Abstract: A positive displacement sorter apparatus includes a plurality of interconnected slats defining an endless web. An upper run of the web defines a conveying surface. Pusher shoes move along at least some of the slats to laterally displace an article on the conveying surface. The pusher shoes have slat engagement portions engaging the slats at shoe-engaging portions of the slats. Each of the pusher shoes has a body generally surrounding at least one of the slats. The body is substantially made of a first polymeric material. The slat engaging portions are substantially made of a second polymeric material that is different from the first polymeric material.

Abstract: A positive displacement sorter apparatus includes a plurality of interconnected slats defining an endless web, an upper run of the web defining a conveying surface conveying articles in a longitudinal direction. A plurality of pusher shoes move along the slats to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface. At least one diverting rail extends diagonally under said conveying surface and at least one diverter is associated with the diverting rail. The pusher shoes include a base and a member extending from said base below said conveying surface. The diverter includes an actuator that selectively actuates a member toward the diverting rail. The diverting rail has a terminal portion. The terminal portion and the member are configured to direct the member in the longitudinal direction in a substantially continuous motion after moving the pusher shoe laterally of said conveying surface. This reduces audible noise at the end of a divert.

Abstract: A sortation system includes a metal frame member and a traveling member having a series of wheels supported by the frame member. The traveling member defines an upper surface that supports articles being sorted. A wear strip is provided between said frame member and the wheels. The wear strip is made up of at least one wheel support strip and a sound deadening material between the at least one wheel support strip and the frame member.