Patents Assigned to Speed Sort, Inc.
  • Method and apparatus for sorting randomly positioned items minimizing sorting conveyor movement
    Patent number: 4991719
    Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are provided for sorting and arranging garments in a selected order which have been sequentially placed in an unordered sequence. The garments are identified by a marking affixed to each garment, and each garment is arranged in its identified sequence on a sorting conveyor having a multiplicity of movable carriers each for receiving a garment. Identification signals are rearranged in a preselected order, and a plurality of arranged signals are assigned to each one of a corresponding plurality of pick-off mechanisms positioned along the sorting conveyor. A computer calculates bidirectional movement of the sorting conveyor to minimize conveyor movement for positioning a garment for pick-off in its proper sequence by a respective one of the pick-off mechanisms. The conveyor is driven in a bidirectional mode to properly position the garment, and a pick-off mechanism is activated to remove the garment from the sorting conveyor and position the garment on an unloading conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Speed Sort, Inc.
    Inventors: R. E. Butcher, A. A. Henderson, Jr.
  • Method and apparatus for sorting randomly positioned garments minimizing serting conveyor movement
    Patent number: 4907699
    Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are provided for sorting and arranging garments in a selected order which have been sequentially placed in an unordered sequence. The garments are identified by a marking affixed to each garment, and each garment is arranged in its identified sequence on a sorting conveyor having a multiplicity of movable carriers each for receiving a garment. Identification signals are rearranged in a preselected order, and a plurality of arranged signals are assigned to each one of a corresponding plurality of pick-off mechanisms positioned along the sorting conveyor. A computer calculates bidirectional movement of the sorting conveyor to minimize conveyor movement for positioning a garment for pick-off in its proper sequence by a respective one of the pick-off mechanisms. The conveyor is driven in a bidirectional mode to properly position the garment, and a pick-off mechanism is activated to remove the garment from the sorting conveyor and position the garment on an unloading conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Speed Sort, Inc.
    Inventors: R. E. Butcher, A. A. Henderson, Jr.