Abstract: An installation for sorting articles comprises a carousel sorting conveyor having transport bins, an article feed magazine in which articles stored loosely are put into series and then injected one-by-one into the transport bins of the conveyor by an injection device, and a monitoring and control unit that acts on the bins so as to open each of them over a receptacle that corresponds to a delivery address of the article, the injection device comprising piston pushers and a system of sensors being provided to generate data representative of an outline of the article seen in plan so as to enable the data processing unit to detect inappropriate positioning of the article before it is injected into a bin, and, in such a situation, direct the improperly positioned article towards a reject receptacle.

Abstract: A supervisory controller determines the control status of a conveyor belt by a control unit. When it is determined that the control status of the conveyor belt is abnormal, the supervisory controller prohibits loading an article onto a traveling carriage and instructs the control unit to reset the control unit. When it is determined again that the control status of the conveyor belt by the control unit subjected to the reset instruction is abnormal, the supervisory controller prohibits loading an article onto the traveling carriage and acquires an abnormality record from the control unit. When it is determined that the control status of the conveyor belt by the control unit subjected to the reset instruction is normal, the supervisory controller acquires the abnormality record from the control unit.

Abstract: Technology for optimizing carton induction in an order fulfillment picking system is described. In an example embodiment, a method, implemented using one or more computing devices, may include receiving scan data reflecting status of cartons being conveyed by a conveying system, receiving confirmatory input reflecting pick completion for a subset of the cartons being conveyed by the conveying system, and generating an estimated time of arrival for one or more cartons not yet inducted into the conveying system based on the scan data and the confirmatory input. The method may further include generating a load forecast based on the estimated time of arrival and inducting one or more of the one or more cartons into the conveying system based on the load forecast.

Abstract: A conveying system is disclosed. The conveying system may have a first conveying apparatus that conveys a first article to a first location. The conveying system may also have a second conveying apparatus that conveys a second article to a second location. The conveying system may have a frame, a chute connected to the frame, and a third conveying apparatus. The chute may convey the first article received from the first conveying apparatus to a discharge location. The third conveying apparatus, disposed below the chute, may convey the second article received from the second conveying apparatus to the discharge location. The chute may be movable relative to the to the third conveying apparatus, such that the first or second article may be selectively conveyed to the discharge location via the chute or third conveying apparatus, depending on the position of the chute relative to the third conveying apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for slicing food products, in particular to high-performance slicers, having a cutting region at whose end a cutting blade moves, in particular in a rotating and/or revolving manner, in a cutting plane, and having a transport device which transports products to be sliced in a direction of transport over one track or multiple tracks to the cutting region, with the transport device comprising a plurality of positioners for the products in the or each transport track driven simultaneously in the direction of transport and arranged spaced apart from one another in the direction of transport.

Abstract: A sorter including a conveying system to transport items to be sorted. A plurality of lanes are configured to accept the items from the conveying system. A scanner reads information about the items to be sorted. The information including a destination for the item. A controller is in communication with the scanner to receive the destination for the items being sorted and is adapted to open and close selected ones of the plurality of lanes to receive items.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein relate to a method of predicting article dimensions and controlling release timing of upcoming articles from upstream conveyors and dynamically computing release times for the upstream conveyors. The method includes predicting a dimension of an upcoming article and creating empty spaces on an upstream conveyor between one or more upstream articles from among a set of upstream articles by controlling an operating speed of a set of drive motors of the upstream conveyor based on the predicted dimension for the upcoming article. Further, the release times of the set of upstream articles is dynamically computed based on a cumulative length of the set of upstream articles and an operating speed of the upstream conveyor.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a control system that determines a location of an item on a first conveyor belt which affects the transfer of the item from the first conveyor belt onto a second conveyor belt. The control system includes a distance sensor which determines a location of the item on the first conveyor (or a location of the item on a queue belt that provides the item to the first conveyor). Using the distance sensor, the control system can identify the offset of the item relative to the center of the first conveyor belt. The control system can then control the time at which the item transfers from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt by, for example, speeding up or slow down the first conveyor belt to compensate for the offset or adjusting an induct time.

Abstract: An egg sorting and packaging method and assembly, wherein eggs are placed on an endless egg conveyor (2) by means of an egg supply device (3). The eggs are selectively moved from the endless egg conveyor into packaging lines (6a-6c), in which packaging lines the eggs are packed into egg packages. Eggs which are not released into one of the packaging lines remain on the endless egg conveyor and are recycled to pass by the packaging lines again in order to be released into one of the packaging lines.

Abstract: Technology for optimizing carton induction in an order fulfillment picking system is described. In an example embodiment, a method, implemented using one or more computing devices, may include receiving scan data reflecting status of cartons being conveyed by a conveying system, receiving confirmatory input reflecting pick completion for a subset of the cartons being conveyed by the conveying system, and generating an estimated time of arrival for one or more cartons not yet inducted into the conveying system based on the scan data and the confirmatory input. The method may further include generating a load forecast based on the estimated time of arrival and inducting one or more of the one or more cartons into the conveying system based on the load forecast.

Abstract: A sorting device comprises a support member for supporting and transporting an article. The support member is drivable in a conveying direction. The sorting device also comprises a loading station at which at least an article can be loaded to the support member, and an unloading station at which at least an article can be removed from the support member. The unloading station is provided with a plurality of receivers for receiving an article that is removed from the support member. The receivers are arranged transversely with respect to the conveying direction and disposed such that they are below the support member when the support member is at the unloading station. Furthermore, the sorting device comprises a controller for directing an article that is supported and transported by the support member to a selected one of the receivers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and device for processing food. The device comprises at least two food slicing devices adapted to each produce partial portions, and a combination device disposed downstream of each food slicing device to combine the partial portions to a multi-type portion. A sensor assembly may be provided to determine at least one property of the partial portions, wherein a control device is provided to control the operation of the food slicing devices based on the properties of the respective partial portions to adjust the weight of the partial portions. A control device is alternatively provided to synchronize the timing of the slicing operation of the food slicing devices. A buffering device is alternatively provided between at least one food slicing device and the combination device to retain and release partial portions based on a control signal from a control device.

Abstract: Facility for sorting items comprising: at least one conveyor comprising supports designed to support the items, and at least one receiving device, the supports being designed to eject at least some of the items in succession into or onto the receiving device, the ejected items describing true paths (Tr) with respect to the receiving device, the true paths being liable to belong to a predefined set (Tr-Out) of potential paths considered as being incorrect. The facility further comprises: a detector designed to supply primary information relating respectively to true paths, and an analyzer designed to use the said primary information and to produce at least one secondary information item representative of the belonging of at least one of the true paths to the predefined set (Tr-Out).

Abstract: A method combines conveyor streams on a conveying technology element having a number of ingoing conveyor segments at least one coupling to an outgoing conveyor segment on which the ingoing conveyor segments are brought together, and a number of holding devices for holding a conveyor flow on the ingoing conveyor segments. In addition, a number of release devices disposed downstream of the ingoing conveyor segments logically connected to an OR-connection are provided for releasing a holding device or a conveyed object. A holding device or a conveyed object waiting at the holding device is then respectively released when a conveyed object preceding the waiting conveyed object in a sorting order passes one of the connected release devices or when there is no preceding conveyed object. A conveying technology element carries out the method.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and system for transferring semiconductor devices from a wafer to a carrier structure are described. In one embodiment, a method for transferring semiconductor devices from a wafer to a carrier structure involves positioning a carrier structure with a bond surface extending in a first plane and transferring a semiconductor device from a wafer onto the bond surface of the carrier structure using a plurality of rotatable transfer assemblies. Centers of the rotatable transfer assemblies are positioned in parallel with the first plane.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and non-transitory processor readable media of the various embodiments enable intelligent speed control of conveyors (e.g., singulator conveyors, sortation conveyors, etc.) in a material handling system.

Abstract: Technology for optimizing carton induction in an order fulfillment picking system is described. In an example embodiment, a method, implemented using one or more computing devices, may include receiving scan data reflecting status of cartons being conveyed by a conveying system, receiving confirmatory input reflecting pick completion for a subset of the cartons being conveyed by the conveying system, and generating an estimated time of arrival for one or more cartons not yet inducted into the conveying system based on the scan data and the confirmatory input. The method may further include generating a load forecast based on the estimated time of arrival and inducting one or more of the one or more cartons into the conveying system based on the load forecast.

Abstract: Method for synchronized channelling of piece goods onto a respective receptacle of a sorting conveyor, wherein the sorting conveyor has conveying units with in each case at least one receptacle for piece goods, which at a pre-determined conveying speed run past a synchronization conveyor system, and wherein the synchronization conveyor system has a synchronization conveyor and a channelling conveyor adjoining the synchronization conveyor, whereby, whenever a fault condition of a piece good on the synchronization conveyor system is recognized, the conveyor, synchronization or channelling conveyor, on which the piece good is located, is stopped and then the conveyor transporting the piece good is reversed, until the piece good is located in a pre-determined start position, and the synchronization conveyor and the channelling conveyor are moved forward, and sorting device to carry out the method.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for providing a desired gap between articles within a continuously flowing train of articles. Various embodiment methods may include operating a material handling system including a plurality of conveying units, by generating motion profiles for a plurality of articles to provide a pre-determined gap between the articles, and controlling the plurality of conveying units to move each article in accordance with its motion profile as the plurality of articles move through the material handling system.

Abstract: The objective is to develop a conveying device and a conveyer device having high conveying efficiency and high reliability when an article is transferred to a conveyer line with different height. Branching units (8) of a lower-level side conveyer line (5) and an upper-level side conveyer line (6) are connected to an inclined connection conveyer line (10). The branching unit (8) has a sub conveying passage (53) for conveying an article (60) in the same direction as a conveying direction of the connection conveyer line (10). The sub conveying passage (53) has a lifting and lowering motor-incorporating roller (43) and cams (46a, 46b). When the lifting and lowering motor-incorporating roller (43) is driven, the cams (46a, 46b) rotate, and the sub conveying passage (53) is connected to the connection conveyer line (10) in an inclined attitude. As a result, the article (60) can move between the lower-level side conveyer line (5) and the upper-level side conveyer line (6) via the connection conveyer line (10).

Abstract: A method and device for sorting articles, including at least one station for automatically loading articles allowing transfer of the articles to one or several transport units, the station equipped with at least one device for transporting the articles and a system able to determine the position, the shape and the size of the articles, with a set of cross belt transport units, each unit provided with a supporting plate between two adjacent units. The device includes a system allowing detection of a possible change in position of an article on a transport device during the acceleration phase. Maintaining the article in position on its unit(s) is ensured during its movement on the sorter, by supporting plates permanently ensuring supporting surface continuity between two units over a width substantially equal to the supporting surface of the belts and by the presence of vertical profiles on the belts.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for providing a desired gap between articles within a continuously flowing train of articles. Various embodiment methods may include operating a material handling system including a plurality of conveying units, by generating motion profiles for a plurality of articles to provide a pre-determined gap between the articles, and controlling the plurality of conveying units to move each article in accordance with its motion profile as the plurality of articles move through the material handling system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and non-transitory processor readable media of the various embodiments enable intelligent speed control of conveyors (e.g., singulator conveyors, sortation conveyors, etc.) in a material handling system.

Abstract: In the case of a central belt system (1) with article shafts (2), ejectors (5), moving central belt (4) and central control unit (6), an automatic control system (7?) which is connected to the control unit (6) for articles to be controlled on the moving central belt (4), with a connected image processing unit (8), and a camera system (9, 10) possibly in addition with an illumination system (11). The camera and illumination systems (9, 10) are set in such a way, and the articles to be controlled which are arranged chaotically on the central belt (4) are ejected by the ejectors (5) in such a way, that optical shadow formation at the article to be controlled on the central belt (4) is preferably just prevented.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing and processing a food product, such as forming, cooking, transporting, and slicing. The food product includes an elongated body having a generally D-shaped cross section. Additionally, the system includes a buffering and equilibrating apparatus which compensates for a difference in cycle times between the cooking system and the slicing system.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for providing a desired gap between articles within a continuously flowing train of articles. Various embodiment methods may include operating a material handling system including a plurality of conveying units, by generating motion profiles for a plurality of articles to provide a pre-determined gap between the articles, and controlling the plurality of conveying units to move each article in accordance with its motion profile as the plurality of articles move through the material handling system.

Abstract: A method for transporting preforms in the area of a machine for blow-molding thermoplastic containers along a sorting device configured as a roll sorter. A sensor arranged at the sorting device senses a preform passing through its detection area and generates a sensor signal that transmitted to a control system, which evaluates the sensor signal and generates a control signal as a function thereof. A process parameter of the sorting device and/or of a conveying device upstream of and supplying preforms to the sorting device is adjusted as a function of at least one of the control signals. A sensor senses a section of the sorting device and generates a signal that contains data on a gap between a pair of preforms being transported successively passed this sensor. The control signals for adjusting a process parameter of the conveying device and/or of the sorting device are dependent on gap data.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting a parcel moves an article to a cart according to destination information of the article to classify the article to a chute for each destination. An article position detecting unit detects positional information of the article loaded on the cart that moves in a first direction by a track which moves in the first direction. A control unit controls the cart to rotate in a second or third direction according to the detected positional information of the article and destination information of the article.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for transporting shaped bodies such as, for example, substantially non-rigid, biscuit dough shaped bodies, from a receiving region into a transfer region, and for transferring the shaped bodies onto a transport surface such as, for example, a heated baking belt of a baking machine. The apparatus for transporting the shaped bodies includes a revolving driven conveyor belt which is guided over at least one deflecting roller, over a drive roller and around a transfer body in the region of the transport surface. The conveyor belt is laterally displaceable by a positioning apparatus at least over a section of its longitudinal extension.

Abstract: The discharge case length rate of a collector conveyor is controlled to provide a more consistent case length rate to the infeed of a downstream conveyor, such as a singulator conveyor, to control or maintain a desired case length rate at the exit of the collector conveyor without stopping the infeed conveyors. The discharge case feet rate accounts for the requirements of downstream devices, such as accounting for trailing gap requirements of a sortation conveyor disposed downstream of a singulator conveyor feed by a conveyor system constructed in accordance with this aspect of the present invention.

Abstract: A sorting device comprises a support member for supporting and transporting an article. The support member is drivable in a conveying direction. The sorting device also comprises a loading station at which at least an article can be loaded to the support member, and an unloading station at which at least an article can be removed from the support member. The unloading station is provided with a plurality of receivers for receiving an article that is removed from the support member. The receivers are arranged transversely with respect to the conveying direction and disposed such that they are below the support member when the support member is at the unloading station. Furthermore, the sorting device comprises a controller for directing an article that is supported and transported by the support member to a selected one of the receivers.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method for process management in a materials handling facility are described. Embodiments may include a process control component configured to generate a model of multiple unit handling processes of a materials handling facility. For each process, the model may indicate a measured throughput rate. The process control component may be configured to, based on at least one target output rate that is a goal for the output rate of a given unit handling process, evaluate the model to generate a particular target throughput rate that is a goal for the respective throughput rate of a particular unit handling process that is performed prior to the given unit handling process. The process control component may be configured to, based on the particular target throughput rate, generate one or more instructions to control the respective throughput rate of units processed by the particular unit handling process.

Abstract: A method and device for handling flat objects, in particular flat folded diapers (10), which are fed to a conveyor with receptacles for each object or for each diaper (10) by way of a feeder (13, 14), in particular to a compartment conveyor (17) comprising separation struts (22) which are arranged so as to protrude radially from a continuous conveyor (21) in order to form compartments (23) for each object. Provision is made for the speed (v) at which the objects are transported on the feeder (13, 14) to be reduced for handover of the objects to the conveyor. The device includes a database in which respective data records containing transport speeds (vx) for a control unit (34) being filed for different objects and/or objects of different size, the speed of the feeders (13, 14) being regulated by the control unit (34) in accordance with the transport speed (v) pertaining to the respective object.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for detecting collisions of parcels on a moving conveyor belt, including the steps of representing each belt with a rectangular cell mesh of columns and rows, for each parcel on the belt system, identifying those cells on a belt where each parcel contacts the belt, marking a parcel's new cell position after a predetermined time frame in a direction parallel to the motion, for each marked cell, incrementing a corresponding collision detector counter in a collision detection table, marking a parcel's new cell position after the predetermined time frame in a direction perpendicular to the motion, for each marked cell, incrementing a corresponding collision detector counter in the collision detection table, and checking the collision detector counter value in each cell, where a value greater than or equal to 3 indicates a parcel collision.

Abstract: A method for transferring articles from a first to a second machine, which packs the articles in containers, using a transport line, interposed between the machines, which removably receives and moves the trays, each tray affording at least a seating complementarily shaped to an article, as well as at least two stores, for receiving the trays, respectively associated to a first station located at a start of the line and a second station located downstream of the first station with a first store containing a predetermined number of empty trays, the method comprising a partial filling of the second store with trays containing articles, and is such that a temporary malfunctioning of the first machine maintains the second machine in service up to emptying of the second store, and a temporary malfunctioning of the second machine maintains the first machine in service up to complete filling of the second store.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accumulating articles on transport conveyors, for efficiently merging articles, and for automatically controlling sortation speed are disclosed. Transport conveyor beds upstream of an accumulation conveyor bed may be controlled to more densely pack articles, as well as to more timely deliver articles to the downstream subsystem when accumulation terminates. Slugs of articles in a merge subsystem may be released based on a prioritization scheme that heavily weighs the ability of the slug to attach to the next-most downstream slug. A combination of closed and open-looped control of the slug's movement may be used to accurately position slugs on the merge bed. A downstream sortation speed may be automatically adjusted based on the amount of merge traffic.

Abstract: An apparatus for slicing food products. The apparatus includes at least two cutter heads integrated with a common base construction and in which a food supply is provided for each cutting knife. The product flows from the cutter heads are combined into a single outflow conveyor.

Abstract: The method of handling mail items for preparing delivery rounds in a postal sorting machine having sorting outlets with interchangeable trays, in which in order to separate the mail items of two delivery rounds at one sorting outlet, the machine causes a tray to be changed at said sorting outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor system and a method for merging or crossing of at least two conveyor lines (22, 24, 58) on which transport units (48, 50), particularly containers, are conveyed in an upstream direction (28), wherein the conveyor lines (22, 24) meet each other in an intersection point (26), wherein each of the conveyor lines (22, 24, 58) respectively comprises, upstream relative to the intersection point (26), one group (30, 34) of conveyor-line segments (32, 34), wherein the conveyor-line segments are respectively operable with a variable conveying velocity, the method comprising the following steps: conveying transport units (48, 50) towards the intersection point (26); detecting and determining a traffic density of the transport units (48, 50) on the conveyor lines (22, 24, 58), particularly at the conveyor-line segments (32-1, 34-1) which are located upstream; determining conveying velocities for the conveyor-line segments (32, 34) so that transport units (48, 50) which are conv

Abstract: A sortation system and method of inducting product are useful with a sorter having a continuous member defining a plurality of transport positions of the continuous member and a plurality of sort destinations for receiving product discharged from the continuous member. At least one induction unit is provided including a plurality of tandem conveying units. Product is received with the at least one induction unit from a product source and discharged from the at least one induction unit to the continuous member. The invention is useful with carousel sorters, such as tilt-tray sorters and cross-belt sorters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accumulating articles on transport conveyors, for efficiently merging articles, and for automatically controlling sortation speed are disclosed. Transport conveyor beds upstream of an accumulation conveyor bed may be controlled to more densely pack articles, as well as to more timely deliver articles to the downstream subsystem when accumulation terminates. Slugs of articles in a merge subsystem may be released based on a prioritization scheme that heavily weighs the ability of the slug to attach to the next-most downstream slug. A combination of closed and open-looped control of the slug's movement may be used to accurately position slugs on the merge bed. A downstream sortation speed may be automatically adjusted based on the amount of merge traffic.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a first method is provided for electronic device manufacturing. The first method includes the steps of (1) receiving a request to transfer a carrier from a first substrate loading station to a second substrate loading station of an electronic device manufacturing facility including a plurality of substrate loading stations, wherein the facility further includes a plurality of carrier supports coupled to a conveyor system adapted to move the carrier within the facility; (2) assigning one of the plurality of carrier supports to transfer the carrier from the first substrate loading station to the second substrate loading station such that at least one of a time required for the transfer is reduced and balance of the conveyor system is maintained; (3) moving the carrier from the first substrate loading station; and (4) moving the carrier to the second substrate loading station. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for combining at least two partial flows of articles so as to form a total flow. In the total flow, the articles to be sorted are about equidistant from one another. A withdrawal device and a first acceleratable section are arranged in at least one partial flow. The withdrawal device and a second acceleratable section are arranged in at least one second partial flow. A control device is provided that temporarily stores or accelerates the articles separated by the withdrawal device in order to ensure largely equidistant intervals between the articles to be sorted in the total flow.

Abstract: A sortation system and method of inducting product are useful with a sorter having a continuous member defining a plurality of transport positions of the continuous member and a plurality of sort destinations for receiving product discharged from the continuous member. At least one induction unit is provided including a plurality of tandem conveying units. Product is received with the at least one induction unit from a product source and discharged from the at least one induction unit to the continuous member. The invention is useful with carousel sorters, such as tilt-tray sorters and cross-belt sorters.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining delivery of objects from a first transport conveyor (34) and a second transport conveyor (40), comprising a first continuous discharge conveyor (36), a second continuous discharge conveyor (42) which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis; means for pivoting the second discharge conveyor about the longitudinal axis between a lower position in which the discharge ends of the first discharge conveyor and the second discharge conveyor are adjacent, and an upper position in which the discharge ends of the first discharge conveyor and the second discharge conveyor are spaced apart sufficiently to accommodate the objects therebetween; and means for synchronizing the pivoting means with discharge of the objects from the first discharge conveyor and the second discharge conveyor.

Abstract: An novel apparatus and technique may be used to induct articles onto a conveyor comprising at least one conveyor belt that moves articles along a first path that extends in a first direction. The apparatus may be used to move an article along a second path that extends in a second direction, which is transverse to the first direction, to a first position above but not in contact with the at least one conveyor belt. After the article has been moved to the first position above but not in contact with the at least one conveyor belt, the apparatus may be used to move the article onto the at least one conveyor belt.

Abstract: A sortation system and method of inducting product are useful with a sorter having a continuous member defining a plurality of transport positions of the continuous member and a plurality of sort destinations for receiving product discharged from the continuous member. At least one induction unit is provided including a plurality of tandem conveying units. Product is received with the at least one induction unit from a product source and discharged from the at least one induction unit to the continuous member. According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one induction unit follows the speed of the continuous member. This includes starting as soon as the continuous member is moving and decreasing in speed substantially only when the continuous member decreases in speed. The invention is useful with linear sorters, such as positive displacement sorters, and the like. The invention is also useful with carousel sorters, such as tilt-tray sorters and cross-belt sorters.

Abstract: A sortation system and method of inducting product are useful with a sorter having a continuous member defining a plurality of transport positions of the continuous member and a plurality of sort destinations for receiving product discharged from the continuous member. At least one induction unit is provided including a plurality of tandem conveying units. Product is received with the at least one induction unit from a product source and discharged from the at least one induction unit to the continuous member. According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one induction unit follows the speed of the continuous member. This includes starting as soon as the continuous member is moving and decreasing in speed substantially only when the continuous member decreases in speed. The invention is useful with linear sorters, such as positive displacement sorters, and the like. The invention is also useful with carousel sorters, such as tilt-tray sorters and cross-belt sorters.

Abstract: On a main line (2), when an empty space (cutting-out space s) equal to or greater than a predetermined length is detected between lots of articles (1) or between articles (1) being conveyed, this detected empty space is reserved for an article arrival line (3) on which articles (1) are stored. When this empty space approaches a junction with the article arrival line (3) for which the empty space is reserved, articles (1) corresponding to the length of the reserved empty space are cut out from this article arrival line (3) to the main line (2). This method allows it to reduce empty spaces in which articles (1) are not conveyed on the main line (2), increase the joining efficiency, reduce the frequency of storage of articles (1) on the article arrival line (3), and reduce the waiting time for loading articles (1) to the article arrival line (3), thereby increasing the efficiency of the loading of articles (1).

Abstract: A sortation system and method of inducting product are useful with a sorter having a continuous member defining a plurality of transport positions of the continuous member and a plurality of sort destinations for receiving product discharged from the continuous member. At least one induction unit is provided including a plurality of tandem conveying units. Product is received with the at least one induction unit from a product source and discharged from the at least one induction unit to the continuous member. According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one induction unit follows the speed of the continuous member. This includes starting as soon as the continuous member is moving and decreasing in speed substantially only when the continuous member decreases in speed. The invention is useful with linear sorters, such as positive displacement sorters, and the like. The invention is also useful with carousel sorters, such as tilt-tray sorters and cross-belt sorters.