Importance

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Abstract

A conveyor system including an induction subsystem for producing a desired spacing between packages as they are discharged from a single induction line. The induction line includes a conveyor and a speed controller for controlling the running speed of the conveyor in a manner that discharges a package as close as possible to a time necessary to provide a desired gap with a previously-discharged package. A control monitors movement of packages on the conveyor and includes a device for determining a speed adjustment required for each speed controller to cause the packages on the line to reach the discharge conveyor as close as possible to the desired time. Speed adjustments include a constant acceleration to a higher discrete speed or deceleration to a lower discrete speed from a nominal discrete speed with a return to the nominal speed prior to discharging the package. In one embodiment, the induction line is operated by two servo-controlled motors, with the speed of the downstream motor being controlled in a manner that will provide desired spacing between inducted packages and with the speed of the upstream motor being controlled in o proportion to the speed of the downstream motor. This provides an initial controllable gap between packages to reduce the range of gaps experienced by the induction control.

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First Claim