The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 07, 1990
Filed:
Aug. 23, 1989
Bill E Davis, Irving, TX (US);
Paul Podsiad, Plano, TX (US);
Stewart Systems, Inc., Plano, TX (US);
Abstract
An article sorting switch comprising a plurality of pallet support members and means for moving pallet support members through a predetermined closed course. Pallets are slideably supported on the pallet support members in abutting relationship and have switch engaging members depending therefrom. The pallets have lower arcuate side portions that allow the pallets to remain in continuous sequential contact as the pallets pass through arcuate portions of the closed course. A switching mechanism is provided for selectively directing the pallets to one of several diverging article conveying paths. The article conveying paths are defined by sorting guide members, and return guide members are provided for realigning the pallets to a central location corresponding to the switching mechanism. Knife edge conveyors are provided to load and unload the article sorting switch without subjecting the articles to any substantial vertical drop. The article sorting switch is thereby especially adapted to handle loosely bound bundles of papers, letters, and magazines.