Abstract: A parcel processing system includes a conveyor segment that transports a stream of singulated items received from a parcel singulator. An imaging device discretely captures an image of each singulated item of the stream of singulated items transported on the conveyor segment. An automatic recognition system processes the captured images and utilizes a binary classification model to generate a classier output designating each image as a positive, representing a singulation error, or as a negative, representing a correct singulation. An operator station selectively receives a sequence of images from the automatic recognition system to enable an operator to validate the classifier output for the received images, for identifying false positives and/or false negatives therefrom. Items associated with images that are identified as false positives at the operator station are processed as correctly singulated items.

Abstract: A parcel processing system (400) includes infeed conveyors (404, 406, 408) each conveying parcels (106) with an assigned orientation class, a merging conveyor (410) configured to merge parcels fed by the infeed conveyors into a single stream of parcels, and an induction conveyor (200) configured to feed the merged stream of parcels along an induction feed path (202) to a sorting conveyor (100). The infeed paths (404a, 406a) of the infeed conveyors are arranged at different angular orientations in relation to a merging feed path (412) of the merging conveyor such that each parcel in the merged stream of parcels has an orientation that is dependent upon its assigned orientation class.

Abstract: A system for sorting and delivering packages to one of a plurality of loading points includes a first movable cart positioned adjacent a first conveyor in a receiving position to receive packages from the first conveyor, a second movable cart positioned in a staging position, the second movable cart being empty, and a vehicle selectively engageable with the second movable cart to move the second movable cart from the staging position to the receiving position while simultaneously abutting and displacing the first movable cart from the receiving position to a transfer position.

Abstract: A parcel processing system and related process. The parcel processing system includes a bulk transport conveyor (702), a multi-stage bulk transport accumulator (701), a singulator (710), and a control system. A process includes receiving a bulk flow of parcels (720) at a bulk transport conveyor (702) to be transported from the bulk transport conveyor (702) through a multi-stage bulk transport accumulator (701) to a singulator (710), determining a speed setting of the singulator (710), operating a first stage (708) of the multi-stage bulk transport accumulator (701) according to the speed setting of the singulator (710), operating a second stage (706) of the multi-stage bulk transport accumulator (701) according to a fill state of the first stage (708) of the multi-stage bulk transport accumulator (701), and operating the bulk transport conveyor (702) according to a fill state of the immediate downstream stage of the multi-stage bulk transport accumulator (701).

Abstract: A parcel sorter system and method. A process performed by a parcel sorter system includes receiving sorting information of a first parcel. The process includes identifying a first destination pallet corresponding to the sorting information. The first destination pallet is associated with a first carousel and a first destination chute. The process includes transporting the first parcel toward the first destination chute. The process includes, while transporting the parcel toward the first destination chute, operating the first carousel to move the first destination pallet proximate to the first destination chute. The process includes delivering the first parcel at the first destination chute for placement on the first destination pallet.

Abstract: Parcel processing systems and methods. A parcel processing system includes a boom conveyor section configured to extend into a loading area, transport parcels into the loading area, and adjust a height of a discharge end of the boom conveyor section. The parcel processing system includes a sensor pod configured to scan the loading area into which the parcels can be placed. The parcel processing system includes a control system configured to determine a placement of the one or more parcels in the loading area, arrange the one or more parcels on the boom conveyor section according to the determined placement, control the boom conveyor section to transport one or more parcels into the loading area, control the height of the discharge end of the boom conveyor section, and place the one or more parcels into the loading area in the determined placement.

Abstract: A parcel sorter system and method. A process performed by a parcel sorter system includes receiving sorting information of a first parcel. The process includes identifying a first destination pallet corresponding to the sorting information. The first destination pallet is associated with a first carousel and a first destination chute. The process includes transporting the first parcel toward the first destination chute. The process includes, while transporting the parcel toward the first destination chute, operating the first carousel to move the first destination pallet proximate to the first destination chute. The process includes delivering the first parcel at the first destination chute for placement on the first destination pallet.

Abstract: A parcel sorting system and method. A process performed by a parcel sorting system includes receiving sorting information of a first parcel. The process includes determining a sorting destination corresponding to the sorting information. The process includes determining a sorting instruction corresponding to the sorting destination and the first parcel. The process includes transporting the first parcel on a conveying surface. The process includes, while transporting the parcel on the conveying surface, displaying the corresponding sorting instruction on a scrolling marquee display at a location proximate to the first parcel. The process includes, when it is detected that the first parcel has been removed from the conveying surface, the ceasing displaying the corresponding sorting instruction.

Abstract: A parcel sorter system and method. A process performed by a parcel sorter system includes receiving sorting information of a first parcel. The process includes identifying a first destination pallet corresponding to the sorting information. The first destination pallet is associated with a first pallet carousel and a first destination chute. The process includes transporting the first parcel toward the first destination chute. The process includes, while transporting the parcel toward the first destination chute, operating the first pallet carousel to move the first destination pallet proximate to the first destination chute. The process includes delivering the first parcel at the first destination chute for placement on the first destination pallet.

Abstract: Parcel processing systems and methods. A parcel processing system includes a parcel transport configured to receive a flow of parcels, and transport the flow of parcels at a rate greater than a processing capacity of a downstream processing device. The parcel processing system includes a diverter configured to divert individual parcels from the flow of parcels to be recirculated. The parcel processing system includes the downstream processing device configured to process the remaining flow of parcels. The parcel processing system includes a control system configured to cause the diverter to divert the individual parcels from the flow of parcels until the remaining flow of parcels is not greater than the processing capacity of a downstream processing device.

Abstract: A system for sorting and delivering packages to one of a plurality of loading points includes a first movable cart positioned adjacent a first conveyor in a receiving position to receive packages from the first conveyor, a second movable cart positioned in a staging position, the second movable cart being empty, and a vehicle selectively engageable with the second movable cart to move the second movable cart from the staging position to the receiving position while simultaneously abutting and displacing the first movable cart from the receiving position to a transfer position.

Abstract: Parcel processing systems and methods. A parcel processing system includes a parcel transport configured to receive a flow of parcels, and transport the flow of parcels at a rate greater than a processing capacity of a downstream processing device. The parcel processing system includes a diverter configured to divert individual parcels from the flow of parcels to be recirculated. The parcel processing system includes the downstream processing device configured to process the remaining flow of parcels. The parcel processing system includes a control system configured to cause the diverter to divert the individual parcels from the flow of parcels until the remaining flow of parcels is not greater than the processing capacity of a downstream processing device.

Abstract: Parcel processing systems and methods. A parcel processing system includes a boom conveyor section configured to extend into a loading area, transport parcels into the loading area, and adjust a height of a discharge end of the boom conveyor section. The parcel processing system includes a sensor pod configured to scan the loading area into which the parcels can be placed. The parcel processing system includes a control system configured to determine a placement of the one or more parcels in the loading area, arrange the one or more parcels on the boom conveyor section according to the determined placement, control the boom conveyor section to transport one or more parcels into the loading area, control the height of the discharge end of the boom conveyor section, and place the one or more parcels into the loading area in the determined placement.