Continuous Sorting in a Multipass Sorting Machine
Original Publication Date: 1971-Feb-01
Included in the Prior Art Database: 2005-Feb-23
Publishing Venue
IBM
Related People
Holme, WM: AUTHOR [+2]
Abstract
This system is a small sorting machine which will complete a large number of separations, with a minimal number of pockets, in a continuously operating system that does not require external manual batch handling and is especially suited for sorted media where the number of pieces per batch is small. A continuous sweeping and a clearing belt (for the removal of sorted material from sorting/pockets) is employed in such a way as to permit retention of material in presorted discrete batch categories, as a means of temporary storage.
Continuous Sorting in a Multipass Sorting Machine
This system is a small sorting machine which will complete a large number of separations, with a minimal number of pockets, in a continuously operating system that does not require external manual batch handling and is especially suited for sorted media where the number of pieces per batch is small. A continuous sweeping and a clearing belt (for the removal of sorted material from sorting/pockets) is employed in such a way as to permit retention of material in presorted discrete batch categories, as a means of temporary storage. This permits accumulation of larger quantities than can be stored in a sorting machine pocket, and retains that material in such a way that it is available for automatic recall to a removal point for re-entry into the sorter or removal for final disposition, without further transfer to another storage location.
The material is sorted and dispatched by any known method, such as the sorting channels 2, into discrete sorting pockets 4. Each of the sort pockets 4 is provided with a trap door 6. When the trap door 6 is released the contents of the sort pockets 4 drop into a sweeping and clearing belt system 8. As an alternative method, sweeping and clearing of sorted material from pockets 4 could be a lateral transfer by a mechanically, hydraulically, or electrically actuated pusher, in which case sweeping system 8 would move adjacent to, rather than under pockets 4. The sweeping and clearing system 8 consists of a series of pockets 10 on a movable conveyer belt 12. The sweeping pocket separators 16 are such that, in conjunction with support system 13, material may be retained up-side- down, in the sweeping and clearing belt pockets, without falling out as...