Abstract: A right angle transfer device has a conveying surface defined by a plurality of conveying members that are driven to convey objects in a conveyance direction. A diverting conveying member is mounted to a frame and is driven to divert objects in a direction angled away from the conveyance direction. A lift drive rotates a cam to move a bar in a substantially horizontal direction. The movement of the bar causes a frame link connected to the bar and the frame to raise and lower the frame. Once the frame has been moved upward to a sufficient extent, the diverting conveying member will be raised above the conveying members to come into contact with the object to thereby move and divert the object away from the conveyance direction.

Abstract: An assessment system and method are provided for determining whether an item handled in a material handling system is stable and conveyable or unstable and non-conveyable. If an item is deemed non-conveyable, it is diverted or otherwise removed from the material handling system before it is transported downstream where it may affect the operation of the system or cause damage to the system and/or item. The system utilizes a dimension sensor system, such as including photo arrays, to measure contact region dimensions between an item being conveyed and the conveyor surface. The contact region is observed under constant conveyance rates, accelerating conveyance rates, and decelerating conveyance rates to determine whether the item orientation changes due to shifts in momentum. Any measured contact region changes are compared to a maximum allowed value, and if the measured change is greater than the maximum, the item is deemed non-conveyable.

Abstract: An article sortation system and method of sorting articles includes an article sorter having an article support surface moving in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of discharge conveyors extending from the article support surface. The sorter is adapted to discharge articles from the article support surface to said discharge conveyors. One or more of the discharge conveyors includes an active aligner having a driven surface that is adapted to reorient at least some of the diverted articles.

Abstract: An article sortation system and method of sorting articles includes an article sorter having an article support surface moving in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of discharge conveyors extending from the article support surface. The sorter is adapted to discharge articles from the article support surface to said discharge conveyors. One or more of the discharge conveyors includes an active aligner having a driven surface that is adapted to reorient at least some of the diverted articles.

Abstract: A right angle transfer and method of transferring articles includes a plurality of conveying members that define a conveyance surface and are driven to convey objects in a conveyance direction and a plurality of diverting members. The diverting members are driven to divert objects at an angle from the conveyance surface. A frame mounts the diverting members for general vertical movement with respect to the conveying members. A lifting system including a plurality of spaced apart vertical actuators selectively raises and lowers the frame with respect to the conveying members. Each of the vertical actuators may include a cylinder that is positively driven in each of opposite directions by application of a fluid to opposite sides of the cylinder in order to positively drive the frame to both a raised state and a lowered state. The diverting members may be driven prior to being vertically moved into contact with an article being diverted.

Abstract: A right angle transfer and method of transferring articles includes a plurality of conveying members that define a conveyance surface and are driven to convey objects in a conveyance direction and a plurality of diverting members. The diverting members are driven to divert objects at an angle from the conveyance surface. A frame mounts the diverting members for general vertical movement with respect to the conveying members. A lifting system including a plurality of spaced apart vertical actuators selectively raises and lowers the frame with respect to the conveying members. Each of the vertical actuators may include a cylinder that is positively driven in each of opposite directions by application of a fluid to opposite sides of the cylinder in order to positively drive the frame to both a raised state and a lowered state. The diverting members may be driven prior to being vertically moved into contact with an article being diverted.

Abstract: A conveyor singulator includes a conveying surface defined by a plurality of lanes, each made up of freely rotatable rollers that are skewed with respect to a longitudinal direction. A drive system for each of the lanes is adapted to driving the rollers in that lane. The drive system includes an endless belt, a motor assembly that is adapted to propel the belt and a plurality of guide assemblies that are each adapted to bias the belt against the rollers. Each guide assembly includes a stationary block of low-friction polymers and a support that is adapted to press the block against an upper run of the belt to press the belt against the rollers in that lane.