GB970103A - Improvements in machines for sorting articles - Google Patents

Abstract

970,103. Endless conveyers. CONTROL DATA CORPORATION. Dec. 17, 1962, No. 47488/62. Heading B8A. A machine for sorting letters comprises a structure having openings covered by vertically tilting gates 26, cam means for opening and closing the gates according to a coded programme, undulating members 50 for propelling the letters across the openings and incorporating at one end 51 two swinging arms 59, 60, supporting gate controlling cam followers 68, 63 and adjustable coding wheels 61 mounted on a shaft 62. Each gate 26 comprises a plurality of laterally spaced triangular wire frames transversely coupled by a brace 34 and secured to a transverse shaft 33. The latter extends through one side plate 12c of a supporting frame 12, to engage an adjustable toggle device 38 for maintaining the gate 26 either open or closed and extends through another side plate 12B where it is secured to a double cam 36. The two operating faces of the cam 36 diverge at both ends and operation is effected by the follower 68. Operation of the gates 26 is controlled by adjustable coding bars 65 matching the coding wheels 61 and the follower 63 engaging a cam track 64. The propulsion members 50, 51 are connected to endless roller drive chains 15, 16, 17 which run on resilient strips 40, 41, 42 secured to the frame 12, and are interdigitated with the gates 26 and guides 44 in which are provided letter inserting openings. A letter pocket 88 is positioned beneath each gate 26. A plurality of the above-described units may be stacked vertically, the letters being transferred from one level to another by means of laterally spaced arcuate plates 27 and guides 46. In the latter case, a single endless conveyer comprising the chains 15, 16, 17 and the members 50 would serve all levels of the stack. Specification 824,076 is referred to.