Saw toothed merging conveyor and method

摘要

A sawtooth merging conveyor system that more accurately controls the position of merging cartons or other objects of varying size, shape, weight or condition. Rollers define entry portions configured to abut supply conveyors and a conveyor belt covers a main portion of the conveyor system. The rollers of the entry portions convey the cartons from the supply conveyors onto the conveyor belt. Slip of the cartons is reduced by the friction of the conveyor belt surface. The rollers of the entry portions may have a coating that improves roller grip of the cartons and matches the thickness of the belt to reduce slip and improve transitioning of the cartons onto the belt. A guide rail defines an outer edge of the entry portions and can includes a plurality of guide rollers connected to the main conveyor drive to urge packages onto the conveyor belt of the main portion.