Abstract: A sortation conveyor has a divert guide path which is configured to guide pushers to engage articles disposed on an endless conveying surface at an initial impact which does not result in an out of control situation even at high speeds. The divert guide path is disposed at a plurality of divert angles, and guides pushers to engage articles at a low initial contact divert angle and first lateral speed and to accelerate the articles to a final divert angle and second, higher, lateral speed. The pushers may be undergoing lateral acceleration at the time initial contact is made with the articles.

Abstract: A sortation conveyor has a divert guide path which is configured to guide pushers to engage articles disposed on an endless conveying surface at an initial impact which does not result in an out of control situation even at high speeds. The divert guide path is disposed at a plurality of divert angles, and guides pushers to engage articles at a low initial contact divert angle and first lateral speed and to accelerate the articles to a final divert angle and second, higher, lateral speed. The pushers may be undergoing lateral acceleration at the time initial contact is made with the articles.

Abstract: A crossover switch for a sortation conveyor has actuators that extend into the divert guide path which are operable to respond to the travel of a guide element through the path to move the switch element from one position to another.

Abstract: A sortation conveyor has a divert guide path which is configured to guide pushers to engage articles disposed on an endless conveying surface at an initial impact which does not result in an out of control situation even at high speeds. The divert guide path is disposed at a plurality of divert angles, and guides pushers to engage articles at a low initial contact divert angle and first lateral speed and to accelerate the articles to a final divert angle and second, higher, lateral speed. The pushers may be undergoing lateral acceleration at the time initial contact is made with the articles.

Abstract: A sortation conveyor has overlapping pusher shoes stealth profile upper surface and a “cow catcher” edge which reduces interference with mislocated packages. In a tube type sortation conveyor of one aspect of the present invention, the center of the tubes are vertically offset upwards from the center of the chain pins which allows a single pusher cap design to be used with a round tube type and a slat type sortation conveyor. In another aspect of the invention, the pusher cap has a single, common mounting surface which accepts pusher pads of different divert angles.

Abstract: A sortation conveyor has a divert guide path which is configured to guide pushers to engage articles disposed on an endless conveying surface at an initial impact which does not result in an out of control situation even at high speeds. The divert guide path is disposed at a plurality of divert angles, and guides pushers to engage articles at a low initial contact divert angle and first lateral speed and to accelerate the articles to a final divert angle and second, higher, lateral speed. The pushers may be undergoing lateral acceleration at the time initial contact is made with the articles.

Abstract: A declined conveyor for conveying articles in a downstream direction, which is parallel to a longitudinal direction, has one or more controlled conveyor sections interposed between gravity conveyors. Each controlled conveyor includes a plurality of driven rollers which are driven by a drive member disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal direction, and is operatively connected to a plurality of the driven rollers through O belts.

Abstract: A pusher has a retaining member disposed within an opening in the pusher cap, a fastening member secured to the pusher base and a fuse element interposes between the retaining member and the fastening member, the fuse element failing upon the application of an undesirable level of force to said pusher cap.

Abstract: A accumulation conveyor has discrete zones which may be selectively actuated by pressurizing an interior cavity, urging diaphragms against spreaders which carry two spaced apart frame members. The frame members carry respective axle retainers which support the ends of axles on which pressure rollers are rotatably disposed. The pressure rollers urge the drive belt against the conveyor rollers.

Abstract: A sortation conveyer has overlapping pusher shoes stealth profile upper surface and a “cow catcher” edge which reduces interference with mislocated packages. In a tube type sortation conveyer of one aspect of the present invention, the center of the tubes are vertically offset upwards from the center of the chain pins which allows a single pusher cap design to be used with a round tube type and a slat type sortation conveyor. In another aspect of the invention, the pusher cap has a single, common mounting surface which accepts pusher pads of different divert angles.