Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to illumination synchronization in a multi-imager environment. Embodiments include systems, methods, computer program products, and apparatuses configured for operating a near-field illumination source associated with a near-field image sensor, based on a first illumination pulse train. An exposure period of a far-field image sensor is determined and one or more characteristics of the first illumination pulse train are modified to accommodate the exposure period of the far-field image sensor.

Abstract: A discharge system comprises: a container holding unit configured to hold a container; a discharge drive unit configured to discharge contents from the container; a container information acquisition unit configured to read container information applied to the container; a permission information processing unit configured to process the container information and acquire permission information; and a discharge control unit configured to limit or-enable discharge at the discharge drive unit according to the permission information. A discharge device of an aerosol container comprises the discharge system.

Abstract: A system and method for enhanced monitoring and sorting of delivery items, such as packages, which are moved and sorted via a delivery service conveyor device. Conventional systems may employ photocells, which detect interrupted light beams, to identify packages or delivery items along a conveyor path. The present system and method enhances photocell function by adding image detection and analysis to the mail path; and further by modifying the photocell signals to the sorter/conveyor control. The present sensing system is located in the same area on the transport as the photocell, and uses a camera to capture an image of the mail path in the photocell area. The system and method then analyze a package image to formulate a more accurate item detection signal, based on photocell data and image data, for input to the sorter/conveyor control system.

Abstract: A voice control interactive system and method to provide a hands-free operation for the operator to monitor and control multiple conveyors in a warehouse. The system comprises a first computing device and a second computing device. The first computing device receives an audio signal generated by a second computing device and generates a control signal and a response signal in response to the audio signal. The audio signal comprises information relating to a verbal command spoken by an operator associated with the second computing device. The response signal comprises information relating to a response for the verbal command, wherein the information is generated based on a location of the second computing device. The control signal comprises information to control a conveyor.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for multi-path sorting systems that facilitate package sorting for delivery and near-real time changes to sortation for rerouting of the packages. The package sorting system may include conventional conveyor systems that deliver packages to multi-path conveyors (e.g., multi-path conveyor belts) that may cause the package to be moved in multiple directions to ultimately deposit a package onto an output conveyor system for delivery to a downstream location (e.g., packaging station, sorting station, etc.). The input conveyors may include a sensor for determining information about the package (e.g., destination address, order information, etc.) which may be used to determine the optimal downstream route for the package, which may be adjusted as conditions change.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for sorting and sequencing articles in a processing facility are disclosed. Delivery endpoints are divided and grouped into stop groups. A first sorter sorts items according to stop group and outputs the items to trays. The output trays from the first sorter are loaded to a second sorter in stop group order. The second sorter sorts items for each stop group into separate lanes. Each lane can then be sorted into output bins in delivery sequence order.

Abstract: A method of using an inspection processor includes receiving one or more articles at an inspection station, and identifying, by the inspection processor, one of the articles by reading a unique identifier associated with the one of the articles. The method also includes inspecting the article based on at least one quality criterion, and updating an article tracking system based on the result of the inspection and the identifier.

Abstract: A processing system is disclosed for processing objects. The processing system includes a perception system for providing perception data regarding an object, and a primary transport system for providing transport of the object along a primary direction toward a processing location that is identified based on the perception data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to illumination synchronization in a multi-imager environment. Embodiments include systems, methods, computer program products, and apparatuses configured for operating a near-field illumination source associated with a near-field image sensor, based on a first illumination pulse train. An exposure period of a far-field image sensor is determined and one or more characteristics of the first illumination pulse train are modified to accommodate the exposure period of the far-field image sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and device for identifying a product purchased by a user and intelligent shelf system. The method includes acquiring a weight of products carried in a container, acquiring a first monitoring image acquired in a monitoring area corresponding to the container, identifying the first monitoring image, and obtaining an identification result, wherein the identification result comprises user identity information when it is determined that the weight of the products is reduced, acquiring a time when at least one product carried in the container is picked up, and determining information of at least one picked-up product, obtaining the user identity information corresponding to the at least one picked-up product, and associating the user identity information with the information of the at least one picked-up product.

Abstract: A multi-tiered automated parcel sortation system is utilized to sort parcels according to a common destination. A first tier includes an automated sorter configured to transport parcels from a source location to a release destination. A second tier includes accumulation containers each associated with a shipping destination, and the release destination within the first tier is a positioned directly above the accumulation container associated with the shipping destination of the parcel. Once transported to the release destination, a parcel is released into the accumulation container, and once the accumulation container is filled, the accumulation of parcels within the container is released into a third tier, which may include conveyors or autonomous guided vehicles with transport containers. In the third tier, the parcels are transported away for further processing.

Abstract: A system and method for enhanced monitoring and sorting of delivery items, such as packages, which are moved and sorted via a delivery service conveyor device. Conventional systems may employ photocells, which detect interrupted light beams, to identify packages or delivery items along a conveyor path. The present system and method enhances photocell function by adding image detection and analysis to the mail path; and further by modifying the photocell signals to the sorter/conveyor control. The present sensing system is located in the same area on the transport as the photocell, and uses a camera to capture an image of the mail path in the photocell area. The system and method then analyzes a package image to formulate a more accurate item detection signal, based on photocell data and image data, for input to the sorter/conveyor control system.

Abstract: A resource consumption system can include a plurality of resources positioned within at least one rack and at least one sensor configured to detect removal of an amount of the plurality of resources from the respective rack. The resource consumption system can include at least one transmitter configured to transmit a notification based on the at least one sensor detecting the removal of the amount of resources, wherein the notification comprises a resource identifier, an entity identifier, and the amount of the plurality of resources. The resource consumption system can include at least one computing device configured to compute an amount based on the resource identifier and the amount of resources, generate a request based on the notification, and transmit the request to an entity associated with the entity identifier, wherein the request comprises the resource identifier, the entity identifier, and the amount.

Abstract: A system including one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computing instructions configured to run on the one or more processors and perform facilitating display of instructions to a user interface of a mobile device of a user on how to rotate a medication package in front of a camera of the mobile device to capture a video of a rotated view of a non-planar surface of the medication package; capturing, using the camera, the video of the rotated view of the non-planar surface; generating, using an input pre-processing algorithm, a series of images from the video; recognizing, using an output post-processing algorithm, respective words from the respective machine-readable text data; merging, using a merging algorithm, the respective words from the images to create lines of text; and extracting, using a machine learning algorithm, prescription data associated with prescription data fields from the lines of text. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting recyclable items and other materials are provided. In one embodiment, a system for sorting objects comprises: at least one imaging sensor; a controller comprising a processor and memory storage, wherein the controller receives image data captured by the image sensor; and at least one pusher device coupled to the controller, wherein the at least one pusher device is configured to receive an actuation signal from the controller. The processor is configured to detect objects travelling on a conveyor device and recognize at least one target item traveling on a conveyor device by processing the image data and to determine an expected time when the at least one target item will be located within a diversion path of the pusher device. The controller selectively generates the actuation signal based on whether a sensed object detected in the image data comprise the at least one target item.

Abstract: A method of characterizing a serum and plasma portion of a specimen in regions occluded by one or more labels. The characterization may be used for Hemolysis, Icterus, and/or Lipemia, or Normal detection. The method captures one or more images of a labeled specimen container including a serum or plasma portion, processes the one or more images to provide segmentation data and identification of a label-containing region, and classifying the label-containing region with a convolutional neural network (CNN) to provide a pixel-by-pixel (or patch-by-patch) characterization of the label thickness count, which may be used to adjust intensities of regions of a serum or plasma portion having label occlusion. Optionally, the CNN can characterize the label-containing region as one of multiple pre-defined label configurations. Quality check modules and specimen testing apparatus adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing and using magnetic resonance (“MR”) visible labels or markers to encode information unique to the subject or object being imaged by a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system are provided. The use of such MR-visible labels or markers enables unique information associated with the subject or object being imaged to be encoded into the images of the subject or object. This information can be used to anonymize protected health information (“PHI”); to provide detailed information about a surgical simulation device, quality assurance phantom, or the like; to provide spatial orientation and registration information; or so on.

Abstract: A method of sorting articles by means of a sorting system comprising N sorting machines (M1, MN) operating in parallel, in which method the articles are divided into N groups (G1, GN) of articles to be processed in parallel on the N sorting machines, at least one of the N groups of articles is subdivided into sub-groups of articles (G1.1, G1.N-1), and, if it is detected that one of the N machines is being rested, then the method comprises the steps of: feeding the N?1 other sorting machines with the sub-groups of articles from said subdivided group of articles and sorting these sub-groups of articles in parallel on the N?1 other sorting machines; and feeding the N?1 other sorting machines with the N?1 other groups of articles and sorting these N?1 groups of articles in parallel on said N?1 other sorting machines.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method and apparatus for obtaining an image of a form sheet, which belongs to the field of image processing technology. The method includes: obtaining graphic code information from an image to be processed, wherein the graphic code information comprises at least position information of a graphic code; determining form sheet image feature information in the image to be processed based on the position information of the graphic code; and obtaining an image of a form sheet from the image to be processed based on the form sheet image feature information. In the present application, there is no manual operation of obtaining the image of the form sheet is needed, and thus the resources are saved and the efficiency of obtaining the image of the form sheet is improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for marking a consignment unit in a logistics process. The invention furthermore relates to a system for marking a consignment unit in a logistics process. The method according to the invention for marking a consignment unit in a logistics process contains the steps of initially creating a first image of the surface of a consignment unit in order to then link this image to an identification number and store the image and the identification number on a data processing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for presenting an application status of a medical device that has a unused state and a used state. The apparatus includes a label having an electrochromic element. The label is at least partially disposed on an exterior surface of the medical device and is configured to display a predetermined feature in response to an electric current. A power source is disposed in or on the medical device for providing the electric current. A switch is configured to selectively connect or disconnect the label and the power source to one another for controlling the application of the electric current to the electrochromic element in response to actuation of the medical device from the unused state to the used state. The label may be scanned by a scan device that may connect to a medical organization for communicating information between the scan device and the medical organization.

Abstract: A pack wall carton selection and replenishment system comprising: a delivery cart with a delivery cart controller configured to receive information representing a replenishment shipping carton to be retrieved from a shipping carton supply area and delivered to a pack wall, provide for retrieving one or more shipping cartons from the shipping carton supply area, actuate a cart indicator assembly to identify a cart partition where to place the retrieved shipping cartons on the delivery cart, actuate a delivery cart indicator assembly to identify the replenishment shipping carton to be placed on the pack wall; and, a pack wall controller in communication with the delivery cart controller configured to receive an order item information, actuate a first pack wall indicator assembly to indicate a desired shipping carton to be used for packing an items represented by the order item information.

Abstract: A rejector device for rejecting discrete products from a product stream includes a transporting means, a rejecting means, and at least two collection containers. The rejecting means can reject the products of the product stream either into one collection container or into the other. In the process, the products are rejected either towards one side of the transporting means or towards the other. The arrangement of the collection containers one above the other on one side of the transporting means makes it possible for the operator to remove products from both collection containers from one side of the rejector device.

Abstract: An optical sorting or classifying machine for sorting or classifying product, comprising a housing (3) which includes an internal region (19), a chute (5) which has a guide surface (29) and is supported by the housing (3), an illumination unit (7a-d) for illuminating product as delivered on and/or from the chute (5), and at least one detector (9a, b) for detecting product as delivered on and/or from the chute (5); characterized in that the chute (5) is pivotably coupled to the housing (3) about a first pivot (31) between a first, operative configuration, in which the chute (19) extends across the internal region (19) and prevents access or entry into the internal region (19) by an operator, and a second, stowed configuration, in which an operator can access or enter the internal region (19).

Abstract: A method of recovering label positions in an imaging controller includes: receiving (i) a definition of a plane containing edges of the shelf, and (ii) a plurality of initial label indicators having locations on the plane; assigning the initial label indicators among a plurality of candidate subsets each representing a single physical label; for each candidate subset of initial indicators: generating, for each of a plurality of projection depths relative to the plane, a set of projections of the initial indicators in the candidate subset; determining an aggregate surface area for each set of projections; selecting, as a recovered depth for the candidate subset, one of the projection depths corresponding to the minimum aggregate surface area; and generating a recovered position for the candidate subset based on the recovered depth; and storing the recovered positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort destinations. A scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item fed into the apparatus. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles are individually driven to sort destinations. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered. A re-induction conveyor may be provided for receiving select items from the vehicles and conveying the items back to the input station for re-processing. Additionally, a controller is provided to control the movement of the vehicles based on a characteristic each item being delivered by each vehicle. When an item to be manually sorted is encountered, a visual alert aligned with a selected destination is activated until manual transfer is confirmed.

Abstract: A method of notifying an individual about an item in a secure mailbox is provided. The method includes receiving an indication that an item for an intended recipient has been deposited into a secure mailbox. The method also includes, based at least in part on receiving the indication, programming an access control device of the secure mailbox to unlock the access control device in response to a credential assigned to the intended recipient and notifying the intended recipient that the item is in the secure mailbox. It is detected that the secure mailbox has been unlocked in response to the credential that is assigned to the intended recipient. Based at least in part on the detecting, re-programming the access control device of the secure mailbox to an un-programed status that includes the access control device remaining in the unlocked state.

Abstract: A method of merging postal articles with a stack of mailpieces that have already been machine-sorted into a delivery round comprises the following steps: inserting the postal articles in sequence into a sorting frame having slots; placing the stack of mailpieces on a merge table; displaying on a display screen of a monitoring and control unit an indication representative of a number of current postal articles to be merged, and of an insertion position at which the postal articles should be inserted into the stack of mailpieces; then manually taking from the frame the number of postal articles indicated on the screen, and inserting them into the stack to perform a current merger; and having the monitoring and control unit measure a distance before and after the current merger to detect any error in taking the postal articles from the frame.

Abstract: A sorting method, cross-belt system, and computer-storage media are provided for conveying and sorting items. The cross-belt system includes a plurality of interlocking palettes that form a conveyor belt. Each palette may be engaged by a series of rollers that are triggered to discharge items on the palettes to appropriate loading areas. The rollers are configured to move a belt of the palettes in one of at least two directions to a selected loading area that is positioned on either side of the cross-belt system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided that permit a customer to purchase one or more products but not take possession of the products or cause delivery of the products at the time of the purchase order. The products are then stored at one or more product storage locations of the retailer while being marked as purchased by the customer in an inventory management database of the retailer. The customer is provided with a customer interface including a plurality of input fields configured to allow the customer to define one or both of: a delivery time period and a delivery destination for delivery of at least a portion of the products purchased by the customer; and a pickup location and a pickup time period for at least a portion of the products purchased by the customer.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for auditing waste retrieved by a service vehicle. The system may have an optical sensor mountable onboard the service vehicle and configured to capture image data associated with the waste as the waste falls into the service vehicle during completion of a waste service activity. The system may also have at least one controller in communication with the optical sensor and being configured to generate at least one of an alert and a recommendation regarding a mix of the waste based on the image data.

Abstract: A method for processing return-to-sender (RTS) mail pieces by a mail processing system. The method includes receiving a plurality of RTS cards and RTS mail pieces. The RTS cards identify RTS reason codes for corresponding ones of the RTS mail pieces. The method includes imaging each RTS mail piece to produce an image. The method includes creating and storing a unique RTS mail piece profile of for each “error” RTS mail piece that uses an identification code for that RTS mail piece and a reason code from a preceding RTS card. The method includes sorting the RTS cards to a first output bin and sorting the error RTS mail pieces to a second output bin. The method includes thereafter processing the error RTS mail pieces using the corresponding RTS mail piece profiles and without using the RTS cards.

Abstract: A method and a warehouse for handling items stored in a warehouse by a first actor, and are removed from the warehouse by a second actor, wherein, upon an automated receiving of the items by the warehouse, an individual item-specific or actor-specific identification is detected, inputted or generated by the warehouse, wherein the items are associated with one of the actors by assigning the individual identification and are stored according to the association in the warehouse, wherein the individual identification contains information about the storage conditions of the item and that the items delivered to the warehouse are received by a handling system and are stored according to the individual identification under different storage conditions in a shelf system of the warehouse.

Abstract: A system and method is provided wherein a device can be reprogrammed utilizing one or more programming symbols. A device subject to reprogramming can be a portable device. In one embodiment a device subject to reprogramming can be a portable symbol reading device capable of reading programming symbols.

Abstract: An ion beam irradiation device includes a vacuum chamber that accommodates a transport tray which holds a substrate, a transport unit that transports the transport tray in the vacuum chamber in a transport direction, an ion beam irradiation unit that irradiates, with ion beams, a predetermined irradiation position in the vacuum chamber, and a position detector that detects a position of the transport tray. The transport tray includes a plurality of indices that are arranged in the transport direction to indicate portions of the transport tray. The position detector images each of the indices at a predetermined imaging position during transportation of the transport tray and detects a position of the transport tray relative to the imaging position based on the imaged index.

Abstract: Techniques for automatically comparing one or more objects determined from digital media content (e.g., an image, audio information, video information) to one or more objects specified by a machine readable identifier to determine if an object determined from the media content matches an object specified by the machine readable identifier. One or more actions may be initiated upon determining that an object determined from the media content matches an object specified by the machine readable identifier. Information identifying the action to be initiated may also be encapsulated by the machine readable identifier.

Abstract: A sorting device has sensors, a plurality of a feature extracting unit, a feature searching unit, a determining unit and a sorting unit. The sensors detect physical quantities of an object. The feature extracting unit extracts values of a plurality of types of feature values from the physical quantities detected. The feature searching unit specifies identification information of the object based on values of various feature values extracted with reference to a feature database which associates and stores the values of the various feature values and the identification information of the object in advance. The determining unit determines sorting information of the object based on the identification information of the object specified with reference to a sorting database which associates and stores the identification information of the object and the sorting information in advance. The sorting unit sorts the object based on the sorting information determined.

Abstract: A sortation system has a track forming a continuous loop, an article-conveying car positioned on the track and configured to move along the track, a system controller, a communication station positioned near the track for communicating with the article-conveying car and the system controller, a portable bin positioned adjacent the track, the portable bin comprising a bin communication device configured to wirelessly transmit bin status information to the article-conveying car when the car is proximate to the bin, where the article-conveying car is configured to wirelessly relay received bin status information to an off-car communication device at the communication station when the car is proximate to the communication station, and where the bin communication device is attached to the portable bin, and the portable bin is operably positionable substantially anywhere along at least a portion of the track. Additionally, the car may wirelessly transmit instructions and information to the bin.

Abstract: A compact media processing device enables recording on a process medium and then processing the process medium based on the result of recording. The media processing device conveys a process medium and processes the conveyed process medium by a first process unit disposed to the conveyance path, and an operation selection unit then determines the content of the next operation based on the result of the first process. After the next operation is determined, the conveyance control unit conveys the process medium upstream to or upstream of the process position of a second process unit. A process control unit then applies the selected operation to the process medium by the second process unit that is disposed downstream from the first process unit on the conveyance path of the process medium.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus including a table to be loaded a first and a second banknote group partitioned by a header card recording the bar code number in the piling direction of the banknotes, a take-in portion to take in the banknotes of the first and second banknote groups loaded on the table and the header card, a discrimination portion to count the banknotes taken in by the take-in portion and discriminate the kind thereof, a plurality of stackers to sort and stack the banknotes discriminated by the discrimination portion on the basis of the kink thereof, and a sensor to detect the header card taken in by the take-in portion. The sheet processing apparatus additionally includes a controller to control so as to stop the taking-in of the second banknote group on the basis of detection of the header card by the sensor and after a lapse of a predetermined time, to start the taking-in of the second banknote group.

Abstract: An apparatus for singulating load items, with a group of delivery apparatuses for delivering load items, wherein there is associated with each delivery apparatus a first singulation apparatus for singulating the load items delivered with that delivery apparatus and there is, downstream of the first singulation apparatuses of the group of delivery apparatuses which form a first singulation stage, a second singulation stage for singulating load items not singulated in the first singulation stage, wherein the second singulation stage comprises a second singulation apparatus and a detection system associated with it for detecting load items not singulated by the second singulation apparatus, with, downstream of the second singulation stage a third singulation stage for singulating load items not singulated in the second singulation stage, which consists of manually post-singulating load items not singulated by the second singulation stage or of providing a return unit for returning the non-singulated load items d

Abstract: In some embodiments, aggregated serialized goods may be loaded into the serialization/aggregation system via a conveyor, and the aggregated serialized goods may be scanned and authenticated. The aggregated serialized goods that are determined to be authentic may be diverted to at least one aggregation line, where the aggregated serialized goods may be bundled. The serialization/aggregation system may be adjustable, and may be easily converted to accept items of various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A waste collection system to identify and classify waste materials into a plurality of pre-established categories and then to sort into and collect the waste materials by the plurality of the pre-established categories for subsequent disposal comprising a cabinet to house a plurality of collection bins or containers corresponding to the plurality of pre-established categories of waste materials to receive and collect the waste materials by the corresponding pre-established category, a waste sorting assembly to selectively direct the waste materials into the collection bin or container corresponding to the particular category of waste material, a latch mechanism to selectively engage the waste sorting assembly to control access into the cabinet and a system control to identify and classify waste materials into one of the plurality of pre-established categories and to direct the categorized waste material into the appropriate or corresponding collection bin or container for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sheet processing method in a sheet processing apparatus, the method includes, reading images of the sheets being conveyed, discriminating whether the sheets are exclusion pieces or not based on the images of the sheets, recognizing the identification information based on an image read from the batch card, storing an image read from deposit card while correlating this image with the identification information, sorting the sheets into collection storages based on discrimination results, and storing discrimination results while correlating these discrimination results with the identification information.

Abstract: Provided is a package automation apparatus including: a detection unit configured to detect package information of a package conveyed to a tray; a chute operation unit configured to operate a package loading chute so that the package is loaded on at least one of a plurality of sorting spaces formed at a pallet adjacent to the tray; and a control unit configured to transfer an operation control signal of the package loading chute to the chute operation unit so that the package is loaded on any one of the plurality of sorting spaces, based on the package information, in order to easily sort the package automatically.

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 sorting system for flat items of mail has N1?2 parallel-connected groups of storage modules for simultaneously storing a multiplicity of items of mail. The items of mail are fed through N2?1 parallel mail feeders to in each case a plurality of groups, and discharged via N3?2 parallel mail dischargers from in each case a plurality of groups. A process controller controls a joint storing of items of mail from a stream of mail into storage modules belonging to at least one group and simultaneously controls discharging of jointly deposited items of mail from storage modules belonging to at least one other group. It is thus possible to intersperse the streams of mail with little or no intersecting, accompanied by a high throughput rate through the sorting 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.