Mark James Heckendorf

US Patent:

6651801, Nov 25, 2003

Filed:

Jul 25, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/205036

Inventors:

Mark J. Heckendorf - Oconomowoc WI

Assignee:

Dorner Mfg. Corp. - Hartland WI

International Classification:

B65G 4724

US Classification:

198406, 198532

Abstract:

A transition station for a sortation conveying system for transitioning randomly discharged horizontal articles into a vertically oriented position for stacking. The transition station includes a transition plate having a curved outer surface extending from a generally horizontal first end to a generally vertical second end. The transition plate receives articles discharged from a supply source and directs the article onto an edge surface. A discharge chute is positioned beneath the second end of the transition plate to receive the article after it has been oriented onto an edge surface. The discharged chute directs the received article onto a discharge stacking station. The transition station includes a deflection hood spaced from the transition plate to define a product gap. The deflection hood contacts an article as it is discharge from the supply source and pivots between a first position and a second position to slow the article and direct the article onto the discharge chute.