stop.

Abstract: Rack or platform apparatus for receiving loaded pallets from the rear, forwarding them on one conveyor or trackway for order picking from the front, and then returning empty pallets on another conveyor or trackway for pickup from the rear.

Abstract: A blocking device for an overhead conveyor having a combined limit stop and shock absorber which acts to define the end positions of a drive device which moves the blocking device between an operative and an inoperative position. The combined shock absorber and limit stop device comprises a body having two parallel plungers sliding in parallel bores of the body, the bores being linked at their closed ends by a passage having a restrictor throttle therein, the interior passage and the chambers are filled with oil which, upon its passage through the restrictor throttle, when one of the plungers is depressed, dissipates energy causing the depression and also serves to push out the other plunger ready for a subsequent depression when the device moves from one position to the other.

Abstract: A torque limiting coupling for transmitting torque to a tubular member from a driving shaft extending axially throughout the tubular member, and more particularly for driving a conveyor roller from a power shaft, the torque limiting coupling comprising the driving shaft having a polygonal peripheral shape about its portion projecting through the tubular member, and a plurality of resilient spherical members disposed loosely in the tubular member between the peripheral surface of the polygonal portions of the shaft and the inner bore surface of the tubular member, the diameter of the resilient members being larger than the widest distance between the peripheral surface of the polygonal shaft portion and the inner bore surface of the tubular member.

Abstract: A semi-automatic palletizer is disclosed providing an elevator for positioning pallets below an arranging table to receive layers of arranged articles. As each layer is positioned on a pallet supported by the elevator, the elevator lowers to position the uppermost layer thereon, immediately below the arranging table. A power feed mechanism is provided to automatically position empty pallets on the elevator and for ejecting loaded pallets from the elevator. The feed mechanism includes a fork-type lift which is extended into the pallet, adjacent to the bottommost pallet at the pallet supply position, and which thereafter raises such pallet and all pallets above, clear of the bottom pallet at the supply position. A pusher pushes an empty pallet from the supply position onto the elevator and causes removal of a loaded pallet as the empty pallet is supplied. After retraction of the pusher, the fork lift mechanism lowers the remaining pallets to the supply platform.

Abstract: A cart construction having improved structure for selectively retaining removable transport containers thereon including brake structure for selectively preventing movement of one or more roller elements supporting the transport container on the cart. The brake structure is biased to lock the rollers and an operator is provided for engagement by the user of the cart to effect release of the brake structure when desired to permit lateral movement of the transport container from the cart. A step structure is provided for permitting ascent by the cart user to facilitate reaching into the bottom of the transport container carried on the cart. A cart locking structure is associated with the step structure to lock the cart against movement while the user is so utilizing the step structure.

Abstract: The turntable in the wall of the irradiation apparatus is provided with two vertically aligned chambers; one to introduce receptacles for irradiation, the other to remove irradiated receptacles. Ejector devices are provided in each chamber of the turntable to act in alternating manner to introduce a receptacle from one turntable chamber into the irradiation chamber or to eject an irradiated receptacle into the removal passage. The turntable can be used with a single-story or multiple-story conveyor system in the irradiation chamber.

Abstract: A braking device for retarding and controlling the speed of moving objects such as cartons, pallets and the like, travelling down an inclined roller conveyor system. The device comprises a primary roll journalled in a housing and having a peripheral surface actuable by a said moving object and a secondary roll journalled within the housing actuable by the primary roll. The secondary roll is loosely journalled in a bracket pivotally mounted on an axle coaxial with the primary roll and is biased by an adjustable pressure plate having a bevelled portion at one end to an at-rest position in proximity to the primary roll. Rotation of the primary roll under the weight of an object travelling thereon rotates the secondary roll by frictional interengagement against the bias of the pressure plate whereby the secondary roll becomes wedged between said primary roll and the pressure plate bevelled portion for retarding the rotation of the primary roll.

Abstract: An improved front stop assembly is provided for index racks which are used to stow aircraft freight pallets. The stop member of the front stop assembly is raised or lowered, respectively, by the movement of a pallet transporter out of docking relation with the rack and by the movement of the transporter into docking relation therewith.

Abstract: A device for braking rolled stock on a delivery table which has a plurality of spaced rollers for receiving the stock. The device comprises brake plates located between respective rollers and movable to a position to at least in part support the stock thereon. A plurality of brake flaps are movable into position above the brake plates and the brake flaps engage the stock while supported on the brake plates to apply a braking force thereto. The brake flaps are associated with means for adjusting the braking force applied to the stock.

Abstract: This invention relates to pallets employed in materials handling on wheel conveyors, also known as skate or skatewheel conveyors, and more particularly to a pallet which is self-guiding along the conveyor.

Abstract: A solenoid actuated retractable stop including a pivoted arm selectively operable to block or pass articles moving along the surface of a roller conveyor characterized by a positive stop linkage adapted to resist impact engagement and cumulative loading of articles travelling on a conveyor including a pivoted mounting for the stop with lever linkage adapted to raise the stop above the conveyor surface level, a positive latch mechanism for holding the lever linkage in the raised stop position, a solenoid adapted to release the latch mechanism so that forward force of an article against the stop will cause it to pivot to a retracted position below the level of the conveyor and remain there during the overpassing of any article load, and a spring return mechanism adapted to raise the stop and reengage the latch upon de-energizing the solenoid subject to completion of any overpassing of any article load.