Apparatus for diverting a row of cylindrical bodies alternately into two paths of travel

Claim 1

Apparatus for diverting a row of cylindrical bodies advancing successively along a path of travel and alternately into two divergent paths of travel, comprising: means for forwardly advancing the bodies in an attitude lying on their respective outer cylindrical walls along the path of travel; spaced, parallel and fixed guide means located adjacent the forward end of said advancing means in the path of travel of the bodies; diverter means located at the forward end of said spaced guide means in the path of travel of the bodies and being movable transversely thereof; a pair of spaced and fixed divergent guide means located adjacent the forward end of said movable guide means and defining the two divergent paths of travel for the bodies; a fixed, narrow upright ridge element located centrally between said fixed guide means and exTending toward said divergent guide means; and movable conveyor means located beneath said pair of divergent guide means at a level below the upper edge of said ridge element, the cylindrical bodies moving along said ridge in an unstable condition after leaving said advancing means and thereafter being diverted alternately into the divergent paths of travel upon actuation of said movable diverter means which causes the bodies to move to one side or the other of said ridge element.