Abstract: An endless transport conveyor for sorting tobacco containers, specifically sheets and bales. The tobacco container sorting conveyor includes an endless foraminous belt with top and bottom runs, a slotted support located below the top run, a collecting pan located below the support and a motor for driving the endless belt. A supply conveyor is adjacent one end of the transport conveyor and loads the tobacco containers onto the belt. As the tobacco containers are conveyed, tobacco particles that fall through the belt and support are received on the collecting pan. Diverting assemblies mounted along one side of or above the belt selectively divert the tobacco containers, via the input from sensors, into station chutes mounted along one or both sides of the belt and opposite from each diverting assembly. An end chute and bin may extend from the end of the transport conveyor or opposite the supply conveyor for collecting tobacco waste too large to fall through the belt.

Abstract: A belt conveyor leads past a processing station. Printing products lie on the conveyor belt in an imbricated formation, each printing product lying on the preceding one with edges to of the printing products running at an angle to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor. As a result of this incline, the printing products are exposed in a surface region and in the sections of the edges. Printing products are acted upon mechanically in the work station in these exposed regions. Individual printing products are thus taken up in a trouble-free manner and detached from the imbricated formation.

Abstract: In a mail sorting system, a transport/stacker module comprises a plurality of mailpiece carriers included in a conveyor moving in an endless serpentine path through a plurality of distributed sorting sites. Each carrier is provided with a door at each of the longitudinally carrier ends, which are opened to permit the raking of mailpieces from laterally arranged compartments of the carrier into underlying bins at the sorting sites by selectively actuating separate rakes of a rake mechanism stationed at each sorting site. The carrier doors are constructed to provide longitudinal extensions of the carrier floor, thereby minimizing the spacing between the carriers in the conveyor while preserving a requisite interior longitudinal dimension of the carrier when the doors are closed.

Abstract: An article diverter for changing the conveyor path of successive conveyed articles from a single succession to at least two successions of articles. The diverter includes actuators positioned adjacent to one conveyor path but on opposite sides of the conveyor path. A flexible terminal end of one actuator is moveable, across the conveyor path to end adjacent to the flexible terminal end of another actuator when said ends are compressed. Each of the flexible terminal ends are directed towards the center of the first conveyor path when compressed. The flexible terminal ends are connected to piston rods which are retractable and extendable responsive to a control signal. The two actuators contain a member to hold their terminal end parallel to the conveyor path when the rod is extended and in a second position which intersects the conveyor path when the rods are retracted. When the ends of the two actuators intersect the conveyor path, articles contacting the actuators are diverted to a second path.

Abstract: An in-line ram rejector system particularly for high speed bottling lines with unspaced plastic containers relies on a multi-beam optical system to keep track of the containers between a contamination detection station and a rejector station equipped with a ram rejector. The rejection station is also provided with an automatic side gate on the conveyor. When the leading edge of a tracked, identified container meets the beam, the side gate on the conveyor opens, and when the trailing edge of the same tracked identified container passes by the beam, the container, for example, a plastic beverage bottle is rammed out the open gate onto a neck rail, which catches the container upright.

Abstract: A system for detecting and removing metal objects from a continuously moving conveyor belt. The system includes mechanisms for lowering a scraper blade and for raising an assembly of horizontally disposed idlers mounted on a movable platform, which are activated simultaneously upon the approach of a metal object traveling on the belt. The idlers, when raised, cause a section of the belt, which is otherwise trough-like in shape, to flatten. The flattened section of the belt and the blade, in its lowered position, are disposed in close proximity to each other. The metal object and overburden moving with it on the flattened section of the belt are forced against the scraper blade. Set at an acute angle to the belt centerline, the blade deflects the metal object and overburden contaminated by it laterally, causing them to slide first onto an unsupported portion of the belt and then gently off of the belt itself.

Abstract: An orientation chute is provided for a sorting machine which has a horizontal conveyor. The chute positively guides the objects as they leave the conveyor such that the relative orientation of successive objects leaving the container is maintained as the objects are deposited at a point of collection. A curved panel is used to intercept the objects as they leave the conveyor and to redirect them toward a stop member which stops their horizontal inertial velocity. The panel is sloped from the vertical to balance gravitational and centrifugal forces to maintain the object essentially horizontally as it moves across the panel. Once the object is stopped, it falls under the force of gravity along a slide portion of the chute to be deposited in a collection container.

Abstract: An orientation chute is provided for a sorting machine which has a horizontal conveyor. The chute positively guides the objects as they leave the conveyor such that the relative orientation of successive objects leaving the container is maintained as the objects are deposited at a point of collection. A curved panel, either smooth or stepped, is used to intercept the objects as they leave the conveyor and to redirect them toward a stop member which stops their horizontal inertial velocity. The panel is sloped from the vertical to balance gravitational and centrifugal forces to maintain the object essentially horizontally as it moves across the panel. Once the object is stopped, it falls under the force of gravity along a slide potion of the chute to be deposited in a collection container.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a removal arm which is provided at its front with two cooperating rollers to grip a printed product and with a movable flap in front of the rollers. A cylinder-piston unit can move the two cooperating rollers in the same plane and linearly to the first conveyor path. The cylinder-piston unit is controlled in such a manner that at least the extraction speed of the two cooperating rollers is proportional to the transporting speed of the first conveyor path. The apparatus is provided to serve as a turnout switch or to separate an overlapping stream of laterally offset, folded together printed products.

Abstract: A transport/stacker module provides for a vertical stacking of mail bins. Carriers traveling in a transport path have openable and closable doors at both ends, and a frame of the transport/stacker module is provided with cam actuators to open the doors after the carriers pass turnaround areas and close the doors before the carriers enter the turnaround areas. A rake mechanism disposed above each bin is provided with a snubber which engages a mail piece prior to rake tines of the rake mechanism.

Abstract: In a slot machine island wherein gaming medals can be distributed into juxtaposed slot machines and medal lending machines by a distributing conveyor belt extended in a horizontal direction; a medal distribution apparatus characterized by being so constructed that shafts each of which is rotated forwards and reversely by a reversible motor or a rotary solenoid are stretched across the conveyor belt inwards of respective release ports which are provided at predetermined intervals sideways of the conveyor belt, and that a guide valve is fixed to each of the shafts so as to fall, when its lower edge has approached the top surface of the conveyor belt in parallel therewith, into a shape in which the guide valve is located aslant the widthwise direction of the conveyor belt and is inclined relative to the corresponding release port.

Abstract: An endless transport conveyor for sorting tobacco containers, specifically sheets and bales. The tobacco container sorting conveyor includes an endless foraminous belt with top and bottom runs, a slotted support located below the top run, a collecting device located below the support and a motor for driving the endless belt. A supply conveyor is adjacent one end of the transport conveyor and loads the tobacco containers onto the belt. As the tobacco containers are conveyed, tobacco particles that fall through the belt and support are received on the collecting device. Diverting assemblies mounted along one side of or above the belt selectively divert the tobacco containers into station chutes mounted along one or both sides of the belt and opposite from each diverting assembly. An end chute and bin may extend from the end of the transport conveyor or opposite the supply conveyor for collecting tobacco waste too large to fall through the belt.

Abstract: A package transfer system having a package elevator located between an overhead conveyor and stock conveyors. Withdrawable delivery members are installed on the runway of the package elevator. When in an up position, the delivery members function to deliver packages from the descending elevator to the stock conveyor. When in a down position, the delivery members allow the downward passage of the packages on the elevator.

Abstract: A conveying system includes a transport conveyor and a diverter mechanism disposed thereabove for pushing articles transversely off the transport conveyor. The diverter mechanism includes a belt having paddles projecting therefrom. The belt is periodically driven to cause a paddle to transverse the main conveyor to displace an article. Each paddle is formed by two plates connected at their inner ends to the belt via hinges, with the hinge of one plate being spaced from the hinge of the other plate in the direction of belt travel. The outer ends of the plates are fixed together and sandwich a flexible wiper therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring tubular products from one mill to another including a connecting table having the shape of a reverse curve. The table includes a base and two spaced apart walls attached to the base defining a passageway between the base and the sidewalls. A diverter is associated with the connecting table to divert metal product in a hot working state from a first conveying table onto the connecting table leading to a second conveying table. The connecting table preferably is associated with a welding and forming mill and a stretch reducing mill.

Abstract: A device for deviating objects moving on a conveyor (13) in a direction (F) has a deflecting arm (1) passing from an inactive position to an active position in which it is transverse to the conveyor (13) by a combined movement during which it moves in the same direction (F) as the conveyor (13) while pivoting on itself. The device has two arms (1, 2) articulated one on the other--a first, deflecting (1), articulated at the end (8) of a second, carrying arm (2). The second arm (2) is directed in an opposite sense to the displacement (F) of the conveyor (13), being carried by a vertical drive shaft (12), situated on the side of the conveyor (13), this shaft driving it in rotation either in one direction or in the other. The end (1a) of the first arm (1) is guided in a track (3, 4) forcing it to move along the conveyor (13).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for marshalling objects from one ingoing conveyor to two outgoing conveyors is disclosed. Counting gaps are created by a belt brake operating at a slower speed than the ingoing conveyor. The counting gaps are registered by a pair of photocells, and two gates are maneuvered by a control unit. The gate downstream of the ingoing conveyor is of the single type, and the gate downstream of both of the outgoing conveyors is of the double type. The gates are mechanically interconnected and rotate towards one another in order to marshall the objects onto one or the other of the outgoing conveyors.

Abstract: Material handling apparatus for conveying loose material into an elongated container such as a railroad car. An endless belt conveyor is mounted above and extends the full length of the container. A plurality of equally-spaced, individually, selectively operable discharge stations are disposed along the conveyor for discharging material off the sides of the conveyor into the elongated container, thereby providing for uniform loading of the car. Mechanism is provided for raising the conveyor above the container to permit pivotal side dumping of the container without engagement between the container and the conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving a plurality of component parts of a hypodermic syringe, at least some of which are elongated with one enlarged end, from a plurality of molding machines and for conveying such parts in a programmed manner to a plurality of assembly machines including a plurality of coneyors each having a primary conveyor paths for feeding parts from a molding machine and a plurality of secondary conveyor paths for feeding parts from a primary conveyor path to the assembly machines; diverter means between the primary conveyor path and secondary conveyor path for directing parts to a preselected one of the secondary conveyors and to a preselected assembly machine; isolator means on a primary conveyor path to separate a predetermined number of parts from all other parts and to allow such separated parts to be fed as a group to the diverter means; and orienting means associated with at least some of the primary conveyor path to move elongated parts in a hopper to a position at the input end of

Abstract: Apparatus for changing the direction of movement of cylindrical bodies which are moving over a support surface in a first path by forming an opening in the support surface and mounting a diversion gate for reciprocal movement between first and second locations so that, when the diversion gate is at the first location, the cylindrical bodies will continue to move in the first path, but when the diversion gate is at the second location, the cylindrical bodies will be diverted from movement in a second path.

Abstract: A diverter assembly for a conveyor system includes a carriage mounting a plurality of positively driven shafts. The shafts each support a plurality of wheels that engage articles traveling on the conveyor system. The wheels swivel between an aligned straight-through orientation and a skewed divert orientation. The swiveling motion is controlled by air cylinders associated with each shaft; the air cylinders being individually and selectively actuated. The carriage also has an associated air cylinder that elevates the carriage and the associated wheels to a raised position during the divert mode. The elevating mechanism and the swiveling mechanism are independently controlled and actuated. This arrangement provides a diverter assembly in which the diverter wheels are selectively raised and swiveled to positively and efficiently divert articles from the main line conveyor to a takeaway conveyor.

Abstract: A diverter for diverting articles travelling on a conveyor, comprises a diverter member (1) which is mounted on a linkage for movement into and out of the path of the articles and which has an elongate article contact surface to cooperate with the articles travelling on the conveyor. The linkage includes a pivotal connection (4a) with the diverter member (1) intermediate the length of the surface so that the diverter member (1) on contact with each article gives the article a sustained push to guide the article laterally of the conveying direction followed by a final nudge to complete the lateral displacement.

Abstract: An automatic sorting system for automatically sorting objects comprises a control guide which branches off into a plurality of branches having different depths, moving members which have rod-like pins which are guided by the control guide and divert the objects in a transverse direction, and a pin-moving device, such as cam, for moving the pin of each moving member vertically in response to a signal generated by a detecting device. The cam has two arc portions of different radii which depress a transversely slidable rod of the moving member. The moving member follows a path determined by the control guide having a depth corresponding to a depending length of the rod of the moving member, and is guided along this control guide groove. With this system, good or defective articles are automatically diverted in a transverse direction by the moving members, so that the objects are sorted based on a their transverse positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the path of transportation of articles comprises a first conveyor belt which delivers the articles to a plurality of second conveyor belt which delivers the articles to a plurality of second conveyor belts arranged in parallel side-by-side relationship which continue the conveyance of the articles. A plurality of deflectors selectively deflect the articles from the first conveyor belt to one of the second conveyor belts. In order to attain an especially compact construction the first conveyor belt extends obliquely over and rests on the second conveyor belts and is a belt of such small thickness that the articles can slide form the first conveyor belt extends obliquely over and rests on the second conveyor belts and is a belt of such small thickness that the articles can slide form the first conveyor belt onto one of the second conveyor belts without the risk of toppling over.

Abstract: Fish sorting apparatus comprises a lighted viewing conveyor belt arranged to receive fish seriatim and a video camera mounted above the viewing belt and directed downwardly for receiving images of fish on the belt. A second, sorting, conveyor belt is arranged to receive fish from the viewing belt, and a divider wall above the sorting conveyor belt, which extends parallel to the sorting conveyor belt axis, divides a rear exit portion thereof into separate channels. A movable deflector is mounted in front of the divider wall for deflecting fish on the sorting conveyor belt into one of the channels, this deflector being moved in response to signals from an electronic circuit connected to the video camera so that the fish are deflected into one or other of the channels according to the image received on the video camera.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting cops and cop tubes includes a plurality of circular-disk-type carriers having two opposite sides. Spindle bearings each have a bearing portion penetrating and protruding beyond a respective one of the carriers toward one of the opposite sides of a respective one of the carriers. Spool spindles each are rotatably supported in and protrude beyond a respective one of the bearings toward another of the opposite sides of a respective one of the carriers for carrying a cop or a tube. The carriers have substantially planar lower surfaces each surrounding a respective one of the protruding bearing portions. A transport apparatus movable in a given transport direction has a surface operatively connected to one of the opposite sides of each of the carriers. Another of the opposite sides of each of the carriers is slidingly guided in a guide rail.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor comprising an endless draw member travelling along a closed stretch and containing regularly spaced claws in which a carrier hook such as a coat-hanger can be suspended, each claw being capable of closing and opening for carrying or dropping a hook. The conveyor is further provided with throw-off stations, positioned along its stretch, a number of stations comprising a catching rail movable between an active and in inoperative position. In its active position the rail can receive a hook, dropped by an open claw. In its inoperative position the travelling claws with a hook are able to pass through the concerning throw-off station.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for controlling the movement of flat bottomed articles in a plurality of different directions relative to a supporting platform. The article is supported on a plurality of clusters of helical, freely rotatable rollers mounted on a plurality of shafts. Selected ones of the shafts, or groups of shafts, each lying in one of a plurality of zones, are selectively driven in a clockwise direction, a counterclockwise direction or are held stationary. Selective control of the shafts enable the apparatus to move the article parallel to the longitudinal axis of the platform in two selected directions, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in two selected directions; diagonally of the longitudinal axis in four selected directions, and either clock or counterclockwise about an axis normal to the flat bottom of the article.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for accurately positioning stickers when stacking lumber. The apparatus provides an unscrambling conveyer that feeds stickers from a bulk supply to a crowder feed conveyer to present a constant supply of stickers to a timed release mechanism. The release mechanism by cam means sequentially presents individual stickers in a timed fashion to an endless distribution conveyer that initially feeds stickers through an upper horizontal feed plane about a curved guide structure, and finally about a second horizontal feed plane below the first. The stickers are maintained in the second feed plane by an underlying bottom shelf structure. The bottom shelf structure feeds individual stickers into a plurality of sticker positioners that oscillate from an upper position downwardly to feed the stickers onto a top of a lumber stack to accurately position them in spaced relation on a stack of lumber therebeneath.

Abstract: The device comprises a flat element (9), mounted on a pivot (12) substantially lying in the plane of symmetry of the conveyor belts, and having a stroke that runs from a first lateral sorting position of the carried objects (8), to a second symmetrical position with respect to the pivot, and moreover a set of chutes (7) with convergent axis, placed symmetrically and below on both sides with respect to this pivot, to convey the objects being transported to their respective containers (3), situated below said chutes, said stroke being controlled by a suitable actuator.

Abstract: A diverter assembly is provided for preferential use with a line-shaft powered roller conveyor. The diverter assembly includes a diverter mechanism having a plurality of transfer loops thereon which may be recessed between rollers of the main conveyor or raised thereabove during diversion. The transfer loops are oriented for diversion generally transversely of a path of conveyance of the main conveyor. The diverter mechanism, including the transfer loops, is mounted upon a frame lift portion of the assembly which moves during selected actuation through a vertical, arcuate pathway relative to a line-shaft in the main conveyor. Rotational power for the transfer loops is derived from the line-shaft of the main conveyor. This is achieved by means of a powered drive wheel mounted on the line-shaft and a power transfer wheel mounted in the frame lift portion.

Abstract: Switch, forming part of a mail sorting device and comprising, according to the invention, one or two rotatable or translatable switch vanes (7), which are driven, by way of one or more curve followers (6, 22) and one or more curve discs (8, 23), by one electromechanical converter, e.g. a tachometrically controlled direct-current servomotor (12). In this case the transmission ratios have been chosen in such a way that the external (virtual) mass moment of inertia is about equal to the internal mass moment of inertia of the motor. The invention can also be utilized for other quickly intermittent drives.

Abstract: The weighing machine comprises a number of aligned weighing receptacles which receive the irregular elongate articles in spaced-apart relationship from a supply apron supplied by a vibrating device from a receiving hopper, and a return device to the receiving hopper for recycling the irregular elongate articles not supplied to the weighing receptacles. The weighings of the weighing receptacles are computerized and the optimal weighing combination is selected within a predetermined margin among the weighings of an arbitrary number of a group of weighing receptacles associated with one weighing machine or with two weighing machines disposed one opposite another, as the case may be.

Abstract: A re-routing apparatus for selectively channelling articles conveyed in at least two side-by-side arranged rows to one of a first and a second article advancing mechanism has an inclined chute arranged for simultaneously receiving articles belonging to different rows; a base plate extending from below the chute for receiving the articles sliding off the chute; and a plurality of parallel, generally vertically oriented, mutually spaced separating walls arranged above the base plate and defining therewith a plurality of side-by-side arranged, alternating first and second channels. Each channel has an upstream end corresponding to the receiving end of the base plate and a downstream end corresponding to the discharge end of the base plate. The first and the second channels are arranged to supply articles to the first and the second article advancing mechanism, respectively.

Abstract: A roller deck for the angular deflection of a pallet comprises a basic frame and a lift frame which is movable relative to the basic frame. Both frames have rollers for supporting a pallet. A pneumatic lifting device between the frames elevates the lifting frame upon activation. With such pneumatic lifting, replacement of damaged lifting elements is accomplished without separating the basic frame and lift frame. Moreover, such lift elements are maintenance free during operation.

Abstract: In a sortation conveyor for cartons and the like wherein selected cartons can be diverted out of the main line to a branch line by means of diverter wheels which are directed obliquely with respect to the main line and which pop up into the path of a carton traveling on the main line to divert it to an associated branch line, the diverter wheel assembly comprises a plurality of diverter wheels arranged in two rows extending transversely across the main conveyor line, with all of these wheels being skewed with respect to the main line so that they define a course directed toward their associated branch line, and also a single further diverter wheel which is located downstream from the two rows of wheels at a position overlapping but spaced from the adjacent side edge of the main conveyor belt or other main conveying means so that if a carton, particularly a large carton, extends beyond the two rows of diverter wheels, the extra diverter wheel will prevent such carton from making frictional contact with the mai

Abstract: An apparatus for orienting and delivering dispenser cap assemblies includes a transfer arrangement for accepting oriented cap assemblies from an orienter and stabilizing the cap assemblies into a stabilized stream of oriented cap assemblies for further operations, the transfer arrangement having a guide track with a gate section at a jam-prone portion of the guide track and a diverter section upstream of the gate section such that upon the occurence of a jam in the jam-prone portion, the gate section is actuated to open the jam-prone portion and clear the jam, and the diverter section is actuated to divert further cap assemblies away from the jam-prone portion until the jam is cleared.

Abstract: A scroll strip conveyor system comprises a conveyor belt for carrying a series of relatively flat scroll strips thereon in a flat, edge-to-edge spaced apart condition. An inspection station is located along the conveyor for inspecting the scroll strips to identify rejects. An ejector is provided for ejecting the rejects from the conveyor belt. A hopper feed apparatus is located at a terminal end of the conveyor belt for receiving the scroll strips therefrom one by one in an edge-to-edge condition and for redirecting the scroll strips into a parallel surface-to-surface spaced apart condition to be stacked in flat, surface-to-surface abutting condition in a hopper.

Abstract: An automated system and method for transporting and sorting various types of articles, such as parcels and sacks of mail. The system is comprised of a primary conveyor track and a plurality of secondary conveyor tracks which intersect the primary conveyor track at selected locations therealong. Each secondary track has associated therewith a diverter mechanism for diverting selected articles from the primary track to a corresponding secondary track, depending upon the final destinations of the articles. The diverter mechanism includes a diverter arm, which pivots across the primary track to divert selected articles to the corresponding secondary track. The deflecting surface of the diverter arm includes a motor-driven belt, the bottom edge of which is positioned within 1/4 inch of the surface of the track so that articles of irregular shape, such as sacks of mail, do not become trapped between the bottom edge of the diverter arm and the track.

Abstract: A principal or main conveyer cooperates with branch conveyers in that diverting wheels are provided for pivoting to the left or right as well as for lowering and raising, for obtaining selectivity of diverting.

Abstract: A sheet receiver has a plurality of trays to receive paper sheets in a sequential or selected order as sheets are successively fed to the receiver from a source, such as a printer or copier, and transported to the inlet ends of the trays between opposing transport rolls which define a continuous straight paper path past the trays. Selected pressure or nip rolls are actuated from positions relative to feed rolls forming the straight path past the trays to positions relative to an adjacent feed roll to interrupt the straight paper path and form a nip at which the rolls are positioned to change the direction of sheet travel to direct a sheet into a tray.

Abstract: A cartridge feed mechanism for automatic firearms comprising an endless chain for feeding cartridges of different ammunition types which chain can be selectively driven in both directions is characterized in that a feeder device is provided which is or can be coupled with two magazine arrangements and which, due to its particular design, can alternatively feed cartridges from the one or the other magazine into the chain, depending on the direction of movement of the chain, and that the feeder device is so designed that every time the direction of movement of the chain is changed the cartridges already present in the chain are fed back while at the same time cartridges from the other magazine arrangement are fed into the chain.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for livestock feed having an endless belt carrying the feed from a supply source toward feeding positions on either side of the belt. The apparatus further has a carriage framework movable back and forth over the belt, a drive mechanism for selectively moving the carriage along the belt toward the supply source, and a rotatable diverter assembly mounted on the carriage for selectively discharging the feed on the belt toward the feeding positions.

Abstract: A pusher mechanism supported on a framework for deflecting objects from a conveyor has a retractable pusher which is mounted for linear movement transversely across the conveyor. A paddle is pivotably attached at its midportion to an outer end of the pusher. A movable link is secured between the framework and an end of the paddle. Due to these paddle connections, controlled linear movement of the pusher will cause the paddle to articulate on the pusher from a rest position to an operating position at which an object is deflected from the conveyor and back to the rest position.

Abstract: With the method and apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of elongated articles such as french fry potatoes are separated into a plurality of groups of articles which are weighed. The weighed groups are selectively combined into a batch of articles of predetermined weight by selectively dumping scale buckets containing such groups into a common collector container to provide such weighed batch. The articles of such weighed batch are then discharged from such common collector container into one of a plurality of alignment systems mounted on a rotating common support. Each alignment system includes three vibrating conveyor stages which prealign the articles and feed such articles into an alignment container where they are aligned so that their longitudinal axes are substantially parallel in such container.

Abstract: An apparatus for displacing profiled steel rods, especially concrete reinforcing rods, off a roll conveyor. The apparatus includes a plurality of bars interspersed with the rolls of the conveyor. At their undersides, the bars are associated with respective bearing bolts which are adapted to be received by horizontally aligned sockets so that in the rest position the upper surfaces of the bars are located below the level of the top of the conveyor. Piston and cylinder combinations are provided at each side of the conveyor to selectively raise one bearing bolt out of its socket while retaining the other bearing bolt seated in its socket, thereby to move the bars up above the conveyor and to create an inclined plane by which a rod traveling along the conveyor and engaged by the bars can be displaced and cast off the conveyor to one side or the other depending on the sense of inclination of the bars.

Abstract: A circulative catering table having a counter and an endless path of travel for dishes and meals, provided in the counter, at least a bypass path of travel is provided, dishes containing therein meals, which have been transferred on a going path portion of the endless path of travel, are led to the bypass path of travel by an arm member for guide rotatably provided and having a length larger than the width of the path of travel, and subsequently, led to a returning path portion of the endless path of travel by another arm member for guide on the returning path portion, whereby a suitable circulative path is formed by the endless path of travel and the bypass path of travel.

Abstract: A sorting installation for piece goods arriving in an unsorted condition which must be continuously conveyed to associated locations in warehouses for storage and in the course thereof must be controlled, sorted, recorded and further conveyed to their ultimate destination in the warehouse, includes a main conveyor with a cross conveyor and auxiliary conveyors connected thereto in such a manner that a distributor conveyor adapted to be driven reversibly is provided at the outlet of the auxiliary conveyor and substantially perpendicular thereto; the distributor conveyor is connected at each of its ends by way of intermediate tracks with respective sorting stations, whereby a common delivery conveyor is coordinated to a number of sorting stations thus interconnected.

Abstract: Apparatus for diverting selected sheets of a scalloped stream of paper sheets from a first horizontal path into a second path which is coplanar with an adjacent and parallel to the first path has two superimposed rollers movable about a vertical axis to and from operative positions above the first path, and a flap which is located upstream of the rollers and is pivotable to and from a position in which it diverts successive sheets into the nip of the rollers when the sheets enter the second path. The axes of the rollers make an oblique angle with the direction of advancement of sheets along the first path, and the speed at which the rollers are driven is such that the sheets approaching the nip cannot catch up with the sheet in the nip.

Abstract: A junction diverter with a supporting surface disposed below a main conveyor path when in an inoperative position can be lifted above the main conveyor path to an inclined position in which it is flush with one or the other of a pair of lateral conveyor paths. The supporting surface consists of wheels or rollers extending upward from an inner carrier frame which at one end is pivotally connected to an outer carrier frame which at its opposite end from its connection to the inner frame is pivotally connected to a main support frame of the main conveyor path, with a jack connected to raise the outer frame from the main support frame and a second jack to raise the inner frame from the outer frame, thus tilting the supporting surface toward one or the other of the lateral conveyor paths.