Abstract: A mechanism for transferring mechanical energy onboard of a train of carriages of a sorting machine includes a friction wheel fitted onto a carriage. The wheel is rotated by friction caused by the engagement of the wheel against a track on which the carriage travels, and is connected to an electric generator disposed on the carriage. Rotation of the wheel is transmitted to the generator to rotate the generator and produce electricity for operating a belt(s) disposed on the carriage. The force with which the wheel is pressed against the track is automatically changed in response to changes in power requirements of the generator.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring mechanical energy onboard of a train of carriages of a sorting machine includes a friction wheel fitted onto a carriage. The wheel is rotated by friction caused by the engagement of the wheel against a track on which the carriage travels, and is connected to an electric generator disposed on the carriage. Rotation of the wheel is transmitted to the generator to rotate the generator and produce electricity for operating a belt(s) disposed on the carriage. The force with which the wheel is pressed against the track is automatically changed in response to changes in power requirements of the generator.

Abstract: A conveying/sorting apparatus includes a truck movable along a fixed route and possessing a vertically movable platform that can support objects. The truck delivers the articles to respective collection stations disposed along the route. Pairs of plates are connected between the platform and truck to reinforce the platform against horizontal forces. Each pair of plates includes an upper plate hinged to the platform, and a lower plate hinged to the truck, with the plates hinged to one another to be able to fold and unfold in response to vertical movement of the platform.

Abstract: A speed variator for cars of the kind essentially comprising a variable-pitch-circle sheave and a belt and a driven sheave is improved by the provision of two driving half-sheaves which, with their respective driven half-sheaves, and the two belts compose the mechanical part of the variator. Hydraulic or mechanical provide necessary counteracting forces and are controlled by detectors and a transducing system so that the pitch circle diameters of the driving and the driven sheave can be controlled consistently with the variations of any preselected operative parameter of the engine or another part of the vehicle concerned.