Abstract: A dividing conveyor system is disclosed for directing articles such as milk bottles traveling along a stem conveyor to either a first or second branch conveyor. The divider conveyor system includes a diverter assembly disposed over the intersection point of the stem, first and second branch conveyors, and a diverter positioner for locating the diverter in an appropriate position to divert articles from the stem conveyor to either of the branch conveyors. A first branch sensor is located near the first branch conveyor and downstream of the conveyor intersection point, and a second sensor is correspondingly located near the second conveyor and downstream of the conveyor intersection point. Appropriate switching circuitry includes logic elements to divert articles from the stem conveyor to a branch conveyor at which the associated branch sensor has sensed the absence of articles on that branch conveyor.