an open space on the upstream end of the conveyor 1 any time that the sensor x1b and x1a is blocked the second buffer conveyor 2 does not run consequently there is always a space available on the upstream end of conveyor 1 to enable the operator to 34 split 34 overlapped articles as shown in fig6 there are two overlapped articles 61 and 62 for example two luggage bags which have arrived at the coding station the leading end of the article 61 has actuated the sensor x1 and so conveyor 1 has stopped the coding operator notes the overlapped articles and as shown by arrow 63 manually slides the article 62 backward to a separated position shown dotted at 62 39 the coding operator notes the destination of the article 61 and presses the appropriate destination button on the coding panel 31 the conveyor 1 then runs for a predetermined time to transfer the article 61 onto the take away conveyor 40 there is a predetermined take away count which lasts for approximately 250 milliseconds to provide sufficient time for the longest typical article to be transferred from conveyor 1 onto the take away conveyor 40 the article 61 is transferred onto the take away conveyor during this take away count if the second article now at 62 39 does not quite reach the sensor x1 during the take away count then the conveyor 1 continues to run until the sensor x1 is actuated thereby stopping conveyor 1 the purpose of.