Apparatus for sorting and guiding workpieces

A sorting and guiding apparatus for sorting and essentially vertically guiding workpieces, the sorting and guiding apparatus being mounted between a production machine and at least two subsequently arranged means for producing, conveying, or storing, the sorting and guiding apparatus comprising a hopper connected to a workpiece discharge of the production machine, the hopper having an opening with edges;

• a rotatable frame mounted at the opening of the hopper, the frame being rotatable about a horizontally extending axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being in horizontal alignment with the opening of the hopper, the frame having sides extending parallel to the axis of rotation;
• webs having first ends connected to the frame sides;
• and rods mounted spaced vertically and horizontally outwardly from the opening of the hopper and extending parallel to the sides of the rotatable frame, the webs having second ends attached to the rods, the frame being rotatable into two positions of operation, wherein, in each position of operation, one of the sides of the frame is located adjacent one of the edges of the opening of the hopper and the webs are stretched within a range of rotation of the frame of .+-.5.degree. between the side of the frame adjacent the edge of the opening of the hopper and the rod located opposite from the side of the frame located adjacent the edge of the opening of the hopper, such that the web extends underneath the opening of the hopper.