Bi-directional package divert mechanism and method of use
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A package divert mechanism, comprising:
- a frame adapted for use with an existing conveyor system for transporting an item in an original direction, said frame including a frame entrance and a plurality of frame exits;
at least one of the frame exits being perpendicular to the frame entrance; and
a moveable diverting mechanism extending from the frame, the moveable diverting mechanism being movable substantially perpendicular to the original direction of travel of the item being transported on the existing conveyor system and diverting the item in either a first direction or a second opposing direction with respect to the first direction,wherein the movable diverting mechanism is capable of remaining in a static position allowing the item to pass through the package divert mechanism while moving along the original direction.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A bi-directional package divert mechanism used for sorting mail and other packages and items into appropriate bins for future delivery. The mechanism includes a downward extending moving mechanism which is capable of moving items into one of two directions, both perpendicular to an original direction of travel. Sensors are provided which detect a position of the moving mechanism, items for moving and monitoring of other systems.
49 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A package divert mechanism, comprising:
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a frame adapted for use with an existing conveyor system for transporting an item in an original direction, said frame including a frame entrance and a plurality of frame exits; at least one of the frame exits being perpendicular to the frame entrance; and a moveable diverting mechanism extending from the frame, the moveable diverting mechanism being movable substantially perpendicular to the original direction of travel of the item being transported on the existing conveyor system and diverting the item in either a first direction or a second opposing direction with respect to the first direction, wherein the movable diverting mechanism is capable of remaining in a static position allowing the item to pass through the package divert mechanism while moving along the original direction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 23, 25, 26, 27)
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8. A package divert mechanism, comprising:
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a frame adapted for use with an existing conveyor system for transporting an item in an original direction; a moveable diverting mechanism extending from the frame member, the moveable diverting mechanism being movable substantially perpendicular to the original direction of travel of the item being transported on the existing conveyor system and diverting the item in either a first direction or a second opposing direction; and an over current sensor for determining whether a current associated with an actuator exceeds a threshold limit, wherein the moveable diverting mechanism further includes a moving mechanism for moving the moveable diverting mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (24)
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10. A package divert mechanism, comprising:
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a modular frame adapted for use with an existing conveyor system for transporting an item in an original direction; a moveable diverting mechanism extending from the modular frame, the moveable diverting mechanism being movable substantially perpendicular to the original direction of travel of the item being transported on the existing conveyor system and diverting the item in either a first direction or a second opposing direction; and a plurality of sensors associated with the moveable diverting mechanism, wherein the plurality of sensors include; at least one home sensor for detecting a home position of the moveable diverting mechanism; and at least one over travel sensor for detecting an over travel position of the moveable diverting mechanism; and a plurality of sensors associated with the modular frame for detecting a flow of the items entering an entrance of the modular frame and exiting an exit of the modular frame.
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11. A package divert mechanism, comprising:
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a frame adapted for use with an existing conveyor system for transporting an item in an original direction; a moveable diverting mechanism extending from the frame, the moveable diverting mechanism being movable substantially perpendicular to the original direction of travel of the item being transported on the existing conveyor system and diverting the item in either a first direction or a second opposing direction; momentary contacts associated with a control box arranged on the frame which provide an input signal to control the movement of the moveable diverting mechanisms; and a control system that determines information from the item and predetermines a diverting direction for the item, wherein the item is moved with the movable diverting mechanism in the first direction based on a first control signal and in the second direction based on a second control signal.
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12. A package divert mechanism, comprising:
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a frame member adapted for use with an existing conveyor system for transporting an item in an original direction; a moveable diverting mechanism extending from the frame member, the moveable diverting mechanism being movable substantially perpendicular to the original direction of travel of the item being transported on the existing conveyor system and diverting the item in either a first direction or a second opposing direction; and hoods having openings, the hoods being positioned at an entrance and each exit of the frame. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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14. A bidirectional divert mechanism, comprising:
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a frame having first, second, third, and fourth frame members each connected to a fifth frame member; the first and second frame members defining an entrance, the second and third frame members defining a first of a plurality of exits, the third and fourth frame members defining a second of the plurality of exits, and the fourth and first frame members defining a third of the plurality of exits; a gliding mechanism extending across the fifth frame member of the frame and adapted to move between opposing exits of the plurality of exits; a downward extending moveable blade member coupled to the gliding mechanism, the downward extending blade member having opposing blade surfaces to divert an item in either a first direction or a second direction opposing the first direction, and further having a longitudinal axis, the opposing blade surfaces facing opposing exits and the longitudinal axis extending in a direction between the entrance and another of the exits; and a means for positioning the movable blade member in a static position allowing the item to pass through the bidirectional divert mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 28)
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17. A package divert mechanism, comprising:
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a frame having an entrance and a plurality of exits; a gliding mechanism extending across a frame member of the frame and adapted to move between opposing exits of the plurality of exits; a downward extending moveable single blade member coupled to the gliding mechanism, the downward extending single blade member having opposing blade surfaces and a longitudinal axis, the opposing blade surfaces facing opposing exits and the longitudinal axis extending in a direction between the entrance and another of the exist, a safety hood positioned at least at one of the entrance and exits of the frame; and a control system that determines information from an item and predetermines a diverting direction for the item.
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18. A method of diverting an item, comprising:
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locating a first home position and a second home position of a diverting mechanism having a blade; allowing the blade to move within a frame having a plurality of vertical frame members which define a frame entrance and at least first and second frame exits which are arranged orthogonal to one another; positioning the diverting mechanism at one of the first home position and the second home position; determining a diverting direction of the item based on classification information associated with the item; and controlling, with control signals received from a controller of a conveyor, the diverting mechanism in accordance with the diverting direction to divert an item in either the first frame exit or the second frame exit. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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22. A method of diverting an item, comprising:
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locating a first home position and a second home position of a diverting mechanism; positioning the diverting mechanism at one of the first home position and the second home position; determining a diverting direction of the item based on classification information associated with the item; and controlling the diverting mechanism in accordance with the diverting direction; and suspending the movement of the diverting mechanism based on at least one of; a detection of an item being jammed; a detection of an item exceeding a threshold physical characteristic limit; a detection that the diverting mechanism exceeds a travel limit; and a detection that an operator has open access to the diverting mechanism, wherein the detection of the jammed item and the detection of the item exceeding a threshold physical characteristic limit is based on a detection of an over current of an actuator which moves the diverting mechanism.
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Specification