Movable Loading Support Platform Within A Container

An automated container packing system comprising:

• a container to be filled with items at a first location for transport to a second location, the container having a rim that includes an opening to enable depositing of items into the container, the container including a support platform configured to receive items deposited into the container;
• an item conveyer to move the items to the first location and deposit the items into the container, the item conveyer having a conveyance height that is above the rim of the container;
• a platform movement mechanism at the first location coupled to the support platform, the platform movement mechanism to move the support platform relative to a base of the container, the platform movement mechanism to position the support platform in a first position proximate to the rim of the container to receive a first item, and to position the support platform in a second position lower than the first position causing an upper surface of the first item to be proximate to the rim of the container in preparation to receive a second item in the container;
• and
• an optical sensor in communication with the platform movement mechanism, the optical sensor directed across a plane defined by the rim of the container, the platform movement mechanism causing the support platform to move from the first position toward the second position in response to detection of a signal from the optical sensor that indicates that the plane is intersected by the first item.