Abstract: A truck, a loading bridge, a sorting system for items being dispatched and a retrofit kit for a sorting machine for items being dispatched. In order to ensure that an item being dispatched can be removed in simple ways from the sorting machine for items being dispatched and transported to a further sorting step, the truck has a displaceable floor and the loading bridge has a driving device for the floor.

Abstract: A truck, a loading bridge, a sorting system for items being dispatched and a retrofit kit for a sorting machine for items being dispatched. In order to ensure that an item being dispatched can be removed in simple ways from the sorting machine for items being dispatched and transported to a further sorting step, the truck has a displaceable floor and the loading bridge has a driving device for the floor.

Abstract: A method and a device for transporting and processing a number of objects, especially mail items, include transporting the objects in a number of transport processes to a respective processing system. At least one processing attribute as well as a feature is measured at the object before the transport processes. A data record with the processing attribute value and the feature value are stored. After the transport processes, the feature is measured again for each object, and the stored data record is determined. A search area restriction which is based on a sequence of feature values is undertaken for the determination. The processing system processes the object depending on the processing attribute value of the determined data record.

Abstract: A method for identifying postal mailings includes registering the mailings by means of at least one recognizable pictorial feature and at least one external information item, or both. Further, the method includes carrying out recognition of the pictorial feature to identify a mailing, and if identification is incomplete, performing identification using the external information item.

Abstract: Two types of objects are sorted in multiple sorting passes, for instance flat mail items are precisely sorted into a delivery sequence. Objects of a first object type are fed to a sorting system from a first feeding device. Objects of a second object type are fed from a second feeding device. The sorting system sorts the objects in at least two successive sorting passes. A first sorting plan and a second sorting plan are used in each sorting pass except in the last sorting pass, where a sorting plan is used. Each first sorting plan assigns a sorting end location of a first sorting end-location region and each second sorting plan assigns a sorting end location of a second sorting end-location region. A sorting end location is selected for each object using a sorting plan in each sorting pass, and the object is transferred into the selected sorting end location.

Abstract: A method delivers an item to a target point. The item is a distinguishable item. A data set for the item is generated in a central data storage unit. This data set contains identification feature values for the item. The item is conveyed to a predetermined target point. At the target point, the item is provided, at least temporarily, with an optically detectable delivery marking. At least one computer-accessible image of the item is generated by a portable image recording device. The image shows the item together with the delivery marking. With the aid of the image, the data set for the item, which is stored in the central data storage unit, is determined. The data set is supplemented with a computer-accessible marking of the delivery.

Abstract: Two types of objects are sorted in multiple sorting passes, for instance flat mail items are precisely sorted into a delivery sequence. Objects of a first object type are fed to a sorting system from a first feeding device. Objects of a second object type are fed from a second feeding device. The sorting system sorts the objects in at least two successive sorting passes. A first sorting plan and a second sorting plan are used in each sorting pass except in the last sorting pass, where a sorting plan is used. Each first sorting plan assigns a sorting end location of a first sorting end-location region and each second sorting plan assigns a sorting end location of a second sorting end-location region. A sorting end location is selected for each object using a sorting plan in each sorting pass, and the object is transferred into the selected sorting end location.

Abstract: A container has a rotary device for rotating an article in the container, in particular a stack of flat items of mail. The container contains a base, a supporting side wall and a further side wall. The rotary device has a first sheet-like retaining element and a second sheet-like retaining element. These two retaining elements are connected mechanically to one another. In a filling position of the rotary device, the first retaining element rests on the supporting side wall, and the second retaining element is located on the base. In a raising position, the first retaining element is located on the base. An article located in the container then rests on the first retaining element. An article can be moved into the container when the rotary device is located in the filling position. The rotary device is then transferred into the raising position, this action rotating the article.

Abstract: A method delivers an item to a target point. The item is a distinguishable item. A data set for the item is generated in a central data storage unit. This data set contains identification feature values for the item. The item is conveyed to a predetermined target point. At the target point, the item is provided, at least temporarily, with an optically detectable delivery marking. At least one computer-accessible image of the item is generated by a portable image recording device. The image shows the item together with the delivery marking. With the aid of the image, the data set for the item, which is stored in the central data storage unit, is determined. The data set is supplemented with a computer-accessible marking of the delivery.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus sort items, in particular of flat postal items, in two sorting processes. Two classes of items are sorted on the basis of a sorting feature such that a predetermined sequence of the feature values is maintained. In a first sorting process, a sorting system sorts the items in the first class separately from the items in the second class. In the process, the sorting system determines which possible feature values are actually assumed by at least one item in the second class. The sorting system generates a sequence of item sets. These item sets and the items in the second class are jointly sorted by a sorting installation. In the second sorting process, the sorting installation generates the predetermined feature value sequence of the items of both classes.

Abstract: A method for automatically checking in passengers and their luggage by an electronic input of the passenger data or travel data by the passenger himself into an automatic check-in terminal is provided. In the automatic check-in terminal, possibly following selection of various criteria, the boarding pass and one or more information media for attachment to the luggage are created and output. The information medium created is a luggage tag which is easy to affix to the luggage item and which contains, in machine-readable form, at least all the data and information which are required for a later generation of an internationally standardized, preferably self-adhesive luggage band which is affixed to the luggage item within a conveying and sorting system in addition to the luggage tag.

Abstract: A sorting method and a sorting configuration for sorting two types of articles, particularly two types of flat mail items, on the basis of a prescribed order among the possible values of a prescribed sorting feature. The articles of the first type are sorted on the basis of the order and divided into sequences of sorted articles. A first supply and feed device in a sorting installation takes these sequences to holding apparatuses, so that each holding apparatus contains a respective sequence. A second supply and feed device takes the articles of the second article type to a respective holding apparatus. A transportation device produces a succession of sequences and articles of the second article type and transfers the succession to sorting outputs of the sorting installation. In the sorting outputs all articles have been sorted on the basis of the prescribed order.

Abstract: A method relates to theft protection during a security check of carry-on luggage and/or other personal objects in passenger terminals of airports or the like. Objects are placed by the passenger in a provided container before the personal inspection of the passenger and are transported in the container for x-raying by a screening device, on the output side of which the container is provided after the personal inspection of the passenger for removal of the objects of the passenger that have been recognized as unsuspicious. In order to create theft protection during the security check of carry-on luggage if the personal objects of the passenger are still unattended in the containers after passing through the screening device, the container can be locked with a lock before the screening.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus monitor the transportation of a luggage item. What is to be monitored is a transportation process by which the luggage item is transported. At least one computer-accessible image of the luggage item is produced. The image shows the luggage item when illuminated with light visible to humans. A data record for the transportation process is produced, contains the image of the luggage item, and is stored in a data storage unit. The luggage item is taken to a checking device. The data storage unit is searched at least once for the data record for the transportation process. A display unit shows the image is included in the found data record. The image found is shown on the display unit such that a check becomes possible to determine whether the image shown actually shows the luggage item close to the display unit or another luggage item.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading loading units with stackable articles, in particular interchangeable load carriers, such as swap bodies or similar transport devices which can be separated from carrier vehicles. In order to make it possible for the stackable articles which are to be transported in loading units to be loaded and unloaded quickly in an ergonomically favorable manner, there is provided a pallet which is fixedly assigned to the loading unit and has a fixed rear supporting wall directed away from the loading side. The rear wall stands upright transversely to the longitudinal extent of the loading unit and is intended for the stack formed on the pallet. It is possible for the latter to be moved longitudinally, at least in part, into the loading unit and out of the loading unit and to be loaded and unloaded outside the loading unit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus sort items, in particular of flat postal items, in two sorting processes. Two classes of items are sorted on the basis of a sorting feature such that a predetermined sequence of the feature values is maintained. In a first sorting process, a sorting system sorts the items in the first class separately from the items in the second class. In the process, the sorting system determines which possible feature values are actually assumed by at least one item in the second class. The sorting system generates a sequence of item sets. These item sets and the items in the second class are jointly sorted by a sorting installation. In the second sorting process, the sorting installation generates the predetermined feature value sequence of the items of both classes.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for transporting items, in particular postal consignments. A transport process is performed from an intermediate store to a continuation point. Each item that was conveyed to the intermediate store before generation of a start signal is removed from the intermediate store. The items transported are transferred from the intermediate store into a transport device. A record is stored of which items were conveyed to the intermediate store between generation of the start signal and generation of an end signal. The items transported in the transport device are removed from the transport device. For each item that was transported, a data record that has been stored for the item is determined. The stored data record is determined exclusively from the data records generated for those items that were conveyed to the intermediate store between generation of the start signal and generation of the end signal.

Abstract: The sorting device according to the present invention has at least one mail item buffer receptacle, a number of storage pockets for mail items arranged one after another and circulating continuously in a conveyor belt and moved past one or more loading stations. Below straight transfer sections of the conveyors fixed intermediate storage receptacles open at the top are arranged to accept one or more mail items from the loaded storage pockets to be opened under control in the transfer sections. On a transport path below the intermediate storage receptacles there are also continuously circulating mail item containers open at the top as sorting end points assigned to the destination addresses or destination address groups.

Abstract: A sorting device has at least one mail item buffer receptacle, a number of storage pockets for mail items arranged one after another and circulating continuously in a conveyor belt and moved past one or more loading stations. Below straight transfer sections of the conveyors fixed intermediate storage receptacles open at the top are arranged to accept one or more mail items from the loaded storage pockets to be opened under control in the transfer sections. On a transport path below the intermediate storage receptacles there are also continuously circulating mail item containers open at the top as sorting end points assigned to the destination addresses or destination address groups.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling transportation of a plurality of articles include providing each article with the specification of a destination to which the article is to be transported. Each article passes through a sorting installation at least twice. During both passages through the sorting installation, a respective image of the article is generated. This image includes an image of the destination specification. As the article first passes through the sorting installation, the destination specification is read. This reading result is stored on an interim basis. As the article passes through the sorting installation again, an interim-storage reading result is determined. The reading results control transportation of the articles. A check is made as to whether or not an article has been misdirected. The reasons why an article was misdirected, an incorrect reading result occurred and an incorrect determination of the reading result or transportation error occurred, are established.