| 摘要 |
This invention relates to apparatus for sorting and distributing mail which comprises a centrally-located carousel-like unit that rotates about a vertically-disposed axis during both of the aforesaid operations and around which are grouped one or more stationary receiving stations extending radially therefrom. The carousel unit itself has two or more pigeonholes opening radially outward from a central core that repeatedly and successively circulate past each receiving station and distribution point. Detachably retained within each pigeonhole is an open-fronted drawer-like bin designed for removal and replacement while the unit is still in motion. A novel braking device consisting of a pin spring-biased against an undulating cam carried atop an idler wheel rotated by the carousel cooperates with a friction drive so as to enable the unit to be stopped at will whereupon it will remain stopped until restarted. These same units also cooperate such that, once the unit is in motion, it will remain in motion until stopped due to the fact that the drive mechanism overrides the braking system. The invention also encompasses the method of sorting mail which comprises the steps of receiving a load of mail to be sorted at a stationary receiving station, sorting same according to destination, and placing it thus sorted into selected receptacles repeatedly circulating past the station. The invention further encompasses the distribution method for redistributing the mail thus sorted which consists of removing the mail-receiving receptacles, emptying same and returning the empty receptacles to the circulation system while the latter remains in motion and in use for the mail-sorting function. |
