Abstract: A sorter sorts discrete bruisable articles, such as pieces of fruit like applies, with minimum bruising. A continuous conveyor chain has a number of discrete article supporting elements connected to it for linear movement with it, and for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to the chain. At various stations along the chain a self-singulating section is provided in which the articles are singulated onto the supporting elements, a weighing section (or like property determining section) is provided after the self-singulating section, and a discharge section is provided at which the articles are discharged depending upon the weight sensed in the weighing section. The same chain supporting elements may continue through a second self-singulating section, a second weighing section, and a second discharge section. The supporting elements comprise plastic cups defining a shallow depresssion on a top face, e.g. a conically shaped depression with sidewalls making an angle of about 20.degree.-30.degree.

Abstract: A device for the distribution of a large number of element on a tray housed in a container for these elements. The elements are distributed by a mechanical action communicated to the container during a specified period. The device has a system which functions in a learning mode by the recording of parameters of mechanical action and by the storing of these parameters. This system also enables the automatic functioning of the device according to the recorded parameters.

Abstract: The invention is a device for sorting food products such as vegetables or fruit in accordance with their size, weight, and color or the presence of defects on them. In accordance with the device of the invention, a conveyor in the form of a plurality of rotatable rollers is employed for supporting the articles to be inspected and sorted. The articles are passed through an inspection zone where the articles are scanned in accordance with the sorting criteria of the apparatus. The articles are then sorted in accordance with in response to the determinations made at the inspection zone.

Abstract: Fish sorting apparatus comprises a lighted viewing conveyor belt arranged to receive fish seriatim and a video camera mounted above the viewing belt and directed downwardly for receiving images of fish on the belt. A second, sorting, conveyor belt is arranged to receive fish from the viewing belt, and a divider wall above the sorting conveyor belt, which extends parallel to the sorting conveyor belt axis, divides a rear exit portion thereof into separate channels. A movable deflector is mounted in front of the divider wall for deflecting fish on the sorting conveyor belt into one of the channels, this deflector being moved in response to signals from an electronic circuit connected to the video camera so that the fish are deflected into one or other of the channels according to the image received on the video camera.

Abstract: A plate-like member selecting apparatus has a container for accommodating selected plate-like members, which comprises a flexible and elastic sheet-like member bent in the shape of V or U, and which is provided under a plate-like member transferring path. The side wall of the container can swing when each selected plate-like member abuts thereagainst, and the bottom of the container can accommodate each plate-like member without repulsion or impact.

Abstract: An automatic mailing apparatus comprises a transfer device, a weighing device, a stamping device, a detecting device and a collecting device. The automatic mailing apparatus is an automatic machine in the shape of a case. The case has a front panel for mailing operations and a letter insertion and retrieval slot formed in the front panel. A letter to be mailed may be inserted into the case through the letter insertion and retrieval slot and automatically transferred for weighing, stamping and sorting.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting cut lengths discharged from an automatic metal cutting saw, includes at the discharge side of the saw, a movable endless link conveyor belt; a drive motor for driving the conveyor belt in a moving direction; a plurality of partitions arranged in spaced relation in the moving direction of the conveyor belt; a plurality of receiving bins arranged on opposite sides of the conveyor belt and mounted on the partitions, the receiving bins having different dimensions for receiving cut lengths of different dimensions, the receiving bins being spaced at predetermined lengths from the source; a mounting assembly for mounting the partitions for movement in the moving direction of the conveyor belt; a travelling distance sensor operatively connected with the drive motor; tipping cylinders located beneath the conveyor belt for tilting the conveyor belt downwardly on either side thereof; and a control assembly connected to the sensor and to the tipping cylinders for controlling the tipping cylinders

Abstract: A computer-controlled slide projector tray unloader for use with a slide archival storage system. A slide magazine (10) is placed below a slide gate (7). A tray (9) is held above the slide gate such one of the compartments coincides with the slide gate. A transporting mechanism (30) at the slide gate (7) transports a slide from the selected one compartment of the tray such that the slide drops into the magazine (10). An advance mechanism is provided for advancing the tray to position a particular compartment to coincide with the slide gate. A Tray Table maintained by software running on the computer associates a unique location number for each one of the plurality of compartments of the tray with a previously assigned serial number, each serial number identifying a slide stored in a compartment of the tray.

Abstract: A conveyor system for use in transporting cargo from a loading station to at least one selected location in the system including a track extending along a loading station and selected locations. A plurality of cars are provided and driven along the track for moving cargo. Each car has a tray and a tray support structure mounted pivotally below the tray for transverse angular movement between an upright position for carrying cargo on the tray and a tilted position for dumping the cargo at a selected location. An unloader has at least one stationary portion attached to the track at a selected location and mobile portions attached one to each of the cars. The stationary portion is movable between a disengaged position in which the stationary portions and mobile portions do not interact as the cars travel on the track, and an engaged position in which the stationary portion and mobile portion interact to tilt the tray and dump the cargo at a selected location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a package handling and sorting system which sorts small packages according to destination, segregating those with the same destinations for combined shipments. The system depends on a unique combination of conveying equipment automatically controlled by programmed data processing units which utilize data obtained by scanning electronically readable package labels, as well as other information and detection equipment, to examine packages introduced into the system, and to transfer those consigned to the same location to vehicles routed to such locations. The system also generates an electronic trail of package movements, thus providing the capability to trace packages lost in transit.

Abstract: An automatic article sorting apparatus sorts out articles by their sizes. The apparatus includes a conveyor mechanism for conveying the articles, and an image pickup unit for producing images of the articles as they are conveyed by the conveyor mechanism. An image memory stores the images of the articles one frame at a time, and a sorting device masks an unnecessary portion of the image of an article. The size of the article is derived from the number of pixels in the unmasked portion of the image of the article, and the size of the article is compared with a preset range of grades to produce selection information. A sorting apparatus sorts out the article in accordance with the selection information.

Abstract: A computer diskette automatic loading device having a hopper for holding a plurality of diskettes, and an automated diskette selection mechanism for the serial removal of diskettes from the hopper for processing and sorting of diskettes into accept and reject bins.

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 system for controlling a dump gate in a conveyor system (e.g. carrying printed copy from a high-speed printing press to stackers) detects a marker carried by a marred product (e.g. a metal tab fitted when splicing a new reel of paper) to start a counter which counts the products passing and opens the dump gate a predetermined count. A counter closes the dump gate again when a second predetermined count of passing products is reached.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting and removing undesirable objects from a feed belt conveyor which passes an inspection station, while downstream of the inspection station there is arranged a "trapdoor" and subsequently a discharge conveyor. The undesirable objects can be discharged through the trapdoor, which undesirable objects can be defined as such upstream of the trapdoor by human or automatic detection. The location of the objects in question can for instance be defined by a "tracking" memory (shift register) and remains known at least as far as the trapdoor. In an apparatus more particularly adapted for processing vulnerable objects, such as eggs, the feed belt conveyor and the discharge belt conveyor are substantially aligned, there being arranged at least adjacent the trapdoor disposed between the belts, a turnstile, a chain having carriers (FIG. 2) or the like.

Abstract: The invention comes within the scope of the transportation and sorting systems for articles such as postal articles and refers in particular to a belt conveyor. The conveyor in question includes a plurality of motor-driven conveyor belts arranged close to a plurality of containers for the collection of the sorted articles. According to this invention the conveyor belts are vertically superimposed on the containers and are defined by a plurality of adjacent conveyor units, each of which may be individually driven to oscillate in such a way as to convey the carried articles downwards, directly into the containers.

Abstract: A parcel sorting and distributing apparatus includes a plurality of inclined chutes which receive parcels at their open upper ends. Each parcel slides down a chute into a receptacle such as a mail hamper. The chutes are vertically stacked and arranged in a spoke-like fashion about a circle with the aggregate of their upper ends forming a cylindrical surface. A rotatable vertical mast at the axis of the cylinder includes a pivotally mounted carrier. In one position the carrier retains a parcel; when it pivots to a second position, the parcel spills out into one of the chutes. A first motor causes the mast to rotate and a second motor drives the carrier vertically along the mast. A parcel which has been identified as to its destination is loaded into the carrier, and a controller controls the first motor, the second motor and the carrier pivot so as to convey the parcel to the appropriate receptacle.

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: An elongate metal needle 23 is used to detect blockage in a throughbore in a nuclear fuel pellet 20 or other article. The pellets are fed along a tube 11 having a reject slot 30 and horseshoe magnets 14, 15. 14a, 15a support the needle so that the pellets pass along the tube with the needle in the pellet bores. When a blockage is sensed, feed is interrupted and a switch 41 is operated to energize magnets 35 to rotate the tube 11 so that the defective pellet passes through slot 30 assisted by gravity operated reject element 33. Visual indicators 39, 40 are operated by flap 50, responsive to discharge of satisfactory pellets, to indicate a blockage has occurred.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for rejecting too short and/or too low products, particularly so-called fish fingers. Products (7, 8, 9) are advanced on at least one conveyor (1) towards a final position or stop (11) at a reception unit (3). In the area of the free end portion (2) of the conveyor (1) there is a restraining member (6) displaceable in a vertical direction towards the product flow, the member (6) being adapted such that in a stepwise advancement of the products by the conveyor (1) it can arrest or clamp products (7) of the right length and height, whereas faulty products (8) are removed with the aid of a lowerable hatch (4). The conveyor (1), hatch (4) and the products on the conveyor are arranged for displacement a short distance opposite to the advancing direction at the rejection operation, the product or products in the final position on the reception unit (3) being no longer urged by the following products and are removed, e.g. for further conveying to a packaging station.

Abstract: For controlling the selective lateral tilting of the conveying trays of a sorter conveyor there is provided, on each tray support, a crosswise oriented cylinder, which by a protruding radial arm, is turnable between a "normal" position and a "tilt" postion in response to the radial arm engaging with an actuated guiding track associated with the stationary conveyor chassis. The tray has a lever engaging with an oblique cam track in the surface of the cylinder, whereby the tray is tilted by the turning of the cylinder. The cam track has non-oblique end portions, which lock the tray in both its horizontal and fully tilted position, without a separate lock being required. The cylinder may be split in two individually turnable halves selectively operable to tilt the tray to either side.

Abstract: Slide fasteners are fed longitudinally one at a time along a path by at least one stream of air flowing along the path, and are then introduced into a clearance or gate which is narrow enough to prevent the passage of sliders so that when the slide fasteners have respective sliders, they are stopped at the gate, while when the slide fasteners have no sliders, they are allowed to pass through the gate and be further advanced by the stream of air. Thus the slide fasteners are automatically sorted or separated into two groups according to the presence of the sliders. Thereafter, the stream of air is interrupted whereupon the slide fasteners stopped at the gate are allowed to fall from the path into a container disposed below the gate. The slide fasteners thus fallen are disposed in the container in juxtaposition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for high-speed processing of fruit or the like wherein the fruit is initially accumulated and aligned at a pick-up point for capture in spaced-apart pockets of a singulation conveyor at the pick-up point to maintain the fruit in predetermined linear spacing and to accelerate the fruit to a predetermined processing speed, a processing conveyor being operated at a synchronized speed relative to the singulation conveyor for receiving the individual units of fruit, the fruit being carried in trays past a sensor station after which the fruit is discharged from the trays into one of a plurality of discharge passages according to the individual characteristics of the fruit units. A preferred construction for accumulating and aligning the fruit at the pick-up point comprises multiple interconnecting ramps of different inclinations to further assure a continuous supply of fruit at the pick-up point.

Abstract: In a system for conveying objects bearing indicia of destination addresses to associated receptacles, the indicium on each object is converted to an address code identifying a particular receptacle, and the code is fed to a control device for storage. The objects are then moved sequentially past a meter which reads and feeds their indicia to the control device and counts the objects as they pass on to a succession of uniformly spaced containers traveling in a continuous, closed path near the receptacles. All objects passing the meter thus become associated with respective containers, and their number equals the number of containers sequentially passing an arbitrary metering point along the closed path. Any container carrying an object reaches a point over its target receptacle when the meter count for that object corresponds to the indicium/address code which associates that object with that receptacle.

Abstract: Selectors which can be worked alternately are placed along the advancement path of articles having different sizes. Each selector is constituted by a rake structure with L-shaped prongs which can be moved from an upper rest position, where the prongs do not interfere with the advancement of the articles along said path, to a lower pick up position where the prongs stop the advancement of the articles and then again to an upper discharge position, where the prongs, after having lifted the engaged articles, allow their conveyance towards collection places, such as piling hoppers.

Abstract: A machine adapted to receive in a continuous order the finished manufactured parts for inspection as to completeness and operativeness, for rejection of part failures, and sorting by proper orientation the accepted, tested, finished work pieces.

Abstract: A sorting system for generally flat articles includes a number of receptacles (2) mounted on a conveyor (1) each of which is disposed to receive and convey an article to be carried lying with its surface of maximum size perpendicular to the conveyor line of travel and which are each angularly displaceable about an axis extending lengthwise of the conveyor between two positions in which a controllable discharge outlet (9) of the receptacle is positioned on opposite sides respectively of the conveyor.

Abstract: Mail sorting apparatus feeds mail items past a printing postage meter into a hopper from which the items are dropped successively into sorting bins which revolve along a circular path. Collection bins, also disposed along the circular path below the sorting bins, for different categories of mail are open at the top to receive the mail from the sorting bins. When a sorting bin carrying a mail item revolves to a position where it is in alignment with the collection bin for that item, the sorting bin is opened and the item dropped into its collection bin. The size of the item is measured at an input station. The opening of the sorting bin is carried out under computer control in response to data entered at the input station. The postage meter is movable mounted and located in response to the size of the item so that the postal indicia are printed in the proper location on the item in the course of feeding thereof into the hopper.

Abstract: An article or can sorting apparatus for separating articles having a recycle value from articles having no recycle value is defined by an annular article supporting surface positioned at about 45 degrees to horizontal, a cylindrical wall positioned in relation to the surface to define an article processing chamber, a feed hopper into which a plurality of the articles are deposited for feeding into the chamber, and an article conveying disc or wheel positioned in parallel relation to the surface and having a plurality of outwardly extending article pusher arms for separating the articles, such as discarded beverage cans, from the plurality of articles and conveying the articles one at a time about the annular surface to a material discriminator and a weight scale and toward an accept door or a reject door. The material discriminator or metal detector, the scale, and the accept and reject doors form segments of the article conveying surface.

Abstract: A weight grading and sorting apparatus including a base having a top surface, a plurality of trolleys riding on the top surface, each having a tippable cup and an endless conveyor mounted on the base engaging in conveying the plurality of trolleys around the top surface, a weighing device in the base including a portion of the top surface, and a control device in the base operatively associated with the weighing device and including a plurality of tippers at separate positions around the base adapted to selectively tip each cup at a certain position based on the weight of the contents thereof.

Abstract: An article selection apparatus is disclosed having a first conveying device for conveying an article along a path and a second conveying device for receiving the article at an entrance end spaced apart by a predetermined distance from a conveying end of the first conveying device and for conveying the received article, wherein the first conveying device has a gap extending along the conveying path to the conveying end thereof, and a width of the gap is made smaller than the predetermined distance from the conveying end of the first conveying device to the entrance of the second conveying device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sorting scrap metal pieces dependent on the type of metal therein. The apparatus includes a conveyor and a feeding arrangement to feed the scrap metal pieces on to the conveyor, together with an X-ray fluorescence detector to examine each metal piece and determine the type of metal as a result of the characteristic X-rays emitted. A respective control signal is utilized to move pegs on the conveyor so as to permit the respective metal piece to exit from the conveyor along a respective path and to enter a bin for that particular type of metal. In this way scrap metal pieces of different metal are collected in different bins for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A machine for sorting objects of various destinations, particularly for bulky postal correspondence. A guide defines a path passing through at least one loading station and at least one sorting station. At least one succession of compartments for containing individual objects is moved along said guide. Each compartment is in the form of a narrow pigeon hole, which has its surface of maximum size perpendicular to the direction of movement of the compartment and is provided with an operable base wall.

Abstract: In an infeed housing for a harvesting and threshing machine there is provided an improved infeed housing design that redirects the flow of crop material along its predetermined path of travel at a selectively creatable discontinuity in the floor of the infeed housing to ensure the ejection of stones and other non-frangible objects subsequent to their detection and prior to their reaching the threshing and separating apparatus of the combine.

Abstract: A trimming saw arrangement comprises a root-cutting station, a trimming station, and a feed line for advancing timber, perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, through the stations and to a sorting station having a sorting conveyor. The stations include a plurality of cutting or trimming places arranged one after the other in the feed direction and a distribution flap and conveyor for distributing arriving timber to the respective places responsive to the amount of timber accumulated in a storage bin associated with each cutting or trimming place.

Abstract: A system of sorting elongated pieces such as asparagus, wherein each of the elongated pieces are successively conveyed by a conveyer and detected as a still image by a sensor such as a TV camera. In processing a signal representative of the still image a stem diameter of the piece and a ratio of the spike maximum diameter of the piece to the stem diameter are obtained as sorting out factors by calculation. When the calculation values of the sorting out factors satisfy predetermined reference values, the piece is further sorted out according to size. The stem diameter is measured at a position which is spaced from the cut end of the stem by a predetermined dimension toward the spike thereof.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus classifies and discharges articles, such as items of agricultural produce, in accordance with their individual weights. A multichannel conveyor cooperates with a front end singulator which receives the produce from a source of supply and which provides the items in single file to a continuous line of spaced carrying cups moved by the conveyor along each channel. The cups are disposed for movement between an upright article carrying position and a depending discharge position, and they are supported by a rail in each channel. The rail has openings therein at each of a plurality of discharge stations spaced therealong. The cups each pass over a weighing scale aligned with the supporting rail near the front end of each conveyor channel which scale comprises a pivotally mounted bar upon which the cups ride.

Abstract: An improved fully mechanized sawmill is provided which is composed of structurally independent modules which are removably mounted on a platform composed of a plurality of side-by-side longerons supported horizontally on files of spaced-apart vertical piers and columns. The longerons provide horizontal stress support for the platform along the files of piers and columns perpendicularly to the cutting axis of the sawmill, and the modules mounted thereon provide horizontal stress support for the platform along the ranks of the piers and columns parallel to the cutting axis. In addition, improved mechanisms and techniques are provided for handling and selecting the sawlogs to be cut, for selecting and distributing the pieces cut therefrom according to shape and utility, and for stacking and handling the distributed pieces at preselected locations according to shape and utility.

Abstract: Intended primarily for use in the commercial photofinishing industry, a convertible loading and delivery pouch together with associated mounting means in an automatic sorter device is disclosed. A number of such pouches demountably installed at successive loading stations along the sorter conveyor path are maintained suspended from parallel support arms in normally open, article receiving position with the front walls of the individual pouches bowed outwardly to accommodate the articles being discharged from the conveyor at such stations. With the pouches removed from the support arms, the front walls can be bowed inwardly against the sidewalls and rear wall in order to permit interengaging the cooperating elements of a closure device such as a slide fastener to secure the contents within the pouch for delivery purposes.

Abstract: Sorting and stacking tested conductor plates by forming from the bottom up a stack of conductor plates which have passed the tests, raising from the bottom the entire stack each time a tested conductor plate approaches the bottom of the stack, feeding each tested conductor plate beneath the raised stack to temporary support means, actuating the temporary support means to eject a failed said plate, lowering the stack after an ejection opportunity has passed, whether used or not, and lowering the lifting means below the latest tested plate that has passed the test, so that such a plate is incorporated into the stack before the lifting means is next activated.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for sorting pieces or particles of radioactive ore where the particles are moved through the apparatus in an asynchronous or non-constant manner. The particles are moved one at a time to a position in front of a radiation detector where they are temporarily stopped. The counts from the particle are accumulated with respect to time. In a control unit of the apparatus there is data representing a cut-off grade radiation rate and early upper and lower decision limits are established with regard to the cut-off rate. As soon as the accumulated count/time ratio from the detector exceeds the upper limmit or falls below the lower limit, the control unit is able to provide a decision to accept or reject the particle. If the particles are not closely sized then the size of each particle is determined before it is positioned in front of the radiation detector and the size determination is used to modify the cut-off grade and upper and lower early decision limits.

Abstract: The loads suspended from poultry carriers are weighed at a monitoring station as the carriers travel along a fixed track. The carriers loaded above a predetermined amount are transferred to a lower level by retraction of a section of the track downstream of the weighing platform. A selectively retractable ejector bar engages a latch arm projecting from each carrier, during descent to the lower level for release of the load suspended on the carrier. Descent of the carrier to the lower level is retarded by a pivoted ramp which also produces a signal to register transfer of a carrier from the fixed track to the lower level.

Abstract: An article, such as a light-emitting diode, for replacing a slide base switchboard lamp has polar characteristics. The article has a light emitting cap located at one end and a cylindrical slide base with two contacts located diametrically across the base extending from the emitter. Handling the articles for testing their light intensity and hue characteristics involves orienting them. The articles are first oriented longitudinally in a vertical direction and to face the emitter all in the same direction. The articles are then conveyed in sequence to a test station. An eccentric force is applied to the base through friction between the moving articles and a stationary ledge. The applied force rotates the articles into one or the other of two oriented positions in which the contacts on the base become located in a plane perpendicular to the direction of their conveyance. A preliminary test determines which of the two positions have been assumed by each article.

Abstract: An inspection system for detecting excessive particulate matter in serially presented liquid filled vials. Vials are advanced by an in-feed star wheel, a rotating vial deck and an out-feed star wheel having the same number of vial locations and vial orbit speed. Along the vial deck orbit, each vial is successively clamped to a rotatable puck, spun momentarily to swirl the liquid therein, inspected for particulate content, and unclamped. Further rotating decks carry circumferentially arranged television cameras and light sources, respectively. Each camera looks radially inward, axially through an orbiting periscope and then radially outward to inspect a vial. Light from each light source passes radially inward and then axially to bottom light its vial. A separation unit enhances the camera video portion corresponding to swirling particles in the vial.

Abstract: An electronic inspection fixture is provided which checks a dimension of objects and rejects oversized ones. The inspection fixture includes spaced conducting members set apart at a fixed distance and preferably placed one above the other at angles to the horizontal which enables objects to slide between the members by gravity. An oversized object completes a circuit between the members and causes a fluid-operated cylinder to move the upper member away from the lower one to release the object. The circuit also operates a second fluid-operated cylinder which moves a diverter member into the path of the objects to divert oversized objects from the normal path thereof. Objects which are not oversized pass between the members and past the diverter member.

Abstract: Newly made glass containers received on a conveyor belt in random orientation are conveyed and brushed into transversally separated columns in lying-down orientation, mouths randomly forwards and rearwards. An escapement periodically addresses the leading row of the columns and sets all the containers of this row in a mouth-upwards upright condition. These upright containers are transferred, several at a time, to individual pockets of an indexing rotary table. Typically, the table has four positions, in which the containers are respectively loaded into pockets, plug gauged, photoelectrically inspected, and unloaded. The relative position of inspection-failing containers is stored in a memory and, in connection with unloading the rotary table, these containers are culled. Apparatus for accepting and automatically packing the inspection-passing containers in boxes is preferably juxtaposed with the unloading station of the rotary table.