Sorting device for sorting conveyed objects

Claim 1

Apparatus for sorting continuously any objects as determined by process criteria from a succession of objects and preventing each sorted object from entry with non-sorted objects to a main path of movement, comprising a distributor including a distributing wheel movable rotationally about a vertical axis for moving all objects along a second path, an element at the end of said second path for urging each object during movement with said distribution wheel toward said main path, an ejecting wheel likewise supported for movement rotationally about an axis parallel to said first-mentioned axis, a plurality of pins, each having an elongated length, carried by said ejecting wheel, said ejecting wheel being synchronized in movement so that said pins in succession when deployed in operation are adapted to act along their length upon successive objects moving with said distributing wheel along said second path between said ejecting and distributing wheels for overcoming action of said element whereby each object to be sorted continues movement with said distributing wheel, each elongated length of each said pin having a convex bearing surface toward said path for acting on an object to be sorted, and a shaft equal in number to the number of pins for mounting said pins for sorting deployment, each said shaft being carried by said ejecting wheel downstream in movement of said ejecting wheel.