Abstract: Parcel processing systems and methods. A method for singulating parcels includes receiving an input stream of a plurality of parcels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) including at least a leading parcel (1) and a lagging parcel (2) in a singulator system (10). The method includes updating position information of the leading parcel (1) and the lagging parcel (2) on a list (1650). The method includes determining a leading speed of the leading parcel (1). The method includes determining an actual gap between the leading parcel (1) and the lagging parcel (2). The method includes determining a speed factor between the leading parcel (1) and the lagging parcel (2). The method includes setting a lagging speed of the lagging parcel (2) according to the leading speed and the speed factor. The method includes controlling conveyors (20) to transport the leading parcel (1) at the leading speed and to transport the lagging parcel (2) at the lagging speed.

Abstract: Parcel processing systems and methods. A method for singulating parcels includes receiving an input stream of a plurality of parcels including at least a leading parcel and a lagging parcel in a singulator system. The method includes updating position information of the leading parcel and the lagging parcel on a list. The method includes determining a leading speed of the leading parcel. The method includes determining an exit time of the leading parcel. The method includes setting a lagging speed of the lagging parcel according to the exit time of the leading parcel and a distance to an exit line of the lagging parcel. The method includes controlling conveyors to transport the leading parcel at the leading speed and to transport the lagging parcel at the lagging speed.

Abstract: Passive optical networks can experience faults that are unrecoverable. An embodiments of the present invention is a hybrid passive optical network configured to protect a primary optical path employing a switch to transmit data from the primary path to a secondary path in a passive manner. In an event data flows through both the primary path and the secondary path, the optical switch may be configured to monitor the primary path. In such an embodiment, the optical switch is a protection optical switch that is sensitive to monitoring an optical signal that flows on the primary path. If the switch detects a loss of signal on the primary path, the optical switch automatically switches delivery of the optical signal from the primary path to the secondary path, via the optical switch to allow an optical line terminal to receive optical signals virtually uninterrupted.