Sortation conveyor and devices

A cross-over switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least a pair of divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into second and third conveying paths;

• each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least a pair of guide tracks carried by the frame means and disposed proximate opposite sides thereof to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with a first divert track carried by the same frame means and extending from a position proximate one of the guide tracks and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the second conveying path and with a second divert track carried by the frame means and extending from a position proximate the other guide track and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages toward and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the third conveying path, the first and second divert tracks crossing at a cross-over location, the cross-over switch;
• comprising:
• (a) mounting means for mounting cross-over switch means at the cross-over location;
• (b) first cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the first divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said crossover switch means and back into coaction with the first divert track;
• (c) second cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the second divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the second divert track;
• (d) said first cam follower guide means and said second cam follower guide means intersecting at a switch location;
• (e) switch means carried by said mounting means at said switch location and having a first disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said second pathway;
• (f) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in an arcuate path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• (g) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof;
• and
• (h) the conveying members being each of generally inverted "U" shaped configuration with each carrying a package diverter for sliding movement thereacross and with at least a portion of the guide/divert pin means and cam follower means being carried by the package diverter extending into an opening between the legs of the "U" to provide a relatively high disposition for the guide/divert means and cam follower means with respect to a centerline through the conveying member.

A sortation conveyor;

• comprising:
• (a) a frame means;
• (b) a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof;
• (c) at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from first conveying path into a second conveying path;
• (d) each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom;
• (e) at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path;
• (f) at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate said guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto said divert or spur conveyor;
• (g) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;
• (h) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to received guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;
• (i) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;
• (j) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;
• (k) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• (l) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• and
• (m) the divert/guide pins each being formed with a football-like cross-section to facilitate passage through said switch means.

A sortation conveyor;

• comprising:
• (a) a frame means;
• (b) a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof;
• (c) at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from first conveying path into a second conveying path;
• (d) each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom;
• (e) at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path;
• (f) at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate said guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto said divert or spur conveyor;
• (g) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;
• (h) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to received guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;
• (i) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;
• (j) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;
• (k) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• (l) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• and
• (m) the conveying members each being of generally inverted "U" shaped configuration and each carrying a package diverter for sliding movement thereacross with at least a portion of the guide/divert extending into an opening between the legs of the "U" to provide a relatively high disposition for the guide/divert pin means and cam follower means with respect to a centerline through the conveying member.

A sortation conveyor;

• comprising:
• (a) a frame means;
• (b) a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof;
• (c) at least a pair of divert or spur conveyor means extending from first conveying path into second and third conveying paths;
• (d) each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom;
• (e) at least a pair of guide tracks carried by the frame means and disposed proximate opposite sides thereof to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path;
• (f) a first divert track carried by the same frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate one of the guide tracks and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the second conveyor path;
• (g) a second divert track carried by the frame means and extending from a position proximate the other guide track an disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide-associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the third conveying path;
• (h) said first and second divert tracks crossing at a cross-over location;
• (i) a cross-over switch means;
• (j) cross-over switch mounting means for mounting said cross-over switch means at said cross-over location;
• (k) first cam follower guide means carried by said cross-over switch mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the first divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the first divert track;
• (l) second cam follower guide means carried by said cross-over switch mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the second divert track and to diverters through a second pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the second divert track;
• (m) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;
• (n) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to received guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;
• (o) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;
• (p) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;
• (q) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• and
• (r) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• and
• (s) the divert/guide pins being formed with a football-like cross-sectional configuration to facilitate passage through said switch means.

A divert switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into a second conveying path;

• each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate the guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor means;
• comprising:
• (a) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;
• (b) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to receive guide/divert pin means from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;
• (c) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pin means from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;
• (d) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pin means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pin means from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pin means into said second pathway;
• (e) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in an arcuate path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• and
• (f) motive means comprising a limited angle of movement motor coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof.

A divert switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into a second conveying path;

• each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate the guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor;
• comprising:
• (a) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;
• (b) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to receive guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;
• (c) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and into thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;
• (d) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;
• (e) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in an arcuate path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• and
• (f) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof.

A cross-over switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least a pair of divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into second and third conveying paths;

• each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least a pair of guide tracks carried by the frame means and disposed proximate opposite sides thereof to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with a first divert track carried by the same frame means and extending from a position proximate one of the guide tracks and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the second conveying path and with a second divert track carried by the frame means and extending from a position proximate the other guide track and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the third conveying path, the first and second divert tracks crossing at a cross-over location, the cross-over switch;
• comprising:
• (a) mounting means for mounting cross-over switch means at the cross-over location;
• (b) first cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with the cam follower means from the first divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the first divert track;
• (c) second cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the second divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the second divert track;
• (d) said first cam follower guide means and said second cam follower guide means intersecting at a switch location;
• (e) switch means carried by said mounting means at said switch location and having a first disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said second pathway;
• (f) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in an arcuate path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• and
• (g) motive means comprising a limited angle of movement motor, coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof.

A sortation conveyor;

• comprising:
• (a) a frame means;
• (b) a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof;
• (c) at least a pair of divert or spur conveyor means extending from first conveying path into second and third conveying paths;
• (d) each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom;
• (e) at least a pair of guide tracks carried by the frame means and disposed proximate opposite sides thereof to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path;
• (f) a first divert track carried by the same frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate one of the guide tracks and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the second conveyor path;
• (g) a second divert track carried by the frame means and extending from a position proximate the other guide track an disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide-associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the third conveying path;
• (h) said first and second divert tracks crossing at a cross-over location;
• (i) a cross-over switch means;
• (j) cross-over switch mounting means for mounting said cross-over switch means at said cross-over location;
• (k) first cam follower guide means carried by said cross-over switch mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the first divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the first divert track;
• (l) second cam follower guide means carried by said cross-over switch mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the second divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the second divert track;
• (m) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;
• (n) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to received guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;
• (o) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;
• (p) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;
• (q) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• (r) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• and
• (s) the conveying members each being of generally inverted "U" shaped configuration each carrying a package diverter for sliding movement thereacross with at least a portion of the guide/divert pin means and cam follower means carried by the package diverter extending into an opening between the legs of the "U" to provide a relatively high disposition for the guide/divert pin means and cam follower means with respect to a centerline through the conveying member.

A divert switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into a second conveying path;

• each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate the guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor;
• comprising:
• (a) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;
• (b) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to received guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;
• (c) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;
• (d) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;
• (e) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• and
• (f) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• (g) the divert/guide pins being formed with a football-like cross-sectional configuration to facilitate passage through said switch means.

A cross-over switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least a pair of divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into second and third conveying paths;

• each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least a pair of guide tracks carried by the frame means and disposed proximate opposite sides thereof to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with a first divert track carried by the same frame means and extending from a position proximate one of the guide tracks and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the second conveying path and with a second divert track carried by the frame means and extending from a position proximate the other guide track and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages toward and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the third conveying path, the first and second divert tracks crossing at a cross-over location, the cross-over switch;
• comprising:
• (a) mounting means for mounting cross-over switch means at the cross-over location;
• (b) first cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the first divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said crossover switch means and back into coaction with the first divert track;
• (c) second cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the second divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the second divert track;
• (d) said first cam follower guide means and said second cam follower guide means intersecting at a switch location;
• (e) switch means carried by said mounting means at said switch location and having a first disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said second pathway;
• (f) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in an arcuate path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• (g) the divert/guide pins being formed with a football-like cross-sectional configuration to facilitate passage through said switch means;
• and
• (h) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof.

A slat-like article carrying and conveying member for a sortation conveyor;

• comprising:
• (a) body means of inverted outwardly facing substantially "U" shaped configuration of selected width and length;
• and
• (b) said body means including a pair of spaced legs each of predetermined width and connected and spanned by a bridge of predetermined thickness;
• (c) said space between said legs extending substantially the entire length of each such conveying member.

An article conveying member and package diverter assembly for a sortation conveyor;

• comprising:
• (a) conveying body means of substantially inverted "U" shaped configuration of selected width and length;
• (b) said body mean including a pair of spaced legs each of predetermined width and connected and spanned by a bridge of predetermined thickness;
• (c) package diverter means carried by said body means for sliding movement along said length thereof;
• (d) said package diverter means including an opening extending therethrough of a size and configuration to closely surround said body means;
• (e) a plurality of lands extending from a wall of said opening into said opening for coaction with a surface of said conveying means so that said package diverter means assumes a cocked disposition with respect to a predetermined surface of said conveying body means.

A sortation conveyor;

• comprising:
• (a) a frame means;
• (b) a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof;
• (c) at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from first conveying path into a second conveying path;
• (d) each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom;
• (e) at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path;
• (f) at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate said guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto said divert or spur conveyor;
• (g) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;
• (h) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to received guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;
• (i) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;
• (j) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;
• (k) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• (l) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• (m) said switch means being disposed for movement through a space disposed between said first pin guide means and said second pin guide means;
• and
• (n) a guide rail spanning said space to facilitate movement of the guide/divert pins along said first pathway.

A divert switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into a second conveying path;

• each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate the guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor;
• comprising:
• (a) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;
• (b) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to received guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;
• (c) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;
• (d) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;
• (e) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• (f) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• and
• (g) the conveying members each being of generally inverted "U" shaped configuration each carrying a package diverter for sliding movement thereacross with at least a portion of the guide/divert pin means and cam follower means carried by the package diverter extending into an opening between the legs of the "U" to provide a relatively high disposition for the guide/divert pin means and cam follower means with respect to a centerline through the conveying member.

A divert switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into a second conveying path;

• each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate the guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor means;
• comprising:
• (a) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;
• (b) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to receive guide/divert pin means from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;
• (c) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pin means from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;
• (d) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pin means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pin means from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pin means into said second pathway;
• (e) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• and
• (f) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• (g) said motive means comprising a bi-directional, pneumatically operated, linear actuator;
• (h) said linear actuator including pneumatic valve means and at least a pair of electrical coils for operating said valve means, each of said coils being initially energized with an energy pulse of a first selected amount for a selected period and thereafter held by an energy pulse of a second selected amount that is less than said first selected amount.

A sortation conveyor;

• comprising:
• (a) a frame means;
• (b) a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on said frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof;
• (c) at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into a second conveying path;
• (d) each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom;
• (e) at least one guide track carried by said frame means and disposed to coact with said guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path;
• (f) at least one divert track carried by said frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate said guide track and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto said divert or spur conveyor means;
• (g) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;
• (h) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to receive guide/divert pin means from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;
• (i) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pin means from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;
• (j) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pin means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pin means from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pin means into said second pathway;
• (k) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a predetermined path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• and
• (l) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• (m) said motive means comprising a bi-directional, pneumatically operated, linear actuator;
• (n) said linear actuator including pneumatic valve means and at least a pair of electrical coils for operating said valve means, each of said coils being initially energized with an energy pulse of a first selected amount for a selected period and thereafter held by an energy pulse of a second selected amount that is less than said first selected amount.

A sortation conveyor;

• comprising:
• (a) a frame means;
• (b) a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on said frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof;
• (c) at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into a second conveying path;
• (d) each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom;
• (e) at least one guide track carried by said frame means disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path;
• (f) at least one divert track carried by said frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate said guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto said divert or spur conveyor means;
• (g) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;
• (h) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to receive guide/divert pin means from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;
• (i) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pin means from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;
• (j) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pin means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pin means from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pin means into said second pathway;
• (k) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a predetermined path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• and
• (l) motive means, comprising a limited angle of movement motor coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof.

A sortation conveyor;

• comprising:
• (a) a frame means;
• (b) a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on said frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof;
• (c) at least a pair of divert or spur conveyor means extending from first conveying path into second and third conveying paths;
• (d) each conveying path member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom;
• (e) at least a pair of guide tracks carried by the frame means and disposed proximate opposite sides thereof to coact with guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along said first conveying path;
• (f) a first divert track carried by said frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate one of said guide tracks and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto said divert or spur conveyor means for the second conveying path;
• (g) a second divert track carried by said frame means and extending from a position proximate the other guide track and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor means for the third conveying path;
• (h) said first and second divert tracks crossing at a cross-over location;
• (i) cross-over switch means;
• (j) mounting means for mounting said cross-over switch means at said cross-over location;
• (k) first cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from said first divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with said first divert track;
• (l) second cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from said second divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the second divert track;
• (m) said first cam follower guide means and said second cam follower guide means intersecting at a switch location;
• (n) cross-over switch means carried by said mounting means at said switch location and having a first disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said second pathway;
• (o) cross-over switch mounting means mounting said cross-over switch means for movement in an arcuate path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• and
• (p) divert mounting means for mounting each divert switch means proximate the position where the respective divert track extends from the guide track;
• (q) first pin guide means carried by each said divert mounting means, disposed to receive guide/divert pin means from the respective guide track and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a respective first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;
• (r) second pin guide means carried by each said divert mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pin means from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a respective second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;
• (s) divert switch means carried by each said divert mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pin means to follow its respective first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pin means from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pin means into either said second or said third pathways;
• (t) divert switch mounting means for mounting a respective divert switch means for movement in a predetermined path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;
• and
• (u) divert switch motive means coacting with said divert switch means to move said divert switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof.