US1512250A - Automatic switch for conveyers - Google Patents

Description

F. R. T lsE Y' AUTOMATIC SWITCH FOR CONVEYERS H 4 i M F. R. TAISEY AUTOMATIC SWITCH FOR CONVEYERS Filed April 11, I922 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Oct. 21 ,1924.

. F. R. TAISEY AUTOMAIIC SWITCH FOR CONVEYERS Filed April 11 1922 v 4 SheetsSheet 4 Maze a I?" li atented Get. 21, 1924.

iCE.

rs as a. TAISEY, or Low'nnL, ivms'sacnnsn'rrsassrenon, BY Mnsnn ASSIGNMENTS, To -THE LAMsoN cQMrAnY, "9F BQSLON, MASSACHUSETTS, aconronn'rron" on MASSACHUSETTS.

' vAU'IIPO'lVlIltJlIIC SWITCH FOR ?ONVZEYERS Application filed Aprilll, 1922. Serial ml 551,517. I

To all whom itmy co'ncemr' Be it known 'that'I, FRED R, TAISEY, a citizenof t e United States of America, and: residentof Lowell, in the county of Middle- 'ser and State of Massachusetts, have invented new and useful Improvements in Automatic witches for Conveyers', of which the following is a specification. 3 f

This invention concerns conveyers' of the 0 kind commonly employed for loading,'un-

loading and carrying all sorts of objects,

I packages andfimater als, and relates more particularly 'to switch 'means'iusefulin as socia'tion with such 'eonveyers, whether'f'of thepower drivenor gravitytype, forjdia verting selectedobje'cts or packages from the main path of travel into a-diverging The simplestiform ofjconveyer consists of a single track, straight or-curved as'circumstances demand, and delivering all objects or packages placed thereon to a common I While usefulin'manysituations;-

such simple conveyers' are not-adequate iiorl all purposes, and thus conveyers-haye'some point.

times been constructed with diverging tracksin'tof-which approaching objects, or

' packagesacouldbe divertedby means of a' manually controllable switch or switches,;so that, selected packages or objects, 'placedfl upon themain-track, mi delivered atdifi'ere'ntfl'points.1;;This atter arrangement longas it is desiredonlyoccasionally tovary-the pointof delivery of objects-passing along the conve'yer', as, in such case,.'the. proper manipulation of is satisfactory so the switch is, a'matter of minor importance. The use of power driven or gravity. conveyersin and about mercantile establish-t 40 ments is, however,constantly increasing and I the uses towhich they are (put Iare becomirlig or examp c,

more and more diversifie inlarge' textile mills and other manufacturing plants they are now employed for conveying' stock or mechanical parts from one departmentto another, the track system employed sometimes being highly complex and involvingmany tracks diverging from the main track. So also in the larger'department stores and mail order houses such conveyers are employed for carrying packages or'merchandise from the sales departments to the shippingroom where it may be de-. sired to deliver them at any of a series of stations corresponding roughly to their points of destination or to the common carriers through whose agency they will be transported to the'purch'aser. In establish- .must constantly be alertto note the character of the approaching objects or packagesin order to throwthe proper switch or switches to insure their delivery at the desiredpoints- 'As the points of divergence of the various side tracks may be widely separatedand out of View ofone another, it is difiicult in manycases for one switch f operator tolcontrol more than one or two.

switches, so that the number of switch op-- erators necessary for the proper operation only is a large number ofoperators frequently necessary, but the proper operation of the system is' entirely dependent upon the'vigilance and quickness of the operators,

-.,of the conveyor system-may become-so large as for example, as'frequently happens in 4 department stores, whena special Sale is .;-on,ythe stream of packages moving along th track is almostcontinuous, so that it is next toimpossible ,for the operatorto make the necessary visual difi'erentiation of approaching packages with suflicient rapidity to secure proper selection thereof, especially if the rush period is at all extended so that therfatigue of constant'attention lowers the operatorscapacity for careful observation. The'principal object of the present inrention is to provide automatically operated 1 1 switch mechanism for use 'in conveyer systoms, whether of the power driven or'gravity type, suchthat the necessity for employ I i'ng switch operators is entirely-obviated, the character of the object approaching along the main track determining the object is to provide anautomatic switch mechanism of such character as. to permit complex character, having many and Sue-- proper-actuation of the switch. A further cessively diverging tracks, the-controlling I devices being so arranged as to permit an object moving along the track to throw any of its use in conveyer systems of the most numberof successive switches necessary to .insure its arrival at" its proper destination.

. A. further object is to provide such mech-'- anism of a simple, durable and dependable character and which may be installed in conveyor systems of usual type without difli: culty or substantial change therein.

Referring to the accompanying drawings. illustrating a species of t ing the invention,--

ig. 1 is a fragmentaryplan view of a conveyer,-.' comprising a main track and a1 diverging track, together with the switch mechanism of the present invention, such mechanism being shown in normal position; Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. ,1, but showing the switch mechanism as set to permit movement of bodies along the main track without diversion therefrom;

Fig. 3 is a vertical cross section, partly in eievation', taken on aline such as a-b of ig. 4 is a fragmentary horizontal section on a line such as (i -(Z of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but showing the parts as moved from normal position to permit the passage of a body along the main track; a 4

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of the switch mechanism, showing a releasable latch employed in connection therewith;

1F ig. 'E is a fragmentary, vertical cross section 'on a line such as ef of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary, horizontal section on a line such as 9 -h of Fig. 3;

Fig. 9 is a front elevation of the advancing end of a receptacle such as may be employed with the conveyer system here-in illustrated F i 10 is a front elevation of a modi-.

' fied orm of receptacle;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary side elevation of the same;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary plan view of a further'modified form of receptacle; and

hig. 13 is a front elevation of the same. Referring to the drawings the conveyer system is shown as comprising a main track A, having the side rails 1, 2, such rails being provided with series of journal openings for the reception of the axles 3 of rollers 4. Resting upon the several rollers is the upper run 5 of an endless belt, whose lower run 5* is shown in Fig. 3, such belt being driven from any suitable sourceof power, not indicated. Diveraing from the main track is a second track comprising the side rails 6, 7, having journal openings for the axles 8 of a series of rollers 9. This second track may or ma not be provided with an endless belt, as esired, being herein illustrated as unprovided with power driyen impelling means, and representing merely a storage spur, or the upper end of e genus comprisend of thebar 21.

a downwardly inclined, gravity conveyor track. Extending along the main track, adjacent to the junction point of the diverg- .ing track, is a uide rail, 10 suitably sup-v ported by the rail-1, and upon the opposite side of the main track is a second guide 'ail 11 which merges into a guide rail 12 extending for a suitable'distance along the diverging track. These guide rails are arranged somewhat above the corresponding track rails and are adapted to engage the sides 0f 'a body moving along the conveyer to prevent such body from being thrust sidewise from of? the conveyor tracks by the action of the switch bar hereinafter to be described.

' Adjacent to the junction point of the diverging track B, and substantially opposite the point at which rail 7 unites with rail 2, a supporting post- 13 is provided, this post having a pair of vertically spacedbrackets 14:, 15 secured thereto. These brackets are provided with journal openings in which is mounted a substantially vertical rock shaft 16, having a fixe'dcollarl? which rests upon .the upper surface of the bracket 14, thus retaining theshait 'main track, for a purpose hereinafter to be described. One end of a tension spring 22 is secured to the arm 20, the other end of such spring being connected to a fixed part of the bracket 15,-or to any other convenient member.

The bar 21 is of a length to extend ob- Y liquely across the entire width of the main conveyer track and when in normal position aligns with the side rail 6 of the branch track B, and for supporting the free end of such bar while swinging in a plane substantially parallel to that of the track, a brace rod 23 is provided, this rod being journalled at 24 upon the upper end of the shaft 16 and being secured at its 0pposite end at the point 25 to, the outer This brace rod is bowed outwardly at its central portion, as indicated at 26, for apurpose'herein to be described. The switch bar 21 is preferably of angle" iron, providing an upper horizontal flange and "a vertical flange, the latter being so'dlsposed that it may be engaged by bodies approaching along the conveyer track;

ago

wi l mm bolts or rivets 28. This plate has a stop? i 61, is 'arranged within the channel of lever shoulder 29 and is provided with a ivot pin 30 upon which is mounted a latch ever This latch lever is furnished with'a 31., latch shoulder 32inormally lying substanand spaced from-the stop shpulderi A spring 33 normally retains tlie latch ieuer '31 in the position shown in Fig. 6. Secured to the rail 2 of the main 'conveyer .is a bracket 34 (Fig. 7) having a horizontal arm 35 upon which is mounted an abutment pin 36, such pin normally occupying the spacefbetween stop member 29 and the :latch shoulder 32. This-abutment pm thus serves as a stop to prevent excess movement of theswit'ch bar 21 under act on of the spring 22, and alsocooperates with the of the bar 21 except upon latch to" prevent swingin in opposition to such spring, disengagement of the. latch.

Securedtii'the shaft 16 at apoint immediately-above the castingi 18 isa collar 37 provided with a latch actuating crank arm 38' having a crank pin 39. This crank pin passes freelythrough a slot 40 the end of a link or bar 41, the opposite end of such link having a slot 42 through which passes a pin 43 secured to the latch member- 31.1

The slots 40 and 42 provide for lost motion between the crank arm 38 and the latch lever 31 so that the crank arm is permitted to turn'through a substantial angle before the l'atchlever 31 is moved sufiiciently to release the latchshoulder 32 from member 36. I z

Associated with the shaft 16 is-suitable feeler mechanism comprising a" lever arm 44 journaled at one end upon the shaft 16. The end of the lever arm which is journalled upon the shaft 16 is bifurcated to provide spacedvmembers 45, 46, [the lower of erably of channel section, having the lower I cal side member54, such side member being so disposed that it may be engaged by a body flange 51, the upper flange 52,,and the-vertimoving-along the conveyer track. Whenin normal position thejarm 44 extends across the path-of bodies moving along the con- .veyer being properly positioned by a stop member 44% A spring 56 is provided for maintaining the arm mnormal position, this spring being secured to a member 57 out-.

standing from the part 54 of such lever, the opposite end of the spring being secured to a-bracket 58 projecting' from the supporting post-13.-.-- I

the I abutment outstanding projectionsg being assumed that the switch-mechanism .abutment member 36 for holding- A feeler lever, comprising arms 60 and arm 44, being journallednpcn a pin.59. A spring 62' is interposed between the arm 61 and the inner surface of the member 54 of the lever 44,-such spring tending to move I the. feeler lever out of parallelism with the lever arm 44 The arm 60 of the feeler lever normally'contacts, at a point such as 63, with the inner surface of the member 54, the latter constituting a stop element for such feeler lever. The outer end of the arm 60' is providedwith a pivotpin 64 upon which 67 is secured having theoutstanding pin 68 to which is connected a spring 69, whose opposite end is secured to a bracket 70 projecting downwardly from they rail 1; The spring 69 is so arrangedthat it tends to turn shaft 16 in a clockwise direction. At 71, Fig.1 2, is indicated a box-like re ceptacle which'may serve to contain any material which itis desired to move along the conveyer. The forward end of this receptacle comprises the element 72, which element may or may not be provided'with an opening or recess such as73, indicated in Fig. 9.' While in Fig. 9 suchfope'ning or recess is indicated as formed directly in the element 72, the latter having no forwardly it is. contemplated that -such recess may e formed in other ways. For example, referring to Fig. 10, the end of the receptacle'is'indicated at 72, such end being provided with a pair of par,-

allel, outstanding members 74, 75 spaced suitable opening in the block.

' The operation of the apparatus previously-described is substantially as follows, it

normally occupies the position shown in Fig.

1, wherein the switch bar 21 extends diago'- nally across the main track A, and the shoulder 32 of thelatch lever 31 engages the eswitch 20, engage a bar or pin 80 passing through a g bar in normal position... With the parts as thus arranged, a receptacle such as 71, in

passing down the main track of the conveyer, wil 'actuate the feeler mechanism comprising. the lever 44 and the contact roller 65. If the approaching end of the receptacle-be unprovidedwith a recess such as 73 or its equivalent, it will first contact with the roller 65, thereby swinging the feeler lever relatively to the lever arm 44 and-causing the tooth 66 of the feeler lever to enter the recess 49. Immediately thereaftenan element of the advancing end of the'receptacle will strike the outer surface ofthe member 54 of the lever 44, thereby swinging the lever 44 about the axis of'shaft 16. As the tooth 66 has already been positioned within the recess 49, the swinging of the lever 44 causes the tooth to engage the surface 50 of the recess. The lever 44 is thus locked to the collar 48 and the shaft 16 is thereby compelled to turn with the lever arm 44. As the receptacle continues to move downwardly along the track, further 'turn ing of the arm 44 and theshaft 16 swings the crank arm 38, with the crank pin 39,

to an extent suflicient to take up the lost mo tion provided by the slots 40 and 42 and then transmit any. further movement of the arm 44, through the link 41, to the latch lever. f 31. The latter is thereby swung aboutits pivot sufiiciently to release the shoulder 32 from the abutment member 36. Thenormal relation of the feeler mechanism and the 35 switch bar 21 is such that the feeler' mechanism is moved substantially out of the path of the advancing receptacle at the instant the latch is'released, and prior to contact of thereceptacle with the switch bar. After the holding latch has been released, the receptacle' strikes the bar 21 and by its impact therewith swings the latter about the axis of shaft 16 until the bar occupies a position'substantially such as shown in Fig. 2, thereby permitting the receptacle topass freely along the main track A of the conv veyer. As the switch bar is convex toward the approaching receptacle, the latter can en'- gage the former at but a single point at any a one time, so that the movement of the re- I ceptacle along the track is not substantially impeded, nor' is' it deflected from its normal path to an appreciable extent. The brace rod 23, being bowed outwardly as at 26, is not engaged by the receptacle as thelatter moves ownwardly along the conveyer track so that there is no danger of the jamming of the receptacle beneath such brace rod.

If the approaching receptacle be providedwith a rpcess or opening so positioned that the enters the same as the receptaele' approaches the feeler mechanism, the a vancmg receptacle will first contact with tie member 54, and the. feeler lever will not aa/ b'e moved relatively to the lever arm 44. As

the tooth 66 now stands in the position shown in Fig. 4, the swinging of t e lever arm 44 under impact of the receptacle merely moves the ieeler lever bodily about the axis of shaft 16 without lockingthe arm 44 to the collar, 48. The feeler mechanism thus moves freely out of the path of the advancing receptacle without actuating the shaft 16 and without releasing the latch lever 31. The bar 21 thus remains locked in normal position, and as the advancing receptacle comes into contact therewith, it is diverted from its normal path of movement and compelledto pass on to the branch track B of the conveyer. lit is thus evident that the latch 31 may either be released, or allowed to remain in holding position in-accordance with the type of indication with which the advancing receptacle is provided, so that selected receptacles may be caused to continue 35 along the main track or to pass into the divergent track automatically and without' any attention on'the part'of the operator.- 4

While the/arrangement shown in Fig, 9 is perhaps the simplest which may be devised for securing the desired selection, it is evident that other arrangements, such as those shown Figs. 10 and 13 may be employed for selectively controlling the feeler mechanism in the same'manner as described with respect to the' device of Fig. 9. It'is: also evident that b arranging the arm 44 at different heig ts, the feeler mechanism'maybe made to cooperate with indications arranged at different positions upon the advancing face of the receptacle. Thus, if the conveyer system comprise a series of tracks diverging from the main "track, it is possible, by providing the receptrades with indications arranged at difierent points, and by arranging the feeler mechanisms at the respective junctions to cooperate with such differently positioned indications: to cause selected receptacles moving along the main track to turn into any of the di-' verging tracks in accordance with such predetermined arrangement. Furthermore, a single receptacle may be providd with various indications cooperable with successive switches, if the conveyor system comprise a series of tracks diverging from one another in succession, so that a given reoeptahle can be caused to pass from the main track on to a. diverging track, and thence selectively to pass on to further divergin tracks.

The arrangementshown 1n Figs. 12 and 13 provides ready means whereby the indication recess may beadjusted in accordance with the trackalong which it is desired the receptacle to pass and if the conveyer system be at all complex, avoids the necessity of keeping. on hand a large assortment of receptacles having difierently disposed, fixed indications.

ill

system ism? that vtype having an endless belt or a belt restingupon rollers, it is evident the/t the mechanism herein shownisnot' in" anymanner restricted in its use to such form of conveyor, but might herein been illustrated, various changes and the conveyer.

rearrangements of s arts, together i with modifications of the eldm'ents employed well be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(What I' claim anddesire to secure by Letters Patentof the United States is:

1,. A conveyer having a maintrack and a'branch track, and an elongateswibch bar cooperable therewith and normally in sub-= stantial alignment with one side of the branch track, said switch bar being-pivotally supported to; swifi g about a point at one side of the main track and having a convex surface opposed to bodies approaching along said tree 7 2. A switch mechanism for conveyors comprising an elongate bar pivotally supported adjacent to one of its extremities, and means acting upon the free extremity of the bar for releasably holding said her in 11 position, said bar being bowed from end to end and presenting a convex surface for contact withbodies approaching along 3. In combination with a conveyor systenL having a main track comprising an endlw. supporting belt, a fixed track "diverging therefrom, a switch mechanism comprising a switch barand .relativel movable elements engageable respective y with cooperating elements upon the advancing end of a body carried along said main track by the belt automatically to determine the position of said switch bar and the diversion theieby of such body into thc'diverging track or its continuing movement. along the main track. 7

A switch mechanism for use with conveyer tracks, comprising a. switch bar pivto swing transversely of the track, a latch mounted upon the free extremity of the bar and engageable with a fixed abut ment for holding the bar in predetermined position, a feeler movable in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of movement of the bar, and meanefor transmitting movement from the Easier to the latch.

5. mechanism for conveyors cornvprising a pivoted switch lever, a latchfor positively holding said lever in normalpositi-on, a member normally extending indie the path of a. body moving along theconveyer and movable out of such path independently of the switch'lever, a feelerelement upon:

said member,'said feeler element being con st-ructed and arranged tolock'said member to a movable part, and means for transmit ting movement from said part to the latch whereby to release the switch lever.

I 6. Switch mechanism "for conveyers comprising a. switch bar and-a retaining latch therefor, a pivoted lever arm, spring means normally holding said arm in a position :to

be struck by a body moving alon the, 0

veyer but permitting the arm to e swung to one side by such body in (passing, a feeler arm to swing arm, and connections between said element .and the latch. 7. Switch mechanism of the class 4 described having a movable switch bar and releasable latch means for holding said bar in normal said late means comprising a rock shaft, a

lever pivoted to swing freely thereon, a.

feeler element carried by said lever,1neans osition, and releasing devices for actuable by the feeler element for locking said lever to the shaft, and means for transmitting movement from the shaft to latch means.

said' '100 8. Apparatu of the class described comprising a latch-member, a rock shaft, a lever pivoted upon said shaft to swing freely about the axis thereof, a feeler element movably supported "upon tlfe lever, an'abutment member fixed upon the shaft, a member movable with the feeler element and engageable with the abutment whereby to look the lever to the shaft, and meansfor transmitting movement from the shaft to the latch.

9. Apparatus of'the class described'comprising a latch member, a rock shaft having a crank arm fixed thereon, means connecting said crank arm to the latch fortransmitting movement from the shaft to the latch, a collar liked to the shaft, said collar having a substantially radial abutment surface, a lever pivoted to swing upon the shaft, .a feeler element pivotally supported upon the first lever to move relatively thereto, and a toothmoving'with said feeler element and engageable with the said abutment'surface for locking the lever to the shaft.

10. Apparatus of the class described comprising a movable latch member, a rock shaft, a collar fast to said shaft and having a crank arm, a crank pin carried thereby, lifilr means connecting the crank pin with the latch, a second collarfast to the shaft, said latter collar having a peripheral recem providing a substantiallyradial face, a lever pivoted upon the shaft adjacent-to said'secnd collar, and a feeler element pivotally supported upon the lever, said feeler element having a tail member provided with a tooth engageable with the radial face of the recess for locking the lever to the shaft.

11-. Switch mechanism of the class 'described comprising a switch bar pivoted to swin about a fixed axis, latch means .associate iwithsaid bar for holding it in predetermined position, a feeler device pivoted coaxially with said bar, and a rod for transmitting movement from the feeler device to said latch for releasing the latter.

[12. Switch mechanism for use with a gravity oonveyer track comprising a switch bar pivotally supported at one end at a point adjacent to one side of the track, a pivoted latch carried by said bar. adjacent to its op- 'posite end, an abutment'member adjacent tothe opposite side of the track for engagement by said latch, a moviable feeler device arranged for engagement by a body moving along the track, and a link for transmitting movement from the feeler device to the latch.

13. A switch mechanism of the class described comprising a switch bar pivotally supported adjacent to one of its ends, a

1 spring pressed latch mounted upon said bar adjacent-to its, free extremity and engagebar in predetermined position, a givotally supported feeler, and means, inclu ing lost mot on connections, for transmitting movement from the feeler to the latch.

14. Switch mechanism for conveyors comprising a pivotally mounted switch bar, a spring pressed latch ivotally supported upon the. free end of sald bar, a fixed abutment for engagement with said'latch, a mov able feeler member, a pin movable thereby,

and a link, having'a slot at one end with which said pin engages, andconnected at its op osite end to said latch.

5. Switch mechanism of the .class described comprising a switch bar pivoted at one end to swing about a fixed axis, a latch pivotally mounted upon the free extremity of said bar, a feeler device mounted to swing" about the axis of said bar, a pin movable by said feeler device,- a pin carried by said latch, and alink having an elongate slot at either end, said slots respectively being constructed and arranged to reccivethe respective pins.

16. Switch mechanism for conveyors comprising a movable switch member and a retaining latch therefor, a lever arm normally I o'ccup 'ing a position such as to be struck by a y movingalonggthe conveye r, and

thereby to be "swung cos-em side to permit such body to pass, 1 k ed upon said leventarnrsand having a pen e with a fixed ab tment for holding the tooth in any element support- Leiaaso bodily movement therewith, said lever being provided at one end with an element .normally projecting from said member in' the direction of approach of a body along the conveyer and having a tooth at its opposite end, anactuator connected with the latch,

and an abutment element fixed relatively 'to said actuator and engageable by. said'tooth upon movementpf the lever relatively memberupon which it is mounted;

to the. V

18-. In a device of the classfdescribed a movable switch element, and controlling devices therefor comprising-a mainlever, a

feeler lever pivotally supported thereon, a contact element carried by said feeler. lever and spring means interposed between said main lever and feeler lever so constructed and arranged as normally to maintain said feeler lever with its contact element projecting beyond the edge of the'main lever.

19. A device of the class described comprising a lever pivotally supported adja cent to one of its ends a. fixed stop member, spring means normally maintaining said lever in contact with the stop member, an elongate feeler element pivotall supported upon the lever, a contact r01 journalled upon one end of the feeler element, a spring luo normally tending to turn said feelerelemen out of parallelism with the lever, and stop means for limiting suchturning movement.-

20, Switch mechanism-for conveyors comprising a switch member and a retaining latch therefor, an actuator for the latch, a lever normally extending across the conveyor and in the path of bodies moving along the same, a feeler element pivotally supported upon the lever, said element having a contact rollat .one end, the peripheral surface ofwh'ich normally projects beyond the edge of the lever in the direction of approach of bodies along the conveyer, 'ahda-tooth at the opposite end of saidfeeler element, said eing operatively.-engageable with a part fixed relatively to the latch actuator upon movement of the feeler element relatively. to the lever, whereby t lock said lever and actuator together.

21. In combination with a conve er, a movable switch member, and n sans or 'determining movement of such 11 ember'comprising a lever of channel secti in pivotally supported to swing across said conveyor and in a plane substantially parallel thereto, the closed side of said. lever being normally so positioned as to oppose bodies moving along the c'onveyer, said closed side having an elongate slot therein, a feeler lever pivoted within the channel of the first lever, a com pression spring interposed between-the inner surface of the first lever and'one end of the feeler lever, and a contact roll j ournalled at the other end of the feeler lever and nor- .mally projecting through the slot in the first lever.

ceptacles movable along the. same, 'feeler mechanism no'imally extendin across the path of such receptacles, such eelermechanism comprisingrelatively movable contact members the advancing. faces of the several receptacles being provided with elements constructed and arranged respectively for selective contact with one or the other of said feeler members, andi a switch member, movable independently 0 said feeler mechanism, but normally controlled'thereby, for

selectively diverting receptacles'from their normal path in accordance with indications carried by the receptacles. v

23. In combination with a conveyerhaving a main track, a diverging track, receptacles movable along said conveyer, feeler mechanism comprising a plurality of relatively movable members, certain of which normally project beyond others in the direction of approach of said receptacle, selected receptacles having elements arranged to contact with a certam one or said feeler members, prior'to contact of an element of such receptacle with the other of said members, and a switch member, movable independently of such. feeler mechanism, but normally controlled thereby, for determining diversion of selected receptacles to 'the branch track.

24. In combination with a conveyer having diverging tracks, receptacles movable along said conveyor, feeler mechanism comprising a plurality of relatively movable members, selected receptacles having elements arranged to contact with one of said members prior to contact of elements of the receptacles with the other of said members,

22. In combinationwith a conveyor, re-,

ment with said projecting part, and a switch member movable independentlyof said feeler mechanism, but normally under control of the latter, for divertin receptacles from their normal path.

26. In combination with a conveyerhaving a pivotedswitch bar, a receptacle movable along said conveyer, and switch controlling fe'eler mechanism. comprising relatively movable members, one of said members projecting beyond the otherin the direction of approach of receptacles along the con voyer, said receptacle having a recess into which such projecting feeler member may enter.

27'. In combination .with a conveyer having a 'switclli, a receptacle movable along said conveye and switch controlling feeler mechanism comprising. relatively movable members, one of said members projecting beyondthe other in the direction of apcertain of the proach'of receptacles along the conveyer,"

and a vertically adjustable part carried by said selected receptacles, said part having'an element engageable with the second of said feeler members prior to engagement of the projecting member with any portion of the receptacle.

28, In combination with a conveyer having a feeler controlled switch, a receptacle movable alon the conveyer, said receptacle having a guigeway uponits advancing end, a block havin a recess therein slideable along said gui eway, and means for securing said block in adjusted position.

29. A conveyer system including a conveyer for carriers, a station comprising a track divergingfrom said conveyor and. automatic meansfor switching carriers into said station, said means comprising an arm for engaging said carriers before theyreach the junction of said conveyer and track, said arm being mounted to swing into either an operative "or inoperative position, and means comprising a second arm, coaxial with the first arm, for determining movement of said first arm.

30. A conveyer'system including a conveyer for carriers, a station comprising a track diverging from said conveyer,"and automatic means for switching carriers iiito said station, said means comprising an arm for engaging said carriers before they reach 7 v the junction of said conteyer and track, said arm being normally positioned diagonally across the path of'movement of the carriers, and releasable latch means carried by the free extremity of the arm for holding it innormal position on said conveyer but mounted for movement out of said'position.

31; A conveyor system including a conveyer for, carriers, a station comprising a traclg diverging from said conveyer, and

automatic means forswitching carriers into I said station, said means including a-pivoted arm normally positioned in the path of movement of the carriers on said conveyer riers, means-for locking"sa id"switch in its .er, aswitch bar axis normally lying across said ma1n'convey-- normal position, and mechanism comprising a pivoted part coaxial with said switch element and arranged to be actuated by the carfor operating said locking means. 1 33? In a conveye'r system, the combination of a main conveyer for carriers, a branch oonveyer diverging from said main conveyivoted to turn about a fixed release er in position to divert carriers therefrom on to said branch conveynsupporting means for said switch enabling, it to be moved out of said position by the contact therewith of said carriers whereby the carriers are allowed to continue along said first conveyor, a lock for holding said switch in said normal position, a feel'er element in the path of travel ofsaid carriers before they reach saidswitch, means supporting said element for bodily swinging movement independently of the switch bar when struck by one 'ofsaid' carriers, means for returning said element to its initial position after it has been moved away from said position by a carrier, and connections between said element and lock for utilizin the movement of saidelement to operate file lock.

Signed by me at Boston, Massachusetts, this twenty-first day of March, 1922.

rnnn n; raiser.

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