US 11,806,761 B2
Package sorting transfer modules and systems and methods therefor
Robert D. Lundahl, Frederick, MD (US); Robert W. Cutlip, Millersville, MD (US); Mark G. Bankard, Sykesville, MD (US); and William D. Finch, New Windsor, MD (US)
Assigned to Regal Beloit America, Inc., Beloit, WI (US)
Filed by Regal Beloit America, Inc., Beloit, WI (US)
Filed on Nov. 21, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/991,599.
Application 17/991,599 is a continuation of application No. 17/583,774, filed on Jan. 25, 2022.
Application 17/583,774 is a continuation of application No. 15/916,248, filed on Mar. 8, 2018, granted, now 11,235,356, issued on Feb. 1, 2022.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/468,812, filed on Mar. 8, 2017.
Prior Publication US 2023/0090623 A1, Mar. 23, 2023
Int. Cl. B07C 5/36 (2006.01); B65G 17/24 (2006.01); B65G 15/46 (2006.01); B65G 13/06 (2006.01)
CPC B07C 5/36 (2013.01) [B65G 17/24 (2013.01); B65G 13/06 (2013.01); B65G 15/46 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A transfer module assembly comprising:
a frame;
a conveyor belt supported by the frame, the conveyor belt comprising:
a lateral width;
a longitudinal length; and
a row of rotatable spheres that are laterally spaced apart from each other, the rotatable spheres each having a protruding underside;
a conveyor drive roller supported by the frame and configured to drive the conveyor belt in a direction parallel to the longitudinal length using friction, the conveyor drive roller comprising depressions that are configured to receive the protruding undersides of the rotatable spheres, the depressions being laterally spaced apart from each other, in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the conveyor drive roller, to match the lateral spacing of the rotatable spheres;
a transfer belt supported by the frame and configured to contact the protruding undersides of the rotatable spheres of the conveyor belt in operation; and
a transfer belt drive roller supported by the frame and configured to drive the transfer belt.