SORTER SLAT ATTACHMENT

A method of disconnecting a slat from a wheel assembly that is used with a positive displacement sorter having a plurality of parallel laterally extending slats and a pair of wheel assemblies, each interconnecting common end portions of the slats thereby defining an 5 endless web that travels in a longitudinal direction. An upper surface of the web defines an article-conveying surface. The sorter has a plurality of pusher shoes travelling along the slats in order to laterally displace articles on said conveying surface. The sorter further has a plurality of attachment mechanisms, each attaching an end portion of one of the slats to one of the wheel assemblies. Each of the attachment mechanisms includes at least one locking .0 member. The locking member includes a pin on the slat engaging an opening in one of the wheel assemblies. A retraction tool is positioned against one of the wheel assemblies adjacent to the slat to be disconnected. The retraction tool is pivoted about the wheel assembly to retract the pin from the opening. The slat is disconnected from the wheel assembly with the pin being retracted from the opening. 7822660 1 (GHMatters) P97079.AlJ.1 GlSL -I 'S1 \', \\ '*N %S %* 0~ % % I I- ' '~5 \\ \~ C% 'S% \. ~% \%\\\ %\ X\\% ~' ~ \ \\ \\ N \\10 \\4 '% % 55 5 \55\\ S. %~ \K\\ \\11 0'