Patent GB-237158-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to automatic parcel assorting machines
IPC: B61L23/00
Filed: 1924-12-15
Abstract: 237,158. Sousa, J. R. Dec. 15, 1924. Mechanical dispatch apparatus.- Means for distributing bundles of laundry or other small articles, according to names or the like, to compartments from which the bundles can be taken at will, comprise an electrically-actuated conveyer controlled by keys or pushbuttons. The conveyer carries the bundle to the compartment for which it is intended, a rake device there transferring the bundle to the compartment, means being provided for reversing the motor of the conveyer to return it empty to the starting point. Sections A, B are connected by a partition 1 carrying key or push-button switches 2 with their indicating plates 3, each section comprising an inner wall 4 and outer open framework 5 carrying brackets 6 which, with the wall 4, support horizontal partitions 7, forming the bottoms of the article receiving compartments. The sides of the compartments are formed by vertical partitions 8, the tops of which are spaced from the partitions 7 to allow conveyers to pass on rails 10 supported from the partitions 7. A conductor rail 11, in electric communication with a battery, is carried by each partition 7 between the track rails. Metal strips 12, one in each row electrically communicating with the battery, are carried by, and project above, the partitions 8, and receive the reduced ends of a bar 13 fitted with spaced prongs 14 to form a rake device. A solenoid core, attached by a chain to an arm 15 on each rake device, is adapted to tilt the bar 13 and throw the prongs upwardly in the path of a conveyer. When the prongs are raised, the arm 15, which normally engages a contact plate 18, contacts with a plate 19 to press it into contact with a plate 20, the plates 18, 19, 20 acting both as switches and as stops. Each conveyer comprises a body 21, open at the rear end and formed at the front end with spaced strips 22, through which the prongs 14 can pass. A motor, gearing with the conveyer wheels and drawing current through a trolley device from the rail 11, electrically connects with a reversing-switch 31 linked to a lever 33 pivoted near a cam 34 at one end of the conveyer. A pivoted latch lever 35, adapted to engage a prong of a rake to hold it in the raised position, also engages the lever 33 on the conveyer to swing it rearwardly, thereby reversing the switch 31 and motor to return the conveyer to the starting point. Before the conveyer begins its return movement, the cam 34 raises the lever 35, thereby allowing the rake device to fall to its normal position. The front portion 11' of each conductor 11 is insulated from the rest of the conductor, and the plate 19 of the first compartment of each row is in electrical communication with the conductor portions 11<1> and the contact plates 18, 20 are electrically connected to each other, each plate 18 being also connected with the next strip 12 and finally with the rail 11. Each solenoid 17 is electrically connected with the battery and the switches 2. In operation, the actuation of a switch 2 causes current to flow in the solenoid circuit of the compartment concerned, thereby raising the rake device and closing the contacts 15, 19, 20. Current then flows through the strip 12, plates 15, 19 to the part 11' of the trolley conductor to start the motor. Current also flows to the part 11 of the conductor through the plate 20. As the conveyer approaches the raised rake device, the prongs push the bundle from the conveyer to the compartment, the latch lever 35 reverses the switch 31 to return the conveyer and the cam 34 releases the latch 35 to allow the rake to fall, thereby disengaging the contacts 19, 20 and cutting the current supply to the conductor part 11<1> to bring the conveyer to rest. To prevent the conveyer leaving the track, a stop 43 on the conveyer engages a buffer 44 at the front end of the track.