Patent ID: 7080740

Claim:
A sorting apparatus which separates a work flowing on a production line according to a predetermined standard and arrays the work in one column, the apparatus comprising: a carrying-in line carrying in the work; a work identifying machine provided on the way of said carrying-in line; a plurality of columns of temporary accumulating units installed neighboring said carrying-in line at an approximately same height as the carrying-in line; a plurality of trays provided respectively corresponding to said plurality of columns of temporary accumulating units; a pusher pushing out the work which flows in said carrying-in line into one column of said temporary accumulating units based on a result identified by said work identifying machine; and a transfer machine that grips and transfers a predetermined number of works all together to said trays corresponding to said temporary accumulating units when said predetermined number of works is accumulated in said temporary accumulating units, wherein said transfer machine comprises a gripping unit, and an elevator machine for raising and lowering said gripping unit, and a rail positioned to extend above said plurality of trays and said plurality of temporary accumulating units, such that said gripping unit can grip and transfer said predetermined number of works from said plurality of temporary accumulating units to said plurality of trays via said rail and said elevator machine.