Patent ID: 8397905

Claim:
A multi-channel conveyor system for automated aligning and transferring of small objects, comprising: a delivery surface comprising a transfer length and a transfer width; and a plurality of channels extending along the transfer length and uniformly distributed across the transfer width of the delivery surface, with each channel configured to accept at a feed point, align, transfer, and deliver a plurality of objects, accurately one-by-one to a precise target destination, the channel further comprising: a set of two spaced-apart, alternately-profiled fins extending longitudinally along the transfer length of the delivery board and configured to guide and maintain the plurality of objects within the channel; a set of at least two rollers rotably affixed each to the opposing ends of the transfer length of the delivery surface, and perpendicularly to the channel, wherein at least one roller is powered; and a set of two belts rotably affixed to and connecting the rollers and extending over the transfer length of the delivery surface and in between the fins, driven by the powered roller, configured to accept, uniformly distribute, carry a plurality of objects within each of the channels in single-file lanes, and deliver each object accurately to a precise target destination.