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 progressive displacement divider with amplified output for a given input 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.
Claims20
A system for sorting items, the system comprising:
- a pocket, the pocket comprising a receiving surface, a sidewall located along a first side of the receiving surface, and a paddle moveably coupled with the sidewall;
- an injector disposed proximate the pocket, the injector configured to inject a first plurality of items along a path toward the pocket to form a first stack in the pocket;
- and
- a progressive displacement system comprising:
- a body;
- a linear member moveably coupled to the body, the linear member moveable in a first direction and a second direction;
- a gear system rotatably coupled with the body and in mechanical communication with the linear member, wherein movement of the linear member is translated to rotational movement of the gear system;
- and
- a divider in mechanical communication with the gear system, the divider having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the rotational movement of the gear system due to movement of the linear member moves the divider between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein a corresponding output movement distance of the divider is greater than an input movement distance by the linear member.
A method of sorting items, the method comprising:
- injecting a first plurality of items toward a pocket, the pocket comprising a sidewall and a paddle;
- forming a first stack in the pocket with the first plurality of injected items, wherein the first item in the first plurality of items contacts the paddle;
- moving a linear member in a first direction, wherein the linear member is in mechanical communication with a gear system that is in mechanical communication with a divider;
- causing the divider to move based on movement of the linear member in the first direction and mechanical communication to the divider via the gear system;
- moving the divider to an extended position that is adjacent to the first stack in response to the movement of the linear member in the first direction;
- and
- injecting a second plurality of items to form a second stack in the pocket,
- wherein the divider in the extended position at least partially divides the first stack from the second stack.
A system for sorting items, the system comprising:
- means for injecting a first plurality of items toward a pocket;
- means for forming a first stack in the pocket with the first plurality of injected items;
- means for moving a linear member a first distance, wherein the linear member is in mechanical communication with a gear system that is in mechanical communication with a divider;
- means for causing the divider to move based on movement of the linear member in the first direction and mechanical communication to the divider via the gear system;
- means for moving the divider a second distance to an extended position that is adjacent to the first stack, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance;
- and
- means for injecting a second plurality of items to form a second stack in the pocket,
- wherein the divider in the extended position at least partially divides the first stack from the second stack.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.