Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section, a discharging roller pair, a plurality of trays, a guide member, and a controller. The image forming section forms an image on each of a plurality of sheets. The discharging roller pair discharges each of the sheets. The sheets discharged by the discharging roller pair are to be stacked on the trays (first through third trays). The guide member guides each of the sheets from the discharging roller pair toward a discharge destination tray among the plurality of trays. Every time the discharging roller pair discharges one of the sheets, the controller controls the guide member to change the discharge destination tray. The trays are configured such that leading ends of the sheets are superposed on one another.

Abstract: A collection system for collecting flat objects, including a plurality of collection trays disposed one on top of the other, each of the collection trays having an entrance and an exit; a feeder unit for feeding individual objects or assembled groups of objects to the entrance of the collection trays and for depositing the supplied objects in the respective collection tray, the feeder unit and collection trays being movable or swivelable relative to one another; a conveyor unit for removing the objects deposited in a collection tray through the exit of the respective collection tray; and a movable retaining element, which closes the entrance of one of the collection trays after an individual object or an assembled group of objects has been deposited in the respective collection tray. All of the objects collected in the collection trays are simultaneously removed from the collection trays by a conveyor unit and stacked.

Abstract: System and method for modular sorting stations. A sorting station may be subdivided into two or more modular bins. A modular bin may be partitioned into compartments. Each compartment may be configured to receive one order including one or more items. Modular bins may be partitioned into compartments of different sizes to receive orders of different sizes. A modular bin may be removed from a sorting station and conveyed to a packing station for packing or other sorting station to continue sorting. Picked items may be received and sorted for rebinning into the modular bins manually or using an automated sorting mechanism. A control system may direct the sorting and rebinning operation. Modular sorting stations may be located adjacent to packing stations or, alternatively, away from packing stations and, when a modular bin is complete, it may be conveyed to an appropriate packing station for packing.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for collecting relatively small batches of mail that, alone, would not qualify for mailing at a pre-sorted postage rate and pooling them together with others for pre-sorting into a qualified batch of pre-sorted mail. The inventive method involves transporting mail in a traceable container to a holding facility where it is pooled with others for pickup and processing by a mail pre-sorting business. The mail may be metered at a reduced program rate. The system creates a cooperative of participating mail senders working together to earn a lower effective postage rate. The method further provides a solution to the technical problem of postal sorting equipment that is overburdened by medium-sized batches of unsorted mail. The solution identifies and diverts such batches for processing at a separate facility before the batch is tendered to the postal service.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus which separates a work according to a predetermined standard flowing on a production line and arrays the work in one column is characterized by being equipped with a carrying-in line carrying in the work, a work identifying machine provided on the way of the carrying-in line, a plurality of columns of temporary accumulating units installed neighboring the carrying-in line at an approximately same height as the carrying-in line, a plurality of trays provided respectively corresponding to the temporary accumulating units of plurality of columns of temporary accumulating units, a pusher pushing out a work which flows in said carrying-in line into one column of the temporary accumulating units based on a result identified by the work identifying machine, and a transfer machine gripping/transferring a predetermined number of works all together to the trays corresponding to the temporary accumulating units when the predetermined number of works is accumulated in a temporary accumulating unit.

Abstract: An article sorting system is provided. The system comprises a plurality of inflow lines to convey trays each containing articles to be sorted, a first conveyor to convey the trays introduced from the plurality of inflow lines, a plurality of second conveyors branching off from the first conveyor, a plurality of sorting racks each placed opposite to the second conveyer, each sorting rack having a plurality of slots leading to containers into which articles are placed from the trays according to sorting categories by sorters, a plurality of first delivery conveyors each placed opposite to the sorting rack, each first delivery conveyor conveying the containers pushed thereon from the sorting rack, and a second delivery conveyor to convey the containers from the plurality of first delivery conveyors to a shipment area.

Abstract: The sorting machine main body of a sorting machine is a slender machine provided with a chain conveyer along an upper and lower two level endless loop route, and includes an IN side turn back portion, a transfer portion, a sorting portion, an OUT side turn back portion in this order from the IN side. Gathering boxes are provided on both the left and right sides in the advancing direction of the chain conveyer. A plurality of carrier boxes hangs from the chain conveyer. The carrier boxes are thrown with loads at the transfer portion, and are delivered by the chain conveyer and discharges the loads at a predetermined location according to the loads. The belt conveyer conveys the discharged loads to the gathering box.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting random length boards for nesting into a single row of predetermined lengths includes an accumulating conveyor with longitudinal tracks positioned adjacent a storage rack with the longitudinal channels aligned with the tracks. A scanning assembly is positioned between the accumulating conveyor and storage rack for scanning boards moving between the conveyor and storage rack, to determine the length of each board. The central processor is connected to the scanning assembly, and gates on the accumulating rack and storage rack, to automatically operate the system.

Abstract: A direction indicator placed on one site of a sorting block indicates, for a given good, the direction towards a nominated slot through which the good is to be placed in the block. This arrangement makes it possible for the hauler to immediately put a good into a nominated slot without looking around at sorting blocks at large, which will lead to the improvement of work efficiency. Moreover, because this will moderate the burden imposed on the hauler, the number of wrongly hauled goods would be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A process is provided for the automated conveying, sorting and loading of baggage items in airports having a baggage-conveying facility conveying baggage from a check-in region to a baggage area, from where they are transported for loading into aircraft. In a first step, a flight destination and travel class as well as weight, shape, volume and consistency of each baggage item are recorded and registered. In a second step, the recorded baggage data are entered into a computer system (packing computer) which divides the baggage items into predetermined classes and determines optimum assignment to loading devices in accordance with classification and flight destination. In a third step, the baggage items handled in this way are transported to loading stations for loading in accordance with the defined assignment and, in a fourth step, are loaded there into a loading device essentially in an automated manner. A configuration which is suitable for implementing the process is also provided.

Abstract: A batching of currently supplied articles with non-uniform weights into portions of a uniform target weight is effected by passing the articles through a weighing station (6, 8) to a distribution system (12), in which the articles (4) are selectively allocated to a plurality of receiver bins (14). It is known to improve the capacity of such a system by way of probability calculations based on the normal distribution of the articles in the supply flow, but according to the invention it is still better to base such calculations on a regularly updated recorded histogram (28) of the weight distribution of a relatively high number of newly weighed articles. Thereby the target calculations will rely on factual rather than just expected conditions, and a very important result is that it is possible to effect relevant batching even when the article weights in the supply flow are not normally distributed.

Abstract: A batcher apparatus having a weighing station (4) for arriving items and a sorting-out station (6) with transfer mechanism for selectively transferring the weighed items to a plurality of receiver stations (18, 18′, 18″). According to the invention two or more receiver stations may be used as substations (18′, 18″) being allocated items weightwise belonging to the same batch (26), whereby it is possible to allocate to each batch item, which are selected not only based on their weight, but additionally based on other criteria such as type of item in connection with co-batching of different types of poultry parts to be batched separately in subbatches which are then merged into the full batch. Also, items may be allocated to one substation or another in order to thereafter be acted upon in a specific manner, e.g. for some items to be turned or marked.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting products, such as magazines, newspapers and books, CDs and/or diskettes, includes a separation station arranged for making single items of the products supplied in stacks, a conveyor arranged for conveying one by one the products coming from the separation station, and a number of sorting stations arranged adjacent the conveyor. The sorting stations are connected to the conveyor such that a product located on the conveyor can be supplied from the conveyor to a desired sorting station for forming a sorted collection of products in the respective sorting station. The apparatus further includes a control. The control is arranged for controlling at least the conveyor and the sorting stations, such that at least two sorting functions can be performed.

Abstract: An article sortation system includes a plurality of transport units which are movable along a conveying path between induction stations and discharge stations along each side of the conveying path. Each transport unit has side by side loading and support capability and is operable to receive packages from induction stations and discharge the packages at an appropriate discharge station. The system includes a control which determines the destination of articles and resolves blocking conditions between articles at the induction stations or at the transport units. The system may include a reinduction station for receiving an article from a transport unit and reinducting the article onto a transport unit, in order to resolve a blocking condition between a pair of articles on the respective transport unit.

Abstract: Method for controlling an accumulating device (buffer) having a number of tracks each of which defines at least one accumulation segment along which may be arranged sets of postal items partially overlying each other (shingled). One first section and one second section are defined as including, respectively, one first and one second sub-set of tracks designed to communicate at output, through singling devices, with sorting devices. For each section, successive phases of accumulation and unloading are carried out, thus achieving with great efficiency the unloading of postal items towards sorting devices, and thus enabling the handling of a large number of postal items towards the highest possible number of destinations.

Abstract: A system and method for stocking and sorting reticles used in a semiconductor fabrication facility, the facility having a material handling system that presents a reticle to a photolithography process area. In an example embodiment of the reticle management system, a reticle storage system and a reticle sorting apparatus are coupled to a host system that is adapted to track and control the movement of reticles in the material handling system. The host system is capable of interfacing with a management input module that integrates management directives into the reticle flow plan in the manufacturing process. The result is a reticle management system that is flexible enough to manage a finite number of reticles and pods in minimizing the delivery time of a reticle to the desired location while responding to changing conditions external to the manufacturing process.

Abstract: An installation for processing wafers in at least one clean room is described. The installation has a configuration of production units for carrying out individual production steps and measuring units for inspecting the production steps. The production units and the measuring units are connected via a transport system for feeding and removing the wafers. At least one measuring unit together with an unloading station for delivering wafers to the transport system forms a measuring station, in which case wafers processed so as to be free of defects can be delivered from the measuring station separately from the remaining wafers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for displaying text information in different sort orders. The method comprises the steps of selecting one of a plurality of sort order criteria; sorting a plurality of string objects based on the selected sort order; and displaying the string objects in selected sort order. The string objects may further be divided into groups, and the string objects of the selected group are displayed in a manner that is different from the manner of displaying the string objects of other groups or the cursor is move to the location of string objects of the selected group. The user may use different sort orders and groups to find out the desired record.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sorting used batteries, comprising an intake station, an outlet station and a pre-sorting station disposed between the intake station and the outlet station, which pre-sorting station connects to a first re-sorting station and a second re-sorting station. The two re-sorting stations are arranged for manual examination and removal of undesirable batteries and further objects, as well as for manual sorting of batteries and other objects that land in the re-sorting stations during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process and apparatus for automatically sorting and sequencing a random assemblage of products associated with a particular order for same. In one embodiment, the invention sequences the random products to match a predetermined label application sequence.

Abstract: A discarded industrial product recycling system capable of acquiring pertinent data required for processings of discarded industrial products such as discarders, reception dates, persons responsible for disposal, disposal dates and so forth for selecting proper disposal for each of the discarded industrial products while automatizing the article data acquisition to a possible maximum for enhancing the enhance disposal rate. An electronic tag (radio-frequency identifier tag) is attached to each of discarded industrial products to allow data required for the processing to be written and read by readers/writers. At a time point and a place where a discarded industrial product is received, basic data required for the processing of that article is written in the electronic tag. Pertinent processing route for each of the manufactured articles is decided by reading the data from the electronic tag while writing additional data in the tag as occasion requires.

Abstract: A microdevice reject handling system is provided for in a microdevice processing/feeder system. The feeder mechanism is immediately adjacent to the processing mechanism for receiving and moving microdevices away from the processing mechanism. It uses a conveyor which has a dead space in which microdevices cannot be placed by a robotic transport system, which moves microdevices from the processing mechanism to the feeder mechanism. The microdevice reject handling system is partially positioned in the feeder mechanism dead space for receiving rejected microdevices. It includes a reject bin with a storage portion for storing rejected microdevices beside the feeder mechanism and rests on a bracket containing an optical sensor system for determining when the storage portion is full.

Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes separate transporting units respectively for good and rejected semiconductor devices. As a result, respective handlings of the rejected and good devices, such as loading of the good devices into a burn-in board or an unloading tray and loading of the rejected devices into a rejecting tray, can be performed separately without interfering each other.

Abstract: A two-direction reject and make-up conveyor system includes a supply conveyor system (30) and a first inspection conveyor (40) and a second inspection conveyor (41). The conveyors (40 and 41) are moveable in both a forward and reverse direction allowing items to be inspected to be rejected in both directions. The supply conveyor system (30) allows for the make-up of any rejected items onto the inspection conveyors (40 and 41).

Abstract: In a method and system for automatically forming a plurality of packages of groups of articles, the articles move along a conveying path in a substantially continuous motion. The selected articles are transferred to selected buffer storage assemblies in response to selection control signals from a central processing unit. The central processing unit generates the control signals according to predetermined packaging criteria. The groups of articles are stored in the buffer assemblies in a layer corresponding to one layer of a plurality of layers to be assembled in one of the plurality of packages. The entire layer in the buffer assembly is then transferred into an associated package at one time after assembly of that layer is completed from the accumulation of individual articles transferred from the conveying path.

Abstract: A method of handling of cut lengths and short lengths to be transported to a collecting equipment and transportation equipment for bundling equipment and saw devices in merchant bar finishing lines, with the method including the steps of providing a common transporter for transporting the cut lengths and the short lengths to the collecting equipment and the transportation equipment; and device for effecting the method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sorting system configured to sort a plurality of components, such as computer chips. The handler comprises a component handler configured to sort a plurality of components into groups; a plurality of receptacles on the component handler, each of the receptacles adapted to receive one of the sorted groups of components; at least one indicator associated with at least one of the receptacles, the at least one indicator being activated when the associated receptacle is filled to a selected amount with components; a plurality of bins, each of the bins being associated with one of the receptacles on the component handler; and at least one indicator on at least one of the bins, wherein the at least one indicator on the bin is activated when the receptacle associated with that bin is filled to a selected amount.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of sorting and transferring components, such as computer chips. The method comprises sorting a plurality of components into a plurality of separate groups, wherein each component in a common group has a common property, and depositing each of the groups of components into separate receptacles. The receptacles are then marked and one a plurality of bins for receiving components transferred from the marked receptacle is also marked. The group of components from the marked receptacle is then transferred to the marked bin.

Abstract: A method is proposed for recovering valuable substances, particularly from construction site wastes and industrial trash as well as a system for implementing the method in which the essential sorters are disposed in a closed container which can be placed onto an elevated foundation. The foundation is formed by intersecting walls which simultaneously serve as partitions for various bunkers.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating selected categories of solid waste (trash) within a home or building and containing outside of the home or building the various recyclable and non-recyclable solid waste which accumulates within the home or building. The apparatus comprises a main chamber having a sloped floor and two or more aligned bins, two wing-shaped chambers, each wing-shaped chamber having a bin, pivoted doors leading into each aligned bin, a swinging gate leading into each bin within the wing-shaped chambers, and mechanism to be actuated by the homeowner/tenant for opening and/or closing each door and gate depending upon the category of recyclable or non-recyclable solid waste being deposited within the apparatus.

Abstract: A sanitary trash recycling apparatus includes a pit for receiving unsorted refuse, a electromagnetic device for removing ferrous materials and stations for permitting manual sorting of recyclable materials. The stations for manually sorting materials includes a device for moving the material to be sorted out toward the sorting operators as it moves through the station. A plurality of chutes are provided for each one of a number of recyclable products and bins are provided for receiving the sorted materials.

Abstract: An adjustable storage rack for a document processor in which a plurality of document receiving slots are each associated and aligned with one of the sorter pockets when the rack is secured to the document processor frame. Advantageously, the securing occurs through a pivoting hinge, allowing the rack to be supported in one of a plurality of defined positions.

Abstract: A sheet delivering mechanism guides sheets of different sizes fed from sheet feed units along a sheet guide passage including electrographic printing mechanism for printing, delivers printed sheets of different sizes to sheet receiving trays of corresponding sizes, respectively, by switching guide fingers between different guide positions according to the size of the printed sheet, so that the printed sheets are sorted by size and the printed sheets of the same size are delivered to the corresponding sheet receiving tray. The smaller sheet receiving trays for the smaller printed sheets are disposed above the larger sheet receiving trays for the larger printed sheets to facilitate taking out the printed sheets from the sheet receiving trays.

Abstract: The method is characterized by identifying each form stack (8) with regard to the identity received during manufacture thereof, the information received regarding the identity of the form stack (8), comparing the information received regarding the identity of the form stack (8) with stored information regarding the identities of one or more form stacks (8) sorted in the storage system (11), sorting form stacks (8) with a certain identity in such compartments in the storage system (11) containing a form stack or form stacks (8) with the same identity if, during the identity comparison, it is determined that there is/are one or more form stacks (8) with the same identity in a certain compartment in the storage system (11), sorting form stacks (8) with a certain identity in a free compartment in the storage system (11) if, during the identity comparison, it is determined that there is/are not one or more form stacks (8) with the same identity in the storage system, and removing stored identity information when a

Abstract: In a veneer stacking system, a sensing device for sensing the incoming veneer sheets and computer determining from the information of the sensing device the stack on which the sheets are to be deposited. Knock-off shoes are positioned above the path of incoming veneer sheets. Multiple hydraulic cylinders connected into a hydraulic control system controls movement of the shoes. The multiple cylinders are simultaneously actuated by master cylinders which in turn are simultaneously actuated by a computer controlled mover piston. Air leaked into the hydraulic system is bled off by bleed orifices in the master cylinders communicating with a hydraulic fluid reservoir whereby air rises in the system up through the orifices and into the reservoir.

Abstract: A refuse device for receiving and separately holding heavy articles and light refuse articles. The device includes a first and second open-topped refuse receptacle and a pivoting flap overlying the receptacles. The flap is pivotable between a first position in which it is inclined down to a first one of the receptacles, and a second position in which it is inclined down to the second receptacle. A biasing device is provided to urge the flap to its second position whereby a light article passes across the flap into the second receptacle, and a heavy article causes tilting of the flap member to its first position and then is able to pass across the flap member into the first receptacle.

Abstract: A check stager-feeder for accumulating, in a stage, a predetermined number of checks or sheets in a stack and for high-speed feeding of the stack to further equipment comprising a kicker/stop member movable by a solenoid between two angular orientations for stopping and accumulating into a stack on a fixed slide surface sheets delivered thereto while in one orientation and, while moving to the other orientation, for kicking and thereby feeding upon the slide surface the accumulated stack further. An embodiment of the stager-feeder includes a separator-sheet retriever for marked separator sheets fed thereto and interposed in the stream of received sheets, the separator sheets serving to control the number of sheets to be accumulated in a stack.

Abstract: A first rotatable conveyor section (16) is positioned axially between upper and lower fixed sections (14,18) of a gravity conveyor. Rotatable conveyor section (16) rotates about an axis extending perpendicular to the conveyor section. A gate (42,44) is provided at each end of the rotatable conveyor section (16). An identification device (84) is positioned upstream of the rotatable conveyor section (16). It identifies the end-to-end orientation of an article (10) which is travelling along the gravity conveyor (12). A computer controls the gates (42,44) and a mechanism (104) for rotating the rotatable conveyor section (16). When an article (10) having an improper end-to-end orientation is encountered, the rotatable conveyor section (16) is rotated 180.degree. for the purpose of reversing the article's orientation. A second rotatable conveyor section (120) is mounted for sideways rotation about an axis which extends longitudinally of the slide conveyor (12).

Abstract: A control method for a sheet sorter including a plurality of sorting bins, a sheet discharger for discharging sheets to the sort bins and a driver for moving the sort bins to present the sort bins to the discharger includes moving the sorting bins at a first speed in association with receipt of the sheet by one of the sorting bins and moving the sorting bins at a second speed in association with a discharge interval between the sheets discharged by the sheet discharger, by controlling the driver.

Abstract: A transport apparatus for transporting media in various size sheets processed at a first processing station to a second processing station. The apparatus comprises, as main components thereof, a plurality of trays disposed between the first and second processing stations, each for accommodating media sheets of one size stacked one upon another, a first transport device for receiving media from the first processing station and transporting the media to the trays, and a second transport device associated with the trays for successively transporting the media from the trays to the second processing station.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for inspecting columnar bodies by an eddy current method includes a stockup zone, a feed zone and eddy current inspection equipment with the feed zone. The columnar bodies are fed via guide equipment end to end in an abutting relationship and detection equipment monitors blockages of the columnar bodies and enables dislodgement of the same.

Abstract: Elongated articles (16) to be singulated are conveyed in bulk into a conveyor (30) which by a shaking motion conveys the articles (16). The bed (80) of the conveyor (30) includes longitudinal channels (100) causing the articles (16) to be aligned lengthwise in the direction of article movement. The conveyor (30) delivers the aligned articles (16) into an alignment receptacle (34) which places a measured amount of the aligned articles (16) into valley regions of a singulator (26). The singulator (36) is composed of alternate and intermediate slat members (108,110), presenting upwardly directed peaks and valleys which are initially in alignment. The alternative slat members (108) are fixesd in position. The intermediate slat members (110) are movable lengthwise relative to the fixed slat members (108). The intermediate slat members (110) are retracted and then extended repeatedly and this motion separates the articles (116) and further advances them to the discharge end of the singulator (36).

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting recyclable materials including an inlet conveyor with a magnetic pulleys that directs magnetic objects out of the flow of recyclable materials. A vacuum inlet is positioned adjacent a stepped region of the conveyor so as to pull lighter weight materials out of the material flow. A size sorting conveyor separates larger objects from the smaller lighter weight objects, and heavier objects such as glass are conveyed to still another collecting region.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus to remove sticks, weeds and other debris from a batch of peanuts and sort the peanuts into size categories. At least two longitudinally spaced apart sets of endless belts wrap over separate sets of drive rollers. The belts are interposed to position a belt from one set adjacent a belt from another set. The sets of belts travel at different speeds to move peanuts and debris into the longitudinal gaps between the belts. Debris, such as sticks and peanuts transverse to the belts are induced by the relative movement of the belts to align longitudianally into the gap between adjacent belts. Peanuts and debris smaller than the gap fall through into a hopper and larger peanuts and debris fall into a separate hopper. Larger debris falls off the end of the apparatus where the endless belts turn over a drive roller from a horizontal direction to a downward direction.

Abstract: A screen system intended for the screening of wood chips, comprising one or several screening faces (2,3) placed one above the other as well as a bottom face (4) placed underneath said screening faces. The screening faces (2,3) are connected to members (10) that produce the screening movement. The bottom face (4) is made of a flexible material and is displaceable relative its support structure (6) so that the bottom face is deformed to prevent the adherence of materials thereto. Most appropriately, the width of the bottom face (5) is larger than the distance between the support structures (6) placed at its sides, whereby the middle portion of the bottom face (5) is hanging down lower than its sides.

Abstract: A plate-like member selecting apparatus has a container for accommodating selected plate-like members, which comprises a flexible and elastic sheet-like member bent in the shape of V or U, and which is provided under a plate-like member transferring path. The side wall of the container can swing when each selected plate-like member abuts thereagainst, and the bottom of the container can accommodate each plate-like member without repulsion or impact.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting cut lengths discharged from an automatic metal cutting saw, includes at the discharge side of the saw, a movable endless link conveyor belt; a drive motor for driving the conveyor belt in a moving direction; a plurality of partitions arranged in spaced relation in the moving direction of the conveyor belt; a plurality of receiving bins arranged on opposite sides of the conveyor belt and mounted on the partitions, the receiving bins having different dimensions for receiving cut lengths of different dimensions, the receiving bins being spaced at predetermined lengths from the source; a mounting assembly for mounting the partitions for movement in the moving direction of the conveyor belt; a travelling distance sensor operatively connected with the drive motor; tipping cylinders located beneath the conveyor belt for tilting the conveyor belt downwardly on either side thereof; and a control assembly connected to the sensor and to the tipping cylinders for controlling the tipping cylinders

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting and sorting drills oriented in the same direction in a hopper assembly. The hopper assembly feeds the drills, one at a time, and places them in a predetermined ready location. A camera, part of the inspection assembly, mounted directly over the predetermined ready location, takes preliminary measurements and alerts the system controller that a drill is available for a high resolution second inspection for wear and then for sorting. A robot assembly then picks up the drill from the ready location and orients it in front of two high resolution cameras, also part of the inspection assembly, for a visual inspection for wear. A control assembly then analyzes the results of the inspection and determines the drill size and whether or not it needs to be re-ground. The robot assembly then sorts the drill into an appropriate predetermined bin within a bin assembly as a function of size and wear. The process is then repeated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for handling a flexible disk for testing. The apparatus includes guide rails for initially positioning a disk for test. The apparatus also includes a variable speed motor for rotating the disk at a preselected rotation speed. The disk is rotated by clamping the disk betwen a motor driven rotating spindle and a retractable collet. The collet passes through an aperture in the disk to center and position the disk. Testing is accomplished by a test head assembly which is moved by a voice coil actuator. Positioning of the test head assembly is controlled by a light detector and ground glass scale coupled to the actuator and to the test head assembly.

Abstract: The machine according to the invention comprises a channel which is:constituted by two shaped panels giving it an open bottomed V-shaped section and which are associated with relative spacing adjustment members,provided with spraying conduits and overlapping plates closing off its top part,and associated with an endless conveyor comprising thrust bars brought successively by the conveyor in a transversal position in the channel passage section.The machine according to the invention finds an application in the sorting and grading of fish of the Salmonidae family.