Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of using different sensing and detection methods to determine parcel flow density 1D lineal, 2D area or 3D volumetrically on a selected section of a feed conveyor and receiving conveyor and adjusting conveyor speed ratios proportioned according to ratio of desired density to current density to increase the density or volume of parcels in a selected area of the receiving conveyor.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for automated item sorting for multi-item orders. In one embodiment, an example system may include a number of modular sorting machines coupled in series, the number of modular sorting machines comprising a first modular sorting machine, a first support coupled to the first modular sorting machine, a second support coupled to the first modular sorting machine, where the first support and the second support together form a first chute, and where the first support and the second support are configured to support a number of bins. The system may include a first bin of the number of bins disposed in the first chute at a first vertical position, and a second bin of the number of bins disposed in the first chute at a second vertical position, where the first bin and the second bin are configured to receive items for multi-item orders.

Abstract: A high speed servo laner apparatus and system includes an entrance to the laner which receives products from an upstream processing line. A pivoting guide has a distal end attached to the entrance and a proximal end attached to a movable portion. At least one pacing screw is also attached to the moveable portion. The at least one pacing screw includes a thread, which has a pitch and radius configured to accommodate passage of a unit of product between two axially adjacent portions of the thread.

Abstract: The present invention provides a material distribution system and method thereof, comprising first, second and third conveyors, first, second, third and fourth material distribution paths, first and second material distribution rockers, and a movable material-distributing guide plate. Material conveyed on the second conveyor is delivered to the first or second material distribution rocker by switching the movable material-distributing guide plate, material conveyed on the first or second conveyor is delivered to the first or second material distribution path by switching the first material distribution rocker, and material conveyed on the second or third conveyor is delivered to the third or fourth material distribution path by switching the second material distribution rocker.

Abstract: The belt conveyer 10 includes guide members 100F and 100R. The guide members 100F and 100R are disposed between the endless belts 13A and 13B. The belt conveyer has a suction box 81 and a blower 91. The belt conveyor 10 becomes able to suction the air via the conveyance surface 10A that is the workpiece holding surface.

Abstract: The belt conveyer 10 includes guide members 100F and 100R. The guide members 100F and 100R are disposed between the endless belts 13A and 13B. The belt conveyer has a suction box 81 and a blower 91. The belt conveyor 10 becomes able to suction the air via the conveyance surface 10A that is the workpiece holding surface.

Abstract: An improved sorting system for use with a conveyor assembly includes a transverse roller conveyor belt for conveying a product to one or more product stations. The sorting system provides a stager system for positioning product on moving conveyor and a diverter system for shuttling product into alternative channels. The system in a preferred embodiment is configured for use with tire handling components, and can be equipped with a bar code reader useable with tires.

Abstract: A sorting installation for letters of a first kind and letters of a second kind includes circulating stacking locations for receiving the letters of the first kind delivered in any desired sequence, and circulating end locations ordered by destination addresses. A first controller is operable to transfer a letter of the first kind from a circulating stacking location to an end location assigned to a destination address of the letter of the first kind. The installation includes further letter-stacking locations for letters of the second kind. A second controller is operable to transfer a letter of the second kind from a letter-stacking location to an end location assigned to a destination address of the letter of the second kind.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for stacking wood products. In some embodiments, the disclosure the steps of designing at least two types of engineered wood products via a software application; producing the at least two types of engineered wood products based on the designs utilizing a saw in conjunction with the software application; designating, via the software application, at least two bins to hold the at least two different types of engineered wood products; selecting a first bin for depositing a first type of engineered wood product; selecting a second bin for depositing a second type of engineered wood product; automatically placing the first type of engineered wood product into the first bin; and automatically placing the second type of engineered wood product into the second bin. The at least two types of engineered wood products are at least two of: panels, I-joists, headers and dimensional lumber.

Abstract: A diverter assembly for handling articles transported on a conveying surface is disclosed. The diverter assembly includes at least one diverter arm and a motor coupled to a drive arrangement for swinging the diverter arm over the conveying surface. An inverter controller is provided for operating the motor at a plurality of speeds. A sensor arrangement is coupled to the inverter controller for monitoring the position of the diverter arm. The sensor arrangement sends a slow-down signal to the inverter controller when the diverter arm reaches a pre-determined position, causing the inverter controller to operate the motor at a slower speed.

Abstract: A diverter gate generally includes a bracket which connects to an actuator and a flag which releasably engages with the bracket via cooperating engagement members. The cooperating engagement members may be symmetrical, and may comprise one or more tabs and one or more corresponding receptacles. The tabs may be dimensioned slightly larger than the receptacles so as to create a positive interference fit. The bracket and the flag may include openings to receive a fastener extending substantially across the length of the gate. Tightening the fastener compresses the tab(s) against the receptacle(s) to result in a compression fit between the flag and the bracket. The two-piece design allows the flag to be easily removed and reversed or replaced, without disassembling or removing the bracket or the actuator.

Abstract: A diverter gate generally includes a bracket which connects to an actuator and a flag which releasably engages with the bracket via cooperating engagement members. The cooperating engagement members may be symmetrical, and may comprise one or more tabs and one or more corresponding receptacles. The tabs may be dimensioned slightly larger than the receptacles so as to create a positive interference fit. The bracket and the flag may include openings to receive a fastener extending substantially across the length of the gate. Tightening the fastener compresses the tab(s) against the receptacle(s) to result in a compression fit between the flag and the bracket. The two-piece design allows the flag to be easily removed and reversed or replaced, without disassembling or removing the bracket or the actuator.

Abstract: Provided is a system for cutting and sorting of engineered wood products. Using appropriate software, a designer may model an entire house's structural frame. The dimensions and labeling for individual members of the structure are extracted from the model and captured by the software. The software may batch and optimize the products to be cut on the saw and develop sawing control instructions. The instructions are used by the saw to process the parts according to the house structure design. As the parts are processed by the saw, they are discharged and sent to an outfeed system that will stack the engineered wood products according to the parameters defined by the workstation operator. The system can handle the multiple lengths and widths of engineered wood parts from the saw and stack them in the order the software may specify.

Abstract: The invention concerns one or two belts-staircases that link several storage levels. Each level has linear storage belts accessed through a belt that connect the level to the intake. The outlet from the storage belts ends in another belt connecting them to the outlet and again to the storage belts. At the intake to levels and storage belts there are divertors to divert merchandises into them. To control the flow, there are photoelectric cells and tag readers at the intakes and outlets of the various devices.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an article sorting system includes successive coarse and fine singulators and a recirculating loop for processing a disordered stream of items including three-dimensional non-flat articles. A coarse singulator includes cascaded ramped conveyors, preferably operating at progressively greater speeds. A detection system, such as a vision system, for monitoring the stream of articles and identifying and/or tracking individual items passing through the system is used in conjunction with a fine singulator such as a chevron, hold-and-release or strip conveyor downstream from the coarse singulator. A control system is utilized in connection with the vision system to regulate the flow of articles through the system by, for example, diverting doubles or clusters for separations.