Abstract: A cargo conveyor for use in loading and unloading a cargo compartment comprises: a plurality of conveyor units for being disposed within the cargo compartment and for being temporarily arranged to support a loading or unloading conveyor path having a length that varies during a same loading or unloading operation, the conveyor path for being lengthened during the unloading operation and for being shortened during the loading operation, the plurality of conveyor units for being coupled with and decoupled from the conveyor path for lengthening the conveyor path during the unloading operation and for shortening the conveyor path during the loading operation, respectively.

Abstract: A portable conveying device comprising an inclining base having a conveyor belt, a plurality of articulating conveying elements having powered cargo rollers defining a conveying device transport plane, the conveying elements extendable from and retractable into the base by drive means. The drive means may include a pair of spaced-apart spur gears which have teeth that engage with rack teeth of the conveying elements. The conveying device may include a hollow universal joint having axes of rotation lying substantially in the same plane.

Abstract: In a transfer conveyer wherein a pair of guide rails respectively provided with guide surfaces for guiding both side surfaces of a transferred article in a transfer direction are extended in the transfer direction and wherein flexible endless belts are provided for supporting lower surfaces at both sides of the transferred article, whose both side surfaces are guided on the guide surfaces, to transfer the transferred article in the transfer direction, a stretching mechanism is provided on one end portion of each guide rail to be stretchable in the transfer direction, a stretchable guide surface for defining a flat surface continuous and even with the guide surface regardless of any stretched position is formed at a facing surface of each stretching mechanism, and plural pulleys for circulatably supporting a part of the endless belt are provided on the facing surface of the stretching mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming any desired portions and sizes of products, comprising an aligning belt (1) that conveys the products (2) while transferring them, at a transfer edge (4), to a portioning belt (3), on which the portions (6) and/or sizes (5) are formed and with which the portions are conveyed onward in their corresponding sizes. The invention relates to a system comprised of the inventive device and of a packing machine (16), and to a method for producing any desired portions and sizes of products.

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting a stream of articles, the apparatus including a first conveyor belt conveying a stream of articles along a conveying surface, a second conveyor belt disposed parallel to the first conveyor belt and having a conveying surface, and a carrier arranged to travel along a path parallel to the first and second conveyor belts. A first drive mechanism drives the first conveyor belt at a first speed in a first direction, and a second drive mechanism drives the second conveyor belt at a second speed in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A diverter element is affixed to the carrier and extends across at least a portion of the conveying surfaces of the first and second conveyor belts to divert articles in the stream on the first conveyor belt onto the second conveyor belt. A differential drive mechanism drives the carrier at a speed and in a direction that depend on the first speed and the second speed.

Abstract: A conveying device comprising a conveyor belt, a conveyor belt speed sensor, at least one extending roller selectively extendable from the device, an extending roller speed sensor, a hydraulic motor operatively engaged with the conveyor belt, a proportional valve operatively coupled with the hydraulic motor for modulating the speed of the motor, and a controller operatively connected to the proportional valve for modulating the output thereof, the controller in communication with the belt speed sensor, and in communication with the extending roller speed sensor, the controller thereby controlling the speed of the motor to obtain a desired belt speed.

Abstract: A device for dynamic storage of objects along a conveying section between an input station and an output station with an endless, flexible conveying means, which is variably subdivided into a conveying strand and an idle strand, with at least one carriage, which can be moved in the plane of conveyance, for changing the storage capacity, which carriage presents a first deflection for the conveying strand and a second deflection for the idle strand, as well as with a first drive device for the conveying means in the area of the input station and a second drive device for the conveying means in the area of the output station. The conveying means is provided over its entire length at identical intervals with grippers for the objects and the conveying means has a link chain, equipped with rotatable guide rollers, which runs at least in some areas in at least one stationary guide rail, where at least one guide roller is arranged on the respective chain link in a movable manner.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for diverting a stream of articles, the apparatus including a framework, a first conveyor supported in the framework and conveying stream of articles along a first conveying surface, and a second conveyor supported in the framework parallel to the first conveyor and having a second conveying surface. A first drive mechanism drives the first conveyor at a first speed in a first direction, and a second drive mechanism drives the second conveyor at a second speed in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A carrier is arranged to travel along a path parallel to the first and second conveyors, and a diverter element is affixed to the carrier and extending across at least a portion of the conveying surfaces of the first and second conveyors to divert articles in the stream on the first conveyor to the second conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for conveying objects generally transversely to a direction of initial delivery. The apparatus uses two conveying arrangements which can move independently of one another. Each of the two conveying arrangements have a transport region and a return region. A dividing gap is arranged between the two conveying arrangements. A sliding mechanism can be positioned to at least one of adjust a length of the transport regions and adjust a length of the return regions. An equalizing mechanism can be positioned to at least one of compensate for the change in the return regions and compensate for the change in the transport regions. The sliding mechanism and the equalizing mechanism are separate mechanisms. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A spiral accumulator apparatus is disclosed for controlling the flow of articles. The apparatus includes an infeed conveyor driven in a first direction to convey articles therealong in the first direction along a first path that is at least partially curved, and an outfeed conveyor driven in an opposite direction to convey articles therealong in the opposite direction along a second path that is at least partially curved. The infeed and outfeed conveyors are spaced apart and generally parallel along at least a portion of the first and second paths so as to define a space therebetween. A movable transport member is disposed generally across and movable along the space, and an article transfer member is carried by the transport member and operably disposed between the infeed and outfeed conveyors to transfer articles between the infeed conveyor and the outfeed conveyor.

Abstract: A circulating mechanism includes a moving member, e.g. a chain or a belt, which travels along a circulating path and is looped about at least one deflecting member for reversing a travel direction of the moving member. Disposed in a section of the circulating path is a guide assembly for guiding the moving member. A magnetic field generating device is provided for applying a magnetic force upon the moving member at least in an area of the guide assembly so as to draw the moving member against the guide assembly and thereby enhance the travel behavior of the moving member.

Abstract: An extendable conveyor includes a support structure, a mechanically extendable section which is extendable along the longitudinal axis between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position, a conveyor belt reeved among the mechanically extendable section thereby defining a conveying surface and a drive. The drive is operable to drive the conveyor belt in at least one direction. The extendable section may be extended by driving the conveyor belt in one direction and retracted by driving the conveyor belt in an opposition direction. The mechanically extendable section may include a plurality of sections at least one made substantially from a unitary sheet of material.

Abstract: A conveying arrangement for processing printed products, comprising a conveying section, a plurality of deposit trays on which the printed products are transported along the conveying section, the conveying section having an intake area where the printed products are fed to the deposit trays and a delivery area at an end region of the conveying section where the printed products are removed from the deposit trays, and a control mechanism for controlling a distance between respectively adjacent deposit trays in the intake area based on a thickness of the printed products.

Abstract: Various designs of a spiral accumulator apparatus are disclosed for controlling the flow of articles. The accumulator may have an infeed conveyor driven in a first direction to convey articles therealong in the first direction along a first path that is at least partially curved, and an outfeed conveyor driven in an opposite direction to convey articles therealong in the opposite direction along a second path that is at least partially curved. The infeed and outfeed conveyors may be spaced apart and generally parallel along at least a portion of the first and second paths so as to define a space therebetween. A movable transport member may be disposed generally across and movable along the space, and an article transfer member may be carried by the transport member and operably disposed between the infeed and outfeed conveyors to transfer articles between the infeed conveyor and the outfeed conveyor. A transport member mover may be connected to the transport member.

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting a stream of articles includes a first conveyor driven in a first direction and at a first speed around a first axle, and a second conveyor is driven in a second direction generally opposite of the first direction and at a second speed around a second axle, the first and second conveyors disposed generally parallel to each other. A diverter element extends at least partially across the first and second conveyors to divert articles conveyed on the first conveyor onto the second conveyor. A differential drive mechanism is operatively interconnected with and driven by the first and second axles in a direction responsive to a relative rotation speed difference between the first and second axles, the differential drive mechanism being located exterior to the first and second conveyors.

Abstract: Apparatus for diverting a stream of articles from one conveyor to another parallel conveyor moving in an opposite direction in a conveyor bed. A diverter element is attached to a carrier that is driven along a path parallel to the two conveyors by a differential drive mechanism coupled to the drive mechanisms of the two conveyors. The differential drive mechanism responds to the difference in the speeds of the two conveyor drive mechanisms to drive the carrier and position the driver element along the parallel conveyors. The diverter element extends at least partway across the widths of the two conveyors to guide articles on one conveyor to the other. In a preferred version, the carrier is an endless conveyor belt to which the diverter element is attached, and the differential drive mechanism includes a shaft arranged coaxially with drive or idler sprocket shafts of the conveyor belts at each end of the bed.

Abstract: A variable-capacity store (1) for objects (2), wherein an endless conveyor (8) defines a conveying branch (11) for conveying a mass of elongated elements (2), and a return branch (14), the conveying branch and the return branch respectively forming a first and at least a second coil (51, 57), each extending about two respective guide drums (26, 27) (43, 44) movable transversely with respect to each other to adjust the length of the respective coil (51) (57); and wherein the conveying surface (10) positioned on edge with respect to the guide drums (26, 27) of the first coil (51), and positioned flat against the guide drums (43, 44) of the second coil (57).

Abstract: A conveyor system having an expansion conveyor interposed between some of a plurality of conveyors of a conveying unit to extend the conveying line when trouble is detected at a receiving unit. Upon detection of trouble the extruder revolution speed and the conveyor speed are changed to reduce the conveying speed not to carry molded products to the receiving unit.

Abstract: A portable radially stacking conveyor has a telescoping stinger, with the stinger and main section sharing a single conveyor belt having a single drive mechanism.

Abstract: An extendable conveying system for either loading product to or unloading product from a trailer includes an extendable section which defines a conveying surface. The system further includes a pullout section that defines a support surface. The pullout section has an extended position and a retracted position. When the pull-out section is in its extended position, its support surface at least partially extends from the conveying surface. The system further includes an energy-storing device connected with the pullout section and the extendable section. The energy-storing device stores energy as the pullout section is moved from either the extended or retracted position to the other of the extended or retracted positions. The energy storing device then delivers energy to the pull-out section as the pull-out section is moved from the other of the extended or retracted positions to the initial of the extended or retracted positions.

Abstract: The passive transfer guide of the present invention is positioned in a section of tangency between a first continuous loop conveyor and a second continuous loop conveyor, with a first guide lane for directing a specimen carrier from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, and a second guide lane for directing a specimen carrier from the second conveyor to the first conveyor. The guide includes a horizontally oriented “H”-shaped central member having a pair of upper legs, a pair of lower legs, and a cross-member connecting the upper and lower legs. The upper legs and an upper portion of the cross-member form one specimen carrier-directing lane, and the lower legs and a lower portion of the cross-member form the second carrier-directing lane.

Abstract: A process and a device for the on-line storage of sets of flat products such as, in particular, disposable liners or sanitary napkins, in which said products are transported between one or more input stations and one or more output stations. The sets are introduced at a given input rate at input station or stations between a pressing device, capable of moving with the sets, the pressing device being in a first, so-called open, configuration. The products are pressed against one another by causing the pressing device to change over from their open configuration to a second, so-called product holding, configuration. The sets are directed towards the output station or stations at which they are ejected, at a given output rate, adapted as a function of the input rate, to manage an accumulation of sets between the input station or stations and the output station or stations.

Abstract: The accumulator (5) comprises at least two continuous flexible members (55) equipped with supports (57) for the products (A). The supports (57) project laterally with respect to the respective flexible member; each flexible member and at least one first guide wheel (63A) being arranged so that the supports face the axis of the wheel in the section of flexible member trained about said guide wheel. The guide wheel is equipped with a plurality of radial arms between which a space is provided for the elongated products resting on said supports. The position of the supports is timed with respect to the position of the radial arms.

Abstract: An extendable conveyor has an extendable conveyor section supported in a cantilevered manner including at least one extendable conveyor unit that is extendable between an extended position and a retracted position nested within the extendable conveyor section. The conveyor further includes a user interface section supported in a cantilevered manner from the extendable conveyor unit.

Abstract: Mobile conveyor modules are used for transporting aggregate over a long distance, or for transferring the aggregate to other modules, and for stacking the aggregate either linearly or radially. These modules may be used in various combinations by themselves or in combination with existing conveyor systems and bridge stackers to stack aggregate on and off multi-lift leach pads and on multi-lift dump sites. The mobile conveyor modules are designed to be steerable and self-propelled, providing increased maneuverability and reducing relocation/reformation time. Multiple stacking methods may be used with the mobile conveyor modules either separately, or at the same time, advance and retreat stacking, the stacking of a berm, or the filling in of a corridor, may be accomplished on a variety of terrain.

Abstract: A support system for a conveyor comprising an overhead monorail of substantially closed form cross section pipe; carriages adapted to pass up and down the rail on wheels bearing on the rail; hanging frames suspended from the carriages having guide and support rollers beneath their point of attachment with the carriages; the guide and support rollers carrying and guiding an endless conveyor; the carriages and associated frames being slideable longitudinally along the rail on such wheels so as to increase or decrease the spacing between adjacent frames and hence the length of the conveyor; flanges or other attachment points on the rail to facilitate attachment of the rail to an overhead support; the overall length of the rail and hence conveyor being adjustable by adding or removing lengths of rail.

Abstract: A bundle puller having an adjustable length carriage frame is disclosed. The carriage frame includes a hinged section that can be rotated between a level or lowered position and a raised position. When the hinged section is raised, the length of the carriage frame is decreased considerably, which allows the bundle puller to be operated in narrow alleyways. The hinged section may then be lowered for operating in larger alleyways. A hydraulic cylinder lowers and raises the hinged section. A rack-and-pinion drive system is used instead of the more common screw drive system to move the sled back and forth on the carriage frame while removing or replacing tube bundles in the heat exchanger shell. Separate gear racks are attached to the hinged section and main section of the carriage frame, respectively. The separate gear racks can be raised and lowered with the hinged section.

Abstract: A conveying system for receiving and conveying material from a mobile material transporter adapted for travel on a floor, the conveying system comprising a main conveyor on the floor, and a main conveyor extension on the floor and having an upper surface. The main conveyor extension comprises a plurality of interconnected frame units, and means for supporting an endless conveyor belt on the interconnected frame units. The conveying system further includes an auxiliary conveyor in contact with and moveable over at least a part of the main conveyor extension upper surface. The auxiliary conveyor comprises a plurality of interconnected frame units identical to the frame units used in the main conveyor extension, means for supporting an endless conveyor belt on the auxiliary conveyor interconnected frame units, and means for driving the endless conveyor belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of articles includes a first article moving device and second article moving device spaced apart from the first device to define a space therebetween. A movable transport member is disposed across and movable along the space. The transport member includes a rotatable member drivingly engaged by the first and second article moving devices so as to rotate as either of the devices moves. The transport member travels along the space if a relative speed difference exists between the devices. An article transfer member is carried by the transport member and is disposed between the article moving devices to transfer articles between the devices as the rotatable member rotates.

Abstract: A movable transport member used in an article conveying system is disposed across and movable along a space between oppositely running conveyors. The transport member has a drive member that continuously rotates as either conveyor moves. An article transfer member carried by the transport member includes an endless drive belt disposed along a transfer path so as to contact and move articles therealong. The article transfer member further comprises a driven rotatable member having an article contacting surface, the transfer path defined between the drive belt and a circumferential portion of the driven rotatable member.

Abstract: An adjustable roller conveyor module includes a first support structure comprising first and second laterally spaced, longitudinally extending frame members. A first roller set supported by the first support structure includes rollers rotatable about lateral axes equi-spaced in accordance with a predetermined roller-axis spacing. A second support structure is carried between the first and second frame members of the first support structure for longitudinal reciprocation between fully retracted and extended positions. The second support structure supports a second roller set including rollers rotatable about lateral axes coplanar with the axes of the first roller set and equi-spaced in accordance with the predetermined roller-axis spacing. Selected rollers of the first roller set are removable to accommodate retraction of the second support structure.

Abstract: A high speed manufacturing system for processing articles of manufacture requiring processes to be performed on the articles at a pre-selected processing rate includes a trunk for simultaneously conveying a plurality of the articles of manufacture at the pre-selected processing rate in a first mode of motion from the beginning of the manufacturing system to the end of the system. At least one branch processing station is positioned intermediate the beginning and the end of the trunk wherein the branch processing station during its operation performs at least one process on articles of manufacture conveyed on the branch processing station and where the articles are conveyed in a second mode of motion.

Abstract: A device for stacking sheets delivered on a first conveyor in a plurality of parallel streams of overlapping sheets, includes a second conveyor moving slower than the first conveyor that compacts the streams as they exit the first conveyor; a third conveyor that receives the streams from the second conveyor; and a plurality of stackers, each aligned with one of the streams exiting the third conveyor, formed of endless belts positionable horizontally which cooperate with stop members to stack the incoming sheets. Completed stacks are then moved downstream on the belt. When sheets in a stream are determined to be defective; its belt for that stream is tilted, and the stream falls onto a fourth conveyor for disposal.

Abstract: An extension/retraction mechanism for a take-away conveyor in a checkstand. The extension/retraction mechanism selectively stops and holds the telescoping take-away conveyor at the scan-and-bag position as the telescoping take-away conveyor is moving between walk-through and scan-and-pass positions. The extension/retraction mechanism includes a cam follower that is pivotally attached to the telescoping take-away conveyor for movement therewith. The cam follower rides within a cam track as the telescoping conveyor moves between the scan-and-bag, walk-through, and scan-and-pass positions. The cam track includes a series of turn surfaces so that the cam follower changes course as the telescoping take-away conveyor moves backward and forward. The cam track also includes at least one pocket for retaining the cam follower when the telescoping take-away conveyor is in the scan-and-bag position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing temporary support for and for isolation of an operating conveyor belt in order to insert permanent belt support structure. A top belt guard support and a bottom belt guard support are provided. A cantilever support structure that is connected to the leading ends of the top belt guard support and the bottom belt guard support that are primarily supported in a cantilever manner. The top belt guard support and the bottom belt guard support form a protected zone within a linear distance of the length of the top and bottom belt guard supports that enable installation of different types of permanent supports while the conveyor belt is operating.

Abstract: A material conveying system capable of traversing a floor along a curvilinear path, the system comprising a plurality of framework members arranged in tandem on the surface along a portion of the path to form an elongated longitudinally extending conveyor train; and connector means on each framework member cooperate with connector means on each adjacent framework member for coupling the plurality of framework members, the connector means permitting movement between adjacent framework members. The conveying system also includes a plurality of the framework members including a crawler chain assembly comprising a plurality of crawler chain pads interconnected by chain links to form an endless loop. The crawler chain assembly extends over a lower portion of each of the plurality of framework members wherein the crawler chain pads are maintained in engagement with the floor, and over an upper portion having an upper surface that supports the chain pads.

Abstract: Apparatus for diverting a stream of articles from one conveyor to another parallel conveyor moving in an opposite direction in a conveyor bed. A diverter element is attached to a carrier that is driven along a path parallel to the two conveyors by a differential drive mechanism coupled to the drive mechanisms of the two conveyors. The differential drive mechanism responds to the difference in the speeds of the two conveyor drive mechanisms to drive the carrier and position the diverter element along the parallel conveyors. The diverter element extends at least partway across the widths of the two conveyors to guide articles on one conveyor to the other. In a preferred version, the carrier is an endless conveyor belt to which the diverter element is attached, and the differential drive mechanism includes a shaft arranged coaxially with drive or idler sprocket shafts of the conveyor belts at each end of the bed.

Abstract: A material conveying system capable of traversing a floor along a curvilinear path, the system comprising a plurality of framework members arranged in tandem on the surface along a portion of the path to form an elongated longitudinally extending conveyor train; and connector means on each framework member cooperate with connector means on each adjacent framework member for coupling the plurality of framework members, the connector means permitting movement between adjacent framework members. The conveying system also includes a plurality of the framework members including a crawler chain assembly comprising a plurality of crawler chain pads interconnected by chain links to form an endless loop.

Abstract: A conveying system for receiving and conveying material from a mobile material transporter adapted for travel on a floor, the conveying system comprising a main conveyor on the floor, and a main conveyor extension on the floor and having an upper surface. The main conveyor extension comprises a plurality of interconnected frame units, and means for supporting an endless conveyor belt on the interconnected frame units. The conveying system further includes an auxiliary conveyor in contact with and moveable over at least a part of the main conveyor extension upper surface. The auxiliary conveyor comprises a plurality of interconnected frame units identical to the frame units used in the main conveyor extension, means for supporting an endless conveyor belt on the auxiliary conveyor interconnected frame units, and means for driving the endless conveyor belt.

Abstract: A movable transport member used in an article conveying system is disposed across and movable along a space between oppositely running conveyors. The transport member has a drive member that continuously rotates as either conveyor moves. An article transfer member carried by the transport member includes an endless drive belt disposed along a transfer path so as to contact and move articles therealong. The article transfer member further comprises a driven rotatable member having an article contacting surface, the transfer path defined between the drive belt and a circumferential portion of the driven rotatable member.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling the flow of articles. The apparatus includes a first conveyor driven in a first direction and a second conveyor driven in a second opposite direction. The conveyors extend in a side-by-side and parallel relationship with a space defined therebetween. A movable transport member is disposed within the space between the conveyors and defines a bridge that extends across the space and is generally flush with the upper surfaces of the conveyors. The transport member is drivingly engaged by the conveyors so as to move linearly between the conveyors depending on a speed differential of the conveyors. At least one article transfer member comprising a driven article propelling member is carried by the transport member and is disposed transversely to the conveyors to contact and drivingly transfer the articles from the first conveyor over the bridge member and onto the second conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the stacking and unstacking of bakery product baskets and trays characterized by varying widths includes a basket and tray transporting conveyor comprising spaced apart belts and guide members for positioning the baskets and trays relative to the conveyor. The belts comprising the conveyor and the guide members are mounted on subframes which are transversely positionable relative to the path of travel of baskets and trays under the action of the conveyor thereby facilitating the stacking and unstacking of bakery product baskets and trays characterized by varying widths.

Abstract: The invention concerns an accumulator device having a general U-shape consisting of two parallel endless belt conveyors, communicating through an endless belt conveyor with semicircular trajectory borne by a mobile carriage driven by a translation movement parallel to said parallel conveyors.

Abstract: Storage apparatus has a carriage which can be displaced along a conveying plane, while deflecting rollers subdivide an endless conveyer into a storage strand and an idle strand. A first deflector deflects the idle strand from the conveying plane into a parallel plane spaced apart therefrom while a second deflector is used to transfer the deflected idle strand into the storage strand. The storage apparatus provides space-saving and high-capacity storage without belt crossovers.

Abstract: Apparatus for diverting a stream of articles from one conveyor to another parallel conveyor moving in an opposite direction in a conveyor bed. A diverter element is attached to a carrier that is driven along a path parallel to the two conveyors by a differential drive mechanism coupled to the drive mechanisms of the two conveyors. The differential drive mechanism responds to the difference in the speeds of the two conveyor drive mechanisms to drive the carrier and position the diverter element along the parallel conveyors. The diverter element extends at least partway across the widths of the two conveyors to guide articles on one conveyor to the other. In a preferred version, the carrier is an endless conveyor belt to which the diverter element is attached, and the differential drive mechanism includes a shaft arranged coaxially with drive or idler sprocket shafts of the conveyor belts at each end of the bed.

Abstract: An outer extendable boom or extension is implemented on an extendable conveyor of conventional design, which includes at least two extendable units, each of which is nested within the next inwardly positioned unit and adjustably positioned between an extended position and a retracted position. The outer boom includes a pair of opposite side members which extend within an outer conventional extendable unit and a conveying surface. A support system is provided to support the outer boom as it extends and retracts within the outer extendable unit. A forward support member of the support system is laterally aligned with the side members and a cantilever support member is vertically spaced from a rearward end of the side members, such that a reduced range in width and a reduced range in height of the extendable units may be achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for diverting a stream of articles from one conveyor to another parallel conveyor moving in an opposite direction in a conveyor bed. A diverter element is attached to a carrier that is driven along a path parallel to the two conveyors by a differential drive mechanism coupled to the drive mechanisms of the two conveyors. The differential drive mechanism responds to the difference in the speeds of the two conveyor drive mechanisms to drive the carrier and position the diverter element along the parallel conveyors. The diverter element extends at least partway across the widths of the two conveyors to guide articles on one conveyor to the other. In a preferred version, the carrier is an endless conveyor belt to which the diverter element is attached, and the differential drive mechanism includes a shaft arranged coaxially with drive or idler sprocket shafts of the conveyor belts at each end of the bed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of articles includes a first article moving device and second article moving device spaced apart from the first device to define a space therebetween. A movable transport member is disposed across and movable along the space. The transport member includes a rotatable member drivingly engaged by the first and second article moving devices so as to rotate as either of the devices moves. The transport member travels along the space if a relative speed difference exists between the devices. An article transfer member is carried by the transport member and is disposed between the article moving devices to transfer articles between the devices as the rotatable member rotates.

Abstract: A high speed manufacturing system for processing articles of manufacture requiring processes to be performed on the articles at a pre-selected processing rate includes a trunk for simultaneously conveying a plurality of the articles of manufacture at the pre-selected processing rate in a first mode of motion from the beginning of the manufacturing system to the end of the system. At least one branch processing station is positioned intermediate the beginning and the end of the trunk wherein the branch processing station during its operation performs at least one process on articles of manufacture conveyed on the branch processing station and where the articles are conveyed in a second mode of motion.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of articles is provided. The apparatus includes a first conveyor that moves in a first direction and a second conveyor that moves in a second direction opposite from the first direction. The second conveyor is spaced from the first conveyor. A transfer device is substantially disposed between the first and second conveyors. The transfer device includes a transfer plate that is used to transfer articles between the first and second conveyors. The transfer plate overlaps more of the second conveyor than the first conveyor. The transfer plate may be under the first conveyor and over the second conveyor, and the axis of revolution may be in the middle or offset from the middle between the conveyors.