Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for flexible container chutes for sortation systems. In one embodiment, an example system may include a first extendable arm, a second extendable arm, a first flexible container removably coupled to the first extendable arm and the second extendable arm, and a second flexible container removably coupled to the first extendable arm and the second extendable arm. The system may include a chute assembly having a first ramp, a first separator coupled to a first end of the first ramp, a second ramp, and a second separator coupled to a second end of the second ramp. The first ramp and the second ramp may be vertically aligned, and the first flexible container may receive items via the first ramp, and the second flexible container may receive items via the second ramp.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for container chutes for sortation systems. In one embodiment, an example system may include a frame and a chute assembly coupled to the frame, where the chute assembly is configured to pivot from a first position to a second position with respect to the frame. The chute assembly may include a first planar ramp, a first support on a first side of the first planar ramp, and a second support on a second side of the first planar ramp. The chute assembly may include a first pneumatic lift component coupled to the first support and to the frame, and a second pneumatic lift component coupled to the second support and to the frame. The chute assembly may be held in the second position when the first pneumatic lift component and the second pneumatic lift component are in a compressed configuration.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for automated gates to secure mobile carrier unit payloads. In one embodiment, an example system for a mobile carrier unit of a sortation system may include an automated gate configured to block an open end of the mobile carrier unit in a first position, and to unblock the open end of the mobile carrier unit in a second position, and a controller configured to control operation of the gate. The controller may be configured to determine that the conveyor belt is activated, cause the automated gate to move to the second position, determine that the item is off the conveyor belt, and cause the automated gate to move to the first position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor system reorients objects from a side-by-side orientation to a sequential orientation. The system has an upper conveyor level and a subsequent conveyor level disposed below the upper level. The upper level has an upper conveyor segment that has an upstream end, a downstream end opposite the upstream end along a flow direction, a pair of lateral sides, a top side, and a bottom side. The upper conveyor segment defines an conveying surface that is between the pair of lateral sides and that carries objects aligned therewith along the flow direction. The upper conveyor segment also defines a discharge opening that is between the conveying surface and one of the lateral sides. The discharge opening extends through the upper conveyor segment along a vertical direction so as to discharge objects onto the subsequent conveyor level that are aligned with the discharge opening.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor system has a conveyor segment and a knock-down device. The conveyor segment has an upstream end, and a downstream end opposite the upstream end. The conveyor segment defines a conveying surface that carries objects along a flow direction that extends from the upstream end to the downstream end. The knock-down device has a knock-down body that is spaced entirely from the conveying surface along a vertical direction by at least a clearance height. The knock-down body has an upstream body end, a downstream body end offset from the upstream body end with respect to the flow direction, and a ramped surface that extends between the upstream body end and the downstream body end. The ramped surface is ramped away from the conveying surface as the ramped surface extends along the flow direction, and knocks down objects that are stacked on top of one another.