Abstract: The invention relates to a stacker for flat objects, in which a conveyor moves the objects to be stacked in in an edgewise manner. A drum rotates permanently in front of the orifice of a hollow cylindrical body, connected to a suction source. The stack of already stacked objects is engaged against said drum. A shell, controlled in rotation, controls the application of suction through the openings of the drum, of an object inserted between the drum and the stack. Suction application is timed to correspond to a displacement of the leading edge of the object inserted between the orifice and the stopping border of the receptacle. Application to postal sorting.

Abstract: Envelope or letter destacking device associated with a storage means. Such a device comprises a nozzle actuated by an orientation device which is able to impart thereto a swinging or rocking movement (arrow F.sub.b) and a translational movement (arrow F.sub.L). The invention applies to mail sorting machines.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insertion flap for guiding letters during their insertion into the compartments of a rotary drum. It is a question of the axial insertion into the compartment of a drum rotating at an angular velocity .OMEGA. of a letter arriving at speed v. For this purpose, a flap takes up the letter at the interface between the conveying system and the drum and the flap pivots in the rotation direction of the drum at the same angular velocity as the latter and consequently accompanies the latter, whilst increasing the available insertion time before suddenly returning to its initial position for recommencing a new cycle. This makes it possible to compensate rapid speed fluctuations of the drum and bench, whilst a calculation of the departure time for each letter makes it possible to compensate the slow speed fluctuations of the drum and bench.

Abstract: Letters discharged from a mail-sorting machine are received by a switching flap and pendulum for braking and guiding them towards the bottom of a selected basket-type compartment in order to form a stack. The mail baskets are disposed in interfitting relation and in a number of superposed rows at different levels.

Abstract: A box formed by a set of walls closed by a pivoting bottom which is openable so that the object which it carries falls vertically in the ejection zone to be collected in a receptacle. The walls are extended below the bottom so that the pivoting operation may be started before the box quite reaches the ejection zone. The bottom in the closed position forms an angle with the horizontal, thus the object which it carries is automatically jolted against the rear wall during the conveying phase. The portion of the rear wall above the rest position of the bottom is given a slight forward inclination to promote the sliding of the object towards the discharge position. A comb-shaped separation scrapes the bottom (indented) so as to loosen any object adhering abnormally thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking thin objects which are delivered by a conveyor to a rotary drum having holes over its periphery extending to the interior and a fixed body within the interior having a plurality of chambers communicating with the holes over a half circumference. Valves connecting to the chambers are operated to successively connect the chamber to a vacuum source so the object is engaged and rotated with the drum and then to successively connect to a pressure source to produce a blowing action moving the object toward a stack.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for supplying a conveyor of an article sorting machine. It also relates to a method for using this apparatus. The apparatus essentially comprises a storage system (1) constituted by a plurality of belts (t.sub.1 . . . t.sub.n) and a tilting chair-like support (2) able to occupy a raised position (P.sub.1) and a lowered position P.sub.2. The articles are placed on the first belt t.sub.1 only when the latter is completely free of articles and when the following belt is also free. Movement of the said belt is then commenced. Movement of each of the following belts is only commenced when the belt following it is free. The final belt t.sub.n is put into movement when it carries an article and when the support (2) is free and in the raised position P.sub.1. When a free rack (4) of conveyor (5) arrives at the right of the support, tilting takes place and the article then drops into rack (4).

Abstract: A machine for sorting articles carried by clips comprises suitable systems which are responsible for disengaging and engaging the clips "on the fly" from and on fixed and moving supports, which cooperate with transfer systems to convey the articles from a work station situated upstream of the machine to a series of receiving rods each corresponding to a given address. The articles are thus directed towards the receiving rods to be engaged on them as dictated by their final destinations.

Abstract: A clip is provided for carrying articles and cooperates with system for engaging, disengaging and overlapping it. The clip is constituted by a thin piece of injected, stamped or moulded plastics material which is provided with a triangular opening which is itself open at a narrow slot in the center of the upper side of the clip and which may or may not have bosses to enable a regular spacing to be maintained between a number of clips which are carried by a storage rod before they are engaged onto a transfer or handling system. Such a clip is able to operate effectively with an engaging system which is formed by a dispenser and a member for thrusting the clip towards a system of abutments which thus enable the clip to move from a fixed support to a moving support.

Abstract: The invention relates to the application of marks to articles by ejecting ink or other marking substances, comprising a first rotary means for ejecting ink in the form of successive jets, a second rotary means to cause the articles intended for marking to pass in front of the ejecting means substantially at the same speed, and a third rotary means to supply the ejecting means with ink, these three rotary means being connected mechanically to the same drive shaft to enable them to be driven.

Abstract: Method and installation for ordering groups of articles in stacks or rows, in which groups of articles are inserted between pressure members which are driven in displacement by means of an endless chain, the members being caused to move apart from one another while maintained the same overall speed in a so called "jogging zone" where the articles are made up into a group propelled toward a vertical abutment, the pressure members being closed up again in a dealing out zone, before reaching a dispensing device.