05/192652

01/23/1973

10/26/1971

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Littlcomputers, Inc. (Denver, CO)

209/612

G06K21/04; G06K21/00; B07C5/34

209/80.5,110,110.5

Knowles, Allen N.

Church, Gene A.

What is claimed is

1. In card sorting apparatus for sorting cards of the type having marginal openings and selected marginal notches wherein each card includes the same aggregate number of notches and openings equally spaced along the edge, the cards being stacked on edge in a receptacle having guide openings aligned with the openings and notches in the cards for insertion of one or more sorting rods therethrough, divider means dividing the receptacle into a plurality of card-receiving compartments, means for imparting a directional force to the cards to cause the cards having the sorting rods passing through the notches only to be advanced outwardly through the receptacle away from the stacked cards, the improvement comprising:

2. In apparatus for sequentially sorting cards according to claim 1 said auxiliary receptacle corresponding in length and width to the main receptacle and being pivotally attached to the main receptacle.

3. In apparatus according to claim 2, a housing for said main and auxiliary receptacles, said housing including a window opening extending in spaced parallel relation to the axis of rotation of said receptacle, said auxiliary receptacle being movable from a closed position within the housing to an open position extending outwardly through the window opening.

4. In apparatus according to claim 1, further including a stacker plate assembly having a series of spaced stacker plates movable into the card-receiving compartments in said auxiliary receptacle and shiftable in a direction to group the cards collected in each compartment in said auxiliary receptacle to one end of each compartment for return of the cards to one end of the stack of cards in each compartment in the main receptacle.

5. In apparatus according to claim 1, each of said divider means in said auxiliary receptacle being defined by a divider plate having notches in opposite ends thereof to align with notches in opposite ends of each of the cards, and gripping means extending lengthwise along opposite sides of said auxiliary receptacle and being selectively movable inwardly in a direction transversely of the length of said auxiliary receptacle into the notches in opposite ends of said divider plates to releasably retain those cards in the auxiliary receptacles which were separated from the main receptacle.

6. In apparatus according to claim 5 in which said gripping means are each defined by elongated rods traversing the full length of the auxiliary receptacle with opposite ends disposed in rod-receiving spaces in opposite ends of the receptacle, and means at each end of the receptacle for yieldingly retaining said rods in an inward gripping position and an outward released position away from the ends of the cards in the auxiliary receptacle.

7. In apparatus according to claim 1 further including braking means for selectively braking said main and auxiliary receptacles in a position such that the cards separated from the main receptacle will fall into the compartments in the auxiliary receptacles.

8. Apparatus for sequentially sorting punch cards of the type having marginal openings and selected marginal notches wherein the notches are formed at selected intervals in accordance with a numerical code to represent different numbers, the combination comprising:

9. Card-sorting apparatus according to claim 8, said centrifugal drive means including braking means for selectively braking said receptacles against rotation in a position in which the card separated from the storage receptacle will be stacked in the compartments in said auxiliary receptacle.

10. Card-sorting apparatus according to claim 9, said braking means including a solenoid-actuated brake member in which said brake member is released upon energization of said solenoid and braked upon deenergization of said solenoid, and limit switch means to selectively deenergize said solenoid when said receptacles have advanced into a predetermined position in which the cards will remain in the auxiliary receptacle.

11. Card-sorting apparatus according to claim 8 further including card stacking means selectively movable in a direction longitudinally of said auxiliary receptacle to stack and group the cards separated from the storage receptacle towards the ends of the compartments in said auxiliary receptacle as a preliminary to return of said cards into one end of the compartments in the storage receptacle.

12. The method of sequentially sorting punch cards of the type having marginal openings and notches along one edge thereof, the notches being formed in different combinations at selected intervals along the edge of each card in accordance with a numerical code to represent different given numbers, and wherein the cards are stacked in a series of card-receiving storage compartments and selected cards of a particular number or group of numbers are removable from the storage compartments by insertion of sorting members through the openings or notches in the cards whereby the cards having sorting members passing only through the notches are free to be separated from the stacked cards in the storage compartments comprising the steps of:

13. The method according to claim 12 in which the cards are separated in a predetermined numbered sequence by successively repeating the steps recited therein and in each succession of steps selectively placing the sorting cards in different openings corresponding with each different number to be separated.

14. The method according to claim 13 in which each number is represented by two or more notches formed at selected intervals along the edge of the card.

This invention relates to novel and improved method and apparatus for sequentially sorting and grouping information cards; and more specifically relates to a method and apparatus for sorting punch cards in a centrifugal card sorting apparatus without removal of the punch cards from the apparatus.

Various card sorting systems have been devised for handling punch cards and for selective removal of punch cards from a stack of cards, and customarily are employed in the selective removal of cards containing the same desired information. For example, in U. S. Letters Patent No. 3,490,588 granted to applicant of this invention, there is set forth and described a unique method and apparatus for centrifugally sorting cards in which the cards are contained in card-receiving receptacles mounted for rotation about a common shaft. The cards are conventionally of the type having openings along one or more edges, the openings being aligned and stacked together in the storage receptacles to permit insertion of sorting needles. Selective openings are notched in each card to represent particular information so that when the receptacles are rotated or spun only those cards having notches aligned with the inserted sorting rods will be removed and separated to fall away from the remainder of the cards into a storage bin beneath the receptacle. In many applications it is desirable to permit selective sorting of the cards in specific numerical or alphabetical order or other predetermined sequence; and when selected cards are removed from the stack and are later to be replaced back into the stack in the same order, it is extremely time-consuming and tedious to manually replace each card in its proper order, particularly in handling a large number of cards.

Although other systems are commercially available and in use for sequentially sorting cards into their proper order, in accordance with the present invention, it is proposed to provide a unique, highly simplified system for sequentially sorting cards in centrifugal card sorting apparatus of the type set forth and disclosed in the afore-mentioned patent. In this relation it is proposed to provide a unique method and means which involves addition of a minimum of auxiliary equipment to handle the cards for sequential sorting with a minimum of handling and in the least possible number of steps while assuring greatly increased accuracy and efficiency in sorting and replacing the cards in order. However, while the present invention is specifically intended for use in connection with centrifugal card sorting apparatus it will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred form that it is readily conformable for use with other card sorting apparatus such as those of the vibrating or shaking type.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a novel and improved method and apparatus for sequentially sorting cards.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for an improved method and apparatus for sequentially sorting cards in a centrifugal card sorting apparatus without necessitating complete removal of the cards from the receptacles.

A further object of the present invention is to provide for a novel and improved apparatus which is capable of cooperating with existing card sorting apparatus and is readily attachable thereto to permit selective sorting and stacking of cards in direct proximity to the receptacles containing the cards whereby to minimize damage to the cards as well as handling of the cards in removal from the apparatus.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide in a card sorting apparatus for an auxiliary tray which is cooperative with the apparatus permit selective removal of selected cards or groups of cards, collection of the cards within the tray and replacement in desired order back into the stack in a minimum number of steps without removal from the housing for the apparatus.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved method for sequentially sorting punch cards contained in centrifugal card sorting apparatus whereby the cards are rapidly grouped into predetermined order in a rapid succession of steps and utilizing the apparatus to separate the cards as a step in the method.

The present invention resides in sequentially sorting and grouping cards in exact numerical or other desired sequence and in its preferred embodiment resides in a method of sorting and grouping cards in a centrifugal card sorting apparatus of the type set forth and described in said United States Letters Patent No. 3,490,588. The cards are stored in one or more receptacles which are mounted for high-speed rotation on a common shaft, and each receptacle is separated or partitioned off by divider plates. In the manner described in said patent, sorting is accomplished by inserting the selector rods through selected combinations of aligned openings in the cards. In sequentially sorting the cards in numerical order, the cards are selectively notched according to a numerical code, such as, the 7-4-2-1 code into units, tens, one-hundreds; and, in handling a substantial number of cards, such as, on the order of one thousand, the cards most desirably are first sub-divided or broken down into smaller groups for ease of handling and then are sub-divided and broken down into the hundreds field so that the cards in each hundreds group from 0 to 100 and from 100 to 1000 are stacked together. Thereafter the cards in each hundreds group are sequentially sorted into correct numerical sequence. In following the 7-4-2-1 code for sequence sorting under the method of the present invention selector rods are passed in order through the coded positions in the cards and, in a rapid succession of steps, when the selector rods have been placed in each coded position, the cards are rotated and those having aligned notches receiving the rods are separated and thrown outwardly into an auxiliary tray in confronting relation to the storage receptacle for the cards. In each separation, the machine is braked at a position in which the auxiliary tray is in an upwardly facing position. Those cards separated are grouped or tipped or inclined in one direction at one end of each divided area of the tray, and the cards remaining in the receptacle are grouped and tipped in the opposite direction in each divided area of the receptacle. The cards in the auxiliary tray are then released and returned to the main receptacle so as to group together those numbers common to the first code position. The selector rods are advanced to the next code position and the same sequence repeated until the cards are grouped in proper numerical order in each divided portion of the receptacle.

In the preferred apparatus of the present invention, the auxiliary sequence tray is provided with divider plates closely aligned with the divider plates in the main storage receptacle and the auxiliary tray is pivotally attached to the main card storage receptacle. When the machine is under rotation, the auxiliary tray is affixed to the main receptacle, and after the main receptacle has been rotated a sufficient number of times to insure complete separation of the cards selected into the auxiliary tray, a button is depressed which through a latch relay and associated braking mechanism automatically stops the machine with the auxiliary tray in a "down" or upwardly facing position. Gripping means on the auxiliary tray are activated to engage those cards removed and the tray rotated into a position in which it can be moved pivotally away from the main receptacle into an open position to permit access to the removed cards. Those cards in each division of the auxiliary tray are tipped in one direction, and those in the corresponding divisions of the main receptacle tipped in the opposite direction and the auxiliary tray gradually pivoted back toward its closed position until the separated cards are partially inserted and overlapping the cards in the main receptacle. As this point, the tray is returned to a fully closed position with the main receptacle and the gripping means are released. Grouping and stacking of the removed cards may be aided by use of a stacking plate assembly which is brought into alignment with each division of the auxiliary tray and advanced in a longitudinal direction to group the separated cards together at one end of each division as a preliminary to return to the closed position. As the auxiliary tray is returned to a closed position the plate assembly is slowly removed so as to clear the tray prior to its return to a fully closed position. Thereafter the selector rods may be advanced to the next code position and the releasable gripping means released for the next sequential stage. Accordingly in a minimum number of steps and with a minimum of handling and without removal of the cards from the apparatus the cards may be rapidly sorted into proper numerical order.

The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more readily understood and appreciated from a consideration of the following detailed description when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view in elevation of the outer housing forming a part of the preferred form of card sorting apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an end view in elevation of the housing shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an opposite end view in elevation of the housing shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an end view illustrating a portion of the drive transmission for rotation of the card-sorting tray, the auxiliary sequence tray being shown in the closed position.

FIG. 5 is an end view showing in more detail the drive mechanism for the card-sorting tray, the sequence tray being shown in the open position.

FIG. 6 is a view in more detail of the mounting of the card sorting and sequence trays on a common drive shaft.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the sequence tray.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the sequence tray.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are fragmentary views in more detail of one end of a sequence tray with the notch rod shown in an open position in FIG. 9 and in a closed position in FIG. 10, respectively.

FIG. 11 is a front view in detail of one of the divider plates in the sequence tray.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the motor drive unit and braking system for the card sorting apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a stacking plate assembly employed in sequencing cards.

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 illustrate in sequence movement of the cards from the storage tray to the sequence tray, grouping of the removed cards and return of the cards to the storage tray; and

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a series of conventional punch cards modified for use in the card sorting apparatus of the present invention.

Referring in more detail to the drawings, there is shown by way of illustrative example in FIGS. 1 to 5 a card sorting apparatus 10 having an outer generally rectangular housing 12 mounted on casters 13 and wherein the housing includes front and rear panels 14 and 15, respectively, together with end panels 16 and 17. A circular wall 19 extends between the front and rear panels 14 and 15 to form the lower wall of the card sorting area. The front panel includes an upper opening across the upper open end in which is disposed a slide window 18 across the front of the card sorting area, between open and closed positions. A hinged door 20 forms a part of the end panel 17 which can be opened when desired to permit access to the ends of the storage and sequence trays.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 9, a pair of corresponding receptacles R and R' are mounted on diametrically opposed sides of a common drive shaft 22, the latter being driven through a suitable power transmission drive which includes a drive or power transmission belt 23 trained over pulley 24 on the drive shaft and at its opposite end is trained over drive pulley 25 which is keyed to the motor drive shaft for motor M. Opposite ends of the receptacle drive shaft suitably may be journaled in shaft bearings 26 in opposite end supports, not shown, inwardly of the end panels 16 and 17, and the motor drive and power transmission system are mounted in the housing beneath the card sorting area. As shown the drive shaft 22 is disposed at a height such that the receptacles R and R' are positioned thereon for extension across the interior of the housing directly opposite to the across window 18.

As best seen from FIGS. 6 to 8, each of the receptacles R and R' is correspondingly made up of end plates 28 and 29 joined to a bottom wall 30 the latter being attached to channel members 27 by suitable fasteners 27' so as to form a generally box-shaped frame which is rigidly attached, such as, by welding to the drive shaft 22. Guide strips 32 extend longitudinally between the end plates 28 and 29 along opposite sides of the receptacles and are connected to divider plates 33 which extend transversely of the receptacles at equally spaced intervals to divide the receptacles into a series of compartments C. The receptacles R and R' are positioned on opposite sides of the drive shaft 22 and are affixed in counterbalancing relation to one another for rotation with the shaft under control of the motor drive circuit. Preferably, the receptacle R serves as a storage receptacle for the cards to be sorted, and the receptacle R' serves merely as a dummy receptacle to counterbalance the weight of the receptacle R. In this relation, a suitable mass or weight may be utilized in place of the receptacle R' as a counterbalancing means.

The guide plates 32 are spaced above the bottom wall 30 and their upper or outer edges are substantially flush with the top edges of the divider plates. The spacing between the guide plates 32 is such that the punch cards may be stacked on edge in each of the compartments with the longer sides of the cards just fitting therebetween. If desired, the dividers 33 may be slidably disposed within the receptacles, as described and shown in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,588 to vary the size of each compartment for insertion of a card. However, for a purpose to be described, the dividers 33 preferably are stationarily positioned within the receptacles to form equally spaced and equal sized compartments. As shown in FIG. 17, each of the punch cards to be deposited in the receptacle R has a series of openings 34 which may extend along one or both of the longitudinal edges of the card, and relatively large notches or cutouts 35 are formed in opposite side edges of the cards immediately adjacent to the lower or both rows of openings and in alignment with one another. In accordance with conventional practice, each opening 34 formed in the card may represent a unit of information, and each card is coded by placement of marginal notches 34' at selected openings to represent such information. Thus, as represented in FIG. 17, each card is coded to represent a particular number. In a 7-4-2-1 code as illustrated, selected cards numbered from 1 through 999 would be notched to represent particular numbers as illustrated. With at least ten compartments formed in the storage receptacle, those cards from 0 to 100 may be placed in one compartment and those cards in the hundred groups from 100 to 900 are placed in the remaining nine compartments in the order illustrated in FIG. 6. The end panels 28 and 29 are each provided with a plurality of openings 36 each equal in number and spacing to the openings 34 along the edge of each card, and corresponding openings are formed in each of the divider plates 33. Thus, when the cards are placed in the compartments, the openings in the cards are aligned with one another and with the openings in the divider plates 33 and end walls 28 and 29. Sorting rods or needles 37 are inserted through one or more of the openings 36 in the end wall 29 and through the aligned openings in each of the cards and the divider plates, the sorting rods being of a length to pass through each of the compartments and through the opposite end wall 28. Placement of the rods 37 is of course dictated by the information categories or numbers selected and, for this purpose, the end plate 29 will have its openings identified by suitable labels or markings to conform to the identity of the openings in the cards. When the receptacles are rotated by the motor drive system, those cards having marginal notches aligned with the sorting rods or needles passing through the cards will under the centrifugal force imparted by rotation of the receptacles be thrown outwardly away from the receptacles for collection beneath the sorting apparatus along the wall, all as described in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,588. Again, under high speeds of rotation, the opposite receptacle R' merely serves as a counterbalancing member and may be filled with a dummy set of cards or as previously mentioned may have any suitable counterbalancing weight to counterbalance the rotation of the receptacle R.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 10, the auxiliary sequence tray 38 forms a removable closure over the card storage receptacle R and is so constructed and arranged as to cooperate with the receptacle in sequence sorting of the cards without removal of the cards from the housing. To this end, the tray 38 is generally rectangular and is comprised of opposite end walls 39 and 40 joined to a common bottom wall 42. A series of divider plates 44 are mounted at equally spaced intervals throughout the length of the tray, the divider plates corresponding in number and spacing to the plates 33 in the storage receptacles and being slightly offset therefrom in order to permit movement of the divider plates into overlapping contacting relation to the plates 33 when the sequence tray 38 is in the closed position.

As shown in FIG. 11, each divider plate 44 includes a foot 45 in the form of an angle member which is permanently attached to an end of the plate 44 and to the inner surface of the wall 42 so as to support the divider plate in a vertical or upright disposition within the tray. The opposite free end of each divider plate 44 is provided with a curved tab 46 which as illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16 is engageable with the outer end of each divider plate 33 to guide the divider plate 44 downwardly along one side of the each complementary divider plate 33. In addition, each divider plate 44 is recessed as indicated at 47 to form opposite side portions 48 and the outer edge of each side portion 48 is notched or cut out as at 49 to correspond with the cut-out portions 35 on the punch cards.

The sequence tray 38 has four connecting ears 50 on opposite sides of each of the end walls 39 and 40 and which have openings 50' therein which are adapted to be aligned with openings 52 in the upper corners of the end plates 28 and 29. When so aligned, the tray is affixed to the receptacle R by passing a pair of connecting rods 53 through aligned openings on opposite sides to secure the tray in a fully closed position over the receptacle R as further shown in FIG. 4. In the alternative, as shown in FIG. 5, by removal of one of the rods 53 the tray is free to be pivoted about the other rod 53 into an open position.

Additionally, the tray includes sets of spring-loaded roller pairs 54 mounted in slots 55 in each of the four corners of the tray just inwardly of the openings 50' for the connecting rods 53. As best seen from FIGS. 9 and 10, each set of roller pairs is arranged in spaced facing relation to the other pair, and the rollers in each pair are normally urged into contacting relation to one another by a compression spring 56. A side edge control or notch rod 58 extends through the space between each set of roller pairs on a common side and traverses the full length of the tray. Each side edge control rod 58 is movable sideways in a direction transversely of the length of the tray by pressing between one or the other of the roller pairs. Accordingly, the rods 58 on each side can be pressed inwardly between the inner rollers to enter an inside slot 59 in which position the rod will be inserted within the cut-out portions 49 on the divider plates in the tray; or the rods can be pressed outwardly through the outer pair of rollers and into an outside slot 60 away from the guide slots or cut-outs 49. As a result, when the sequence tray 38 is in a closed position and the cards have been rotated to force selected cards with their marginal notches aligned with the sorting rods away from the stack, they will enter the tray 38 with their side cut-outs 35 aligned with the cut-outs 49 in the divider plates 44. By stopping the machine in a position such that the sequence tray is beneath the storage receptacle R the cards will remain in alignment with the cut-outs 49 at which point the side edge control rods 58 may be pressed inwardly through the inner roller pairs into the slots 35 and 49 of the cards and supplementary divider plates 44, respectively. When the tray is then turned approximately 180° to a position above the storage receptacle and the cards are directed downwardly, or upside down, the cards will be held in place by the side edge control rods 58. Upon removing a rod 53 on one side of the tray 38, the tray is then free to be pivoted outwardly about the other rod 58 to the open position as shown in FIG. 5.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 12, the receptacles R and R' are under controlled rotation by the motor drive circuit which includes main leads 62 and 63 from an electrical source, a safety switch 64, and an "on" switch 65 and "off" switch 66. The switches 65 and 66 have electromagnetic coils 67 and 68, respectively, to control movement of a contact arm 69 adjacent to a contact 70. When the coil 67 is energized by closure of the safety switch 64 and "on" switch 65 and the arm 69 closes the circuit through contact 70 to energize the motor M and a brake solenoid 72. A cam 74 is keyed for rotation to the drive shaft 22 and has a riser portion 75 engageable with the micro-switch 76 to close same at a predetermined point in each revolution of the drive shaft 22. If the "off" side of the switch is closed when the microswitch 76 is closed the coil 68 is energized to open the contact 69 and deenergize the motor M and solenoid 72.

As best seen from FIG. 5, a brake includes a brake drum 78 keyed to the motor drive shaft 22, the drum being in the form of a pulley which receives a brake band 80. One end 81 of the brake band 80 is anchored to a stationary part of the housing 12 adjacent to an armature 82 normally spaced from the end of the solenoid 72. The opposite end 84 of the band is attached to a rod 85 which passes through one end of a rocker arm 86 and through a coiled spring 87. The rod 85 has a threaded end engaged by an adjustment screw 88 to regulate the tension of the spring 87 acting against the end of the rocker arm 86. When the solenoid 72 is energized it will attract the armature 82 to pivot the brake band 80, when the solenoid 72 is deenergized the rocker arm is pivoted to draw the brake band against the drum by overcoming the urging of the spring 87.

In use, when the motor M is activated by closing "on" switch 65, the motor M and solenoid 72 are energized and the motor drive shaft as well as the receptacle drive shaft will rotate continuously to spin the receptacle the desired number of times. When it is desired to stop the motor drive, the "off" switch is depressed but not until the microswitch is closed by the cam 74 and both the motor M and brake solenoid 72 are deenergized. Again, when the solenoid is deenergized the armature 82 is drawn against the solenoid 72 to pivot the rocker arm and tighten the brake band against the brake drum so as to stop the drive shaft in a position with the sequence tray in an upwardly facing or "down" position. Conversely, when the "on" switch is closed the solenoid is deenergized and the brake band is loosened or released under the urging of the spring 87.

Following a typical sequence of operation in sequence sorting, as each selected group of cards is separated from the storage receptacle and advanced into the tray 38, the motor is turned off and the tray will stop automatically in the "down" position so that the separated cards are upright and will remain in desired alignment in the tray. In other words, the cards separated would advance from the position shown in FIG. 14 to that illustrated in FIG. 15. The side edge control rods are then manually advanced inwardly into the notches 35 and hold the cards in place. The tray is then rotated upwardly one-half a revolution to an "up" position as shown in FIG. 4. When the sequence tray is then pivoted to an open position as shown in FIGS. 5 and 15, the cards will again face upwardly.

Those cards separated in each compartment may then be tipped in one direction while flipping the cards remaining in the storage tray in the opposite direction as illustrated in FIG. 15. The cards in each compartment of the sequence tray may be advanced simultaneously by use of stacking plate assembly 100 which includes a common bar or handle 102 and a plurality of shifter plates 103 attached at equally spaced intervals to the bar by angle members 104. The spacing between plates corresponds to the spacing between plates 44 in the sequence tray, and a curved tab 105 at the outer free end of the each plate facilitates ease of movement of the assembly 100 into each compartment between the cards and the divider plates 44 in the sequence tray. Upon insertion of the control plates 103 into the compartment spaces the bar 102 may be grasped and advanced lengthwise of the tray to shift the cards in the desired direction. The sequence tray then may be gradually pivoted back towards the closed position until the edges of the separated cards begin to overlap those cards remaining in the storage tray at which time the shifter plate assembly 100 may be gradually removed as the tray is advanced into the closed position. Once closed, the opposite attachment rod is reinserted and the notch rods or side edge control rods are shifted laterally to an open position to release the cards.

As a preliminary to describing typical card sequencing operations, reference is made to the punch cards illustrated in FIG. 18 which as described have equally spaced openings 34 and notches 34' placed at selected intervals in accordance with a predetermined code. Although conventional punch cards are employed, they are modified in two respects in order to conform to the card sequencing operation of the present invention: First, relatively large notches 35 are formed on opposite sides of the cards. Secondly, duplicate marginal notches 34" are formed in cards having numbers represented by a single notch 34', such as the number "1". In this way, at least two sorting needles are inserted through the card stack to better support the cards not to be separated during the spinning operation.

As hereinbefore described, in handling a substantial number of cards for example on the order of 1000 cards, they may be separated into groups of 100 which are placed in each of the 10 compartments. After a number of sorting operations, when it is desired to sequence the cards back into proper order, generally the cards may be subdivided first to place the cards in each number group in the same compartment, then further broken down to place the cards in each compartment in proper numbered order. Where the cards are numbered according to the 7-4-2-1 code, a conventional technique may be followed in sequence sorting as described in Bulletin S-605 of McBee, Automated Business Systems Division of Litton Industries. Briefly, it will be noted that each group of cards in a series, that is, 0-100, 100-199, 200-299, etc. is stored in a separate compartment and for breakdown sorting of the cards into their grouping those which require a single sorting rod; namely, those in the 1, 2, 4, and 7 hundred groups, are collected in the left or inner receptacle R as shown in FIG. 6. Those that require two or more sorting rods, i.e. the 3, 5, 6, 8, 9 hundred series are grouped in the right or near end of the receptacle R closest to the end of insertion of the rods. In this way, a short rod may be inserted through the latter group to retain them in place while the former "1, 2, 4, 7" group is being sorted. In each sorting step the safety switch 64 is closed and the start switch 65 closed to energize motor M and brake solenoid 72 to initiate spinning of the cards. After the cards are spun for several revolutions to assure complete separation of those cards having notches aligned with the sorting needles, the stop switch 66 is closed to close the latch relay coil 68. When the cam 74 engages the contact 76 to close the relay the brake solenoid 72 is activated to draw the brake band 23 against the drum and stop the card sorting receptacles with the sequence tray 38 in the "down" or upwardly facing position after moving the rods 58 inwardly. The card receptacles and tray are then revolved one-half a turn, or 180°, to an "up" position as illustrated in FIG. 4. The tray 38 is then pivoted to the open position shown in FIG. 5. As earlier described, those cards separated into the tray 38 are tipped in one direction and the cards on the receptacle R are tipped in the opposite direction to group the cards separated and sequenced for return to one end of a compartment in the receptacle R. With the air of the stacking plate assembly 100, the cards are returned to the receptacle for the next sequencing step, and the operation is repeated the requisite number of times to completely sequence the cards.

It will be evident that the tray 38 may be used in cooperation with the receptacle R for separating operations other than sequencing. Thus, cards to be separated in each spinning operation may be received by the tray 38 and removed after pivoting the tray to the open position shown in FIG. 5. In this relation, the tray is so aligned with the window panel as to swing or pivot outwardly toward the window opening for removal of the cards from the tray. Normally the window panel is closed during the spinning operation, and most desirably the safety switch 64 is opened when the window panel is opened in order to turn off the motor. It will be further evident that the stacking plate assembly 100 may form a unitary part of the tray 38 simply by slidably positioning the control bar 102 in the bottom of the tray beneath the divider plates with each stacking plate 103 extending outwardly into a compartment to one side adjacent to a divider plate. Longitudinal movement or shifting of the control bar 102 will then cause the stacking places to advance toward the divider plate on the opposite side of each compartment carrying the separated cards with them.

It is therefore to be understood that the foregoing description of a preferred form of the present invention illustrates that various modifications and changes may be made in the specific design, construction and arrangement of mechanism employed in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.