Product handling apparatus

• Main Authors: Dumke, Robert D, Horn, Edward R, Kohlman, Gerald A, Wolf, John, Gross, Mike, Sherbinow, Todd, Troeger, Mark
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 18.02.2003

The present invention relates to a product handling apparatus and, more particularly, to a product handling apparatus for labeling and sorting products. A product handling apparatus, components of a product handling apparatus, a method of handling products and a software program for controlling a product handling apparatus. The apparatus includes an induct area, in which products are inducted or fed, either automatically or manually, into the product handling apparatus, an identification area, in which the product configuration, the product type and the product title are identified, a labeling area, in which product labels are printed, applied to each product and verified, and a product sorting area, in which the products are sorted into the individual customer order product collection locations for packaging and shipment to the customer. In the product sorting area, products are diverted by air knife diverter mechanisms, and stackable products are stacked in stacker assemblies. An "endless" main conveyor assembly conveys products from the induct area, through the product handling apparatus, to the product sorting area. A main controller electronically communicates with and controls, through the software program, the components of the product handling apparatus.