A directional transition module for moving an article translating on a
primary roller conveyor extending along a first axis to a secondary
conveyor for translation along a second axis angularly disposed with
respect to the first axis includes at least one flexible drive member
supported by a chassis for cycling through a predetermined driver cycle
having an upper cycle portion and a lower cycle portion. The upper cycle
portion is such that, when the directional transition module is installed
for use in conjunction with the primary roller conveyor, the drive member
cycles between first and second rollers of the primary roller conveyor.
The drive member includes first and second segments wherein the first
segment has a profile sufficiently low such that, when the first segment
cycles through the upper cycle portion, it does not extend above a plane
defined by the tops of the first and second rollers. The second segment
has a profile sufficiently high such that, when the second segment cycles
through the upper cycle portion, at least one section of the second
segment extends above the plane defined by the tops of the first and
second rollers to engage and at least partially lift the article for
directional transition.