Abstract: A parcel sack management system and related process. The parcel sack management system includes a gathering conveyor configured to receive a parcel group at an intake and transport the parcel group to a sack filling station. The system includes a plurality of fill chutes that are transported along a circulating track, each fill chute configured to hold a sack. The parcel sack management system is configured to transfer parcels in the parcel group into a first sack via a first fill chute when the first fill chute is at the sack filling station.

Abstract: A parcel sack management system and related process. The parcel sack management system includes a gathering conveyor configured to receive a parcel group at an intake and transport the parcel group to a sack filling station. The system includes a plurality of fill chutes that are transported along a circulating track, each fill chute configured to hold a sack. The parcel sack management system is configured to transfer parcels in the parcel group into a first sack via a first fill chute when the first fill chute is at the sack filling station.

Abstract: A parcel sack management system (100) and related process. The parcel sack management system (100) includes a gathering conveyor (104) configured to receive a parcel group (116) at an intake (102) and transport the parcel group (116) to a sack filling station (108). The system (100) includes a plurality of fill chutes (110) that are transported along a circulating track (114), each fill chute (110) configured to hold a sack (112). The parcel sack management system (100) is configured to transfer parcels in the parcel group (116) into a first sack (112) via a first fill chute (110) when the first fill chute (110) is at the sack filling station (108).

Abstract: Methods and tools for opening polyfilm-wrapped packages. A tool includes a rubbing surface and a motor configured to move the rubbing surface. The tool includes a power source connected to supply power to the rubbing surface. The rubbing surface is applied to the polyfilm wrapping while being moved to create an opening in the polyfilm wrapping caused at least in part by friction heat. The opening is created without damaging contents of the package.

Abstract: Methods and tools for opening polyfilm-wrapped packages. A tool includes a rubbing surface and a motor configured to move the rubbing surface. The tool includes a power source connected to supply power to the rubbing surface. The rubbing surface is applied to the polyfilm wrapping while being moved to create an opening in the polyfilm wrapping caused at least in part by friction heat. The opening is created without damaging contents of the package.

Abstract: A system for manual delivery of mail to a series of recipients includes a stack of mail holders each comprising a front flap, a back flap and a central fold. One or more mail pieces are disposed in each holder, such that all of the mail pieces in each holder are to be delivered to the same recipient. The holders are stacked in a predetermined order for a carrier delivery route, and may be banded or otherwise secured together until the time of delivery.

Abstract: A singulator is disclosed for singulating the flow of articles in a conveyor system. The singulator includes a mechanism for actuating a portion of a conveyor to remove one item at a time from the conveyor end. A control system singulates items by selectively actuating portions on the conveyor underlying the items and extending toward the end of the conveyor. After one item has been singulated, another item is singulated when a gap between the trailing edge of the first item and a leading edge of the second hem reaches a predetermined size. This process repeats itself for singulating more articles.

Abstract: A singulator includes a mechanism for actuating a portion of a conveyor to remove one item at a time from the conveyor end, a detection system, a control system that actuates the conveyor to remove items from the conveyor one at a time based on the item positions according to a scheme of: (1) selecting a first item, (2) actuating a portion of the conveyor underlying the first item between the first item and the end of the conveyor; (3) actuating a portion of the conveyor underlying the second item between the second item and the exit end of the conveyor when a gap between the trailing edge of the first item for removal and a leading edge of a second item for removal reaches a predetermined size; and (4) repeating steps (1)-(3) for additional items until all items in the group have exited the conveyor.