Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a sorting system using the principles of linear motors to move a magnetized mat in multiple directions. The sorting system uses a series of stator coils in particular patterns to direct the magnetized mat along predefined looping pathways such that the magnetized mat can move articles in a desired direction. Embodiments include the use of multiple magnetized mats to improve package sorting rates. The magnetized mat is comprised of a plurality of magnetized and non-magnetized tiles which are connected using flexible tabs that form a living hinge. The living hinge flexes and allows the mat to travel along the predefined looping pathways. The sorting system may be used as a node in a larger grid sorting system and may be connected to conveyors, chutes, or other means for moving articles.

Abstract: A drive assembly for conveyor belt comprises a pair of opposing end plates for mounting a conveyor drive and mounting assemblies for mounting at least one of a position limiter assembly, a scraper assembly, a combined limiter-scraper assembly and side guards. The scraper assembly and combined limiter-scraper assembly include a leaf spring that is selectively tensioned by a tensioning element on an end plate to bias the scraper blade of the scraper assembly into an operational position.

Abstract: A sorting system having a main sorting conveyor sorting articles to discharge conveyors feeding articles to diverters having freely rotatable, gravity-activated rollers arranged in an inclined plane. The orientations of the rollers are selectably changed to divert articles riding downward along each diverter to different destinations. The main sorting conveyor comprises a roller belt with belt-roller actuators at sorting locations. The belt-roller actuators and the diverters are identical mechanisms.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt with sturdy edges capable of supporting the weight of the belt along a carryway. The sturdy edges have bearing surfaces, such as the peripheries of wheels or the faces of wear pads, mounted at the sides of the belt to bear the belt's weight when the belt rollers are not supported on a roller-activation system.

Abstract: A conveyor employs an adjustable product containment guard adjacent to a carryway for containing product on the carryway. The product containment guard is mounted to an end plate that includes multiple seats for moving the product containment guard between different positions.

Abstract: A conveyor-rail cleaner for cleansing, scrubbing, and rinsing the rails of a cleanable conveyor system. The cleaner includes cleaning units pivotably connected to allow it to negotiate turns in the track. Position-adjustable scrub brushes accommodate transitions between one-rail conveyor segments and two-rail segments at switch segments between separate adjacent conveyor tracks. The conveyor system includes a filling station for filling the cleaning units with cleansing and rinsing agents and recharging batteries powering scrub-brush motors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for bulk processing items on a conveyor belt using an angled axial fan that extends obliquely into a processing chamber and includes a curved back wall forming an air flow chamber. The angled axial fan enhances air flow around a product being processed on the conveyor belt. A heater employs shrouds and a series of baffle plates held together using a connecting pin to heat circulated air in a low-pressure area below the conveyor belt. Baffles in an upper chamber mix and direct heated, circulated air over the conveyed product.

Abstract: A cleanable conveyor frame and a method for making a cleanable frame having a simplified frame design. Infeed and outfeed assemblies are movable between operating and cleaning positions. An outfeed assembly includes a drive for a conveyor belt and a position limiter-scraper assembly. The position limiter-scraper assembly comprises a roller extending between two connecting plates mounted to outfeed mounting plates, a scraper assembly having a scraper blade mounted to a mounting bar extending between the two connecting plates and a leaf spring extending rearward from the mounting bar for biasing the scraper blade into contact with the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Belt edge modules for constructing modular conveyor belts with sturdy outer edges. The edge modules have thickened outer edge regions in module edge portions that are difficult to snip or break off to access hinge rods.

Abstract: A conveying system employs independently controlled flights. The flights are controlled separately from a conveying surface using a linear transport system. The linear transport system allow the position of the flights to be controlled based on a parameter, such as the length of a conveyed object. The flights are pivotally mounted to a mover of the linear transport system and can pivot relative to the conveying surface to allow the flights to fit in a space between an end of carryway and a receptacle.

Abstract: A flexible thermoplastic conveyor belt constructed of one or more belt segments having corrugated sidewalls. The one or more segments are joined end to end at one or more joints. The ends of the sidewalls at or near the joints are fastened together by fasteners to form a continuous sidewall along the length of the belt. The fasteners are toolless fasteners requiring no tools; they can be fastened and unfastened by hand alone.

Abstract: A hygienic, cleanable conveyor roller for use in a conveyor includes a segmented hub, a plurality of spokes and a rim for contacting a conveyor belt. The segmented hub comprises a plurality of arcuate segments in different axial planes connected to each other. The conveyor roller is mounted upon and rotatable about a mounting shaft that may axially constrain the roller. During a single revolution of the conveyor roller about the mounting shaft, all surfaces of both the conveyor roller and the mounting shaft are fully exposed, allowing the surfaces to be cleaned in place, without requiring removal of the conveyor roller from the mounting shaft.

Abstract: A conveyor employs an assembly at a drive end having a position limiter assembly configured to accommodate flights in a conveyor belt while ensuring proper engagement between the conveyor belt and a drive. The end assembly includes opposing end plates, a drive extending between the end plates and a position limiter assembly extending between the end plates below the drive for ensuring proper engagement of a conveyor belt with the drive. The position limiter comprises a series of spaced apart rollers mounted to and spaced from a mounting bar extending between the end plates. Roller mounting arms connect the rollers to the mounting bars.

Abstract: A plastic modular conveyor belt constructed of belt modules with wear pads. The belt is supported in the carryway of a conveyor atop linear wearstrips along which the belt's wear pads slide as the belt advances.

Abstract: A modular noseroller assembly for transitioning a conveyor belt at an end of a carryway comprises a plurality of roller-mounting modules connected to a spacer element to form a noseroller assembly that can be installed in a conveyor frame. The roller-mounting modules mount freely-rotating rollers on an axle extending through the plurality of roller-mounting modules. The configuration and size of the noseroller assembly can be easily modified depending on a particular application.

Abstract: Conveyor belt modules having rodless hook hinges and modular conveyor belts constructed of those modules. Hooks on opposite ends of belt modules hook into complementary hooks on adjacent modules to interconnect the modules at hinge joints into an endless belt. The geometry of the modules enables them to be manufactured by extrusion.

Abstract: A slat conveyor belt includes connected drive modules that can be easily disassembled and assembled. Each drive module comprises a slat portion connected to a drive portion forming a drive chain. A conveyor frame for the conveyor belt includes a dust cover for the drive chain and a separator for selectively separating a slat portion from an associated drive portion. A magazine automatically removes and stores separated slats.

Abstract: A spiral conveyor having a self-stacking conveyor belt positively driven on a helical path up or down a drive drum. Stacker supports at opposite sides of the belt support the tiers above. Locking structure on the outer stacker supports interlock consecutive tiers. Drive members on the drive drum have a belt entrance segment and a positive-drive segment. The positive-drive segment has ridges that engage the inner side of the belt without slip. The entrance segment provides a smooth reduction in drum diameter without drive ridges to multiple belt tiers entering the helical path.

Abstract: System and methods for estimating the number of packages in a measurement zone to gauge package flow. A linear array of distance-measuring sensors measures the height profile of a mass of packages conveyed past. The profile is differentiated, and steps in the differentiated profile are counted to detect package edges and to produce an estimate of the number of packages in the measurement zone. The estimate can be used to adjust the speed of the conveyor to provide a constant package flow.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of conveyor belt rollers configured to divert objects on the conveyor belt, and a drive mechanism that engages the conveyor belt rollers, the drive mechanism being configured to drive the conveyor belt rollers, the drive mechanism being adjustable such that the conveyor belt rollers can be selectively driven in a first angular direction and a second, opposite angular direction so that objects can be selectively diverted to either side of the conveyor belt at a desired diverting angle.