Abstract: A tray for use in a sorting machine consists of a rectangular frame (17) which is covered with fabric (18). The frame (17) is pivotally suspended from two U-shaped rods (19) and is horizontal in the position of equilibrium. The frame (17) can be pivoted from the position of equilibrium to an inclined discharge position. During this, discharge (22, 25) or (23, 24) hit the fabric (18) and stretches it so that emptying of the contents of the tray takes place rapidly and effectively.

Abstract: A sorting machine with trays which are moved in an endless path extending in a vertical plane in such a manner that the trays face upwardly both in the lower and upper run of the path, the trays being pivotally suspended between two synchronously driven conveyors. Also provided are a plurality of stationary chutes between one run of the path or both of the runs, and selectively controllable, pivotable levers are provided for each chute, which are caused, in an activated state, to engage a passing tray which is thereby pivoted so as to deposit its contents onto a predetermined one of the chutes. At least one side of each tray carries at least two wheels which are placed above and below the pivot axis, respectively, in the tray equilibrium position, so that each tray can actually emptied forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the direction of motion, the direction of emptying depending upon whether it is the upper or the lower wheel which is caused to engage and activated lever.

Abstract: A conveyor consisting of a cross-sectionally U-shaped, elongate, stationary rail with the opening upwards, a rod reciprocably mounted therein, and an operating mechanism for reciprocating the rod, the upper edge of the rod being lifted above the opening of the stationary rail by movement in the forward direction and being lowered below said opening by movement in the rearward direction. Lifting and lowering are effected by means of U-shaped slide members with inclined tracks to cooperate with projections on the sides of the rod. When the rod is moved forwardly, its upper edge rises above the upper edge of the stationary rail and lifts and therefore carries along the hangers in the forward direction. During the rearward movement, the upper edge of the rod is lowered below the upper edges of the stationary rail, so that the hangers remain thereon and are not carried along in the rearward direction.

Abstract: A junction diverter with a supporting surface disposed below a main conveyor path when in an inoperative position can be lifted above the main conveyor path to an inclined position in which it is flush with one or the other of a pair of lateral conveyor paths. The supporting surface consists of wheels or rollers extending upward from an inner carrier frame which at one end is pivotally connected to an outer carrier frame which at its opposite end from its connection to the inner frame is pivotally connected to a main support frame of the main conveyor path, with a jack connected to raise the outer frame from the main support frame and a second jack to raise the inner frame from the outer frame, thus tilting the supporting surface toward one or the other of the lateral conveyor paths.