The invention relates to a palletizing apparatus (10) comprising a compressing apparatus (60) which has a peripheral closed frame (70), wherein at least one slider (61, 62, 63, 64) that is movable in a horizontal direction is arranged on the frame (70), and a set-down device (50) which defines a transport face (53) for transporting article layers (15). The frame (70) surrounds a through-opening (67) that passes through in a vertical direction (Z), and the set-down device (50) is movable in a longitudinal direction (X) relative to the compressing apparatus (60) between a first longitudinal position, in which the transport face (53) is arranged in a manner offset in the longitudinal direction (X) with respect to the frame (70), and a second longitudinal position, in which a projection of the through-opening (67) in the vertical direction (Z) lies on the transport face (53). The compressing apparatus (60) and the set-down device (50) are in this case arranged on a lifting apparatus (20) so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Z). The invention also relates to a method for operating a palletizing apparatus (10) according to the invention, which comprises a plurality of steps.

The invention relates to a palletizing apparatus (10) comprising a compressing apparatus (60) which has a peripheral closed frame (70), wherein at least one slider (61, 62, 63, 64) that is movable in a horizontal direction is arranged on the frame (70), and a set-down device (50) which defines a transport face (53) for transporting article layers (15). The frame (70) surrounds a through-opening (67) that passes through in a vertical direction (Z), and the set-down device (50) is movable in a longitudinal direction (X) relative to the compressing apparatus (60) between a first longitudinal position, in which the transport face (53) is arranged in a manner offset in the longitudinal direction (X) with respect to the frame (70), and a second longitudinal position, in which a projection of the through-opening (67) in the vertical direction (Z) lies on the transport face (53). The compressing apparatus (60) and the set-down device (50) are in this case arranged on a lifting apparatus (20) so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Z). The invention also relates to a method for operating a palletizing apparatus (10) according to the invention, which comprises a plurality of steps.

A plant for forming pallets, comprising: an entry station (2); a plurality of picking areas (4), one or more autonomous entry vehicles (3), each of which is arranged to withdraw at least one entry pallet (Pi) from the entry station (2) and to lead the withdrawn pallet (Pi) to a given picking area (4); a plurality of release areas (5), at least one manipulator (6), structured to withdraw a package (C) from an entry pallet (Pi) and to position the package (C) on an exit pallet (Pu) positioned in a release area (5); an exit station (7); one or more autonomous exit vehicles (8), each of which is arranged to withdraw at least one exit pallet (Pu) from the release area (5) and to lead the withdrawn pallet (Pu) to the exit station (7) or to a subsequent release area (5).

The manipulator (6) is movable along a path (61) parallel to a main direction (X) between at least two extreme positions. The picking areas (4) are distributed on one side of the path (61), in a position reachable by the manipulator (6). The release areas are distributed on the opposite side of the path (61) with respect to the picking areas (4), in a position reachable by the manipulator (6).

A plant for forming pallets, comprising: an entry station (2); a plurality of picking areas (4), one or more autonomous entry vehicles (3), each of which is arranged to withdraw at least one entry pallet (Pi) from the entry station (2) and to lead the withdrawn pallet (Pi) to a given picking area (4); a plurality of release areas (5), at least one manipulator (6), structured to withdraw a package (C) from an entry pallet (Pi) and to position the package (C) on an exit pallet (Pu) positioned in a release area (5); an exit station (7); one or more autonomous exit vehicles (8), each of which is arranged to withdraw at least one exit pallet (Pu) from the release area (5) and to lead the withdrawn pallet (Pu) to the exit station (7) or to a subsequent release area (5).

The manipulator (6) is movable along a path (61) parallel to a main direction (X) between at least two extreme positions. The picking areas (4) are distributed on one side of the path (61), in a position reachable by the manipulator (6). The release areas are distributed on the opposite side of the path (61) with respect to the picking areas (4), in a position reachable by the manipulator (6).

Automated (e.g., robotic) mail tagging, traying, sleeving, and palletizing devices are disclosed. A monitoring system is also disclosed. In embodiments, the monitoring system is configured to operate with (e.g., monitor and/or control) one or more of the automated devices disclosed herein to facilitate actual physical mail matches the digital files provided to the USPS for postage discounts received on same mail. By comparing the digital information regarding the mail item identifier, the tray identifier, and the pallet identifier with the stored physical information received from the one or more scanners; and identifying whether or not any discrepancies exist between the digital information regarding the mail item identifier, the tray identifier, and the pallet identifier and the stored physical information received from the one or more scanners users can ensure actual physical mail matches the digital files submitted to USPS for postage discounts of same mail.

Automated (e.g., robotic) mail tagging, traying, sleeving, and palletizing devices are disclosed. A monitoring system is also disclosed. In embodiments, the monitoring system is configured to operate with (e.g., monitor and/or control) one or more of the automated devices disclosed herein to facilitate actual physical mail matches the digital files provided to the USPS for postage discounts received on same mail. By comparing the digital information regarding the mail item identifier, the tray identifier, and the pallet identifier with the stored physical information received from the one or more scanners; and identifying whether or not any discrepancies exist between the digital information regarding the mail item identifier, the tray identifier, and the pallet identifier and the stored physical information received from the one or more scanners users can ensure actual physical mail matches the digital files submitted to USPS for postage discounts of same mail.

A robotic system for arranging packages at a destination in a specified arrangement. The robotic system processes incoming packages, stores the packages in a temporary storage area, executes a simulate function to generate or update a simulated stacking plan, determines the occurrence of a palletizing trigger, and places the packages on the pallet according to the simulated stacking plan upon determining the occurrence of the palletizing trigger. The palletizing trigger can be one of a time limit trigger, a uniform layer trigger, a storage capacity trigger, or receiving a placement initiation command.

A robotic system for arranging packages at a destination in a specified arrangement. The robotic system processes incoming packages, stores the packages in a temporary storage area, executes a simulate function to generate or update a simulated stacking plan, determines the occurrence of a palletizing trigger, and places the packages on the pallet according to the simulated stacking plan upon determining the occurrence of the palletizing trigger. The palletizing trigger can be one of a time limit trigger, a uniform layer trigger, a storage capacity trigger, or receiving a placement initiation command.

Apparatus and methods for automatically conforming a bottom support surface in a pick and place palletizer to the width of items such as cases that are supported on the surface are described. The invention defines an improved apparatus and method for automatically adjusting the width of a row support surface to conform to undersized items or items having a width when an item side is against the apron backstop that is less than the apron depth relative to the backstop.

Apparatus and methods for automatically conforming a bottom support surface in a pick and place palletizer to the width of items such as cases that are supported on the surface are described. The invention defines an improved apparatus and method for automatically adjusting the width of a row support surface to conform to undersized items or items having a width when an item side is against the apron backstop that is less than the apron depth relative to the backstop.