Parcel sorting apparatus with routing manifold and diverter system

An apparatus for sorting parcels, the apparatus comprising:

• a transport surface configured to convey parcels along a transport path defined between a first end and a second end of the transport surface, wherein an opening is defined in the transport surface at a first elevation and is dimensioned to receive one or more of the parcels therethrough;
• and
• a routing manifold disposed at a second elevation less than the first elevation and comprising:
• a chute having an inlet registered with the opening;
• a plurality of outlets coupled to the inlet;
• and
• a first diverter system comprising a plurality of diverters disposed in the routing manifold and operable to selectively direct the received parcels toward any outlet of the plurality of outlets, wherein the plurality of diverters are responsive to destination information associated with the individual parcels, wherein the plurality of diverters comprises:
• a first tilting tray arranged in a first stage, the first tilting tray actuatable to selectively direct individual parcels between at least a first path and a second path;
• a second tilting tray arranged in a second stage and coupled with the first path, the second tilting tray actuatable to selectively direct individual parcels between at least a third path and a fourth path;
• and
• a third tilting tray arranged in the second stage and coupled with the second path, the third tilting tray actuatable to selectively direct individual parcels between at least a fifth path and a sixth path.

A method comprising:

• receiving a first parcel at a first end of a transport surface, the transport surface configured to convey parcels along a transport path defined between the first end and a second end;
• acquiring, using a controller comprising one or more computer processors, first destination information associated with the first parcel;
• controlling, according to the first destination information, at least a first actuatable component arranged proximate to the transport surface to permit the first parcel to pass through an opening defined in the transport surface at a first elevation, wherein the first parcel is received in a routing manifold through an inlet registered with the opening;
• and
• controlling, according to the first destination information, at least a second actuatable component arranged in the routing manifold to permit individual parcels toward a selected outlet of a plurality of outlets of the routing manifold,
• wherein the second actuatable component comprises a tilting tray connected with a first actuator,
• wherein the plurality of outlets are disposed at one or more second elevations that are less than the first elevation, and
• wherein movement of the first parcel from the inlet to the selected outlet is gravity-assisted.