Abstract: A sorting system includes trolleys traveling along a path between respective stations for loading and unloading items in a direction transversely of the direction of travel of the trolleys. Each station includes an inductor for generating a variable magnetic induction field which is sensed by a detecting mechanism, such as an antenna, disposed on the trolley. In response to the magnetic induction field being detected, a loading/unloading device on the trolley (e.g., an endless belt) is actuated to load or unload items.

Abstract: A sorting system includes a train of carriages moving along a track. Each carriage has an electrically driven cross belt for onloading and unloading items to be sorted. Some, but less than all, of the carriages, i.e., master carriages, carry electricity generating equipment, such as a track-engaging wheel connected to an electrical alternator, for converting kinetic energy of the train into electric energy. That energy is made available to all of the carriages through wiring that interconnects the carriages.

Abstract: A sorter conveyor having cross-belts for supporting and discharging article is disclosed, wherein the cross-belts are driven by interaction between a rotor moving with the cross-belts and stationary electric stator parts, wherein the rotor is arranged separate from the cross-belt and is connected to a drive roller with a transmission. Further is disclosed such sorter conveyors having tilt-trays driven by interaction between rotors moving with the tilt-trays and stationary electric stator parts, as well as such sorter conveyors which are driven along the stationary track by means of stationary linear motor stator parts interacting with the reaction means. Lastly, rotors and the manufacture of such motors are disclosed.

Abstract: A sorting conveyor which having a cross sorter which can travel smoothly on a semicircular corner part of a traveling path. A large number of transporting units 1 are connected and travel on loop shaped transporting route in which an endless belt conveyor 2 provided at the respective transporting units 1 is driven in the direction perpendicular to the traveling direction at a sorting position. A chassis of the transporting unit consists of a beam shaped link 5 connectable to the front and rear ends thereof via connecting units 14, and a base 7 fixed to the center of the upper part of the link 5. A center guide wheel 8 is suspended from the connecting unit 14 of the end of the link 6 to come into contact with a guide rail of the transporting route. A traveling wheel 9 and a guide wheel 10 are mounted adjacent to both ends of a base 7 to come into contact with a guide rail of both sides of the transporting route.

Abstract: The method and apparatus are for controlling a longitudinal shifting of an elongated piece along a predetermined length SL as said piece moves transversely within a plane at a given speed PS. The apparatus comprises a longitudinal arm having a given length PL pivotable within the plane to shift the piece; a flexible link operatively mounted around the arm to contact the piece as the arm is pivoted to shift the piece; a controllable pivoting means for pivoting the arm according to an angle &thgr; determined in relation to the predetermined length SL and the given length PL; and a controllable driving means for driving the flexible link around the arm according to a speed SS determined in relation to the speed PS of the piece and the angle &thgr; so that the longitudinal shifting is controlled.

Abstract: The invention is particularly useful for sorting, altering or maintaining the orientation items of differing sizes moved by a sorter. The endless loop's carriers include belts that both transport and sort the items. Followers clasp the belts about the lengthwise periphery of the carriers' slats and also engage lines, diverters, crossovers and receivers. When a follower is diverted toward a crossover, transverse motion is imparted to its corresponding carrier's belt. Routers can be incorporated into the sorter for enhancing the control of the orientation and sortation of items advanced by the endless loop's carriers.

Abstract: A conveyor device capable of moving a package also in a main direction orthogonal to a direction of conveyance, and thereby making it possible to change and maintain a package in any posture. The conveyor device 30 of the present invention is formed by coupling a plurality of conveyor sub-units 1 in an endless manner while each sub-unit 1 by itself has a function as a belt conveyor and the drive direction of the belt of the conveyor sub-unit 1 is in a direction orthogonal to the main direction of conveyance of the conveyor device 30. Some or all of the conveyor sub-units 1 constituting the conveyor device 30 can be made to operate in cooperation with each other by combining the conveyor device 30 with a control instruction device.

Abstract: The invention is particularly useful for sorting items of differing sizes. The endless loop's carriers include belts that both transport and sort the items. Followers clasp the belts about the lengthwise periphery of the carriers' slats and also engage lines, diverters, crossovers and receivers. When a follower is diverted toward a crossover, transverse sorting motion is imparted to its corresponding carrier's belt. Followers can also include delays for prolonging the longevity of the diverters. And when the size of the item being sorted mandates, a diverter can divert sequential followers, in series.

Abstract: A conveyor system for sorting articles comprises a plurality of conveyor units adapted to run along a conveyor path having vertical and/or horizontal loops. The conveyor system comprises loading conveyors for loading articles onto the conveyor units, and wherein each or some of the loading conveyors and/or conveyor units comprise barrier means for stopping the displacement of an article in relation to the loading conveyor and/or conveyor units. The loading conveyor may be adapted to reorient or rotate an article during loading and to load an article having a length greater than the length of a single conveyor unit onto two or more contiguous conveyor units. The loading conveyor may load at least two articles onto one conveyor unit, so that the articles are arranged next to each other on the conveyor unit. The conveyor system comprises a control system for controlling, according to predetermined velocity ramps, the driving means for loading and unloading articles.

Abstract: A transfer assembly for positioning between conveyor sections and for transferring at least one article laterally with respect to the conveying surface defined by the conveyor sections in a direction angled to the conveying direction of the conveying surface includes at least two conveying devices, which define a conveying surface for at least generally aligning with the conveying surface of the conveyor sections, and a sheave assembly. The sheave assembly includes a support member and a reinforced transfer belt having a belt length and defining a transfer surface. At least two transfer sheaves are mounted to the support member with the transfer sheaves supporting the transfer belt. The support member is adapted to move the transfer belt between a non-transferring position wherein the transfer surface is below the conveying surface of the conveying devices and a transferring position wherein the transfer surface is raised above the conveying surface of the conveying devices.

Abstract: A sortation system includes a plurality of transport units movable along a conveying path. Each of the transport units is capable of carrying side-by-side articles thereon. The plurality of carriages pass at least one induction station and at least one discharge station along the conveying path. Each of the carriages is capable of transferring an article from one side of the carriage to the other side of the carriage. Each of the carriages may be capable of receiving an article on one side of the carriage when another article is already positioned on the other side of the carriage, and/or may be capable of substantially simultaneously discharging side-by-side articles to discharge stations at opposite sides of the conveying path, and/or may be capable of receiving an article on one side of the carriage without moving an article already positioned on the carriage.

Abstract: A transfer assembly for positioning between conveyor sections and for transferring at least one article laterally with respect to the conveying surface defined by the conveyor sections in a direction angled to the conveying direction of the conveying surface includes at least two conveying devices, which define a conveying surface for at least generally aligning with the conveying surface of the conveyor sections, and a sheave assembly. The sheave assembly includes a support member and a reinforced transfer belt having a belt length and defining a transfer surface. At least two transfer sheaves are mounted to the support member with the transfer sheaves supporting the transfer belt. The support member is adapted to move the transfer belt between a non-transferring position wherein the transfer surface is below the conveying surface of the conveying devices and a transferring position wherein the transfer surface is raised above the conveying surface of the conveying devices.

Abstract: An inductive energy transfer system supplies energy from a stationary primary rail to a number of movable secondary rails each connected to a movable unit. The system is particularly suited for conveyor units of a sorter system, each unit having an article support, the energy provided from the energy transfer system being used primarily for discharging articles from the article-support. The primary rail as well as the secondary rails are provided with legs so that the legs in an operational position are overlapping so as to reduce the losses caused by the air gap between the primary rail and the secondary rails. The movable units are each equipped with an electrical battery for smoothing the load from the movable unit on the primary side of the transfer system.

Abstract: A sorting conveyor is composed of a plurality of front wheels and rear wheels each extending in a transverse direction, and a plurality of endless turning bodies wound between the wheels, respectively, each pair of wheels being arranged opposite each other in a longitudinal direction. A receipt section is provided with turning force applying units for turning target endless turning bodies of a target sorting conveyor. This configuration allows one sorting conveyor to handle a plurality of sorted articles and provides a sorting system which is constituted simply and inexpensively on the whole.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for conveying and rotating/transferring individual containers or beverage bottle cases or the like articles as well as moving or, laterally in a direction orthogonal to the travel direction of the articles, transferring the same, the assembly comprising two or more substantially cylindrical conveyor rolls (15) that are parallel to each other and aligned longitudinally in the travel direction of the articles, the conveyor rolls being adapted rotatable about their axes in order to effect the rotation of the articles or transfer thereof in the lateral direction, plus one or more conveyor belts (12) or the like means for transferring the articles in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor rolls (15), the conveyor belts (12) being adapted to pass over belt support rolls (10).

Abstract: A conveyor system particularly configured for discrete parcels, which combines tilting tray concepts with “cross-belt” or powered conveyor concepts, which allows for the acceleration of parcels above one gravity force “G”. In one configuration, two levels can be used, the upper for larger packages, and the lower for smaller packages.

Abstract: A crossbelt sortation system is provided which includes a pair of side-by-side carrier belts on each of a plurality of transport units movable along a conveying path. The carrier belts may be operable independently or in a synchronized manner, in order to receive packages from one or more induction stations and either discharge the packages at an appropriate discharge station or transfer the package onto the carrier belt at the other side of the transport unit. A control system is operable to determine the destination side of the packages at the induction station and to further determine the availability and appropriateness of the carrier belts of the approaching transport units, in order to determine if an available carrier belt is proper or compatible to receive the next package at the induction station.

Abstract: The transfer device for a linear conveyor comprises a fixed framework (5) placed on one side of the linear conveyor (2) and means for moving objects towards the framework in a transfer direction that is different from the conveying direction of said conveyor. These means comprise an object transporter structure (6) mounted in said framework (5) to move in a substantially vertical direction in order to occupy a transfer position in which the transporter structure is disposed above the linear conveyor (2) or a retracted position in which the transporter structure is disposed below the linear conveyor (2). The transporter structure (6) extends across the linear conveyor (2) and extends in the transfer direction on one side of the conveyor. The transfer device can be used in a postal sorting machine for handling mail bins.

Abstract: A crossbelt sortation system is provided which includes a pair of side-by-side carrier belts on each of a plurality of transport units movable along a conveying path. The carrier belts may be operable independently or in a synchronized manner, in order to receive packages from one or more induction stations and either discharge the packages at an appropriate discharge station or transfer the package onto the carrier belt at the other side of the transport unit. A control system is operable to determine the destination side of the packages at the induction station and to further determine the availability and appropriateness of the carrier belts of the approaching transport units, in order to determine if an available carrier belt is proper or compatible to receive the next package at the induction station.

Abstract: A transfer assembly of the present invention provides for a low impact transfer of an article between conveyors so that the article can be diverted from a direction of flow without impeding the flow of other articles in the conveyor system. The transfer is done at a relatively fast rate while maintaining the impact on the article to a minimum. The transfer assembly includes a conveying surface and a pusher which is adapted to move across a first portion of the conveying surface from a retracted position adjacent the first portion to an extended position across the first portion adjacent a second portion of the conveying surface for translating an article being conveyed on the conveying surface and for transferring the article from a first conveyor section to a second laterally offset conveyor section.

Abstract: A conveyor system particularly configured for discrete parcels, which combines tilting tray concepts with “cross-belt” or powered conveyor concepts, which allows for the acceleration of parcels above one gravity force “G”. In one configuration, two levels can be used, the upper for larger packages, and the lower for lower packages.

Abstract: A conveyor system particularly configured for discrete parcels, which combines tilting tray concepts with “cross-belt” or powered conveyor concepts, which allows for the acceleration of parcels above one gravity force “G”. In one configuration, two levels can be used, the upper for larger packages, and the lower for lower packages.

Abstract: A transport device for transporting unit loads, wherein unit load parts being respectively deposited onto a transport element in a depositing station and laterally discharged from the transport device. Commonly driven transport elements are arranged behind one another in the transport direction and connected to one another in an articulated fashion forming a closed transport path. The transport elements of the transport path respectively form a carrying surface with the outer face of the upper section of the belt conveyor. The transport belt of the transport path which can be transversely driven in a controlled fashion is driven from a non-driven transport position within the region of the respective delivery station in such a way that the unit load part which is supported by the respective belt conveyor and transported in the transport direction of the transport device is transported and delivered to the predetermined delivery station.

Abstract: The sorting system comprises a sorting line with ejection stations successively arranged along the line. There is a conveying system guided along the sorting line and having a sorting device successively arranged as well. Each sorting device has a conveyor belt drivable transversely to the sorting line for receiving a parceled article chargeable in a loading station, and for the controlled ejection of the article in an ejection station. The drive of the conveyor belts of the sorting devices takes place purely by mechanical driving means. First driving means are arranged in the region of each ejection station, and are selectively engageable with second driving means of a sorting device. The first driving means cooperates with the second driving means when the respective sorting device passes the first driving means. The first and the second driving means are preferably cooperate by friction grip.

Abstract: Sorting devices are successively guided along a sorting line and driven by means of a conveyor system. Each sorting device has a running carriage with running rollers guided in the sorting line's guide rails. In addition, the sorting device contains a means for receiving and ejecting individual parceled articles sent from a loading station. The conveyor system comprises a chain having chain links with flat undersides which are movably connected to each other. The chain links are rigidly connected to each running carriage of the sorting devices and project beyond these sorting devices in a transport direction. The joints between successive chain links are each bridged on their underside by a pre-tensioned leaf spring. The driving means is a friction wheel drive with a friction wheel engaging the chain links on their undersides. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, one chain link is rigidly connected to each of the running carriages of the sorting devices.

Abstract: A linked sorter for sorting small cargo units includes a plurality of conveying elements positioned consecutively in a conveying direction. The elements are flexibly connected to each other and form an endless conveying line for loading of small cargo units on each of the conveying elements. A cross-belt conveyor at a top end of each conveying element receives and delivers small cargo unit. The cross-belt conveyor has an endless-loop conveying belt which runs over two rollers that are separately positioned at and extend in the conveying direction of the sorter. An electric motor drives one of the rollers of the cross-belt conveyor so that a carrying segment of the cross-belt conveyor moves toward the predetermined delivery station. A support element is flexibly connected at a front section and a rear section and support elements of preceding and following conveying elements form a linked chain of support elements.

Abstract: An object-sorting system includes a plurality of conveyor platforms traveling along a travel path between a loading zone and an unloading zone. The unloading zone includes a plurality of exits spaced apart along the travel path for receiving respective ones of the objects. Each conveyor platform receives and unloads objects in a direction transverse to the travel path. Two objects are loaded onto each platform so that the first object to be unloaded is disposed closest to the side of the platform from which it is to be discharged. The loading station is arranged to load the two objects without stopping the conveyor platform. The loading station includes two loading conveyors arranged to load objects onto each platform at respective locations along the travel path.