System for sorting mail pieces on multiple levels and a method for performing the same

A method for sorting mail pieces, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a first pair of sprockets secured at a predetermined distance therebetween having a first transport chain mounted to rotate thereon;
• providing a second pair of sprockets secured at the predetermined distance therebetween having a second transport chain mounted to rotate thereon wherein the second pair of sprockets is longitudinally and laterally displaced, but not vertically displaced, from the first pair of sprockets;
• feeding the mail pieces onto a plurality of carriers wherein each of the plurality of carriers is horizontally secured and maintained between the first transport chain and the second transport chain to hold at least one mail piece;
• transporting the mail pieces on each of the plurality of carriers wherein the transporting occurs on two horizontal planes defined by the orientation of the first pair and the second pair of sprockets and the first and second transport chains, respectively;
• removing one of the mail pieces from the plurality of carriers into at least one of a plurality of bins during transport wherein each of the mail pieces is designated for a specific bin;
• and
• sensing level of fill of each of the plurality of bins.

A method for sorting mail pieces, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a first pair of sprockets secured at a predetermined distance therebetween having a first transport chain mounted to rotate thereon;
• providing a second pair of sprockets secured at the predetermined distance therebetween having a second transport chain mounted to rotate thereon wherein the second pair of sprockets is longitudinally and laterally displaced, but not vertically displaced, from the first pair of sprockets;
• feeding the mail pieces onto a plurality of carriers wherein each of the plurality of carriers is horizontally secured and maintained between the first transport chain and the second transport chain to hold at least one mail piece;
• transporting the mail pieces on each of the plurality of carriers wherein the transporting occurs on two horizontal planes defined by the orientation of the first pair and the second pair of sprockets and the first and second transport chains, respectively;
• removing one of the mail pieces from the plurality of carriers into at least one of a plurality of bins during transport wherein each of the mail pieces is designated for a specific bin;
• providing at least one groove in each of the plurality of carriers;
• and
• providing at least one rake finger corresponding to the at least one groove in the carrier for removing the mail piece from the carrier during transporting of the mail pieces.