Abstract: A conveyor system having a plurality of conveyor modules which are secured together in an end-to-end relationship. Each conveyor module includes a frame and a plurality of drive rollers rotatably mounted along one side of the frame, and a motor mounted to the frame is drivingly connected to the drive rollers. A first upper guide is also mounted to the frame at a position spaced upwardly from the drive rollers. At least one work support includes a lower rail supported by the drive rollers and an upper follower slidably positioned within the upper guide.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for the handling, transport and or storage of items of wearing apparel which are hung on hangers. In the system, there is plurality of transport units which travel over a rail system from a first location (e.g. an inbound location) to a second location (e.g. an outbound location). Each transport unit has a carrier section which, in the first operating position of the transfer unit, is generally horizontally aligned, and is suspended from a rail by means of first and second roller support sections at opposite ends of the carrier section. The transport unit has a second operating position where the carrier section is rotated relative to one of the roller support sections to a more vertical orientation where the garment units are closer together in a horizontal direction and more vertically aligned with one another, this being a position in which the garment units can be stored and/or shipped in a more closely packed configuration.

Abstract: A cafeteria tray accumulator includes a plurality of tray holding cages that are suspended from a drive track that moves in a loop with one transverse leg disposed above another transverse leg. Each tray-holding cage includes a plurality of shelves that hold cafeteria trays on above the other. A counterbalance mechanism is used to prevent the cages from swaying back and forth. The counterbalance mechanism may be an offset rail or a wheel carried by the cage that engages a support structure. The accumulator has increased tray capacity because of the multiple tray-holding cages and the two transverse legs of the drive path.

Abstract: A suspension-conveyor diverter for a conveyor for transporting hanging objects, including items of clothing hanging on hangers disposed on the conveyor, and having a conveying guide for a driveable conveying member, and also having a first carrying-element guide for at lease one transporting roller, on which the object can be hung by a carrying element such that the carrying element engages with the conveying member, and further having a second carrying-element guide, which is spaced apart from the first carrying-element guide. It is noted that a pivoting guide is provided with one end being articulated on one carrying-element guide, and which is preset such that the other free end of the pivoting guide strikes against the other carrying-element guide, so that the pivoting guide connects the first carrying-element guide and the second carrying-element guide to one another. The pivoting guide is set up for actuation, such as for deflection, by the carrying-element.

Abstract: A screw conveyor for the transport of, for example, pieces of clothing hanging on clothes hangers, comprises a screw shaft train (22) which may be rotated about the shaft axis (24) thereof, with a transport groove system (26), machined into the outer surface thereof along the shaft axis (24) in the form of a screw. The clothes hangers may be hung in the transport groove system (26), using the hanger hooks (20) thereof and axially transported by rotation of the screw shaft train (22). According to the invention, the transport groove system (26) comprises at least one primary transport groove (46, 48), from which a secondary transport groove (52, 54), preceding the primary transport groove (46, 48) in relation to the transport direction (16) of the goods for transport, branches at a branching position (62).

Abstract: An apparatus moves a plurality of transport media along a path of travel. The plurality of transport media define at least two groups of transport media, where each group of transport media has substantially identical transverse dimensions with respect to one another within one group of transport media, while having substantially different transverse dimensions with respect to another group of transport media. The apparatus includes a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted in fixed locations spaced along a path of travel. At least one motor is provided for driving at least one of the rollers in rotation. At least one transport media is supported on the rollers for movement along the path of travel in response to rotation of the roller by the motor. Each transport media has at least one elongate support member continuously engageable with at least two rollers simultaneously while the transport media moves along the path of travel.

Abstract: A system for transporting articles along a treatment path in a treatment area. The conveyor system includes a conveyor and a plurality of pendulums. The conveyor includes first and second drive segments laterally spaced from and parallel to one another. The pendulums include first pendulums moving along the first drive segment and second pendulums moving along the second drive segments in aligned and opposed pairs. Further features of the invention include a guide assembly having a first element coupled to move with a carrier assembly and a second element engaging the first element to stabilize the rotational orientation of the carrier assembly. Other features of the present invention include a conveyor system configuration that facilitates transportation of articles about horizontal curves as well as a unique pendulum configuration particularly suited for use with the invention.

Abstract: A multi-speed variable spacing conveyor system is shown and described herein having at least a first conveyor operating at a first speed and having a plurality of workpiece carriers thereon in a first spaced configuration. Operably communicating with the first conveyor is at least a second conveyor operating at a second speed. Between the at least first conveyor track and the at least second conveyor track is a transfer mechanism, which allows movement of workpiece carriers therebetween. The second conveyor operating at the second speed allows a second spaced configuration of the workpiece carriers. When disposed in the second spaced configuration, less conveyor track is necessary to hold and move a number of carriers through an inclined and declined portion of conveyor track, as well as a through a workstation resulting in less manufacturing and operating costs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying electrodes, used in the electrolytic refining or electrowinning of metals, from one station to another, particularly when the electrodes are conveyed in an essentially perpendicular direction with respect to the line connecting the electrode support points. According to the invention, in order to convey an electrode, the device is provided with mutually separate members, at least one lift member for a vertical motion of the electrode and at least one conveyor member for the horizontal motion of the electrode.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor in which a pair of front hanger arms (2a, 2a) for loading the bottom of a front part of a vehicle body and a pair of rear hanger arms (2b, 2b) for loading the bottom of a rear part of a vehicle body are arranged at a hanger body (2d) which moves along with a running rail established in the ceiling. The pair of front hanger arms (2a, 2a) and the pair of rear hanger arms 2b, 2b are movably attached to the hanger body 2d, the hanger body 2d having an engaging groove (13) for engaging the movably attached pair of hanger arms at each engaging position of the vehicle body through each an engaging lever (14), having an actuator (16) to control the engaging-and-disengaging movement of the engaging lever.

Abstract: A conveyance apparatus of the present invention includes, on top of a movable body capable of moving along a fixed path, attachable and detachable supporting members capable of supporting a conveyance object prior to processing, and a fixed supporting member capable of supporting the conveyance object after processing in a state where the attachable and detachable supporting members have been detached, and the movable body includes accommodating sections capable of accommodating the attachable and detachable supporting members which has been detached. The conveyance object prior to assembly processing can be conveyed while it is supported by the attachable and detachable supporting members, by using the movable body (common element). In addition, the conveyance object after assembly can be conveyed while it is supported by the fixed supporting member, by detaching the attachable and detachable supporting members and accommodating the same in the accommodating section.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor or transport system is disclosed where at least one carriage is supported on a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted in fixed overhead locations spaced along a path of travel. At least one motor is provided for driving a portion of the plurality of rollers in rotation along at least one segment of the path of travel. Each carriage has at least one elongate support member operably engagable with the rollers for movement along the path of travel in response to rotation of the rollers. The elongate support member is continuously engagable with at least two rollers simultaneously while the corresponding carriage is moved along the path of travel. Each carriage or carrier hangs downwardly below the rotational axis of the overhead rollers.

Abstract: A system is provided for the transportation of products on hangers. The system is designed to have a high throughput. The system includes a series of interconnected rails, a movable train, a pusher dog assembly and a track switch. The track switch may be designed for the induction of products on hangers onto the series of interconnected rails. The pusher dog assembly may be engaged to the movable train, which may be disposed adjacent to the series of interconnected rails. The system may be configured to effectuate the movement of hangers along the series of interconnected rails through the action of the pusher dog assembly. A method for transporting products on hangers is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for routing a carrier on a movable conveyance system having a multiplicity of switching stations and at least one carrier. Each carrier has an electronic readable tag coupled thereto, and each tag has a specific identifier that can be read. A reader is configured to read the electronic readable tag and to communicate the tag's identifier to a controller. The controller, in turn, is configured to control at least one switching station of the movable conveyance system based at least in part on the identifier.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a shuttle depending from an overhead support with a pair of arms for receiving and shifting a specimen carrier from one conveyor to a second conveyor of a dual-conveyor track. The shuttle is operable to retain a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor and to release a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor. Sensors are located to detect the presence of a specimen carrier at each of the retention locations, and to confirm the release of a specimen carrier from the shuttle along each of the conveyors. A drive motor for moving the shuttle between the retention and release positions is electrically connected to a command module with a processor, for receiving instructions as to the position of the shuttle. The sensors are also connected to the processor to transmit detection data to the processor. A queue is positioned upstream of the shuttle and is electrically connected to the processor.

Abstract: A movable body movable on a given path is provided with a support section for an object to be carried. Supports for supporting an object to be carried are disposed in the lower portion of the support section on the right and left sides thereof such that a support position can be changed. The given path is provided with a changer positioned between the right and left supports for changing the support position provided by the supports. The movable body is moved until it is stopped with the now-empty support section opposite the changer. The changer is then actuated, thereby changing the support position provided by the supports. Thus, different kinds of objects to be carried can each be stably supported. The common changer simplifies the configuration and operation and enables the support position provided by the right and left supports to be changed quickly and reliably.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes an elongate track or rail and a number of trolleys used to store and/or convey various items along the track or rail. In cross-section, the rail is generally crescent shaped with a hollow interior, having an upwardly convex upper surface and an upwardly concave lower surface. The trolleys consist of an elongated trolley bar or support suspended on one or more trolley pendants which movably engage and travel along the rail. The trolley pendants are generally U-shaped having a central bight or body to which the trolley bar is coupled, and two spaced apart arms which project from the bight. The arms of the trolley pendant are spaced from each other by a distance selected greater than the lateral width of the rail. The arms of the trolley pendant define a throat portion between the arms. A bearing member is spaced towards the end of each arm, projecting inwardly towards each other part way into the throat.

Abstract: The invention proposes a suspension-type conveying arrangement in the case of which conveyable-article carriers (1) are supported, by way of running rollers (9) on guide rails (3) for movement along a conveying route. Arranged on a drag chain/drive chain (15) guided along the conveying route are driver elements (17), preferably brush elements (17), which can be moved between a driving position and a non-driving position. The invention proposes various concepts in order, in the case of a build-up of conveyable-article carriers (1), to transfer the driver elements (17) into the non-driving position, with the result that they act on the built-up conveyable-article carriers (1) at most to a slight extent, if at all. In the driving position, it is possible for driver elements (17) to act on the conveyable-article carriers (1) in order to drive them along the conveying route.

Abstract: A rotatable frame mounted on a base with trunnions. The frame can support a workpiece on more than one surface and can have workpiece engaging devices such as clamps, locating pins or nesting fixtures on both sides. The engaging devices can be different on different sides of the frame. The frame can be rotated by an electric motor, a pneumatic motor or a hydraulic motor. The frame can be expandable to accommodate frames of different sizes. The workstation can have a plurality of trunnion mounted fixtures positioned next to each other and a robot moveable between the fixtures. The frames can be replaced with a lifting device moving along an overhead rail. The frame includes an aperture positioned along the rotational axis of the frame for communicating power from an external power source to workpiece engaging devices.

Abstract: A conveyor system for parts coupled to a loadbar assembly is disclosed. The conveyor system includes a walking beam conveyor and a push bar conveyor. The loadbar assembly and walking beam conveyor are configured to allow transfer of parts coupled to loadbar assemblies along a path through upward and downward and forward and reverse movements of the walking beam conveyor. The push bar conveyor and the loadbar assembly are configured to urge parts coupled to the loadbar assemblies through the push bar conveyor by an incremental distance substantially equal to the length of a segment bar of the loadbar assembly.

Abstract: An installation for transporting objects, in particular items of clothing hanging on clothes hangers, on conveying paths of a transporting roller, in particular a roller having two parallel spaced-apart flanges on end sides thereof and a central part located therebetween, as well as a through-passage opening extending through a center thereof disposed between the flanges and the central part. The central part has at least one peripheral, annular circumferential part which can rotate separately from the two flanges, so that when the circumferential part rotates as a result of bearing on one of the conveying paths, the two flanges remain in a rest state irrespective of the rotation of the circumferential part. A hook-like carrier element is provided for an object which is to be transported, passing through the through-passage opening and projecting from the latter by way of its free end.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus comprising a material delivery configuration configured with a first end and a second end, a transfer configuration connected to the first end of the garment delivery rail, a movable material handling arrangement configured to transfer at least one set of material on hangers supported by the arrangement, a computer, a user interface configured to accept, process and provide data to a user, the user interface connected to the computer to transfer and receive data, a clearing arrangement configured to remove material from the material delivery configuration; and an enclosure configured to separate a user from the movable material handling arrangement.

Abstract: A multi-head robotic system capable of delivering numerous robotic devices to a task site is disclosed. A number of robotic devices perform tasks simultaneously, thus tasks can be completed quickly. Each individual robot does not need to move at an extremely fast speed. The sequence in which the robotic devices arrive at or leave a task site is unlimited. The robotic delivery system is capable of “leapfrogging” robotic devices, or placing them randomly, at locations where they are most needed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a drive-transferring apparatus having a constraining guide (10) carrying a plurality of drive-transferring members (11) interconnected compressively. Drive members (13) drive the drive-transferring members (11) about the constraining guide (10). One or more elongate apertures such as slots (13) permit access to the drive-transferring members for connection of further members thereto; and for reading of data carried by the drive-transferring members (11) or by members connected thereto.

Abstract: A suspension rail comprises a rail body (18) having a slide track (22,24) extending lengthwise of the rail, the slide track (22,24) being adapted to slidably support hangers thereon. The general novelty is that the slide track comprises two parallel tracks (22,24) of low friction plastics held in or by the rail body (18) and spaced by the rail body (18), so that a hanger (38) suspended on the rail contacts the rail only at the two tracks (22,24). Particular features are that the body (18) is a one piece extrusion of aluminium, and there are two rods (22,24) which form the tracks, these rods (22,24) being in grooves (18A,18B) in the body (18). The rods are firmly fixed by crimping part of the body (18) after the rods have been inserted in the grooves (18A,18B). Rods (22,24) of right angled triangular cross section are preferred as they can be inserted and clamped easier and held more securely than circular rods, and made to project further from the body than circular rods.

Abstract: The invention comprises a slat conveyor for handling ice cream products (6) which are immersed for some time in processing vessels. Each slat (9) in the conveyor consists of an upper part (33) supported at a fixed height in the frame (40) of the machine and a lower part (34) that may be lifted and lowered by means of a lifting beam (41). The lower part (34) of the slat is supported by individually coupling and uncoupling means (44, 48). The means (44) are connected with the lifting beam (41) and the means (48) are connected with the frame. By activating and deactivating the means (44, 48) together with the lifting beam (41) it is possible to keep the products (6) in a raised position or in a lowered position throughout one or more successive operations. Hereby the process period may easily be varied and the slat conveyor can readily be adapted to different products just by changing the programming of the control unit for the coupling means (44, 48) and the lifting beam (41).

Abstract: Conveyor system accessories are disclosed, which provide an inexpensive way to stage, stockpile and/or sort work pieces and provides easy entry to and exit from a main conveyor. In particular, a trolley or trolleys that carry work pieces ride on the conveyor rail above the chain or intermesh with the chain on the inside of the track. These accessories are used with single track continuous conveyor systems, which greatly enhances the productivity of the single track system by permitting work pieces to be taken off-line without taking the work piece off a load pendant.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing flat objects, such as sheet-like printed products. The apparatus has a rail system which defines a closed path of travel, and a plurality of conveyor elements are supported by the rail system for free and independent movement along the path of travel. The conveyor elements in turn mount product carrier elements. A plurality of stations, including a product feed station, a product processing station, and a product output station, are disposed along the path of travel, and the stations each include a dedicated drive arrangement for the conveyor elements and thus the product carrier elements along the path of travel at a spacing and speed required by the associated station.

Abstract: A system for transporting articles along a treatment path in a treatment area. The conveyor system includes a conveyor and a plurality of pendulums. The conveyor includes first and second drive segments laterally spaced from and parallel to one another. The pendulums include first pendulums moving along the first drive segment and second pendulums moving along the second drive segments in aligned and opposed pairs. Further features of the invention include a guide assembly having a first element coupled to move with a carrier assembly and a second element engaging the first element to stabilize the rotational orientation of the carrier assembly. Other features of the present invention include a conveyor system configuration that facilitates transportation of articles about horizontal curves as well as a unique pendulum configuration particularly suited for use with the invention.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor track system for a wheeled carrier having at least one wheel adapted for traveling along a track and a depending load bracket. The system includes first and second elongated conveyor tracks having respective free ends. These tracks are adapted and arranged such that the same are in substantial longitudinal alignment with the free ends thereof in spaced relationship presenting a gap therebetween. The system further includes an elongated track segment that is adapted and arranged so as to be placed in the gap in a gap closed position in substantial longitudinal alignment with the tracks. The track segment normally is in the gap in its gap closed position but is removable from the gap so as to provide the system with a gap open condition. An automatic safety switch mechanism is provided.

Abstract: A drag catch conveyor including an endless, driven pulling chain which can be moved along a specified path, supporting blocks mounted to the pulling chain, a number of drag catches mounted to the pulling chain in mutually overlapping relation so as to be alternatively offset in a left direction and a right direction, and a rail system disposed below the path.

Abstract: The invention proposes a suspension-type conveying arrangement in the case of which conveyable-article carriers (1) are supported, by way of running rollers (9) on guide rails (3) for movement along a conveying route. Arranged on a drag chain/drive chain (15) guided along the conveying route are driver elements (17), preferably brush elements (17), which can be moved between a driving position and a non-driving position. The invention proposes various concepts in order, in the case of a build-up of conveyable-article carriers (1), to transfer the driver elements (17) into the non-driving position, with the result that they act on the built-up conveyable-article carriers (1) at most to a slight extent, if at all. In the driving position, it is possible for driver elements (17) to act on the conveyable-article carriers (1) in order to drive them along the conveying route.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric overhead conveyer comprising a large number of carriages (8), which circulate on a running rail system (1). Each carriage (8) has an autonomous carriage control (11), whose memory stores (13) all the data for the rail network. The overhead conveyer can either be operated in individual circulation mode, in which each carriage (8) attempts to travel individually at the greatest permissible speed, or in group mode. In group mode, the carriages (8), which are to traverse a common section of the rail network (1) are combined into groups and exchange data concerning the locally permissible speeds that are respectively valid. All the carriages (8) in the group then travel at a speed that corresponds to the lowest permissible speed for all carriages (8) in the group.

Abstract: A drive-transferring apparatus has a constraining guide (10) carrying a plurality of drive-transferring members (11) interconnected compressively. Drive members (13a) drive the drive-transferring members (11) about the constraining guide (10). One or more elongate apertures, such as slots (13), permit access to the drive-transferring members for connection of further members thereto, as well as for reading data carried by the drive-transferring members (11) or by members connected thereto.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus conveys articles used for manufacturing semiconductor devices. The conveying apparatus has a conveying rail section that includes a first rail providing a first conveying route, a second rail providing a second conveying route, and an intermediate rail structure interconnecting the first and second rails. Respective vehicles are fitted to the first and second rails so as to convey articles as supported atop the first rail or as suspended from the second rail, respectively. The conveying apparatus can be readily installed in the bay of an automatic manufacturing system, e.g., of a type for processing wafers having a diameter of 300 mm. In this case, the conveying route of the articles is unified, and space is saved, as well.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a plurality of automotive body styles along an assembly line. The apparatus includes a plurality of antler nests, at least one antler nest for each automotive body style to be processed on the assembly line. Each antler nest is transported along the assembly line by a carriage. An exchanging station is provided to exchange one antler nest for another. The antler nests can be exchanged while a rate of production on the assembly line is maintained.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor or transport system is disclosed where at least one carriage is supported on a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted in fixed overhead locations spaced along a path of travel. At least one motor is provided for driving a portion of the plurality of rollers in rotation along at least one segment of the path of travel. Each carriage has at least one elongate support member operably engagable with the rollers for movement along the path of travel in response to rotation of the rollers. The elongate support member is continuously engagable with at least two rollers simultaneously while the corresponding carriage is moved along the path of travel. Each carriage or carrier hangs downwardly below the rotational axis of the overhead rollers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power & free conveyor which comprises a free rail (3) and a power chain (1) that follows said free rail (3), to a large extent, in a parallel manner. A transport carriage (4) provided with a front runner (5) and a rear runner (6) are arranged on the free rail (3). The front runner (5) and the rear runner (6) each comprise a carrier (11, 14) that can pivot between two positions. In an area of the movement path of the transport carriage (4), the course of the power chain (1) deviates from that of the free rail (3) so that the transport carriages (4) can no longer be moved via the front runner carrier (1) thereof. Instead, the transport carriage is pushed by the interaction between a chain carrier (2) and the rear runner carrier (14) that is swung out into a carrying position. The rear runner carrier (14) comprises two stabile positions which can be changed by overcoming a resistance.

Abstract: Hanging conveyance equipment according to the present invention comprises a carriage, a number of work supports and a work hand. The carriage travels along a horizontal travelling path, which has stop positions arranged along it. Each of the work supports is fixed below one of the stop positions. An amount of work-lifting positioning and an amount of work-lowering positioning are set for each of-the work supports. The work hand can hold a work W hanging from it. The work hand is supported by the carriage in such a manner that the work hand can be positioned horizontally two-dimensionally with respect to the carriage. The work hand can vertically move with respect to the carriage to load a work onto or unload a work from each of the work supports. When the work hand is lowered from the carriage in each of the stop positions to lift a work from the associated work support, the work hand is positioned horizontally two-dimensionally in accordance with the amount of work-lifting positioning for the support.

Abstract: An overhead conveyance device and an overhead conveyance vehicle that can convey a conveying object, while keeping it at a minimum distance from surrounding equipment when the overhead conveying vehicle turns around during conveyance of the conveying object. The overhead conveyance device (1) is so structured that even when a carriage part (6) of the overhead conveyance vehicle (5) enters a branching part (3) for allowing the carriage part to change in traveling direction and turns around, the conveying object (25) grasped by a hand (9) can be kept unchanged in direction.

Abstract: A food processing system for an elongated strand of food product, such as hot dogs or sausage links, provides aligned orientation of conveyor hooks and identical arrival time spacing between adjacent hooks at a reference loading point at a strand producing machine discharge station.

Abstract: A chain conveyor assembly having the combination of a polymeric material and a hard diamond-like coating at the frictional interface of the chain links. The conveyor chain preferably includes male and female links connected to one another by connector pins. The shaft of each connector pin is coated with a diamond-like coating having high hardness, low friction and low wear characteristics. Opposite ends of the connector pins are connected to the female link while the shaft of the connector pin passes through the male link. A polymeric bushing is fitted to the male link in engagement with the shaft of the connector pin. Accordingly, relative movement between the links occurs at the interface of the DLC connector pin and the polymeric bushing.

Abstract: A stabilizer assembly for use with a conveyer system includes a stabilizer member that pivots from a first position to a second position towards a vertically-curved track section as a conveyor carrier moves into the vertically-curved section. A method for stabilizing a conveyor carrier includes installing a stabilizer member adjacent to the vertically-curved section of the conveyor track, and pivoting the stabilizer member from a first vertical position towards a second position as the conveyor carrier moves into the vertically-curved section of the conveyor track. A conveyor system includes a conveyor track having a vertically-curved section, a conveyor carrier placed on the conveyor track for traveling along the conveyor track, and a stabilizer assembly that includes a stabilizer member pivotable from a first position to a second position towards the vertically-curved section as a conveyor carrier moves into the vertically-curved section.

Abstract: A stabilizer assembly for use with a conveyer system includes a stabilizer member that pivots from a first position to a second position towards a vertically-curved track section as a conveyor carrier moves into the vertically-curved section. A method for stabilizing a conveyor carrier includes installing a stabilizer member adjacent to the vertically-curved section of the conveyor track, and pivoting the stabilizer member from a first vertical position towards a second position as the conveyor carrier moves into the vertically-curved section of the conveyor track. A conveyor system includes a conveyor track having a vertically-curved section, a conveyor carrier placed on the conveyor track for traveling along the conveyor track, and a stabilizer assembly that includes a stabilizer member pivotable from a first position to a second position towards the vertically-curved section as a conveyor carrier moves into the vertically-curved section.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for transporting objects, in particular items of clothing hanging on clothes hangers, on conveying paths by means of a transporting roller, in particular a roller with two parallel spaced-apart flanges on the end sides and a central part located therebetween, as well as a through-passage opening leading through the center between the flanges and the central part, the central part having at least one peripheral, annular circumferential part which can rotate separately from the two flanges, and, in the case of the circumferential part rotating as a result of bearing on the conveying path, the two flanges being in a rest state irrespective of the rotation, a hook-like carrier element for an object which is to be transported passing through the through-passage opening and projecting from the latter by way of its free end, wherein the conveying path comprises a fixed rolling ridge with a transporting-roller running track on its top side, the transporting roller riding on sa

Abstract: The conveyor comprises two spaced-apart under-neck guides (3) along which articles are designed to be transported by being suspended via their collars (2) on the under-neck guides (3), and also a longitudinal stop (6) which is mounted above the under-neck guides (3) and which serves to limit the up stroke available to the articles between the under-neck guides (3). In a preferred embodiment, the top abutment is in the form of a stop (6) having an abutment-forming bottom longitudinal face (6a) in which there is formed a longitudinal central channel (6b) of width (L) that is less than the diameter (D) of an article at its top end (1d).

Abstract: A control system and method for a conveyor line having a conveyor for moving a plurality of hangars configured to carry units through processing areas for processing by equipment in the processing areas includes loading stations for entering process control variables corresponding to units loaded at the loading stations, a pair of conveyor sensors for sensing movement of the hangars and outputting signals indicating the passage of hangars, and a controller. The controller determines, based on the process control variables, the time required for the processing equipment to reach steady state conditions. The controller further determines, based on the signals from the conveyor sensors, the appropriate time for loading units onto hangars such that the unit reaches the processing equipment when the equipment has reached the steady state conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying apparatus, in particular overhead conveying apparatus, for transporting conveyable articles along at least one conveying route (2). The conveying apparatus comprises a carrying-profile arrangement (4) which extends along the conveying route and has a running-rail arrangement (6) for guiding conveyable-article carriers (8). It is proposed that at least one running rail (6) of the running-rail arrangement be designed as a running-rail component which is separate from the carrying-profile arrangement (4) and is mounted in a floating manner on the carrying-profile arrangement such that, at least in certain areas, it can compensate for a change in length by moving relative to the carrying-profile arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for buffering with the use of a closed gripper. The invention comprises transport means (20) which are provided with grippers (22), can move along a conveying section (10), and are located in the area of a buffer section (14) of the conveying section (10). Transport means are stored in such a way that the distance between the transporting means (20), said means being successively arranged in the buffer section (14), is essentially determined by the degree of opening of the grippers (22) or by the dimensions of the transport means (20). Said means are also stored in such a way that opened grippers (22) are at least partially closed without exercising a holding function in or before the area of the buffer section (14). To this end, a closing device is placed in an entry area (16) of the buffer section (14) which, for example, can be provided in the form of a closing connecting member (18) and can be displaced along the conveying section (10).

Abstract: Conveyors for clothes hangers are provided comprising an endless chain constructed from a plurality of chain links and runs between a first return axis at one end of the conveyor and a second return axis at the other end of the conveyor, so that the chain, guided around the return axes, is divided into upper and lower portions, the hanging hooks of the clothes hangers resting in depressions in the chain links constituting the upper chain portion, and a drive motor driving the chain in the desired direction. The chain portion is arranged to be deflected laterally by deflecting members so that a deflected part of the lower chain portion runs parallel and laterally displaced in relation to its upper portion, and the drive wheel is in driving engagement with the deflected part of the lower chain portion.