A bidirectional sorter using an automated guide to selectively divert
articles off a transverse roller-top conveyor belt. A sorting station
forms a segment of a conveying line conveying articles in a conveying
direction. The sorting station includes a transverse roller-top belt
having rollers protruding above an outer surface of the belt. The rollers
are arranged to rotate about axes in the conveyor direction to provide a
low-friction rolling surface to articles being pushed sidewise on the
belt. A guide suspended above the belt is positionable over the belt at
positions to intercept conveyed articles and guide them atop the rollers
off one side of the belt or the other. The guide is also movable to a
bypass position that allows conveyed articles to pass freely through the
sorting station.