US1712700A

US1712700A - Article-sorting apparatus

Info

Publication number: US1712700A
Application number: US110441A
Authority: US
Inventors: Clarence M Hardenbergh
Original assignee: EMANUEL M RACZ; RICHARD J SHOLTZ
Current assignee: EMANUEL M RACZ; RICHARD J SHOLTZ
Priority date: 1926-05-20
Filing date: 1926-05-20
Publication date: 1929-05-14
Anticipated expiration: 1946-05-14

Description

y 1929. c. M. HARDENBERGH ARTICLE SORTING APPARATUS Filed May 20, 1926' 3 Sheets-Sheet May 14, 1929. c. M. HARDENBERGH ARTICLE SORTING APPARATUS Filed May 20, 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet May 14, 1929.

C. M. HARDENBERGH ARTI OLE SORT I NG APPARATUS Filed May 20 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR J/m'eWte/l ffdme/rk/y/k.

RN QM ATTOIiNEY Patented May 14, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CLARENCE M. HARDENBERGH, OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, ASSIGNOR F ONE-THIRD TO EMANUEL M. RACZ AND ONE-THIRD TO RICHARD J. SHOLTZ, BOTH OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI.

ABTICLE-SORTING APPARATUS.

Application filed May 20, 1926. Serial No. 110,441.

My invention relates to article sorting apparatus and more particularly to an apparatus of that character for automatically diverting articles of like characteristics from a train of articles having various character istics, as, for example, in flour mills, Where flour is usually put up in bags containing 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 140 or 200 pounds of flour and it is desirable to group bags of the same weight or those of several different weights at a certain point such aloading dock, while permitting bags of other welghts to proceed to other diverting points or to a point of storage, the principal object of the invention being to effect a saving in both time and labor by effecting the segregation mechanically.

In accomplishing this and other objects of the invention I have provided improved details of structure hereinafter described, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is a perspective View of the preferred embodiment of an article sorting apparatus constructed in accordance with my invention, the electrical apparatus associated therewith being shown in diagram.

Fig. 2 is a diagram of the electrical circuits.

Fig. 3 is-a plan View of apart of the conveyor, particularly illustrating the mechanisin for driving different sections of thebelt.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view through the driving roller of a selector section of the conveyor belt.

Fig. 5 is a side view of one of the switches. Fig. 6 is a plan View of the switch.

As a convenient adaptation of the invention to use in flour mills for conveying sacked flour from a packing room to one or more loading docks or to selective storage, I prefer to locate the conveyor at-a sufficient height above the floor to provide head room therebeneath, and for this reason preferably suspend a conveyor frame consisting of spaced angle-iron side rails 1 from the ceiling 2 by hangers 3, the conveyor frame extending from the packing room to the last point of discharge and adapted for support-ing any number of forwarding and selector sections. I

Suitably mounted on the rails 1 is a conveyor, comprising ordinary forwarding sections 4, t, and interposed selector sections 5, here shown to consist of-=scale platform members; there being as many platform sections as there are individual offtaking chutes through which the selected articles may be conducted to the respective loading docks or storage bins, the present drawings illustrating but a single platform section and otftaking chute with the complementary electrical controlling mechanism, although it should be understood that these parts may be duplicated throughout the length of the conveyor.

Referring first to the mechanical elements as distinguished from the electrical control, each of the forwarding belt conveyor sections comprises a belt 6' run over rollers 7 on shafts 8 rotatably mounted in bearings 9 on the respective side rails 1, the intermediate portions of the belts being supported by brace rails 10 mounted on brackets 11 on the rails 1 and underlying the belt throughout the greater portion of its length.

Each of the forwarding sections is driven from one of its shafts by a sprocket wheel 12, fixed to the shaft and carrying a chain belt 13 which connects with a sprocket wheel 14 on the roller shaft 8 at the driving end of an adjacent forwarding conveyor section, except that at the power end of the apparatus (Fig. 3), the roller shaft is provided with a gear wheel 15 which meshes with a pinion 16 on the shaft 17 of a motor 18.

Interposed between two adjacent carrying conveyor sections l4t, is a selector conveyor section, here shown to be in the nature of a scale platform and adapted for vertical swinging movement to effect selective control of other parts of the apparatus through switch controlled circuits hereinafter described. The selector or scale platform section comprises a subframe consisting of channel iron. side rails 19, carrying

end rollers

20, 21, over which is run a belt 22 similar to the belts 6 of the carrying conveyor. The roller 21 at the offgoing end of the platform section is axially mounted in the ends of sub-frame bars 19. The roller (Fig. 4) at the oncoming end of the section has its shaft 23 extending through the side rails 19 and loosely through trunnion bearings 24 which are fixed to the main frame rails 1 and are rotatably mounted in bearings 25 on said rails, the shaft serving merely as a driving element for rotating the roller 20 and not for supporting the platform, the platform being supported b trunnions 26 fixed to the side rails 19 of tile subframe and rotatable in the trunnion bearings 24 that are mounted on the main side rails. 1 by means of brackets 27, the trunnions being ring-shaped and having an interior diameter greater than that of the shaft to permit the shaft to turn freely therein. The shaft 23 carries a sprocket wheel 28 which is connected with a sprocket wheel 29 on the adjacent carrying conveyor drive shaft by a chain belt 30, so that the belt of the platform section is driven from the same source of power and in. the same direction as are the carrying conveyor belts.

ed between the ceiling 2 and the conveyor v1 The platform section, being pivotally mounted at one end as described, is free to swing on its axis but' is supported by a spring jack comprising an upstanding barrel 31, supported from the floor of the compartment within which the apparatus is located and having an aperture in its upper end through which is )rojected a plunger rod 32, the upper end 0 which rod carries a roller 33 seating the rail 34 of a bracket 35 that is suspended beneath the platform section from the side rails 19 thereof.

The barrel 31 has a collar 36 at its end and seated on said collar, surrounding the plunger rod 32.and bearing against a collar 37 adjustably fixed to the plunger rod by a set screw 38, is an expansion spring 39 of such strength that when properly adjusted by means of the collar37, it will yieldingly support the platform section at upper I the upper limit of its pivotal movement.

board 40 platform section, is a lever of which is connected with the shaft 23 of roller 21 at the free end of the platform conveyor section by a link 43, and the arm 44 of which is adapted to selectively engage and set the switches hereinafter described, when the platform is lowered under .weight of articles passing through.

Opening from-one side of the ofi'taking forwarding conveyor 4 at any point along its length but preferably adjacent the receiving end. thereof, is an otl chute 45. winging on a vertical axle 46 that is mount- Pivotally mounted on a switch at the side of the 41, one arm, 42,

frame rail 1 at the side of the frame opposite the chute 45, is a gate 47 normally urged toward the oncoming end of the conveyor by a spring 48 that is wound on the axle and has its opposite ends 49 and 49' attached to the ceiling and hooked over the front face of the gate respectively, to yieldingly retain the gate against pressure of oncoming articles, but which is adapted to give underpressure from said articles to, allow the articles to pass, except when the gate is held by a stop member, under control of the electrical a paratus hereinafter described. The gate ax e 46 is located rearwardly of the front side of the chute, and the spring and gate are so adjusted as to normally retain the gate at an angle across the conveyor, to provide a deflecting surface for the articles that are selected for delivery into the chute.

Selective diversion of articles from the conveyor to the chute is controlled by a gate stop member, and this gate sto member is in turn controlled by switches t at are automatically set through vertical movement of the platform conveyor section, in combina-f tion with manual control switches and by automatic control switches located at the oncoming end of the platform conveyor section and within the oiftaking chute, and controlled by oncoming and offgoing articles respectively.

Generically the gate stop consists of a solenoid core 50 under control of a magnet which will be described in connection with the electrical apparatus including a primary setting switch operable by an apron 51 which is suspended over the oncoming end of the selector or scale platform section of the conveyor.

Specifically, the apron consists of a sheet metal plate, V-shaped at its upper end to form a switch operating leaf 52 and having a lip 53 at its lower end wiping the belt 22 of the selector of the platform conveyor section. The apron is pivotally suspended from a rod 54 carried by brackets 55 from the ceiling 2 and secured to the apron within the angle formed at the body of the apron and the leaf 52.

ircuits are opened upon delivery of an article into the diverting chute to free the gate and prepare for a new selective operation of the apparatus upon the oncoming of a succeeding article, the mechanical parts for opening the circuits consisting of a plate 56 located in the chute 45 and attached to a shaft 57 that is pivotally mounted in the sides of the chute and provided with an .elbow lever 58, one arm. 59, of which is connected with a spring 60 that is anchored to the chute to hold thetrip plate 56 at an incline across the path of the articles passing down the chute. The second arm. 61. of ever 58 overlies a switch bar, so that when the trip plate is rocked the switch is opened, as will presently be described.

Each. of the switches employed in the apparatus, except the knife blade switches in the individual selector circuits, are of like mechanical construction, consisting (Figs. 5 and 6) of a bar 62 pivotally mounted on a pin or stud 63, and having a bevelled tri ear 64 at one end connected to the switc bar by a rule joint comprising a-pivot pin 65 and a spring 66 that is coiled on the pin 65 with its ends in engagement with the switch bar and ear respectively, to yieldingly retain the ear in line with the bar. At the end of the bar opposite the ear 64 is an insulated binding post 67 having conductive relation with a contact finger 68. A spring 69 is connected with the switch bar and with an adjacent body to normally hold the switch bar in a determined position but to yield when the bar is rocked by engagement of a lever with the straight face' of the ear 64, the ear yielding, of course, to permit the lever to pass without operating the switch when the lever approaches from the bevelled side of the ear.

The present description refers to the specific mechanical construction of the switch and the reference numerals just employed are not applied to the view of the assembled apparatus (Fig. 1), different reference numerals being applied to the several switches in this assembly view to identify particular switches, but in each case the construction of the switch being as just described unless otherwise stated.

The circuits and circuit making and breaking parts can best be described by ref erence to the passage of an article through the apparatus, and I will in the following description designate such articles as sacks of flour.

As a sack of less than 24 pounds in weight would be too light tooperate the selector or scale platform, I have provided only for the selection of sacks of that weight and of greater weight, and for selecting sacks of such weights for diversion into the oii'taking chute l have provided the switch board 40 with individual switches for sacks of the different weights, there being a switch 70 for sacks of 9.4 pounds or less, 7 0 for 48 pound sacks, 70 for 96 pound sacks, 70

" for 140 pound sacks, and 7 0 for 200 pound Each of these switches has a corresponding contact point 71, 71 71, 71, 71, on the switch board, and

connectors

72, 72, 72*, 72, 72 leading from said contacts to knife blade switches, whereby the selection can be manually determined.

The selection is effected automatically by the lever 41 which is rocked proportionately to the weight of the sack on the platform conveyor section. It is apparent, therefore, that for a heavy sack the lever arm 44 will pass in engagement with a plurality of the switches before coming to rest in operative engagement with the switch corresponding to the weight of a sack on the platform. Consequently, means must be provided for rendering switches complementary to sacks of lesser weight ineffective after the switch lever has temporarily closed such switches during its setting travel.

sacks.

scribed.

is further apparent that no switch resettmg means is required for the switch complementary to the lightest weight of sack as the lever will not be carried over the switches complementary to heavier bags. Consequently, no out-means is required or the switch 70, and its connector is led to a single setting switch 73 which is preferably of the knife type and adapted for closing against .a contact 74. The other switches of the 70 series, however, are led to branches 7 5 7 5", 7 5, 7 5 one line of which leads to a knife blade switch 73 73*, 73, 73 complementary to the switch 73 heretofore mentioned and, adapted for engaging a

contact

74, 74 74, 74; all of the contactsof the 74 series being connected with a wire 76 through which a circuit is completed for setting the gate stop, as will presently be de- The other line of each of the branches in the 75 series leads to a

switch

77, 77 77,77 adapted for engagement with a contact 7 8, 7 8 7 8, 7 8, all leading to a wire 79 through which the circuit for setting the gate stop is broken to release the ga e.

Attention is called to the fact that the switch 70 which is the one on the switch board complementary to sacks of lightest weight, is yieldingly retained inactive position, that is, with its contact finger 68 in engagement with the contact 71, whereas I the remaining switches in the 70 series are yieldingly. held in open position, and that the lever arm 44, operable by the selector 01 platform conveyor section, is normally above the switch 70 but beneath the lowermost of the normally open switches 70 7 0", 70, 70. This is for the reason that the lever arm need never operate the switch 70 in its travel to select a switch for a heavier sack, and consequently, there is no necessityfor automatically opening and closing the circuit through this switch in the selecting operation. The principal reason for this arrangement of the switch 70 and lever 44 is to prevent accidental closing of a selector circuit and resultant setting of the gate stop through vibration of the platform sect-ion following the delivery of a sack from the platform section to the oft'taking conveyor section, all f which will be more specifically pointed out in the following description of the electrical circuits and of operation of the apparatus.

Assuming first that the main circuit is closed by the master switch 80 to close a cirmember 83 held. normally open by a spring 84 and provided with a contact 97 connected with the wire 72 by a branch wire 72 and also ,provided with a contact 86 connected by a wire 88 with a wire 89 having a magnet coil 90 and leading to the negative line 81'. The switch member is movable by the leaf 52 to engage the contact- 97 with a contact 98 connected with the switch 73 by-a wire 99, the switch member coincidentl engaging the contact 86 with a contact-85 in a wire 87 leading from the positive line 81. The magnet coil 90 is adapted to attract a relay armature 91 against the influence of a spring 92 to engage a contact 93 with a contact 94 connected by a wire 95 with the switches 70", 70 and 70, the armature coincidently engaging the contact 93 with a contact 94- connected by a wire 95' with the switch 70, the contact 93 being connected to the positive line 81 by a wire 96.

As a 24 pound sack, 82, which s being forwarded by the conveyor, reachesthe end of the primary conveyor section 4, it is delivered from the belt 6 onto the belt 22 of the selector or scale platform section, and as it is moved forward from one section to the other, passes beneath the apron 51 and rocks the apron on its shaft 54. When the apron is rocked the leaf 52 rocks the switch 83 against the tension of spring 84, bringing contact 86 on the switch 83 into engagement with contact on conductor wire 87 leading from the positive line wire 81. This closes a circuit from the positive line wire 81 throu h wire 87, contacts 85, 86, wire 88 leading from contact 86, wire 89, and magnet coil 90 to the negative line wire 81', energizing the magnet and attracting relay armature 91 against the tension of its spring 92 to closethe armature contact 93 against contact 94' connected with wire 95, thereby closing the circuit from the positive line wire 81, through wire 96, A relay contacts 93, 94, wire 95, through the contact finger 68 of the normally closed switch 7 0, contact 71, wire 72, wire 89, through magnet coil 90 back to the negative line wire 81, thereby energizing the magnet 90 through this second local circuit; Closing of the A relay magnet or first local circuit by the apron switch is' only momentary for the reason that the contacts 85, 86, are brought together only as the leaf 52 of apron 51 passes over the end of the rule joint trip car which holds to rock the switch on down movement of the apron leaf, the switch being returned to initial position under tension of its spring as soon as the leaf passes over the lip to break the contacts 85, 86, and open the first local circuit through wires 87 and 89, The momentary closing of this circuit is sufficient, however, to close the second local circuit through the armature contacts 93, 94' so that the magnet 90 remains energized after breaking of the switch 83 and the secondary local circuit through the A relay magnet is maintained. Immediately, also, upon closing of the A relay circuit, another circuit is closed, from positive line wire 81, wire 96, A relay contacts 93, 94', wire 95', the contacts at switch 70, wire 72, branch wire 72, the contacts 97, 98 at the apron switch 83, wire 99, knife blade switch 73 and its contact 74, through wire 76, wire 100, the contacts at. the chute switch 101, wire 102, and magnet coil 103, back to the negative line'81', thereby' energizing the magnet at the B relay and attracting the armature 104 to close the

contacts

105, 106, and 107 108. Closing of the circuit just described takes place immediately upon-closing of the apron switch circuit, so that the B relay magnet circuit is closed before the apron switch is\ opened. Closing of the B relay armature contacts closes the circuit from the positive line wire 81, through wire 109,

B relay contacts

105, 106, wire 110, the contacts 111, 112 of the normally closed C relay, wire 113, wire 100, the contacts of the chute switch 101, wire 102, and magnet coil 103, back to the negative line wire 81, closing the circuit last named and energizing the ;B relay magnet coil to retain the armature '104 against the tension of its spring 114 and retain the B relay magnet energized through a circuit independent of those controlled by the apron switch. Consequently, when the apron switch is released and its circuits opened, the B relay magnet is not de-energized but continues to hold the armature 104 in closed maintaining a circuit through the magnet 103 by which its said armature is retained. Simultaneously with the closing of the circuit through B relay contacts 105. 106 a.

second circuit is closed through the B reiay contacts, 107 and 109, flowing from the positive linewire 81, through wire 115, solenoid coil 116, wire 117,

contacts

107, 108, and wire 118, back to the negative line wire 81', thereby energizing the coil 116 and shooting the solenoid core 50 to position for stopping the gate 47, as shown in Fig. 1.

The 24 pound sack 82 continuing to move forward with the conveyor belts, is delivered from the belt of the scale platform section onto the second forwarding conve or section 4', and being advanced/on the belt 6 of said section 4, is brought-into contact with the gate 47. The gate 47 being held by its stop 50, will not, yield to allow the sack to pass, but deflects it laterally into the chute 45, down which the sack passes by gravity.

During its passage-down the chute 45, the sack travels over the rock plate 56, rocking the lever 58 and operating the switch 101 to separate the contact finger of switch 101 from the contact 119 against the tension of spring 120, by which the switch 101 is normally held closed, thereby breaking the circuit from the positive line wire 81, through wire 109,

contacts

105, 106, wire 110, contacts 111, 112, wire 113, wire 100, the chuteswitch contacts, wire 102, and magnet coil 103, to the negative line wire, de-energizing the magnet 103 and permitting the spring scribed except the closing of the A relay circuit is repeated, should another 24 pound sack or a lighter one follow the first along the conveyor.

Attention is here called to the fact that the switch corresponding to the 24 pound sack, has not been operated, but has merely remained in its normal position.

Assuming, however, that a heavier sack follows the 24: pound one along the conveyor, and for convenience of description that it is a 1 10 pound sack.

As the 140 pound sack passes beneath the apron 51 it rocks the switch 83, closing the first local circuit through the

A relay contacts

93, 94, to close the second local circuit through wire 95', wire 72, wire 72', and wire 89, through A relay magnet coil 90 to the negative line wire, thereby maintaining the second local or A relay circuit. As the heavier sack rides onto the platform section 5, its weight will lower the lever 41, moving the lever arm 44 up over the

switches

70 and 70 to engagement with the switch 70. As the lever moves over the first switch 70*, it rocks the switch bar 68 and contact 71", the knife blade switch 73 on the upper line of branch of wire 72 being open, and the switch 7 7 a on the lower line of said branch being closed. A circuit is then closed from the positive line wire 81, through A relay contact 93, contact 94 and wire 95, connecting the switches 70, 7 0 7 0 and 7 0, through 7 0 switch, contacts 68, 71*, wire 72", branch 75 switch 77, contact 78, wire 79, G relay magnet coil 121, to the negative line wire 81, energizing the magnet 121 and attracting C relay armature 122 against the tension of its spring 123 and separating the C relaycontacts 111, 112, thereby breaking the circuit from positive line wire 81, through

B relay contacts

105, 106, wire 110, C relay contacts 111, 112, wire 113, Wire 100, the chute switch contacts,

wire 102, B relay magnet coil 103 to the negative line wire, de-energizing B relay magnet and permitting the B relay armature to return to normal position, separating the

contacts

105, 106, and 107, 108, the latter separation breaking the circuit through the solenoid 116 and freeing the gate. Continued movement of the lever 44 over the switches 70 rocks this switch, but without effect, and the lever coming to rest against the switch 70 holds that switch closed, but as the complementary knife blade switch 7 7 c is closed, flow of current would be in the same path as that described inreference to switch 70 in so far as the gate control is concerned. Consequently, when the 140 pound sack reaches the gate, friction of the sack against the conveyor belt will hold the sack to the belt and the "sack will push the gate open and pass on.

Attention is here called tothe fact that the local (A relay magnet) circuits have not been disturbed.

Next assume that a car is to be loaded with 48 and 1 10 pound sacks from the dock served by the chute 45, and that sacks of all of the various weights are being forwarded indiscriminately along the con-1 veyor, the apparatus is set for delivering 18 and 140 pound sacks down the chute by closing the knife blade switches 73 and 73 on the upper branches of the

wires

72 and 72 leading from the contacts for the switches 70 and 7 0, the upper knife blade switches on the lines leading to the other sections of the 70 series being left open.

The lower knife blade switches on the lines leading to the active switches 7 0 and 70 are left open and those leading to the contacts for the remaining and inactive switches of the 70 series are closed. The switch 70 having no lower knife blade switch corresponding to those in the 78 series, is ignored, its upper knife blade switch 73 remaining open as arethe corresponding switches for the active switches of the 70 series.

For convenience of description, further assume that a group of sacks are passing in the following order :-21 pound, 48 pound, 96 pound, 1 10 pound and 200 pound. The master switch being closed, the 2 1 pound sack being the first in the group traveling on the conveyor, moves onto the scale platform section, rocking the apron 51 and closing the first local circuit through the contacts 85, 86 and A relay magnet coil 90, thereby closing the second local circuit through A

relay contacts

93, 94,

wire

95, 70 switch contacts, wire 72 and wire 89, through the A relay magnet coil 90, to retain the A relay magnet energized and the circuit through A

relay contacts

93, 94 closed after the first local circuit has been broken by re-opening of the apron switch.

The circuit heretofore mentioned as being closed through the knife blade switch 73, complementary to the switch and 24 pound sack, remains open, however, because the switch 73 is not closed. Consequently, no circuit is closed through the gate solenoid and the gate remains free so that the 24 pound sack pushes the gate out of the way and travels on with the conveyor.

Attention is here called to the fact that after this operation the A relay circuit is still closed, the inventionbeing to retain this circuit closed continuously during the operation of the conveyor except upon certain undesirable happenings hereinafter mentioned.

The 24 pound sack having moved on past the chute, the 48 pound sack follows, operating the apron 51 as before, closing the first local circuit through

wires

87 and 89 and coil 90. but unnecessarily, for the reason that the coil is already-energized through the second local circuit heretofore mentioned as passing through the A relay contacts, wire 95, wire 72, and wire 89. The 48 pound sack passing onto the scale platform section is of sufiicient weight to lower said section against the tension of its spring jack, and rock the lever arm 44 into engagement with the switch 70, rocking the switch to make contact between its finger 68 and the contact 71", thereby closing a circuit from positive line wire 81, wire 96. A

relay contacts

93, 94,

wire

95, 70 switch contacts 68, 71 wire 7 2*, branch 75,upper knife blade switch 73, wire 7 6, Wire 100, the

chute switch contacts

119, 68, wire 102, B relay magnet coil 103, to the negative line wire 81, thereby attracting the B relay armature and closing the circuit from-the positive line wire 81, wire 109,

B relay contacts

105, 106, wire 110, C relay contacts 111, 112, wire 113, wire 100, the

chute switch contacts

119, 68, wire 102. and B relay coil to the negative line wire 82, thereby clo ing the supplemental circuit through the B relay-magnet to retain the B relay arn'iature.

Simultaneously with the closing of the magnet retaining circuit through the B relay armature, a circuit is closed from the positive line wire 81,'through wire 115, the gate stop solenoid, wire 117 B relay contacts 107,108, and wire 118 to the negative line wire, thereby shooting the gate stop to hold the gate against the 48 pound sack. The 48 pound sack being delivered from the scale platform conveyor section 4, meets the gate and is diverted thereby to the chute where the operation of opening the circuits and particularly the solenoid gate stop circuit by passage of the sack over the rock plate 56 in the chute, as heretofore described, is repeated.

The 48 pound sack having passed down the chute and all of the circuits except the second local one through the A relay magnet coil having been broken, the 98 pound sack moves onto the scale platform section, rocking the apron, closing and opening the first local A relay magnet circuit as occurs with each operation of the apron. Weight of the 98 pound sack on the scale platform rocks the lever 44 up along the switch 70 and into engagement with the switch 7 b where the lever comes to rest, holding the contact finger of the lever 70* in engagement with the contact 71". As the lever 44 passes over the switch 70, a circuit is closed through the 70 switch contacts is'set up the gate stop as just described. It is true that as soon as the lever 44 passes over the switch 70, the switch is returned to normal position, breaking the contact 68, 71. This, however, does not break the circuit through the gate sto solenoid, as closing of the circuit througi the 70 switch contacts has closed the B relay so that the circuit through the

B rela contacts

105, 106, C relay contacts 111, 112, wire 113, wire 100.

chute switch contacts

119, 68, wire 102, and B relay magnet coil 103 to the negative line has been set up, and the B relay armature is retained in active position even after the breaking of the 70 switch. Consequently, unless some other means were provided for breaking the B relay magnet switch, the gate would remain set and the 98 pound sack delivered into the chute. Before the sack can reach the gate, however, the lever 44 has rocked switch 70*, rocking the contacts 68, 71 and closing the circuit from positive line wire 81, wire 96, A

relay contacts

93, 94,

wire

95, 70 switch contact finger 68, contact 71 the lower line knife blade switch 77, contact 7 8", wire 79, C relay magnet coil 121, to the negative line wire 82, energizing the C relay magnet 121 and rocking the C relay armature 122 against the tension of its spring to break the contacts 111 and 112. Upon breaking the contacts 111 and 112, the circuit is broken from positive line wire 81, wire 109,

contacts

105, 106, wire 110, contacts 11.1 and 112, wire 113, wire 100, the

chute switch contacts

119, 68, wire 102. B relay magnet coil 103, to the negative line wire,- and the B relay armature released and returned by its spring to break the circuit through the

contacts

105, 106, and 107, 108. Breaking of the circuit from the positive line wire 81, wire 115, gate stop solenoid coil 116, wire 117,

contacts

107, 108 and wire 118, to the negative line wire, releasing the solenoid core which is returned to free the gate and thereby allow the 98 pound sack to pass.

The 140 pound sack next in train moves onto the scale platform, operating the apron to close the switch 83 as heretofore described, and the lever 44 rocks the switch 70 (complementary to the 48 pound sack) to close a circuit through the switch 73" and contact 107, 108 opens the circuit arrangement.

energize the gate stop tion, rocking contact finger solenoid, then movin on to the switch 70", releasing the stop and then finally on to the switch 7 3, relocks the stop, all as heretofore described, the upper knife blade switch 7 3 having been closed to eiiect the closing of the solenoid circuit as described with reference to switch 70.

The 140 pound sack being diverted into the chute, opens thecircuits except the sec ond local one through the A relay magnet coil, and again prepares the apparatus for an oncoming sack. v

The 200 pound sack being next in train passes over the scale platform selector secthe lever 44 over the switches of the 70 series in turn until it comes to rest on the switch 70. The knife blade switch 78, complementary to the switch 70 and to the 200 pound sack, being closed, the gate stop solenoid is de-energized and the gate :treed to permit the 200 pound sack to pass along the conveyor.

it is apparent, therefore, that irrespective of the order of passage of sacks of different weights along the conveyor, only those se lected for delivery into the chute are diverted by the gate, and that the automatic switch mechanism controls the gate stop for only selected diversion into the chute.

It is readily apparent that when the spring supported scale platform conveyor section 1s relieved from the weight of a sack, its sudden return to normal position may result in re bound and such vibration ofthe platform as to rock the lever 44 and possibly induce accidental closing of one or more'of the switches of the 70 series and thereby interfere with the I To obviate this difiilocated the switch 7 underculty, I have lever 44: so that vibration of the neath the lever will finally actuate the switch 70 to rock the switch 70 against the tension of its break the contact between its 68 and contact 71; Breaking of this contact opens the second local circuit from positive line wire 81, through wire 96, contacts 93, 94', wire 95, switch contacts 68, 71, wire 72, wire 98, and wire 89 through the A relay magnet coil 90 to the negative line wire 82, de-energizing the magnet 90 and permitting the A relay armature spring 92 to return the armature and break the local circuit through contacts 93, 94'. Consequently, it any of the other circuits had been closed'by accidental movement of the series switches, or any of them, such circuit would be broken by interruption of flow of current through the wire 95 and all of the circuits would be re-opened. This operation would not, however, cause any interruption in the operation of the apparatus, as the next bag moving onto the plat form conveyor section would simply close the first local A relay magnet circuit as in an initial operation of the conveyor.

spring 69 and It is apparent, therefore, that I have pro- .vided a simple arrangement of mechanical and electrical elements which may be manually set for any desired diversion from the conveyor, and which, after the initial setting, will automatically operate to maintain that diversion irrespective of the grouping of sacks on the conveyor, and further, that I have provided against accidental interference with the selected diversion.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters-Patent is:

1. Article sorting. apparatus comprising a conveyor, a gate for diverting articles from the conveyor, a stop for the gate, elec 'tromagnetic means controlling said stop,

comprising a circuit including a normally open switch, electromagnetic means for closing. said switch comprising a circuit including two normally open switches, electromagnetic means comprising a circuit including a switch operable from an article moving with the conveyor to close one of said two normally open switches, and means operable from said article upon its continued movement with the conveyor to close the second of said two normally open switches.

22. Article sorting apparatus comprising a conveyor, a gate for diverting articles from the conveyor, a stop for the gate, electromagnetic means controlling said stop, comprising a circuit including a normally open switch, electromagnetic means for closing said switch comprising a circuit including two normally open switches, electro-magnetic means comprising a circuit including a switch operable from an article moving with the conveyor to close one of said two normally open switches, means operable from said article upon its continued movement with the conveyor to close the second of said two normally open switches, means comprising a circuit including electro-magnetic means for controlling the first-named switch and a normally closed switch operable by a diverted article to break the circuits and release the stop.

3. Article sorting apparatus comprising a conveyor, a gate for diverting articles from the conveyor, a stop for said gate, electromagnetic means controlling said stop, comrisin a circuit includin a normall 0 )en closing the second of said three switches,

and electromagnetic means comprising a circult including the second-named switch for closing the third-named switch.

4. Article sorting apparatus comprising a conveyor, a gate for diverting articles from the conveyor, a stop for said gate, electromagnetic means controlling said stop comprising a circuit including a normally open switch, electromagnetic means for closing said switch comprising a circuit including three normally open' switchcs, electromagnetic means for closing the first of said switches, including a normally open switch, means operable by an article traveling with the conveyor to close said last-named switch, mechanical means operable upon continued travel of the article with the conveyor for closingthe second of said three switches, electromagnetic means comprising a circuit including the second-named switch for closing the third-named switch, and a normally closed switch included in circuit with said I last-named electromagnetic means operable by a diverted article to open said circuit and release the stop.

- 5. Article sorting apparatus comprising a conveyor, a gate fordiverting articles from the, conveyor, a stop for said gate, a normally open A relay circuit, a normally closed B relay circuit, and a normally open C relay circuit, electromagnetic means for closing the A relay circuit comprising a normally open switch operable from an article traveling with the conveyor, and a secondary circuit including the A relay contacts for maintaining said electromagnetic circuit closed after release of said switch, electromagnetic means comprising a primary circuit including part of the A relay primary closing circuit for closing the O relay, a secondary circuit including contacts in the C relay and the B relay for maintaining the C relay closed, the electromagnetic means controlling the C relay including a normally closed switch operable by diverted articles to open the circuit and release the gate stop.

6. Article sorting apparatus comprising a conveyor including a scale platform selector section, a gate for diverting articles from the conveyor, a 530p for said gate comprising a solenoid an 1ts core, the solenoid circuit including a relay, means controlling said relay including a primary relay circuit,

a plurality of normally open and a single closed automatic switches in series 'with the relay, a conductor for each of the normally open series switches including a manually setable switch for closing the first-named relay controlling circuit, and a manually setable switch for opening said relay circuit, a local circuit for controlling the primary relay, a switch controlling the local circuit operable by an article oncoming with the conveyor, a lever connected with said selector conveyor section operable in one direction to selectively close said normally open switches and in the other direction to plurality of switch closed.

open said normally closed switch, and means operable 'by an article diverted from the conveyor for opening said circuits includin v a normally closed switch included in the rst mentioned relay controllinr circuit, and a trip plate operable by the diverted article to open said switch.

rticle sorting mechanism comprising a conveyor including a scale platform tion pivotally mounted at its oncoming end and yieldingly supported for graduated movement proportional to the articles passed thereover, a gate for passing diverted articles from the conveyor, a switch actuating lever selectively operable by said platform section, an apron operable by articles delivered to the platform section, a rock plate in the offtaking chute, and electromagnetic means under control of the apron, the platform lever and the rock plate for controlling the gate stop.

8. Article sorting apparatus including a conveyor, a gate for diverting articles from the conveyor, a stop for said gate, 11 normally open electrical circuit controlling said stop, a second normally open circuit contro ling the first-named circuit, a third normally open circuit controlling said second circuit and includin a switch operable from an article traveling on the conveyor, a normally closed switch in the secondnamed circuit-operable by articles diverted from the conveyor, and a. further normally open circuit controlled by the third circuit and contolling the second circuit to retain the second circuit closed.

9. Article sorting apparatus including a conveyor, a gate for diverting articles from the conveyor, a sto for said gate, a circuit including a norma ly open switch controlling said stop, a second circuit includin a plurality of normally open selective switches operable by articles the conveyor and a normally open primary the conveyor to set the primary switch.

10. Article sorting apparatus including a conveyor, a. gate for diverting articles from the conveyor, a sto for said gate, a circuit including a normally open switch controlling said stop, a second circuit includin a normally open selective switches operable by articles passing over the conveyor and a normally open primary switch, controlling the first circuit, a third circuit including a switch operable by urticles passing over the conveyor to set the primary switch, and a branch from the third circuit for retaining the primary 11. Article sorting apparatus including a conveyor, a gate for diverting articles from the conveyor, a stop for said gate, a circuit the conveyor, astop for said gate, A, B and including a normally open switch controlling said stop, a'second circuit including a plurality of normally open selective switches operable by articlespassing over the conveyor, primary arms complementary to the selective switches, a normally open primary switch, controlling the first circuit, a third circuit including a switch operable by articles passing over the conveyor to set the primary switch; a fourth circuit includingthe selective switches, secondary arms coinplementary to the selective switches and a magnet, and a. normally closed switch controlled by said magnet and controlling the second circuit.

12. Article sorting apparatus including a conveyor, having a rocking scale platform section, a gate for diverting articles from the conveyor, a stop for said gate, A, B and C relay armature switches and their magnets, means yieldingly retaining the A and B armatures open and the G armature closed, a circuit controlling said stop normally open through the B armature, a normally open switch operable by articles passing to the scale platform, a plurality of normally open selective switches operable by the scale platform, primary and secondary branch switches for each selective switch, and a normally closed switch controlled by articles diverted from the conveyor, a B relay magnet circuit including the diverter switch, the primary branch switches, the selective switches and the A relay armature switch and having a branch including the B and C armature switches,

an A armature closing circuit including the A armature magnet and the setting switch,

a circuit for retaining the A armature switch closed including the A armature magnet and the A armature switch, a circuit for closing the B armature switch ineluding the B armature magnet, the diverter switch, the selective switches and their primary branches. and the A armature switch, a circuit for retaining the B armature switch closed including the B armature magnet, the diverter switch, the C armature switch and the B armature switch, and a circuit for releasing the B armature in cluding the A armature switch, the selective switches and the secondary branches andthe C armature magnet. v

13. Article sorting apparatus including a conveyor, having a rocking scale platform section, a gate for diverting articles from C relay armature sections and their magnets,

means yieldingly retaining the A and B switches for each selective switch, and normally closed switch controlled by articles diverted from the conveyor, a B relay'mag- 'net circuit including the diverter switch, the

primary branch switches, the selective switches and the A relay armature switch and having a branch including the B and C armature switches, an 'A armature closing circuit including the A armature magnet and the setting switch, a circuit for retaining the A armature switch closed including the A armature magnet and the A armature switch, a circuit for closing the B armature switch including the B armature magnet, the

diverter switch, the selective switches and then-primary branches and the A amature switch, a circuit for retaining the B armature switch closed including the B armature magnet, the diverter switch, the C armature switch and the B armature switch, a circuit for releasing the B armature including the A armature switch, the selective switches and their secondary branches and the C armature magnet, and a normally closed switch in the A armature switch closing circuit operable by rebound of the selective switch arm to effect release of the A armature switch.

14. Article sorting apparatus including a horizontal conveyor including a roclnng scale platform section and an ofitaking section, a gate fordiverting articles to the offtaking section, a stop for said gate, electromagnetic means for controlling said stop including a normally open switch, an electro-magnet for closing said switch, a primary switch for closing the magnet circuit, an electric magnet for closing said primary switch, means operable by articles movable on the conveyor .for closing the primary switch magnet, a plurality1 of selective contacts, each in circuit with t e primary switch, a rocking switch operable by the scale Platform section 'for selectively closin circuits through said contacts, and a norma 1y closed switch in said magnet circuits operableby' articles diverted to the oiftaking section for actuating said last-named switch to release the gate stop.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

CLARENCE M. HARDENBERGH.