Abstract: A system for diverting objects traveling along a conveyor includes an upstream conveyor segment having an inlet end and an outlet end and a downstream conveyor segment having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the downstream conveyor segment is located to receive items from the outlet end of the upstream conveyor segment. A conveyor shift mechanism is linked to both the outlet end of the upstream conveyor segment and the inlet end of the downstream conveyor segment for carrying out lateral movement of the outlet end of the upstream conveyor segment in one lateral direction while simultaneously carrying out lateral movement of the inlet end of the downstream conveyor segment in an opposite lateral direction.

Abstract: A system for diverting objects traveling along a conveyor includes an upstream conveyor segment having an inlet end and an outlet end and a downstream conveyor segment having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the downstream conveyor segment is located to receive items from the outlet end of the upstream conveyor segment. A conveyor shift mechanism is linked to both the outlet end of the upstream conveyor segment and the inlet end of the downstream conveyor segment for carrying out lateral movement of the outlet end of the upstream conveyor segment in one lateral direction while simultaneously carrying out lateral movement of the inlet end of the downstream conveyor segment in an opposite lateral direction.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting, sorting and stacking items includes a plurality of conveyor lanes for moving items through the machine. An imaging system is arranged relative to the conveyor lanes to view items moving along the conveyor lanes. A reject arrangement is downstream of the imaging system and includes a plurality of selectively actuatable reject mechanisms, each reject mechanism associated with a respective one of the conveyor lanes enabling items to be selectively dropped from each conveyor lane on an individual lane basis. Items that pass inspection are conveyed to a downstream stacker, then on to item stack conveyors before being moved onto a side transfer conveyor. A controller analyzes image data to make a determination of whether any item is below a defined quality threshold and, if so, to control the reject mechanism to drop the below quality item out of the conveyor lane.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting, sorting and stacking items includes a plurality of conveyor lanes for moving items through the machine. An imaging system is arranged relative to the conveyor lanes to view items moving along the conveyor lanes. A reject arrangement is downstream of the imaging system and includes a plurality of selectively actuatable reject mechanisms, each reject mechanism associated with a respective one of the conveyor lanes enabling items to be selectively dropped from each conveyor lane on an individual lane basis. Items that pass inspection are conveyed to a downstream stacker, then on to item stack conveyors before being moved onto a side transfer conveyor. A controller analyzes image data to make a determination of whether any item is below a defined quality threshold and, if so, to control the reject mechanism to drop the below quality item out of the conveyor lane.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for diverting objects to a second path from a first path. Some embodiments include an articulatable diverting member coupled to an endless loop placed at an oblique angle above the first path of the conveyor. The diverting members are selectively placed in either a retracted position or an extended position based on sensory knowledge of the particular objects passing underneath the endless member. In the extended position, the diverting members contact the particular objects and slide them to the second path. In the retracted position, the conveyed objects pass underneath the diverting member.