Abstract: A device is intended for receiving one by one from an entry conveyor (2) flat objects moving along in the same plane in a first direction and for displacing them one by one towards an exit conveyor (5) includes reception conveyor (11) including a plurality of receptacles (12) movable over at least a part of their path in a second direction (F1) substantially orthogonal to the the first direction (F2), each receptacle being capable of receiving a flat object bearing in a position which is slightly inclined with respect to vertical, and a stationary station (7) for reception and stopping in a position which is slightly inclined with respect to vertical of the flat objects originating from the entry conveyor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for polishing the surface of an optical component by means of a polisher (12) carried by a support (24) which is pivotally mounted at the end of a robot arm (10) and which includes means for uniformly distributing the action of the polisher over the surface of the optical component (14) together with means for adjusting said action. The invention makes it possible to accelerate and automate the polishing of optical components.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a stack of flat objects such as letters on a support is disclosed. A conveyor moves flat objects to the support. A stacking apparatus moves the flat objects onto the support into abutment against a jogging wall of the support. The conveyor and stacking apparatus are supported on a table which is movable relative to the support and stack. The stacking apparatus extends between the conveyor and jogging wall and includes an end having an axis about which the stacking apparatus is pivoted so as to be displaceable towards and away from the end of the stack.

Abstract: A device for unstacking relatively flat objects such as letters or postal packets of various different lengths, widths, and thicknesses. The device includes: a conveyor for conveying stacks of objects as well as an object separating and grasping mechanism for separating and grasping the objects one-by-one, and a transport conveyor for transporting the objects one after another.

Abstract: A method of rapidly applying marks by spraying ink or another marking substance on to articles which move at a high speed or from a marker which is moving rapidly, comprising the step of speeding up the ink to be sprayed by centrifugal acceleration produced by rotation around an axis and guiding the ink during acceleration, so as to produce at least one ink jet along a sweeping path directed, during a fraction of a revolution, towards the article to be marked.

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.

Abstract: Thin articles such as letters are conveyed over a supporting fluid layer formed against a track surface along which they move. This layer is built up by jets issuing from nozzles located on both sides of the track surface and opening flush with the latter. The nozzles are oriented towards the center line of the track with somme inclination in the direction of motion of the articles, in order that the velocity of the jets presents a longitudinal component parallel to this direction and a transverse component pointing towards the center of the track.

Abstract: A method of rapidly applying marks by spraying ink or another marking substance on to articles which move at a high speed or from a marker which is moving rapidly, comprising the step of speeding up the ink to be sprayed by centrifugal acceleration produced by rotation around an axis and guiding the ink during acceleration, so as to produce at least one ink jet along a sweeping path directed, during a fraction of a revolution, towards the article to be marked.

Abstract: Letters or like thin articles moving flat over a horizontal conveyor track are to be switched selectively towards either track of a fork. Such switching is controlled by intermittent pneumatically operating actuator means acting in the region of a gap in the track at the end of an incoming section, in order to deflect the articles away from their horizontal path and downwardly, these means cooperating with a physical surface which is inclined relatively to this path and towards which the articles are swung under the pneumatic action. This surface is composed of a stationary plate having a slanting operative face exposed to said pneumatically operating actuator means.The device is useful for the automatic postal sorting of letters.

Abstract: The fluid forced by a pump 1 through a conduit 2 towards a point of use such as a spraying bar 6, passes through a gate valve 7 which generates a pressure drop. The higher pressure P0 and the lower pressure P1 thus determined act on a diaphragm 10 which carries a flap valve member cooperating with a seat 18 formed at the inner end of a discharge tube 15-5 which returns the liquid to the tank from which it is pumped. An auxiliary diaphragm 17 acts in the reverse direction. As soon as the pressure difference P0 - P1 exceeds a given value, the flap valve member 14 closes. It is easily demonstrated that under such conditions the delivery pressure P1 is proportional to the pressure drop P1-P0, irrespective of the flow rate through the nozzles of the sprayer bar 6. If 1 is driven at a constant speed, P1 therefore remains constant.The invention is particularly applicable to agricultural sprayers.