The sorting mechanism reminded me of the matrix sorter in the Linotype machine [1], in my mind still one of the most impressive mechanical achievements of all time.
Background: the Linotype allows you to type text on a keyboard, which is then automatically cast into lead slugs which can be directly used for printing. Oh, and it has optional automatic justification. It does all of this with 19th century mechanics. Here is one in action [2]. The casting mold is made up of small movable letters, called matrices [3], which have a 7 bit code at the top (made up of teeth). The matrices are then transported along a special distributor bar above the sorting bins until there are no corresponding teeth to hold them, at which place they fall down into the correct bin [4]
