The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 07, 2009
Filed:
Apr. 30, 2008
Frank W. Veit, Spring Lake, MI (US);
Rhonda J. Verploegen, Sparta, MI (US);
Thanh V. Nguyen, Wyoming, MI (US);
Mark S. Harkema, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Frank W. Veit, Spring Lake, MI (US);
Rhonda J. Verploegen, Sparta, MI (US);
Thanh V. Nguyen, Wyoming, MI (US);
Mark S. Harkema, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Dematic Corp., Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Abstract
A positive displacement sorter apparatus includes a plurality of interconnected slats defining an endless traveling web. An upper run of the web defines a first conveying surface traveling in a longitudinal direction. A plurality of pusher shoes are provided, each moving along at least one of the slats to laterally displace an article on said conveying surface. A web end portion of the web is extendable and contractible in the longitudinal direction. A product handling conveyor at the web end portion has a second conveying surface that is adapted to supply product to, or receive product from, the first conveying surface. The product handling conveyor has a conveyor end portion that is adjacent to the web and is moveable with extension and contraction of the web end portion. In this manner, the first and second conveying surfaces maintain a constant relative relationship.