Reversible, accumulating longitudinal drive tube carrier

摘要

A carrier system having a carrier movable along a path as defined by a trackway and driven from a rotatable drive tube by means of one or more drive wheels which can be adjustably angularly related relative to the drive tube for determining the direction and speed of carrier travel. The carrier has a multi-function accumulation rod operable in both accumulation of carriers as well as at a stop station along the path of travel. The accumulation rod is movable to control the angular position of the drive wheel to achieve stopping of the carrier at the stop station as well as to cause accumulation of one carrier behind another. The accumulation rod is operable in either direction of travel of the carrier to affect accumulation. Reverser structure operable at the end of the path of travel of the carrier causes a shift in the orientation of the drive wheel and the accumulation rod whereby the carrier will travel in an opposite direction and with the accumulation rod functioning in an accumulation mode in the reverse direction of travel.