Patent ID: 6347697
Filing Date: 2002-02-19
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A conveyed path splitting conveyor system comprising:an upstream conveyor having at least a fast and slow speed; first and second downstream conveyors each having at least a fast and a slow speed; a diverter positioned between the upstream conveyor and the first and second downstream conveyors and being operable to direct objects conveyed by the upstream conveyor to one of the first and second downstream conveyors for further conveyance of the objects by the one of the first and second downstream conveyors; at least a first sensor positioned at a location along the first downstream conveyor and being operable to sense a presence or absence of an object at the location along the first downstream conveyor and to emit a signal indicative of the sensed presence or absence of the object, the first sensor being operatively connected to the upstream conveyor and the first downstream conveyor to cause both conveyors to operate at the fast or slow speed in response to the signal emitted by the first sensor; and at least a second sensor positioned at a location along the second downstream conveyor and being operable to sense a presence or absence of an object at the location along the second downstream conveyor and to emit a signal indicative of the sensed presence or absence of the object, the second sensor being operatively connected to the upstream conveyor and the second downstream conveyor to cause both conveyors to operate at the fast or slow speed in response to the signal emitted by the second sensor.