Abstract: Methods and apparatus (10) are disclosed for handling pallets (S) to be inspected and sorted. The method can include tipping a substantially vertically oriented pallet (L) in a forward rotational direction to expose and allow inspection of a trailing major (17) surface of the pallet. A lower portion of the pallet then can be moved to cause the pallet to tip in a rearward rotational direction and land in a substantially horizontal position. The apparatus can include a pallet restraining device (16) for blocking the motion of an upper portion of the pallet as it tips in the forward rotational direction and a conveyor (30) for moving the lower portion of the pallet to cause the pallet to tip in the rearward rotational direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling pallets for inspection and sorting includes an in-feed conveyor mechanism for conveying in index fashion a stack of pallets positioned on edges toward the discharge end of the conveyor whereby the pallets will drop off the discharge end one at a time. A catch plate is provided to catch a pallet as it falls off the end of the in-feed conveyor and permit it to tilt about its lower edge onto an off-bearing conveyor. A retractable cushion arm is provided on the off-bearing conveyor to interrupt the motion of the tilting pallet and lower it gently onto the second conveyor. The exposure of a pallet face at the time it is at the end of the in-feed conveyor permits visual examination of such face, the opposite face being exposed for examination when the pallet tilts onto the off-bearing conveyor. The apparatus enhances the rapidity with which pallets can be handled and reduces necessity for manual handling of pallets.