GB907690A - Improvements in automatic machines for sorting articles - Google Patents

Abstract

907,690. Sorting by gauging. ZKL VYZKUMNY USTAV PRO VALIVA LOZISKA. May 11, 1960, No. 16688/60. Class 106 (2). An automatic machine for sorting articles according to the diameter of a surface of revolution comprises a continuously rotatable feed disc with recesses in its periphery, a feed station, a measuring station, a plurality of sorting stations arranged around the feed disc and control means to open the entrance to a sorting station selected in accordance with the size of the article. As shown (Fig. 1) a rotating disc 1 has recesses 2 into which test pieces 6 are fed by means (Fig. 2) of a vertical tube 7 a rotating disc 8 and a stop 8a. The test pieces are passed between a fixed contact 9 (Fig. 4) and a movable contact 10 on an arm 12 pivoted at 13 and urged towards the fixed contact 9 by a spring 14. Movement of the arm is restricted by sensing means 15 which moves one or more electromagnets 64 (Fig. 21) to depress pins 63 in a disc 62 rotating with disc 1. The pins operate switches 66 (Fig. 24) on a fixed plate to open the flap of the appropriate sorting station 5 when the test piece reaches it. The disc 1 and contacts 9, 10 may be varied for different sizes and shapes of test pieces. Two dimensions may be simultaneously measured by providing a second movable contact and sensing means.