This invention relates generally to a conveyor assembly for separating and aligning parcels, packages, bags and other articles prior to processing with a singulator. The stepped wall assembly includes a low friction conveying surface having both forward and lateral conveying forces for moving articles toward a lateral sidewall and a downstream conveyor. A series of offsets disposed between straight and diverging sidewalls force parcels toward the center of the conveyor against the lateral forces of the low friction conveying surface gradually separating and converging the parcels toward a selected sidewall of the conveyor and in line with a singulator apparatus.

This invention relates generally to a conveyor assembly for separating and aligning parcels, packages, bags and other articles prior to processing with a singulator. The stepped wall assembly includes a low friction conveying surface having both forward and lateral conveying forces for moving articles toward a lateral sidewall and a downstream conveyor. A series of offsets disposed between straight and diverging sidewalls force parcels toward the center of the conveyor against the lateral forces of the low friction conveying surface gradually separating and converging the parcels toward a selected sidewall of the conveyor and in line with a singulator apparatus.

The invention relates to a method for analysing defects in transformer laminations using an inspection system, and to an inspection system (24), wherein the inspection system comprises a detection unit (26), a conveyance device (27) and a processing device, wherein the detection unit includes an optical detecting device (31), wherein the conveyance device is used to continuously transport a plurality of transformer laminations (25) relative to the detecting device, wherein the detecting device is arranged transversely, preferably orthogonally, to a direction of movement of a transformer lamination, wherein a velocity of movement of a transformer lamination relative to the detecting device is measured via a measurement device (40) of the detection unit, wherein an image of a contour of a transformer lamination is captured with the detecting device, wherein images of a transformer lamination are assembled into a combined image of the transformer lamination via the processing device while considering the velocity of movement of the transformer lamination, wherein a shape of the transformer lamination is determined on the basis of the combined image via the processing device.

A merchandise sorting device includes a conveyance path, a chute, and a sorting plate. The conveyance path includes a placement surface on which an item is placed, and along which the item moves. The chute is inclined downward from the conveyance path and forms an inclined surface on which the item can be slid. The sorting plate is provided at a lower end of the chute and is rotatable about an axis paralleling an edge of the lower end of the chute to open and close the lower end of the chute.

A merchandise sorting device includes a conveyance path, a chute, and a sorting plate. The conveyance path includes a placement surface on which an item is placed, and along which the item moves. The chute is inclined downward from the conveyance path and forms an inclined surface on which the item can be slid. The sorting plate is provided at a lower end of the chute and is rotatable about an axis paralleling an edge of the lower end of the chute to open and close the lower end of the chute.

A conveyor assembly insertable within a conveying system including a low friction conveying surface having both forward and lateral conveying forces for moving articles toward a parallel lateral sidewall and a downstream conveyor. A first diverging sidewall gradually converges parcels toward the center of the conveyor. An inwardly directed offset extends from a first diverging sidewall to a second lateral sidewall for shifting parcels inwardly toward a second lateral sidewall. A raised high friction conveying surface or rail belt extends along an outer edge of the low friction conveyor. At least a portion of the high friction belt is raised above the surface of the adjacent conveying surface in flow communication with the low friction conveying surface. Parcels contacting the high friction belt are prevented from shifting over toward the sidewall and parcels having a center of gravity outside the tipover point fall over the belt onto a recirculation conveyor.

A conveyor assembly insertable within a conveying system including a low friction conveying surface having both forward and lateral conveying forces for moving articles toward a parallel lateral sidewall and a downstream conveyor. A first diverging sidewall gradually converges parcels toward the center of the conveyor. An inwardly directed offset extends from a first diverging sidewall to a second lateral sidewall for shifting parcels inwardly toward a second lateral sidewall. A raised high friction conveying surface or rail belt extends along an outer edge of the low friction conveyor. At least a portion of the high friction belt is raised above the surface of the adjacent conveying surface in flow communication with the low friction conveying surface. Parcels contacting the high friction belt are prevented from shifting over toward the sidewall and parcels having a center of gravity outside the tipover point fall over the belt onto a recirculation conveyor.

A stacked-package detection system for a matrix sorter detects stacked packages by comparing weight or dimension measurements on primary sorters from those measurements on secondary sorters. Weight or dimension increases for a package on a secondary sorter indicate a stack of packages. A recirculation system diverts packages identified on the secondary sorters as stacked packages back into bulk flow to be reprocessed by the primary or secondary sorters.

A stacked-package detection system for a matrix sorter detects stacked packages by comparing weight or dimension measurements on primary sorters from those measurements on secondary sorters. Weight or dimension increases for a package on a secondary sorter indicate a stack of packages. A recirculation system diverts packages identified on the secondary sorters as stacked packages back into bulk flow to be reprocessed by the primary or secondary sorters.

A stacked-package detection system for a matrix sorter detects stacked packages by comparing weight or dimension measurements on primary sorters from those measurements on secondary sorters. Weight or dimension increases for a package on a secondary sorter indicate a stack of packages. A recirculation system diverts packages identified on the secondary sorters as stacked packages back into bulk flow to be reprocessed by the primary or secondary sorters.