Abstract: A positive displacement sorter apparatus and method includes providing a plurality of interconnected slats defining an endless web, an upper run of the web defining a conveying surface. A plurality of pusher shoes are provided, each moving along at least one of the plurality of slats to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface. Each of the pusher shoes includes a diverting portion extending above the conveying surface. The diverting portion includes a diverting surface and a stop surface. The diverting surface contacts an article and laterally displaces that article. A lifting force is applied by the diverting surface to a portion of the article being diverted. The stop surface limits movement of the article relative to the pusher shoe.

Abstract: An automated material handling system within a transportation craft provides accurate and automatic storage of loads while securely holding the loads even when the structure to which the system is mounted is subject to external forces. Retention systems are provided on the storage positions, transfer machine, and transfer conveyor to substantially impede unwanted motion of the loads while allowing constrained movements of the loads during a storage or retrieval. The transfer machine and storage positions are constructed for cooperatively exchanging loads utilizing a drive mechanism on the transfer machine that is able to selectively engage a driven mechanism located on each of the storage positions.

Abstract: An unscrambler conveyor including a frame, a plurality of tapered rollers rotatably supported by the frame for unscrambling packages, and means for driving the rollers. Each of the rollers has a longitudinal axis and a polyurethane body that extends along the longitudinal axis to form a tapered outer surface. The tapered outer surfaces of the rollers define a conveying surface and have variations in concentricity of less than 0.01 inches.

Abstract: A positive displacement sorter apparatus and method includes providing a plurality of interconnected slats defining an endless web, an upper run of the web defining a conveying surface. A plurality of pusher shoes are provided, each moving along at least one of the plurality of slats to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface. Each of the pusher shoes includes a diverting portion extending above the conveying surface. The diverting portion includes a diverting surface and a stop surface. The diverting surface contacts an article and laterally displaces that article. A lifting force is applied by the diverting surface to a portion of the article being diverted. The stop surface limits movement of the article relative to the pusher shoe.