US1219767A - Sorting-machine. - Google Patents

Description

Patented Mar. 20, 1917.

H SHEETS-SHEE' I J R PEIRCE SORTING MACHINE.

APPLICATiON FILED-JULY 21. 1911.

WES s:

Ni k

v J. R PEIRCE,

SORTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 21.1911.

Patented Mar. 20, 1917.

1 I SHEETS-SHEET 2.

\f/ anon @gifl/bfi 7 v BY f @monuq H SHEETS-SHEET 3.

J. R. PEIRCE.

SURTING MAGH|NE. APPLICATION FILED JULY 21.1911.

WITNESSES J. H. PEIRCE.

SURTING MACHINE.

APPLICATlON FILED JULY 21.1911.

n SHEET-SHEET 4.

J. R. PEIRCEQ. Somme MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 27.191].

Iatented Mar. 20, 1917.

moooomono UOO \\ NHNSAN? ENG:

. WITNESSES Patented Mar. 20, 1917.

H SHEETS-SHEET 7.

INVENTOR/G W H-fauna 1. n. PEIRCE.

somma MACHINE. v

APPLICATION FILED JULY 27' 19H.

Patented Mar. 20, 1917.

1. 3. Hawaii. SORTING MACHINE. APPLICATION FlLED .IULYZI. 19H.

. 1 Scbe duk Dale [/mss 550 621027 10 22123 6 W/HDNESSBB Patented Mar. 20, 1917;

n SHEETS-SEEN 9.

Patented Mar. 20,1911,

F C Du E DI um I SORTING MACHINE Ag'PLlcATloN FILED JULY 21.19ll.

.I. R. PEIRCE.

SOHTI'NG MACHINE. APPLICATION man JULY '21. I91].

.1 Patented Mar. 20, 1917 H SHEETS-SHEET ll- INVENTOR 1 W n M: I B 7 Q '7 w Ml,

nificntion may he of any character. such an by departments in dcparti'ncnt stoms or "UNITEDI'STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN T011, 1;, 1 i

for distributing rapidly and surely. poi,

fornted cards of different classes. The clasothcr commercial cccijmnting, hy cg or years in keeping life inenrancc statistics, or bvkmcls of work in keeping factory costs.

duach card represents an item or Set'of .itcms to be accounted for and each curd is chisci- .& F I fied and 1S pynched in one way or another according to the classin which it belongs.

Preferably the classes are di. inguisi'icd, by

perforating the cards in. variouscombinations of thc pcrforaiiion-sphces Fmvided.

The cards i'c placed. in indiscriminate order in a. receiving pockct or magazine. A line of sorting pockctsis provided, one for each class of cards, (and. preferably a cup 'ilemcntary one for cards which do not fit any of the classes provided for). The machine tekcs the cards in succession from tho magazine and passes them along the line. As'cach card reaci'ics its pocket it is slipped into the same. Each sorting pocket, (except the. sopplemcntary one.) has a sorting mechanisi'n which selects and slips into the pocket such cards nshelong there but: which is without action on othercnrds, ul-

lowing these to pace freely to tho next pocket. Thu-4 the machine taken one card from the ma 'azmc at each 0 JMBIOH and thc curds lire sortcd ct, the $611110 'ratc (63b.

' cept for a few which may have to take additionnl .steps along, the. line after the maga- Zinc is exhausted);

Fignre 1, is a. perspective of a complete mnchinc, duplicaic parts in thc center being omitted.

Fig. 2, a. similar plan, partly in secthfi, with the. casing removed and on a. larger scale. 7

Figs. 2 and 2, are details of Fig. 2 in (.lifi'ercnt positions. i

Fig. 3, a horizi'mta'l suction of a portion of Fig. 2, on a lower plane. 1

Fig. 4, a. diagrammatic plan of a'inuchine having ten sorting pockets.

lpeclflcation of Letters Patent.

Patente i1 Mar. 20, 1911.

Application filed July 27, 1911. Serial No. 840,937.

Fig. 5. a vertical sectii n on the line 5--5 Figs. 7, 8 nd 5),plan views, enlarged, of.

the cscapement mcchanisz n of Fig. 3, in dif-- ferent pocitions.

Fig. 10., a front elevation of'the adjustable connection of Fig.

Fig. 11, atransverse \ertical scction, on it larger. scale, approxim utely on the line 11-11 of Fig. 2. i

Fig. 12, a face view (f a. style of card which may he horted by the machine.

Fig. 13, :1 transverse ve 'tical section, on a hirgcr scale, approximate iy on the line 13, Fig. 2.

Fig. .13., a. dctail in trai'isvcl'sc section, of Fig. 1:3.

Fig. 14, :in elevation of the right hand end of the machine, omitting the adjusting knob.

Fig. 15, a transverse vertical section, on

u larger calqnpproximitely on the line Fig. 16,":1 table of suitible combinations of perforated spaces.

19g 17, a table explaining the order of arrangement -01 the pockets.

Fig. 18, a horizontal section approximatcly on tin: line 18--1Wof Fig. 1.1.

Fig. 18. is :1 detail of Fig. 18 in another position, of the parts..

Figlil, a horizontalsection HPPI'UXL mntciy on thexline 19-49 of Fig. 11.

.Fi'g. 20, a. 'vertical secaion on thc'line.

20-20 of Fig. 19.- i

Fi 21, a horizontal seztion on the line 21 0 Fig. 11. Fig. 22, a vertical Section 22% of Fi 21.

Figs. 23, 24 and 25, :1 re diagrammatic 'YiBW-S of the clip of Fig. 1 i in different positions.

Fig. 26, a side elcvafion of a. pocketshowing the mechanism ior'sti pping the cards which do not enter the pm ket.

Fig. .27 Fig. 9.

on the line a perspective vicw of adetail of- Rcferring now to the" embodiment of the mism. The cards be and have one beveled corner as shown in Fig. 12 to insure their being placed upright. and properly faced in the magazine. The pockets I) receive the sorted cards and are numbered toms and the lower edges of the sides of the pockets, as shown in Figs. i, 5 and 11. The

foremost card in the magazine A is shifted slightly to the right by the shouldered reciprocating part E, Figs. 2 and fi which is connected by a link 47 to an eccentric 4:7".v

Clips Fmove backward as the part E moves forward. The card advanced by the part E is seized at the top and bottom of its forward edge by the first set of clips F and carried to the first selecting position, back of the dummy. pocket D ()n the next back.- ward movement the second pair of clips F seizes the same card. As these clips advance to the right they are controlled by the selecting mechanism for the first sorting pocket (No. 7) and are either shifted laterally or held in line, so that when the clips advance to the right the card is either sorted in the first sorting pocket or carried to sorting position for the next pocket; where the same selecting process is repeated; all the clips 1* being advanced to shift the card, farther advanced to slip off the card, shifted laterally out of the plane of the card, opened and retrattcd to position to engage the next card and closed to grip the same, and each forward movement being sufficiently long to M carry 'the card into position for engagement by the next clip when the latter is retracted. The card B runs normally between a fixed front wall (it of the machine (Fig. 11) and fixed inner walls I] of the several/pockets which are perforated at all spaces, see Fig. 5, to permit the passage of any combination of pins; the pockets being provided with rooves in which are friction .springs J i (Fig. 11) pressing the. card against the wall Ur to prevent the card. from bounding backward when the machine is operated rapidly. The card rests on a bottom plate of the several pockets and its upper edge is guided by a plate K which is hingedat L so that it may be raised to admit the operators fingers for lifting out a stack of cards or adjusting a single card.

The mechanism of the clips is best illustrated in Figs. 11, 19 and 20. The clip F grips the edge f the card B against an abutmcnt M, being a flange on the end of a tube N; The clip is pivotedat O and has an arm l Bgltween the arm P and the clip is the oval-head Q of a shaft R, the oppos'te end of which is screw-threaded in an ext nsion of the tube ig. 24) the clip drags the card forward at the same time holding its edge outward sufficiently to cause it to pass through the vertical slit in the corner of the pocket D and outside of the wall H so as to enter the pocket. In the inner position of the tube (Fig. 25) the clip has released the card and is moving backward in a path at the rear of the edge of the will (i so as not to interfere with the card ii. The clips therefore have three kinds of movement, a longitudinal reciprm-ation. a transverse movement, and an ruvening or closing move ment.

For effecting their longitudinal movement a carriage U is provided, to which the several tubes S are connected, being in fact integral therewith; this carriage being held between guides V and W at top and bottom and bemg connected to a link X (Fig. 2) which is connected at its opposite end to a crank pin Yon a continuously rotating wheel Z.

The opening and closing of the clip is effected by turning the shaft R, as previously stated. Each shaft is provided at its rear end with two arms (Fig. 20). The short arm a is connected to a spring I) attached to a part of the carriage U and tending always to turn the shaft R in a direction to close the clip. A second, longer arm 0 serves by striking a pin d in the last part of the retractile movement of the carriage to turn the shaft R in the opposite direction so as to open the clip and permit the edge of the card to enter it; after which the arm 0 passes over the pin d and the s ring again closes the cli The position 0 the arm 0 before it stri es the pin d is indicated in dotted lines. To permit the following forward movement of the clip the pin d is drawn back out of the path of the arm 0. Thus the v on the card being slight. \Vherea card does not enter a pocket it is stoppedat a correspondmg point by means of a slide e (Figs.

.56 for any card. (airrespoml to the selecting 'mechafinlsm the clip and the forward edge of 18, and 26) which is inter iosed in front of its edge. The inner wall of the pocket is fastened tol 'the forward side I) of the pocket by overlap fiing ears f, Fig. 26, betweenwhich the slide e is located. Aheaded pin (1 projects from. the side of the pocket,

passing through a slot in the slide c and thus chine so as to stop the neltt card. When the arm I: swings back it strikes a pinm on the slide and withdraws the latter. The arms 7:; are all mounted on the shaft l and are swung forward by a cam acting torock the shaft and. are pulled backward by s 'irings 1a The shaft l (Figs. 5, 5 and 13) is provided with an arm 0 having a'roller on its end running against the edge of a rotating cam 1; being held up against the cam by the. several springs 72..

The advance and withdrawal of the pins (Z which open the clips is ell'ected as follows. The pins are guided in. the fixed rear wall '9 Fig. i1) and extensions r thereof and are pivotally conneetedpwith the ends of arms 8 on rock shafts 6 running longitudinally. The shafts t a re rocked (Figs. 2, 2'1 and 5) by means of arms in that on the upper shaft 1' pioiecting forward and that on the lower shaft real-mirth connected by links '1; with arms or on a cross shaft, having an arm "4 the end of which held. up against a cam 2 by means of a spring 30. See dotted lines Fig The rain 2 at each revollition presses the arm 3 down to rock the shafts t in the dirmztions to throw the pins at in the paths of the arms 1: to cause the thinning of the clips, and then. (as soon as the arms o have ridden over the pins and the clips have caught the ca is) releasisas the arm 7/ which is drawn upward by its spring aml causes the \vitl'uilrawal of the pins d to permit the forward passage of the arms c.

The movement of each closed. clip transversel y of the machine to the outer position; Fig. i l, is controllei l by the selecting perforations of the card. If these perfm'ations,

the card are shifted outward to cause the card to enter the pocket as explained in com n ection with F All, and 25. "Each of. the tubes N hashosses'ill oiftop and hiittom.

i I forlnedas parts of the almti'l'umt, or fixed jaw M which is fastenrd on the end of the tube N,Sfl1til bosses sliding in ci'irrospondn'ig slots 31 in the outer tube t5, eatemlmg lcngthhen the arm kwise of saidtube, and. on these bosses are carried. antifriction rollers 48 and 63 hereinbelow referred to which are engaged by cams during the le rigit'udinal reciprocation of the tubes, so that. by modifying the p0Bi-' tions of the cams the desired transverse movements are give n to the tubes N and the clips carried thereby.

he inner sets of cams cause the selecting movement of the clips to the position 0! Fig.1?

24: and are controlled by stops located onthe opposite -ends ofye rtical shafts 32 (Fig.7,

8, 9,11 and 18) p1 added. with oblique arms 33 on which arepins 34 engaged by the1 edges of plates 35 mounted onarms loose on" a shaft 36 and pressed backward by a light spring 36'. Each 1: late 35 also earries n-pin 37 which bears agiinst a plate or arm 38 which is loose on th I: end of a shaft 39 which, p I as as shown in Figs. 21 and 22, carries a. plate 40 with slots in its free edge embracing,"

feeling pins 41 which have collars on opposite sides of the plate so as to mowe with the plate. The pins p 'oject through the front wall. (l of then'iachine and are carried'in a f box 42 which-1s mointed on said front Wall.

0n the upper end of'each shaft is fixedly mounted a so an arm 43. The shaft 36 is mounted on thehon: 42, and the box is fixed on the front wall (.1 so that the box and the pins, plates and other movable parts connected thereto are adjustable. lengthwise with the front wall G as hereinafter described to cause the selecting mechanism to before the clips talie hold of thecards and heing'sl'iifted back to the right immediately thereafter to withdraw any pins from the card; before the clips are advanced. Vhen the pins find corresponding perforations in the card the lrmse a 'm 38 is swung to the left,

and releases the'piu 37 and allows the plate N 35 to swing forward and this allows the arm 33 to swing torwm'd and the shaft-32 to turn accordingly, which determines the selerting movement of the clips, as hereinafter described.

The movements of the arm 38 are controlled by thearm 4-3 and the pin 37. The

arm 43 pulled to the left by a spring 47 and hears against 1. pin 46' on the loose arm 38. 'lhe pin 46 is l elow the resetter .45 so as not to be affected d rectly thereby. The arm .43 carries a pin 4? hearing against the right hand face ofthe resetter is and holding the arm 43 normally in the position of Fig. 18. \Vhen the resetter 45 moves to the left the arm 43 is released. If the feeling pins do not findproper holes in the card, however,

the shaft'39 and the arm 43 fixed thereon f The return of the resetter to the position of Fig. 15 restores the arm 43 and pins to their original position. The pin 37, however, prevents the return of the loose arm'38 and the shaft remains as in F ig. 18 in position to cause an outward movement of the clip,

this position continuing after the resetting of the arm 43 and until nearly the end of the forward stroke of the clip. The interposed arm 43 therefore acts only mon'lcntarily on the loose arm 38, while the latter acts on the clips during substantially the whole of their forward movement. Near the end of the forward movement of the clip the shaft 32 is turned back, withdrawing the pin 37 from the path of the'loose arm 38 so that the spring 62 restores the latter to its normal position, all. as hereinafter described in connection with Figs. 7, 8 and 9.

The movement of the rod 44 to the right is effected by means of a strong spring 57 (Fig. 5) pulling upward on an arm 57 on a short cross shaft 57 which has an arm 57 the upper end of which transmits movement to the rod 44. The connection between the arm 57 and the rod 44 is shown in Figs. 2, 10, 13 and 13. A cross bar 57 slides on a supporting shaft 57 and has a notched end engaging one of the grooves in a long collar 57 fixed on the left hand end of the rod 44.

' The arm 57 bears upward on a cam 57 the larger radius of which moves the arm 57* backward, and with it the rod 44, the distance necessary to eflect the release of the selecting pins. The smaller radius of the cam allows the spring 57 to shift the rod 44 to the right, this smaller radius of the cam continuing operative until near the end of the forward movement of the cards.

The front wall G of the machine carrying the boxes of feeling pins and connected parts is adjusted longitudinally so'that the position of the pins relatively to the widthof thecard may be adjusted; so that, for example, the selecting section of the card may be either at the right, as in Fig. 12, or at any other point in its width. The adjustment of the wall is effected by means of a screw G (Figs. 2 and 5) fixed at -its end against longitudinal movement but rota- [ing the desired adjustment the lever it must table by means of a button G and threaded through a nut G attached to the right hand endof the sliding wall G.

In order to preserve the proper relation of the resetting devices 45, the rod 44 on which they are mounted isadjusted with the front wall G, being fastened thereto as shown at the right of Fig.2 with a spring 47for per mitting the necessary releasing and resetting movements.

W'hen the front wall G and rod 44 are to be adjusted the movement must correspond to the distance between successive columns on the card, or to a multiple of this distance. For this purpose .thecollar 57 on the rod 44 is provided with transverse grooves which are spaced apart a distance corresponding to that between columns on the card. For this adjustment the cross bar 57 must be lifted out of its notch on the collar 57. On 85 the right hand end of the machine there is provided means for controlling the adjustment. See Figs. 10, 13 and 14. The mole shaft (Z runs along the back of the machine and carries at its left hand end an arm (I at the lower end of which is a. pin (5 bearing on the end of an arm cl which is-in one piece with the cross bar 57. The rock-shaft d" at the right hand end of the machine is connected by an arm d and link d" with a controlling lever (l The link d is also con nected with a pawl d adapted to engage a notch in a. disk d fixed on the screw G. Now, in order to turn the screw G for effect 10c be pulled forward. This releases the screw G and releases the connection of the cross bar 57 with the rod 44. The screw G may then be turned to adjust the pin boxes and I the rod 44 one two or more steps, each revo- 1o." lution of the screw corresponding to one step.' When the desired amount of adjustment has been effected the pawl r17" slips into the notch of the disk d, the spring (Al i holding it there and also swinging the rock-shaft d in the proper direction to I ermit re'ngagement of the cross bar I. with the notched collar on the rod 44.

Of the stops on the ends of the shaft 32,, the upper set is shown, together with the 1;; corresponding cams in Figs. 3, T, 8 and 9. The lower stops and cams are identical with the upper ones. The cam roller or projection on the inner side of the boss 31 of the sliding tube. of the clip is indicated at 48. The limits of its backward and forward movements respectively are indicated at 48 and 48 in Fig. 3. Thus in each movement it passes over parts of two adjacent groups of cams.

Fig. 7 shows the roller 48 at the rear end of its movement. On striking the end of the lever 49 vhich is pivoted at 50, it has turned this l vervtill its pin 51 has struck the rear edge of the cam lever 52, pivoted at 130 49 holds the plate normally -is locked in this position (as in Fi hr pocket.

53, and has swun the' cain lever outward into'the path o'f-te renewrmac cam 52 J .7) then on the return of: the roller it is shi ed'trunsversely and follows the nth indicated by the; dottedline, thus shi ting the clip and the forward edge of the card to cause the latter to cute :lt pocket. This locking of the chm 5'2 takes place only when a card has be n selected however, (as in Fig. 9) the cam 52 is not "locked then the forward moveto shift the pawl to its operative ment of the roller 48 first releases the lever 49 and then presses the ram roller following a straight path as indirated bv the dottf-d line.

At the end of a forward movement Fig. 8)' the roller is passing the cam 52 of the next forward pocket and is made to'restore the same to its inner position (if it is found in the locked position of Fig. 7) by striking the lever 49 and turning it to the right. This movement causes the lever 49 to strike the tail'offth'e plate 54. which is fixed on shaft .32, and to turn 'this'plate until its pin engages the tail 56 (loose on the shaft latter out of the way, to be swung back to inoperative position by its spring .57. The spring 58 of the plate 32) and swings the sitions of Figs. T and 8 so that it may be engaged by a roller 48 coming from either direction.

Fig. 7, 'tl'ierefore, represents the selecting or operative position of theparts. and Fig.

9 tl'lfilIlUPQliltlVE position; the difference be ing that in Fig. 7 the pawl 56 has sprung into position to hold 11f! cam outward andin Fig. 9 it has not done so. 'lhe pawl 56 being controlled by the plate 54 on the shaft it follows that thc release of the shaft is necessarv in order to permit the spring 59 to swing the plate .34 totlupositiunof Fig. T so as to permit the spring '0 7 position and to cause the sorting of the card. The )in 61 is a stop to prevent the cam 52 and plate 49 from heing'thrown too'l'm back when they are struck quickly by the roller 48. in Fig. 8. a f

'hen the shaft 32 is turned back as in Fig. 8 the pressureof the pins 34 on the plate 35 is relieved andthe plate pressed back by its'spring 36 (Fig. 11 the loose arms 'swingingback plate 49 and restore the cams frl to their .rear {)OffilflffnS to prevent them from inter .tu'bes N carry,

the mechanism of a particu- 52 back. (he

of the locking pawl allowing the ram 5'3 pushes the rol er between the potime pushes the faring with the return movement of the clips and rollers 48. For securing a positive inward shift of the clips at the be -inning of their return, rollers 63 are use as hereinbelow described.

The bosses 3. on the top of the upper clip tam rollers 63 which are acted on by cams in a plane above the clips, these cams being shown in Figs. 2, 2 and-2". The 7 same mechanis n is repeated at the underside ofthe lower set of clips. The cams are piv oted to the fired top and bottom walls of the casing and serve to throw the clips to their middle or non-sorting position just before they engage a card, and to their rearmost position just before their emptyreturn movemeit. After being set in their middle positit n and engaging a card; the throwing of Ihe clips farther forward to sort the card is effected by the cams of Fig. 3 as pre iously explained. The cums forthe middle and reurmost positions act on the rollers 33. In Fig. '2 the extreme retracted PUSltltll of a roller is shown at 63; and in Fig. 2" the extremesulvanced position of the same roller at 63". There are two types of cams. ashort rocking cam (34 which (and its (:lip) forward and a long cam 35. statir'mary when in operation, which pulls t 1e roller and its clip back to the rear. The movement ofthe clips is son'iewhat grtater than the space between two SlltfCfiSSlYl clips (the range bcing indicated by +8 a 1d 48* in Fig. 3) so that at the rearward end of its movement (Fig. 2.) the roller is actec on by the short cam'of one group. and at the forward end of its move ment by the long cam of the next group ,to the right.

Near the end of the rearward movement theroller ii) strikesa shoulder on ,the cam (34 and turns the cam back which at the same roller outward. 'The roller however doc not pass beyond the end of the long can] if; and the latter is without effect.

Near the end of the advancing movement the roller str kcs the rear edge of the long cam 35. whic l held by its spring against i a stop pin. a rid the roller is thus forced to the rear.

'1! e roller does not pass beyond the endof tl e short cam 04 and the latter a is without eil' act. I

'l he operatIon of the several sub-combina- (10125 of mec mn sm having been des ribed,

will now be lesr'ribed. faced and in upright position arc stacked in. the magaziru and the innern'iost card is pressed "rgainstthe re iprocating slide E by the weight-o)erated slide (I. The shaft Z rarrving'the wheel Z and various cams is rotated contnurmsl v in the dircctirm indirated hv the arrow in Fig. 5. \Yitlnhw n from the position of Fig, 2 w.

'lheslidc lis 1 1:10

the operation of the machine as a whole,

'l he 'cards properly a ward the left until its shoulder passes the card 15 to the first selecting position.

hold the card.

rear edge of the foremost card and is then I'Ctlll'llfitl to the position indicated, carrying the foremost card with it to a polnt where the right hand edge of the card may be engaged by the first of the clips F. While the card is being ad raneed by theslide E the clips are being retracted toward the left by means of the crank pin Y and .link X. Just before reaching the card theshaft of each .clip is rocked by its arm 1: striking its pin (1 I the first pair of clips F so that there are no cards carried into the dummy pocket I); they are merely carried forward and left stationary between the inner wall G of the pocketD' and the fixed wall of the machine so as to .be readily tested by the selecting mechanism corresponding to the next clips F. After the firstpair of clips F has car ried the. card to its first selecting position the card is stopped by the stop 6] of the dnmmypocket I). The 'eli s continue their movement to the right, sli ing oil the edge of the card, and their rollers, 63 hearing against the rear edgesof the long earns 65 so as tothrowthe clips inward (as in Fig' devices 45 to the left.

25). The crank pin then carries the clips back inthe left hand direction.

The second pair of clips F has partaken of the same movements as described for the first pair. of the card above referred to, in line with the dummy pocket I), the clips are pushed out to the middle positionand opened and by their continued backward movement forced .to embrace the. edge of the card. During the backward ncrement of the clips the cam 57' (Fig. 5). actuatesthe'arm 57,

to shift the rod 44 and the several-resetting Thus the vertical shaft 39 is released and the feeling pins 41 are freed in time to enter the selecting per- I end ofthe'rearwardstroke.

forations (B, Fig. 12) as soon-as they come in register therewith, which is at the therearward stroke also the cam 57' releases the resetters and the spring 57* returns the rod and resetters to theirright The resetters 4.5 strike pins 47 (Fig. 18) on'the arms 43 fixed; on the ends of the shafts 39 which carry the plates 40 (Fig.21), so that said platesare swung inward andwithdrawthe feeling pins if Just before it reaches the edge At theend of the latter have-entered the holes in the card. If the feeling pins did not find-correspond ing holes in the card to enter then the plates 40 could not move outwardjand, .notwi th standing Ihe shaft3.) was releasedfrom the resetter, t iere was no rocking of the shaft 39 and no action upon the clip, and the card moves straight forward to selecting position for the next pocket. that is to say between the inner wall H of the first pocket I) and the fixed front wall G of the machine. i

If, however, the feeling pins found corre sponding perforations in the card in question they were pulled into it by the spring 47 (Fig. 18) acting on the fixed arm 43 on the end of the shaft 39, and pulled the'loose arm 38 tothe left, allowing the plate 35 to swing into position in rear of the arm 38; the subsequent resetting of the arm 43 by the resetter 45 having no effect on the parts 38 and 35, but only releasing the arm 38 so as to permit it to swing backward when the plate 35 is restrired to its normal position.. The forward movement of the plate 35"releases the arm 33 and permits the shaft to mm which it does under the influence of .its spring'59 (Fig. 7). The spring 59, it will be remembered, acts on the plate 54 which is fixed on the end of the sh'aft 32. When the shaft 32 is held from swinging the plate 54 is in the position of Fig. 8.

, When the shaft is released; as described,

similar movement of the loose locking. pawl 56 so that the long cam 52 is held in positionof Fig. 7. The several actions just do scribed take place while the clip'is at or near the end of its rearward movement on the left so that when it commences to move to the right it finds the cam 52 locked forward so that the clip. is deflected forward from its middle position' The card is thus guided "into the slot in the corner of the first.sorting box D, and its movement is stopped by the right hand wall of the box. The movement of the clip continues, sliding the latter off the edge of the cardg-afte'r which the clip is engagedby the mechanism of. Fig. 2as previously described and shiftedto its in ermost position so as it. return movement. Each card cessive selecting positions, tested by the to pass the card onv asses in succession to the, sucfeeling pins corresponding to its positionand-is sorted into the next pocket or passed. along to the next select'mg position until'fit does finally find itsappropri'ate pocket- .If

the cards are of a greater number of classifications than are to be sorted hv' the aria;-

chinethe'n the unsorted cards allfihd themselves in the final pocket D (Fig. 4'). For example, the machineillustrat'ed is designed for nine classesf If the cards are often chine illustrated a suitable table of combina-.

tions is shown in Fig. 16. For each numher or class there is a column of four perforation spaces. Each column is perforated in one ,'two or three spaces, a different combination being used, of course, for each number.

. If the first selecting mechanism encountered by the card in its successive steps had only a single feeling pin. such pin might find a corresponding perforation in any one of four different classes of cards. Similarly, if the first selectin mechanism had only two feeling pins itmight also find corresponding perforations in two different classes of cards. It is necessary, therefore, with this system, that the selecting mechanism having the smaller number of feeling pins be arranged V to meet the card after the selecting mechafmsm having a larger number of feehng pins. 'l'herefore, the selecting mechanisms for the several numbers should be arranged in the i'gram, Fig. 4, or in some other arrangement order indicated in Fig. 17 and in the diain which the selecting i'ncchanisms having the smaller number of pins come after those having the larger number.

The construction and location of the pockets are advantageous. The pockets are open-topped and are located at points which are entirely clear of the mechanism and the cards, being upright therein, can be readily inspected" while in the pockets and readily removed tl'ierefrom. The machine'is also adapted to accommodate cards of different widths and heights and with tabs on their edges. The cards being seized only at their forward edges, their rear edges are free so thatthev may he of any desired width. By

raising the swinging part of the cover cards of any-desired height may be operated on; For the smile reasons the rear and upper edges of the cards may be of any desired shape. for example with classification tabs at various points along the edges of different cards. Instead of actual pocketsthe cards may be delivered mcrel v to differentparts of a table which may be called delivering stations. The fact that these stations are sill)- stantially or a 'i n'oxii'nately at the same level and thatthe cards are distributed thereto in upright positions makes the work of the oporator or attendantas easy and simple as possible.

Economy of construction and accuracy of operation is secured by mounting the clips and tlH' miarhanism innu-diatcly connwtei'l lhercwith'. whi h may be called the distributing mechanism. upon a single reciprocating rurriagr-{as described. the movement of which transmits to :lnclips the control of the selecting niurliunisnis.

Though I have des ribed with great particularity of detail a :pccifir embodiment of the invention )t'i'. it i.- not to be understood 75 therefrom that the in 'cntion is ri-stric-M the particular (-mbodi IH'llt dcscrilu-d. i ous n'iorlifications tlu-lct'orc in detail and" in .tluarrangementand in the combination of the pa rt.-: nnrv be nnuh Irvthosc skilled in the 6;

art without lli'IHll'llll" from the invention.

()thrr schemes. for ex: mple may be provided for causing a selected raard tocnter its pocket, such as the shifting of the back of the pocket to a point behind the card, instead of shiftmg the ard to a poll t forward of the back of the pocket.

"hat I laim is:

:1. A machii'icof the class described including in combination, a clip, means for causing said clip to engage and forward vai'rls along a line and incans for shifting said clip laterally tr throw selected cards outof said line.

A i'nachine of the class described'ineluding in combinat on, a series of clips, means for causing said clips to engage and forward cards along a line and means for shifting said clips lat rally to throw selected cards out of said line, and pockets adjacent to said line adapted to-receive the cards which are so thrown out.

3. A machine ofthr class described includ-' ing incombination, a series of clips arranged along a line, means for advancing and retracting said clips, 1. leans for causing said v lips in their retracted positions to engage cards, means for i hifling said clips outward on their advance mo remcnt when cards are to be sorted and in order to throw out the selected cards and n cans for shifting said clips inward on their rtractilc movement t-o' pass the cards without interference.

4. A machine of the class .described including in co1nbin'atim,'a series of'rlips'arranged along a line means for advancing and retracting said clips, means for causing said clips in their relracted positions to engage cards, means at ting at each oliera-tion to move the clips out ward to the normal line before an ad Vance movement and inward to the rear of said line l efore a rctractile in c ment and means acti igwhen a card is to be sorted to shift the cli holding said card outward beyond said normal line. a

A machine of thee-lass -ilescrilied in- -iuding incombination, a series of clips ar ranged. along a line. means for-advancing and retracting said (lips, means 'for causing said clips in their retracted positions to en-{ 1 'cards along a.l-ine,a'nd means controlled by perforations inia card for shifting said clip laterally to throw selected cards out of line.

7. A machine of theclass described including in combination aclip, means for advancing and retracting said clip, means for causing said clip in its retracted position to engage a. card, means controlled by perforations in a card for shifting said clip outward in its advance movement when said card is to be sorted and means for shifting said clip inward before its retractile movement. l

8. A machine of the class described in cluding incombination a clip, means'for ad vancing and retracting said clip, means for causing said clip in its retracted position to engage a card, means acting at each operation to shift said clip outward to the normal line before an advance movement and inward to the rear of said line before a re tra 'ctile movement nd means controlled by perforations in a card to shift said clip outward beyond said normal line.

9. A machine of the class described including in combination means for holding a card with its forward edge exposed, traveling grippers adapted to grip such exposed edge and pull thecard to either of two determined points, and means controlled by perforations in the card; for determining the point to which it is to be conveyed.

10. A machine of the'class described in- I cluding in combination sorting pockets,

individual selector mechanism for each of a plurality of'said pockets and positioned at said pockets, means-for advanc ng all .cards first toselecting position for the first of said pockets and then advancing them in upright position in succession along a single line past successive selecting positions and pockets and means located at said selecting positions for deflecting cards of appropriate classifications detected by the selector mechanism before reaching their sorting pockets and causing them to enter said pockets.

11. A machine of the. class described including in combination sorting pockets, in-

dividual selectors for each of a plurality of said pockets, means for advancing cards in upright position in succession in a single.

line past successive selecting positions and pocket-s, said SGIOCtOlS being located each in advance of a pocket, and means located at "each selecting station for deflecting cards of appropriate classification detected by the selectors and causing them to enter the corresponding pocket.

12. A machine of the class described having a receiving. station and delivering stations at substantially same level in combination with means for receiving cards and distributing them in upright position at said stations.

13. A machine of the class described having a series of sorting pockets and mechanism for distributing the cards in said pockets in upright position, said pockets being open-topped and located at points clear of said mechanism so that the cards can be readily inspected while in said pockets and readily removed therefrom.

14. A machine of the class described including means for advancing cards edgewise and means for distributing said cards, said advancing and distributing means engaging only the forward edge; of the card and leaving the top and rear edge free so as to accommodate cards of different widths and heights or with tabs on their edges.

15. A machine of the class described including in combination a cli n a rod' for opening and closingsaid clip and mechanlsm tor actuating said-rod comprising a partthreaded thereon and 'rneans for cans ing a relative rotary movement. between said rod and said part threaded thereon.

16. A machine of the class described including incombination a clip F, a rod R for opening and closing said clip and means for shifting said rod R longitudinally'comprising a nut engaging the same and an arm cfor rotating said rod in said nut, a stop (5 in the path of said arm, a spring for pulling said arm in a direction to close the clip andv means for shifting said rod transversely to bring said arm against said stop in La direction to open the clipg -17. A machine of the class described including in combination'a clip F, a rod R for opening and closing'said clip and means for shifting said rod R longitudinally comarmc for rotating said rod in said nut, a

or approximately the stop (17in the path of said arm, a spring for pulling said arm in a direction to-close the clip and means for shifting said rod transversely to bring said arm against said stop in'a direction to open the clip, and means for withdrawing said stop (Z during the forward movement of said clip.

18. A machine of the class described including a clip, means foropening and closing the same. a shell N carrying said clip.

means for adjusting said shell laterally and means for .impositively holding said shell in its position of lateral adjustment.

19. A machine of the class described in 25. A machine of t'ieclass described, including a clip, means for opening and eloseluding in combinatioii a set of feeling pins, ing the same, a shell N carrying sail clip, springs for operating the same and a resetmeans for reciprocating said shell 1 ngituter normally holding said pins inoperative 5 d'inally of the machine and means operated against the strain of said springs, meat s for 70 by the longitudinal movement for shifting causing a relative mivement between said said shell laterally of the machine. pins and a perforated card and means for 20. A-machine of the class described, inwithdrawing said resatters as said pins apcluding in combination, means for. gripping proach the perforations in said cards and the forward edge of a card and pulling it promptly restoring said resctter to with 75 forward, a stop and means for interposing draw the pins from the perforations in flhe said stop in advance of the card toward the card.

end of a forward movement of the card to 26. A machine of ;he class descri'lrierg, stop the same and hen withdrawing the eluding in combinatirna set of feeling pins,

stop to permit a succeeding forward movesprings for operating the same and a reset- 3g ment. ter normally holding said pins inoperati'ac 21. A machine of the class described inagainst the strain of said spri'n s, means-f eluding in combination longitudinally recausing a relative movement etween sa ciprocating clips, a cam, a locking pawl pins and a perforate d card and means for holding said cam in operative position to withdrawing said reset-tars as said pins ap 5 deflect a clip outward on the forward proach the perforatior in said cards and I movement of the latter, and means actuated promptly restoring said resetter to with by a clip on its rearward movement for draw the pins from the perforations in the throwing said cam into operative osition card,-and means for sorting out a card ren- 26 and actuated by a clip on its forwar d movedered operativeby the entrance said, pins 9( ment for releasing said earn from its lockinto said perforations and ren'iaining in oping pawl. I erative position aftethe with? wal'of t 1e 22. A machine of the class described inpins.

eluding in combination longitudinally re 27. A machine of the c lescribed in- 30 ciprocating clips, a cam 52, a locking pawl eluding in comhinatirm a. carrying 95 56 holding said cam in operative'position to feeling pins, a fixed arm 4 t. m, a spring deflect a clip outward on the forward mo'vetending to cause said pins to enter perfoment of the latter and a plate 49 engaged rations in a card, a loose arm 38 on said by a part of a clip and swung backward shaft 39, a plate l'ieai'lng against the endof said loose arm aushaft 32 held from 10o cam 52 and throwing the same into operarocking by said plate 35 when the latter is tive position, and means whereby the m0vein its outer position, said fixed arm 43 enment of said plate 49 when struck by a part gaging said loose llI'lTl 38 and tending to of a clip moving in an advancing direction throw the latter int) inoperative position to '40 releases said cam 52 from its locking pawl. permit the plate 35 to yield,- and sorting 23. A machine of the class described inout mechanism restrained from operation eluding in combination longitudinally re throughsaidshaft 11-2 when the latter is held ciprocating clips, a cam 52, a locking pawl from rocking by sa d plate 35.

56.holding said cam in operative position to 28. A machine 0'? the class described, in-

45 deflect a clip outward on the forward moveeluding in combination selecting mechament of the latter and a plate 49 engaged nisms, means for s itting a card to said by a part of a clip and swung backward mechanisms in en :cessiop and wmeans for thereby and havinga -pin 51 engaging said adjusting said me :hanisms to bring them cam 52 and throwing the same into operainto register with different parts of said v r V 50 tive position, and means whereby the movecard. ment of said plate- L9 when struck by apart 29. A machine (1' the class described inof a-clip moving in an advancing direction eluding in combination a wall, selecting releases said cam 52 from its locking pawl, mechanisms comp] ising feeling pins at in;

and'means controlled by perforations in-the tervalsf thereon. moans for feeding the card 55 card for holding the locking pawl 56 inalong said wall. and means for adjusting -12o operative or for releasing said pawl to perthe position of'sail wall so as to cause said v -mit it to engage and hold the cam 52. pins to register w:th different parts of the '24; A machine of the class described incard. eluding aclip, means for reciprocating the 30. A machine of the class described'ii 00 same, a shouldered rocking cam 64 engaged eluding in combination a wall, selecting -by a part of said clip near the end of its mechanisms comp rising feeling pins at inirearward movement and deflecting the clip tervals thereon, means for feeding a card w outward, and a cam. 65 engaged by a part along said wall, a! d means for adjustingthe of said clip near the end of its forward position ofsaid w ill so as to causesaid' inn a a Ql movement and deflecting the clip inwardly. to register with dilferent parts of the thereby and having a pin 51 engaging said

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