Patent ID: 8919530
Filing Date: 2014-12-30
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A diverter for a conveyor system conveying a flexible product having a leading edge and a trailing edge, said conveyor system including a lower conveyor with an upper surface extending between upstream and downstream ends thereof, and with the upper surface of said lower conveyor defining a first plane, and an upper output conveyor arranged in vertically spaced relation relative to said lower conveyor, with said upper output conveyor having an upper surface defining a second plane which intersects with said first plane at a first angle, said diverter comprising: a finger operably arranged between the upstream and downstream ends of said lower conveyor, with said finger having a length, an outer end, and an upper surface, with said upper surface of said finger being disposed at an angle substantially equivalent to but not greater than said first angle, with said finger being longitudinally moveable between a first position, wherein the outer end of said finger is disposed below said first plane, and a second position above said first plane wherein said outer end of said finger advances and moves through said first plane along a path of travel extending generally parallel to and substantially coplanar with said second plane, a motor for moving said finger between said first position and said second position, a detector for detecting one of said leading edge and said trailing edge of said product on said conveyor system, and a synchronizing device connected to said motor and said detector for initiating advancement of said finger from said first position before said leading edge of said first product reaches said intersection wherein said outer end deflects said leading edge toward said upper output conveyor as said outer end of said finger penetrates said first plane.