Abstract: A sorting system for postal mail has a plurality of input sections capable of operating in parallel, each including a feeder that takes in mail pieces one at a time and a scanner that scans each mail piece for destination indicia. The system further includes a plurality of stackers each comprising at least one row of pockets in which mail is stacked, and a routing section or switch network effective to route mail in accordance with a sort scheme from any input section to any pocket of a stacker. The routing section uses diverts and merges so that mail can be conveyed to each stacker in accordance with a sort scheme implemented by a control system.

Abstract: A sorting system for postal mail has a plurality of input sections capable of operating in parallel, each including a feeder that takes in mail pieces one at a time and a scanner that scans each mail piece for destination indicia. The system further includes a plurality of stackers each comprising at least one row of pockets in which mail is stacked, and a routing section or switch network effective to route mail in accordance with a sort scheme from any input section to any pocket of a stacker. The routing section uses diverts and merges so that mail can be conveyed to each stacker in accordance with a sort scheme implemented by a control system.

Abstract: A conveyor stop assembly for stopping objects traveling along a conveying path includes a magnetically attractable stop member pivotally mounted for movement out of the conveying path when contacted by an object traveling along the conveying path and an electromagnet that generates an electromagnetic field that acts on the stop member to hold the stop member in the conveying path and stop an object traveling along the conveying path when the electromagnet is energized.

Abstract: A method for sweeping mail pieces from pockets of a sorter including the steps of (1) sorting mail pieces to a plurality of pockets based upon a preselected sorting criteria, (2) positioning an unloading robot adjacent to a selected one of the pockets when the pocket has received a predetermined volume of mail pieces, the robot carrying a tray having upright side walls and bottom wall, (3) engaging the pocket with a sweeping apparatus, (4) removing mail pieces in the pocket with the sweeping apparatus, (5) loading the removed mail pieces into the tray carried by the robot, and (6) carrying the tray containing the removed mail pieces to a destination with the robot. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for sweeping mail pieces from pockets of a sorter including the steps of (1) sorting mail pieces to a plurality of pockets based upon a preselected sorting criteria, (2) positioning an unloading robot adjacent to a selected one of the pockets when the pocket has received a predetermined volume of mail pieces, the robot carrying a tray having upright side walls and bottom wall, (3) engaging the pocket with a sweeping apparatus, (4) removing mail pieces in the pocket with the sweeping apparatus, (5) loading the removed mail pieces into the tray carried by the robot, and (6) carrying the tray containing the removed mail pieces to a destination with the robot. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically transferring and handling cartridges containing flat articles. The method and apparatus robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically transferring and handling cartridges containing flat articles. The method and apparatus robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically sorting and feeding flat articles. The method stacks flat articles into cartridges in output compartments of a sorting machine, robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a stack of flat articles from a cartridge. The method and apparatus are adapted for use in connection with a method and apparatus for automatically stacking mail into cartridges in output compartments of a sorting machine, robotically transferring filled cartridges from the output compartments to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stacking flat articles into a cartridge. The method and apparatus are adapted for use in connection with output compartments of a sorting machine, robotically transferring filled cartridges from the output compartments to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter.

Abstract: A cartridge for containing mail. The cartridge is specially adapted for use in a method and apparatus for automatically stacking mail into cartridges in output compartments of a sorting machine, robotically transferring filled cartridges from the output compartments to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.