1) Shoe sorter conveyor
The conveying surface consists of continuously linked slats. The linked slats move in a manner similar to a belt. Between each slat, along one side, there is a shoe that moves along with the slats. Each shoe is capable of simultaneous independent lateral movement from one side of the conveyor to the other at the same time as it continues to move forward. At the appropriate time, controls sequence as many shoes as necessary, depending on the size of the load, to move from one side of the conveyor to the other, contacting the side of the load, thus directing the load to one of multiple discharge or take-away lanes. The take-away lanes can be powered by gravity. At the end of the run, after the last take-away lane, and on the return (remember the main sort lines move like a belt), the shoes are all reset to their original side. Such sorters are capable of higher sort rates in the range of 150 cases per minute. Another name for this type of sorter is surfing sorter .
2) Slat conveyor
A conveyor employing one or more endless chains to which non-overlapping, non-interlocking, spaced slats are attached.
3) Slider belt conveyor
A simple and inexpensive form of powered conveyor. A single section will have a large roller at both ends, one of which is powered by a pulley type belt connected to a motor. The belt is literally slide over a flat surface therein conveying the load on a horizontal plane or carrying loads up an incline.
4) Telescoping belt conveyor
A belt conveyor whose length can be varied by telscoping slides on the frame.
5) Tow line conveyor
A conveyor embedded in the floor which provides power to wheeled carriers moving along the floor.
6) Tray sorter
A high speed type of sorting conveyor with sorts in the 250 cases per minute range, this type consists of a continuously moving train of independent trays that move in a straight line and recirculate in either a horizontal or vertical (over and under) closed loop. At the proper moment, controls cause the tray to tilt to either side, thereby discharging the load to the desired take away lane.
7) Trolley conveyor
A series of trolleys with loads suspended from them, supported by an overhead track and connected by endless propelling medium such as chain or cable.