Cross-belt sorter system

A sorter system for sorting a package, the sorter system comprising:

• a frame with frame sides extending from an upstream end to a downstream end;
• a track disposed between the frame sides in a looped configuration between the upstream end to the downstream end;
• a plurality of carriages disposed on the track, each carriage comprising;
• a belt drive motor connected to a belt drive shaft;
• a drive pulley;
• first and second tensioning pulleys;
• a belt disposed around the drive pulley, the first tensioning pulley, and the second tensioning pulley;
• and
• a drive controller configured to control actuation of the belt via the belt drive motor;
• a sorter controller system configured to generate control signals to selectively actuate one or more belt drive motors;
• and
• a power line extending between the frame sides from the upstream end to the downstream end and configured to transmit power into the sorter system;
• wherein at least one of the carriages includes a power receiver configured to receive power from the power line and transmit power to the drive controller of two or more carriages.

A carriage for use with a sorter system, the carriage comprising:

• a frame with a top wall defining a top surface and extending between a first edge and a second edge, a first side wall, and a second side wall opposite the first side wall;
• one or more wheels disposed near each of the first and second edges and configured to roll on a track of the sorter system;
• a continuous belt disposed at least partially on the top surface between the first and second edges, the belt having an outside surface and an inside surface;
• a belt drive motor configured to rotate a belt drive shaft;
• a drive pulley coupled with the belt drive shaft via a drive connector and configured to actuate the belt, the drive pulley having a belt driving portion;
• and
• at least two tensioning pulleys configured to keep the belt taught around the frame;
• wherein the belt includes a projection portion extending radially inwardly from a middle of the inner surface of the belt and configured to engage with the belt driving portion.