Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a system and a method for enabling improvements in grading the condition of uniquely-identified used articles. A system for grading used articles comprises a used-article grading area, an imaging system, at least one processor and a computer-readable memory. The memory is configured to implement a machine-learning algorithm. A method of operating a system for grading the condition of a used article comprises receiving the used article into a used-article grading area, depositing the used article on an imaging surface, moving components of an imaging system relative to the position of the used article, capturing images of the used article on the imaging surface, sending the captured images to a processor, implementing a trained machine-learning algorithm for condition classification, sending the grade determined by the machine-learning algorithm to a processor, and assigning the grade received from the machine-learning algorithm to the UID assigned to the used article.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved system and related methods for automatic container filling. Combining the use of proximity sensors for real-time monitoring of container fill level and an electromechanical apparatus for regulating the position of a reversibly-extensible member of a conveying chute enables control over key aspects of article delivery to the container, the container filling process, the odds of article breakage during filling and the non-uniformity of mass distribution. Changing the position of the reversibly-extensible member changes the length of the chute bed, the freefall trajectory of articles diverted in the chute to the container, and impulse of the articles as they strike a surface of a heap of articles in the container.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a system and a related method for the automatic disposition of articles. The system can combine information on the identity of an arbitrary article, price data, cost data and disposition rules to determine the disposition of the article and effect a physical change in a switch that represents the disposition determination. The switch can be associated with a diverter swing arm. The system can, moreover, determine the identity of the article and label the article in real time, having determined the disposition of the article between article identification and article labeling. The disposition determination can provide a rationale for sortation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved system and related methods for automating the sizing and labeling of articles of arbitrary shape, size and orientation, whether still or moving. The system comprises a detection and interrogation zone, one or more proximity sensors, one or more interrogation devices, a processor, a controller, a labeling device, and an electromechanical label applicator arm. Detection of an article by a proximity sensor triggers an interrogation device to interrogate the detection and imaging zone for one or more observable properties when the article is located therein. Analysis of the interrogation data yields the height of the article. Combined with a conveyor rate, article height determines the signals sent to the controller, which commands when and how far a label applicator arm should extend from the labeling apparatus to label the article.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and related methods of reading optical, machine-readable representations of data on the exterior surface of an article. A detection and imaging zone comprises a plurality of proximity sensors and a plurality of sets of high-speed, high-resolution imaging devices for reading representations of data on a still or moving article of arbitrary shape, size and orientation. The proximity sensors are configured for detecting the presence of an article in different locations in the detection and imaging zone, and the imaging devices are configured for imaging the exterior surface of the article. A processor is configured to converting images of an optical, machine-readable representation of data into data of a specified format, for example, strings of alphanumeric characters or other characters.

Abstract: The present disclosure enables improvements in article evaluating, disposing and repricing uniquely-identified used articles. The invention comprises a system and a method for evaluating used articles, a system and a method for disposing used articles, and a system and a method for repricing used articles. Each system comprises a processor, a database and a computer-readable memory, which comprises a machine-learning algorithm. A unique identifier assigned to an article plays a crucial role in linking the systems and methods. A used article is fed into the evaluating system, which returns an evaluated article. Data on the evaluated article are fed into the disposing system, which returns a disposed article. For a disposed article to be listed for sale in an E-commerce marketplace, data on the disposed article are fed into the repricing system, which can reprice the article in response to market conditions. Each of the methods implements a machine-learning algorithm.