An improved machine for classifying or automatically sorting or separating plates or other articles or materials according to weight

摘要

400,345. Sorting by weighing. POWELL, J. O., 1, Argyle Avenue, Gorseinon, Swansea. June 23, 1932, No. 17788. [Class 143.] In an apparatus for sorting articles by weight, the weighing device is provided with means whereby the percentage departure allowed from the predetermined weight is maintained constant throughout the range of predetermined-weight settings. Means are also provided for varying the percentage allowed. In the apparatus shown, for sorting tin plates into correct, under and overweight, the plates from a cleaning machine pass over a roller 14 to an inclined pan 1 whereon they are retained by a pivoted stop 2. In passing over the roller the plates depress a link 15 and thereby couple-up a clutch so as to impart one revolution to a cam shaft 20. During the revolution, the weighbeam 29 first adjusts the height of a blade finger 47 suspended from the weighbeam by a rod 46, and a cam then rocks the rod towards two sliding blocks 50, 51. If the weight of the tin plate is too great or too small the blade finger engages one or other of the blocks and pushes it back so as to actuate to a predetermined extent a lever 54, rod 56 and deflector 52, thus setting the deflector in line with one or other of two trays 60, 60a for under and over weight plate respectively. If the plate is of correct weight the blade finger 47 passes between the two blocks 50, 51 and the deflector remains in its upper position leading to the tray 59. A second cam then actuates a lever 68 to swing down the stop 2 and allow the tin plate to slide down the deflector into its allotted tray. As the shaft 20 completes its revolution the parts return to normal position in readiness for the next operation. The apparatus is set to deal with articles of a predetermined correct weight by adjusting a poise 30 on the weightbeam, the adjustment being effected by a milled head 41 and screw 45. At the same time, the milled head adjusts a pendulum weight 39 in a vertical direction so as to ensure for all settings of the poise 30 the same angular deflection of the weighbeam for the same allowable percentage of over or under weight of the articles. The extent of the allowable percentage may be adjusted by varying the gap between the blocks 50, 51 by means of screw 63 co-operating with a dial 66. Instead of employing a deflector 52, the plates may be directed over two trap doors which are opened by the blocks 50, 51 to admit over and under weight plates respectively.