Patent ID: 6227377
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: B65G,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for automatically distributing articles from a source to a plurality of destinations, said plurality of destinations forming an array, and said apparatus comprising:a sorting conveyor, mounted at a receiving end to a pivot which is pivotable about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis, defining a distributing end spaced apart from said receiving end;a frame including a carriage which loosely cradles said conveyor between said receiving and distributing ends;first means for moving said frame horizontally along a straight line path, causing said conveyor to rotate about said vertical axis;means for stabilizing said frame as it moves along said path;means for engaging said frame with said means for stabilizing;second means for moving said carriage vertically, causing said conveyor to rotate about said horizontal axis; anda controller configured to operate said first and second means for moving to align said distributing end with any of said destinations;wherein said means for stabilizing comprises a track in contact with a plurality of wheels attached to a bottom end and a top end of said frame.