Systems, devices and methods for sorting items
AssigneeUnited States Postal Service
InventorsChristopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a divider is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.
Claims21
A system for sorting items, the system comprising:
- a pocket comprising:
- an inlet;
- a receiving surface proximate the inlet;
- a sidewall disposed along a first side of the receiving surface;
- and
- a paddle moveably coupled with the sidewall;
- a sorter comprising an injector disposed proximate the inlet, the injector configured to inject at least some of the items along a path into the inlet of the pocket to form a first stack in the pocket;
- a divider disposed proximate an outlet of the injector and proximate the inlet of the pocket, the divider having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and wherein the divider is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the extended position the divider is located between the outlet of the injector and the inlet of the pocket, and wherein in the retracted position the divider is withdrawn from the path between the outlet of the injector and the inlet of the pocket;
- and
- a controller in communicating connection with an actuator, the controller configured to receive information related to the items and to actuate the actuator to move the divider between the retracted position and the extended position based on the information.
A method of sorting items, the method comprising:
- receiving the items in a sorter;
- detecting a characteristic of the items;
- injecting at least some of the items toward a pocket, the pocket comprising a sidewall and a paddle;
- forming a first stack in the pocket with the injected items, wherein a first item in the first stack contacts the paddle;
- and
- moving a divider to an extended position that is adjacent to the first stack based on information related to at least one of the items, wherein the information related to at least one of the items is based on the detected characteristic.
A system for sorting items, the system comprising:
- means for receiving the items in a sorter;
- means for injecting at least some of the items toward a pocket;
- means for forming a first stack in the pocket with the injected items;
- and
- means for moving a divider to an extended position that is adjacent to the first stack based on information related to at least one of the items.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.