Abstract: The invention relates to a method for switching between different products such as vegetables and fruit on a sorting system, a computer-readable medium and sorting system suitable therefor, the method comprising of:—receiving a switching signal during sorting of products of the first product type that products of the second product type have to be sorted;—the controller selecting sorting channels which are free of products of the first product type;—assigning at least some selected sorting channels to the second product type;—assigning sorting classes of the second product type to one or more of the assigned sorting channels; and—sorting products of the second product type in sorting channels assigned thereto during the emptying of sorting channels of the first product type. Preparatory emptying of some of the sorting channels optionally takes place prior to the switch-over.

Abstract: A storage tray for storing mail items in the sorting outlets of a mail sorting machine having a carousel with buckets that hold mail items and move in a transport direction such that the mail items describe an arcuate path when released from the buckets. The storage tray includes a bottom surrounded by side walls defining a horizontal top portion of the tray and a horizontal bottom portion of the tray, wherein the bottom of the tray includes a landing wall and a jogging wall intersecting in the bottom portion of the tray, the landing wall extending from the jogging wall in a first direction towards the top portion of the tray at an angle relative to the horizontal bottom portion of the tray, and the jogging wall extending away from the landing wall in a second direction along a generally arcuate curved path toward the top portion of the tray. The shape of the jogging wall preferably corresponds generally to the path of a mail item released from a bucket carousel of a sorting machine.

Abstract: A sortation and sequencing system for sorting a plurality of different items into discrete orders and putting the items into a predetermined sequence within each discrete order or group of orders. The system includes an induction station for accepting items in random succession, and a sensor at the induction station for sensing an identifying characteristic unique to each item and for generating tracking signals uniquely corresponding to the items for tracking the items through the system. A controller receives the tracking signals and generates sort command and sequence command signals which are in part responsive to the tracking signals. A sorter receives the items from the induction station and directs individual items to selected ones of a plurality of sort locations, each sort location corresponding to an individual order or group of orders, in response to sort command signals from the controller.

Abstract: To control the completeness of the content which is not fixed in a package, the package is brought in an inclined position. In the case of incomplete packing, the content slides in the package whereby the distribution of weight changes, which change is measured.For safety, the package can then be inclined in opposite direction, whereupon the distribution of weight is measured again and the two values obtained are compared.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus classifies and discharges articles, such as items of agricultural produce, in accordance with their individual weights. A multichannel conveyor cooperates with a front end singulator which receives the produce from a source of supply and which provides the items in single file to a continuous line of spaced carrying cups moved by the conveyor along each channel. The cups are disposed for movement between an upright article carrying position and a depending discharge position, and they are supported by a rail in each channel. The rail has openings therein at each of a plurality of discharge stations spaced therealong. The cups each pass over a weighing scale aligned with the supporting rail near the front end of each conveyor channel which scale comprises a pivotally mounted bar upon which the cups ride.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus and method. A plurality of weigh members are moveable in sequence in a continuous path. Each weigh member receives an item to be weighed and includes a member which is moveable in response to the weight of the carried item. Preferably, the moveable member is elastically deformable. When an item to be weighed is deposited on a weigh member, the moveable member moves in response to the weight and then "springs" back and so on in an oscillating fashion. The weigh members, each carrying an item to be weighed, are rapidly moved in sequence along the continuous path to a weighing location and the time, while short, is sufficient to permit oscillating movement of the moveable member to substantially cease by the time that the weigh member arrives at the weighing location.