A conveyor system and drive element for same include a chain including a plurality of links that hinge with respect to each other and a plurality of moving elements such as balls that freely move in the links. A drive element drives the chain in a conveying direction and includes an elongated body with a surface that has a plurality of planar facets arranged around the longitudinal axis of the body. The facets extend along the body and engage respective links of the chain as the body is rotated to drive the chain. Relief elements are located in each facet and are configured for receiving the moving elements of the chain links engaging the facets so the links lie generally flat on the facets when the chain is driven. Other versions of the drive element are faceted for driving a chain with links but without relief elements.

A control device for activating a transverse belt (8) of a conveying carriage (6) of a transverse-belt sorter (2), wherein a transverse-belt conveyor (4) for conveying an article in a transverse conveying direction, which is oriented substantially transversely to the conveying direction of the transverse-belt sorter (2), is formed on the conveying carriage (6), and wherein the transverse belt (8) can be driven mechanically, wherein the control device is configured so that, when the article is introduced laterally onto the transverse belt (8), it activates the transverse belt (8) such that the article is transported to a conveying position on the transverse belt (8) or, when the article is discharged laterally, it activates the transverse belt (8) such that the article is transported in the downward direction from a conveying position on the transverse belt (8); and wherein, when the article is introduced and/or discharged laterally, the control device activates the transverse belt (8) at least in dependence on a mass of the article.

A sorter comprising: a rack; a track assembly comprising two ring-shaped tracks both installed on the rack, the tracks being respectively arranged in two mutually parallel vertical planes and being aligned with each other; a drive assembly comprising at least one sprocket sets that comprise a driving sprocket and a plurality of driven sprockets installed on the rack; at least one chain hooping on the driving sprocket and the driven sprockets and having the same shape as the tracks; an electric machine configured to drive the driving sprocket to rotate; a sorting cart comprising a carriage that is arranged between and slidably connected to the two ring-shaped tracks and is further hinged with the chain; a conveying assembly disposed above the carriage and carry and convey items, wherein a conveying direction of the conveying assembly is different from a moving direction of the sorting cart.

A platform unit usable to support and move an item, comprising a base; a conveyor mounted to the base and operative for moving the item parallel to the base, the conveyor being pivotable about a pivot axis extending substantially perpendicular to the base; and a controller for selectively activating the conveyor and for selectively pivoting the conveyor about the pivot axis. Also, a storage system including many of the platform units.

An apparatus for transporting products on a respective path, particularly including at least one curved length or a corresponding spiral route, including respective support means of a conveyor belt, particularly including a plurality of mutually articulated meshes, in which preferably the respective mesh has a respective small transversally extending plate defining a resting surface for said product, and, on the perpendicular side opposite the same resting surface of the product, a portion for supporting said small plate and articulating the mesh to the adjacent meshes of the conveyor belt, which mesh supporting and articulating portion is slidable on a corresponding elongated block for supporting and guiding said means for supporting the apparatus. The conveyor belt, particularly the respective mesh thereof, includes volving friction sliding means that are adapted to engage said supporting and guiding elongated block at a corresponding perpendicular face thereof which faces the outer side of the bend.

The present disclosure relates to a conveyor carrier cart. The conveyor carrier cart includes a main body, a pair of pivoting arms, and a folding mechanism. The main body defines a load carrying surface to support one or more objects disposed thereon. The pair of pivoting arms include a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end pivotally connects each pivoting arm with the main body through the folding mechanism and the distal end connects with a guide member of a conveyor assembly. Each pivoting arm is configured to pivot between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position, the distal end of each pivoting arm engages the guide member of the conveyor assembly. In the retracted position, the distal end of each pivoting arm pivots about the folding mechanism to disengage from the guide member of the conveyor assembly.

The present disclosure relates to a conveyor carrier cart. The conveyor carrier cart includes a main body, a pair of pivoting arms, and a folding mechanism. The main body defines a load carrying surface to support one or more objects disposed thereon. The pair of pivoting arms include a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end pivotally connects each pivoting arm with the main body through the folding mechanism and the distal end connects with a guide member of a conveyor assembly. Each pivoting arm is configured to pivot between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position, the distal end of each pivoting arm engages the guide member of the conveyor assembly. In the retracted position, the distal end of each pivoting arm pivots about the folding mechanism to disengage from the guide member of the conveyor assembly.

A snap-in dual-pronged retaining device for a conveyor component includes two parallel prongs extending from an integral base. The prongs may form axles for rollers, hinge rods for coupling two conveyor belt modules together, or retaining shafts for retaining a component relative to the conveyor belt. A fastener secures the retaining device and conveyor component in place.

A tray assembly is provided for use with a carrier in a product sortation system. The tray assembly includes a platform to receive parcels loaded onto the carrier. A pair of movable edge members are disposed at opposite sides of the platform. Each edge member is integrated with a combination including a pair of pivotable support arms and a spring element intermediate of the support arms. Each support arm supports its edge member at one end and is pivotally mounted at another end to a tray framework. The spring element is fixedly mounted at one end to the tray framework and is connected at another end to its edge member in a biasing relationship. In response to an applied load resulting from a parcel bearing down on the edge member, the support arms pivot downward in a manner sufficient to allow the parcel to reach and then rest on the tray platform. At the same time as the support arms pivot, the spring element deflects. After the package is unloaded from the tray platform, the return action of the spring restores the edge members back to their original location, as guided by the support arms.

The technology disclosed provides a joint for connecting carrier units together so as to dissipate and absorb axial forces experienced by the carrier units. The joint may be comprised of a joint housing and an elastomeric insert. The housing may be comprised of a body portion and a head portion and the head portion may include an annular flange in which the elastomeric insert is configured to be secured. The elastomeric joint is capable of absorbing and dissipating horizontal, rotational, and vertical forces experienced by the carrier units in non-linear travel along a track.