Abstract: A semi-automated bulk sorting system includes a primary conveyor having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of sorting stations downstream from the primary conveyor and configured to sort the outbound parcels and cartons, where each of the sorting stations has a sorting platform. The system also includes a plurality of infeed chutes coupled between the primary conveyor and the plurality of sorting stations, and a plurality of automated diverter arms configured to automatically divert the outbound parcels and cartons from the primary conveyor down one of the plurality of infeed chutes to a respective sorting platform of the plurality of sorting stations. The sorting platform of each of the sorting stations is configured to cause the outbound parcels and cartons to accumulate on the plurality of infeed chutes.

Abstract: A semi-automated bulk sorting system includes a primary conveyor having a proximate end and a distal end, where the proximate end of the primary conveyor is configured for collecting outbound parcels and cartons that are to be sorted. The system includes a manual sort center coupled downstream from the primary conveyor and configured to partially sort the parcels and cartons. A parcel final sortation zone is coupled downstream from the manual sort center for receiving the partially sorted parcels and is configured to finally sort the parcels for delivery. In addition, the system includes a plurality of carton palletization zones coupled downstream from the manual sort center for receiving the sorted cartons and to palletize the sorted cartons for delivery.

Abstract: A transfer chute (10) for use in bulk materials handling operations, and also a methodology for designing such a transfer chute, a method of constructing the transfer chute, and a method of transferring bulk materials between two locations using the transfer chute. The transfer chute (10) comprises a chute body (11) defining a flow pathway (19), with an upper section (19a) of the flow pathway accommodating accelerating flow to maintain dense granular flow regime, an intermediate section (19b) of the flow pathway providing consolidated flow in which the flow rate is retarded in a controlled manner avoiding creation of flow turbulence, and a lower section (19c) of the flow pathway in which flow is further retarded to create a controlled accumulation and build-up of material upwardly from the lower section.

Abstract: A system for conveying material is disclosed. The system may include a base assembly including at least one proximal leg movably, and a plurality of wheels configured to move between a transport position in which the plurality of wheels is adjacent to the base, and a working position in which the plurality of wheels is spaced from the base relative to the transport position, wherein the at least one proximal leg is configured to move between a retracted position in which the plurality of wheels supports the system on a ground surface, and an extended position in which the at least one proximal leg supports the system on the ground surface and at least one wheel of the plurality of wheels does not support the system on the ground surface; a conveying assembly; and a support assembly configured to move the conveying assembly between storage and operating positions.