Abstract: A method for managing an inventory system includes receiving an operation request that identifies an inventory item and selecting, from a plurality of workstations, a workstation at which to fulfill the operation request. The method also includes moving an inventory holder storing the identified inventory item to the selected workstation and moving a supply holder storing a supply item associated with the received operation request to the selected workstation. The method additionally includes fulfilling the operation request, at least in part, at the workstation.

Abstract: A system and method of operation for proactively grouping disparate mail items that are queued to be produced in a processing facility, wherein the system and method utilize a manufacturing completion schedule for virtually grouping the mail items before physical production occurs and the system and method maximizes profitability by discounting the mail items by applying appropriate discount mailing regulations for virtually grouping the mail items before physical production occurs.

Abstract: A method of merging postal articles (11) for delivery together with mailpieces (2) sorted in a machine (1) into relevant delivery rounds, the method comprising the following steps: entering data into the sorting machine that is representative of the delivery addresses of the postal articles to be merged; in the sorting machine, simulating an ordered sequence of mailpieces for delivery on the relevant delivery round, and, on the basis of said data, determining in this simulated sequence respective locations for said postal articles to be merged; sorting said mailpieces into sorting outlets of the machine for delivery on relevant delivery rounds, and, while each mailpiece is being machine-sorted, detecting whether said mailpiece is a mailpiece adjacent to a postal article to be merged in said simulated sequence; and responding to each said detection by inserting a separator (10) into the sorting machine so as to direct it automatically towards the sorting outlet of the machine that corresponds to the deliver

Abstract: An image forming system includes an enclosure supply device including an enclosure container, a first image forming unit to form an image on the sheet, an envelope supply device including an envelope container, an input device to input an insertion job, an insertion device to insert into the envelope at least one sheet on which the first image forming unit has formed the image and including a temporary storage tray to temporarily store the sheets inserted into the envelope as well as an envelope retainer to hold the envelope at an insertion position where the sheets are inserted into the envelope, and a controller to cause the second image forming unit to complete image formation on the envelope and conveyance of the envelope to the insertion position before a last sheet of the multiple sheets inserted into the single envelope reaches the temporary storage tray.

Abstract: A robot arm having a distal end to which a wrist axis is rotatably provided; arm drive unit, each configured to move the robot arm; a wrist axis drive unit configured to rotate the wrist axis; and a robot control unit configured to control the arm drive unit and wrist axis drive unit. The robot control unit is configured to control the arm drive unit to move the distal end of the robot arm to bring a contact member attached to the wrist axis into contact with an instruction target, thereby detecting a posture of the robot arm and an angular position of the wrist axis when the wrist axis begins to be angularly displaced due to the contact between the contact member and the instruction target, thus determining a position of an instruction point.

Abstract: An automatic delivery system includes a conveyor including powered first rollers arranged in parallel with each other defining a spacing between sequential ones of the first rollers. Fixed second rollers or fixed members are each connected to and coaxially aligned with individual ones of the first rollers and sequentially separated by the first roller spacing. The second rollers are divisible into at least two groups, each defining a loading station. Each of the loading stations has a station positioning device including at least one extension rod extending through and horizontally displaceable within the spacing between sequential ones of the first and second rollers. The station positioning device displaces a container received on the powered first rollers into and out of the loading station. A computer controlling the system and the station positioning device includes data for components inserted into the container at the loading station of each group.

Abstract: An Escort-Based Sorting (EBS) mail sorting and distribution center system configured and controlled for optimum mail flow and dispatch, minimal sorting center space usage, and elimination of peripheral storage and retrieval equipment. A plurality of input stations each include a mechanism for loading mailpieces and obtaining mailpiece data. A plurality of sorting banks each having a plurality of sorting modules, each sorting module adapted for the face-to-face conveyance of mailpieces for sorting by transferring select mailpieces from a first to a second conveyance path. The sorting modules define at least one row and a plurality tiers operatively coupled by a plurality of elevators. The elevators move mailpieces to and from tiers of the respective sorting bank. A system controller, operatively coupled to the input stations, sorting banks, and elevators, creates an association between the mailpiece information and the escort device, and sorts and dispatches mailpieces according to a dispatch schedule.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method and system for mail item processing. More particularly, the present application relates to a method and system alerting document processing operators when all mail items have reached a designated bin in order to improve accuracy and efficiency during document processing as well as improving the overall efficiency of the document processing facility.

Abstract: Zones of an accumulation conveyor are controlled using a look ahead approach. The speed and article presence conditions of downstream and upstream zones are used to assess the condition of article flow in the neighborhood of a particular zone. The respective speeds of individual zones are then selected and implemented based on the assessment.

Abstract: A sorting system having a plurality of sorting assemblies where each sorting assembly has an image device that transmits an image of product to a controller that then actuates a robotic sorting device to remove damaged product through a suction tube based upon the transmitted image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for moving piece goods from at least one piece goods conveyor (12) running in a transport direction (x) into placement positions of at least one placement position conveyor (14, 16) running in the same or opposite transport direction (+x?, ?x?) as the transport direction (x) of the piece good conveyor(s) (12) in a robot processing line, having robots (18) disposed at least on one side of a centerline (m) of the piece goods conveyor (12) of a width, wherein the piece goods are picked from the piece goods conveyor(s) by means of the robots (18) and placed in placement positions on the placement position conveyors (14, 16). At least part of the piece goods are transported transverse to the transport direction (x) of the piece goods conveyor(s) (12) when transiting the robot line (10) at a location of the robot line (10) into the pick region of the robots (18) disposed on the other side of the longitudinal centerline (m) of the piece goods conveyor(s) (12).

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 of distributing objects, having a random distribution of weights, according to their weights. In the method, the presence of one of the objects is detected, the detected object is grasped by a robot, and the object grasped is weighed by a sensor. The weight measured is associated with the object and stored. The process is repeated for the objects. The weight distribution obtained from the weights measured is used in filling containers with objects so that containers are optimally filled.

Abstract: A computerized method includes sorting mail that comprises a multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein the multiple pass mail sort operation for a mail piece that is undeliverable as addressed comprises performing a first pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein performing the first pass comprises capturing data to identify a feature of the mail piece. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes generating a first fingerprint for the mail piece between performing the first pass and performing a second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes performing the second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. Performing the second pass includes determining a final disposition of the mail piece that is undeliverable as addressed.

Abstract: An arrangement (1) and to a method is for detecting and controlling piece goods (2), having a code, in a commissioning system. The piece goods are fed on a conveyor line (3) through a scanning device (15), and are identified as actual data and are compared or captured to target data of the piece goods quantity stored in a central computer. The piece goods are separated out if the target data do not match the actual data. The invention proposes that a plurality of ejection devices (13) are provided. Each of the ejection devices (13) fills a positioned order container (25) of a particular commissioning order with piece goods, and piece goods that are not detected or sorted out are discharged to the longitudinal end of the conveyor line (3). The piece goods of various commissioning orders are randomly distributed on the central belt (27) of an automated commissioning machine and fed to the arrangement (1).

Abstract: A system and method of operation for proactively grouping disparate mail items that are queued to be produced in a processing facility, wherein the system and method utilize a manufacturing completion schedule for virtually grouping the mail items before physical production occurs and the system and method maximizes profitability by discounting the mail items by applying appropriate discount mailing regulations for virtually grouping the mail items before physical production occurs.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus handle a plurality of articles in an order, particularly flat mail items. This involves the use of an apparatus having a sorting installation, a temporary store and a handling position. Each temporary store has a feeder station and an outward transfer station. Each article passes through the sorting installation. The sorting installation measures what value a prescribed sorting feature assumes for the article. The article is fed into the temporary store. The article is either transported past the outward transfer station and remains on a conveyor track or it is transferred out of the temporary store and is transported to a handling position. The sorting installation sorts the articles and produces an order among the articles. The articles are transported to the feeder station which feeds the articles into the temporary store such that at any time all the articles are arranged in the order.

Abstract: A system for automatically sorting a mailpostal matter and a method thereof are provided. The system for automatically sorting a mailpostal matter includes a mailpostal matter supply unit configured to convey two inputted mailpostal matters by controlling a distance between the two inputted mailpostal matters to be equal to a distance between carriers when the two mailpostal matters are inputted through one inlet at the same time, a mailpostal matter inserting unit, configured to insert the two conveyed mailpostal matters into two crossbelt carriers which are continuously empty at the same time when the two mailpostal matters are conveyed from the mailpostal matter supply unit, and a crossbelt carrier configured to move the two mailpostal matters inserted from the mailpostal matter inserting unit.

Abstract: A device for sorting out individual address mail from a presorted route order mail stack including a device with a mail receiving receptacle, a conveyor for transferring mail through the machine, a reader and control for reading the bar code and mail address, and a mail delivery receptacle. When mail is added to the mail receiving receptacle the machine conveys only the mail for one address to the mail delivery receptacle and then stops until the mail delivery receptacle is clear. The machine uses the mail bar code and displays the address to the mail carrier for confirmation of the matching addresses for all of the mail to be delivered.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention comprises associating a marker with at least some of the seeds containing a genetic element of interest of the bulk sample, exciting the seeds using an photonic emitting device, evaluating at least some of the seeds of the bulk sample for the presence or absence of the marker, and sorting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest based on the presence or absence of the marker. In various other embodiments, the method may comprise associating a red fluorescent protein marker with at least some of the seeds containing a genetic element of interest of the bulk sample, evaluating at least some of the seeds of the bulk sample for the presence of the red fluorescent protein marker using an evaluating device, and sorting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest based on the presence of the red fluorescent protein marker.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multidirectional transport module having a control system for the goods pack movement direction and having an interface for communication with other transport modules. In this case, the invention provides for the control system to be designed to reserve the transport module for the transport of at least one goods pack in a given goods pack movement direction, in response to signals received via the interface.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: A selective-sorting berry-harvesting machine includes a supply system which supplies a computer vision system, a computer vision system including an artificial vision device for acquiring images of harvest components originating from the supply system and a processing device for analyzing said images so that the harvest components can be recognised and differentiated according to pre-established criteria, and a system for selectively separating whole, ripe and healthy berries from other components of the harvest, controlled by the processing device. The supply system is configured such that the harvest can be spread out to form a single layer, harvest components can be isolated individually and the harvest components, particularly the whole, ripe and healthy berries, can be moved rectilinearly at a controlled speed so that they are conveyed individually through the computer vision system.

Abstract: An automated destacking device is used to remove a single flat item or sheet from the top of a stack, and to then transport the item from the stack so that it may be used in an assembly line, manufacturing process, or the like. The stacked items are placed into a hopper, and an elevator drives the hopper upwardly until the top item in the stack contacts the underside of a horizontally movable carriage. The underside of the carriage includes an adhesive element, which engages the top item, and then the carriage moves in a horizontal direction away from the stack, carrying the top item from the stack to a position separately from the stack.

Abstract: A computerized method includes sorting mail that comprises a multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein the multiple pass mail sort operation for a mail piece that is undeliverable as addressed comprises performing a first pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein performing the first pass comprises capturing data to identify a feature of the mail piece. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes generating a first fingerprint for the mail piece between performing the first pass and performing a second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes performing the second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. Performing the second pass includes determining a final disposition of the mail piece that is undeliverable as addressed.

Abstract: Identification of a material composition. The material composition is configured with a color additive that is embedded or otherwise not visible. The color additive identifies the specific material composition. A discrete section or sub-section of the material is deformed such that the embedded color additive is made visible in the optical spectrum, after which the discrete section or sub-section may be sorted for recycling.

Abstract: A device for removing tested semiconductor components from a clamping carrier having fixed stop elements and movable clamping elements, pre-tensioned by spring elements includes an actuation device arranged above the clamping carrier, which moves the clamping elements into an opening position enabling the clamping carrier to be discharged, and then moves the clamping elements into a rest position after discharge, an intermediate carrier, positioned under the clamping carrier during discharge, onto which the clamping carrier is emptied, a data memory in which data about each semiconductor component are stored, and a removal device, which removes the semiconductor components from the intermediate carrier and sorts them into at least two different categories in accordance with the data stored in the data memory.

Abstract: Intelligent product feed systems and product transport methods are presented in which an array of variable speed transport modules is positioned between an input transport mechanism and an output mechanism, with the individual module speeds being controlled by a model-based planner to transport products delivered in an uncertain fashion by the input transport mechanism to the output mechanism synchronized and oriented according to a specified product configuration.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for optical coin discrimination are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for discriminating coins includes obtaining a digital image of a coin, identifying the outline of the coin using a suitable algorithm, and determining the diameter of the coin using the outline of the coin. The method of this embodiment further includes generating a rectangular image of the coin using, for example, a log-polar transform, generating a series of, for example, Fourier transforms from the rectangular image, and identifying spectral peak locations and intensities in the Fourier transform results. The diameter of the coin, spectral peak location, spectral peak intensity of the coin and/or other aspects of the coin can then be compared to known values for different coins to discriminate the coin.

Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by uniquely identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. In one embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. In another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece.

Abstract: A method for qualifying an automated process for inspecting and sorting particles through the production and use of seed particles is disclosed. In one embodiment, seed particles are produced by forming a conformal surface layer on a plurality of particles, thereby imparting them with at least one property whose value or range of values is the same as or about the same as a value or range of values of a corresponding property of undesirable particles. By introducing a predetermined quantity of seed particles, their detection and removal by the automated sorting system can be used to periodically calibrate and qualify the sorting system without interrupting the manufacturing operations or introducing actual undesirable particles into the process stream. The production and use of seed particles to qualify an automated sorting system is particularly well-suited for use with Ti sponge sorting operations.

Abstract: A method for controlling the transport of transport bags (20, 22) filled with notes of value, in which in a database of a central control unit (11) data with information of several orders for the transport of transport bags (20, 22) are stored. After a transport case (16) has been removed from the rack (14) of a vehicle (12), data with information about the removed transport case (16) are transmitted to the central control unit (11) which then assigns the transport case (16) to a selected order. After the transport bags (20, 22) were taken from the device (18) for handling notes of value and were inserted into the transport case (16), the device (18) transmits data with information about the inserted transport bags (20, 22) to the central control unit (11) which then assigns the inserted transport bag (20, 22) to the transport case (16) and/or the order.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sorting scrap metal containing at least two categories of metals are provided. An x-ray beam is directed towards at least a portion of a particle of scrap metal. Backscattered x-rays, forward scattered x-rays, and transmitted x-rays from the particle are measured and input into a classifier, such as a database with a cutoff plane. The scrap metal is sorted into a first category and a second category on the scrap metal by a controller. An x-ray source for a scanning system is provided with an electron beam generator, an electromagnetic beam focusing coil, a pair of saddle shaped beam steering coils, and a target foil to create a scanning x-ray beam along a plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loading control apparatus capable of aligning the mail automatically. The loading control apparatus includes a distribution unit configured to guide mail, inputted to the cargo box of an unmanned receipt apparatus, to any one of a plurality of mail capacity boxes, a gravimetry unit configured to measure the weight of the mail loaded onto the mail capacity box, and a control unit configured to determine a mail capacity box onto which the mail will be loaded based on the weight received from the gravimetry unit and control the distribution unit based on a result of the determination. In accordance with the present invention, registered ordinary mail received through the unmanned receipt apparatus is automatically aligned and loaded in order of the receipt of mail.

Abstract: A sorting method for plastics, including: sorting a predetermined plastic piece from a mixed plastic piece group including plastic pieces of a plurality of types; identifying the plurality of types of the plastic pieces; and calculating mixing rates of the plurality of types in the mixed plastic piece group based on a result obtained in the identifying, the identifying is performed on the mixed plastic piece group prior to the sorting, a sorting condition of the sorting is set based on an identification result obtained in the identifying, the identifying includes identifying the plurality of types of the plastic pieces with a beam.

Abstract: In a method for managing waste (W) deposited in disposal packages (6-F1, 6-F2, 6-F . . . 6-Fn) and introduced into a vacuum operated waste collection system (1) wherein waste is conveyed through transport piping (3), from waste inlets (2) to a waste collection container (5) for storing waste before removal and wherein the disposal packages carry readable information (7-F1, 7-F2, 7-F3 . . . 7-Fn), disposal packages containing one of multiple waste fractions (F1, F2, F . . .

Abstract: The present application relates to a system and related method for processing a mailpiece through the steps associated with its manufacture and post processing. The present system and method allow for mailpiece item tracking data collection at each step in the mailpiece manufacturing and processing. The present system and method allow for the integration of mailpiece item data from a postage device by utilizing information based barcode data included as part of the postage evidence, together with the production and sorting processes.

Abstract: Method and system for arranging rod-like elements, in which an unordered portion of rod-like elements, composed each of at least one part selected from cigarette parts being filter parts and tobacco parts, is delivered to a conveyor enabling arrangement of the elements on the conveyor in a plurality of compartments, longitudinally in each compartment and transversely to the direction of movement of the conveyor. The compartments have a length adapted to receive at least one filter part and at least one tobacco part of a cigarette. The type, number and location of parts of the element received in each compartment is defined by at least a single scanning of each successive compartment of the conveyor. The result of the scanning is transmitted to a control unit and the elements are subsequently sorted based on information received from the control unit.

Abstract: An automatic sorting system identifying and sorting non-homogenous material includes a conveyor belt and an identification unit above the conveying surface for identifying material. The identification unit includes a projector projecting light downwardly onto material to be identified, which reflects light towards the identification unit. The identification unit includes a lens receiving the reflected light from the material, and a first processing unit linked to the lens for spectral analysis of reflected light captured by the lens to determine the nature of the material, and a second processing unit linked to the first processing unit for comparing spectral analysis results with data associated with different materials stored in a second processing unit database. A sorting unit links to the second processing unit and cooperates with the second end of the conveyor to sort material released from the second end depending on signals from the second processing unit.

Abstract: An automatic store and a method for storing plates of electronic circuits comprising a feed belt that feeds the plates of electronic circuits along a first plane (F); collection boxes positioned along at least one side of the feed belt and in which the plates of electronic circuits fed by the feed belt are grouped together according to quality classes; and one or more clearing stations disposed in cooperation with the feed belt in order to position the plates of electronic circuits in the respective collection boxes. The store comprises at least two rows of collection boxes disposed along at least one side of the feed belt, and a movement unit associated with the collection boxes to discharge the filled collection boxes and to position new collection boxes to be filled.

Abstract: A sort pattern creating method, for a banknote handling apparatus, comprises a step of selecting a denomination of banknote (S501), a step of selecting a print version of banknote (S502), a step of selecting a direction of banknote (S503), a step of selecting a fitness of banknote (S504), a step of creating the sort pattern by combining the contents selected in the step of selecting a denomination of banknote, a print version of banknote, a direction of banknote and a fitness of banknote (S505). The sort pattern creating method comprises a step of checking a validity of the combination of the contents, wherein the combination is valid when a type of banknote is defined to be sorted into one stacking unit, and the combination is not valid when the type of banknote is not defined to be sorted into one stacking unit.

Abstract: An automated airport baggage handling system includes a baggage transport can transported with baggage between remote locations, a stationary baggage transport conveyor to transport the baggage, a communication link, a controller coupled to the baggage transport can and the baggage transport conveyor via the communication link, and a mobile robotic device controlled by the controller. A stationary guide track is located adjacent to the baggage transport can and the baggage transport conveyor, first sensors are located at the baggage transport can, the baggage transport conveyor, the robotic device and the guide track. A plurality of second sensors is attached to the baggage. The controller causes the robotic device to be displaced along the guide track in such a manner that the robotic device accesses the baggage transport can and thereafter accesses the transport conveyor while remaining positioned along the guide track.

Abstract: A method of sorting mailpieces amongst N logical sorting destinations with a sorting machine including a mailpiece conveyor that serves M sorting outlets, each of which is provided with a removable mailpiece storage tray that is handled by a tray conveyor, where M is less than N, consists in detecting that a current mailpiece to be sorted has a certain logical destination that is said to be “overbooked” and that is not associated with a sorting outlet, and in dynamically allocating to said overbooked logical destination a certain sorting outlet of the machine that is occupied by another logical destination. In said certain sorting outlet, a tray change is made and the tray extracted from said certain sorting outlet is put on standby on a loop of the tray conveyor.

Abstract: A system and methods for batch sorting objects and mapping the objects on a tray having a fixed dimension along an x-axis and a fixed dimension along a y-axis. Certain aspects of the present embodiments include (a) storing the objects in a queue; (b) sorting the objects in the queue according to a dimension of the objects; (c) mapping the objects sequentially into a first column of a plurality of columns on the tray until the first column is filled; (d) mapping the objects into a subsequent column until the subsequent column is filled; (e) repeating step (d) until only a last column in the plurality of columns remains to be filled, or until no more objects remain in the queue; and (f) mapping the objects into the last column in accordance with a column organization plan. In certain embodiments, at least one of the columns, and not necessarily the last column, includes objects mapped in accordance with a column organization plan.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coin handling machine 11 which can properly and effectively use the capacities of the coin storing units 25. Coins to be transported in the deposit transport unit 22 are recognized by a recognition unit 23, sorted by sorting by a plurality of sorting units 24 using electric driving units according to recognition results, and stored in coin storing units 25 of a plurality of stackers 26. Each stacker 26 is provided with two coin storing units 25 with different capacities. To coins with a large diameter or thickness or coins of a sort the handling amount of which is large, a coin storing unit 25 with a large capacity is assigned to prevent capacity shortage. To coins with a small diameter or thickness or coins of a sort the handling amount of which is small, a coin storing unit 25 with a small capacity is assigned to prevent the capacity from becoming excessive. The capacities of the coin storing units 25 can be properly and effectively used.

Abstract: The apparatus is for sorting a range of machine-identifiable items received in random order such as meat products or cuts produced at an abattoir. In one example, the items are allocated into high, medium and low priority types (total 205 types). High priority items are allowed a smaller range of types than are low-priority items. Items are recirculated automatically for re-sorting once, twice or three times respectively into fully sorted sets of products. Preferably a freezing chamber surrounds the sorting apparatus so that the items become chilled or frozen while being sorted.

Abstract: Methods to solve the costly “loop mail” problem (FIG. 4, 464) in automated sorting and delivery of mail pieces are disclosed. Loop mail is detected, and marked as such (FIG. 7, 738), in an automated reject encoding machine (REM) (FIGS. 9-10). In one case, loop mail is detected where a new image of a returned mail piece is captured (702), a new destination address is read (720), and the new address does not match the bar code on the piece (732), suggesting that the previous address resolution was erroneous. The bar code is over-labeled (734) and replaced with the new postal code (736). The mail piece is marked with a loop mail indicator (738), and then returned for automated DBCS sortation (740). The loop mail indicator (810) indicates that the piece has already gone around the sorting and attempted delivery loop at least once, and is used to prevent recurrence (704, 710).

Abstract: Method and system for arranging rod-like elements, in which an unordered portion of rod-like elements (3A . . . 3F) composed each of at least one part selected from a group including cigarette parts being filter parts and tobacco parts, is delivered to a conveyor having successive sectors (1A) defined and enabling arrangement of the elements (3A . . . 3F) on the said conveyor (1) in separate rows (2) along the axes of the elements (3A . . . 3F) and along the conveyor axis, characterized in that the type, the number and the location of the parts of each element (3A . . . 3F) transported on the conveyor (1) are defined by at least a single scanning of each successive element (3A . . . 3F) on the conveyor (1), the result of the scanning being transmitted to a control unit (S) in which each sector (1A) of the conveyor (1) is assigned information about its contents, the elements (3A . . .

Abstract: A computerized method includes sorting mail that comprises a multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein the multiple pass mail sort operation for a mail piece that is undeliverable as addressed comprises performing a first pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein performing the first pass comprises capturing data to identify a feature of the mail piece. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes generating a first fingerprint for the mail piece between performing the first pass and performing a second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes performing the second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. Performing the second pass includes determining a final disposition of the mail piece that is undeliverable as addressed.

Abstract: A method of processing mailpieces for sorting mailpieces into sequence in a sorting machine depending on delivery points of delivery rounds, in which method the mailpieces are grouped together into batches associated with delivery rounds and are sorted as a function of various sorting plans each associated with a respective batch of mailpieces and defining a list of delivery points of delivery rounds, which method includes the following steps, assessing the batches of mailpieces before the machine sorting to detect those that will under-use the sorting capacities; aggregating the batches of mailpieces detected as under-using the capacity so as to constitute aggregated batches of mailpieces; computing an associated sorting plan resulting from the aggregating; feeding each aggregated batch of mailpieces into the postal sorting machine and controlling the sorting of the mailpieces as a function of the sorting plan computed for said aggregated batch of mailpieces.