| 摘要 |
An automated system and method for transporting and sorting various types of articles, such as parcels and sacks of mail. The system is comprised of a primary conveyor track and a plurality of secondary conveyor tracks which intersect the primary conveyor track at selected locations therealong. Each secondary track has associated therewith a diverter mechanism for diverting selected articles from the primary track to a corresponding secondary track, depending upon the final destinations of the articles. The diverter mechanism includes a diverter arm, which pivots across the primary track to divert selected articles to the corresponding secondary track. The deflecting surface of the diverter arm includes a motor-driven belt, the bottom edge of which is positioned within 1/4 inch of the surface of the track so that articles of irregular shape, such as sacks of mail, do not become trapped between the bottom edge of the diverter arm and the track. A plurality of photoelectric eyes are disposed at selected positions along the primary track and the secondary tracks for detecting the passage of individual articles. Each diverter arm is operated asynchronously so that the diverter arm is moved to the "divert" position in advance of the arrival of the article to be diverted, thereby enhancing the speed of operation of the system.
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