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.
Claims18
An item sorting apparatus comprising:
- a pocket comprising a receiving surface, a sidewall located along a first side of the receiving surface, and a paddle;
- an injector disposed proximate the pocket, the injector configured to inject an items along a path toward the pocket;
- and
- a divider comprising:
- a body moveable between a first position and a second position;
- a linear member coupled to the body;
- a displacement system coupled to the linear member, the displacement system configured to move the body between the first position and the second position;
- a controller in communicating connection with the displacement system, the controller configured to actuate the displacement system to move the body between the first and second positions;
- and
- a sensor disposed in the pocket, the sensor in communicating connection with the controller, the sensor configured to sense the location of the paddle, and the controller is further configured to move the body in response to the sensed position of the paddle.
A method of sorting items, the method comprising:
- receiving a first item in an item sorting apparatus;
- injecting, via an injector, the first item toward a pocket, the pocket comprising a sidewall and a paddle;
- receiving the first item in the pocket, wherein the first item contacts the paddle;
- receiving a second item in the item sorting apparatus;
- scanning the second item to detect a characteristic of the second item;
- moving a divider from a first position to a second position based on the detected characteristic of the second item;
- injecting the second item toward the pocket;
- and
- contacting the second item on the divider.
A method of sorting items, the method comprising:
- receiving a first item in an item sorting apparatus;
- injecting the first item toward a pocket, the pocket comprising a sidewall and a paddle;
- receiving the first item in the pocket;
- moving the paddle in response to the first item being injected into the pocket;
- activating a sensor in the pocket based on the movement of the paddle;
- receiving a second item in the item sorting apparatus;
- moving a divider from a first position to a second position based on the activation of the sensor;
- injecting the second item toward the pocket;
- and
- contacting the second item on the divider.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.