Abstract: A sorting apparatus is provided for sorting articles such as film envelopes. The envelopes are loaded into carriers, on an endless conveyor, which convey them past a plurality of drop chutes. The carriers hold the envelopes so the long axes thereof, in end view, are parallel to the path of movement of the conveyor. At the proper positions, the carriers are opened to release the envelopes into selected ones of the chutes. Each envelope is directed into a preselected one of a plurality of bins, that are displaced transversely of the path of movement of the conveyor. The apparatus operates under control of a data processor which causes the conveyor and carriers to deliver the envelopes to the proper bins based on information contained in a bar code on the envelopes.

Abstract: A continuous grader for fruits or the like including a unit having a plurality of aligned V-troughs and projecting fingers secured to the terminal end of a shaker table across which the fruit moves in a single layer.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading trays with a single layer of prunes or other articles including a series of conveyors for moving the trays in sequence under a feed mechanism, the conveyor under such feed mechanism being vibrated so that the prunes are spread evenly in a compact layer on the tray on such vibrating conveyor.