WO2006010032A2

WO2006010032A2 - Article singulation and reorientation system

Info

Publication number: WO2006010032A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/024335
Authority: WO
Inventors: James L. Layne; Michael D. Mcdaniel; Lewis W. Ward; Jason Grindle
Original assignee: Span Tech Llc
Priority date: 2004-07-08
Filing date: 2005-07-08
Publication date: 2006-01-26
Also published as: WO2006010032A3

Abstract

Systems and related methods for singulating and/or reorienting articles may include a singulator with at least two and preferably three V-shaped conveyors (202, 204, 206) serially arranged to convey the articles in a vertically cascading fashion. The conveyors may operate at successively increasing speeds to separate adjacent articles with successively larger gaps. Each conveyor may be comprised of a pair of belts (202a, 202b, 204a, 204b, 206a, 206b) oriented generally orthogonal to each other, and neither having a conveying surface parallel to a horizontal plane. To facilitate article reorientation, the individual belts may be driven at different linear speeds, and at least one belt may include a conveying surface with a high friction portion.

Description

ARTICLE SINGULATION AND REORIENTATION SYSTEM

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/586,154, filed July 8, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to article conveying and, in particular, to a system for singulating and/or reorienting articles during conveyance.

Background of the Invention

Many conveyor operations, especially those used in the processing of mail, receive a variety of articles varying in height, length and depth. Typically, these articles are received in a random fashion, and are often "dumped" or placed onto an input conveyor such that the articles pile one upon another. The articles then move downstream to a scanning area or station, at which information contained on an exterior surface of the articles is sensed by one of a variety of sensors or scanning devices normally employed in the art (such as, for example, an optical character recognition system, a bar code reading system, or a video code system).

Prior to introduction to the scanning station, the articles must be rearranged to eliminate the vertical stacking, and to assume a single file with a generally uniform distance or gap between adjacent articles. Failure to separate the articles effectively beforehand may prevent the scanner from obtaining information necessary to properly sort and divert the articles during downstream processing. Moreover, if the articles are not similarly oriented, scanning is made more difficult and misidentification may result. If the articles are not effectively identified, errors occur in the sortation and diversion process, or else the number of rejected articles increases. Either way, the throughput or efficiency of the conveyor and sortation system is reduced. In the past, the industry addressed the need to separate and singulate articles by providing a variety of unscrambling or singulation conveyors operable to separate articles from one another. Many conveyors include devices that ensure articles arriving at the discharge end of the conveyor are arranged in a non-stacked manner, while other devices align the articles. This substantially eases the unloading and/or sorting process at the discharge end of the conveyor. However, many of these singulation conveyors are complex in structure and operation, thereby increasing both manufacturing and maintenance costs of the conveyor system.

Furthermore, if a conventional singulation conveyor experiences a high volume of articles in a short period of time, a bottleneck may form. As a result, the singulation conveyor may be incapable of handling the temporary increase in article quantity. Consequently, either the conveyor line must temporarily shut down until the surge in article flow passes, or the singulation conveyor inadequately singulates the articles. The inability of the singulation conveyor to handle sudden increases in article quantity reduces the efficiency of the conveyor system.

Therefore, a need exists for an article separation system capable of effectively separating, de-stacking and/or aligning articles in more efficient and economical manner, including with the ability to regulate the flow of articles with precision.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a system for singulating or reorienting articles through conveyance is disclosed. The system comprises a singulator including at least two V-shaped driven conveyors. These conveyors are serially arranged to convey the articles in a cascading fashion in a vertical direction.

In one embodiment, each V-shaped conveyor comprises a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt. Each belt includes a conveying surface inclined in a direction transverse to a conveying direction so as to form an angle with a horizontal plane. Preferably, the first belt of at least one conveyor travels at a linear speed faster than the second belt of the same conveyor. The conveying surface of the first belt of at least one of the conveyors may also include a high-friction surface portion. Preferably, the first conveyor extends generally orthogonal to the second conveyor, which in turn extends generally orthogonal to a third takeaway conveyor. It is also preferable that a first conveying surface of the first conveyor is at least partially above a second conveying surface of the second conveyor, and the second conveying surface is above a third conveying surface of the third conveyor. Such an arrangement may produce effective article singulation.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an article singulator is disclosed. The singulator comprises a first driven V-shaped conveyor including a first conveying surface extending in a first conveying direction. A second driven V- shaped conveyor includes a second conveying surface at least partially below the first conveying surface and extending in a second conveying direction generally perpendicular to the first conveying direction.

The singulator may further include a third driven conveyor including a third conveying surface below the second conveying surface and a third conveying direction generally perpendicular to the second conveying direction. Preferably, each V-shaped conveyor comprises a pair of conveyor belts, with one of the belts of at least one of the first and second conveyors moving at a linear speed greater than the other belt. One of the belts of at least one of the first and second conveyors may also include a conveying surface with a high friction portion. Regardless of these details, it is also preferred that at least one of the first and second conveyors conveys articles faster than the other conveyor.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, an article singulator is disclosed. The singulator comprises a first conveyor having a first conveying surface for conveying articles at a first speed in a first direction. The singulator further comprises a second conveyor having a second conveying surface at least partially below the first conveying surface for conveying articles at a second speed equal to or greater than the first speed and in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction. Finally, a third conveyor having a third conveying surface at least partially below the second conveying surface conveys articles at a third speed equal to or greater than the second speed and in a third direction opposite the first direction. As a result, the articles may be singulated by cascading vertically during conveyance by the first, second, and third (preferably V-shaped) conveyors.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a conveyor system comprises a pair of driven conveyor belts arranged longitudinally side-by-side. The belts are also oriented such that the conveying surface of each belt tilts in a direction transverse to a conveying direction to form a V-shape (or, stated alternatively, the belts are tilted such that neither has a conveying surface parallel to a horizontal plane). A motor is provided for driving one of the conveyor belts faster than the other conveyor belt. In one embodiment, a first conveying surface of a first belt extends in a first plane generally perpendicular to a second conveying surface of a second belt. The conveying surface of at least one of the belts may also include at least a high friction portion as compared to the other conveying surface of the other belt.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method of conveying articles is disclosed. The method comprises serially arranging at least two driven V- shaped conveyors to convey the articles in a cascading fashion relative to a vertical direction. The method may further comprise: (1 ) driving a first belt of at least one of the V-shaped conveyors at a linear speed greater than a second belt; (2) driving the first V-shaped conveyor such that articles thereon travel faster than articles on the second V-shaped conveyor; or (3) providing a first belt of at least one of the V- shaped conveyors with a conveying surface including at least a high-friction portion.

The arranging step may also comprise orienting the V-shaped conveyors perpendicular to each other or, alternatively, orienting first and second belts of at least one of the V-shaped conveyors such that a first conveying surface of the first belt lies in a first plane generally perpendicular to a second plane corresponding to a second conveying surface of the second belt. The method may also include the step of arranging a third conveyor adjacent to a discharge end of the second V- shaped conveyor.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of singulating articles. The method comprises: (1) conveying articles along a first driven V-shaped conveyor including a first conveying surface extending in a first conveying direction; (2) delivering articles from the first conveyor to a second driven V-shaped conveyor including a second conveying surface at least partially below the first conveying surface and extending in a second conveying direction generally perpendicular to the first conveying direction. The method may further comprise conveying articles along a third driven conveyor including a third conveying surface at least partially below the second conveying surface and a third conveying direction generally perpendicular to the second conveying direction. Preferably, the method involves driving the second conveyor such that articles thereon travel faster than articles on the first conveyor or, alternatively, driving a first one of a pair of conveyor belts forming part of the first conveyor faster than the other conveyor belt. The faster-driven belt may also include a conveying surface including a high-friction portion to facilitate article turning.

Still another aspect of the invention is method of singulating articles, comprising: (1 ) conveying articles on a first conveying surface of a first conveyor driven at a first speed in a first direction; (2) delivering articles from the first conveyor to a second conveyor having a second conveying surface at least partially below the first conveying surface; (3) driving the second conveyor at a second speed equal to or greater than the first speed in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction; (4) delivering articles from the second conveyor to a third conveyor having a third conveying surface below the second conveying surface; and (5)driving the third conveyor at a third speed equal to or greater than the second speed in a third direction opposite the first direction. As a result of the practice of this method, article singulation is effected.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of conveying articles, comprising orienting a first conveyor belt longitudinally side-by-side with a second conveyor belt and such that the conveying surface of each belt tilts in a direction transverse to a conveying direction to form a V-shape. The method also comprises driving one of the conveyor belts faster than the other conveyor belt. As a result, reorientation of the articles may be effected. Brief Description of the Drawings

Figures 1 , 2, and 3 are perspective views of an overall singulator system constructed in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

Figure 4 is a top view of one embodiment of the singulator;

Figure 5 is an end view of the singulator of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a rear elevational view of the singulator of Figure 4; and

Figures 7, 8, and 9 are top views schematically illustrating various possible modes of operation of the singulator shown in Figure 4.

Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference now to Figures 1-4, the present invention in one embodiment comprises a device called a "singulator" 200 for receiving a feed of randomly spaced and oriented articles from a generally orthogonal infeed conveyor 100 (which may be inclined for reasons that will be better understood upon reviewing the following description). This singulator 200 includes at least two and, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, preferably three serially arranged, elongated conveyors 202, 204, 206 oriented generally perpendicular to each other. The conveying surfaces S₁, S₂, S₃ of these conveyors 202, 204, 206 are at least partially, and preferably spaced vertically from each other in their entireties, and thus convey articles in a cascading fashion in three different directions (namely, a first direction D₁, a second direction D₂ generally perpendicular to the first direction, and a third direction D₃ generally opposite the first direction). As described below, this orientation and the capability for independent operation of the conveyors 202, 204, or 206 may create an exceedingly efficient and effective system for singulating and/or reorienting articles randomly received, and especially those having a generally rectangular cross-section (such as mail or parcel tubs or trays).

In the illustrated embodiment, each conveyor 202, 204, 206 comprises two individual conveyor belts, such as endless, modular link conveyor belts 202a, 202b; 204a, 204b; 206a, 206b, that together create the conveying surfaces S₁, S₂, S₃. These belts 202a, 202b; 204a, 204b; 206a, 206b may be of any type for conveying articles, but a preference exists for those types sold by the present application under THE DESIGNER SYSTEM® mark and shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,953,693 or 5,031 ,757, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Regardless of the type used, each pair of individual belts 202a, 202b; 204a, 204b; 206a, 206b are preferably oriented with their conveying surfaces S₁, S₂, S₃ at approximately 90° to each other and separately driven by independent motors (note blocks representing first and second motors associated with conveyor belts 202a, 202b in Figure 4). The conveyors 202, 204, 206 thus generally form a V-shape to create an article-receiving apex, and are mounted to corresponding rigid support frames F in contact with the floor or ground. The particulars of the frame F or like support structure used are not considered critical, as long as the conveyors 202, 204, 206 are reliably supported and can be maintained in the desired orientations.

Aside from being oriented at about 90° to each other, it is also preferable that no belt 202a, 202b; 204a, 204b; 206a, 206b of any conveyor 202, 204, 206 have or include a conveying surface parallel to a horizontal plane (or, stated another way, the belts are oriented such that the corresponding conveying surfaces are tilted, slanted or inclined in a direction transverse to the conveying direction of the associated conveyor). For example, as perhaps best shown in Figures 5-6, the first belt 202a of the first conveyor 202 may be positioned with its surface at an acute angle of about 30° (angle β in Figure 5) relative to a horizontal plane (which, if oriented at about 90° relative to each other (angle α) as noted above as one possibility, means that the surface of the second belt 202b is oriented at a complementary angle of about 60° relative to the same horizontal plane). As a result of this basic arrangement and, as outlined further in the description that follows, the articles ultimately cascade vertically through and exit the singulator 200 in a single row and, in the case of articles having a direction of elongation (e.g., rectangular mail trays), in either a narrow or broad end leading configuration (and possibly in a consistent orientation, as outlined in more detail in the following description).

To illustrate one mode of operation of the singulator 200, take the exemplary situation shown in Figure 7 where two rectangular articles A₁, A₂ in a narrow end leading configuration substantially simultaneously eject from the discharge end of the infeed conveyor 100, drop vertically onto the first conveyor 202, and automatically slide into the apex formed thereby as a result of the inclination. When both associated conveyor belts 202a, 202b are driven in the same direction at substantially equal linear speeds (preferably but not necessarily 3-4 times that of the infeed conveyor 100 to create gaps or spaces between successive articles or groups of articles), the articles A₁, A₂ simply become juxtaposed on the surface S₁ of conveyor 202 successively, with the narrow end contacting the conveying surface of the second conveyor belt 202b (which may be provided with a high or enhanced friction surface) to maintain the broadside leading orientation.

However, depending on the weight of the articles, the speed of the conveyors (which may be disparate), and the type of belt used (e.g., whether it has a high friction surface portion), the engagement with the V-shaped first conveyor 202 could otherwise result in the reorientation of the articles A₁, A₂, such as from a broadside leading orientation to a narrow side leading orientation. Indeed, a high friction surface portion on the second belt 202b (such as may be provided by "co-molding" fingers or like projections into at least part of the links defining the conveying surface) to create a gripping force along one side of the associated article(s) may be combined with the driving of this belt at a linear speed greater than (e.g., approximately 20-35%) the adjacent belt 202a, which preferably has a regular or otherwise comparatively low friction surface to encourage sliding to some degree. This combination of gripping and sliding forces with conveyance at differential speeds may result in the regular and reliable turning of rectangular articles A₁, A₂ introduced in a narrow side leading orientation (which is typical) to a broad side leading one, as shown in Figure 8.

In any case, rectangular articles A₁, A₂ delivered to the second conveyor 204 (which may be about eighteen inches lower in a vertical direction and run at a similar speed and thus may involve "dropping" the articles) occupy either a broadside leading or a narrow side leading orientation, depending on the arrangement of the first conveyor 202 (that is, whether the belts 202a, 202b are driven differentially, one includes a high friction surface portion, or both). In the former orientation, each article A₁, A₂ engages the belts 204a, 204b of the second, V-shaped conveyor 204 and then moves along in a narrow side leading orientation (preferably at a slightly higher speed than when on the first conveyor 202, which again preferably moves faster than the infeed conveyor 100) until discharge onto the third conveyor 206 occurs. Again, absent a speed differential between the belts 204a, 204b and high friction surface in combination, the orientation of the articles A₁, A₂ along the second conveyor 204 may remain unchanged.

Regardless of reorientation, it should be appreciated that the orthogonal alignment of the first and second conveyors 202, 204 causes any stacked articles advantageously to become automatically separated, or "singulated." For example, if two articles lie generally side-by-side on the first conveyor 202, including in a direction transverse to the conveying direction as shown in Figure 8, the discharge to the second orthogonal conveyor 204 causes them to separate in the conveying direction. As shown in Figure 3, the maximum height of any stack of articles exiting the first conveyor 202 may be regulated by providing an idler wheel 208, plow, or like structure adjacent to the outfeed end (which structure may also help to initiate turning of any rectangular articles in a broadside leading configuration).

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the third conveyor 206 arranged with its conveying surface S₃ generally lower than that of the second conveyor 204 (again, by about eighteen inches in the preferred embodiment) includes an optional belt 206a oriented closer to upstanding than not and another juxtaposed belt 206b generally not in this condition. The first belt 206a is shorter than the second belt 206b and preferably includes a conveying surface at least partially comprising a high friction material, or with a high friction portion, which may thus further effect turning or reorientation of the articles in the manner described above with respect to the first and second conveyors 202, 204. However, this belt 206a is not shown in the other figures, thus indicating its optional nature.

The second conveyor 206b is preferably oriented such that its conveying surface forms an acute angle with the horizontal plane, such as for example 15°. As should be appreciated, this inclination thus causes articles to slide gently along the surface of the belt 206b toward the lower edge. In view of the truncation or shortening of the upstanding conveyor belt 206a in the preferred embodiment and the inclination, the other belt 206b may include a "moving" longitudinally extending guide lip 210 along one edge (see Figures 4, 5 and 6), or alternatively may be associated with an external guide rail. In either case, the structure provided helps to retain the articles on the downstream portion of the conveying surface, and along a known edge for scanning purposes.

Both belts 206a, 206b of the third conveyor 206 may be driven at relatively high linear speeds (whether identical or not) as compared to the speeds of the other, upstream conveyors 202, 204 (which in turn may be driven at different speeds). In addition to possibly causing any articles dropping onto the third conveyor 206 in a broadside leading configuration to turn such that the narrow end or side leads during conveyance when differential speeds are used, this higher speed also helps to move the articles along faster and thus create a gap G or space between them (see Figure 9). For reasons noted above, this gap G may be desirable for downstream processing, such as identifying the articles or their orientation using scanners or like sensors. The gap(s) may also increase along the successive conveyors 204, 206, primarily as a result of any speed differential present. Stated another way, articles on the second conveyor 202 may travel at a speed slower than those on the third conveyor 206, yet faster than the first conveyor 204, to effect singulation.

Generalizing the foregoing discussion describing one possible embodiment of the invention, articles exiting the first conveyor 202 in a narrow end leading orientation as a result of reorientation or otherwise simply drop onto the second conveyor 204 (Figure 7). This second conveyor 204 may move them along in a broadside leading orientation, preferably at a slightly greater linear speed to introduce the desirable gap or spacing between the articles. The articles then drop onto the third conveyor 206 such that the narrow end leads therealong. In the course of cascading over the conveyors 202, 204, 206 in the vertical direction, the articles should simultaneously form a single row, regardless of whether reorientation occurs. In other embodiments, such as the one shown in Figure 8, the singulation may be advantageously be accompanied by article reorientation. In all cases, driving the cascading conveyors 202, 204, 206 to move the articles at successively higher speeds (that is, a first speed an article on the first conveyor is slower than a second speed of an article on the second conveyor, which is slower than a third speed of an article the third conveyor) may increase the spacing or gap between them, which may be desirable for downstream processing or identification.

It should also be appreciated that the third conveyor 206 as illustrated is considered optional for effecting the desired reorientation and singulation. Thus, articles discharged from the second conveyor 204 may simply engage a regular conveyor or like takeaway device (but preferably one that does not change the established orientation to any significant degree, unless such is desired).

The foregoing description presumes the articles are rectangular and thus include a direction of elongation or longitudinal dimension, as well as narrow and broad ends. This is typically the case when trays or tubs of mail are involved. However, the above-described arrangement may work equally well for singulating articles with other types of polygonal cross-sections that perhaps do not meet this criteria, such as generally cubical boxes.

An optional, spring-biased passive gate 212 having a direction of elongation generally corresponding to the conveying direction may extend along the third conveyor 206, if present, as shown in Figure 3. This gate 212 extends at least partially into the conveying path to form a means for ensuring that only a single article passes. This guarantees that the desired singulation results (although stacked articles should rarely or never reach this point in the singulator 200). Instead of a gate, a idler wheel, plow, or like article-engaging means (not shown) could also be used at this location, either alone or in conjunction with the gate 212.

A scanner may be provided for sensing the passing articles and identifying a characteristic of them. As shown in Figure 3, this scanner 214 may be positioned adjacent to the discharge end of the third conveyor 206 for identifying the passing articles. The scanner 214 may comprise a charge coupled device (CCD) or like optical recognition device that "looks at" or otherwise examines the passing article. Then, using a software-based analysis tool (the details of which are considered beyond the scope of this disclosure) and information on the various possible orientations of the articles being conveyed (which may be pre-programmed), the orientation of the article may be determined for purposes of downstream processing.

The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments of the invention are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Modifications or variations are also possible in light of the above teachings. Again, it is reiterated that instead of three V-shaped conveyors, the singulator may comprise two cascading V-shaped conveyors in series. Moreover, the first and second V-shaped conveyors 202, 204 need not be oriented orthogonally if only article reorientation is desired, such as by using the differential speed and high- friction arrangements described. Also, while the conveying surface of the first conveyor as shown entirely above that of the second conveyor, which is in turn above that of the third conveyor, this situation could be easily reversed by using pushers, cleats, or other elements for positively conveying articles against gravity. The embodiments described above were chosen to provide the best application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the disclosed inventions in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

Claims

In the Claims

1. A system for singulating or reorienting articles through conveyance, comprising a singulator including at least two V-shaped driven conveyors serially arranged to convey the articles in a cascading fashion in a vertical direction.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein each V-shaped conveyor comprises a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt, each belt including a conveying surface inclined in a direction transverse to a conveying direction so as to form an angle with a horizontal plane.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first belt of at least one conveyor travels at a linear speed faster than the second belt of the same conveyor.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the conveying surface of the first belt of at least one conveyor includes a high-friction surface portion.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first conveyor extends generally orthogonal to the second conveyor.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the second conveyor extends generally orthogonal to a third takeaway conveyor.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein a first conveying surface of the first conveyor is at least partially above a second conveying surface of the second conveyor.

8. The system of claim 7, further including a third conveyor for receiving articles from the second conveyor, wherein the second conveying surface is above a third conveying surface of the third conveyor. 9. An article singulator, comprising: a first driven V-shaped conveyor including a first conveying surface extending in a first conveying direction; and a second driven V-shaped conveyor including a second conveying surface at least partially below the first conveying surface and extending in a second conveying direction generally perpendicular to the first conveying direction.

^l10. The singulator according to claim 9, further including a third driven conveyor including a third conveying surface below the second conveying surface and a third conveying direction generally perpendicular to the second conveying direction.

11. The singulator of claim 9, wherein each V-shaped conveyor comprises a pair of conveyor belts.

12. The singulator of claim 11 , wherein one of the belts of at least one of the first and second conveyors moves at a linear speed greater than the other belt.

13. The singulator of claim 11 , wherein one of the belts of at least one of the first and second conveyors includes a conveying surface with a high friction portion.

14. The singulator of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first and second conveyors conveys articles faster than the other conveyor.

15. An article singulator, comprising: a first conveyor having a first conveying surface for conveying articles at a first speed in a first direction; a second conveyor having a second conveying surface at least partially below the first conveying surface for conveying articles at a second speed equal to or greater than the first speed in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction; and a third conveyor having a third conveying surface at least partially below the second conveying surface for conveying articles at a third speed equal to or greater than the second speed in a third direction opposite the first direction, whereby the articles may be singulated by cascading vertically during conveyance by the first, second, and third conveyors.

16. The singulator of claim 15, wherein each conveyor comprises a pair of belts arranged in a V-shaped configuration.

17. A conveyor system, comprising: a pair of driven conveyor belts arranged longitudinally side-by-side and oriented such that the conveying surface of each belt tilts in a direction transverse to a conveying direction to form a V-shape; and a motor for driving one of the conveyor belts faster than the other conveyor belt.

18. The conveyor system of claim 17, wherein a first conveying surface of a first belt extends in a first plane generally perpendicular to a second conveying surface of a second belt.

19. A conveyor system comprising a pair of adjacent conveyor belts in a V- shaped configuration, neither having a conveying surface parallel to a horizontal plane, and a motor for driving one of the conveyor belts faster than the other conveyor belt.

20. The conveyor system of claim 19, wherein a first conveying surface of a first belt extends in a first plane generally perpendicular to a second conveying surface of a second belt.

21. A conveyor system, comprising a pair of conveyor belts oriented such that the conveying surface of each belt tilts in a direction transverse to a conveying direction to form a V-shape, with at least one of the conveying surfaces including at least a high friction portion as compared to the other conveying surface.

22. A conveyor system, comprising a pair of conveyor belts in a V-shaped configuration, neither belt having a conveying surface parallel to a horizontal plane, with at least one of the conveying surfaces including at least a high friction portion as compared to the other conveying surface.

23. A method of conveying articles, comprising serially arranging at least two driven V-shaped conveyors to convey the articles in a cascading fashion relative to a vertical direction.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the method comprises driving a first belt of at least one of the V-shaped conveyors at a linear speed greater than a second belt.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising driving the first V-shaped conveyor such that articles thereon travel faster than articles on the second V- shaped conveyor.

26. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing a first belt of at least one of the V-shaped conveyors with a conveying surface including at least a high-friction portion.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein the arranging step comprises orienting the V-shaped conveyors perpendicular to each other.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein the arranging step comprises orienting first and second belts of at least one of the V-shaped conveyors such that a first conveying surface of the first belt lies in a first plane generally perpendicular to a second plane corresponding to a second conveying surface of the second belt.

29. The method of claim 23, further comprising arranging a third conveyor adjacent to a discharge end of the second V-shaped conveyor.

30. A method of singulating articles, comprising: conveying articles along a first driven V-shaped conveyor including a first conveying surface extending in a first conveying direction; and delivering articles from the first conveyor to a second driven V-shaped conveyor including a second conveying surface at least partially below the first conveying surface and extending in a second conveying direction generally perpendicular to the first conveying direction.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising conveying articles along a third driven conveyor including a third conveying surface at least partially below the second conveying surface and a third conveying direction generally perpendicular to the second conveying direction.

32. The method of claim 30, further including the step of driving the second conveyor suchi that articles thereon travel faster than articles on the first conveyor.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the first conveyor comprises a pair of conveyor belts, and the method includes driving a first one of the conveyor belts faster than the other conveyor belt.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising the step of providing one of the belts with a conveying surface including a high-friction portion.

35. A method of singulating articles, comprising: conveying articles on a first conveying surface of a first conveyor driven at a first speed in a first direction; delivering articles from the first conveyor to a second conveyor having a second conveying surface at least partially below the first conveying surface; driving the second conveyor at a second speed equal to or greater than the first speed in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction; delivering articles from the second conveyor to a third conveyor having a third conveying surface below the second conveying surface; and driving the third conveyor at a third speed equal to or greater than the second speed in a third direction opposite the first direction, whereby article singulation is effected.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein each conveyor comprises a pair of belts and the method includes arranging each pair of belts in a V-shaped configuration.

37. A method of conveying articles, comprising: orienting a first conveyor belt longitudinally side-by-side with a second conveyor belt and such that the conveying surface of each belt tilts in a direction transverse to a conveying direction to form a V-shape; and driving one of the conveyor belts faster than the other conveyor belt, whereby reorientation of the articles may be effected.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the orienting step comprises orienting the conveying surface of the first belt in a first plane generally perpendicular to a second plane corresponding to the conveying surface of the second belt.

39. A method of conveying articles, comprising: orienting a pair of adjacent conveyor belts in a V-shaped configuration, neither belt having a conveying surface parallel to a horizontal plane; and driving one of the conveyor belts faster than the other conveyor belt, whereby reorientation of the articles may be effected. 40. The conveyor system of claim 39, wherein the orienting step comprises orienting the first conveying surface of the first belt in a first plane generally perpendicular to a second plane corresponding to the second conveying surface of the second belt.