Abstract: A footwear rack and clasp for storing footwear are provided. The clasp comprises a hook, a plurality of coplanar arms downwardly extending from the hook, and at least one tong. The tong is pivotally coupled to a first coplanar arm and extendable across an opening defined by the first coplanar arm and an adjacent second coplanar arm to engage the second coplanar arm. A biasing force exerted by the tong on an article to be hung is increased proportionally as the weight of the article increases. The footwear rack comprises a vertical post supporting a plurality of removeable footwear support arms and a plurality of clasps removably attachable to the arms. Each support arm extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the post. Each support arm may comprise a tongue configured to engage a groove defined by a surface of the post.

Abstract: Support unit for a conveyor of objects comprising a plurality of support bodies reciprocally pivoted with respect to each other to define a closed ring and suitable to slide in a guide of the conveyor along a closed path, said support bodies each being provided with at least a flat plate and with at least an anchoring base solidly associated to the plate and suitable to support sliding means suitable to slide on the guide. Each plate is provided with opposite pivoting ends configured to pivot, by means of pivoting means, with respective pivoting ends of an adjacent plate which follows and respectively which precedes so as to define the reciprocal connection between the support bodies. Each plate is made of an elastically flexible material at least with respect to its thickness, to adapt to curves defined by the guide.

Abstract: Items of laundry (10) are fed, in laundries, to a laundry-treatment device with adjacent corners (25) of an upper edge (39) hanging beneath two clip carriages (22). It is customary for the items of laundry (10) to be stored in a sorted state on an interim basis upstream of the laundry-treatment device. The invention provides for adjacent clip carriages (22) of successive items of laundry (10) to be assigned in pairs to drivers (28) of a catch conveyor (26). The invention also provides for the sagging of the upper edge (39), and the lowermost location (40) of the lower edge (42), of the item of laundry (10) to be determined by a line-measuring device (26), in order for the item of laundry (10) to be identified in this way.

Abstract: A guiding apparatus includes a hanger line that continuously conveys hangers that are suspended from the hanger line at predetermined intervals and a guide unit installed in the line and driven in synchronization with the line while holding at least one of the objects, thereby maintaining the attitude of the object and guiding the attitude maintained object along the line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting objects along a closed transport track, comprising, as the transport track, two tubular or rod-shaped guide rails (12, 14), which are arranged parallel to and substantially vertically on top of each other. At least one transport module (10) is connected to each guide rail (12, 14) via at least one support roll pair (46, 48), wherein the rolls of each support roll pair (46, 48) can be rotated about roll axes (a) which are substantially perpendicular to a guide rail axis (x) and include an angle of less than 180° and the rolls are seated against one of the guide rails (12, 14) in a detent position. The device is equipped with a drive means which is arranged so as to rotate substantially parallel to the guide rails (12, 14) and which can be connected to the at least one transport module (10).

Abstract: Apparatus for filling packages of the collapsible type, having a first station and a second station, a transport unit for intermittent transport of the packages from the first station to the second station along a transport direction (P) which extends between the first station and the second station, the transport unit being designed to transport the packages in a hanging position, and a swing-inhibiting unit which is designed to engage with the packages in order to counteract a swinging movement of the hanging packages during said transport, the swing-inhibiting unit being movable along the transport direction (P) while the transport unit transports the packages. The swing-inhibiting unit is arranged separately from the tranport unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastener assembly (1) for attaching a carrier (2) to a conveyor chain (3). The fastener assembly (1) comprises a first and a second link plate (4, 5), connected by means of link pins (9) such that they define between them an interspace (6). The first link plate (4) has an outer side (8). The fastener assembly (1) further comprises a fastener (10) for a carrier (2), which fastener (10) is attached to the first link plate (4) at the outer side (8) thereof by means of a retainer (11), which retainer (11) at least partially encompasses the first link plate (4) and extends into the interspace (6). The present invention also relates to a carrier (2) for use with the fastener assembly (1), a conveyor chain (3) comprising at least one fastener assembly (1) and a method for modifying a conveyor chain (3).

Abstract: Construction element for a device for forward feeding of product carriers (16), which construction element comprises a first beam section (14) presenting a main rail (15) intended to carry product carriers (16) movably resting on said main rail (15), a second beam section presenting a console intended to carry an endless belt (1) or chain, which is intended to contribute to the forward feeding of said product carrier (16), and guiding means (19) running along said main rail (15) intended to retain product carriers (16) on the main rail (15), and also a device for forward feeding of product carriers including such a construction element.

Abstract: A slip tube system is configured to transport a load along a conveying path of an overhead conveyor system. A stationary frame has at least one rotating shaft with a shaft axis extending along the conveying path of the stationary frame, and a movable carriage configured to transport a load along the conveying path. A slip tube is placed on at least one of the least one rotating drive shafts and each slip tube has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of a respective drive shaft, and is in rotational sliding engagement therewith. At least one driven wheel is attached to the carriage to engage with an exterior of the slip tube surrounding the at least one rotating drive shaft to push the slip tube into driving engagement with the rotating shaft, and to rotate the slip tube therewith.

Abstract: A production apparatus includes a generally overhead track, a vertically adjustable link assembly supported from the track by one or more trolleys, a substantially horizontally oriented build beam attached to the link assembly opposite the track, a set of first and second cross beams extending from opposite sides of the build beam, and a set of third and fourth cross beams extending from opposite sides of the build beam. A set of first and second connectors are attached to the set of first and second cross beams, respectively, and are configured for attachment to a workpiece. A set of third and fourth connectors are attached to the set of third and fourth cross beams, respectively, and are configured for attachment to a workpiece. The first, second, third and fourth cross beams are each generally perpendicular to the build beam.

Abstract: A transporting device, for conveying goods over a conveying route, includes a transporting belt and at least one rope-like traction element for exerting a traction force upon the transporting belt. The transporting belt follows the traction element, at least along a transporting section of the conveying route, and is in communication there with the traction element through a coupling. The coupling has at least one spring element which, in the aforementioned transporting section, encompasses the traction element, with spring effect, for the creation of a force coupling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transporting coat hangers employing a conveyor screw capable of being driven about its longitudinal axis by a driving system. The conveyor screw is adapted to convey, in a direction of transport, hook coat hangers to be transported. The driving system is coupled to the front end of the conveyor screw, as regarded in the direction of transport.

Abstract: A hanger for an overhead conveyor system has a member including spaced-apart-shaped portions generally along a first axis a distance that is generally equal to a distance between adjacent load pins of a conveyor chain or a whole number multiple of the distance between adjacent load pins of the conveyor chain. The member further has an angled portion disposed between the hook-shaped portions along a line that is generally parallel to the first axis and along a second axis that is generally perpendicular to the first axis. The member further includes a first arm interconnecting the first hook-shaped portion and the angled portion and a second arm interconnecting the second hook-shaped portion and the angled portion.

Abstract: A method for transporting dead animals to a disposal site using a conveyor having at least one carrier that operates by placing the dead animals in the carrier, transporting the carrier towards a disposal site by the conveyor, and emptying the carrier at the disposal site.

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 conveyor for and method of transporting workpieces along a path having a straight portion and a curved portion are provided. Workpieces during certain operations must be maintained a minimum distance apart during transportion. The workpieces, on the curved portion of the conveyor path, are moved outside the conveyor path to enable them to travel greater distances and maintain a minimum spacing without the necessity of spacing them an extra distance apart on the straight portions of the conveyor path. This enables a larger number of workpieces to be handled on a given conveyor or enables a shorter conveyor to be employed for a given number of workpieces.

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 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: An enclosed track conveyor chain assembly and method of construction includes a plurality of guide link assemblies and load link assemblies connected to form a conveyor chain assembly. Each load link assembly includes a pair of side walls and forward and rearward ends defining an opening. A pair of wheel assemblies supports the load link on the horizontal surfaces of the track. A guide link member is inserted into the opening of adjacent load links. Distal ends of the guide links are connected via a fastener to thereby connect adjacent load link members to form the enclosed track chain. Each guide link member includes a plurality of flat areas on the distal ends of the arms to provide a connecting surface. A fastener is inserted through openings in the distal ends to secure the guide link members together. Preferably, the connection between guide link members is pivotal to allow pivoting action of the guide link.

Abstract: A beam extruded of aluminum alloy for use in cranes and conveyors is formed with a channel having runs that straddle an open bottom and are strengthened by pin receivers formed in C-shapes with material integrally extruded under the runs. An upper region of the channel is formed with upright parallel fins that serve as a mounting element. T-shaped strengthening upper beam elements can be secured to the channel by sliding them between the parallel fins where they are held in place by fasteners. The upright fins also accommodate a variety of mounting arrangements.

Abstract: A conveyor (12) is provided that includes a power mechanism housing (18), a power mechanism (16), a linkage (27), and a connecting bar (10). The power mechanism housing is formed to include a power slot (26). The power mechanism is positioned to lie in the power mechanism housing. The linkage includes a first end coupled to the power mechanism and a second end spaced apart from the first end. One of the linkage and power mechanism is positioned to extend through the power slot. The connecting bar is coupled to the second end of the linkage and configured to support a product at a position wherein the power mechanism is positioned to lie between the power slot formed in the power mechanism housing and the product.

Abstract: A suspension conveyor installation having rollers (4) which are selectively linked to a drive chain (16) by driver elements (13). The driver elements (13) are arranged as link plates on the pins (15) of the drive chain (16) so as to be pivotable with respect to each other about vertical axes perpendicular to the drive chain (16), thereby allowing the driver elements (13) to flex when rounding sharp turns in the suspension conveyor installation. The bottom edge of each driver elements (13) has an oblique lifting ramp 18 at its leading edge, a glider surface (19) adjoining the lifting ramp (18), and a driver recess (20) adjoining the glider surface (19).

Abstract: A continuous conveyor for transporting individual clothes hangers, the conveyor being inclined by an angle with respect to a horizontal axis which is perpendicular to the transport direction, and having a driven circulating chain. The chain has triangular pushers projecting from the chain and serving to transport the hanger hooks. The chain is guided in a bipartite frame which engages and defines the entire run of the chain. Such a design makes possible a limited structural height so that even hangers that have only a short hook can be conveyed.

Abstract: A newsprint conveyor assembly comprising a carrier for a transverse rod that transports newsprint; a support for the carrier, including two branches including two primary plate portions that are relatively long and extend endwise longitudinally in parallel relation and are transversely spaced apart, and two secondary plate portions that are relatively short and extend endwise longitudinally in parallel, side-by-side relation, each branch including a relatively sharp bend portion interconnecting one of the relatively long plate portions with one of the relatively short plate portions, and there being connector structure interconnecting the branches at the relatively short plate portions; the primary plate portions defining primary bearing openings and the secondary plates defining secondary bearing openings; the carrier having a base positioned between the relatively long plate portions and endwise between the relatively sharp bend portions and the primary bearing openings; and at least three endwise spaced ri

Abstract: A food product processing transport system (300) includes an overhead transport rail (302) having first and second runs (356 and 358, 390 and 392), a food product carrier (310) suspended from the rail and defining a vertical plane, a drive mechanism (326) for advancing the carrier along the rail, and a turning arrangement (354, 394) between the first and second runs and changing the relative orientation between the vertical plane defined by the carrier and the direction of advancement of the carrier. The carrier includes a slider block (312) slidable along the rail.

Abstract: A backstop device of a carrier in a trolley conveyor having the carrier riding on a traveling rail in and out of engagement with a travelling chain. The carrier has traveling rollers with backstop rings fixedly and interiorly mounted thereupon. Each of the backstop rings has a multitude of backstop holes on the circumference of the peripheral surface of the backstop rings for engagement with a pawl.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a food product. A series of processing cabinets are each provided with an inlet and an outlet in one of the cabinet side walls adjacent an end wall. The product is carried by a series of individual product carriers, which are capable of turning relative to the rail. The carriers pass through the cabinet inlets, and are turned relative to the rail thereafter so as to pass through the cabinets in a closely packed arrangement. As the carriers approach the opposite end wall of the cabinet, the carriers are again turned so as to exit the cabinet in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cabinet.

Abstract: A cable conveyor for transporting hanging light loads such as garments suspended on hangers, said conveyor comprising a mainly horizontal active flight and a non-active return flight said active flight being supported by a number of carrying rollers and being giuded by leading rollers engaging the active flight from above, the conveyor further comprising a frame upon which the rollers are mounted, said frame being embodied as an extrusion profile in the interior of which at least the active flight as well as the carrying rollers and the leading rollers are accommodated.

Abstract: A device for use with conveyor tracks, comprising a continuous drive element (2), arranges so as to be moved by drive device (30) on a track with steering mechanisms for the drive element and load-carrying elements moving along the track, they being equipped with attachment devices (28) to the driving element in such a manner that they can accompany the same in their movements for the transport of materials. Drive element (2) has the shape of a band with corrugations, between which are constructed transverse grooves. The material in the drive element is hard and resilient and is preferably composed of a stiff plastic material and is dimensioned in such a way that the corrugations and hence the grooves in general retain their shape during the intended drive resistance and the intended load under the effect of the pointwise applying driving elements (30).

Abstract: A universal joint-link chain comprising a plurality of chain links, one end of each chain link being provided with a hinge body and the opposite end with a hinge socket, the hinge socket of one chain link receiving the hinge body of the neighboring chain link. Each hinge socket and each hinge body is formed as an equatorial spherical segment, and a respective shaft mounts each hinge body. Travelling wheels are provided at opposed ends of the shaft. There is also provided a substantially C-shaped guide channel which is downwardly open, has spaced apart confronting flanges and a rear channel wall oppositely spaced from said flanges. A guide wheel is arranged at the region of the travelling wheels, said guide wheel having an axis extending essentially perpendicular to a related connection element and through the center of the associated spherical segment. The confronting flanges both guide thereon the travelling wheels and therebetween the guide wheels.

Abstract: An automated cooker for sandwiches and the like. The automated cooker includes a pair of heating elements spaced one from the other so as to provide passage therebetween. A motor drives a conveyor which carries a plurality of individual sandwich holders through the passage between the heating elements. Each sandwich holder consists of a handle which can be attached to the conveyor and a top portion which encloses the sandwich to be cooked. A bar is placed below the heating elements and extends along the length of the cooker. The bar is used to trigger a switch which activates the heating elements and which turns on a motor that drives the conveyor. The bar may be activated by the handle of any sandwich holder placed on the conveyor. The bar is deactivated so as to turn off the heating elements and the motor which drives the conveyor when the handle of the last sandwich holder reaches a notch placed in the end of the bar.

Abstract: An improved chain bracket, and especially a trolley bracket, for use with overhead conveyor chains and a method for making same which provides an economical bracket having increased chain support strength. The bracket is stamped from sheet metal and includes a chain pad extending transversely across the bracket for engaging and supporting one link of a conveyor chain when mounted on the bracket. A reinforcing portion formed in one piece with and bent from the bracket sheet metal resists and substantially prevents bending of the chain pad under load. The method includes stamping the peripheral outline of the bracket from sheet metal, and bending the chain pad and reinforcing portion integrally and in one piece from the bracket sheet metal.

Abstract: An improved chain bracket, and especially a trolley bracket assembly for use with conveyor chains in overhead conveyor systems. The bracket and assembly parts are economically stamped from sheet metal and include strengthened, reinforced chain link supports or pads which resist bending and wear when under load. In one embodiment, the chain pads extend from one of either the chain bracket or a separate bracket attachment while the reinforcing member extends from the other of the chain bracket or bracket attachment. In another embodiment, the reinforcing portion extends generally in a plane perpendicular to both the chain pad and to the planar bracket portion from which the pad is formed. In this latter case, the reinforcing member may be either integral and in one piece with the chain bracket and pad or extend separately from the bracket attachment.

Abstract: A power and free conveyor system comprising a power track along which carriers are moved by a power conveyor. Each carrier comprises a plurality of substantially identical trolley bodies which are interconnected to one another. Each trolley body includes forwardly and rearwardly directed cantilever portions having open-ended vertical slots therein and guide wheel assemblies having axles disposed vertically in said slots.

Abstract: An improved chain bracket, and especially a trolley bracket assembly for use with conveyor chains in overhead conveyor systems. The bracket and assembly parts are economically stamped from sheet metal and include strengthened, reinforced chain link supports or pads which resist bending and wear when under load. In one embodiment, the chain pads extend from one of either the chain bracket or a separate bracket attachment while the reinforcing member extends from the other of the chain bracket or bracket attachment. In another embodiment, the reinforcing portion extends generally in a plane perpendicular to both the chain pad and to the planar bracket portion from which the pad is formed. In this latter case, the reinforcing member may be either integral and in one piece with the chain bracket and pad or extend separately from the bracket attachment.

Abstract: A trolley conveyor comprising a hollow guide rail within which an endless conveyor chain is centrally supported by guide rollers. A plurality of spaced U-shaped hangers supported by said chain extend through a longitudinal opening in one side of the guide rail spaced above the bottom of the rail. The lower side of the guide rail below the opening is inclined outwardly and serves to contain foreign matter present within the guide rail as well as to catch matter falling from above. The hangers each include a projection adjacent the longitudinal opening which serves to prevent the splashing of foreign matter from the interior of the guide rail out through the opening.

Abstract: A power and free conveyor utilizing a drive chain and a load supporting track, both disposed in the same lineal direction with a magnetic pick up on the drive chain with pivotally mounted magnets which cooperate with an angled magnetic ramp on the load carrier such that motion of the magnets on the ramp effect a relatively noiseless contact therewith and a gradual acceleration of the load up to the chain velocity.

Abstract: Equipment for the handling and manipulation of articles, especially printed products arriving in a fishscale or imbricated formation, comprising a multiplicity of clamps for engaging said products, each of said clamps comprising clamp jaws forming a clamp gap when the clamp is closed, the clamp jaws being movable in the extension of the clamp gap away from one another into their open position and towards one another into their closed position.