Abstract: In one aspect, a transfer guard member having a body for being positioned in a gap intermediate conveying surfaces, an upper portion of the body for spanning the gap and outer portions of the upper body for slidingly engaging the conveying surfaces, and a pair of spaced, resilient legs having distal end portions for resiliently and slidingly engaging the conveying surfaces. In another aspect, a transfer guard member having a body and at least one attachment member of the body configured for being detachably fixed to a mounting bar. The body has at least one recess adjacent the attachment member for receiving at least one attachment member of another transfer guard member fixed to the mounting bar so that upper transfer surfaces of the attachment members are adjacent one another.

Abstract: In one aspect, a gap blocker having a body with an upper blocking portion and leg portions of the body connected to the upper blocking portion at longitudinally spaced apart locations. The leg portions of the body have an initial, undeflected configuration with at least one of the leg portions having a first orientation relative to the upper blocking portion. The leg portions of the body have an operating configuration with the body in a gap between rollers wherein the at least one of the leg portions has the first orientation relative to the upper blocking portion. The upper blocking portion has upper contact portions and the leg portions have lower contact portions for contacting the rollers. The body also has outer surface portions intermediate the upper and lower contact portions configured to be in clearance with the rollers.

Abstract: In one aspect, a transfer guard member having a body for being positioned in a gap intermediate conveying surfaces, an upper portion of the body for spanning the gap and outer portions of the upper body for slidingly engaging the conveying surfaces, and a pair of spaced, resilient legs having distal end portions for resiliently and slidingly engaging the conveying surfaces. In another aspect, a transfer guard member having a body and at least one attachment member of the body configured for being detachably fixed to a mounting bar. The body has at least one recess adjacent the attachment member for receiving at least one attachment member of another transfer guard member fixed to the mounting bar so that upper transfer surfaces of the attachment members are adjacent one another.

Abstract: In one aspect, a transfer guard member having a body for being positioned in a gap intermediate conveying surfaces, an upper portion of the body for spanning the gap and outer portions of the upper body for slidingly engaging the conveying surfaces, and a pair of spaced, resilient legs having distal end portions for resiliently and slidingly engaging the conveying surfaces. In another aspect, a transfer guard member having a body and at least one attachment member of the body configured for being detachably fixed to a mounting bar. The body has at least one recess adjacent the attachment member for receiving at least one attachment member of another transfer guard member fixed to the mounting bar so that upper transfer surfaces of the attachment members are adjacent one another.

Abstract: A supply device is provided for laterally feeding of goods to be transported to a conveyor device (25). The supply device has a drive pulley (5), end pulleys (7) and conveyor belts (9). Each of the end pulleys (7) is associated with one of conveyor belts (9). Each of the conveyor belts (9) extends around the drive pulley (5) and the associated end pulley (7) and can be driven the drive pulley (5). A friction-enhancing element (41) is configured on the drive pulley (5) for enhancing friction between the respective conveyor belt (9) and the drive pulley (5).

Abstract: In one aspect, a transfer guard member having a body for being positioned in a gap intermediate conveying surfaces, an upper portion of the body for spanning the gap and outer portions of the upper body for slidingly engaging the conveying surfaces, and a pair of spaced, resilient legs having distal end portions for resiliently and slidingly engaging the conveying surfaces. In another aspect, a transfer guard member having a body and at least one attachment member of the body configured for being detachably fixed to a mounting bar. The body has at least one recess adjacent the attachment member for receiving at least one attachment member of another transfer guard member fixed to the mounting bar so that upper transfer surfaces of the attachment members are adjacent one another.

Abstract: In one aspect, a transfer guard member having a body for being positioned in a gap intermediate conveying surfaces, an upper portion of the body for spanning the gap and outer portions of the upper body for slidingly engaging the conveying surfaces, and a pair of spaced, resilient legs having distal end portions for resiliently and slidingly engaging the conveying surfaces. In another aspect, a transfer guard member having a body and at least one attachment member of the body configured for being detachably fixed to a mounting bar. The body has at least one recess adjacent the attachment member for receiving at least one attachment member of another transfer guard member fixed to the mounting bar so that upper transfer surfaces of the attachment members are adjacent one another.

Abstract: In one aspect, a transfer guard member having a body for being positioned in a gap intermediate conveying surfaces, an upper portion of the body for spanning the gap and outer portions of the upper body for slidingly engaging the conveying surfaces, and a pair of spaced, resilient legs having distal end portions for resiliently and slidingly engaging the conveying surfaces. In another aspect, a transfer guard member having a body and at least one attachment member of the body configured for being detachably fixed to a mounting bar. The body has at least one recess adjacent the attachment member for receiving at least one attachment member of another transfer guard member fixed to the mounting bar so that upper transfer surfaces of the attachment members are adjacent one another.

Abstract: The external conveyor supplying the trays coming from the filling machine is connected to a conveyor formed of parallel straps or belts, which has a greater length than the length of the group of trays of larger dimensions to be grouped together and which is provided in the end part with components inserted between the belts, a comb lifter of a length correlated with the length of said tray group to be formed, connected to lifting and lowering means with suitable acceleration and deceleration ramps. Upstream of the lifter, sensors are provided which detect the position in space of the trays arriving from the external conveyor in succession. A processing and control unit is provided to process the information arriving from said sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for supporting a flat belt member. The apparatus includes a drum member rotatable about a longitudinal axis of rotation and comprising an outer support surface that generally increases in diameter from a first end region to a central region and decreases in diameter from the central region to a further end region. The central region includes a groove in the support surface which extends circumferentially around the drum member. A ring member is located in the groove.

Abstract: A bridge for a conveyor system includes a bridge frame including a top support surface segment having a top support surface. The bridge frame further has first and second side walls extending downwardly away from the top support surface segment. Each side wall has a portion thereof with a radius of curvature substantially matching a corresponding conveyor roller. A portion of the first side wall extends toward and joins the second side wall, the second side wall further having a tail portion and a living hinge extending away from the tail portion.

Abstract: A device for stopping and/or aligning transport goods on a conveying device, in particular a roller conveyor, device has a main part and a stopping device that can be moved out of the main part into a conveying path of the conveying device in order to stop and/or align the transport goods that are transported along the conveying path. The stopping device comprises at least two separate stops that can be moved between a working position, which projects into the conveying plane, and a rest position, which is retracted with respect to the conveying plane, by means of a common actuator device.

Abstract: An automated checkout system for reading optical data, such as barcode labels, on a bottom surface of an item using a data reader. The automated checkout system includes a housing supporting a leading conveyor section and a trailing conveyor section separated by a gap. The housing movably supports a transition element positioned across the gap for helping items transition between the conveyor sections. The transition element is movable between a first position and a second position. A sensor is in communication with the transition element and is configured to sense the position of the transition element, where movement of the transition element from the first position to the second position activates the sensor. When activated, the sensor may send a signal to a terminal to display a warning message to a user. Alternatively, the sensor may send a signal to an automatic shut-off mechanism to stop operation of the conveyors.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus used for conveying an object is provided. The conveying apparatus includes a first conveying unit, a second conveying unit, and a supporting unit. An object leans against the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit and moves from the first conveying unit toward the second conveying unit along a conveying path. The supporting unit is configured between the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit to support and guide the object.

Abstract: A bread conveying apparatus includes a pair of rolling members spaced apart from each other along a loaf bread conveying path, an endless revolving member wound around the pair of rolling members and laid along the conveying path, a first flight mounted to the endless revolving member to urge the loaf bread along the conveying path and carry the loaf bread to a predetermined position, and a second flight mounted to the endless revolving member upstream of the first flight along the conveying path to urge the loaf bread so as to align the loaf bread with the predetermined position.

Abstract: A bridge for a conveyor system includes a bridge frame including a top support surface segment having a top support surface. The bridge frame further has first and second side walls extending downwardly away from the top support surface segment. Each side wall has a portion thereof with a radius of curvature substantially matching a corresponding conveyor roller. A portion of the first side wall extends toward and joins the second side wall, the second side wall further having a tail portion and a living hinge extending away from the tail portion.

Abstract: A conveyor-belt linking apparatus utilizes a movable frame slidably disposed on a predetermined supporting surface, a plurality of pivot shafts disposed on the movable frame to support a load object, at least one primary driving element disposed between the movable frame and the predetermined supporting surface to drive the movable frame to reciprocally and slidably move along a predetermined direction, and an engaging driving assembly including a side driving element capable of being outwardly input with a power and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly capable of synchronically sliding with the movable frame is connected to the side driving element for transmitting the power of the side driving element to rotate each of the pivot shafts. With the movable frame capable of sliding between two conveying positions, the defects of inclination, vibration and sway of the load object resulted from a large clearance between the pivot shafts can be decreased.

Abstract: Product is conveyed as a continuous stream by a meter conveyor (12) unto a transfer plate (32) and a transfer device (42) in the form of a thin piece of flexible material. The transfer device (42) is movable between retracted and extended positions extending over a sweep conveyor (22) by securing its trailing and leading ends to flexible belts (106) on opposite longitudinal sides of the sweep conveyor (22). Product is transferred from the transfer device (42) to the sweep conveyor (22) as the transfer device (42) moves from the extended position to the retracted position and is engaged by a metering bar (52ba) which controls the product acceleration on the sweep conveyor (22) and by a sweep bar (62a) which collects the product on the sweep conveyor (22). The metering and sweep bars (52ba, 62a) move independently in the same direction along the same endless path.

Abstract: A longitudinal joint forms a surface usable as a passage between first and second passage surfaces (2,3) adjacent to one another, usable as walking user passage, the distance between both in the longitudinal direction being variable. The longitudinal joint (1) has transverse slats (4) attached to one another, with a substantially planar upper surface (5), each being attached to the contiguous slats by a pivot point (6) with respect to which they can rotate preserving the continuity of the surface of the longitudinal joint (1). The slats (4) rest on a series of support surfaces (8,9,12), a certain number of slats being hidden under the first passage surface (2), below the level of the upper surface (5), by the relative rotation to one another with respect to the pivot point (6), depending on the distance between first and second passage surfaces (2,3).

Abstract: Hitch guards are provided for spanning a gap formed in a conveying surface between two adjacent rollers. In one aspect, the hitch guards include hitch guard members positioned side-by-side along the gap. An elongate mounting member extends across the conveyor belt and has the hitch guard members releasable mounted thereto. In another aspect, an elongate hitch guard member extends across the belt width in the gap and includes a laterally elongated recess to capture debris.

Abstract: A device for lifting a plurality of rows of containers has a base and a lifter with a transport surface formed like a blind and displaceable parallel to the base and provided with a frame. The surface slipped under the layer by feeding the containers into the frame. Prior to raising the layer, the lifter is moved toward the layer so that the transport surface is located with its front edge in front of the first row of the layer and is then moved underneath the layer into its lifting position by relative movement with respect to the containers. A partial region of the base is underneath every container at any point in time and the edge of the transport surface is shifted downward to form a clearance is given between the bottoms of the containers of the row and the base.

Abstract: A conveyor transfer system and a transfer platform for transferring articles from an upstream conveyor to a downstream conveyor across a gap. The transfer platform fits in the gap between two conveyors arranged end to end. At least one of the conveyors includes a conveyor belt that reverses direction around a reversing element at the gap. The transfer platform floats in the gap supported by the conveyor belt or its reversing element without a direct connection to the conveyor frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to method of supporting a unloading conveyor bridge extending substantially horizontally at the bottom level of a bulk material pile storage, implemented as supports in the area of the bridge ends as well as in at least one point therebetween. At least one of the supports is positionally adjusted in the vertical direction. The support force is thereby kept substantially constant at the actual support point. For the adjustment can be used spring loading, fluid pressure loading or gravity loading, for example.

Abstract: A support device for conveying heavy loads includes a support body and a roller body which revolves around the support body, wherein the roller body includes a series of support rollers and distancing rollers, the distancing rollers have a smaller diameter than the support rollers, and the distancing rollers in each case space consecutive support rollers from one another, and the support device is provided for supporting a load which moves along a support region, and the roller body at least in the support region is covered in its whole width by a belt, and thus in the support region, the support rollers roll on the support body and on the belt.

Abstract: A method according to the present invention includes providing a transfer plate used in conveying manufactured product or raw materials onto or off from a conveyor belt. Generally, the transfer plate includes a support member and a transfer extension depending from the support member to interface to a predetermined conveyor belt. The support member may be coupled to a support structure to allow multidirectional flotation, or acceptable operational movement, of the plate due to incidental movement of the conveyor belt. The method further includes the step of manually coupling the support member to the support structure, thereby preventing the need for tools during repair or replacement.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create an inspection system (1) for rolled products (2) of a milling station, which is to reliably prevent the texture of the substrate from being impressed and/or pressing through during processing of the rolled product (2), especially during grinding. Said aim is achieved by disposing a number of vertically adjustable rolled product clamps (6, 8) on a conveyor belt (4) for rolled products (2) in the inspection system (1).

Abstract: A self-clearing conveyor transfer system for transferring articles between two mutually perpendicular conveyor belts. One version of the transfer system includes a finger transfer plate with fingers at one end extending into the end of a raised-rib belt and powered rollers at the opposite end rotating about axes perpendicular to the fingers. A second conveyor belt perpendicular to the raised-rib belt advances parallel to the roller axes. Articles transfer from one belt to the other across the finger transfer plate. Because the rollers are powered, straggling articles are not stranded on the transfer plate.

Abstract: A conveyor transfer system and a transfer platform for transferring articles from an upstream conveyor to a downstream conveyor across a gap. The transfer platform fits in the gap between two conveyors arranged end to end. At least one of the conveyors includes a conveyor belt that reverses direction around a reversing element at the gap. The transfer platform floats in the gap supported by the conveyor belt or its reversing element without a direct connection to the conveyor frame.

Abstract: An apparatus according to the present invention is a transfer plate used in conveying manufactured product or raw materials onto or off from a conveyor belt. Generally, the transfer plate includes a support member and a transfer extension depending from the support member to interface to a predetermined conveyor belt. The support member may be coupled to a support structure to allow multidirectional flotation, or acceptable operational movement, of the plate due to incidental movement of the conveyor belt. The support member is preferably manually couplable to the support structure, thereby preventing the need for tools during repair or replacement. The transfer interface may include fingers or a modular interface plate.

Abstract: A transition plate assembly and a position sensor assembly are used to detect a dislodged or removed transition plate from a gap between the discharge end of a conveyor and the first end of a run-out ramp. The position sensor assembly may detect a safe seated position of a hinged transition plate protecting the gap and generate a motor-enabling signal to a drive motor that drives the conveyor. An interrupted motor-enabling signal, corresponding to an unsafe condition, may turn off the drive motor to prevent damage to articles or persons until an enabling signal is restored. In one embodiment, the termination of the power to the drive motor continues until a delay period has elapsed following the detection of an enabling signal.

Abstract: Product is conveyed as a continuous stream by a meter conveyor (12) unto a transfer plate (32) and a transfer device (42). The transfer device (42) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position extending over a sweep conveyor (22). In a preferred form, the transfer device (42) is in the form of a thin piece of flexible material and is moved in the conveying direction from the retracted position to the extended position by engaging with the sweep conveyor (22) and is moved to the retracted position by being wrapped around a rotated roller (46). Product is transferred from the transfer device (42) to the sweep conveyor (22) as the transfer device (42) moves from the extended position to the retracted position and is engaged by a metering bar (52ba, 52ca) which controls the product on the sweep conveyor (22) until the product group leaves the transfer device (42). With nested product, the leading edge of the transfer device (42) is scalloped to represent the product bottom leading edge.

Abstract: A conveyor having a flighted belt and providing a gapless end-off or end-on transfer of articles. The conveyor belt includes segmented flights at spaced intervals along its length. Each segmented flight includes slots dividing the flight into laterally spaced segments, or dogs. A transfer platform allows for a smooth transfer of articles onto or off the end of the belt. Fingers on the transfer platform separated by gaps extend to distal finger tips that are positioned close to the conveying surface of the belt at an end of the conveyor. The transfer platform is laterally aligned with the gaps positioned to coincide with the flight segments to permit them to pass cleanly through as the belt articulates about a sprocket set at the end of a carryway. The transfer platform may be tilted relative to vertical to gain an assist from gravity in transferring articles.

Abstract: A conveying system with at least one conveying element (2), preferably a conveyor belt, with goods (3) conveyed on the same being delivered at the end of the conveying element (2) to a container (1) situated beneath the conveying element (2). In order to provide a conveying system which allows a transfer of the goods by the conveying element to the provided container without subjecting the goods to a likelihood of damage it is provided that the movable flap (6) in the position sealing the container opening can be pivoted to a position parallel to the inclined sliding surface (4) and is movably held in this position parallel to the sliding surface (4) in order to form a second sliding surface projecting into the container (1) and extending the inclined sliding surface (4).

Abstract: A conveying system comprising an endless first conveyor belt circulating between at least first and second divert elements, a top run of the first conveyor belt forming a first conveying surface movable between the divert elements in a first conveying direction, and an endless second conveyor belt circulating between at least third and fourth divert elements, the top run of the second conveyor belt forming a movable second conveying surface movable between the divert elements in a second conveying direction, the second conveyor belt extending at least partly above and along the second divert element, so that the first and second conveyor belts, while including a gap-shaped interspace, are in mutually transverse alignment. In the interspace, intermediate elements, in particular fingers, are arranged that bridge the gap between the first and the second conveying surface.

Abstract: A freeze-drying apparatus has a chamber (3) in which are located superposed charging plates (4) as well as loading and unloading equipment. The chamber has a loading aperture (2) equipped with closing doors (11, 12) through which the charging plates (4) are loaded. Equipment for loading the charging plates (4) with containers (5) is positioned in front of the loading aperture (2) and comprises a conveyor belt (6) which serves to supply the containers (5) and a transfer table (7) which is movable between an operating position and an idle position. The transfer table bridges a gap between conveyor belt (6) and the charging plate (4). A loading slider (8) provides push-wise transfer of a plurality of the containers (5) from the conveyor belt (6) via the transfer table (7) onto the charging plate (4).

Abstract: A conveying system (1), comprising an endless first conveyor belt (3) circulating between at least first and second (2B) divert elements, a top run (4A) of the first conveyor belt (3) forming a first conveying surface (5) movable between the divert elements in a first conveying direction (P1), and an endless second conveyor belt (7) circulating between at least third and fourth divert elements, the top run (8A) of the second conveyor belt (7) forming a movable second conveying surface (9) movable between the divert elements in a second conveying direction (P2), the second conveyor belt (7) extending at least partly above and along the second divert element (2B), so that the first (3) and second (7) conveyor belts, while including a gap-shaped interspace (10), are in mutually transverse alignment. In the interspace (10), intermediate elements (T), in particular fingers, are arranged that bridge the gap between the first (5) and the second (9) conveying surface.

Abstract: A conveyor for possible use in transferring articles between two adjacent conveyors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the conveyor includes a pair of idler structures and a drive structure for collectively guiding and moving a conveyor belt or chain relative to a bed. At least one of the drive structure or idler structures is mounted or positioned so at to be capable of moving relative to the belt or chain to provide tensioning therefor. In another embodiment, a bed assembly including the chain or belt, the drive structure, and the idler structure is also substantially fully releasable from a corresponding base for servicing or clearing a jam. In either case, the conveyor may be driven using a slave drive associated with an adjacent conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting material in a controlled manner comprising a diverter plate attached to a mounting assembly. The diverter plate is shaped for receiving falling material and facilitating the flow of the material onto a conveyance means or into storage. The mounting assembly comprises a carrier spring assembly that permits the diverter plate to pivot about a shaft and thereby move from a default position to an unload position. The mounting assembly further comprises two adjustable locking mounts that hold the shaft in place and also allow the shaft to be adjustably rotated and thereafter fixed in place. A method for diverting material in a controlled manner comprises the steps of installing the apparatus at a transfer point and activating a first conveyance means that feeds material to the chute. A second conveyance means that receives the material after diversion by the apparatus can optionally be activated.

Abstract: Product is conveyed as a continuous stream by a meter conveyor (12) unto a transfer plate (32) and a transfer device (42). The transfer device (42) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position extending over a sweep conveyor (22). In a preferred form, the transfer device (42) is in the form of a thin piece of flexible material and is moved in the conveying direction from the retracted position to the extended position by engaging with the sweep conveyor (22) and is moved to the retracted position by being wrapped around a rotated roller (46). Product is transferred from the transfer device (42) to the sweep conveyor (22) as the transfer device (42) moves from the extended position to the retracted position and is engaged by a metering bar (52ba) which controls the product acceleration on the sweep conveyor (22) to match the meter conveyor (12) until the product group leaves the transfer device (42).

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring small items from one conveyor belt to another includes a plurality of independent wedge-shaped sections, supported by at least one rod. A tapered end of each section is preferably positioned proximate a moving conveyor belt. Each wedge-shaped section includes a substantially smooth continuous surface extending across the gap between the conveyor belts. The smooth surfaces are coplanar with the surfaces of the belts and help prevent tipping of items transferred.

Abstract: A conveyor system for a self-checkout apparatus including a first side support rail having an inner side and an outer side and a second side support rail spaced apart from said first side support rail and positioned parallel thereto, where the second side support rail includes an inner side and an outer side. The system also includes a first motor mount affixed to the first side support rail at a first end, a second motor mount affixed to the second side support rail at the first end, and a drive roller having a knurled surface. The drive roller transmits a driving force from a drive motor and positioned at one end of the first side support rail and the second side support rail. The system further includes a return roller positioned at a second end of the first side support rail and the second side support rail, a pair of first tracking guides provided adjacent both ends of the driver roller, a pair of second tracking guides provided adjacent both ends of the return roller and a conveyor belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting articles includes a first transporter (e.g. a conveyor) for transporting articles in a line and a member that separates the articles in the line into groups and also removes the groups from the line while the articles continue to be transported.

Abstract: A finished product receiving system is disclosed to include an elongated rack body with rollers, terminals arranged in parallel at one lateral side of the rack body, a driving rod, a plurality of links coupled between the driving rod and the rollers, a master air cylinder controlled to move the driving rod to further force the links to bias the rollers of the elongated rack body between the operative position for receiving finished metal sheet members from a metal sheet member processing machine and the non-operative position for enabling received finished metal sheet members to fall to the terminals, and auxiliary air cylinders respectively installed in the terminals and controlled to move a respective piston rod between the extended position for receiving finished metal sheet members from the rollers of the rack body and the received position for moving collected finished metal sheet members from the front side of the terminals to the rear side for further delivery.

Abstract: A conveyor for possible use in transferring articles between two adjacent conveyors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the conveyor includes a pair of idler structures and a drive structure for collectively guiding and moving a conveyor belt or chain relative to a bed. At least one of the drive structure or idler structures is mounted or positioned so at to be capable of moving relative to the belt or chain to provide tensioning therefor. In another embodiment, a bed assembly including the chain or belt, the drive structure, and the idler structure is also substantially fully releasable from a corresponding base for servicing or clearing a jam.

Abstract: Product is conveyed as a continuous stream by a meter conveyor (12) unto a transfer plate (32) and a transfer device (42). The transfer device (42) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position extending over a sweep conveyor (22). In a preferred form, the transfer device (42) is in the form of a thin piece of flexible material and is moved in the conveying direction from the retracted position to the extended position by engaging with the sweep conveyor (22) and is moved to the retracted position by being wrapped around a rotated roller (46). Product is transferred from the transfer device (42) to the sweep conveyor (22) as the transfer device (42) moves from the extended position to the retracted position and is engaged by a metering bar (52ba) which controls the product acceleration on the sweep conveyor (22) to match the meter conveyor (12) until the product group leaves the transfer device (42).

Abstract: The crossover conveyor chain system includes a first conveyor chain (S1) and a second conveyor chain (S2) crossing the first conveyor chain (S1) to transfer the product from the first conveyor chain (S1) to the second conveyor chain (S2) while reorienting the product to a direction nearly perpendicular to that on the first conveyor chain (S1). The first conveyor chain (S1) is supported on an end bar (10) or a small-diameter sprocket, and the second conveyor chain (S2) is formed a plurality of chain unit pairs each including at least two types of chain units (A) different in length from each other and a coupling pin (B). Each of the chain units (A) has front convex portions (1) and front concave portions (3), disposed alternately at the front thereof, rear convex portions (2) and rear concave portions (4), disposed alternately at the back thereof, and a transfer overhanging portion (7) formed integrally at one lateral thereof.

Abstract: A conveyor system 10, 60 for transporting goods from upstream equipment to downstream equipment and for temporarily storing goods when the operation of the downstream equipment is temporarily interrupted includes a conveyor tray 12, 62 and a drive mechanism 24 cyclically acting on the conveyor tray to move goods along the tray floor 14. An accumulator ramp 40, 65 includes an inclined ramp floor 46, 66 having a lower end mating with the tray floor and secured thereto to cyclically move with the conveyor tray in response to the drive mechanism. According to the method of the invention, goods are moved along the conveyor tray and are pushed up the accumulator ramp when the operation of the downstream equipment is interrupted.

Abstract: A structure for a plate for receiving products as they come off a carry section of an endless chain-type conveyor, capable of being positioned coplanar with the carry section essentially in the continuation thereof, which structure is of unusually simple construction, comprising tiles arranged together side by side at least on respective sides that lie transversely to the carry section.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring objects, including pedestrians, between sequential moving-surfaces disposed in a common plane. The device comprises first rollers housed in a platform and defining a first object bearing-surface disposed substantially in the common plane. In one embodiment, the rollers comprise balls; in another, they comprise cylinders. A plate mounted on the platform defines a comb that slidably meshes with ribs of a conveyer belt that defines one of the moving surfaces. Second rollers are housed in the plate, providing a second object bearing-surface. The platform pivots within a limited and adjustable angle towards and away from one of the moving surfaces, when an object becomes jammed between the platform and the moving surface, and slides perpendicularly to said angle, by a small amount, when the ribs force the comb laterally.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a standard non-knife edge conveyor or power turn into a knife edge conveyor or power turn.