Abstract: A loading station for the automatic loading of multiple items on the same unit of a sorting machine. The loading station includes several feeding belts capable of receiving and transferring the items to a loading belt capable of receiving such items and feeding them to the sorting machine. The feeding belts include at least one belt mounted on a support capable of rotating 180° about a vertical axis to reverse the order of items being conveyed on the belt. A transfer conveyor transfers the items to the loading belt. The transfer conveyor includes a frame carrying a drivable belt. The frame is extensible and retractable relative to an upstream feeding conveyor. Items are deposited onto the drivable belt as the belt is non-driven and the frame is being extended. Then, the frame is retracted while driving the belt forwardly at the same speed that the frame is retracted.

Abstract: A sorting system includes a trolley movable along a predetermined path and including an endless belt rotatable in a direction perpendicularly to the path for receiving and discharging items to be sorted. To clean a surface of the belt, a dispensing device and an aspirating device are suspended over the belt surface on an arm. With the belt rotating, the dispensing device sprays cleaning liquid onto the belt surface, and the aspirating device sucks up the cleaning liquid at a location downstream of the dispensing device with reference to the direction of belt travel. The arm can be raised and lowered and/or moved parallel to the path for cleaning other trolleys.