An automated sorting machine , comprising: at least one longitudinal rail ; a plurality of transverse slats configured to travel longitudinally along the rail ; at least one shoe slidingly retained on at least one of the slats; at least one diverter rail ; and at least one diverter disposed along the longitudinal rail , the diverter comprising: a diverter block ; an actuator coupled to the diverter block ; an actuator arm coupled to the actuator , the actuator arm being operable between a first position and a second position; a diverter flipper pivotally coupled to the diverter block , the diverter flipper having a slot and being operable between a non-divert position corresponding to the first position of the actuator arm and a divert position corresponding to the second position of the actuator arm ; and a pin coupled to the actuator arm and being disposed within the slot of the diverter flipper , such that rotation of the actuator arm between the first position and the second position pivots the diverter flipper between the non-divert position and the divert position; characterized in that the first position and the second position of the actuator arm are separated by approximately 90 degrees, thereby creating a mechanical lock that holds the diverter flipper in either the non-diverted position or the diverted position. at least one longitudinal rail ; a plurality of transverse slats configured to travel longitudinally along the rail ; at least one shoe slidingly retained on at least one of the slats; at least one diverter rail ; and at least one diverter disposed along the longitudinal rail , the diverter comprising: a diverter block ; an actuator coupled to the diverter block ; an actuator arm coupled to the actuator , the actuator arm being operable between a first position and a second position; a diverter flipper pivotally coupled to the diverter block , the diverter flipper having a slot and being operable between a non-divert position corresponding to the first position of the actuator arm and a divert position corresponding to the second position of the actuator arm ; and a pin coupled to the actuator arm and being disposed within the slot of the diverter flipper , such that rotation of the actuator arm between the first position and the second position pivots the diverter flipper between the non-divert position and the divert position; a diverter block ; an actuator coupled to the diverter block ; an actuator arm coupled to the actuator , the actuator arm being operable between a first position and a second position; a diverter flipper pivotally coupled to the diverter block , the diverter flipper having a slot and being operable between a non-divert position corresponding to the first position of the actuator arm and a divert position corresponding to the second position of the actuator arm ; and a pin coupled to the actuator arm and being disposed within the slot of the diverter flipper , such that rotation of the actuator arm between the first position and the second position pivots the diverter flipper between the non-divert position and the divert position; characterized in that the first position and the second position of the actuator arm are separated by approximately 90 degrees, thereby creating a mechanical lock that holds the diverter flipper in either the non-diverted position or the diverted position. <EOS>