Method of and apparatus for classifying steel products

A method of sorting a random series of various types of products, comprising the steps of:

• delivering a random series of various types of products along a first path;
• accumulating a random plurality of various types of products on a sorting apparatus movable transversely to said first path;
• selecting any desired one of a given type of product already accumulated on said sorting apparatus;
• moving said sorting apparatus as necessary to position said any desired one for forwarding from said sorting apparatus along a second path and to position said sorting apparatus for receiving a subsequent product from said random series delivered along said first path;
• moving said sorting apparatus as necessary to position another product of said given type for forwarding for along said second path;
• and
• repeating the foregoing steps, whereby the various types of products delivered in a random series along said first path are sorted by desired classes into groups forwarded along said second path.

An improved apparatus for sorting various types of products, comprising:

• means for delivering a random series of various types of products along a first path;
• truck means horizontally movable transversely to said first path for accumulating a random plurality of various types of products received from said means for delivering;
• and
• roller means vertically movable transversely to said truck means for removing a preselected one of said random plurality of various types of products from said truck means and forwarding said preselected one along a second path.