| CPC B65G 47/261 (2013.01) [B65G 2203/042 (2013.01); B65G 2203/044 (2013.01)] | 23 Claims |
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1. An accumulation conveyor comprising:
a plurality of zones, the plurality of zones comprising a first zone and a second zone, wherein at least the first zone is associated with a control module; and
a controller in association with the control module, the controller comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing executable instructions therein, wherein the executable instructions are configured to, in execution with the at least one processor, cause the controller to:
receive zone sensor data from a sensor associated with the second zone, wherein the second zone is downstream of the first zone;
determine whether an item detection variable associated with the second zone is satisfied, wherein the item detection variable is based on the zone sensor data;
determine whether a first operational characteristic variable associated with the first zone is satisfied;
determine whether a second operational characteristic variable associated with the second zone is satisfied; and
in an instance wherein the item detection variable and at least one operational characteristic variable are satisfied, send an inactivation command signal to the control module associated with the first zone,
wherein the first zone is associated with a roller countdown timer and wherein the first operational characteristic variable associated with the first zone is satisfied in an instance wherein the roller countdown timer has expired, and
wherein the roller countdown timer is configured to reset in an instance wherein the control module associated with the first zone receives an activation command signal.
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