Patent classifications
B07C3/00
System and method for dynamically routing items
Systems and methods for handling a plurality items by using a sorter to receive items and obtain item information and delivery destinations from the items. A run manifest is generated having an item identifier and a destination for each of the plurality of items. The run manifest data is used in a routing module to generate dynamic routes for delivering the plurality of items, and generating a sequence identifier for each of the plurality of items according to the dynamically generated routes.
SORTATION DEVICES AND SYSTEMS
Devices and systems are provided for improved article sortation. An example sortation device includes a frame and a sortation table movably attached to the frame. The sortation table defines a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a body extending therebetween. The second end pivotally attaches the sortation table to the frame, and the body defines a first surface configured to support an article thereon. The sortation device performs a tilt operation in which the sortation table rotates about the pivotal attachment between the second end and the frame in a first direction. The sortation device also performs a bomb bay operation in which the sortation table rotates about the pivotal attachment between the second end and the frame in a second direction opposite the first direction. An example sortation system is provided that includes two or more of the example sortation devices.
System and method of sorting and sequencing items
Embodiments of a system and method for sorting and sequencing articles in a processing facility are disclosed. Delivery endpoints are divided and grouped into stop groups. A first sorter sorts items according to stop group and outputs the items to trays. The output trays from the first sorter are loaded to a second sorter in stop group order. The second sorter can then sort the items into output bins in delivery sequence order.
Automated shuttles for rapid replacement of full containers
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for automated shuttles for rapid replacement of full containers. In one embodiment, an example system may include a shuttle configured to move adjacent to an array of containers arranged in a first row and a second row, the array of containers having a first container in the first row and a second container in the second row, a first container receptacle portion configured to receive containers, the first container receptacle portion having a first conveyor, and a second container receptacle portion configured to receive containers, the second container receptacle portion having a second conveyor. The system may include a motor configured to cause the shuttle to move laterally adjacent to the array of containers.
Systems and methods to enhance the utilization of order sortation systems
Systems and methods can enhance efficiencies of order fulfillment processes. For example, this document describes systems and methods for optimizing the efficiency of automated order sortation processing lines to expedite order processing in a cost-effective manner. In some embodiments, this innovation includes a fast, efficient method for supplying items to order sortation process lines so that they operate at peak efficiently, and the workers are utilized at a high level of efficiency.
COMMINGLING OPTIMIZATION OF MAIL
A processing system and method for nationwide commingling of mail items to increase efficiency and lower mailing costs includes a pre-sort facility which creates a first set of diverted mail items and a first set of associated data while a print and mail manufacture facility generates a second set of manufactured mail items and a second set of associated data and then receives the first set of diverted mail items and first set of associated data from the pre-sort facility and then commingles the first and second sets of mail items according to a predetermined set of commingling rules applied to the first and second sets of associated data to produce commingled mail items which reduces postal costs in mailing the commingled mail item
COMMINGLING OPTIMIZATION OF MAIL
A processing system and method for nationwide commingling of mail items to increase efficiency and lower mailing costs includes a pre-sort facility which creates a first set of diverted mail items and a first set of associated data while a print and mail manufacture facility generates a second set of manufactured mail items and a second set of associated data and then receives the first set of diverted mail items and first set of associated data from the pre-sort facility and then commingles the first and second sets of mail items according to a predetermined set of commingling rules applied to the first and second sets of associated data to produce commingled mail items which reduces postal costs in mailing the commingled mail item
SORTING DEVICE
A sorting apparatus is provided. The sorting apparatus includes: at least one set of sorting units; where a sorting unit of the at least one set of sorting units includes: a timing belt, where two ends of the timing belt are fixed; a trolley track arranged in parallel with the timing belt; and a distribution trolley, where the distribution trolley comprises a driving assembly and a guide assembly, the driving assembly comprises a driving motor and a timing belt pulley, the driving motor drives the timing belt pulley to cooperate with the timing belt and move along the timing belt; and the guide assembly of the distribution trolley is configured to cooperate with the trolley track to guide a moving direction of the distribution trolley.
DELIVERY HANDLING APPARATUS, DELIVERY HANDLING METHOD, AND DELIVERY HANDLING PROGRAM
According to one embodiment, a delivery handling apparatus includes a recognition portion which performs an image recognition processing to an image imaged by an imaging portion to image a delivery object, to recognize information including an address given to the delivery object and a parameter selecting portion which sequentially selects parameter sets from a plurality of the parameter sets previously stored in a storage portion and a control portion which makes the parameter selecting portion sequentially select parameter sets from a plurality of the parameter sets, and the recognition portion perform an image recognition processing to an image with the parameter sets selected by the parameter selecting portion, and the parameter selecting portion select the parameter set satisfying a prescribed condition, based on a result of the image recognition processing corresponding to the respective parameter sets.
INTELLIGENT ITEM RECEPTACLE
An intelligent item receptacle, system, and method for providing supplemental media content in response to depositing an item having media indicia disposed thereon. An intelligent item receptacle includes an item receptacle securely enclosing an interior volume, an item sensor configured to detect an inserted item, a camera within the interior volume configured to capture an image of the item, and an output configured to play audio or visual content to bystanders outside the item receptacle. Processing circuitry within the item receptacle analyzes the image to determine if the media indicia are present on the item and, if present, causes the output to play the audio or visual content associated with the media indicia.