Abstract: A conveying system includes a first continuous belt supported horizontally at two ends by a pair of rollers. A plurality of balls are mounted to the belt for rotation. A second conveyor belt is positioned within the space between the rollers defined by the upper and lower portions of the first belt such that the upper surface of the second belt contacts the balls of the first belt. As the two belts are rotated, articles may be conveyed by the first belt and rotation of the balls by the second belt causes the articles to move diagonally over the upper surface of the first belt whereupon they may be justified to one side or the other of the belt.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt, formed of plastic modules having rows of first and second projections extending in opposite directions, is adapted to optionally receive one or more rollers for reducing backline pressure on the belt. The rollers are positioned directly on the connecting rods which extend transversely through the belt, by occupying positions where projections in a row of projections would otherwise occur. A module having one or more of such openings or voids may be a part of a set of component modules, some having voids for receiving rollers and some not having such voids. A belt may be formed of mixtures of said modules, with or without any rollers on the belt. In one preferred embodiment the modules are for a radius type conveyor, with the second projections having elongated, slotted openings to allow the modules to angularly collapse together at curves.

Abstract: An off-loading conveyor having an endless roller chain to which is mounted bow tie rollers on mounting pins extending laterally from the chain. The bow tie rollers define concavities for receipt of product units to be conveyed and off-loaded at an appropriate station. Off-loading elements are mounted about axes perpendicular to and on the chains and include downwardly inclined portions extending to between the bow tie rollers and arms which cooperate with an actuation system to pivot the downwardly inclined portions through the concavities to remove product at appropriate stations.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for orienting spherical products having at least one substantially flattened surface, such as tomatoes and the like. The apparatus comprises a roller conveyor whose rollers are rotatable about their axis, while the free space between successive rollers is smaller than the greatest diameter of the product to be oriented. The roller conveyor further comprises members projecting above the top surface of the rollers to form conveyor compartments for receiving therein one product to be oriented. According to the invention, the center-to-center distance between successive rollers of the conveyor (1) is at most equal to the diameter of the flattened surface of the product to be sorted.

Abstract: An off-loading conveyor including a support structure mounting an endless chain to extend along a conveying path. Roller carriages including roller mounts and laterally extending elements are pivotally mounted to the chain on either side thereof. The laterally extending elements and the laterally extending rollers define cavities for receipt of conveyed product units. The roller carriages and associated rollers are positionable in a first, conveying position and a second, off-loading position. The roller carriages rotate downwardly about axes extending laterally of the chain to achieve the second, off-loading position. Control members pivotally mounted to the chain selectively control rotation of the roller carriages from the first to the second positions upon actuation by a solenoid cam mechanism.

Abstract: A free-flow conveyor chain having a pin received by a chain element and a supporting roller for supporting an article being transmitted. The chain element is moved along a guide rail and an O-ring, excellent in resiliency, is interposed between the supporting roller and frictional element for preventing the supporting roller from dropping off the pin. The element is press-fitted to an end portion of the pin and engages an O-ring carried by the supporting roller. Thus, a frictional braking torque is applied to the supporting roller.

Abstract: A retracting bridging conveyor is provided to bridge the space between the output edge of a packaging machine sealing head work area structure and a fixed product output conveyor. This bridging conveyor operates to position a plurality of roller rods concurrently in consecutive locations thereby bridging across the particular space while in the horizontal plane of the path of the package/product flow, whereby a motion in the direction of the output conveyor is imparted to a package entered onto it. The invention, when timing and sequencing of operations require, then withdraws the plurality of roller rods below the horizontal plane of the path of the package/product flow.

Abstract: The conveying and off-loading apparatus, used in machines for the automatic selection and distribution of products, comprises a conveyor for transporting individual products from examination stations to discharge stations along a path, including an elongate flexible closed-loop belt and a plurality of rollers distributed on the conveyor. The rollers have axes extending transversely to the longitudinal extension of the conveyor, and adjacent rollers define between one another elongated holders for individual products. Forks rotatably support the rollers on the chain and are adapted to allow small vertical oscillations of the rollers, as the weight of the product and its holder is lifted from the chain and transferred to a level section of the ramp associated with a weighing device at an examination station. The forks are mounted along the chain and oscillate about an axis parallel to the path. The rollers are selectively tiltable for off-loading a product from the conveyor at one of the discharge stations.

Abstract: A chain link for use in a low backline pressure chain. The chain link includes a base portion having top and bottom surfaces, first and second shaft support members extending upardly from the top surface of the base portion, at least one shaft extending between the first and second shaft support members, and a plurality of rollers mounted for rotation on the shaft. The chain link also includes a plurality of eye portions extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the base portion and adapted to receive a chain pin so as to permit the link to flex laterally when mounted in a chain.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically feeding workpieces of limp material one at a time and one after another from a stack thereof to a device for operating thereon, e.g. for feeding plies of fabric from a stack of plies to sewing apparatus, comprising an endless conveyor having spaced flights and gaps. The stack of workpieces is held under an upper reach of the conveyor. A pick-up is operable through the gaps to grasp the top workpiece of the stack and pick it up with the workpiece extending down into the gap for engagement of the bottom surface of the workpiece by the oncoming flight of the conveyor to complete the separation of the workpiece from the stack and to bring it to lie generally flat on the oncoming flight.

Abstract: An endless conveyor for moving material from a first position to a second position comprises a guide which includes a first and second track spaced apart a predetermined distance for defining a path of travel. A plurality of substantially flat surface transport carriers are positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each substantially flat surface transport carrier includes a first end disposed adjacent to a first track and a second end disposed adjacent to a second track. A drive member engages and pushes each individual substantially flat surface transport carrier and imparts movement thereto along the path of travel defined by the guide.

Abstract: A packaging machine of the type having a conveyor formed of pivotally mounted sections includes a mechanism for automating the raising and lowering of the sections. Each section includes a pair of rollers including a first, long roller that extends transversely across the conveyor and which remains in the plane of the conveyor when the section is pivoted upwardly, and either a second roller of short transverse extent or a second roller of intermediate transverse extent that pivots upwardly above the plane of the conveyor when activated. The pivoting action is accomplished by selectively positioning elongate rail members, having a longitudinal extent substantially equal to the length of the conveyor, in the path of travel of connector plates that rigidly depend from opposite ends of each pair of rollers.

Abstract: Known heat treatment apparatus for continuously advanced material, for example for extruded strip to be vulcanized, include an endless transporting element which is in the form of a belt of steel or of coated glass fiber fabric according to the thermal load. Such conveyor belts have an adverse influence on the engaging surface of the extruded strip and cause surfae defects. The invention aims to achieve a largely defect-free end product and it includes a transporting element in which a plurality of rotatably mounted cylindrical rollers are arranged one behind the other between two mutually parallel chains, each roller being rotated by friction forces on at least one stationary strip as the roller is carried along by the chains.

Abstract: An endless conveyor for moving material from a first position to a second position comprises a guide which includes a first and second track spaced apart a predetermined distance for defining a path of travel. A plurality of transport carriers are positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each transport carrier includes a first end disposed within a first track and a second end disposed within a second track. A drive member engages each individual transport carrier and imparts movement thereof along the path of travel defined by the guide.

Abstract: A variable-speed pallet conveyor has a moving body, a plurality of rotary shafts rotatably mounted on the moving body so as to extend horizontally and transversely of the direction of travel, tapered rollers and pallet feed rollers fixedly mounted on the rotary shafts, and rails laid under the path of the tapered rollers to support them. Pallets are supported by the pallet feed rollers. The travel speed of the pallets can be changed by changing the position of the rails along the axis of the tapered rollers. There may be provided rail-missing areas so that the pallets can be stopped in this area.

Abstract: An endless conveyor for moving material from a first position to a second position comprises a guide which includes a first and second track spaced apart a predetermined distance for defining a path of travel. A plurality of transport carriers are positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each transport carrier includes a first end disposed within a first track and a second end disposed within a seocnd track. A drive member engages each individual transport carrier and imparts movement thereof along the path of travel defined by the guide.

Abstract: An acceleration accumulating conveyor chain includes connecting pins with outer link plates disposed at opposite ends thereof, bushings clearance fitted with the connecting pins, each having a larger diameter article carrying roller and a smaller diameter running roller coaxially positioned, and inner link plates clearance fitted with the bushings at both ends thereof. The pins contact the bushings along the whole length of the bushings, whereby the bearing pressure per unit area is low. The clearance fit between the bushings and the inner link plates provides "play" permitting the running rollers to positively roll along a supporting rail. A rotation preventing mechanism can be provided at the engaging structures between the bushings and the inner link plates. By preventing rotation of the bushings relative to the inner link plates, noise caused by rotation of the bushings is eliminated.

Abstract: Off-loading conveyors having endless roller chains to which are mounted bow tie rollers on rods extending laterally from the chain. The bow tie rollers define concavities for receipt of product units to be conveyed and off-loaded at an appropriate station. Off-loading elements are mounted to the chains which include paddles extending to between the bow tie rollers. The off-loading elements include levers which cooperate with an actuation system to pivot the paddles through the concavities to remove product at appropriate stations.

Abstract: A conveyor having a carrying surface formed by rollers (12, 13) which are freely rotatably mounted on bars (5) extending transversely between the links (3, 4) of side chains (1, 2). The chain links (3, 4) are slidable one into another to enable the inside-bend chain (2) to temporarily contract when moving through a bend. The rollers (12) of a plurality thereof are mounted next to each other on each roller-carrying bar (5).

Abstract: A chain link for a low backline pressure chain. A shaft is mounted on the link, and a plurality of rollers are mounted for rotation on the shaft.

Abstract: An improved table top chain link providing a plurality of upstanding ribs on the top surface thereof in order to allow for cooperative engagement with a transfer comb and the in-line transfer of articles to and from the transfer comb to the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A system for loading groups of articles into containers includes an infeed conveyor which groups the articles into subgroups which are then selectively reoriented by a turntable-type orienting device. The oriented subgroups are then conveyed to a transfer area where they are accumulated into elements of a predetermined pattern of articles. A pusher sequentially pushes the pattern elements onto the lower reach of a window conveyor disposed at a loading station. A container conveyor runs beneath the window conveyor to deliver an empty container to the loading station, a lifter assembly then raising the empty container to a loading position immediately beneath the support reach. The window conveyor is then operated to drop the pattern of articles through the window thereof into the container.

Abstract: In a process for the transportation and accumulation of pallets, guide or retaining rollers are arranged on a traction element on an axle. Elastic guiding of the support and retaining rollers in relation to the traction element is accomplished and elastic centering in relation to the traction element results in a straight line operation with conveyors used for the transportation of pallets and large area objects. Reduced maintenance and wear, reduction of noise level of the conveying equipment, prevention of acceleration and braking jolts to the goods to be conveyed and assured parallel guiding of conveyor belts are advantageous of the present invention. Clear centering of the support rollers and of the retaining rollers in relation to the conveyor is also obtained with a device for the transportation and accumulation of pallets as a result of a lagging of the retaining rollers and support rollers behind the axle mount therefor.

Abstract: When piece goods are transported on continuous conveyors, it is often impossible to prevent some of the piece goods from having to be stopped momentarily when the conveyor continues the run. In order, very substantially, to prevent the resulting mechanical stresses on the piece goods, especially the frictional stresses, caused by the continuous conveyor which continues to run, the invention proposes a continuous conveyor of simple construction with only a single tension member (sheathed chain 10), on which freely rotatable pile-up rollers (12, 39) are arranged on both sides as a carrying member.

Abstract: Chain links for forming a conveyor each chain link including a base portion having shaft support members extending upwardly from its top surface and shafts supported between the shaft support members. A plurality of rollers are mounted on each shaft, the rollers including a larger diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion the smaller diameter portions of the rollers defining grooves in the upper article supporting surface of the rollers, the grooves being adapted to house fingers of a fingered transfer plate.

Abstract: A conveyor press for applying a surface pressure to moving workpieces, such as wooden planks, rubber and plastic webs and the like, has at least one pressing band arranged to be pressed against a workpiece. A pressure plate applies a working pressure to an operating portion of the pressing band; a plurality of rolling bodies is arranged in the region of the pressure plate in frictional contact with the pressure plate and the pressing band and may be returned from an outlet end to an inlet end of the pressure plate. The rolling bodies are formed as roller assemblies; each includes a row of rollers assembled in a unit. The rollers are located in alignment with one another in a final position and are rotatable relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention offers an apparatus which automatically aligns and packs fruits or vegetables like persimmons or tomatoes for example into containers. More particularly, the apparatus embodied by the invention is provided with means for conveying the delivered fruits or vegetables to a specific position below absorption unit following the location of fruits/vegetables feeding means, while the apparatus is also provided with absorbing unit moving between the vacuuming position of conveying means and the position for packing fruits or vegetables into a packing case placed at the packing position following the location of conveying means, and means for easily correcting the direction of fruits or vegetables as well as replacing rejected fruits or vegetables by allowing intervals to extend before and behind as well as between both side of a plurality of cups which make up conveying means at the direction-correcting position on the halfway of conveying route of conveying means.

Abstract: In a conveyer for articles comprising two chains running in parallel to each other, articles are supported by rollers rotatably supported on rods having pins at their ends which pivotally connect the adjacent links of the chains. The conveyor structure is light in weight, and damage to rollers is avoided because rollers on adjacent rods cannot contact each other as the return run travels over convex supporting plates. On each chain, link plates of either the inner or outer links, on the side of the chain adjacent to the rollers, are formed with outwardly projecting flat surfaces which are substantially at the same height as the article carrying peripheral surfaces of the rollers. These outwardly projecting flat surfaces allow convenient lateral transfer of articles from one conveyor to another by means of transfer guides.

Abstract: In a dual belt press, the press belts are supported at each end by a first chain. The first chain includes spaced links through which a stud projects. A sleeve is mounted on each stud between the spaced links. The outer circumferences of adjacently disposed sleeves abut one another to prevent lateral displacement of the studs and rolls. A second chain is connected to the studs and is adapted to be driven in order to displace the rolls along a press zone of the press.

Abstract: A powered conveyor apparatus for conveying boards. When the boards are being conveyed, they rest on the molded wheels. The wheels remain static while the boards are being conveyed. When the boards are stopped on the conveyor (FIG. 2), the molded wheels rotate freely (See FIG. 2, Item No. 6) under the boards. This allows the conveyor to run while boards remain in a static position on the conveyor.

Abstract: An acceleration accumulation chain conveyor, having a link/pin chain for driving rollers along rails, the conveyor comprising: support rollers rotatably loosely fitted over the pins, each support roller having a larger diameter portion with a rim for engaging conveyed articles and side faces, and annular bosses of smaller diameter projecting axially from the side faces, the bosses having inner peripheral surfaces for frictionally engaging the pins and outer peripheral surfaces; and, chain rollers rotatably loosely fitted on the bosses, the chain rollers having inner peripheral surfaces for frictionally engaging the outer peripheral surfaces of the bosses, outer peripheral surfaces for engaging the rails and side faces for frictionally engaging the side faces of the support rollers, one of the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the chain rollers being tapered to direct a component of force urging the chain rollers inwardly to enable frictional engagement between the respective side faces and the outer peri

Abstract: Rollers for use with singulators for orienting articles, typically fruit, prior to optical sensing, for example, of the fruit's surfaces, wherein fruit having diverse diameters, irregular shapes and bumpy surfaces are properly oriented by contacting a pair of symmetrically disposed truncated conical surfaces sloping uniformly inwardly to a point short of center to form a sheave portion, as well as a deep pocket within each roller and between adjacent rollers, and wherein spacing between rollers remains constant notwithstanding the diverse diameters of the fruit. A drive belt is engageable within the sheave portion of the roller for controlling speed and direction of rotation of the rollers.

Abstract: A loader mechanism for loading articles into receptacles which are mounted at spaced intervals on a conveyor which is continuously driven through a loading station comprises a platform located above the conveyor and load aligning rollers on each receptacle. The platform has a support surface extending parallel to the loading path. A feeder is provided in the loading station which is operable to feed articles one at a time onto the input end of the support surface of the platform from above said platform. The load aligning roller is arranged to extend above the support surface as its associated receptacle passes below said platform while moving through the loading station.

Abstract: Chain conveyor for workpieces and workpiece carriers with a roller chain (18) which includes a roller (28) at every second link joint. Spring elements (36), which cover the free spaces between the rollers (28) towards the top, are caught on hinge pins (24) lying between the rollers (28). Chips, screws or the like small parts are thereby prevented from reaching the free spaces between the rollers (28) and damaging the support surfaces of stopped workpieces or workpiece carriers.

Abstract: A mechanism for the transportation of objects has an endlessly rotating roller chain (4) supported and guided by a support structure (1). Pallet-like sliding carriages (12) are situated on the roller chain (4) for receiving objects to be transported. The sliding carriages (12) are conveyed by guide elements (17,23) engaging tracks (18,25) of the support structure (1). The sliding carriages (12) are connected in straight conveyor sections with the roller chain (4) for conveyance therealong by friction-carrier elements (29) and are connected in curved conveyor sections with the roller chain (4) by roller engaging recesses (34).

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for producing boiled eggs uniformly heats and solidifies each of the eggs. As the heating means, infrared and/or far infrared rays is adopted. The eggs are supported by pairs of conveyor rolls having recesses. The respective pairs of conveyor rolls are rotated in the same rotating directions, whereby the eggs supported thereon are turned about the axes thereof, so that the whole surfaces of the eggs can be uniformly irradiated by the infrared and/or the far infrared rays.

Abstract: A roller conveyor includes a belt of parallel free rollers interconnecting endless conveyor chains which move along a conveyor path. At least certain ones of the rollers carry encircling O-rings engageable with traction shoes for effecting rotation of the rollers. A given roller may carry more than one O-ring of different cross-sectional thicknesses, and the roller may be provided with recesses in which the O-rings are seated. The O-rings and traction means can be arranged in various configurations for effecting rotation of different groups of rollers, for effecting rotation in opposite directions, and for effecting rotation at varying speeds.

Abstract: A roller tunnel kiln includes a lower kiln body half composed integrally of a kiln bottom and a pair of transversely spaced lower kiln side wall halves which are made of refractory brick, a pair of endless chains disposed respectively on transversely opposite sides of the lower kiln body half outside thereof, the endless chains being movable forward along the lower kiln side wall halves at a height substantially equal to upper ends of the lower kiln side wall halves and movable backward along the lower kiln side wall halves at a height lower than the kiln bottom, a drive device for driving the endless chains in synchronism with each other, couplings mounted at regular intervals on link plates or link pins of each of the endless chains, feed members having opposite ends gripped by respective couplings and movable in a longitudinal direction of the lower kiln body half directly thereabove in response to the endless chains being synchronously driven, the feed members being made of a heat-resistant material and h

Abstract: A roller chain adapted to be placed in compression between two members one of which is movable and the other fixed and to bear high pressure arising between these members, comprises a plurality of rollers on each of a series of transverse axles, the axles being interconnected by links of a height less than the external diameter of the rollers. Sleeves are threaded on the axles and the rollers turn on these sleeves. The roller chain is confined between guide surfaces provided on at least one of the relatively moving members between which it is disposed, this member also having removable members thereon that define these guide surfaces, the guide surfaces contacting the outermost links.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for receiving and transporting cylindrical stock or articles past work stations includes a plurality of rollers disposed along spaced-apart parallel axes. The rollers are driven through one-way or overrunning clutches and rotate cylindrical stock disposed between adjacent pairs of rollers. At a work station, a moving member such as a belt engages the stock and rotates it at a speed higher than the speed imparted to it by the rollers. The overrunning clutches release the conveyor rollers and rotate with the stock at a correspondingly higher speed. The constant, non-slipping contact between the rollers and stock minimizes such difficulties as scoring of the stock and significantly improves product quality and appearance.

Abstract: A chain conveyer with accumulator conveyer chains and one or several support members with runner tracks for the continuously circulating chain rollers, or chain, is disclosed. Between the chain rollers there are arranged carrier rollers which are rotatable relative to the chain rollers. The support member exhibits a substantially closed box profile or similar trough-like profile, which includes at its upper end a continuous longitudinal slot for passage therethrough of the carrier rollers. The runner tracks for the chain rollers are respectively arranged on horizontal projections which are joined to respective vertical side walls. The side walls are joined by a lower transverse member.

Abstract: Successive pairs of rollers in a plurality of juxtaposed continuous feed chain conveyors receive articles, such as fruits and vegetables at an upstream portion of a sorting conveyor system and by movement of the rollers between inclined walls, position the articles in succession so as to pass the same through color sortors and, then, below pneumatic rollers to deposit them into successive cups of a sorting conveyor system. Excess articles on the feed conveyors are released near the downstream end of the feed conveyors and are returned to their upstream end for reprocessing. Adjustable synchronizing linkage tie the two systems together and permit the relative adjustment of the positions of the cups with respect to the positions of the rollers. Spinning of the rollers is accomplished by the rollers riding in the through assemblies for the upper flights of the feed conveyors. Rails lift the rollers when they are not to spin. The color sortor examines the articles as they are spun by the rollers.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for receiving and transporting cylindrical stock or articles past work stations includes a plurality of rollers disposed along spaced-apart parallel axes. The rollers are driven through one-way or overrunning clutches and rotate cylindrical stock disposed between adjacent pairs of rollers. At a work station, a moving member such as a belt engages the stock and rotates it at a speed higher than the speed imparted to it by the rollers. The overrunning clutches release the conveyor rollers and rotate with the stock at a correspondingly higher speed. The constant, non-slipping contact between the rollers and stock minimizes such difficulties as scoring of the stock and significantly improves product quality and appearance.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for turning a conveyor at a relatively sharp angle within a very narrow longitudinal path. The apparatus includes an egg delivery conveyor positioned above an egg receiving conveyor with apertures in the bottom of the delivery conveyor adapted to allow eggs to pass downward therethrough to be received and maintained in rows on the receiving conveyor. Each aperture may include a ramp member therebelow to guide movement of the egg onto the receiving conveyor. The preferred configuration of the delivery conveyor includes a plurality of primary springs arranged usually in groups of six about a rod which extends laterally across the delivery conveyor. The rod is driven and thereby provides the source of drive for the delivery conveyor. Each primary spring includes a secondary spring secured with respect to the rod for pivotal movement with respect thereto. The bracket connecting the primary and secondary springs includes a cam thereon which follows a track in the delivery conveyor.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for separating fine material from coarse material.The screens at present in use in the mining industry usually are so-called shaking screens. They comprise a screen-cloth, which is subjected to a vibration movement. This type of screen, however, has a very high noise level and also is exposed to heavy wear owing to the vibrations, to which the screen parts are subjected.The present invention has the object to provide an apparatus of the kind referred to above, in which the noise level and the mechanical wear are substantially lower than at conventional screens.

Abstract: A chain conveyor has feed rollers loosely fitted over chain rollers for conveying articles thereon at a speed higher than that of the chain rollers being driven on a rail means. The feed rollers have a diameter larger than that of the chain rollers such that the feed rollers, upon corotation with the chain rollers due to frictional engagement therewith under the weight of the articles, have a peripheral speed greater than that of the chain rollers. The articles can be stopped or accumulated at a desired position while allowing the feed rollers to be underrun without substantial slippage against the articles by rotating in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the chain rollers being continuously driven.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine such as an automatic assembly machine is disclosed which includes a work station which can include linear motion devices and rotary motion devices. A conveyor system is disclosed for transporting a workpiece to and from the work station, and positioning means are disclosed for precisely positioning the workpiece to the work station.

Abstract: The continuous casting installation is provided with freely rolling rollers which can be releaseably coupled to drive motors to impart a pushing force on the moving slab. The drive motors are mounted on slides which are reciprocated by a piston-cylinder unit. Also, each drive motor can be reciprocated toward and away from a facing roll by another piston-cylinder unit.

Abstract: The freely rolling rolls are provided with distance wheels at the respective ends. Alternating rolls are provided with distance wheels which are fixedly mounted to the roll bodies while the remaining rolls are provided with distance wheels which are rotatably mounted on the roll bodies. The adjacent distance wheels are also provided with interengaging V-shaped grooves and projections for lateral stability of the rolls. The distance wheels provide for a constant uniform spacing of the rolls and maintain the rolls in parallel relation.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting articles through a generally planar conveying zone. The system includes a coacting pair of endless drive chains that are moved in unison through the conveying zone. Rollers are equally spaced along the length of each chain with the rollers in one row being axially aligned with the rollers in the second row along common axes of rotation that are perpendicular to the direction of motion of the chains. Light weight hollow cylinders are seated on top of the chain with the cylinders resting in contact with two adjacent rollers in each row. A guide means extends along the chains's path of travel from the end of the conveying zone to the start thereof and serves to hold the cylinders in contact with the rollers as the chains are being returned to the start of the conveying zone. Actuating means are also provided to impart a prescribed motion to the cylinders while they are in the conveying zone for further controlling the speed of an article passing therethrough.