Abstract: An article sorting conveyor includes an endless flexible carrier having a series of longitudinally spaced cross slats or tubes supporting article transfer pushers for lateral movement on the carrier relative to the direction of movement of the carrier. Each pusher has a vertically movable shaft which carries a follower or roller for selectively engaging an upper linear track or a lower curved or diverting track. Each shaft is releasably retained in an upper retracted position where the corresponding roller engages the upper track and is spring biased to a lower extended position where the roller engages the lower track. A controllable actuator is positioned ahead of each diverting station along the conveyor to release a series of selected shafts and rollers, and an inclined ramp at the end of the conveyor successively shifts the shafts and rollers from their lower extended positions back to their upper retracted positions.

Abstract: A tilting reversible belt transfer mechanism includes a cradle frame pivotally mounted across a conveyor frame and having belt supporting sheaves on opposite sides, an idler sheave at one end, and a drive sheave at the other end. A diverter belt is supported on the sheaves with transfer portions extending along upper edges of the frame sides. A conveyor roller is geared to the drive sheave and engaged by a power takeoff belt engaging a line shaft of the conveyor. As the drive sheave rotates, the transfer portions of the belt travel in opposite transverse directions. A linear motor arrangement is connected between the cradle frame and the conveyor frame and is operated to pivot the cradle frame in opposite directions about a non-divert position to lift a respective one of the belt transfer portions above the conveyor surface plane to engage and article and move it in an associated transverse direction.

Abstract: A diverter assembly is provided for preferential use with a line-shaft powered roller conveyor. The diverter assembly includes a diverter mechanism having a plurality of transfer loops thereon which may be recessed between rollers of the main conveyor or raised thereabove during diversion. The transfer loops are oriented for diversion generally transversely of a path of conveyance of the main conveyor. The diverter mechanism, including the transfer loops, is mounted upon a frame lift portion of the assembly which moves during selected actuation through a vertical, arcuate pathway relative to a line-shaft in the main conveyor. Rotational power for the transfer loops is derived from the line-shaft of the main conveyor. This is achieved by means of a powered drive wheel mounted on the line-shaft and a power transfer wheel mounted in the frame lift portion.

Abstract: A twisted flat belt drive arrangement transfers rotation between nonparallel shafts. A toothed pulley or gear is affixed to each shaft, and a pair of smooth surfaced idler rollers are mounted to rotate independently on an idler shaft positioned between the two shafts. An endless, flat, toothed belt has end loops meshed with the gears and middle portions twisted to contact a smooth outer surface of the belt with the idler rollers. The twisted flat belt drive arrangement is applied to transferring rotation from a main conveyor line shaft to a line shaft of a branch conveyor intersecting the main conveyor. The arrangement is also applied to providing driving rotation to diverter rollers of a diverter mechanism through an intermediate transmission shaft parallel to the main line shaft. The drive arrangement may be implemented for both purposes on the same conveyor to power diverter rollers of a mechanism which diverts articles onto a branch conveyor which is also powered from the main conveyor line shaft.

Abstract: A track for conveyor chain is provided by a plastic member having sides and a flat cross web supported by a U-shaped channel to provide a low friction guide way for both the upper and return runs of the chain. The plastic guide way for both runs can be a pair of identical members or a single extrusion. The guide way and channel can be factory assembled in units of suitable length and mounted to the conveyor track at the point of installation with use of simple tools and without requiring any special skills.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for controlling the velocity of articles on a gravity conveyor has a pneumatically operated actuator. During each cycle of operation of the brake a charge of air of limited volume is supplied to the actuator. The actuator is equipped with an air bleed which limits the actuator's period of action during each cycle. The charge of air is supplied by an accumulator, which is normally connected to a source of compressed air. An article actuated sensor and connected valve, upon being tripped by an article, isolates the accumulator from its air supply and connects it to the actuator activating the actuator but limiting its air supply to the charge stored in the accumulator before the valve was shifted by the sensor. The charge, once exhausted, is not replenished until the sensor is released by the article.