A diverter assembly is provided for preferential use with a line-shaft powered roller conveyor. The diverter assembly includes a diverter mechanism having a plurality of transfer loops thereon which may be recessed between rollers of the main conveyor or raised thereabove during diversion. The transfer loops are oriented for diversion generally transversely of a path of conveyance of the main conveyor. The diverter mechanism, including the transfer loops, is mounted upon a frame lift portion of the assembly which moves during selected actuation through a vertical, arcuate pathway relative to a line-shaft in the main conveyor. Rotational power for the transfer loops is derived from the line-shaft of the main conveyor. This is achieved by means of a powered drive wheel mounted on the line-shaft and a power transfer wheel mounted in the frame lift portion. As a result of the arcuate motion of the frame lift portion, a distance between the drive wheel and the transfer wheel is maintained constant, during assembly use. Advantages achieved from this include no substantial stretching of belt members and no requirement for a complex, movable idler adjustment mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to conveyors and in particular to diverters 
for use with conveyors. Specifically, the invention concerns a diverter 
usable with a line-shaft powered roller conveyor, the diverter being 
usable to divert objects at a right angle from the main conveyor. 
Diverters of many types are well known to the conveyor art. A general 
characteristic of the one of concern herein is that a transfer mechanism, 
such as a group of transfer belts, is recessed beneath a transfer surface 
of the main conveyor when diversion is not desired, the transfer mechanism 
being raisable above the surface of the main conveyor to engage objects 
when diversion is intended. Arrangements meeting the above general 
description are known, and it is the mechanism by which the instant 
arrangement operates that is unique, in part due to its ability to 
compensate for problems in prior devices and also for its versatility. 
In some conventional diverters, wherein rollers or belts are raised above a 
conveying surface of a main conveyor, the transfer belts, or the belts 
used to power rollers if diverter rollers are involved, are stretched 
during the raising or lowering. This can cause stress to the belts, with 
increased chance for failure. Further, it can create difficulties in 
controlling the rate of speed of the diverting rollers. 
Many past devices have involved transfer belts or rollers which are mounted 
in a frame system in such a manner that when they are raised they are also 
tilted somewhat. That is, an end of the diverter on one side of the 
conveyor is raised higher than the end at the other side of the main 
conveyor during diverter operation. This may be inefficient and may cause 
tilting of objects being diverted which may be undesirable in certain 
instances. Generally, conventional devices have not satisfactorily solved 
the problem of having vertical lift with no substantial tilting and 
without stretching of the transfer belts or drive belts for diverter 
rollers. 
A continual source of problem in conventional systems has been with the 
provision of adequate power means for the diverter. In some systems a 
motor or drive mechanism that is independent of the drive mechanism for 
the main conveyor is used. This requires additional equipment and an 
increased need for maintenance which increases both the cost and the risk 
of failure. In some systems it has been found preferable to utilize power 
derived from the main conveyor itself. In particular, when the main 
conveyor s a line-shaft powered roller conveyor, the line-shaft is 
available for powering a diverter if the diverter is of appropriate 
design. 
A problem with using power derived from a main line-shaft in a line-shaft 
conveyor for a diverter assembly, wherein transfer belts or rollers are 
raised or lowered with respect to a conveying surface of the main 
conveyor, has been generated by the fact that while the diverter rollers 
or belts are raised or lowered, the line-shaft remains stationary. Thus, 
with conventional systems a drive belt or drive mechanism providing 
engagement between the diverter and the line-shaft would have to 
compensate for the relative movement of portions of the diverter with 
respect to the line-shaft. In the absence of the present invention this 
would generally require either complex movable idler arm adjustment 
arrangements or drive belts which stretch. Again, such systems may: 
require increased maintenance, be expensive, be relatively complicated; be 
difficult to assemble, and be prone to failure. Further, with such systems 
it may be difficult to control the rate of speed of the diverter relative 
to the main conveyor, which is important for ensuring smooth operation. 
Generally, conventional diverters are suitable for diversion in one 
direction only. That is, they are generally assembled for diversion from 
only one side of a conveyor, i.e., either the right side or the left side. 
For many such systems switching for operation in an opposite direction is 
difficult. This is especially true for diverters wherein the diverter not 
only vertically lifts when objects are engaged but also tilts. 
A problem with diverters deriving their power from the main conveyor, such 
as from a line-shaft in a line-shaft powered conveyer, has been that the 
line-shaft generally rotates at a fixed, constant rate of speed. Thus, 
adjustment in the speed of the action of the transfer belts or rollers in 
the diverter has, in the past, been difficult. In many instances, for many 
conventional systems, adjustment is not readily possible. 
In addition, conventional diverters may have a multitude of moving parts 
and may need to be manufactured to fine tolerances for operation, both of 
which will tend to increase the cost of such systems. Generally, it is 
desirable to produce a diverter system which is not only well adapted for 
nearly universal application but which is also relatively inexpensive to 
build and operate by comparison to most conventional systems. Further, it 
is preferable that such a system be constructed to permit relatively easy 
access for maintenance and, further, that the design be such as to be 
relatively free from problems of failure during use. 
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
Therefore, the objects of the present invention are to provide a diverter 
or diverter assembly especially suited for diverting objects from a 
conveying surface of a main conveyor; to provide such a diverter assembly 
particularly well suited for use in diverting objects at a right angle to 
a path of conveyance of the main conveyor; to provide such a diverter 
assembly including a diverting mechanism which provides lift for objects 
on the main conveyor during diversion without substantial tilting; to 
provide such a diverter assembly wherein the diverting mechanism may be 
powered by the main conveyor; to provide such a diverter assembly 
particularly adapted for use with a line-shaft powered roller conveyor, 
wherein power for the diverting mechanism may be derived from the main 
conveyor line-shaft; to provide such a diverter assembly in which power 
may be derived from the main conveyor line-shaft by means of a belt or 
loop arrangement which does not stretch during diversion and which does 
not require a substantial movable idler arm adjustment assembly for 
maintaining tension on the belt or loop; to provide such a diverter 
assembly which may be relatively readily adjusted for diversion in either 
a first direction or a second, opposite, direction; to provide such a 
diverter assembly in which a rate of transfer speed of the diverter 
mechanism may be relatively easily adjusted; to provide such a diverter 
assembly characterized by having a stationary frame portion and a frame 
lift portion with a diverter mechanism mounted in the frame lift portion 
and deriving power from a powered drive wheel mounted in the stationary 
frame portion; to provide such a diverter assembly wherein the diverter 
mechanism includes a power transfer wheel that is mounted in the frame 
lift portion and engages the powered drive wheel by means of a drive loop 
that does not substantially stretch or adjust in length during operation 
of the assembly; to provide such a diverter assembly in which a distance 
between the power transfer wheel and the powered drive wheel is maintained 
substantially constant during raising or lowering of the frame lift 
portion; to provide such a diverter assembly in which the diverter 
mechanism is characterized by having at least one transfer loop supported 
by a plurality of rollers and in which the transfer loop may be of either 
a belt or chain type that does not stretch substantially during diversion; 
to provide an assembly including a plurality of transfer loops mounted in 
a generally parallel relationship to one another; to provide such a 
diverter assembly including reversing means selectively enabling each 
transfer loop to be driven in a first diverting direction and, 
alternatively, in a second, opposite, diverting direction; to provide such 
a diverter assembly in which the reversing means includes a pair of 
rollers that are laterally spaced with respect to one another and which 
are pivotable about generally parallel axes, the transfer loop being 
adjustable to engage the rollers for drive in a first direction and the 
transfer loop being selectively re-adjustable with respect to the rollers 
for drive in a second, opposite, direction; to provide such a diverter 
assembly in which a rate of speed of the transfer loop may be selectively 
and relatively easily adjusted; to provide such a diverter assembly which 
is relatively inexpensive to produce; to provide such a diverter assembly 
which is relatively easy to manufacture, simple to use, and which is 
particularly well adapted for the proposed usages thereof; to provide such 
a diverter assembly in combination with a main conveyor; to provide such a 
combination involving the diverter and a main conveyor of a line-shaft 
powered type; and to provide such a combination which is relatively 
inexpensive to assemble and maintain. 
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from 
the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying 
drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example certain 
embodiments of this invention. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
A diverter or diverter assembly is provided for engaging objects moving 
along a main conveyor and diverting the objects from the main conveyor. 
The diverter assembly is particularly well adapted for diverting objects 
at a right angle to a path of conveyance of the main conveyor; however, it 
may be adapted for other applications. 
For the preferred embodiment, the main conveyor is a roller conveyor 
comprising a plurality of transverse, parallel rollers, each of which is 
powered by means of an elongate line-shaft that extends perpendicularly to 
the main conveyor rollers. At a location in the main conveyor where 
diversion is required, the diverter assembly is mounted with diverting 
portions extending between some of the main conveyor rollers. 
In general, the diverter assembly includes a stationary portion and a lift 
portion. The stationary portion includes a frame or frame means wherein 
certain portions of the diverter assembly are mounted. The stationary 
frame portion may include part of, or be integral with, portions of the 
main conveyor frame. 
In the preferred embodiment the lift portion is mounted upon the stationary 
portion and is at least vertically movable relative thereto. The frame 
lift portion includes a diverter mechanism which, when lifted, can engage 
objects on the main conveyor and divert the objects from the main conveyor 
to side conveyors, storage locations, work stations, or the like. 
The preferred diverter mechanism includes at least one transfer loop which 
may be raised or lowered with respect to the main conveyor. The transfer 
loop(s) may, for example, be a friction belt or a chain supported by 
rollers mounted in the frame lift portion. In the preferred embodiment, 
the transfer loop(s) is rotated in a direction transverse to the motion of 
objects along the main conveyor, at least for the preferred direction of 
diversion of the preferred embodiment. Thus, when the objects are engaged 
by the transfer loop(s), they are preferably transferred at right angles 
to the main conveyor. 
A substantial component of momentum imparted by the main conveyor is 
avoided by having the transfer loop(s) mounted for lifting of the objects 
above the surface of the main conveyor as the objects are diverted. The 
transfer loop(s) may be oriented to transfer objects at an angle other 
than a right angle with respect to the main conveyor. However, the 
invention is particularly well adapted for right angle transfer. 
Preferably, in operational combination with a main conveyor according to 
the preferred embodiment, the diverter assembly includes a plurality of 
transfer loops extending generally parallel to one another and spaced 
apart a total distance less than the length of the objects to be diverted. 
That is, an object being diverted is lifted by more than one transfer loop 
operating in cooperation to provide relatively secure lifting and 
diverting. 
For the preferred embodiment, each transfer loop(s) is powered by a drive 
means including a powered roller mounted in the frame lift portion. 
Preferably, an idler roller operates in association with each powered 
roller to enable the transfer loop(s) to be mounted in first and second 
configurations. This will be generally referred to herein as a reversing 
means, permitting each transfer loop to be operated in either of two 
configurations. In the first configuration each transfer loop engages the 
powered roller for rotation in a first diverting direction. In the second 
configuration each transfer loop engages the powered roller for rotation 
in a second, opposite, diverting direction. Thus, the same diverter 
assembly may be readily adjusted for transfer in either of two opposite 
directions with respect to the main conveyor. In this manner, the diverter 
assembly is relatively universal in construction and operation. In part, 
this is facilitated by the fact that the diverter mechanism is not 
substantially tilted as it is raised and further by the fact that it also 
does not substantially tilt objects being diverted. Rather, the diverter 
mechanism is lifted vertically but without substantial tilting. It is, 
however, noted that the diverter mechanism is moved laterally somewhat 
during lifting as the result of a preferred linkage mechanism, described 
below, that is used for lift. 
It is a particular advantage of the present invention that power for the 
driving of the transfer loop or loops in the diverter mechanism may be 
derived from the line-shaft of the main conveyor. This avoids a plurality 
of motors and provides that the transfer loop or loops may be constantly 
driven so that there will be relatively few problems from power loss or 
power surges during clutching in or clutching out of the diverter. 
For the preferred embodiment, a drive wheel is mounted upon the stationary 
frame portion of the diverter assembly. When the power is to be derived 
from the line-shaft, the powered drive wheel is preferably a wheel mounted 
directly on the main conveyor line-shaft. The powered drive wheel does not 
move vertically during operation of the diverter assembly. 
In the preferred embodiment, a drive shaft is mounted in the frame lift 
portion to extend generally parallel to the main conveyor line-shaft. The 
drive shaft comprises a portion of the drive means and includes a power 
transfer wheel thereon which is appropriately aligned with respect to the 
powered drive wheel on the line-shaft to be driven thereby. Preferably the 
driving force is transferred by means of a continuous drive loop 
comprising either a friction belt or a chain extending around both the 
transfer wheel and the line-shaft powered drive wheel. 
Rotation of the drive shaft in the frame lift portion by means of the 
line-shaft provides drive for the diverter mechanism and generates the 
selected diversion. Generally, for the preferred embodiment, the diverter 
mechanism includes a plurality of laterally spaced, substantially parallel 
transfer loops which are driven by a plurality of drive rollers mounted on 
the drive shaft. Each transfer loop, as indicated above, preferably 
comprises a continuous belt or chain supported by rollers in the frame 
lift portion. As the frame lift portion is vertically lifted or lowered, 
the transfer loops are selectively moved into and out of an orientation 
wherein they may engage objects on the main conveyor and divert same. 
As indicated above, the main conveyor line-shaft and the powered drive 
wheel are mounted in a portion of the apparatus which is stationary with 
respect to vertical movement. The transfer wheel, on the other hand, is 
mounted in a portion of the diverter assembly which raises and lowers, 
that is, the frame lift portion. In order to both prevent a stretching of 
the drive loop and eliminate a need for a complicated movable idler 
adjustment system for keeping the drive loop taut, the diverter assembly 
includes a preferred lift means that moves the frame lift portion through 
an arc or arcuate path when the frame lift portion is moved relative to 
the stationary frame portion. The result of the preferred arc motion is 
that a constant distance is maintained between the transfer wheel and the 
powered drive wheel during operation of the assembly. The system also 
avoids transfer loops or diverter roller belts which stretch or might 
alternately become slack or taut during operation. 
Generally, a frame lift means moves the frame lift portion between first 
and second extremes. In the first extreme, a lowered position, the 
diverter mechanism is recessed with the transfer loop or loops being 
received beneath an article conveying surface of the main conveyor. In the 
second extreme position, a raised position, the diverter mechanism is 
raised with an upper surface of the transfer loop or loops raised above 
the article conveying surface of the main conveyor. In the second position 
articles upon the conveyor may be engaged and lifted, with the transfer 
loops being operable to generate selected diversion. Preferably the upper 
surface of each transfer loop is substantially horizontal so objects are 
not substantially tilted when lifted. 
In the preferred embodiment the lift mechanism includes a linkage system 
that not only provides for the vertical lift but also provides for the 
preferred arcuate motion that maintains the desired distance between the 
line-shaft powered drive wheel and the transfer wheel. Generally, the 
linkage system utilizes first and second pairs of link members which act 
in cooperation to both lift and laterally move the diverter mechanism. 
Each link member, for the preferred embodiment, is generally rectangular 
and has a first pivot point by which it is mounted in the stationary frame 
portion of the diverter assembly and a second pivot point by which it is 
attached to the frame lift portion of the assembly. The pivot points are 
appropriately positioned with respect to one another so that pivoting 
about the first pivot point generates both vertical and lateral movement 
of the second pivot point, i.e. an arcuate motion. Actuating means for the 
two pairs of pivoting link members may be any of a variety of conventional 
methods including, for example, a hydraulic or pneumatic piston and 
cylinder assembly used in association with an appropriate connecting 
linkage. 
The drawings constitute a part of the specification, include exemplary 
embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and 
features thereof. It is noted that in some instances material thicknesses 
may be shown somewhat exaggerated for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed 
herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are 
merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. 
Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are 
not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather merely as a basis for the 
claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art 
to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately 
detailed structure. 
The reference numeral 1, FIG. 1, generally indicates a conveyor system 
utilizing a pair of diverter assemblies according to the present 
invention. In FIG. 1 a main conveyor 5 is shown with boxes 6 being 
transferred thereon in the direction of arrows 7. A first side or spur 
conveyor 10 is shown intersecting the main conveyor 5 along a first side 
11 thereof. Similarly a second side or spur conveyor 15 engages a second 
side 16 of the main conveyor 5. 
Diverter mechanisms according to the present invention are used to 
selectively divert objects from movement along the main conveyor 5 in the 
direction of arrows 7, to movement in a generally transverse direction, 
shown in FIG. 1 as transfer to one of the side conveyors 10 and 15. In 
FIG. 1, a box 20 is shown having been transferred onto side conveyor 10 
for conveyance in the direction of arrow 21; the transfer having been 
generated by a first diverter assembly 25 positioned in the main conveyor 
5. 
Also in FIG. 1, a box 30 is shown having been transferred onto conveyor 15 
for conveyance in the direction of arrow 31. Box 30, it will be 
understood, has been transferred onto conveyor 15 by means of a second 
diverter assembly 35 appropriately positioned. Comparison of side 
conveyors 10 and 15 generates an understanding that a diverter assembly 
according to the present invention may be used to divert articles off 
either side of a main conveyor. That is, with very little exception 
generally the first diverter assembly 25 may be substantially identical to 
the second diverter assembly 35 but for a minor change made to accommodate 
a different direction of transfer of articles. This will become more 
apparent from the further detailed description and the remainder of the 
drawings. 
Referring again to FIG. 1, for the preferred embodiment the main conveyor 5 
is a roller conveyor having a frame system 39 including first and second 
side supports 40 and 41, between which a plurality of rollers 45 extend. 
Generally the rollers 45 extend parallel to one another and provide an 
upper article conveying surface 49 upon which articles such as boxes 6 may 
be transferred. Generally, such roller conveyors are well known and are 
suitable for almost universal use. 
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, in the preferred embodiment generally the main 
conveyor 5 is a line-shaft driven roller conveyor wherein the rollers 45 
are continually rotated by means of a line-shaft 50 that extends generally 
perpendicularly to the rollers 45. In such systems generally the 
line-shaft 50 is continuously powered by motor means 51, FIG. 1, with 
rotational momentum being transferred to each roller 45, from the 
line-shaft 50, by means of belts 52. In FIG. 4 several belts 52 are shown 
communicating between the line-shaft 50 and certain of the rollers 45. It 
will be understood that each roller 45 which is powered has a similar belt 
52 associated therewith even though not all necessary belts are shown in 
the drawing. 
Referring again to FIG. 1 the line shaft 50, not viewable, generally is 
used to power the rollers 45 so that they are simultaneously rotated in a 
manner enabling transfer of boxes 6 therealong in the direction of arrows 
7, at a constant speed. 
Generally the diverter assembly operates by means of a diverter mechanism 
which can be raised into engagement with articles such as boxes 6 moving 
along the main conveyor 5. When the diverter mechanism engages the 
articles, it lifts them off of the main conveyor and directs them toward a 
selected location, such as spur conveyors 10 and 15. Preferably the 
diverter mechanism operates by rising up underneath a selected article to 
be diverted, lifting same. 
Referring to FIG. 2, the diverter assembly 25 is shown somewhat detailed. 
Diverter assembly 25 includes a diverter mechanism 60 which may be raised 
or lowered, as selected, for diverting. In the preferred embodiment the 
diverter mechanism 60 includes at least one, and preferably a plurality 
of, transfer means such as loops 61. The transfer loops 61 extend 
generally parallel to one another and transversely of the path of 
conveyance 7 of the main conveyor 5. The transfer loops 61 each include an 
upper surface 62, FIG. 6, which may engage and lift an object to be 
diverted. Generally, during diversion all of the transfer loops 61 are 
operated at a constant rate of speed to move their upper surfaces 62 in 
the general direction of diversion. Thus, an object resting upon the 
transfer loops 61 will be selectively diverted. Preferably the upper 
surfaces 62 of the transfer loops 61 are supported generally horizontally, 
so that lifted objects are not substantially tilted, and so that transfer 
in either direction is facilitated. 
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper surfaces 62 of each of the transfer 
loops 61 will, selectively, be moved in the direction of arrow 21, FIG. 1, 
for diversion to spur conveyor 10. It will be understood that a selected 
spacing between the transfer loops 61 will be such as to accommodate 
objects of a size anticipated to be moved along the main conveyor 5. Thus, 
a wide variety of spacings may be used. Also, a substantially varied 
number of means such as transfer loops 61 may be used in various 
embodiments of the present invention. 
As will be understood from the further detailed description, generally the 
transfer means 60 is mounted so that it may be raised and lowered between 
selected rollers 45 in the main conveyor 5. In some instances it may be 
desirable to remove selected rollers, when a diverter assembly having 
transfer means such as loops 61 located therein is positioned in the 
conveyor 5. In other instances and applications, especially where 
permanent positioning of a diverter assembly is contemplated, the main 
conveyor may be provided with an extra spacing between certain selected 
rollers where the transfer loops 61 are to be located. 
Herein the term "diverter assembly" will be used to generally refer to the 
entire assembly that generates selective diversion of articles or objects 
from the main conveyor. On the other hand, the term "diverter mechanism" 
or "diverter means" will be used to refer to the portion of the assembly 
which raises and lowers to engage objects and divert same. Specifically, 
the diverter mechanism of the preferred embodiment includes transfer loops 
such as transfer loops 61 positioned in diverter assembly 25. The term 
"diverter drive means" generally refers to the mechanism and power source 
for the diverter mechanism. 
In FIG. 6 diverter assembly 25 is pictured with its diverter mechanism 60 
appropriately recessed so that objects moving along the main conveyor 5 
will not be diverted. In particular diverter mechanism 60 is shown 
recessed so that it does not engage box 64 rather the box 64 rests upon 
rollers 45. The rollers 45, again, are being powered by line-shaft 50 to 
convey the box 64. In FIG. 3 the diverter assembly 25 is shown with the 
diverter mechanism 60 raised for article diversion. 
Referring to FIG. 3, each transfer loop 61 is mounted upon a plurality of 
cooperating rollers including support rollers 65, end rollers 66, idler 
roller 67 and drive roller 68. Generally the transfer loop 61 may be of a 
variety of types including, for example, a friction belt 70, such as is 
shown in the drawings, or a continuous chain, not shown. 
Generally, drive roller 68 is powered by means described below. Engagement 
between the drive roller 68 and the belt 70 generates movement of belt 70, 
that is, movement of the transfer loop 61. Idler roller 67 is used to 
appropriately orient the loop 61 or belt 70, where it engages the drive 
roller 68. Support rollers 65 support the belt 70 along an upper edge 
where objects such as object 64 are engaged. End rollers 66 are used to 
support the continuous loop 61 or friction belt 70 substantially near 
opposite sides of the main conveyor 5. 
Referring to FIG. 3, the diverter means or mechanism 60 is shown generally 
oriented for transfer of object 64 in the direction of arrow 75, assuming 
the line-shaft 50 is operated for clockwise rotation of drive roller 68. 
If desired, the diverter mechanism 60 may be adjusted for diverting motion 
in an exactly opposite direction, while the drive roller 68 is rotated in 
the same clockwise, manner. This is illustrated by the phantom line 
depiction of a position of a transfer loop 76 in FIG. 3. That is, 
adjustment of direction of movement of the loop 61 is a matter of 
appropriate orientation with respect to the idler roller 67 and the drive 
roller 68. In the phantom line depiction of loop 76, since the loop 76 
engages the drive roller 68 on an opposite side thereof from the side 
engaged by loop 61 in solid lines, rotation of drive roller 68 in a 
clockwise manner will result in rotation of loop 76 in a direction 
opposite to that shown for loop 61. That is object 64 would be diverted in 
a direction opposite to that of arrow 75. 
To accomplish this, the idler roller 67 and drive roller 68 are oriented 
laterally spaced with substantially parallel axes of rotation. Each is 
provided with an upper edge and a lower edge. For the embodiment shown, 
diversion in the direction of arrow 75 is accomplished by having the loop 
61 pass over the upper edge of the idler roller 67 and under the lower 
edge of drive roller 68. Rotation of loop 61 in the opposite direction is 
accomplished by passing the loop 61 under the idler roller 67 and over the 
upper edge of the drive roller 68. 
Herein the term "reversing means" generally refers to a mechanism enabling 
a transfer loop to be operated in first and second opposite directions 
when powered by a drive roller or shaft that may be rotated in the same 
direction for either direction of motion for the transfer loop. In the 
preferred embodiment the reversing means generally comprises an 
appropriately cooperating and appropriately positioned idler roller 67 and 
drive roller 68. Generally, the idler roller 67 and drive roller 68 will 
include rotation axes which are substantially parallel to one another, 
with the rollers being laterally spaced and preferably generally oriented 
as shown in FIG. 3. 
Referring to FIG. 6, the rollers 65, 66, and 67 are generally mounted upon 
a frame lift portion 80 which, preferably, includes a plurality of angle 
members 81, FIG. 4, that are mounted in the assembly 25. Each angle member 
81 includes a vertical extension 82 and a lower horizontal extension 83. 
Referring to FIG. 6, a set of rollers 65, 66, and 67, which cooperate to 
support a single transfer loop 61 are mounted upon a vertical extension 82 
of one of the angle members 81 by means of axles 85. Referring to FIGS. 3 
and 4, a similar set of rollers for each loop 61 is mounted upon each of 
the plurality of spaced angle members 81. 
The frame lift portion 80, FIG. 4, includes an elongate drive shaft 90 
rotatably mounted therein. Generally, drive shaft 90 extends transversely 
of the transfer loops 61 and angle members 81. For the preferred 
embodiment, the drive shaft 90 extends generally parallel to the main 
conveyor line-shaft 50. 
Drive shaft 90 is rotatably mounted in the frame lift portion 80 by means 
of bearings 91 mounted in end angles 92 and 93. A drive roller 68 for each 
transfer loop 61, or belt 70, FIG. 4, is mounted upon the drive shaft 90. 
Thus, as the drive shaft 90 is rotated, each transfer loop 61 is driven. 
Again referring to FIG. 4, the drive shaft 90 includes a first end 100 and 
a second end 101. In the preferred embodiment means for rotating the drive 
shaft 90 are oriented substantially near the first end 100 thereof. 
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, this is provided by means of a drive loop 
assembly 110. 
Referring to FIG. 6, the drive loop assembly 110 comprises a powered drive 
wheel 115 mounted in a stationary frame portion 116 of the diverter 
assembly 25. In the preferred embodiment, FIG. 6, powered drive wheel 115 
is mounted upon the line-shaft 50 of the main conveyor 5. Generally, 
powered drive wheel 115 does not move vertically as the frame lift portion 
80 of the diverter assembly 25 is raised and lowered. 
The drive loop assembly 110 also includes a power transfer roller 117 
mounted upon drive shaft 90. Preferably transfer roller 117 is 
appropriately aligned with powered drive wheel 115 for communication by 
means of a drive loop 120, FIG. 4. 
In the embodiment shown the drive loop 120 comprises a friction belt 121 
which extends around the two rollers 115 and 117. Thus, as powered drive 
wheel 115 is rotated the transfer roller 117 is driven, driving the shaft 
90 and ultimately the transfer loops 61. It is noted that the drive loop 
120 need not be a friction belt such as belt 121. For example, a chain 
drive or timing belt might be used, with appropriate adaptations. 
It is noted that the power transfer roller 117 is mounted in the frame lift 
portion 80 of the assembly 25. However, the powered drive wheel 115 is 
mounted in the stationary frame portion 116, that is, a portion of the 
assembly 25 which does not raise or lower during use. Thus, as the 
diverter assembly 25 is operated, the power transfer roller 117 moves 
vertically with respect to the powered drive wheel 115. In the absence of 
means to accommodate this vertical movement, the movement would result in 
either a stretching or breaking of a taut drive loop 120. 
It is a particularly advantageous feature of the present invention that 
movement of the power transfer roller 117 relative to the powered drive 
wheel 115 is readily accommodated without the need for stretching of 
either the drive loop 120 or the transfer loops 61 and without the need 
for a complex movable idler mechanism which could be used to adjustably 
take up slack in a loose loop. Generally, the desired result is obtained 
by maintaining a substantially constant distance between the rotation axes 
of the transfer roller 117 and drive wheel 115 during vertical movement. 
This, it will be readily understood, requires an arcuate movement of the 
lift portion 80, during lift, along the general path of double-headed 
arrows 130, FIG. 6. That is, as roller 117 is vertically moved, it is also 
moved laterally with its total motion being described as being about an 
arc of a circle having a radius substantially equal to the distance 
between the axis-of-rotation of the powered drive wheel 115 and the 
axis-of-rotation of the transfer roller 117. Thus, the drive loop 120 is 
not placed under substantial additional lateral stress during a lifting 
operation of the assembly 25. 
Before describing the lift means and arc movement means or mechanism 
enabling the preferred motion of the power transfer roller 117 with 
respect to the powered drive wheel 115, reference will be made to means 
permitting variation in a speed of rotation of the transfer loop 61. 
It will be readily understood that the rate of movement of the transfer 
loop 61 depends primarily upon the rate of rotation of transfer wheel 117. 
Thus, the rate of movement of the transfer loop 61 can be readily adjusted 
by varying the rate at which roller 117 is rotated. In the preferred 
embodiment roller 117 is ultimately driven by the line-shaft 50, which 
typically rotates at a constant rate for the main conveyor. Thus, varying 
the rate of rotation of roller 117 is a matter of varying the gear ratio 
between the powered drive wheel 115 and roller 117. This can be 
accomplished, for example, by changing the size of the wheel 115 that is 
mounted upon the line-shaft 50 or the size of roller 117. It is noted that 
a variance in the size of wheel 115 or roller 117 might require a change 
in the drive loop 120. From the above description it is readily seen that 
the assembly 25 can be easily adapted for a variety of selected speeds of 
operation for the transfer loops 61. 
The mechanism enabling vertical and lateral movement of the frame lift 
portion 80 is understood by reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6. Referring to 
FIG. 3 each angle member 81 in the frame lift portion 80 is preferably 
mounted upon a pair of lift axles 135 comprising a front axle 136 and a 
rear axle 137. In the preferred embodiment, axles 136 and 137 extend 
generally parallel to one another, generally parallel to the drive shaft 
90, and generally transversely of the path of movement for the transfer 
mechanism comprising transfer loops 61. Also in the preferred embodiment, 
each angle member 81 is attached to axles 136 and 137 by means of U-clamps 
140. Referring to FIG. 4, the claps 140 are attached to the horizontal 
parts 83 of the angle members 81 in a conventional manner. 
By reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, it will be understood that each of the 
plurality of angle members 81 is similarly mounted upon the pair of axles 
135, although by reference to the end angles 92 and 93, it will be further 
understood that the horizontal portions of the angles need not project in 
the same direction. 
Referring to FIG. 6, the desired motion of the frame lift portion 80 is 
accomplished by movement of the pair of axles 135 in cooperation along the 
general path indicated by the double-headed arrows 130, that is, along an 
appropriate arc to create the needed lift for the transfer mechanism and 
the needed arcuate movement for the drive loop assembly 110. 
Generally, for the preferred embodiment, the lift and pivoting motion is 
controlled by four links. Referring to FIG. 6, the four links comprise a 
first pair of links 150 mounted generally at one end of the assembly and a 
second pair 151, FIG. 3, mounted at an opposite end. 
Referring to FIG. 6, wherein the first pair of links 150 is pictured, each 
pair of links include a front link and a rear link. For the pair of links 
150 depicted in FIG. 6, this is front link 155 and rear link 156. 
Referring to FIG. 3, wherein the second pair of links 151 is depicted, 
front and rear links 159 and 160, respectively, are pictured. These links 
are generally analogous in operation to links 155 and 156. 
Operation of the links to generate vertical and lateral movement of the 
frame lift portion 80 is understood by reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. 
Referring to FIG. 3, the diverter assembly 25 includes front and rear 
pivot axles 165 and 166 therein. Referring to FIG. 4 the axles, for 
example axle 165 viewable in FIG. 4, are mounted in a stationary portion 
of the assembly to extend between frame members 170. Generally, the links 
150 and 151 are rotatably mounted relative to the frame members 170 by 
means of bearings 171 or the like. It will be understood that rotational 
motion between the links and the frame members 170 may be provided, for 
example, by rotatable mounting of the links on the axles or rotational 
mounting of the axles on the frame members, as desired. Referring to FIGS. 
3 and 4, preferably axles 165 and 166 extend generally parallel to the 
pair of lift axles 135 and transverse to the transfer loops 61. 
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, front links 155 and 159 are mounted upon axle 
165 in spaced relation to one another, FIG. 4. Similarly, rear links 156 
and 160 are mounted upon rear axle 166. In the preferred embodiment, FIG. 
4, the front and rear links form pairs of links 150 and 151, each of which 
includes two links aligned substantially coplanar with respect to one 
another. 
Referring to FIG. 3, each link is also mounted upon an associated one of 
the lift axles 135. Preferably the engagement between any given link, lift 
axle 135, and U-clamp 140 is appropriate to permit pivoting of the link 
with respect to the lifting frame portion 80. This can be accomplished, 
for example, by having the link be pivotal relative to the axle 135 or 
having the link and axle be pivotal relative to the clamp 140. In the 
preferred embodiment, the links are pivotal relative to the axles, 
pivoting being facilitated, for example, by bearings 173, FIG. 4. 
It will be readily understood, by comparison of FIGS. 3 and 6 that, as the 
links are pivoted, the desired motion of the frame lift portion 80 is 
accomplished as a result of the relative positions in the links of points 
for mounting upon axles 165 and 166 and mounting upon the lift axles 136 
and 137. Generally, an appropriate actuator linkage system is selected to 
actuate all of links 155, 156, 159, and 160 simultaneously to generate 
appropriate synchronized movement of the frame portion 80. The links 155, 
156, 159, and 160 of the preferred embodiment are generally rectangular, 
but for the fact that each has a truncated corner. Preferably, each link 
or pivot member includes a dimension of vertical extension, that is, a 
vertical extension portion and a dimension of horizontal extension, i.e., 
a horizontal extension portion, so that the two pivot points for each 
link, that is, the points at which the link engages the two associated 
axles, may be both horizontally and vertically spaced from one another, 
permitting the desired movement. 
Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, extending between front links 155 and 159 is 
cross-member 175. Similarly cross-member 176 extends between rear links 
156 and 160. Link mechanism 177, FIGS. 3 and 6, communicates between 
cross-members 175 and 176 by means of ears 178 in a pivotal manner. Thus, 
as one cross-member is moved, link mechanism 177 generates analogous 
movement in the other cross-member. 
Referring to FIG. 3, one ear 178 includes means such as pin 180 for pivotal 
engagement by actuator member 181. As the actuator member 181 is moved 
back and forth, FIGS. 3 and 6, by an actuator mechanism 185, the pairs of 
links 150 and 151 are pivoted, actuating desired movement of the frame 
lift portion 80. It will be understood that a variety of types of actuator 
mechanisms 185 may be used, including hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms. 
It will also generally be understood that preferably the actuator 
mechanisms should include means for stopping and retaining the frame lift 
portion 80 in either of the raised or the lowered positions, as desired. 
Further, in some instances it may be desired that for recessing of the 
frame lift portion 80, the actuator mechanism be provided with a powered 
return drive, rather than simple reliance on gravity to generate downward 
movement; this, in part, is due to the requirement for an arcuate movement 
as well as vertical displacement. 
General operation of a diverter assembly according to the present invention 
in a conveyor system such as system 1 is as follows: 
An article 6 is conveyed along the main conveyor 5 until it reaches a point 
at which the diverter assembly is positioned, and at which diversion is to 
be accomplished. At this point the main conveyor 5 is braked, to retain 
the selected article 6 in position for engagement by the diverter 
assembly. It is noted that, if the speed of the main conveyor 5 is 
sufficiently slow, braking may not be necessary before diversion. 
While the object or article 6 moves along the main conveyor 5, generally 
the diverter assembly is operably positioned with the diverter mechanism, 
i.e., the transfer mechanism or loops for the present embodiment, in the 
lower or recessed position. This is shown, for example, in FIG. 5. When 
the object to be diverted is appropriately positioned over the diverter 
assembly, the actuater mechanism 185 is actuated to pivot the pairs of 
links 150 and 151, raising the frame lift portion 80 and laterally moving 
same about the arc 130, FIG. 3. This action raises the diverter mechanism 
or transfer loops 61 into engagement with the object, lifting same. 
Generally, whether recessed or raised, the transfer loop 61 is constantly 
being powered by the conveyor line-shaft 50, through the action of the 
drive loop assembly 110. Thus, when the transfer loops engage the object 
6, the object is propelled transversely of the path of motion 7 of the 
main conveyor and is diverted in the selected manner, in FIG. 1 to spur 
conveyor 10 for example. When selected diversion is accomplished, the 
actuator mechanism 185 is operated to recess the diverter mechanism, i.e., 
the transfer loops 61. 
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of 
applications of the present invention may be used. For example, the 
invention may be used in conveyors not having a line-shaft, but wherein 
for various reasons it is desirable to have the powered drive wheel 115 
mounted on an axle which is in a stationary frame portion of the assembly, 
that is, an axle which does not vertically or laterally move with the 
frame lift portion. Further, a variety of types of diverter mechanisms, 
other than ones utilizing transfer loops 61, might be used. For example, a 
system utilizing power rollers rather than a continuous transfer loop 
could be associated with a lift and lateral movement mechanism according 
to the present invention. 
As previously described, the transfer loops 61 comprising belt 70 for the 
preferred embodiment, FIG. 3, can be oriented for operation in a reverse 
direction. Referring to FIG. 4, since the transfer loop for one 
orientation would circumscribe axle 90 but would not in the alternate 
orientation, in order to make the reversal of direction, it would be 
desirable for a continuous belt 70 to have axle 90 be removable from the 
assembly 25. This can be accomplished by conventional means, not detailed. 
Alternatively, the transfer loop 61 could be made from a chain having a 
link therein which permits it to be opened and adjusted. 
It is to be understood that while certain embodiments of the present 
invention have been illustrated and described, it is not to be limited to 
specific forms or arrangement of parts herein described and shown.