Abstract: A business method and system for executing the method that involves gathering merchandise orders at a show in the home of a hostess. The method compiles the merchandise orders while maintaining a relationship between each individual order and information pertaining to the guest making the order. The guest information maintains an association with the order throughout the method such that each order made at the show may be individually packaged and labeled, obviating the need for the hostess to sort the ordered items upon receiving them from a warehouse. The system stores records of all purchased items and maintains a running inventory of each item, accessible by the consultants so they may warn customers of potentially low inventories. The database also facilitates returns and exchanges of purchased items.

Abstract: A method and device for individually transporting articles of different type, size, weight, material or shape to one delivery location of a plurality of delivery locations that is designated for the respective article. The articles are placed one by one in respective transport containers, and the respective article is caused at a desired respective delivery location to be transferred from its transport container to a collecting or storage bin, disintegrator or further conveyor dedicated to the article, the transport container at the designated delivery location being made to discharge the article under the effect of gravity or with the aid of a separate, controlled actuating means. The respective article is identified prior to it being placed in a transport container. Identification may, for example, be related to the material of which the article is made.

Abstract: A method of facilitating a sorting of a plurality of components nested in a workpeice, including at least two sets of components, each adapted to be assembled to form a structure, comprising producing a plan replicating the cut pattern of the workpiece, depicting the profiles of the components, each provided with an identifier denoting the location of the component on the workpiece; producing at least one of a plurality of labels, each bearing a distinguishable one of the location indicators and a distinctive, readily visable identifier denoting a different one of the sets of components; applying each of the labels on a nested component of the workpiece corresponding to the profile of the component on the plan, guided by the plan and the applicable location identifiers; removing each of the nested components provided with labels bearing the same readily, visable identifier and grouping all components provided with labels bearing the same identifier, together.

Abstract: A method and system for sorting mailpieces in a single pass is provided. The system consists of a mail feeding unit, a mail scanner and a mail distribution unit having a number of receiving bins. Mailpieces are fed into the system one at a time through the scanner to determine the mailstop of the mailpiece. A control system assigns unique mailstops to unique receiving bins. Each mailpiece is deposited in a receiving bin assigned with its mailstop. When the number of mailstops exceeds the number of receiving bins, the control system empties a receiving bin and assigns the new mailstop to the emptied bin so it can receive mailpieces having the new mailstop. Accordingly, the system can sort mail destined for “m” mailstops into “n” receiving bins where “m” is greater than “n”.

Abstract: A device for presorting separated thin postal items to sorting final position areas of a postal item sorting machine according to the read distributing information and to the assigned sorting final position area includes at least two inputs for streams of postal items and at least two outputs each leading to a sorting final position area. All connecting paths with intersections are provided in a multiple manner between each respective input and each respective output. The postal items are distributed via corresponding switches to the multiple connecting paths from an input to an output in such a manner that, at the intersections, gaps develop that are required for postal items in the intersecting path and in the junctions.

Abstract: Mail processing methods and techniques for sorting and commingling mail from various mail sources including the tracking of the mail pieces through processing. Such tracking entails uniquely identifying each mail piece, received in batches from the mail sources, and recording the unique identification of each mail piece. The received mail is sorted and commingled in a first pass, to form first collections, and each first collection is loaded into a uniquely identified mail container. For each respective mail piece, the tracking entails recording an association of the unique identification of one of the mail containers into which it is likely the respective mail piece is sorted on the first pass. After processing is complete, postal and client reports can be adjusted based on actual first pass counts.

Abstract: A mail sorting and sequencing system having a number of DPP units cooperating with one another to sort and sequence mail items of three different types of mail. Each DPP unit having: a conveyor system wherein a number of trucks travel along a path; at least three truck feed units communicating with the conveyor system and receiving mail items of a respective type of mail; at least one accumulating device cooperating with the conveyor system to receive mail items released individually by the trucks; and a buffer unit for housing groups of mail items from the accumulating device.

Abstract: In a method for sorting flat mail items, mail items are routed longitudinal direction according to determined destination addresses via a transport and point section into sorting terminals assigned to the destination addresses. Gaps between two mail items are adjusted by a controllable gap adjustment device in front of the transport and point. The average set gap between mail items leaving the separation device is selected to be smaller than the minimum gap between the mail items, which are to be sorted in the sorting terminals with the longest transport distances. The gaps between two mail items are adjusted by means of the controllable gap adjustment device as a function of the mail item with the shorter transport distance to the assigned sorting terminal in each instance. To create necessary space to displace the mail items in the flow of mail items, disruptive mail items are ejected.

Abstract: System and method for modular sorting stations. A sorting station may be subdivided into two or more modular bins. A modular bin may be partitioned into compartments. Each compartment may be configured to receive one order including one or more items. Modular bins may be partitioned into compartments of different sizes to receive orders of different sizes. A modular bin may be removed from a sorting station and conveyed to a packing station for packing or other sorting station to continue sorting. Picked items may be received and sorted for rebinning into the modular bins manually or using an automated sorting mechanism. A control system may direct the sorting and rebinning operation. Modular sorting stations may be located adjacent to packing stations or, alternatively, away from packing stations and, when a modular bin is complete, it may be conveyed to an appropriate packing station for packing.

Abstract: Methods for using a liner in a waste sorting and disposal system are provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.

Abstract: A liner for use in a waste sorting and disposal system is configured for placement in a container is provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.

Abstract: A handling system able to efficiently process information relating to a plurality of conveyed articles, the handling system provided with a conveyer for conveying workpieces, a visual sensor for detecting positions of workpieces by acquiring images of a plurality of tracking ranges obtained by dividing a belt into sections, an encoder for detecting an amount of movement of the belt, a tracking manager for monitoring amounts of movement of the plurality of tracking ranges based on the amount of movement detected by the encoder and specifying the tracking range passing through a workpiece detection area, a workpiece manager for selecting the article in the tracking range specified by the tracking manager, and a controller for controlling operations of robots so as to hold the workpiece selected by the workpiece manager.

Abstract: A method and system for efficient package delivery in bulk to pickup locations for recipients in which items ordered by different customers from one or more different retailers, suppliers, manufacturers, and the like can be sorted within and picked from an on-hand inventory at a distribution center and packed into a package for delivery to a specific pickup location for a specific recipient. A replenishment order for items to replace the on-hand inventory at the distribution center can be made to a fulfillment location to maintain inventory levels defined for an item at a distribution center. The items to replenish the on-hand inventory at the distribution center can be shipped in bulk from a fulfillment location in containers organized by item identifier. The items can be sorted at a different distribution center, still organized within containers of all the same item identifier, to reach the distribution center placing the replenishment order for the items.

Abstract: An improved tracking system for garments provided to a customer by a garment provider.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using same is provided which includes the use of an apparatus configured to scan and apply labels to parcels moving along a conveyor belt. The apparatus of the present invention includes first and second adjacent conveyors positioned with a gap there between, the gap being sufficiently narrow to allow passage of parcels from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. Parcels crossing the gap are exposed to a reading device having a reading axis passing upwardly through the gap to read indicia. The labels, which are scanned and decoded, provide information which is subsequently sent to a printing device which prints a “second” label which is blown or otherwise transferred to a second side of the parcel. The parcel then exits the second conveyor to be sorted downstream by use of the second label.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting a plurality of unaddressed items may comprise receiving delivery point address data. Furthermore, systems and methods for sorting a plurality of unaddressed items may comprise sorting the plurality of unaddressed items based on the delivery point address data. The plurality of unaddressed items may be sorted in an order in which they are to be delivered within a delivery zone specified by the delivery point address data.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: Techniques for use of wireless labels to provide information relating to documents in a document processing operation are described. A plurality of document processing trays each have affixed a label for receiving and displaying messages which are received wirelessly from a central communication interface The messages provide information relating to documents to be placed within or contained within the trays. When a group of documents undergoes initial processing, the group of documents is sorted into a plurality of sorting locations. Each of the sorting locations has an associated tray and label and the documents within the sorting location are placed within the tray. Messages relating to the documents within each tray are transmitted and displayed on the label affixed to the tray. The messages provide information such as the large group, such as an entry, and sorting location to which the documents belong and the endpoint of the documents.

Abstract: An IC tag is fixed to a printing plate. An ID code is stored in the IC tag. A used printing plate is collected using a collection container. The collection container is provided with a reception device of the collected used printing plates. The reception device is provided with an IC tag reader. An ID code of the used printing plate is read with the IC tag reader. According to the read ID code, whether to reuse the used printing plate for a substrate of the printing plate is judged. The used printing plates judged to be reused are sent to an aluminum substrate recycling plant and recycled as raw materials for aluminum used in production of the substrates for the printing plates.

Abstract: An operational process for product distribution includes grouping product into groups when the product is in a first sort level and sorting the groups of product, in a first pass operation, to a second level sort. The method further includes sequencing the second level sort product including late arriving product, in a second pass operation, into a sequence of product. A machine readable code can also be used to implement the functionality of the operational process.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In one embodiment, at least one of the medical waste items is a regulated drug that is regulated by, for example, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The regulated drug is inaccessible once disposed in the container. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A method of processing postal items in a postal sorting machine for preparing delivery rounds in a plurality of sorting passes (typically two sorting passes) includes a step that is performed during a sorting pass and for each current item, said step consisting in monitoring (31, 33, 35, 37, 38, 39) data representative of an order number or rank allocated to the distribution point corresponding to the current postal item in a predetermined sequence of distribution points to be run through this sorting pass in order to prepare each delivery round, the monitoring consisting in observing how rank varies for successive postal items in order to detect any difference relative to said predetermined sequence. In response to detecting such a difference for a current item, said current item is put back into circulation through the machine in order to delay its sorting and thus recreate the expected sequence.

Abstract: The method of detecting single postal items and multiple overlapping postal items in a postal sorting installation consists in analyzing images (5) representing postal items (6) viewed from in front, and in applying to each image an outline-extracting process (10) in order to recognize items (6) having an outline (10) of substantially constant height as being single items. In this method, the reliability with which single items is detected is improved, and the digital image used for analysis purposes can be the digital image which is also used for optical character recognition processing in the postal sorting installation.

Abstract: A card shuffling device reads suit and value of individual cards that are moved through the card shuffler. Reading of the cards is effected after cards have been received into a card holding area and before cards have been delivered into a card collection area from which cards are removed from the device for use.

Abstract: A carpet disposal system which includes: a collector collecting carpet, the carpet collecting performed by a collection agent, which has a unique identifier; an assigner assigning the collection agent unique identifier to the collected carpet; a transporter transporting the uniquely identified carpet to a processing plant; an identifier identifying the collection agent of the uniquely identified carpet at the processing plant; a sorter sorting the uniquely identified carpet; a valuer valuing the sorted carpet; a payer paying the identified collection agent the value of the sorted carpet; and a payer paying the identified collection agent the value of the sorted carpet. The unique identifier may include a unique code and/or bar code.

Abstract: A new and improved mail sorting system, which is able to dramatically increase the throughput sorting volume of mail pieces or articles, comprises the incorporation of a plurality of cross-circulation path (CCP) conveyors within a conventional looped or folded conveyor belt system whereby, in effect, mail pieces or articles can be effectively removed from primary conveyor flow path sections so as to create gaps or spaces upon the primary conveyor flow path sections into which additional mail pieces or articles can be introduced through means of a second input or infeed port. In addition, a plurality of the new and improved mail sorting systems can be integrated together into a multi-system mail sorting system wherein off-shoot or auxiliary outfeed conveyor belt sections can feed pieces or articles of mail from any particular one of the mail sorting systems to the second input or infeed ports of the other mail sorting systems so as to render the overall system still more efficient.

Abstract: A method using a single pass sequencer having a transport system for transporting the mail pieces to a transport system having a first carriage system and a second carriage system with a plurality of holders slidable between the first carriage system and the second carriage system with packaged output. Each of the plurality of holders holding a mail piece of the mail pieces received from the transport system. The method includes assigning a code to: (i) the mail pieces based on the destination information, (ii) the plurality of holders on the first carriage, and (iii) a position on the second carriage which corresponds to the initial sequence and a destination sequence of the mail pieces.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: An improved tracking system for garments provided to a customer by a garment provider.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods and systems for waste disposal. In one embodiment, a waste pickup apparatus comprises a network interface configured to communicate with a networked waste disposal unit associated with a first user, a data store containing user rules, processor executable instructions configured to read a user-specified waste pickup rule for a first user from the data store, determine if the user-specified waste pickup rule is satisfied based at least in part on the status information, if the user-specified waste pickup rule is not satisfied, to again determine if the user-specified waste pickup rule is satisfied when a predetermined period has elapsed, and if the user-specified waste pickup rule is satisfied, cause a waste pickup entity to pickup the waste, wherein the waste pickup entity is selected based at least in part on a preference of the first user stored in computer readable memory.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A method for processing garments. Soiled garments corresponding to a route are received and washed. The garments are configured for processing and stored based on the route. From storage, the garments may be transferred to a sorter and sorted based on a determined sequence within the route, transferred to a repair station, transferred to a steaming station or transferred to a delivery vehicle for delivery. After sorting, repairing or steaming, the garments may be conveyed back to storage or loaded onto a delivery vehicle for delivery. Also, from storage, garments may be added or removed from the route and the garments may be sorted or re-sorted based on the new number of garments in the route.

Abstract: In a reverse vending machine the feed opening (22) in the front cover (14), for bottles and cans, is without a fixed connection to pipework, etc. At the same time, an opening (26) for emptying remnants is formed in the front cover (14), in the form of a bowl, which merges at the back side of the front cover into a drain pipe socket (28) positioned above an upwards open drain channel (30) in the interior of the machine, without a fixed connection between the drain pipe socket (28) and the channel (30). The front cover is possibly lockable and can be opened to the side by means of hinges (24), whereby the interior of the reverse vending machine is uncovered for inspection, maintenance or repair.

Abstract: A mail processing system includes a mail processing facility with at least one negative pressure zone which is negative with respect to a positive pressure zone external to the facility. The facility further includes a first area in the facility for receiving mail, a second area in the facility for sorting and inspecting the mail, a third area in the facility for temporarily storing mail that has been sorted and inspected, and a response system for responding to a mail threat being detected.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A sorting method and apparatus which permits a high sorting speed during the sorting of a group of objects is disclosed. The method and apparatus can be carried out automatically and with simple equipment in some preferred embodiments.