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: Parcel loaders and methods. A parcel loader includes a control system and a conveyor under the control of the control system that is configured to receive a plurality of parcels to be loaded into a container. The parcel loader includes a vertically-adjustable positioning conveyor under the control of the control system and configured to receive the plurality of parcels from the conveyor. The parcel loader includes a plurality of finger conveyors under the control of the control system and configured to place the plurality of parcels in a parcel stack in the container. The finger conveyors can independently extend and retract from the positioning conveyor. The parcel loader can also include upper or lower stack constraints.

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 unbundling polywrapped packages. An automatic unbundling system includes an input unit configured to receive a polywrapped bundle that includes a plurality of items and a conveyor system configured to transport the bundle. The automatic unbundling system includes an automatic unwrapping machine configured to receive the bundle from the conveyor system and unwrap the bundle. The automatic unbundling system can include a loose stack accumulator configured to straighten the unwrapped plurality of items.

Abstract: An automated unloading apparatus, system and method for use with a container having a plurality of items located on a base belt. The apparatus includes a ramp, a conveyor, and a spooling roller. The configured to pass under the base belt. The conveyor is conveyor configured to remove a first item from the plurality of items. The spooling roller is configured to wind the base belt around itself and by doing so, move the automated unloading apparatus into the interior of the container.

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: An automated unloading apparatus, system and method for use with a container having a plurality of items located on a base belt. The apparatus includes a ramp, a conveyor, and a spooling roller. The configured to pass under the base belt. The conveyor is conveyor configured to remove a first item from the plurality of items. The spooling roller is configured to wind the base belt around itself and by doing so, move the automated unloading apparatus into the interior of the container.

Abstract: A method for sorting mail pieces includes the steps of loading mail pieces to be sorted into individual holders, sorting the holders using an automated system that stores and reorders the holders so that the holders are ordered according to a sort scheme for the mail pieces, storing the sorted holders in a storage area during sorting, and then unloading the mail pieces from the holders in order according to the sort scheme. The storage step occurs during sorting in the sense that a series of reordered holders is gradually created in one of a variety ways by the sorting process, and a storage area is provided for this purpose. Preferably the method further includes steps of unloading the sorted holders from the storage area and transporting the holders to an unloading station at which the unloading step is carried out.

Abstract: A base belt for use with an automated unloading apparatus that can automatically unload a container having a plurality of items located on the base belt, and a container configured for use with an automated unloading apparatus. The base belt has a trailer end configured to be removably attached to a container. The base belt has an unloader end configured to be removably attached to the automated unloading apparatus. The container has a container body having an interior and an attachment point on the interior of the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatic bundle transport, positioning, wrapper entry, wrapper opening, wrapper loosening, wrapper removal and wrapper dunnage takeaway. The wrapper is made from pliable material, thin film or similar material and which can comprise a variety of package types and sizes of mail, media or other items. Additionally the method and apparatus of the invention performs the tasks of wrapper removal and discharge without damaging the item contents within. A bundle unwrapping machine according to the invention includes a conveyor by which bundles are presented to the unwrapping machine for opening. An opening mechanism includes a pair of openers positioned to engage a bundle on opposite sites. The bundle is transported into an opening zone in which it is supported for engagement with the openers.

Abstract: An extendable boom conveyor system having a first boom element, a controller, an input device, and a second boom element. The controller, using the input device, can adjust the position of the first boom element to maintain a distance relative to a user. A method performed by an extendible conveyor system can include detecting a position of a user using the input device, moving the first boom element to a position relative to the position of the user, detecting a user input using the input device, moving the first boom element to a new position according to the user input, and transporting parcels loaded by the user on the conveying surfaces.

Abstract: An extendable boom conveyor system having a first boom element, a controller, an input device, and a second boom element. The controller, using the input device, can adjust the position of the first boom element to maintain a distance relative to a user. A method performed by an extendible conveyor system can include detecting a position of a user using the input device, moving the first boom element to a position relative to the position of the user, detecting a user input using the input device, moving the first boom element to a new position according to the user input, and transporting parcels loaded by the user on the conveying surfaces.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for sorting items for delivery. A smart case module includes a plurality of bins. Each bin includes a display for a sort criteria for the bin and a first indicator to indicate that the bin is active. The bin also includes an input device for an operator to use to indicate that an item has been placed in the bin. The bin further includes a second indicator to indicate that the bin contains a sufficient number of items for a shipping container.

Abstract: A holder for flat objects according the invention includes an endless belt made of a flexible sheet material, wherein an end portion of the belt is folded into itself forming an inner bend and an outer bend with the inner bend disposed inside of the outer bend. A set of first and second support rods are disposed side by side in parallel to each other, the first rod at the bottom of the inner bend and the second rod at the bottom of the outer bend. A pair of third and fourth rods extend through parallel endwise openings in the belt between the inner and outer bends, which third and fourth rods are disposed side by side in parallel to each other with the belt is wound over the third and fourth rods so that the belt can slide over the third and fourth rods, whereby movement of the first rod away from the second rod causes sliding movement of the belt over the third and fourth rods. In a preferred embodiment an inside surface of the belt is attached to one or both of the first and second rods.

Abstract: A method of mail sorting according to the invention includes the steps of sorting a batch of mail addressed to recipients in a common postal delivery zone with an automated single pass mail sorting machine into groups wherein the mail pieces in each group have a common delivery destination, transporting the groups of sorted mail using an automated conveying system to a delivery point packaging machine, and then packaging the groups of mail pieces with the delivery point packaging machine. Such a method is preferably part of a single pass sorting process wherein a batch of starting mail destined to a common zone is sorted into groups of mail for each destination that are then brought to the delivery point packaging machine in carrier delivery order.

Abstract: A method of mail sorting according to the invention includes the steps of sorting a batch of mail addressed to recipients in a common postal delivery zone with an automated single pass mail sorting machine into groups wherein the mail pieces in each group have a common delivery destination, transporting the groups of sorted mail using an automated conveying system to a delivery point packaging machine, and then packaging the groups of mail pieces with the delivery point packaging machine. Such a method is preferably part of a single pass sorting process wherein a batch of starting mail destined to a common zone is sorted into groups of mail for each destination that are then brought to the delivery point packaging machine in carrier delivery order.

Abstract: A base belt for use with an automated unloading apparatus that can automatically unload a container having a plurality of items located on the base belt, and a container configured for use with an automated unloading apparatus. The base belt has a trailer end configured to be removably attached to a container. The base belt has an unloader end configured to be removably attached to the automated unloading apparatus. The container has a container body having an interior and an attachment point on the interior of the container.

Abstract: An address label rework station according to the invention includes a conveyor which can simultaneously transport a series of spaced parcels along a conveyor path in a substantially horizontal stream. The station includes a camera, A work space, a microphone is usable by an operator in the work space, a targeting device directing a human operator in the work space. Station also includes a sensor system, a labeler and a printer to print shipping information. The station also includes a computer configured to receive and recognize image and voice data, generate a label with a recognized shipping address, and control the conveyer to apply a new label to the parcel by the labeler at the position selected using the targeting device.

Abstract: Methods and tools for unbundling polywrapped packages. An automatic unbundling system includes an input unit configured to receive a polywrapped bundle that includes a plurality of items and a conveyor system configured to transport the bundle. The automatic unbundling system includes an automatic unwrapping machine configured to receive the bundle from the conveyor system and unwrap the bundle. The automatic unbundling system can include a loose stack accumulator configured to straighten the unwrapped plurality of items.