Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting product. The apparatus comprises at least one unload module and at least two sorters. A matrix system is configured to receive product from the at least one unload module and divert the product to either of the at least two sorters via a plurality of divert units in a transportation path with the at least two sorters. A recirculating conveyor may also be provided which is configured to receive product from an unload module and divert the product to either of the at least two sorters. The recirculating conveyor may also be coupled to the matrix system.

Abstract: A profiler system is preferably mounted to a conventional roller conveyor frame rail used primarily in mail handling applications. The profiler system contains an array of photo sensors strategically placed to sense the height and length of a mail tray. The sensors are operably connected to a controller that is capable of filtering false signals and accommodating varying conveyor speeds. The controller classifies the object as one of the several types of mail trays or as an unknown object based upon blocked photo sensors. The tray type is reported to a higher-level control system via an industry standard controller communication bus for further processing downstream.