Apparatus for diverting articles

摘要

Apparatus and method for diverting articles being moved by a conveyor in a line extending along a predetermined path to at least one additional conveyor moving along at least one additional path extending from a diverting station located adjacent to the first path. A different diverting signal corresponding to each additional path can be generated, causing a diverter to switch a given article to a selected additional path. The diverters includes a plurality of engaging devices supported in spaced relation and driven in a closed path that is adjacent to the conveyor at the diverting station. The engaging devices are programmed in response to corresponding diverting signals to divert specific articles on the conveyor by enabling assemblies at an enabling station located along the closed path ahead of the diverting station. The diverting signals may be generated as each article passes a sensing station located along the predetermined path ahead of the diverting station. The engaging devices are driven in synchronism with the conveyor so that each enabled engaging device arrives at the diverting station coincidentally with the arrival of the corresponding article.