Apparatus and method for handling flow of packages

A method for handling a flow of packages, comprising the steps of:

• dividing the flow of packages into one or more streams based on current volume of each such stream;
• singulating each of the streams using a separate respective series of singulating belt stages to singulate each such stream;
• and
• wherein the step of dividing the flow of packages into one or more streams based on current volume of each such stream is done by proportional feeding of each of said singulating belt stages based on current volume of each such stream using a laterally movable slide for dividing the flow of packages comprised of first and second plates positioned above a base slidably movable thereon, said first and second plates being hinged to one another and to a member, and moving means connected to said member for moving the member along a line of action which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of package flow.

Apparatus for handling a flow of items, comprising:

• dividing means for variably dividing the flow of items into a plurality of branch flows, said dividing means being a laterally movable slide comprised of first and second plates positioned above a base slidably movable thereon, said first and second plates being hinged to one another and to a member, and moving means connected to said member for moving the member along a line of action which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of package flow;
• and
• singulating means receiving the items from said dividing means, for singulating the branch flows of items;
• control means for proportional moving of said dividing means for proportional feeding of each of said branch flows.

Apparatus for handling a flow of packages, comprising:

• a variably configured flow dividing slide dividing package flow between at least two flow branches;
• a series of inclined singulating belt stages comprising in part said at least two flow branches, said series being fed by said flow dividing slide, each said belt stage being upwardly tilted in its direction of flow with the output end of one belt stage being higher than the flow input end of any next belt stage in said series and the flow output end of one belt being physically separated from the flow input end of any next belt in said series such that belts are spaced apart from each other by a spacing;
• flow sensing means for sensing flow entering or leaving each of said belts, said flow sensing means being disposed for package detection within the spacing separating each of said conveyor belts;
• control means associated with said variably configured flow dividing slide for proportional moving of said slide for corresponding proportional feeding of said series of inclined singulating belt stages and being responsive to said sensing means for controlling movement of each of said belts;
• and
• a delivery buffer fed by the last of said singulating belt stages.