Abstract: A conveyor system including an induction subsystem for producing a desired spacing between packages as they are discharged from a single induction line. The induction line includes a conveyor and a speed controller for controlling the running speed of the conveyor in a manner that discharges a package as close as possible to a time necessary to provide a desired gap with a previously-discharged package. A control monitors movement of packages on the conveyor and includes a device for determining a speed adjustment required for each speed controller to cause the packages on the line to reach the discharge conveyor as close as possible to the desired time. Speed adjustments include a constant acceleration to a higher discrete speed or deceleration to a lower discrete speed from a nominal discrete speed with a return to the nominal speed prior to discharging the package.

Abstract: A switch for use at the intersection of two pallet pin guide tracks in a conveyor, the switch having a switch plate with a recessed pallet pin channel therein, a pivot pin supporting the switch plate for pivotal movement to align the pin channel with either one of the tracks, a locking device for alternately holding the switch plate in alignment with each of the guide tracks, a pallet actuatable device for releasing the switch plate from the locking device when the pallet approaches the switch along the guide tracks with which the guide pin track of the switch is not aligned and a suface of the switch plate for causing it to pivot about its pivot pin to align its guide pin track with an approaching pallet pin.

Abstract: A conveyor system including an induction subassembly for producing a desired spacing between packages as they are discharged from a single induction line or merged from multiple lines. Each induction line includes a conveyor and a speed controller for controlling the running speed of the conveyor in a manner that discharges a package as close as possible to a time necessary to provide a desired gap with a previously-discharged package. A control monitors movement of packages on the conveyor of each line and includes a microcomputer for determining a speed adjustment that would be required for each speed controller to cause the packages on each of the lines to reach the associated discharge conveyor as close as possible to the desired time. The microcomputer determines which of the packages would read the associated discharge conveyor closest to the desired time and causes the speed controller for the associated conveyor to effect its speed adjustment to discharge its package.

Abstract: A conveyor including an endless, driven surface for transporting articles and article diverting shoes having a depending guide pin to control their direction of travel. The shoes divert the articles from the conveyor path. The diverter shoes utilize a plate-like gate positioned at an angle to the direction of diverter shoe movement along the conveyor path. The gate is at one end of an arm which extends laterally from the path of travel of the diverter shoes and their depending pins. This gate is pivotally supported between its ends. The end of the arm opposite from the gate is secured to the armature of a solenoid which, when energized, causes the gate to be pivoted upwardly into erected, pallet diverting position with its path of movement being substantially vertical. Upon deenergization of the solenoid, a spring retracts the gate. As a result of this arrangement, the movement of the gate is limited to about one inch, is both substantially vertical and almost instantaneous.