Abstract: The invention relates to a sorting method for sorting objects, characterised by at least the following sorting steps: a) first sort run, in which objects are input onto parking sections of a first block of parking sections; b) second sort run, in which objects are transferred from the first block of parking sections to a second block of parking sections; and c) third sort run, in which objects are transferred from the second block of parking sections back to the first block of parking sections. The invention also relates to two alternative types of sorting installations which are suitable for carrying out the above sorting method, and to a sorting system which combines a plurality of these sorting installations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorting method for sorting objects, characterised by at least the following sorting steps: a) first sort run, in which objects are input onto parking sections of a first block of parking sections; b) second sort run, in which objects are transferred from the first block of parking sections to a second block of parking sections; and c) third sort run, in which objects are transferred from the second block of parking sections back to the first block of parking sections. The invention also relates to two alternative types of sorting installations which are suitable for carrying out the above sorting method, and to a sorting system which combines a plurality of these sorting installations.

Abstract: A suspension conveyor installation having rollers (4) which are selectively linked to a drive chain (16) by driver elements (13). The driver elements (13) are arranged as link plates on the pins (15) of the drive chain (16) so as to be pivotable with respect to each other about vertical axes perpendicular to the drive chain (16), thereby allowing the driver elements (13) to flex when rounding sharp turns in the suspension conveyor installation. The bottom edge of each driver elements (13) has an oblique lifting ramp 18 at its leading edge, a glider surface (19) adjoining the lifting ramp (18), and a driver recess (20) adjoining the glider surface (19).

Abstract: A suspension conveyor system with a multiplicity of rollers traveling on a rail network. A load attachment device with a hook designed to carry the hook of a clothes hanger is pivotally mounted on each roller in order to permit loading and unloading of the hook. The load attachment device also has an inclined slide ramp thereon opposite the opening of the hook which engages a leading ramp on a rail parallel to the path of conveyance at a loading/unloading station to pivot the load attachment device into a raised position in which the hook of the clothes hanger to drop through an opening between the slide ramp and onto the rail. When the slide ramp contacts one of a row of clothes hanger already deposited on the rail the load attachment device will pivot upward slightly to lift the end of the hook from the rail thereby releasing the hook of the clothes hanger.

Abstract: A suspension conveyor and sorting installation for the sequential sorting of individually conveyed objects. The installation includes two parallel conveyor paths arranged side by side and driven in opposite directions. Independent roller devices carry objects to be sorted and are conveyed by getting coupled to pushing members. Stop members stop the roller devices on associated conveyor paths, so that the roller devices can be uncoupled from the pushing members. A transfer apparatus is provided between the conveyor paths at a distance from their respective ends, for transferring the objects conveyed along the conveyor paths, from one conveyor path to the other conveyor path. Finally, a sorting controller, connected to the transfer mechanism and the stop members, controls the sorting of the conveyed objects such that the objects are sorted while remaining on the conveyor paths.

Abstract: A suspension conveyor comprises two conveyor circuits which circulate in opposite directions. The circuits are arranged on opposite sides of an additional conveyor path, where the conveying directions of the path and circuits are the same at their point of coincidence. Roller devices for carrying objects (a, b, . . . , n), are entrained by a pushing or pulling mechanism of the conveyor circuits. A controllable switch arranged between the conveyor circuits, for transferring the objects individually from one of the conveyor circuits to the other, is adapted to transfer the objects selectively from the conveyor path to either of the conveyor circuits and vice versa. The switch is also adapted to selectively allow the objects to travel past the switch without leaving the respective conveyor circuit in which the objects are present. The suspension conveyor is additionally a sorting installation for sorting numerous different individually conveyed objects (a,b, . . . n).

Abstract: A suspension conveyor system includes a rail network and a roller apparatus adapted to travel along it. The rails comprise at least two sectional running girders each with upper and lower running surfaces and at least one sectional support girder. The running girders extend side by side and are interconnected through strips spaced from each other so as to form a guide slit. The roller apparatus has a carriage comprising two bearing rollers and which is supported by the upper surfaces of the girders. The lower end of the roller apparatus is equipped with a load carrier, arranged below the guide slit. Below the bearing rollers, at least two stabilizing rollers are arranged on either side of the travelling axis of the bearing rollers. The roller apparatus further includes two lateral guide rollers spaced from each other in the travelling direction of the apparatus.

Abstract: A suspension conveyor system (1) comprising a conveyor device (3) rolling along a track rail (2) with straight track sections, curves and/or switches. The conveyor device includes a bearing member (11), which is provided with a support member (17) for the articles to be conveyed, and at least two casters (12a, 12b) arranged on the bearing member (11) symmetrically with respect to each other with regard to a plane of symmetry (13). The track rail (2) has at least one running track (7) along which one of the casters (12a, 12b) rolls.

Abstract: There is described a method of sorting a plurality of individually conveyed articles in a suspension-type conveyor apparatus, wherein the articles circulate along a first conveyor circuit in unsorted fashion and are transferred from there individually and automatically to at least a second conveyor path and arranged in groups. To make such a method more simple and less troublesome, it is suggested that the second conveyor path be designed as a second conveyor circuit along which the articles circulate and that an automatically switchable shunt be provided between the first and second conveyor circuits. Both, the first conveyor circuit and the second conveyor circuit, are closed loop and reversibly driven.

Abstract: A conveyor for a suspension conveyor system comprising a carrier bar suspended from two yokes for receiving objects to be transported. Each of the yokes is suspended from a rail by a pair of rollers and is connected to the carrier bar via at least one joint having an axis of rotation which extends horizontally to the rail and an axis of rotation which extends transverse to the rail. To make the conveyor more universally usable without any negative impact on its conveying properties, the end of the carrier bar is connected to its yoke via a pivot pin extending at right angles to the horizontal axis of rotation, the pivot pin being received in a bearing shell on the end of the bar that permits the carrier bar to be pivoted relative to the pivot pin over a predetermined angular range in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis extending perpendicular to the pivot pin.

Abstract: A suspension conveyor system includes a conveyor adapted to be moved along a conveying path predetermined by a rail. The conveyor is driven by an elongated flexible conveyor element having arranged thereon at least one driver, which projects into the conveying path and which pushes the conveyor in response to a driving movement of the conveyor element. In order to improve the pushing function in a structurally simple manner, the driver is constructed as a plastic component comprising a holding member, which is to be connected to the conveyor element in an essentially rigid manner, and a driving finger arranged on the holding member, so that it is elastic in the direction of transport and adapted to be moved in the conveying path by the conveyor element.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling for coupling together two spaced conveyor rods adapted to be moved on rollers on a suspension conveyor system, the rods extending in their direction of transport and being aligned with respect to each other, the coupling comprising two coupling members and each of the coupling members being arranged on one of the conveyor rods. Each coupling member includes a coupling face, the coupling face of each being adapted to be moved relative to the coupling face of the other coupling member. In the coupled condition, the coupling faces of the two coupling members engage one behind the other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal center line. In order to permit the use of a mechanical coupling of this type in an automated sequence of operations, a rigid coupling connection is provided so that the distance between the conveyor rods remains essentially constant even under the influence of transporting forces.