Positive displacement sorter with parallel divert and diagonal discharge
US11066242B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 1, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2207/36
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A positive displacement sorter and method of diverting articles includes a conveying surface configured to convey articles in a longitudinal direction and at least one diagonal take-away lane, extending diagonally from the conveying surface to receive articles being diverted from said conveying surface. A plurality of pushers are configured to move together in a lateral direction in order to displace an item on the conveying surface to the diagonal take-away lane. A rotational system is configured to rotate a leading portion of a diverted article in the direction of the take-away lane. A belt drive system is provided for driving live roller conveyors about a curved section of a roller conveyor of the sorter. The drive belt is guided along a single conical drive plane that maintains the orientation of the drive belt relative to the single conical drive plane and limits twisting and stress in the drive belt.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.