Lockheed Martin Corporation

Kenneth Gluck

Eugene C Stradley

Richard T Evans

Mark Gallagher

Thomas M Brown

Douglas G Miller

An novel apparatus and technique may be used to induct articles onto a conveyor comprising at least one conveyor belt that moves articles along a first path that extends in a first direction. The apparatus may be used to move an article along a second path that extends in a second direction, which is transverse to the first direction, to a first position above but not in contact with the at least one conveyor belt. After the article has been moved to the first position above but not in contact with the at least one conveyor belt, the apparatus may be used to move the article onto the at least one conveyor belt.

Methods and apparatuses for inducting articles onto a conveyor

A directional transition module for moving an article translating on a primary roller conveyor extending along a first axis to a secondary conveyor for translation along a second axis angularly disposed with respect to the first axis includes at least one flexible drive member supported by a chassis for cycling through a predetermined driver cycle having an upper cycle portion and a lower cycle portion. The upper cycle portion is such that, when the directional transition module is installed for use in conjunction with the primary roller conveyor, the drive member cycles between first and second rollers of the primary roller conveyor. The drive member includes first and second segments wherein the first segment has a profile sufficiently low such that, when the first segment cycles through the upper cycle portion, it does not extend above a plane defined by the tops of the first and second rollers. The second segment has a profile sufficiently high such that, when the second segment cycles through the upper cycle portion, at least one section of the second segment extends above the plane defined by the tops of the first and second rollers to engage and at least partially lift the article for directional transition.

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Vestal, NY, United States of America

Kenneth Gluck