Abstract: A power-driven conveyor which includes a bed with opposite front and back ends, front and back pulleys extending transversely across the bed ends, and an endless belt trained over the pulleys. A plurality of cleats are attached to the belt in spaced relation and extend transversely thereacross. A drive mechanism for the conveyor includes an actuator with an extensible and retractable rod and a pawl mechanism connected to the rod. The pawl mechanism has a push configuration in engagement with one of the cleats for advancing the conveyor belt and a retract configuration disengaged from the cleats. The conveyor is cycled and monitored by a control system.

Abstract: An order filling apparatus includes an elongated belt conveyor having a bin-on switch and a bin-off switch at opposite ends thereof. A plurality of item dispensers are positioned along the conveyor, and each dispenser is loaded with a single type of item. An order filling control computer has a bus cable extending along the conveyor, and each dispenser has a dispenser control board connected to the bus. Each control board includes an address decoder and circuitry for relaying command signals from the controller to the dispenser and for generating status signals indicating the operational status of the dispenser. A conveyor travel encoder provides a position signal indicative of conveyor travel. The controller stores orders to be filled with items. An order filling method includes a conveying item receptacle bins past the dispensers to receive items therefrom. As each bin engages the bin-on switch, an order is activated and associated with the bin.