Abstract: A system (500) for distributing a stream of articles (100) at a fix pitch (P) includes a belt assembly (250) with belt segments (252) carrying a stream of articles (100), a sensor assembly (510) with sensors (512), a control system (550) interfacing with the belt assembly (250) and the sensor assembly (510), wherein the sensor assembly (510) provides measurements of initial positions of each article of the stream of articles (100) and transmits the measurements to the control system (550), wherein the control system (550) utilizes the measurements to determine deficits of the initial positions to final positions for each article based on a predefined pitch value (P), and wherein the control system (550) controls a speed of the plurality of belt segments (252) to provide the final positions for each article according to the predefined pitch value (P).

Abstract: A system for distributing a stream of articles includes a belt assembly (210) with a plurality of belt segments (212) carrying a stream of articles (150), a sensor assembly (220) with a plurality of sensors (222), a control system (240) interfacing with the belt assembly (210) and the sensor assembly (220), wherein the sensor assembly (220) determines spacing (230) in the stream of articles (150), and wherein the control system (240) controls a speed of the plurality of belt segments (212) to minimize the spacing (230) in the stream of articles (150) when the spacing (230) is greater than a predefined threshold.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for dynamically configurable articulating surfaces for mobile carrier units. In one embodiment, an example mobile carrier unit may include a number of tiles that form a surface on which to receive an object, the tiles including a first tile in a first row and a second tile in a first column. The mobile carrier unit may include a first actuator coupled to the first tile and configured to actuate the first tile in a first direction, and a second actuator coupled to the second tile and configured to actuate the second tile in a second direction. A portion of the tiles may be configured to be actuated into angled orientations at or near a perimeter of the object, such that the object is prevented from sliding along the surface past the tiles.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items, such as manufacturers' products or boxes, from a three-dimensional arrangement to a two-dimensional arrangement includes inclined and declined conveyors. The inclined conveyor may include vacuum through perforations in the belt. A collimating conveyor includes parallel belts that operate at different speeds to space the items longitudinally apart and then align the items against sidewalls.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for removable conveyor cartridge assemblies for mobile carrier units. In one embodiment, an example removable assembly for a mobile carrier unit of a sortation system may include a frame, a conveyor belt disposed about the frame, a first sheet metal component coupled to a first side of the frame, the first sheet metal component including a first set of tabs extending from the first sheet metal component, and a tensioning device configured to tension the conveyor belt, the tensioning device having a first screw that engages a first tab of the first set of tabs.

Abstract: Item singulation systems and methods may include an input conveyor, a separation conveyor, and an output conveyor that is positioned orthogonally to the input conveyor. A vision system may determine individual columns of items from among a plurality of items on the input conveyor. Operations of the input conveyor, separation conveyor, and output conveyor may be controlled substantially as a pull system to transfer individual columns of items to the output conveyor, such that singulated items can be transferred by the output conveyor to downstream processes.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items, such as manufacturers' products or boxes, from a three-dimensional arrangement to a two-dimensional arrangement includes inclined and declined conveyors. The inclined conveyor may include vacuum through perforations in the belt. A collimating conveyor includes parallel belts that operation at different speeds to move the items laterally via shear forces.

Abstract: Item singulation systems and methods may include an input conveyor, a separation conveyor, a turn conveyor, and an output conveyor that is positioned parallel with the input conveyor. A vision system may determine individual columns of items from among a plurality of items on the input conveyor. Operations of the input conveyor, separation conveyor, turn conveyor, and output conveyor may be controlled substantially as a pull system to transfer individual columns of items to the output conveyor, such that singulated items can be transferred by the output conveyor to downstream processes.

Abstract: A system for separating packages of different sizes includes a conveyor segment and a plurality of alignment members dividing the conveyor segment into a plurality of conveyor lanes. The conveyor segment has an input end, a discharge end and transport mechanism for transporting packages from the input end to the discharge end. The transport mechanism is configured to impart a lateral shift to packages on the conveyor segment. One or more of the alignment members each forms a respective window to allow lateral shifting of packages across adjacent conveyor lanes. Each window has a uniquely defined vertical height to the limit lateral shifting of packages across adjacent conveyor lanes based on a height of each package. Each conveyor lane delivers packages of a uniquely different size group at the discharge end of the conveyor segment. The packages in a conveyor lane are aligned against a respective alignment member.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine-readable media for delayering parcels. A parcel delayering system for automatic processing of a plurality of parcels includes a multi-stage arrangement of sequential cascading conveyors configured for de-layering the plurality of parcels. One or more of the conveyors has a high-friction belt which is inclined in a direction of travel and arranged such that a first conveyor section discharges from above onto a second conveyor section. The parcel delayering system includes a system or processor configured to progressively increase a duty cycle from stage to stage of the multi-stage arrangement of sequential cascading conveyors by adding pulsation in a velocity of the conveyors.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine-readable media for delayering parcels. A parcel delayering system for automatic processing of a plurality of parcels includes a multi-stage arrangement of sequential cascading conveyors configured for de-layering the plurality of parcels. One or more of the conveyors has a high-friction belt which is inclined in a direction of travel and arranged such that a first conveyor section discharges from above onto a second conveyor section. The parcel delayering system includes a system or processor configured to progressively increase a duty cycle from stage to stage of the multi-stage arrangement of sequential cascading conveyors by adding pulsation in a velocity of the conveyors.

Abstract: A systems and methods for delayering parcels. A method includes receiving a bulk parcel flow of a plurality of parcels, the bulk parcel flow having multiple layers of the plurality of parcels. The method includes performing a first delayering process on the bulk parcel flow to produce a second parcel flow. The method includes performing at least one additional delayering process on the second parcel flow to produce a delayered parcel flow.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes an optical subassembly (OSA). The OSA includes a flex circuit, an optical port, and an active optical component subassembly. The flex circuit is constructed of at least one electrically-conductive layer and at least one electrical insulator layer. The optical port defines a barrel cavity and is mechanically coupled to the flex circuit at a flex connection. The active optical component subassembly is positioned within the barrel cavity and electrically coupled to the flex circuit.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes an optical subassembly (OSA). The OSA includes a flex circuit, an optical port, and an active optical component subassembly. The flex circuit is constructed of at least one electrically-conductive layer and at least one electrical insulator layer. The optical port defines a barrel cavity and is mechanically coupled to the flex circuit at a flex connection. The active optical component subassembly is positioned within the barrel cavity and electrically coupled to the flex circuit.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes an optical subassembly (OSA). The OSA includes a flex circuit, an optical port, and an active optical component subassembly. The flex circuit is constructed of at least one electrically-conductive layer and at least one electrical insulator layer. The optical port defines a barrel cavity and is mechanically coupled to the flex circuit at a flex connection. The active optical component subassembly is positioned within the barrel cavity and electrically coupled to the flex circuit.

Abstract: A pickoff system for removal of mail pieces one at a time from the end of a stack includes a pickoff belt mechanism, a sensor positioned to determine mail piece movement speed, and a measurement device determines belt movement speed during operation of the pickoff belt mechanism. A vacuum system includes a vacuum pump and a vacuum manifold positioned to apply suction to the mail piece in a direction that tends to hold the mail piece against the belt of the pickoff belt mechanism. A controller is configured to compare the belt movement speed and the mail piece movement speed during operation, and when mail piece movement speed is slower than belt movement speed, indicating slipping of the mail piece relative to the belt of the pickoff belt mechanism, the controller temporarily increases suction force applied to a mail piece being transported by the pickoff belt mechanism.

Abstract: A pickoff system for removal of mail pieces one at a time from the end of a stack includes a pickoff belt mechanism positioned to frictionally engage an outer surface of a mail piece at the end of the stack and transport it transversely, which mechanism includes one or more belts mounted on a drive roller at one end driven by a drive motor and a follower roller at a trailing end. A pivot mechanism permits the trailing end to swing towards and away from the stack. A drive is connected to the pivot mechanism to move the trailing end towards and away from the stack, and a controller is connected to the drive to cause the drive to swing the trailing end towards the stack and swing the trailing end away from the stack in a manner effective to improve operation of the pickoff system.

Abstract: A pickoff system for removal of mail pieces one at a time from the end of a stack includes a pickoff belt mechanism, a sensor positioned to determine mail piece movement speed, and a measurement device determines belt movement speed during operation of the pickoff belt mechanism. A vacuum system includes a vacuum pump and a vacuum manifold positioned to apply suction to the mail piece in a direction that tends to hold the mail piece against the belt of the pickoff belt mechanism. A controller is configured to compare the belt movement speed and the mail piece movement speed during operation, and when mail piece movement speed is slower than belt movement speed, indicating slipping of the mail piece relative to the belt of the pickoff belt mechanism, the controller temporarily increases suction force applied to a mail piece being transported by the pickoff belt mechanism.

Abstract: A pickoff system for removal of mail pieces one at a time from the end of a stack includes a pickoff belt mechanism positioned to frictionally engage an outer surface of a mail piece at the end of the stack and transport it transversely, which mechanism includes one or more belts mounted on a drive roller at one end driven by a drive motor and a follower roller at a trailing end. A pivot mechanism permits the trailing end to swing towards and away from the stack. A drive is connected to the pivot mechanism to move the trailing end towards and away from the stack, and a controller is connected to the drive to cause the drive to swing the trailing end towards the stack and swing the trailing end away from the stack in a manner effective to improve operation of the pickoff system.

Abstract: A smart belt consists of a standard belt with an embedded sensor capable of wireless communication or visual indicators to notify maintenance for a need for maintenance or replacement. The sensor measures material properties, cycles of operation etc. using a self energizing power source. When the belt requires replacement or maintenance a mode of indication will notify proper personnel.