Quantum Conveyor Systems, Inc.

Richard J Bowman

Hans J Lem

William E Koehler

Michel L Plasse

Gerald R Grispart

Robert J Koehler

Featured is a device controller in a system having a multiplicity of such controllers and a conveying system and method for controlling a multiplicity of devices using such controllers. Each controller includes a plurality of bi-directional communications ports, a processor that processes information and provides outputs, where at least one output controls the device, and an applications program for execution within the processor that includes instructions and criteria for processing the information and providing the processor outputs. Specifically, the applications program includes instructions and criteria for communicating information between and among controllers; instructions and criteria for processing information received by a controller; and instructions and criteria for modifying the operation of a device responsive to the communicated information. For a conveying system having a multiplicity of conveying sections, a controller is provided for each section. Preferably, the applications program for a conveying system controller also includes the instructions and criteria needed to operate any one of a number of different conveying section types. Further, the conveying system controller includes a memory for storing parameters that are used so the corresponding conveying system section operates in the desired fashion.

Device controller with intracontroller communication capability, conveying system using such controllers for controlling conveying sections and methods related thereto

Featured is a sorting/diverting apparatus that diverts articles from a plurality of moving belts, the sorting/diverting apparatus including a plurality of rollers that are rotatably mounted to a support frame and a moving mechanism that moves the support frame back and forth between two positions. The controller controls the moving of the support frame and the operation of the drive motor so as to divert/sort the articles. Each controller includes bi-directional communications ports, a processor that processes information and provides outputs, and an applications program for execution within the processor that includes instructions and criteria for processing the information and providing the processor outputs to control the apparatus.

High speed sorting/diverting apparatus, an apparatus controller and systems using same

Featured is a sorting/diverting apparatus that diverts articles from a plurality of moving belts that are at a nominal base height. The apparatus includes a support frame, a plurality of rollers that are rotatably mounted to the support frame, a moving mechanism that moves the support frame back and forth between first and second position. The rollers also are mounted so as to be parallel to the moving belts. In the first position the rollers are disposed below the nominal base height and in the second position at least a portion of the rollers is disposed above the base height. The apparatus further includes a drive motor and a drive mechanism that mechanically interconnects the drive motor and each of the rollers. Also featured is an apparatus controller that controls the moving of the support frame and the operation of the drive motor. Preferably, the controller is operated so the rollers are simultaneously rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction when in the second position. Each controller includes bi-directional communications ports, a processor that processes information and provides outputs, and an applications program for execution within the processor that includes instructions and criteria for processing the information and providing the processor outputs. Also featured is a system using the above described controller and apparatus and a tick signal generator that provides a periodic signal input to the controller for inter alia article position tracking.

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Levittown, PA, United States of America

Richard J Bowman