Package diverting mechanism for conveyor systems

• US 20100126826A1
• Filed: 11/25/2008
• Published: 05/27/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/25/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: ATR
• Original Assignee: ATR
• Inventors: Cuthip, Robert Wesley, Finch, William Douglas, Lundahl, Robert Dana
• Application Number:
  US12/313,767
• Publication Number:
  US 20100126826A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 198/370.90
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 47/54 at least one of which is a roller-way

Abstract

This invention presents a unique design for a mechanism to be used in conveyors systems to selectively divert or re-direct packages off of the main conveyor and onto a secondary conveyor. This design utilizes a set of discs mounted eccentrically on an axis underneath and perpendicular to the conveying rollers. The discs are positioned edgewise and spaced between the conveying rollers. The rotation of the discs is triggered by the control system to coincide with the presence of the package selected to divert when it is on the conveying surface. The discs are mounted eccentrically in their common axis so when the array of discs is rotated the eccentricity of their rotation makes the edge of the discs extend above the conveying surface to lift the package and change its direction of motion with the tangential speed and direction of the rotating disc(s). A secondary conveyor is positioned next to the main conveyor to receive the package diverted off of the main conveyor.

Claims

1. A package transfer device for use with conveying systems comprising:

a frame which provides a supporting structure for conveying surface and diverting mechanism for packages;

multiple rollers supported by the frame to provide the conveying surface with said rollers being powered to rotate,

said diverting mechanism being a transfer mechanism comprised of at least one disc mounted eccentrically on a shaft below the said conveying surface, wherein

said shaft is parallel to the conveying surface and perpendicular to said multiple rollers and,

said discs are mounted eccentrically on said shaft and positioned between said conveyor rollers with a geometry that makes the edge of said discs protrude above said conveying surface for a portion of rotation of said multiple rollers to lift and propel a package off to the side of the conveying surface; and

a control system to control the rotation of said discs where said rotation is selected to divert an incoming package on said conveyer in a direction different from a straightforward direction to a secondary conveyor.

2. The package conveying device as described in claim 1, wherein said control system can be selected to divert said incoming package 90 degrees from said straightforward direction.

3. The package conveying system as described in claim 1, further comprising a disc position sensor to determine the position of the disc, using a disc position flag mounted at a known location on said disc position.