Abstract: A belt drive assembly for driving at least one tread roller of a belt-driven live roller conveyor and associated methods are provided that uses an electrically actuated assembly to raise and lower a belt into and out of engagement with tread rollers to selectively transport or accumulate product. The assembly includes a stationary frame having a magnet and a movable frame having an attractant plate, or vice versa. The magnet may be an electromagnet or a solenoid. The movable frame is movable with respect to the stationary frame, such that when an electric current is applied to the magnet, the magnet and the attractant plate are magnetically drawn to each other and cause the movable frame to move towards a respective portion of the stationary frame to place the belt drive assembly in a driving configuration in which at least one tread roller of the conveyor in engaged.

Abstract: A sawtooth merging conveyor system that more accurately controls the position of merging cartons or other objects of varying size, shape, weight or condition. Rollers define entry portions configured to abut supply conveyors and a conveyor belt covers a main portion of the conveyor system. The rollers of the entry portions convey the cartons from the supply conveyors onto the conveyor belt. Slip of the cartons is reduced by the friction of the conveyor belt surface. The rollers of the entry portions may have a coating that improves roller grip of the cartons and matches the thickness of the belt to reduce slip and improve transitioning of the cartons onto the belt. A guide rail defines an outer edge of the entry portions and can includes a plurality of guide rollers connected to the main conveyor drive to urge packages onto the conveyor belt of the main portion.

Abstract: An accumulation conveyor system for supporting and moving a plurality of objects. The conveyor system is divided into a plurality of zones wherein each zone includes a top and bottom conveying surface and wherein a space is defined between the top and bottom surfaces. Each zone also includes its own motor positioned external to the space between the conveying surfaces and coupled to the conveying surfaces via a non-slip connection. A control system is connected to the motor and controls the power to the motor so that the conveying surfaces in each zone can be moved independently. Whenever a sensor detects an empty downstream zone, it signals the control system of the upstream zone to power the motor and move the object to fill the empty zone. The control system may also be configured to allow a soft start wherein motor speed is increased gradually.

Abstract: An accumulation conveyor system for supporting and moving a plurality of objects. The conveyor system is divided into a plurality of zones wherein each zone includes a top and bottom conveying surface and wherein a space is defined between the top and bottom surfaces. Each zone also includes its own motor positioned external to the space between the conveying surfaces and coupled to the conveying surfaces via a non-slip connection. A control system is connected to the motor and controls the power to the motor so that the conveying surfaces in each zone can be moved independently. Whenever a sensor detects an empty downstream zone, it signals the control system of the upstream zone to power the motor and move the object to fill the empty zone. The control system may also be configured to allow a soft start wherein motor speed is increased gradually.

Abstract: The conveyor sorting system and method are provided. The system includes a conveyor for transporting articles along a predetermined path, and a pair of opposing chutes for receiving articles directed from the conveyor by a sorting device having a single paddle. The chutes are in communication with one another so that articles directed into either chute from the conveyor are directed to a common discharge end. In this regard, the single paddle of the present invention is operable to direct consecutively-spaced articles to opposing chutes that lead to the common discharge end.

Abstract: The conveyor sorting system and method are provided. The system includes a conveyor for transporting articles along a predetermined path, and a pair of opposing chutes for receiving articles directed from the conveyor by a sorting device having a single paddle. The chutes are in communication with one another so that articles directed into either chute from the conveyor are directed to a common discharge end. In this regard, the single paddle of the present invention is operable to direct consecutively-spaced articles to opposing chutes that lead to the common discharge end.

Abstract: The conveyor sorting system and method are provided. The system includes a conveyor for transporting articles along a predetermined path, and a pair of opposing chutes for receiving articles directed from the conveyor by a sorting device having a single paddle. The chutes are in communication with one another so that articles directed into either chute from the conveyor are directed to a common discharge end. In this regard, the single paddle of the present invention is operable to direct consecutively-spaced articles to opposing chutes that lead to the common discharge end.

Abstract: The conveyor sorting system and method are provided. The system includes a conveyor for transporting articles along a predetermined path, and a pair of opposing chutes for receiving articles directed from the conveyor by a sorting device having a single paddle. The chutes are in communication with one another so that articles directed into either chute from the conveyor are directed to a common discharge end. In this regard, the single paddle of the present invention is operable to direct consecutively-spaced articles to opposing chutes that lead to the common discharge end.

Abstract: The conveyor sorting system and method are provided. The system includes a conveyor for transporting articles along a predetermined path, and a pair of opposing chutes for receiving articles directed from the conveyor by a sorting device having a single paddle. The chutes are in communication with one another so that articles directed into either chute from the conveyor are directed to a common discharge end. In this regard, the single paddle of the present invention is operable to direct consecutively-spaced articles to opposing chutes that lead to the common discharge end.