Method and apparatus for sorting articles using a matrix of conveyor cells

A system for accepting a stream of objects emanating one-by-one from an object source and delivering same to one or more destination locations, said system comprising:

• a matrix of stationary conveyor cells, said matrix including a plurality of said cells positioned to form at least two transversely extending rows of adjacent conveyor cells and at least two longitudinally extending rows of adjacent conveyor cells,
• an input cell of said conveyor cells in a first transversely extending row and also in a first longitudinally extending row being positioned to receive objects from said object source and configured to transfer said objects to an adjacent cell within said first transversely extending row or alternately to transfer said objects to an adjacent cell within said first longitudinally extending row,
• an output cell of said conveyor cells in a second transversely extending row and also in a second longitudinally extending row and configured to receive said objects from an adjacent cell within said second transversely extending row or alternately to receive said objects from an adjacent cell within said second longitudinally extending row;
• a controller connected to operate a plurality of said conveyor cells in said matrix individually to discharge an object thereon in one of a plurality of directions;
• a reader positioned adjacent to said stream of objects to read destination information borne by said objects,
• said controller being operative responsive to said reader to guide each object received by said input cell from cell to cell through said matrix to said output cell and then to one or more destination locations corresponding to said destination information.

A method of sorting a stream of objects emanating one-by-one from an object source, and delivering same to one or more destination locations, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a matrix of stationary conveyor cells, said matrix including a plurality of said cells positioned to form at least two transversely extending rows of adjacent conveyor cells and at least two longitudinally extending rows of adjacent conveyor cells;
• providing an input cell within said matrix in a first transversely extending row and in a first longitudinally extending row being positioned to receive objects from said object source and configured to transfer said objects to an adjacent cell within said first transversely extending row or alternately to transfer said objects to an adjacent cell within said first longitudinally extending row;
• providing an output cell within said matrix in a second transversely extending row and in a second longitudinally extending row and configured to receive said objects from an adjacent cell within said second transversely extending row or alternately to receive said objects from an adjacent cell within said second longitudinally extending row;
• transferring a first object from said object source to said input cell;
• transferring said first object from said input cell to a cell adjacent to said input cell and within said first transverse row;
• transferring said first object from said first transverse row to said output cell;
• transferring said first object from said output cell to a destination location;
• transferring a second object from said object source to said input cell;
• transferring said second object from said input cell to a cell adjacent to said input cell and within said first longitudinal row;
• transferring said second object from said first longitudinal row to said output cell;
• and
• transferring said second object from said output cell to a destination location.