Patent ID: 8167116
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: B65G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of reducing drag on the web of a positive displacement sorter, said web comprising a plurality of parallel slats interconnected at their opposite ends with chain assemblies in an endless loop and a plurality of pusher shoes, each traveling along at least one of said slats, said sorter further comprising a driven sprocket assembly and a non-driven sprocket assembly, each of said sprocket assemblies comprising at least two sprockets on a shaft, each for engaging one of said chain assemblies, said sprocket assemblies supporting said chain assemblies at opposite ends of said web, said method comprising: auditing the sorter including determining if the slats are skewed with respect to the direction of travel of said web; if said slats are skewed, then modifying said chain assemblies and said non-driven sprocket assembly; said modifying said chain assemblies comprising adding side thrust wheels on opposite sides of said web; and said modifying said non-driven sprocket comprising locking the sprockets to said shaft such that teeth of said sprockets are generally in line with each other and said sprockets rotate together.