Method for decoupling and/or coupling of transport elements to a drive mechanism, in particular a drive mechanism (2) with a mainly continuously moving drive element (3). The decoupling and/or coupling is done by the coupling element (4) provided onto the transport element (1) which can work in conjunction with the drive mechanism (2). The speed of the coupling element (4) is gradually reduced prior to the decoupling, and gradually increased after the coupling respectively.

An accumulator mechanism for stopping a carrier on an inverted power and free conveyor system when it approaches a stopped preceding carrier. A pivot arm on a leading trolley for each carrier has a retractable trolley dog which is normally driven by a chain dog projecting from a drive chain. The accumulator mechanism includes an actuator lever which is pivoted to mounting plates and carriers a cam roller that acts in a cam slot formed in a pivot plate. When the actuating lever is pivoted due to ...

An auto-laundry conveyor of three-tier design using upper, lower and intermediate track rails with a narrow slot between them. Dollies are provided in an endless loop conveyor chain and each dolly comprises a combination of a center link, a pair of reversely similar tire engaging rollers, a pair of reversely similar track engaging rollers outboard of the tire engaging rollers and a pair of reversely similar stabilizing rollers outboard of the track engaging rollers. The stabilizing rollers are e...

A dolly for use on a chain conveyer in moving an object over a pair of spaced rails comprising: a shaft having two ends, pusher structure mounted on said shaft intermediate said ends for pushing said object over said rails without rotational movement of said pusher structure, said pusher structure including connecting means for connecting said pusher structure to said chain conveyer; and roller removably secured to said ends of said shaft for rotation about said shaft, said rollers adapted to en...

An above the floor conveyor is provided for moving automobiles or the like, horizontally across the floor surface with a pair of the vehicle's tires positioned in a guided track. The conveyor includes a base for installation upon the floor and a conveyor drive and driven sprocket about which an endless chain extends to form a loop having a drive flight spaced outboard of the guided track and a return flight laterally spaced outward of the drive flight. A wear bar having a wear strip, preferably ...

A releasing device and dog member for a power and free type of conveyor is described. The releasing device includes a rod (105, 205) which is linearly moveable upon engaging a stop or a truck (17) with a buttress plate (105a, 205a) on the rod to disengage a retaining plate (100a, 200a) on a pivotal dog (100, 200), thereby allowing the dog to pivot away from a pusher member (12). An extending device, such as spring (108) or camming member (209), urges the rod to an extended position when the stop...

A power operated elevator ramp for use in an automobile conveyor having an endless conveyor chain within a framework having top plates to support the tire of an automobile and a plurality of roller dollies spaced along the length of the chain normally positioned for movement within the framework, the ramp having a solenoid controlled valve, air cylinder assembly and related linkage mechanism, for selectively deflecting a dolly onto the top plates for movement thereover and for advancing the vehi...

An accumulator mechanism for stopping a carrier on an inverted power and free conveyor system when it approaches a stopped preceding carrier. A pivot arm on a leading trolley for each carrier has a retractable trolley dog which is normally driven by a chain dog projecting from a drive chain. The accumulator mechanism includes an actuator lever which is pivoted to mounting plates and carries a cam roller that acts in a cam slot formed in a pivot plate. When the actuating lever is pivoted due to c...

Air is introduced and retained within a nonpressurized hot water heater tank when water is supplied to the tank and is slowly exhausted after the water supply is shut off to provide space within the tank for expansion of the water when heated. In the embodiment shown, air is aspirated into the water supply and is accumulated within an inverted cup located within the tank. When the water supply stops, air escapes from the cup thereby providing a space within the tank into which the water can expa...

In a conveyor for transporting a vehicle or other object in one direction along a track having a longitudinal slot centered upon a longitudinal axis, a power-driven endless chain and at least one pusher dolly connected to the chain. The dolly includes an upright arm extending through and movably mounted upon the track. A link pivotally interconnects the arm and the chain for movement in unison, and an elongated chain guide or guides centrally underlie the track and are arranged upon the longitud...