Sorting switch

In a sorting switch of the type including a plurality of pallets each mounted both for movement around a closed course and for transverse movement relative to the course to effect article sorting, the improvement comprising:

• a plurality of channel-shaped pallet support members each having a relatively wide, substantially flat upper web and flanges depending from both edges of the web;
• each of the channel-shaped pallet support members individually supporting one of the pallets for movement around the course and for transverse movement relative to the course;
• means supporting the channel-shaped pallet support members for sequential movement around said closed course;
• and
• means for selectively positioning each pallet on its respective pallet support member in a direction extending transverse relative to the closed course and thereby effecting article sorting.

A sorting switch comprising:

• a plurality of channel-shaped pallet support members each comprising a relatively wide, substantially flat upper web and flanges depending from each edge of the web;
• means defining a predetermined closed course of movement for said channel-shaped pallet support members;
• means for moving the channel-shaped pallet support members sequentially around said predetermined closed course;
• a plurality of pallets each slidably supported on one of the channel-shaped pallet support members for transverse movement relative to the course between at least two predetermined positions with respect thereto;
• and
• switching means for selectively positioning the pallets relative to the channel-shaped pallet support members and transversely relative to the course, and thereby effecting article sorting.

In a sorting switch of the type comprising a plurality of pallets mounted for movement in sequence around a predetermined closed course and each having a switch engaging member depending therefrom for actuation to move the pallets transversely relative to the course and thereby effect article switching, an improved pallet switching apparatus comprising:

• input channel means for receiving the switch engaging member of each pallet during the movement thereof around the closed course;
• the input channel means defining a predetermined input path of the switch engaging members;
• switching channel means for receiving the switch engaging member of each pallet from the input channel means;
• means supporting the switching channel means for pivotal movement around a predetermined axis;
• means for selectively positioning the switching channel means in either of at least two pivotal positions and thereby directing switch engaging members received from the input channel means along one of at least two predetermined output paths;
• and
• camming structure for receiving the switch engaging members from the switching channel means and defining the two predetermined output paths.

In a sorting switch of the type adapted for use with pallets having switch engaging members, a switching apparatus comprising:

• a base plate;
• a diverter plate;
• means for slidably supporting the diverter plate on the base plate;
• means for securing the diverter plate to the base plate and for defining an axis of pivotal movement of the diverter plate;
• means for selectively positioning the diverter plate in either of at least two pivotal positions relative to the base plate;
• a pair of diverter bars mounted on the diverter plate and positioned to define a switch engaging member receiving channel therebetween;
• fastener means for detachably securing the diverter bars to the diverter plate;
• camming structure for receiving switch engaging members from the channel defined by the diverter bars on the diverter plate and for directing the switch engaging members along one of at least two predetermined paths depending on the pivotal positioning of the diverter plate.

For use in a sorting switch, a pallet comprising:

• a relatively wide, substantially flat upper web;
• a pair of flanges each depending from one edge of the web and extending along substantially the entire length thereof;
• a pair of lips each extending inwardly from the lower edge of one of the flanges substantially parallel to the upper web;
• said upper web, flanges and lips comprising a unitary body of plastic material;
• said web, flanges and lips defining therewithin a pallet support member receiving zone;
• means positioned within said pallet support member receiving zone and secured to the pallet for securing the pallet in engagement with a pallet support member extending through the pallet receiving zone;
• and
• a switch engaging member depending from the securing means.

A sorting switch including:

• a plurality of tubular pallet support members;
• a plurality of pallets each slidably supported on an adjacent pair of tubular pallet support members and each comprising a relatively wide, substantially flat upper web, a pair of flanges depending from the opposite edges of the upper web, and a pair of lips extending inwardly from the lower edges of the flanges and parallel to the upper web;
• the tubular pallet support members each being positioned between the upper web and one of the lips of the pallets and adjacent to one of the flanges;
• a rectangular block received in each pallet between the upper web and the lips thereof and between the tubular pallet support members;
• and
• a switch engaging member depending from the rectangular block.