Importance

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Abstract

A sorting conveyor for rail tie plates or the like including an inclined frame having an upper end and a lower end, and an endless conveyor belt formed of a plurality of links pivotally joined to each other. The links are designed to have plate retaining pockets formed thereon and the belt is adapted to travel a contoured path on the frame between the lower end and the upper end. The belt has an upper working strand and a lower slack strand. A hopper provides a supply of randomly oriented tie plates to the lower end of the conveyor which are agitated or tumbled by the action of the moving conveyor belt. At least one rejector hook is provided to ensure proper positioning of the plates within the pocket. As the conveyor belt progresses towards the upper end of the frame, certain plates are oriented properly within the plate pockets and will be conveyed to the upper end of the frame through the movement of the conveyor belt. Plates which are not properly oriented are rejected from the conveyor belt by the rejector hook which flings the plates back to the lower end of the conveyor for eventual proper placement within the pockets.

First Claim