Systems, devices and methods for sorting items
AssigneeUnited States Postal Service
InventorsChristopher M. Stratton, Gregory J. Smith, Thomas C. Potter
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims17
A sorter unloading system comprising:
- a pocket for receiving items, the pocket comprising:
- an inlet;
- an outlet;
- a paddle moveable between the inlet and the outlet and rotatable about an axis extending between the inlet and the outlet;
- a sensor disposed proximate the outlet configured to detect the presence of a stack of items within the pocket;
- a carriage moveably positionable proximate the outlet of the pocket, the carriage comprising a tray adapted to receive the stack of items from the pocket;
- a gripping element disposed proximate the pocket, the gripping element configured to move the stack of items from the pocket into the tray;
- and
- a controller in communicating connection with the paddle, the sensor, the carriage, and the gripping element, wherein the controller is configured to cause the gripping element to move the stack of items from the pocket into the tray.
A method of unloading a sorter, the method comprising:
- receiving items in a pocket, the pocket comprising:
- an inlet;
- an outlet;
- a paddle moveable between the inlet and the outlet and rotatable about an axis extending between the inlet and the outlet;
- and
- a sensor disposed proximate the outlet configured to detect the presence or absence of a stack of items within the pocket;
- moving the paddle in increments from the inlet toward the outlet of the pocket in response to receiving items;
- detecting the presence of a stack of items in the pocket;
- positioning a carriage proximate the outlet of the pocket in response to the detected presence of the stack of items, the carriage supporting a tray thereon;
- engaging the stack of items with a gripping element;
- rotating the paddle about the axis extending between the inlet and the outlet;
- and
- moving, by the gripping element, the stack of items from the pocket to the tray.
A system for sorting items, the system comprising:
- receiving items in a pocket, the pocket comprising:
- an inlet;
- an outlet;
- a paddle moveable between the inlet and the outlet and rotatable about an axis extending between the inlet and the outlet;
- and
- means for sensing the presence of a stack of items in the pocket;
- means for positioning a carriage proximate the outlet of the pocket in response to the sensed presence of the stack of items, the carriage supporting a tray thereon;
- means for engaging the stack of items;
- means rotating the paddle about the axis extending between the inlet and the outlet;
- and
- means for moving the stack of items from the pocket to the tray.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.