Presently disclosed embodiments are directed to a process and mechanism for reducing human error and manual labor used to sweep pockets on a mail sorting machine. Specifically, the disclosed embodiments utilize a sliding drawer holding a receiving container that can mate in a flush arrangement with an output pocket of a mail sorting machine. Thus, sweeping of mail product from the output pocket to the receiving container can be accomplished in one motion that empties the entire output pocket into the receiving container. This sweeping may be performed by an operator without any errors caused by sweeping to an incorrect receiving container or issues caused by dropping sorted mail product and picking it back up in a different order.

A method and apparatus are provided for storing and retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. A storage and retrieval system stores and retrieves items as needed and transfer items from storage locations to transfer locations. A separate picking system conveys the items from the transfer locations to a picking station or an input out station so that the item can be selected.

Feed apparatus for feeding flat articles to a bin carrousel having bins that circulate around a loop in a certain direction comprises a flat conveyor in which the articles are moved in series and as laid flat, and a platform carrousel having tipper platforms each of which is suitable for tilting between a horizontal position and an inclined position and that circulate around a loop in such a manner as to be synchronized with the bin conveyor and in the same direction.

A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

A postal sorting machine includes a sorting conveyor having sorting outlets, a first feed branch adapted for automatically injecting heterogeneous postal articles of the small parcel type into the sorting conveyor, and a second feed branch adapted for injecting homogeneous flat mailpieces of the letter type, or the magazine type, or of some analogous type into the sorting conveyor. The first feed branch has an inlet adapted for receiving the heterogeneous postal articles loose, and it is provided with at least one robotized handling arm of the pick and place type.

Feed apparatus for feeding flat articles to a bin carrousel having bins that circulate around a loop in a certain direction comprises a flat conveyor in which the articles are moved in series and as laid flat, and a platform carrousel having tipper platforms each of which is suitable for tilting between a horizontal position and an inclined position and that circulate around a loop in such a manner as to be synchronized with the bin conveyor and in the same direction.

A method for distribution of parcels which avoids repeated sorting steps at downstream distribution hubs by segregating the parcels at a first distribution hub according to a final destination such that the segregated parcels are distributed at downstream distribution hubs without re-sorting the segregated parcels. More particularly, the distribution method includes the step of providing a plurality of storage and delivery bins each having a base assembly and a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the base assembly and having a top wall extending between the upper ends of the pair of side walls. A plurality of bin sorting procedures is carried out until a trailer includes only delivery bins having a same delivery destination and can be unloaded using an elongate conveyor belt assembly extending through interior areas of a plurality of consolidated delivery bins while still positioned on a trailer.

A method for distribution of parcels which avoids repeated sorting steps at downstream distribution hubs by segregating the parcels at a first distribution hub according to a final destination such that the segregated parcels are distributed at downstream distribution hubs without re-sorting the segregated parcels. More particularly, the distribution method includes the step of providing a plurality of storage and delivery bins each having a base assembly and a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the base assembly and having a top wall extending between the upper ends of the pair of side walls. A plurality of bin sorting procedures is carried out until a trailer includes only delivery bins having a same delivery destination and can be unloaded using an elongate conveyor belt assembly extending through interior areas of a plurality of consolidated delivery bins while still positioned on a trailer.