Abstract: A speed control system for a sorting conveyor for transporting objects and unloading objects at one or more unloading stations adjacent the conveyor. Each of the tilting conveyor carts includes a trailer frame base, a carrying tray for holding the objects and a two-axis tiltable support apparatus for supporting the carrying tray above the trailer frame base and for allowing tilting of the carrying tray towards at least one side of the conveyor to unload objects into unloading stations on at least one side of the conveyor. The conveyor system includes a plurality of selectively energized linear induction motors for driving the train along the conveyor track. A speed control system including a fixed-frequency, variable-voltage transformer is connected to a portion of the linear induction motors for varying the speed of the train.

Abstract: A sorting conveyor for transporting objects and unloading objects at one or more unloading stations adjacent the conveyor. Each of the tilting conveyor carts includes a trailer frame base, a carrying tray for holding the objects and a tiltable support apparatus for supporting the carrying tray above the trailer frame base and for allowing tilting of the carrying tray towards at least one side of the conveyor to unload objects into unloading stations on at least one side of the conveyor.

Abstract: A package sorting conveyor system having at least one conveyor cart movable along a continuous track and at least one unloading station. The conveyor system includes a two-axis tiltable support apparatus for supporting the carrying tray on the conveyor cart and for allowing tilting of the carrying tray towards at least one side of the package sorting conveyor to unload a package into unloading stations on at least one side of the sorting conveyor. A transition zone funnel upstream of the unloading station receives the package from the conveyor cart. The transition zone funnel includes an inlet adjacent to the continuous track conveyor system at the unloading station for receiving the package discharged from the tiltable conveyor cart; an upwardly inclined downstream wall located downstream of the inlet for preventing the package from tipping over; and an outlet located downstream from the upwardly inclined downstream wall for discharging the package from the funnel.

Abstract: A multi-cell discharge chute for a material handling system including a plurality of tilt trays. The chute includes at least three cells arranged generally perpendicular to the travel of the material handling system and aligned with respect to one another and a plurality of guide pans associated with each of the cells. A diverter door located between the material handling system and the inlets of each of the plurality of guide pans. The diverter door is movable between each of the inlets by a multi-position actuator whereby the multi-cell discharge chute is operable to selectively discharge articles from the material handling system into each of the cells.

Abstract: A package sorting conveyor system having at least one conveyor cart movable along a continuous track and at least one unloading station. The conveyor system includes a two-axis tiltable support apparatus for supporting the carrying tray on the conveyor cart and for allowing tilting of the carrying tray towards at least one side of the package sorting conveyor to unload a package into unloading stations on at least one side of the sorting conveyor. A transition zone funnel upstream of the unloading station receives the package from the conveyor cart. The transition zone funnel includes an inlet adjacent to the continuous track conveyor system at the unloading station for receiving the package discharged from the tiltable conveyor cart; an upwardly inclined downstream wall located downstream of the inlet for preventing the package from tipping over; and an outlet located downstream from the upwardly inclined downstream wall for discharging the package from the funnel.

Abstract: A tilting conveyor cart for a sorting conveyor for transporting objects and unloading objects at one or more unloading stations adjacent the conveyor. Each of the tilting conveyor carts includes a trailer frame base, a carrying tray for holding the objects and a tiltable support apparatus for supporting the carrying tray above the trailer frame base and for allowing tilting of the carrying tray towards at least one side of the conveyor to unload objects into unloading stations on at least one side of the conveyor.

Abstract: A sorting conveyor for transporting objects and unloading objects at one or more unloading stations adjacent the conveyor. Each of the tilting conveyor carts includes a trailer frame base, a carrying tray for holding the objects and a tiltable support apparatus for supporting the carrying tray above the trailer frame base and for allowing tilting of the carrying tray towards at least one side of the conveyor to unload objects into unloading stations on at least one side of the conveyor.

Abstract: A two-axis, tilting conveyor cart for a sorting conveyor for transporting objects and unloading objects at one or more unloading stations adjacent the conveyor. Each of the tilting conveyor carts includes a trailer frame base, a carrying tray for holding the objects and a two-axis tiltable support apparatus for supporting the carrying tray above the trailer frame base and for allowing tilting of the carrying tray towards at least one side of the conveyor to unload objects into unloading stations on at least one side of the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor system including a frame having a pair of extending side rails in spaced relation to one another, a plurality of live rollers transversely mounted between the side rails, an elongated drive shaft extending between the side rails adjacent to the rollers and a torque transmitter assembly is located parallel to the drive shaft and transverse to the rollers. The torque transmitter assembly includes a continuous belt connected to at least one of the rollers and a pulley assembly adapted to rotate with respect to the drive shaft and to receive the continuous belt, whereby the rotation of the drive shaft rotates the pulley assembly and the at least one of the rollers. In the preferred embodiment, the torque transmitter assembly also includes a biasing assembly connected to the pulley assembly for maintaining the pulley assembly in position with respect to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A tipping apparatus for a sortation conveyor of the type having a plurality of tiltable tray assemblies and an extended track along which such assemblies are conveyed. The tipping apparatus includes a mounting panel having a flipper arm attached at one end to the mounting panel. An actuator is attached to the mounting panel and a crank arm is attached between the flipper arm and the actuator. The flipper arm is movable between a first "cocked" position and a second "fired" position in engagement with the tray assembly for tilting the tray assemblies. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a support for mounting the mounting panel to the track.