Abstract: To sort objects, an object is transferred onto a transport device of a sorting plant, and conveyed in accordance with predetermined sort criteria from the transport device to one of a number of outputs of the sorting plant. At the output, the object is transferred to a receptacle assigned to the output. A receptacle is removed from the output as soon as a predetermined fill level has been reached, or no further objects are delivered to the output. An empty receptacle is replaced for the removed receptacle. The empty receptacle is directed via the transport device to the output.

Abstract: A method and system using a single pass sequencer having a transport system for transporting the mail pieces to a transport system having a moveable carriage system and a stationary carriage system with a plurality of holders slidable between the moveable carriage system and the stationary carriage system. The plurality of holders hold a mail piece of the mail pieces received from the transport system. The mail pieces are sequenced as they are transported or moved from the stationary carriage to the moveable carriage.

Abstract: Mail processing methods and techniques for sorting and commingling mail from various mail sources including the tracking of the mail pieces through the 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 final pass counts.

Abstract: A method and a device for transporting items, in particular mail items. uses multiple transport processes for transporting the items respectively to a processing system. For each item, a measurement is made before the transportation as to whether the item has a predefined characteristic, and if so, in what form. This measurement is executed afresh, after the item is fed to a processing system. For each item, it is determined by means of which transport process the item has been transported. To this end, it is determined which items with what form of the characteristic have been transported by means of which transport process.

Abstract: A device for conveying flat articles, in which device the flat articles are moved in series while being at a pitch one from the next that is normally constant, includes a synchronization device for compensating for a certain amount of variation in said pitch. This device includes: means for categorizing the articles on the basis of certain physical characteristics of the articles; means for identifying a certain amount of variation in the pitch for the current article and for recording said pitch variation in a memory in correspondence with the class of the current article; and means for servocontrolling the synchronization system on the basis of said pitch variations recorded in the memory in correspondence with said classes of articles.

Abstract: A sorting installation for letters of a first kind and letters of a second kind includes circulating stacking locations for receiving the letters of the first kind delivered in any desired sequence, and circulating end locations ordered by destination addresses. A first controller is operable to transfer a letter of the first kind from a circulating stacking location to an end location assigned to a destination address of the letter of the first kind. The installation includes further letter-stacking locations for letters of the second kind. A second controller is operable to transfer a letter of the second kind from a letter-stacking location to an end location assigned to a destination address of the letter of the second kind.

Abstract: A sorting system accepts a group of mail pieces at a loading station, sorts them, and then moves them to an unloading station. The system includes a reader for retrieving delivery information associated with each mail piece, and also includes clamps dimensioned for receipt of a mail piece into each clamp. The system has a device for creating an association between the retrieved delivery information of each mail piece and its respective clamp. The system also has a sorter for moving the clamps holding the mail pieces, based upon the association of each clamp with the retrieved delivery information, so that the mail pieces held by the clamps are sorted according to a desired delivery sequence. Additionally, the system includes a mechanism for opening the sorted clamps to release the mail pieces at the unloading station.

Abstract: A system and method for feeding and sorting mail pieces, and for moving the mail pieces to sorter bins according to delivery information on the mail pieces, includes a plurality of feeders, and a plurality of sorters configured to receive and sort the mail pieces from the feeders. A separating mechanism is configured to separate the feeders from the sorters in order to provide a plurality of pathways, so that each of the feeders is connectable by pathways to substantially all of the sorters. Each sorter includes sorter bins, and each sorter bin receives a subset of the mail pieces. Also included is a mechanism for selecting the pathways according to the delivery information read from each of the mail pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sorting objects. The apparatus has an input conveyor, an output conveyor, two loading devices, two unloading devices and a drive. Each loading device is configured to fill the input conveyor with at least one object. Each unloading device enables an object to be removed from the output conveyor. The apparatus can be switched between an input optimized mode and an output optimized mode. In the input optimized mode, both loading devices and one unloading device are activated. The apparatus guides the input conveyor past both loading devices and the output conveyor past the activated unloading device. In the output optimized mode, one loading device and both unloading devices are activated. The apparatus guides the input conveyor past the activated loading device and the output conveyor past the two unloading devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing mail for delivery by first sorting mail to carrier delivery order to create a series of batches of mail for delivery to respective recipients, then packaging the batches of mail in mail holders. Application of computer-implemented alert trigger criteria are used to determine whether a condition exists indicating an enhanced probability that one or more mail pieces in each batch is not correctly addressed such that it should not be delivered to that recipient. An alert mark is then printed on the mail holder for a batch containing one or more mail pieces having an enhanced probability of not being correctly addressed.

Abstract: A method for sorting flat mail pieces includes the steps of; sorting automation letters on the first pass of a two pass operation, then sorting extended capability letters after all automation mail has been sorted on pass one of a two pass operation. A control system identifies which pieces are automation and which pieces are extended capability (EC) mail during the first pass and re-feeding the mixed letters in a second pass.

Abstract: A system for extracting mail items in a mail processing system includes at least one pocket for containing at least one mail item and an extraction device. The pocket has a bottom area and two lateral walls, wherein each lateral wall has at least one opening. The pocket further includes a release mechanism at the bottom area configured to place the bottom area in an open state and a closed state. The extraction device is configured to engage the lateral walls of the pocket so that contact elements of the extraction device extend through the lateral walls and urge the at least one mail item away from inner surfaces of the lateral walls. The extraction device is further configured to cause the at least one mail item to pass through the bottom area when in the open state.

Abstract: A method of sorting postal items for preparing postman's walks on a postal sorting machine having an inlet and a set of sorting outlets includes loading a first batch of postal items and a second batch of postal items consecutively into the inlet of the machine, and directing the postal items of the first batch towards a first subset of sorting outlets, and the postal items of the second batch of postal items towards a second subset of sorting outlets that is separate from the first subset of sorting outlets; and while the postal items of the second batch of postal items are being directed towards the second subset of sorting outlets, reloading the inlet of the machine with the postal items taken from the first subset of sorting outlets, and, while the postal items of the first batch of postal items are being directed towards the first subset of sorting outlets, re-loading the inlet of the machine with the postal items taken from the second subset of sorting outlets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting articles to a delivery point sequence includes at least one article sorter adapted to sort articles and a conveying system operable to arrange and convey containers of articles sorted in a first sort pass to an induct of the article sorter for a second sort pass or process of the articles. The system or method automatically sorts and conveys trays containing sorted articles from a discharge of at least one sorting assembly to an induct of the at least one sorting assembly. The conveying assembly may have a generally continuous conveying track and is operable to automatically provide the trays to the induct of the at least one sorting assembly in a sequenced manner.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to systems and methods for improving a sort plan. According to one embodiment, several groups are formed where each group contains articles having an identifier of a hierarchical structure. In certain embodiments, the identifier may include a geographical indication, such as a postal or ZIP code. Further aspects relate to systems and methods for conducting sort plan optimization where at least some prior data is known or otherwise obtainable. In one embodiment, data relating to the quantity of groups within the sort plan, the quantity of articles associated with each identifier, and/or the quantity of articles within each group may be estimated or known. In certain embodiments, such data may be utilized to assign articles to specific bins, including any available bin, and then optimize the sort plan by selecting at least one bin for improvement.

Abstract: A method and device for sorting postal items according to formats, wherein postal items having at least two formats are fed by first conveyor to a sorting location; postal items of a first format are removed from the first conveyor in the area of the sorting location at a number of sorting stations arranged one behind the other in a direction of conveyance of the first conveyor, and are fed to a second conveyor, which, in the area of the sorting location, extends laterally next to the first conveyor, and; the postal items with other formats remain on the first conveyor.

Abstract: A sorter, method, and software product are provided for sorting mail pieces. The mail pieces are fed into a sorter, sorted, and then deposited into mail trays. The mail trays are then moved from the deposit area to a dispatch area, in the order they will be loaded into a truck. That order is preferably the same as the order in which the containers received the mail pieces.

Abstract: In a method for sorting mail items which are unaddressed and held in a number of batches each batch is obtained and registered by recording at least one graphical feature of a mail item which uniquely describes the batch (i.e. clearly identifies the batch from other batches). The graphical reference feature is linked to a batch of unaddressed mail and an associated sorting plan. In a subsequent sorting of all batches, each batch is recorded once again and its reference feature is detected and it is distributed according to the sorting plan, if necessary to an end delivery point.

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 diverter panel comprises an elongated rectangular panel made of a substantially flat plate made of clear plastic. The plate has fasteners mounted at its front corners for mounting the panel to a frame of the sorting machine, a rear upright flange extending from the plate along the length thereof, the flange having a bottom edge which can be supported on a horizontal beam of the sorting machine. The panel is rigid enough such that vibration of the sorting machine does not cause significant movement of the panel when secured at its corners and with the rear flange supported by the beam of the sorting machine. An opening in the rear flange and an adjacent portion of the plate allows a drive shaft to pass therethrough, and a contact pad formed by an outwardly projecting portion of the rear flange is configured for engagement with a plunger of a switch.

Abstract: A clamp is designed for accepting a mail piece at a loading station, and for releasably holding the mail piece while the mail piece is moved to an unloading station via a sorting system. The clamp is manipulated in the sorting system, instead of manipulating the mail piece held by the clamp. The clamp includes jaws for releasably holding the mail piece, plus a machine readable identifier, plus a mechanism for engaging with the sorting system. The clamp's identifier includes clamp information which uniquely identifies the clamp. The clamp information is for use by the sorting system, in combination with address information on the mail piece, to enable sortation of the mail piece held by the clamp.

Abstract: A sorter system includes a plurality of sortation bins with a feed path connected to the plurality of sortation bins for transporting media items to destination sortation bins. A controller is connected to control the plurality of sortation bins and is operable during a sortation process to reassign the destination sortation bin into which a media item is sorted. The system operation may employ a method for sorting media items where a plurality of media items are fed onto a transport system for sortation. Each media items is sorted into a destination sortation bin of a plurality of sortation bins connected to said transport system. Destination sortation bins for media items are dynamically reassigned based of the determined status of the media items in the sortation bins. The status of media items is sensed in each of said plurality of sortation bins may be determined based on sensors associated with the equipment or tracked by a controller or other techniques which track the mail pieces being processed.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for synchronizing distribution information of a sorting stock are provided. The sorting stock has information relating to a sorter element of a sorter loaded with the sorting stock. The sorter element is moved, together with a plurality of further sorter elements, on a path closed on itself past a laying-down station where the sorting stock is laid onto the support of this sorter element. The occupancy of the sorter element is recognized by an image comparison and the information known before the laying-down relating to the sorting stock is assigned unequivocally to the sorter element recognized as fed.

Abstract: In a method for depositing a flat object dropping freely into a lower compartment, a wall of the compartment at an angle in relation to a vertical is used as a flat deposit point for a flat side of the flat object. During passage of the flat object into the lower compartment an angular momentum is imparted to the flat object such that an angle of incidence between the wall and the flat side of the flat object is minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus for arranging flat mail items into a sequence of delivery points has a singling device having a device for determining address information located on the mail items. A temporary storage device has pouches that open downward and are connected to a circulating conveying device. The mail items are transportable from a read device to one pouch-loading station. Output conveyors accept the mail items from the pouches and transport the mail items to a stacking device. Each output conveyor has segments and moves relative to the temporary storage device. A part of an output conveyor is arranged beneath an overlapping area. A transporting speed and direction of an output conveyor are matched to a transporting speed and direction of the temporary storage device such that each segment of the output conveyor passes by each pouch of the temporary storage device at least once while moving along the overlapping area.

Abstract: A method for detecting whether perforations are present on the edge of an image of a form, such as a check, includes obtaining a bitmap of the image, identifying a selected portion of the bitmap that corresponds to at least the edge and that includes a matrix of a plurality of rows and columns of brightness values, and selecting a particular one of the rows of brightness values. The method further includes performing a Fourier transform of the brightness values included in the particular selected row to generate a Fourier transform output, and determining whether a series of perforations is present based on the Fourier transform output. The method may also include steps wherein the brightness values are low pass filtered and wherein the values in the selected row are high pass filtered prior to the step of performing a Fourier transform.

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 method for sorting objects using a continuous loop conveyor sorting system having two or more feeders. In one embodiment, the method includes sorting a batch of objects to form a first group of objects and a second group of objects, using a first feeder to feed all of the objects from the first group onto the conveyor, using a second feeder to feed all of the objects from the second group onto the conveyor, removing the objects from the first group from the conveyor prior to the any of the objects reaching the point at which the second feeder feeds objects onto the conveyor, and removing the objects from the second group from the conveyor prior to the any of the objects reaching the point at which the first feeder feeds objects onto the conveyor.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for sorting mail pieces that may include both standard and higher class mail. The mail pieces are for delivery to various addresses, and the present invention postpones delivery to some addresses if those addresses are receiving insufficient mail. According to this method, data is collected about each mail piece, and that data for each mail piece is associated with a respective holder that holds the mail piece. Mail is withheld from immediate delivery if the collected data associated with the holder indicates that the mail piece is standard class having a non-immediate delivery deadline, provided that the collected data associated with other holders indicates that there are no other pieces having the same address and having either a higher class or an immediate delivery date.

Abstract: A mail sorting device and method (FIG. 1) comprising a reader (20, 24), a plurality of holders (28) for receiving mail in a generally vertical orientation, and a sorter (26), wherein mail pieces held by said holders are sorted according to sequence into interim unloading stations and then wrapped and encoded with the respective delivery address.

Abstract: A sorting installation uses predetermined separating elements which may be differentiated from the articles. The sorting installation ejects the articles as well as the separating elements into the dispensing containers such that after ejection the articles and separating elements are arranged in each dispensing container in one respective sequence. In this connection, the sorting installation ejects each article depending on the respectively measured feature value into one of the dispensing containers. The sorting installation establishes which possible feature values the measuring device has actually measured at least once. For each such actually measured feature value, the sorting installation inscribes a separating element with an identification mark for this value.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for further processing of a mail piece initially rejected from an automatic sorting machine. In the case of a window envelope, the envelope is rotated or inverted, shaken, and rotated to reposition the insert. Address recognition is repeated, and additional techniques are applied if an address is not quickly resolved. Additional processing may be carried out on a reject processing machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for processing a mailing including one or more mail pieces. The exemplary systems and method include capturing address data, addressee data, or address and addressee data associated with each respective mail piece of the mailing. A delivery point address code and a unique identifier are determined for the respective mail piece based at least in part on the captured address data, addressee data, or address and addressee data. In addition, a machine readable code is generated comprising at least a mailer identifier for the mailing and the unique identifier. The machine readable code is then printed on the respective mail piece. Also disclosed are exemplary systems and methods for retrieving a delivery point address code from a move data file. A machine readable code is generated from the delivery point address code and a unique identifier, and is printed on the mail piece.

Abstract: A method of detecting bunched-together overlapping postal items includes the steps of moving the postal items on edge above a camera, forming grayscale images including the bottom sides of the postal items, and analyzing the image for the purpose of detecting the presence of any overlapping postal items. The method further includes the steps of transforming each grayscale image into a binary image that causes a boundary defined by a “pale” zone to appear that represents the bottom side of at least one postal item and that extends between two “dark” zones, the boundary having a “right” first profile and a “left” second profile, and the method further includes the step of analyzing the right and left profiles for the purpose of detecting any profile discontinuity that is indicative of the presence of overlapping postal items.

Abstract: A threat detection system includes a facility including at least three separate rooms located in the facility and a positive pressure zone located external to the facility. A ventilation system is coupled to the at least three separate rooms. A first room is located in the facility, wherein the first room includes a first room pressure zone that is negative with respect to the positive pressure zone external to the facility. A second room is located in the facility and connected to the first room, wherein the second room includes a second room pressure zone that is negative with respect to the first room pressure zone.

Abstract: A sorter, method, and software product are used for sorting objects into a sequence of destination addresses, in at most a single pass through the sorter. In a first stage of the single pass through the sorter, the objects are sorted into a plurality of batches corresponding to groups of the destination addresses. The batches are then eventually advanced from the first stage to a second stage of the single pass through the sorter. During that second stage, objects in each of the batches are sorted into the sequence of destination addresses.

Abstract: A system for detection of doubles in a stream of flat items such as mail pieces being conveyed on a conveyor includes an electronic imaging camera positioned to receive an image of a side face of conveyed items over a first portion of its field of view, a reflector positioned to reflect an edge view of the items to the imaging camera, which edge view is received by the imaging camera over a second portion of its field of view, and a computer that receives image data from the camera. Program logic used by the computer determines whether the image shows one item, or more than one item.

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: A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. A stack of mail is placed in an input bin in a feeder module. A feeder serially feeds the envelopes into a transport path. The envelopes are then examined to determine if the contents are qualified for extraction. Envelopes that are qualified for extraction are opened in a cutting module and then conveyed to an extraction module to extract the contents from the envelopes. The contents may then be scanned and reoriented as desired so that the contents are in a pre-determined orientation. The contents are then sorted into a stacker.

Abstract: A storage tray for storing mail items in the sorting outlets of a mail sorting machine having a carousel with buckets that hold mail items and move in a transport direction such that the mail items describe an arcuate path when released from the buckets. The storage tray includes a bottom surrounded by side walls defining a horizontal top portion of the tray and a horizontal bottom portion of the tray, wherein the bottom of the tray includes a landing wall and a jogging wall intersecting in the bottom portion of the tray, the landing wall extending from the jogging wall in a first direction towards the top portion of the tray at an angle relative to the horizontal bottom portion of the tray, and the jogging wall extending away from the landing wall in a second direction along a generally arcuate curved path toward the top portion of the tray. The shape of the jogging wall preferably corresponds generally to the path of a mail item released from a bucket carousel of a sorting machine.

Abstract: The method of handling mail items for preparing delivery rounds in a postal sorting machine having sorting outlets with interchangeable trays, in which in order to separate the mail items of two delivery rounds at one sorting outlet, the machine causes a tray to be changed at said sorting outlet.

Abstract: Tracking an item through an item delivery system comprises reading a tracking indicia on the item, entering data from the tracking indicia into a management system, providing access to the management system, and updating the management system with information regarding the item passing various points within the item delivery system. In addition, the management system may comprise at least one of a business interface system, a coding strategy system, a surface/air management system, a processing operations information system, an activity-based costing system, and a delivery operations information system.

Abstract: A sorting system for flat mail items includes a process controller and at least three storage modules connected in a parallel arrangement. Each of the at least three storage modules has a storage area and an infeed function to transfer mail items from a mail item stream into the storage area, and an extraction function to extract mail items from the storage area for generating an improved mail item stream. One of the at least three storage modules is operable in the infeed function, another one of the at least three storage modules operable in the extraction function, and at least one further module of the at least three storage modules is operable in a halt status. Address information is added to the mail items by the process controller for the mail items contained in the storage area of the storage module operated in the halt status.

Abstract: Device for sequencing disparate products, includes at least a first feeder mechanism feeding a first separate stream of a first product type in a pre-sequenced order. At least a second feeder mechanism feeds a second separate stream of second product type though a sequencing process. At least one reading device reads product information of the first product type and the second product type. A pausing device pauses, on one of the first feeder mechanism and the second feeder mechanism, one of the first separate stream of the first product type in the pre-sequenced order and the second separate stream of the second product type in a first pass sort order of the sequencing process based on the information read from the at least one reading device to enable the first product type and the second product type to be intermixed into a stream forming a merged stream of sequenced first and second product type.

Abstract: A sorting system using multiple sorters operating as part of a single, multi-sorting machine unified system. The system according to the invention includes a plurality of input sections capable of operating in parallel, each including a feeder that takes in mail pieces one at a time and a scanner that scans each mail piece for destination indicia, a plurality of stackers each comprising at least one row of pockets, a control system that determines a destination pocket in the stacker for each mail piece based on a predetermined sort scheme and the destination indicia, and a routing system effective to route mail in accordance with the sort scheme from any input section to any pocket of a stacker.

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: The sorting device according to the present invention has at least one mail item buffer receptacle, a number of storage pockets for mail items arranged one after another and circulating continuously in a conveyor belt and moved past one or more loading stations. Below straight transfer sections of the conveyors fixed intermediate storage receptacles open at the top are arranged to accept one or more mail items from the loaded storage pockets to be opened under control in the transfer sections. On a transport path below the intermediate storage receptacles there are also continuously circulating mail item containers open at the top as sorting end points assigned to the destination addresses or destination address groups.

Abstract: A sorting device has at least one mail item buffer receptacle, a number of storage pockets for mail items arranged one after another and circulating continuously in a conveyor belt and moved past one or more loading stations. Below straight transfer sections of the conveyors fixed intermediate storage receptacles open at the top are arranged to accept one or more mail items from the loaded storage pockets to be opened under control in the transfer sections. On a transport path below the intermediate storage receptacles there are also continuously circulating mail item containers open at the top as sorting end points assigned to the destination addresses or destination address groups.