US Patent 9969566 Magnetic singulator for bulk rail fasteners

A singulator is provided for orienting, sorting and conveying at least one rail fastener, from a bulk supply of such fasteners, and includes a frame defining a lower end and an upper end. A plurality of transverse magnet bars is connected to an endless conveyor system disposed on the frame to move from the lower end to the upper end. A ramp is disposed on the frame, has an underside facing the magnet bars, and an opposite sorting surface opposite the underside and receiving the fasteners. At least one deflector assembly is associated with the ramp and is constructed and arranged for sorting fasteners drawn along the ramp by the magnet bars from the lower end to the upper end so that single fasteners are delivered at the upper end.