A conveyor system including a buffer store.

摘要

A conveyor system including a buffer store for the temporary retention of articles delivered by the conveyor to the store. Articles are raised out of contact with the conveyor by two ramps (one shown,10), one passing under a flange on each side of the article. The conveyor (40) and ramps are downwardly inclined in this area so the article travels along the ramps under gravity until hitting a stop. The articles are in two parts, each upper part being removed from the store by a robot and normally only the lower, reusable part being returned to the conveyor. A second stop is also provided adjacent the first to permit the return of only one article base to the conveyor. Sensors are provided to detect the present of articles in the store.