A parcel processing system (400) includes infeed conveyors (404, 406, 408) each conveying parcels (106) with an assigned orientation class, a merging conveyor (410) configured to merge parcels fed by the infeed conveyors into a single stream of parcels, and an induction conveyor (200) configured to feed the merged stream of parcels along an induction feed path (202) to a sorting conveyor (100). The infeed paths (404a, 406a) of the infeed conveyors are arranged at different angular orientations in relation to a merging feed path (412) of the merging conveyor such that each parcel in the merged stream of parcels has an orientation that is dependent upon its assigned orientation class. The merging conveyor (410) includes a multi-axis transport mechanism configured to move parcels along a principal axis parallel to the merging feed path and a secondary axis perpendicular to the principal axis, the merging conveyor being operable to selectively activate movement along the secondary axis for centering parcels being loaded thereon.

A conveyor load tracking method, including associating a designated load with a designated load data record associated with a designated load location record encompassing a first segment of the conveyor and designated load expected travel distances after associated conveyor travel. An unknown load is detected entering a second segment with a sensor outside of the designated load expected travel distances, and a new data record associated with the unknown load is created. The new data record is associated with a new location record encompassing the second segment and encompassing new expected load travel distances of the unknown load after associated conveyor travel. The sensor detects that the designated load is not present at the at a first expected travel distance, and in response the designated load data record is disassociated from the designated load location record, and paired with the new data record and its new location record.

A conveyor load tracking method, including associating a designated load with a designated load data record associated with a designated load location record encompassing a first segment of the conveyor and designated load expected travel distances after associated conveyor travel. An unknown load is detected entering a second segment with a sensor outside of the designated load expected travel distances, and a new data record associated with the unknown load is created. The new data record is associated with a new location record encompassing the second segment and encompassing new expected load travel distances of the unknown load after associated conveyor travel. The sensor detects that the designated load is not present at the at a first expected travel distance, and in response the designated load data record is disassociated from the designated load location record, and paired with the new data record and its new location record.

The invention relates to a spacing star wheel for transporting and transferring containers, comprising a plurality of gripping elements for gripping one container each and a curve guide, where the spacing star wheel is configured such that, during operation, the gripping elements, guided by the curve guide, revolve around the axis of rotation of the spacing star wheel along a curved path. By activating at least one curve guide segment, the shape of the curve guide can be adjusted such that the spacing distance between two adjacent gripping elements in the region of the curve guide segment changes.

The invention relates to a spacing star wheel for transporting and transferring containers, comprising a plurality of gripping elements for gripping one container each and a curve guide, where the spacing star wheel is configured such that, during operation, the gripping elements, guided by the curve guide, revolve around the axis of rotation of the spacing star wheel along a curved path. By activating at least one curve guide segment, the shape of the curve guide can be adjusted such that the spacing distance between two adjacent gripping elements in the region of the curve guide segment changes.

A sorting system and a method for sorting piece goods provide for conveying the piece goods to be sorted on a delivery level to a delivery point and delivering them there into or onto a receiving device moving on a collection level receiving the piece goods. The collection level is disposed below the delivery level. The receiving device travels over an individually determined route on the collection level.

A system includes a robot configured to load and/or unload from a location, such as a cargo carrier or building. The robot includes a base unit that has a transport system to move the base unit. A mast extends from the base unit, and the mast has a mast conveyor. The mast is configured to extend and retract. An End of Arm Tool (EoAT) is coupled to the mast in a rotatable manner. The EoAT includes an EoAT conveyor configured to move a cargo item to and from the mast conveyor. A gripper mechanism is configured to move between a retracted position where the gripper mechanism is clear of the cargo item on the EoAT conveyor and an extended position where the gripper mechanism is able to grip the cargo item.

A system includes a robot configured to load and/or unload from a location, such as a cargo carrier or building. The robot includes a base unit that has a transport system to move the base unit. A mast extends from the base unit, and the mast has a mast conveyor. The mast is configured to extend and retract. An End of Arm Tool (EoAT) is coupled to the mast in a rotatable manner. The EoAT includes an EoAT conveyor configured to move a cargo item to and from the mast conveyor. A gripper mechanism is configured to move between a retracted position where the gripper mechanism is clear of the cargo item on the EoAT conveyor and an extended position where the gripper mechanism is able to grip the cargo item.

The present disclosure relates to a method and a distribution system to move carriers on a transport plane. The distribution system comprises at least one first carrier and at least one second carrier, a transport plane comprising a number of moving positions, a drive device adapted to move each carrier to the moving positions, and a control device adapted to control the drive device. The control device plans moves for each carrier, checks the planned moves and plans new moves if required before the carriers are moved on the transport plane.

The present disclosure relates to a method and a distribution system to move carriers on a transport plane. The distribution system comprises at least one first carrier and at least one second carrier, a transport plane comprising a number of moving positions, a drive device adapted to move each carrier to the moving positions, and a control device adapted to control the drive device. The control device plans moves for each carrier, checks the planned moves and plans new moves if required before the carriers are moved on the transport plane.