Low impact article diverter assembly
US6068105A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G47/82
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pusher assembly for diverting the flow of articles on a conveyor includes a pusher arm that provides smooth engagement of the articles with minimal impact and a return path of the pusher which travels through the space previously occupied by the article being sorted. Consequently, the pusher assembly enables minimum spacing between articles on the conveyor and increases the sortation rate of the pusher assembly. The pusher assembly includes a pusher and a driver, which is coupled to the pusher. The driver moves the pusher from an initial retracted position adjacent the conveyor to a first diverting position, wherein the pusher pivots about a point spaced downstream from a downstream end of the pusher so that an upstream end of the pusher moves into contact with the side of the article. The driver further moves the pusher such that the pusher pivots about the upstream end so that the downstream end of the pusher rolls and moves into contact with the side of the article. The driver then pivots the pusher about an intermediate portion such that the upstream end of the pusher moves out of the path of on coming articles and the downstream end continues to push against the side of the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.