Abstract: In an apparatus for processing items wherein there is a rotatable sorting table for orienting items and delivering the properly oriented items to a discharge passage, and an air jet for driving the items along the discharge passage, a pressure responsive device operable by blocking of the air jet to stop rotation of the sorting table.

Abstract: Container orienting apparatus wherein a conveyor moves containers standing upright thereon between a guide rail at one side and a screw at the other side which spaces the containers on the conveyor, there being gaps intermediate the ends of the guide rail and screw providing an open space wherein the containers may be rotated about their vertical axis, a conveyor supported above the container conveyor carrying pivot pins at a spacing corresponding to the spacing of the containers on the container conveyor for engagement with the tops of the containers as they travel along the space to hold the containers on the conveyor while being rotated, a ram located at the space for initiating rotation of the containers as they enter the space and guides for completing the rotation of the containers as they leave the space.