Patent ID: 6543600
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A method of improving time efficiency of a conveyed path splitting conveyor system comprising:providing an upstream conveyor and first and second downstream conveyors; positioning a diverter between the upstream conveyor and the first and second downstream conveyors where the diverter is operable to selectively direct a procession of objects conveyed on the upstream conveyor to one of the first and second downstream conveyors; spacially arranging a first plurality of sensors along the first downstream conveyor with each of the first plurality of sensors being operable to sense a presence or an absence of an object conveyed by the first downstream conveyor at a location along the first downstream conveyor and to emit a signal indicative of the sensed presence or absence of the object; spacially arranging a second plurality of sensors along the second downstream conveyor with each of the second plurality of sensors being operable to sense a presence or an absence of an object conveyed by the second downstream conveyor at a location along the second downstream conveyor and to emit a signal indicative of the sensed presence or absence of the object; and causing the diverter to direct objects to the first downstream conveyor in response to at least one of the first plurality of sensors sensing the absence of an object and controlling the diverter to direct objects to the second downstream conveyor in response to at least one of the second plurality of sensors sensing the absence of an object.