High rate induction system
US7121398B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 8, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2203/044
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A sortation system and method of inducting product are useful with a sorter having a continuous member defining a plurality of transport positions of the continuous member and a plurality of sort destinations for receiving product discharged from the continuous member. At least one induction unit is provided including a plurality of tandem conveying units. Product is received with the at least one induction unit from a product source and discharged from the at least one induction unit to the continuous member. According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one induction unit follows the speed of the continuous member. This includes starting as soon as the continuous member is moving and decreasing in speed substantially only when the continuous member decreases in speed. The invention is useful with linear sorters, such as positive displacement sorters, and the like. The invention is also useful with carousel sorters, such as tilt-tray sorters and cross-belt sorters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.