US Patent 8042473 Tie plate singularization device

A device for sorting railroad tie plates comprises hopper, singulator and chute assemblies mounted to a main frame capable of rolling movement along a railroad track. The device receives a plurality of tie plates from an upstream supply, e.g., a railroad gondola, and deposits the tie plates on the hopper assembly positioned above the singulator. Upon discharge from the hopper the tie plates are directed onto a central hub for guidance into a rotating track within the housing. The track width is selected so that the field and gage ends transverse the track upon the tie plates falling flat onto the track. Structure projects into the track to tip over the tie plates to a flat position during track rotation. Rotation of the track moves the tie plates towards a baffled opening for discharge from the opening. A chute assembly receives the tie plates and maintains the tie plate orientation for delivery to downstream devices, such as a conveyor belt. Upon rolling movement of the main frame tie plates are sequentially deposited along the course of the railroad track to enhance railroad track maintenance.