GB1044598A - Improvements in overhead tow conveyors - Google Patents

Abstract

1,044,598. Conveyer systems. JERVIS B. WEBB CO. March 18, 1965 [March 20, 1964], No. 11435/65. Heading B7L. An overhead tow conveyer comprises an overhead track 22, Fig. 3, trolleys 24 running on the track and secured to an endless driving chain 26, a pusher 20 secured to each pair of trolleys 24 and engaging over the upper end 15 of a tow mast upstanding from a tow truck movable over a floor. Each pusher 20 comprises a base structure 30 from which are depended side members 31, 32, Fig. 5, parallel to the direction of movement of the chain and a pusher member 36 extending transversely of the direction of chain movement, each side member having an opening adjacent the pusher member 36 to permit passage therethrough, in a transverse direction, of the mast end 15, a retainer 46 pivoted at 38 on the pusher normally blocking the movement of the mast end, and means, e.g. followers 54, 55 on side flanges 51, 52 of the retainer 46 engageable with the inclined end 77 of a cam track 76, Fig. 2 (not shown), to move the retainer to an upper non-blocking position to permit the mast to be disengaged from the pusher by engagement with a switch 74 for diverting the truck to a branch line. The top of the mast 12 has an enlarged cap 16 so that forward movement of the mast relative to the pusher is limited by abutment of the cap with holdback members 40, 41 also pivoted at 38 on the pusher. Upper portions 62 of the hold-back member are received in slots in the base 30 when the members are raised as the mast end 15, 16 enters the pusher. The side members 31, 32 each have a flange 34 so that when the vertical distance between the track 22 and the floor is increased, at an incline on the floor, Fig. 1 (not shown), the flanges 34 lift the cap 16 and thus the front end of the truck to improve the control of the truck movement on the incline. The retainer 46 may be raised manually to permit release of the mast transversely from the pusher. The mast is hollow, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3, to receive a release rod provided at its lower end with a handle movable in a bayonet slot on the mast.