Arlo L Bromley

6854584, Feb 15, 2005

Nov 6, 2003

10/702779

Mark W. Henson - Danville KY, US
Arlo Stephen Bromley - Mason OH, US

FKI Logistex Automation, Inc. - Cincinnati OH

B65G047/10

19837006, 19837002, 1983701

The invention is particularly useful for sorting, altering or maintaining the orientation items of differing sizes moved by a sorter. The endless loop's carriers include belts that both transport and sort the items. Followers clasp the belts about the lengthwise periphery of the carriers' slats and also engage lines, diverters, crossovers and receivers. When a follower is diverted toward a crossover, transverse motion is imparted to its corresponding carrier's belt. Routers can be incorporated into the sorter for enhancing the control of the orientation and sortation of items advanced by the endless loop's carriers.

6044956, Apr 4, 2000

Jul 1, 1998

9/108617

Mark W. Henson - Danville KY
Arlo S. Bromley - Danville KY

FKI Industries, Inc. - Fairfield CT

B65G 4710

19837002

In a sortation conveyor system, a main conveyor is provided with an improved transport surface that permits the substantially frictionless movement of articles in a transverse direction relative to the forward motion of the conveyor. The transport surface includes a plurality of twin slats alternating with transverse roller assemblies which support a plurality of anti-friction rollers. Both the slats and the roller assemblies are carried by side chains. The anti-friction rollers are mounted such that the upper radial surface of each extends above the twin slats for supporting the articles being conveyed. Diverters held captive on the slats slide across the surface and direct articles in a transverse direction while supported on the anti-friction rollers, this permitting substantially frictionless movement of articles to a lateral takeaway conveyor.