Abstract: A conveyor belt having multiple roller sets, each roller set including a first roller and a second roller, the first roller being movable into contact with the second roller so that driving of one of the rollers in a first angular direction causes rotation of the other roller in a second, opposite angular direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for recirculating articles on a belt conveyor. An article-recirculation path is formed in a pair of parallel conveyor belts running continuously in opposite directions. Article-supporting rollers in each belt rotate to transfer articles from one belt to the other in a transfer region at each end of the conveyor to form an endless recirculation path.

Abstract: A series of rows of belt modules wherein a first one of the rows may have a plurality of hinge elements along an end of the first row. A second one of the rows may have a plurality of hinge elements along an end of the second row. The plurality of hinge elements of the first row may be interleaved with the plurality of hinge elements of the second row. A pivot rod may extend through the plurality of hinge elements of both the first row and the second row so as to pivotally join the first row to the second row. A sphere may be supported from a first module of the first row and supported from a second module of the first row, so that the sphere resides between the first module and the second module and so that the sphere extends above the modules in order to allow an object, which is to be conveyed by the conveyor belt, to be supported on the sphere. The modules may be moved in a belt travel direction in order to convey the object from a first location to a second location.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of conveyor belt rollers configured to divert articles on the conveyor belt, and a drive mechanism that engages the conveyor belt rollers, the drive mechanism being configured to drive the conveyor belt rollers, the drive mechanism being adjustable such that the conveyor belt rollers can be selectively driven in a first angular direction and, optionally, a second, opposite angular direction so that articles can be selectively diverted to either side of the conveyor belt at a desired diverting angle. One version of the drive mechanism has drive rollers mounted in cartridges and rack gears engaging pinion gears on the cartridges to adjust the orientation of the drive rollers relative to the belt rollers to drive them in selectively opposite angular directions.

Abstract: A module for a modular conveyor mat, comprising a sheet metal body part (2) bent-over, in cross section, into a substantially inversed U-shape, wherein the connecting part of the U forms a conveying face and wherein the legs of the U form side faces (6, 7) located adjacent longitudinal edges of the conveying face, extending downwards relative to the conveying face, which side faces are provided adjacent the front and rear side (8, 9) of the body part (2) with openings (10) for receiving hinge pins (22) therethrough.

Abstract: A separation conveyor using a roller belt whose rollers are already rotating before receiving an article to provide immediate pull-away from an infeed conveyor. The rollers of a roller belt extend through the thickness of the belt and into contact with a bearing surface in a reversing segment of a belt path between the returnway and the carryway of the separation conveyor. The rollers are already rotating on the bearing surface in the reversing segment at the infeed end before they contact articles to avoid delays in pulling articles away from the infeed conveyor and onto the separation conveyor.

Abstract: A conveying device (100) according to the invention includes several conveying bodies (102), which roll on a guidance (101) via several rolls (3), wherein the rolls (3) are connected and mutually distanced by means of a flexible connecting body (9). The conveying bodies (102) include means (103; 104, 105) for mutual support, which prevent a movement of the conveying bodies (102) out of the guidance (101). A connecting body (9) and allocated rolls (3) form a roll body (2), wherein the roll body (2), on average, includes two or less than two rolls (3) per conveying body (102). A roll body (2) for a conveying device (100) includes a plurality of rolls (3) mutually connected in a linear manner, wherein the rolls (3) are mutually connected and distanced by means of a flexible and in particular also elastic connecting body (9). In a preferred embodiment, the connecting body (9) may be bent in at least two directions.

Abstract: A conveyor having selectively actuated rollers whose only external contact is with conveyed articles and a method for rotating such rollers. In one version, the rollers are driven by motors that are selectively energized by a wireless signal or a sensed conveyor position. In another version, the rollers are geared to a drive wheel that engages a bearing surface underlying the conveyor along the conveying path. The rollers are selectively actuated to push conveyed articles along the conveyor as it advances.

Abstract: A conveyor, a conveyor belt used in the conveyor, and a belt module used to construct the conveyor belt, in which the module includes belt rollers that extend outward of a conveyor surface of the modules to support conveyed articles. The belt rollers are mounted in cavities in the modules that open onto the conveying surface and a recessed surface recessed inward of an outermost surface opposite the conveying surface through the thickness of the modules. Bearing surfaces, such as the peripheries of conveyor rollers underlying the conveyor belt along a carryway run, extend into the conveyor belt past the outer surface to contact the belt rollers. As the belt advances, the belt rollers rotate on the bearing surfaces to push conveyed articles along or across the belt.

Abstract: A split-level singulator for arranging and conveying articles in a single file. The singulator comprises a central conveyor and two flanking conveyors advancing in a conveying direction. Rollers in the conveyors protrude through the thickness of the conveyors and ride on underlying supporting bearing surfaces that cause the rollers to rotate as the conveyors advance in the conveying direction. The rollers in the central conveyor rotate in the conveying direction. The rollers in the flanking conveyors rotate in directions oblique to the conveying direction to direct articles conveyed atop the rollers downstream and toward the central conveyor. The tops of the rollers of the central conveyor are vertically offset above or below the tops of the flanking oblique rollers.

Abstract: A conveyor belt and a method for providing a conveyor belt with rollers that rotate on axes oblique to the direction of belt travel. Axles are mounted on rods extending perpendicular to direction of belt travel. The axles have cylindrical outer bearing surfaces that define a central axis that is oblique to the direction of belt travel when mounted on the rods. Rollers mounted on the axles rotate on the outer bearing surfaces in a direction oblique to the direction of belt travel.

Abstract: A conveyor belt including a plurality of rollers that serve as tensile members for the conveyor belt. In some embodiments, the rollers include roller members that rotate about longitudinal shafts, wherein the roller shafts receive and transmit tensile forces along a longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt. In some embodiments, nothing exists between adjacent roller members across a width of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A sorting switch for diverting articles from one or more infeed conveyors to two or more outfeed conveyors. A cannulae pre-alignment conveyor receives articles from one or more infeed conveyors and selectively diverts individual articles into two or more lateral regions for delivery to an alignment conveyor downstream. The alignment conveyor more precisely aligns the articles within each of the regions for delivery to outfeed conveyors at the downstream end of the alignment conveyor. The alignment and pre-alignment conveyors are realized as belt conveyors with rollers arranged to rotate universally or on axes in specific orientations. In some versions, a belt's rollers roll on bearing surfaces whenever the belt is advancing. In other versions, rollers are selective actuated by moving bearing surfaces. In yet other versions, rollers are not contacted by bearing surfaces at all.

Abstract: A rolling conveying device including guide rails 6, 6?, 5? in which, respectively, at least one rolling body 1, 1?, 8 with a plurality of freely rotatable rollers 2 is arranged in operational interaction with a plurality of conveying bodies 10 which are freely displaceable between the rollers of the rolling body. The rolling body or bodies form tracks closed in themselves, they are not, however, chains because they are neither pulled nor pushed. Solely the conveying bodies are displaced, respectively, driven between the rolling bodies.

Abstract: The transport device especially for transporting flat substrates through a coating installation comprises a plurality of transporting rolls, which are arranged transversely in relation to the transporting direction, and supporting rolls are also provided.

Abstract: A merge conveyor comprising a timing conveyor feeding a singulating conveyor characterized by a transverse-roller conveyor belt having rollers with a high-friction peripheral surface. The timing conveyor delivers articles to the singulating conveyor one article at a time at precise intervals. The rollers in the transverse-roller belt rotate freely transverse to the conveying direction. A plow guides the timed articles received on the singulating belt into a single file. The high-friction rollers inhibit the rollers from sliding along the rollers in the conveying direction to maintain the precise timing established by the timing conveyor.

Abstract: In the conveying device (1) with pusher elements (2) every one of the pusher elements (2), respectively, comprises at least one roller element (3) and at least one spacer body (4), wherein the at least one spacer body (4) is designed for keeping pusher elements (2), which follow one another in the conveying device, at a distance from one another. In doing so, successive pusher elements (2) in conveying direction extend from a first end to a second end, and the pusher elements (2) in the zone of the first end are movably supported relative to a conveying track (7) by the at least one roller element (3). The pusher elements (2) in the zone of the second end are supported on an adjacent pusher element (2), and successive pusher elements (2) are loadable relative to one another only under compression, but not, however, under tension.

Abstract: A product orienting apparatus for orienting a product according to the present invention comprises a table comprising a rotatable device. The table has a table surface comprising at least a first surface area being provided by the rotatable device. The device is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the table surface. The table also has an array of substantially identical spherical rollers, each spherical roller being suitable for contacting the product at a first contacting point of the spherical roller and for contacting the table surface with a second contacting point of the spherical roller. The array of spherical rollers comprises a first group of spherical rollers contacting the surface area of the device with their second contacting point thereby enabling to convert a rotation of the device into rotation of a product contacting the spherical rollers of the first group of spherical rollers. The table furthermore has a plate having an aperture encompassing the rotatable device.

Abstract: A conveyor support plate includes an upper transport surface configured to receive objects arranged for travel on a conveyor system and a lower surface arranged opposite the upper transport surface. A pair of transversely extending walls and a pair of side walls connect the upper transport surface and the lower surface. A plurality of cavities are formed in the lower surface between the pair of transversely extending walls and the pair of side walls that terminate below the upper transport surface. The cavities are configured to receive a roller that extends through the lower surface to support the support plate during travel on the convey system.

Abstract: A thermoplastic endless belt (100) has a smooth outer surface substantially free of discontinuities and an inner surface with a plurality of teeth (106) at a given belt pitch. The teeth are adapted to engage a pulley (102) with circumferentially spaced sheaves (104) at a pulley pitch greater than the belt pitch. The belt is slightly stretchable so that the pulley can drive the endless belt when engaging the teeth within a range of load on the belt. Means (132, 136, 138) are provided to minimize friction between the belt and the drive pulley. Also, a position limiter (200) ensures that the driven tooth stays engaged optimally with the drive sheave.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conveying a stack (22) of paper products by the use of rollers (50, 150, 250 or 350) that include lobed outer surfaces for contacting the stack of paper.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt and method provides a conveyor belt having rollers with metallic or magnetic rotors. A magnet or metallic element next to the conveyor belt is positioned to rotate the rotor. A magnetic field produced by the magnet or by the magnetic rotor rotates the rollers as they pass the magnetic field or as the magnetic field is changed. In one embodiment, the magnetic field is in the form of one or more switched reluctance motors.

Abstract: A roller element (10) is provided which has a central body (1) and a roller unit (2). The roller unit (2) is mounted so as to circulate on a non-circular race (21) about the central body (1) and so as to be mobile with respect to the central body (1) by the rolling movement of the rollers (3) of the roller unit (2) on the central body (1). The rollers (3) are configured as balls or substantially cylindrical elements. A peripheral surface of the rollers (3), for a substantial part, is shaped as a rolling surface that corresponds to the central body (1) and for rolling off on the central body (1). The elements of the roller unit (2) have play in relation to one another and/or the roller unit has play regarding its mobility in relation to the central body (1).

Abstract: A belt conveyor having clutch-driven flights for extremely low-torque operation. The flights have pivot members that rotate about an axis over a limited range of angles. A clutch mechanism includes a spring pushing a clutch wheel against a pivot member. The clutch wheel is arranged to rotate as the conveyor belt advances. Frictional contact between the rotating wheel and the pivot member imparts a moment on the flight to raise it to an extended position. When the flight is encumbered even by a light load, the low-torque mechanism automatically slips to prevent the flight from rising to the extended position.

Abstract: A spacing conveyor having article-accelerating rollers and selectively retractable stops to control the gaps between consecutive conveyed packages. A sensor measures the length of a package being fed onto the spacing conveyor. A controller selectively actuates one or more actuators positioned along the length of the conveyor to move selected stops advancing with the conveyor from a retracted position to a blocking position to receive packages a variety of sizes and to control the gaps between consecutive packages.

Abstract: A conveyor includes a conveyor belt, a plurality of rollers, and a flight. The rollers have lower surfaces configured to engage a roller-engagement surface, and upper surfaces that substantially form a plane, such that the rollers engage the roller-engagement surface and rotate to move an object supported by the rollers over the plane. The flight includes a cam configured to engage a cam surface below the conveyor belt to impart a moment on the flight, and a projection that responds to the moment by rotating from a retracted position to an extended position.

Abstract: An accumulation-and-release conveyor using a roller belt with rollers arranged to rotate in the direction of belt travel. The rollers extend through the thickness of the belt. A movable stop is positioned along the carryway just downstream of a bearing surface that is movable into and out of contact with the rollers. When the bearing surface is out of contact with the rollers, they are freely rotatable; when the bearing surface contacts the rollers, they roll on the bearing surface to propel articles in the direction of belt travel. The stop is selectively moved between a blocking position preventing articles from passing and accumulating them with low back line pressure on the freely rotatable rollers and a release position allowing articles to pass to the accumulation zone where they are propelled forward and separated from each other by the rotation of the rollers rolling on the bearing surface.

Abstract: A link of a conveyor chain, connectable to similar links comprising a main base body with two shoulders, which protrude upward from the ends of the transverse sides of the main base body and are parallel to the direction of advancement of the chain. Ends of a pair of first and second shafts are associated with the pair of shoulders, first rollers being rotatably associated with the shafts. Second rollers are associated on the pair of first and second shafts, have a smaller diameter than the first rollers, and are supported in a loading condition by first supporting elements, activatable under load and protruding from the main base body. The link further comprises a slider, supported by at least one pair of second supporting elements, protruding from the main base body and has free ends supported on the base body.

Abstract: A conveyor and methods for turning cases. The conveyor includes a pair of side-by-side belts running preferably at different speeds. The different belt speeds cause the leading edge of a package straddling both belts to move toward the slower belt. The two belts include transverse rollers that can be selectively actuated in a series of actuation zones along the conveyor to push packages conveyed atop them to the right or to the left. A controller controls the actuation of the belt rollers in each zone sequentially so that the belt rollers supporting the leading edge of the package push it towards the slower belt and the belt rollers supporting the trailing edge of the package push it towards the faster belt to accelerate the turning of the package as the belts advance.

Abstract: A roller chain for a linear guideway comprises: a plurality of spacers each having two retaining portions and two links, each retaining portion is a hollow structure for holding the rollers. The retaining portions are formed at both sides of the rollers, one side of each of the retaining portions is opposite to the rollers, and another side doesn't contact any component, so that each two neighboring rollers are separated from each other completely. Each link is an elongated structure located at both ends of the rollers and employed to connect the spacers together. Hence, the impact energy caused when the spacer is impacted by the rollers will be converted into elastic energy, which prevents the indirect impact of two neighboring rollers caused by the spacer therebetween, thus effectively absorbing the impact force while substantially reducing the impact-caused noise.

Abstract: A split-level singulator for arranging and conveying articles in a single file. The singulator comprises a central conveyor and two flanking conveyors advancing in a conveying direction. Rollers in the conveyors protrude through the thickness of the conveyors and ride on underlying supporting bearing surfaces that cause the rollers to rotate as the conveyors advance in the conveying direction. The rollers in the central conveyor rotate in the conveying direction. The rollers in the flanking conveyors rotate in directions oblique to the conveying direction to direct articles conveyed atop the rollers downstream and toward the central conveyor. The tops of the rollers of the central conveyor are vertically offset above or below the tops of the flanking oblique rollers.

Abstract: A conveyor belt and a method for providing a conveyor belt with rollers that rotate on axes oblique to the direction of belt travel. Axles are mounted on rods extending perpendicular to direction of belt travel. The axles have cylindrical outer bearing surfaces that define a central axis that is oblique to the direction of belt travel when mounted on the rods. Rollers mounted on the axles rotate on the outer bearing surfaces in a direction oblique to the direction of belt travel.

Abstract: A roller element (10) has a central body (1) and a roller unit (2). The roller unit (2) is mounted so as to circulate on a non-circular race (21) about the central body (1) and so as to be mobile with respect to the central body (1) by the rolling movement of the rollers (3) of the roller unit (2) on the central body (1). The rollers (3) are provided on the exterior of the roller unit (2) for rolling off on a rigid counter body (5). The roller element (10) is provided with a drive means (6) which engages with the roller unit (2) and drives the same in relation to the central body (1). The roller unit (2) is directly driven by engagement of the drive (6) between the rollers (3) and is pulled or pushed on the race (21) about the central body (1).

Abstract: A conveyor using a roller belt with rollers arranged to rotate on oblique axes to urge articles toward a side guide. The conveyor includes an oblique-roller belt supported on a carryway for running in a direction of belt travel. Rollers extend above an outer conveying surface of the belt without contact with the carryway. Each roller rotates on an axis oblique to the direction of belt travel and intersects the side guide downstream of the roller's position. A retractable stop is movable to and from a blocking position along the carryway. In the blocking position, the stop blocks the conveyed articles from advancing in the direction of belt travel. The rollers underlying the blocked articles rotate as the belt runs by contact with the articles. The rotating rollers provide a component of force to the blocked articles directed toward the side guide to push the articles against the side guide or other articles as they accumulate under low pressure upstream of the stop.

Abstract: A radius chain conveyor structure and method for traveling along curved paths in both left and right directions and having the capability to carry very small and delicate articles.

Abstract: Conveyors and methods for operating conveyors to accelerate laterally adjacent conveyed articles over different distances. The conveyors provide a conveying surface atop rollers in a conveyor belt. The belt rollers ride on a bearing surface underlying the belt on a carryway. As the belt advances, the rollers riding on the bearing surface rotate in a direction of rotation to accelerate conveyed articles along the belt in the direction of rotation. The bearing surface is shaped so that its length in the direction of belt travel varies across the width of the conveyor.

Abstract: Modular belt module of the type having a width, and a length, where the width and length defines a plane, and a thickness orthogonal to said plane, such that the basic module is limited by two longitudinal sides, and a front and rear side, where the module along front and rear sides is provided with eye parts, spaced by openings, such that an eye part on one edge fits inside an opening between two eye parts on an adjacent module, whereby apertures provided in the eye parts parallel to the front and rear sides overlap and may accommodate a hinge pin, characterised in that adjacent and parallel to the two longitudinal sides, upstanding flanges are provided, where each flange is provided with means for accommodating an axle, arranged parallel to the front and rear sides.

Abstract: A series of rows of belt modules wherein a first one of the rows may have a plurality of hinge elements along an end of the first row. A second one of the rows may have a plurality of hinge elements along an end of the second row. The plurality of hinge elements of the first row may be interleaved with the plurality of hinge elements of the second row. A pivot rod may extend through the plurality of hinge elements of both the first row and the second row so as to pivotally join the first row to the second row. A sphere may be supported from a first module of the first row and supported from a second module of the first row, so that the sphere resides between the first module and the second module and so that the sphere extends above the modules in order to allow an object, which is to be conveyed by the conveyor belt, to be supported on the sphere. The modules may be moved in a belt travel direction in order to convey the object from a first location to a second location.

Abstract: Conveyors and methods for operating conveyors to accelerate laterally adjacent conveyed articles over different distances. The conveyors provide a conveying surface atop rollers in a conveyor belt. The belt rollers ride on a bearing surface underlying the belt on a carryway. As the belt advances, the rollers riding on the bearing surface rotate in a direction of rotation to accelerate conveyed articles along the belt in the direction of rotation. The bearing surface is shaped so that its length in the direction of belt travel varies across the width of the conveyor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor belt includes multiple roller sets, each roller set including a first roller and a second roller, the first and second rollers being placed in contact with each other such that driving of one of the rollers in a first angular direction causes rotation of the other roller in a second, opposite angular direction.

Abstract: A link of a conveyor chain is connectable to a similar and adjacent link and has a main base body with two shoulders, protruding upward from ends of transverse sides of the main base body. Ends of a pair of first and second shafts are associated with the pair of shoulders and first rollers are rotatably associated with the shafts. Second rollers are associated on the pair of first and second shafts and are supported in a loaded condition by at least one pair of first supporting elements, activatable when a load passes. A third shaft, with which third rollers are associated rotatably, is further provided that is supported by at least one pair of second supporting elements, the ends of the third shaft being free.

Abstract: A conveyor (20) comprising at least one belt (22) defining an outer conveying surface divided into at least two laterally offset regions in which the rollers (50) in one region rotate in a first direction and the rollers (51) in a second region rotate in a second direction as the conveyor belt (22) advances in a conveying direction. The rollers (50, 51) rotate by rolling along roller-engagement surfaces (54) underlying the conveyor belt along a carryway. The rollers rotating in the first direction rotate with a velocity component in the conveying direction (32) different from the velocity component in the conveying direction of the rollers rotating in the second direction. An article positioned simultaneously atop rollers in both regions is rotated by the rotation of the rollers as the conveyor belt advances.

Abstract: A conveyor chain comprising a number of chain links mutually connected in the chain longitudinal direction, each chain link having a plurality of hinge parts comprising laterally-spaced hinge parts in the form of finger members protruding in laterally-spaced relation from a front edge and a rear edge as an integrally molded unit; and a ball unit holding a ball which is free to be rotated while being exposed to both sides of the chain link, the ball unit being detachably installed in a U-shaped mounting region open at one end between the hinge parts and closed at the other end. The finger members of each link are interdigitated with the finger members of the adjacent links, and are retained by a hinge pin. Removal of the ball unit is facilitated by a tool-inserting slot at the other end of the U-shaped region.

Abstract: A conveyor support plate includes an upper transport surface configured to receive objects arranged for travel on a conveyor system and a lower surface arranged opposite the upper transport surface. A pair of transversely extending walls and a pair of side walls connect the upper transport surface and the lower surface. A plurality of cavities are formed in the lower surface between the pair of transversely extending walls and the pair of side walls that terminate below the upper transport surface. The cavities are configured to receive a roller that extends through the lower surface to support the support plate during travel on the convey system.

Abstract: A sprocket assembly for a roller conveyor comprising a hub and a sprocket plate, the hub having a central cylindrical bore for fitting onto a round shaft of a roller, the hub having provisions for rotationally and axially locking it on a shaft in a manner adequate to transmit torque to the shaft and rotationally drive the roller, the sprocket plate having peripheral teeth adapted to be interengaged with a drive chain and a central bore capable of receiving the shaft, the sprocket plate and hub being constructed and arranged to be removably joined together with the centers of their respective bores coincident, said hub and sprocket plate having complementarily shaped radially extending abutting surfaces enabling the sprocket plate to develop torque on the hub by compressive forces developed by the radially extending sprocket plate surfaces against the radially extending hub surfaces.

Abstract: A multi-piece stargear assembly comprising a hub, a pair of arcuate toothed segments, and a lock ring, the hub having an internal bore, a keyway in the bore, and an external radially extending flange adjacent one end, the ring being configured to fit on an end of the hub opposite said one end, said segments being arranged around said hub, said flange and segments having mutually interlocking surfaces that enable the flange to resist axial and radial movement on said hub of said segments adjacent said flange, said ring and segments having mutually interlocking surfaces that enable the ring to resist axial and radial movement on said hub of said segments adjacent said ring.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a media transportation apparatus that is comprised a conveying and supporting sections. The conveying section is comprised of a motor and a first timing belt, wherein operation of the motor causes the first timing belt to travel in a first direction. The supporting section is comprised of rollers configured to roll in the same first direction. The first timing belt has a belt surface and the rollers have a rolling surface, such that the belt surface and the rolling surface are substantially coplanar with respect to one another. The apparatus receives media of any size from an imager that is operating at a first speed, transport the media with a transporter operating at a second speed, and deliver the media to a processor operating at a third speed. The first speed, second speed, and third speed, need not be the same speed.

Abstract: A modular roller-top conveyor belt with a dense array of rollers freely rotatable toward the sides of the belt. The rollers are arranged in offset lines and columns in a checkerboard pattern on the top side of the belt. The rollers rotate on axes parallel to the direction of belt travel. The rollers extend in the direction of belt travel over the hinge axes formed between adjacent rows of belt modules.

Abstract: Disclosed are conveyors and methods for making the conveyors. In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises a modular conveyor belt that includes a plurality of mat-top chains having a plurality of cavities and a plurality of first rollers disposed in the cavities of the mat-top chains. The conveyor further includes at least one second roller that operatively couples to the first rollers such that the first rollers rotate as the conveyor belt travels along the second roller. The invention can also be construed as providing the method for conveying objects. The method can comprise the steps of driving a modular conveyor belt in a direction of belt travel; rotating a plurality of first rollers disposed into the modular conveyor belt in a manner in which slippage of the first rollers is reduced; and conveying objects on the modular conveyor belt using the rotating first rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for activating conveyor belt rollers by raising and lowering the conveyor belt. Article-supporting rollers extending through the thickness of the conveyor belt are deactivated when the belt is raised to a position in which the belt rollers do not contact bearing surfaces below the belt. Belt rollers are activated to rotate when the belt is lowered to a position in which the belt rollers ride on the bearing surfaces below the belt and rotate to push articles conveyed atop the belt rollers in the direction of rotation as the belt advances. Linear support surfaces, such as wearstrips, between the bearing surfaces are raised and lowered into and out of supporting contact with the bottom of the belt by selectively inflatable bladders.