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:
Dec. 08, 2009
Filed:
Jul. 24, 2007
Rhonda J. Verploegen, Sparta, MI (US);
Frank W. Veit, Spring Lake, MI (US);
Brian J. Feenstra, Hudsonville, MI (US);
Gerald A. Brouwer, Grandville, MI (US);
Rhonda J. Verploegen, Sparta, MI (US);
Frank W. Veit, Spring Lake, MI (US);
Brian J. Feenstra, Hudsonville, MI (US);
Gerald A. Brouwer, Grandville, MI (US);
Dematic Corp., Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Abstract
A positive displacement sorter apparatus and method includes providing a plurality of interconnected slats defining an endless web, an upper run of the web defining a conveying surface. A plurality of pusher shoes are provided, each moving along at least one of the plurality of slats to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface. Each of the pusher shoes includes a diverting portion extending above the conveying surface. The diverting portion includes a diverting surface and a stop surface. The diverting surface contacts an article and laterally displaces that article. A lifting force is applied by the diverting surface to a portion of the article being diverted. The stop surface limits movement of the article relative to the pusher shoe.