Abstract:
A mechanism for transferring mechanical energy onboard of a train of carriages of a sorting machine includes a friction wheel fitted onto a carriage. The wheel is rotated by friction caused by the engagement of the wheel against a track on which the carriage travels, and is connected to an electric generator disposed on the carriage. Rotation of the wheel is transmitted to the generator to rotate the generator and produce electricity for operating a belt(s) disposed on the carriage. The force with which the wheel is pressed against the track is automatically changed in response to changes in power requirements of the generator.
Abstract:
A sorting system includes a train of carriages moving along a track. Each carriage has an electrically driven cross belt for onloading and unloading items to be sorted. Some, but less than all, of the carriages, i.e., master carriages, carry electricity generating equipment, such as a track-engaging wheel connected to an electrical alternator, for converting kinetic energy of the train into electric energy. That energy is made available to all of the carriages through wiring that interconnects the carriages.
Abstract:
A device for towing a train of carriages of a sorting machine includes a pair of wheels driven by respective motors, which wheels engage a blade arranged below the carriages. Each towing wheel is movable toward and away from the blade relative to its respective motor, whereby the inertia of the member that has to be moved in response to a misalignment of the blade is low.