Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for collating a plurality of separate groups or bundles of similar flats mailpieces arranged in a predetermined delivery point sequence, each mailpiece imprinted with a distinct delivery point or address indicia, to produce a single stream of mailpieces in new groups, where each new group comprises a plurality of mailpieces all addressed to a distinct delivery point. The apparatus comprises a plurality of feed units, each unit configured to process a quantity of similar mailpieces, each with a distinct delivery point indicia on the face of the mailpiece, and to deposit each mailpiece in a distinct pocket on a collation conveyor which traverses all of the plurality of feed units. Each pocket will ultimately contain different mail pieces, all addressed to the same delivery point Multiple new groups of mailpieces are then automatically placed in containers in a sequence corresponding to a predetermined delivery route.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for preparing mailpieces. A inserter system for assembling mailpieces in a mailing job is controlled in accordance with mailpiece records in a corresponding mailing control file. The inserter system scans control inserts included in the mailpieces fed into the mailpiece accumulations at a downstream station to verify corresponding mailpiece records. Initially the inserter system reads an initial, dummy control insert to accesses the mailing control file to initialized the upstream stations of the inserter system.

Abstract: Robot-related information held at a robot user and data held at a robot manufacturer are used to enhance the user's sense of attachment to the robot. Each terminal device is operable to send information about the robot to a telecommunication line and to receive answer information sent from a server to the robot user via the telecommunication line. The server generates answer information on the basis of robot-related information sent from the personal terminal device and previously stored reference information corresponding to the robot-related information; and sends the answer information to the personal terminal device—via the telecommunication line. The answer information is for example a diagnostic report on the robot.

Abstract: A business reply mail piece and associated processing system that allows information contained within business reply mail to be scanned and interpreted before the business reply mail reaches its ultimate destination is provided. A machine-readable block of control information that instructs computer-driven actuators what to do with the business reply mail document itself, its digital image (or parts of thereof) and the data elements contained in the document, based on selections made by the recipient, is provided on the business reply mail piece. A scanner module scans the business reply mail piece to read the selection made by the recipient and the corresponding instructions from the block of control information. A control module interprets the data to provide instructions for the processing of the business reply mail piece based on the recipient's selection.

Abstract: In a first sorting machine the mail items are sorted into groups of associated delivery points. The mail items are ten fed group by group to a second sorting machine for the last sort pass in which the mail items of eh group are sorted to the delivery points of the relevant group, the mail items of a delivery point being conveyed into one, or if the mail volume is too great, into a plurality of adjacent, automatically estimable end points. As soon as all de mail items are in the end point(s), they are automatically unloaded onto an idle sectional conveyor in such a way that the mail items of an end point are in one section When all the mail items of the group have been loaded into the sections of the sectional conveyor, the sectional conveyor transports the mail items to a distribution unit in which the mail items of each section are mechanically combined and collected in delivery sequence order.

Abstract: A log of printed products having thereon an identification that is programmable and then readable to access information regarding the printed products that make up the log such as product identification, orientation and destination, the printed products including either bound and non-bound printed products.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for sorting a plurality of items into a predetermined sorted sequence. Items are initially located on initial sorting regions of a sorting apparatus. The items are then sorted into at least one intermediary sorted set and then sorted, from the intermediary sorted sets, into the final sorted sequence. A computer may be used to track the position of the items on the sorting apparatus and to control the movement of the items into the sorted sequence.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of automatic systems for electronic classification of objects which are characterized by electronic attributes. A device and a method for generating a classifier for automatically sorting objects, which are respectively characterized by electronic attributes, are provided, in particular a classifier for automatically sorting manufactured products into up-to-standard products and defective products, having a storage device for storing a set of electronic training data, which comprises a respective electronic attribute set for training objects, and having a processor device for processing the electronic training data, a dimension (d) being determined by the number of attributes in the respective electronic attribute set. The processor device has discretization means for automatically discretizing a function space (V), which is defined over the real numbers (Rd), into subspaces (VN, N=2, 3, . . .

Abstract: A business reply mail piece and associated processing system that allows information contained within business reply mail to be scanned and interpreted before the business reply mail reaches its ultimate destination is provided. A machine-readable block of control information that instructs computer-driven actuators what to do with the business reply mail document itself, its digital image (or parts of thereof) and the data elements contained in the document, based on selections made by the recipient, is provided on the business reply mail piece. A scanner module scans the business reply mail piece to read the selection made by the recipient and the corresponding instructions from the block of control information. A control module interprets the data to provide instructions for the processing of the business reply mail piece based on the recipient's selection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for collating a plurality of separate groups or bundles of similar flats mailpieces arranged in a predetermined delivery point sequence, each mailpiece imprinted with a distinct delivery point or address indicia, to produce a single stream of mailpieces in new groups, where each new group comprises a plurality of mailpieces all addressed to a distinct delivery point. The apparatus comprises a plurality of feed units, each unit configured to process a quantity of similar mailpieces, each with a distinct delivery point indicia on the face of the mailpiece, and to deposit each mailpiece in a distinct pocket on a collation conveyor which traverses all of the plurality of feed units. Each pocket will ultimately contain different mail pieces, all addressed to the same delivery point. Multiple new groups of mailpieces are then automatically placed in containers in a sequence corresponding to a predetermined delivery route.

Abstract: This invention relates to self-propelled, mobile input/output bins (MIOB). Such structures of this type, generally, allow the MIOB to scan/read machine readable data on an input/output job banner page. This information allows the MIOB to determine the owner of the input/output job, the owner's location, and the location where the input/output job is to be delivered so that the input/output job can be delivered by the MIOB.

Abstract: A system for determining movement of an item bearing an RFID label. The system includes an RFID reader for receiving RFID label identification information from an RFID label associated with the item, and a computer for determining a location of the RFID label and the item by determining location information for the RFID reader, for determining a preferred location for the RFID label and the item, and for comparing the determined location with the preferred location to determine that the RFID label and the item have been moved.

Abstract: The an embodiment of the present invention generally comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus including an addressee database and a state/ZIP Code list generated from the addressee database. Mailpieces for which the addressee cannot be determined are processed using ZIP Code and/or State information read from the mailpiece. The state/ZIP Code information read from the mailpiece is compared to the state/ZIP Code list to determine if there is a match. If there is not match, the mailpiece is sorted to a “return to sender” bin.

Abstract: A sequential mail sorting system for generating sort sequence codes, interpreting them for the sequential sorting of mail into a mail carrier walk sequence and providing for holdout mail types, which includes reading a sort plan text file for a selected postal delivery zone and determining the number of bins required in the sorting machine, selecting the carriers whose routes are located in such zone, generating sort sequence codes for sorting the mail in a sequential order, and generating sequence codes for holdouts and regular mail types and placing them into a sort plan binary file. The generating of sort sequence codes includes generating and interpreting sort sequence codes for holdout mail types to allow for sorting and removal of holdout mail from the mail sorting stream in the initial sorting pass of a multiple pass sequential mail sort. It also includes such a step which is performed in the final sorting pass.

Abstract: Radio frequency identification tags are placed on mail contained in trays or tubs to locate and reroute mail that is misdirected, i.e., being routed to the incorrect destination. The method involves the carrier reading the identifying information contained in the radio frequency identification tags on each mail piece while each mail piece is in the trays or tubs and removing one or more mail pieces in the tray or tub that are to be routed differently than the routing information contained on the outside of the trays or tubs.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for preparing mailpieces. A inserter system for assembling mailpieces in a mailing job is controlled in accordance with mailpiece records in a corresponding mailing control file. The inserter system scans control inserts included in the mailpieces fed into the mailpiece accumulations at a downstream station to verify corresponding mailpiece records. Initially the inserter system reads an initial, dummy control insert to accesses the mailing control file to initialized the upstream stations of the inserter system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for collating a plurality of groups of mail items, such as flats mail, each group being pre-sequenced according to prioritized delivery addresses, into a final sequenced set of the mail items from the groups, utilizing the prioritized delivery addresses. Each bundle of mail items is formed into a single input stream of the individual mail items. The mail items are transported along a conveyor system from the input stream to a staging station. The mail items are sorted at the staging station into a plurality of subsets of mail items re-sequenced as an intermediate step to achieving the final sequenced sets. The mail items are then collated and merged into a single output stream from the respective subsets of mail items in the final sequenced set. Portions of the output stream from the staging station are collected in batches which maintain the sequence consistent with the prioritized delivery order sequence of the mail for a given carrier route.

Abstract: Systems and methods that allow for orienting and delivering mail between a postage verifier and a mail sorter. A postage verifier incudes an optical character reader for decoding addresses on mail pieces that do not have bar codes. A reverter orients mail from the postage verifier into a position required for processing by the mail sorter. A combination of mail carrying modules carry the mail from the reverter to the mail sorter. The mail sorter prints bar code information on mail lacking bar codes, when the data is available, and sorts the mail based on the bar code information.

Abstract: An object sorting system (100) includes a first sorting matrix (300), a second sorting matrix (200) crossing said first sorting matrix (300), and a control system (120) for directing the sorting of objects (110) to one of a plurality of sort destinations (501).

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for preparing mailpieces. A inserter system for assembling mailpieces in a mailing job is controlled in accordance with mailpiece records in a corresponding mailing control file. The inserter system scans control documents included in the mailpieces to identify corresponding mailpiece records. Initially the inserter system accesses the mailing control file to identify set-up parameter values for the current mailing job.

Abstract: A system and method for merge-sequencing ordered subsets of items into a single merged set in a predetermined sorted sequence and error-checking the resulting merged set to provide information about out of order items to allow for efficient error correction methods. The system uses an outcome verifier module to ensure that items placed onto the single merged set are in the proper sequence. Items that are not in the proper sequence are temporarily removed from the merged set. If it is determined that items are missing from the sorted sequence a placeholder may be inserted to mark the place of missing items.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a large scale sorter with peripheral devices associated therewith and including a transport path has sensors arranged along portions of the path and software objects respectively associated with each sensor and with each other in a tracking chain. Length measurement of articles is provided to confirm article identification and each software object, referred to as a softcell, is of a selectable type in accordance with the type of sensor event it can report and a mode controlling conditions under which selected types of events will be reported. Providing software objects for tracking allows hardware independence and ease of design and modification, particularly in the field by creation of softcells from a generalized architecture through a graphical user interface.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking a predetermined number of X-ray films has a sheet member holding device disposed above a stacking position for temporarily holding at least a first X-ray film, and an actuating device for displacing the sheet member holding device from the stacking position to drop the X-ray film held by the sheet member holding device into the stacking position. The apparatus is capable of stacking a plurality of X-ray films highly accurately and efficiently in the stacking position while avoiding damage to the X-ray films.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process by which plastics are separated from recycled plastic mixtures according to type, whereby the plastic parts freed from metals are taken on fast moving conveyor belts isolated as a fine, light and/or coarse material and the plastic parts to be selected are removed from the plastic flow in at least one optomechanical sorting device of activatable ejectors.

Abstract: A method and control system are provided for controlling a modular conveyor system, which may be networked together with other such systems in order to implement a control strategy for a modular conveyor system. The control system comprises a communications port for interconnection of the control system with a network for sending outgoing addressed data to other devices on the address-based network and for receiving incoming addressed data from other devices. The control system further comprises a logic system, which may receive a signal from an object sensor and provide a control signal or output adapted to control activation of a motorized roller assembly, based on an input signal from the object sensor or the communications port. The logic system may provide for single step operation whereby system troubleshooting may be facilitated, and in addition may provide situation aware and output value source selection functionality.

Abstract: A method that enables the USPS to be aware of the contents of mail and the identity of the party who licensed the postal meter that paid for the mailing. The foregoing is accomplished by placing human readable postal meter indicia on the mail that contains information that uniquely identifies the mail and the licensee of the meter in addition to incorporating a radio frequency identification tag on the mail that identifies the contents of the mail and the information that uniquely identifies the mail. Additional security will be obtained by knowing the identity of the mailer and the contents of the mailing. The radio frequency tags may be remotely read, enabling the USPS to be aware of the contents of the mail permitting different content mail to be handled differently.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing multiple and varied processing and sorting procedures on mixed mailpieces of varied sizes in a single pass is provided. The apparatus further provides a user interface so that as few as a single user can perform the multi-task processing and sorting of mixed and non-machineable mailpieces. Also provided are related methods for performing in a single pass with as few as a single operator multiple processing and sorting steps on mixed mailpieces primarily with the purpose of rehabilitating and improving the characteristics of the mailpieces for the purpose of subsequent high speed processing.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus including a voice recognition system performing a method of processing “return to sender” mailpieces using voice recognition. The operator obtains a “return to sender” mailpiece and determines a sender address segment for identification. The sender address segment is spoken by the operator to the recognition system. The voice recognition software interprets the information and communicates it to recipient matching software. The software narrows the potential sender matches in the mailpiece sorting apparatus addressee database. If a match is made, the operator is prompted to place the mailpiece onto mailpiece sorting apparatus which sends the mailpiece to the proper sort bin based on the identification performed by the matching software.

Abstract: In a network-based mail processing system and method of the invention, the originating presort bureau or node is defined as the first bureau to receive and process mail, usually near the point of creation. Each presort bureau or node in the network is generally also a destination bureau or node since each processes mail from other nodes for delivery to recipients in its respective region by the postal regional sorting centers associated with its destination codes. Interactive network processing enables higher density of sorts at destination nodes and reduces overall sorts, postage, and sort costs over non-interactive processing centers. The term “presort bureau” is used to connote a service bureau or any other entity which is a) part of the enterprise network, b) processes mail created and entered by itself or by mailers it services, and/or c) processes mail interactively with other network nodes. A similar network is described for mail-like items.

Abstract: A log of printed products having thereon an identification that is programmable and then readable to access information regarding the printed products that make up the log such as product identification, orientation and destination. The printed products include either bound or non-bound printed products. A method of utilizing a smart log includes creating a log of printed products, programming an identification associated with the log with information relating to the printed products, coupling the identification to the log, transporting the log to a destination for processing, reading the identification while the identification is coupled to the log, and handling the log in response to the information read from the identification.

Abstract: Systems and methods that allow for orienting and delivering mail between a postage verifier and a mail sorter. A postage verifier incudes an optical character reader for decoding addresses on mail pieces that do not have bar codes. A reverter orients mail from the postage verifier into a position required for processing by the mail sorter. A combination of mail carrying modules carry the mail from the reverter to the mail sorter. The mail sorter prints bar code information on mail lacking bar codes, when the data is available, and sorts the mail based on the bar code information.

Abstract: The sorting and packaging system comprises an induction and scanning system, a single pass sorting and packaging system for automatically sorting and packaging a plurality of mailpieces based on a single scan by the induction and sorting system, and a control unit connected to and controlling the induction and scanning system and the single pass sorting and packaging system. The single pass sorting and packaging system comprises at least one cell rack, at least one packaging system, and at least one delivery system. The cell rack is connected to the induction and scanning system by a transport sorting system. The cell rack comprises a plurality of cells and a purging system. The packaging system is connected to the cell rack and comprises a transport packaging system and a packaging unit. The delivery system is connected to the packaging system.

Abstract: A system (100) and method for sorting mail (112) includes a first database (106) containing addresses and zipcodes for a plurality of mail item recipients, a second database (104) containing a plurality of individual and firm names and their associated addresses, and an imaging device (114) for capturing an image of address information on a mail item (112). Based on identified elements from the captured address information image, a subsystem (110) containing an algorithm compares the elements with the first database (106) and determines if there is a match of all elements. If one or more address information elements are unmatched, the algorithm compares the elements to the second database (104), and applies a set of criteria to the address information elements matched in the second database (104) to determine if a match exists.

Abstract: The robotic apparatus is designed to act in a wider variety of manners, which will motivate the user of the robotic apparatus to purchase more products to the robotic apparatus. More specifically, a robotic apparatus (1) which acts autonomously recognizes a bar code (BC) or the like appended to a canned juice (100a) and acts in a predetermined manner. This is only enabled under a predetermined contract made between a product manufacturer and robotic apparatus manufacturer. The contract coverage is that the product manufacturer shall append the bar code (BC) to a specific product while the robotic apparatus manufacturer shall provide a robotic apparatus (1) which can act in a predetermined manner when having recognized the bar code (BC).

Abstract: An apparatus for performing multiple and varied processing and sorting procedures on mixed mailpieces of varied sizes in a single pass is provided. The apparatus further provides a user interface so that as few as a single user can perform the multi-task processing and sorting of mixed and non-machineable mailpieces. Also provided are related methods for performing in a single pass with as few as a single operator multiple processing and sorting steps on mixed mailpieces primarily with the purpose of rehabilitating and improving the characteristics of the mailpieces for the purpose of subsequent high speed processing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the sorting of items such as mail pieces, according to their distribution addresses, in a sorting machine, whereby non-readable mail pieces are sorted into special bins for recirculation according to the different reasons for the non-reading. Beginning and end of the stack of mail pieces of the respective special bin for recirculation is readably marked for sorting machine reading, and the marked stack of mail pieces is again fed to the feeder of the sorting machine in the reading position and orientation. At unsuccessful reattempts of a mail piece of a marked stack of mail pieces from one of the special bins for recirculation, the mail piece is sorted into an additional special bin, from which it is no longer fed to the sorting machine.

Abstract: A system for handling checks is provided that includes a sorter operable to retrieve MICR data from a plurality of checks. An emulator is coupled to the sorter. The emulator is operable to access the MICR data, to generate a process buffer based on the MICR data, and to generate a plurality of feature instructions for each check based on the process buffer. A communication engine is coupled between the emulator and a check processing system. The communication engine is operable to communicate between the emulator and the check processing system in real-time. The check processing system is operable to receive the process buffer from the emulator through the communication engine. The emulator is further operable to communicate the feature instructions to the sorter. The sorter is further operable to process the checks based on the feature instructions.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a modular printing system has a plurality of modules for processing sheets. One module is a collator module configured to retain the sheets. The collator module has a collator controller and sensors linked to the collator controller. The sensors are arranged to detect erroneously processed sheets. The collator controller is configured to generate an error signal in response to detection of an error. The collator module also includes a feed assembly for presenting the sheets. A printer module is configured to receive sheets presented by the feed assembly. The printer module includes a printer controller and sensors linked to the printer controller. The sensors are arranged to detect erroneously processed sheets and to generate an error signal in response to detection of an error. The module printing system also includes a system controller linked to the collator controller and the printer controller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is connectable to a sheet processing apparatus having a plurality of stacking units for stacking recording sheets and capable of discharging recording sheets selectively to the plurality of stacking units. The image forming apparatus includes a controller for controlling a discharge operation of remaining recording sheets of a first job if a job stacking unit, stacking the recording sheets of the first job, becomes nonusable by the recording sheets of the first job during the discharge operation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing IC devices from semiconductor wafers includes providing the wafers and fabricating IC's on the wafers. At probe, a unique fuse ID is stored in each IC, and an electronic wafer map is electronically stored for each wafer indicating the locations of good and bad IC's on the wafer and the fuse ID's of the IC's on the wafer. Each IC is then separated from its wafer to form an IC die, and the IC dice are assembled into IC devices. At the opens/shorts test at the end of assembly, the fuse ID of each IC in each device is automatically retrieved so the wafer map of the IC device may be accessed and evaluated to identify any IC devices containing bad IC's that have accidentally been assembled into IC devices. Any “bad” IC devices are discarded while remaining IC devices continue on to back-end testing.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system of the present invention comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus, a label printer, a graphical user interface, address cleansing database, corrected address database, sender computer system, sender database and a web server for interconnecting several components of the system. The system provides a closed loop solution for reducing potential return to sender outgoing mailpieces prepared by a sender that is receiving incoming sorting incoming mailpieces sorted by the incoming mailpiece sorting apparatus. The system includes user screens including data input screens and report screens. Because of the significant expense in processing return to sender mailpieces the system of the present invention tracks and calculate statistical information and cost information regarding the return to sender mailpieces so that the sender can be charged for the cost of sorting return to sender mailpieces.

Abstract: An electronic pet with more reality using various types of devices. Specifically, a virtual electronic pet 202 and a pet-type robot 204 change the state of the emotion and the state of the instinct as the internal state of the electronic pet (information included in pet characteristic information 203) in accordance with surrounding information and internal information, and act in accordance with the state of the emotion and the state of the instinct. Transmission/reception of the internal state of the electronic pet (pet characteristic information 203) is made possible among the virtual electronic pet 202, the pet-type robot 204, and a personal computer 201. Thus, the action of the electronic pet is implemented by each device in accordance with the internal state of the electronic pet changed by another equipment.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a plurality of discharge trays is provided, from which a user can readily obtain printed sheets he has requested. The user inputs a secret code at an operating and displaying section, which secret code the user specified at the terminal device at the time of print request (S301). When a coincidence between the inputted secret code and a secret code stored in secret code storage section is judged (S303), the target discharge tray information corresponding to the secret code is read out from a secret code storage section (memory) and displayed on the operating and displaying section (S304). Accordingly, the user can visually recognize information about a discharge tray on which the user's requested printed sheets are discharged.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a printer section for printing an image on a sheet and a finisher having a plurality of mail bins. The image forming apparatus discharges print, which is addressed to a specified user and outputted from the printer section, onto the mail bin assigned to the user among the plurality of mail bins, facilitating mail bin assignment to allow labor of network management to be saved. There is provided a card reading device for reading an ID card for identifying a user. There is also provided assigning means that identifies the user from information read by the card reading device when the ID card is inserted into the card reading device and that assigns a mail bin to the user when no mail bin has been assigned to the user.

Abstract: A process for handling articles in the mail order business, particularly soft-good articles and hard-good articles, whereby each article is chaotically entered into a receptacle that holds only one article and this receptacle is incorporated into a commissioning device that has a plurality of receptacles, during which process the identifier of the receptacles and the identifier of the article are married to one another by a computer unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting units of material includes a transport media formed in a plurality of segments. A plurality of actuators and at least one of an identification sensor, a segment sensor, a length sensor are connected with respect to the transport media. A parameter of a unit of material is sensed to generate a data update and calculate control outputs in a sort logic controller. The control outputs are sent from the sort logic controller to a network controller for the sensors and actuators. The network controller is synchronized to the output of the sort logic controller to receive and read the outputs, which are written together to the network memory, as soon as they are written from the sort logic controller. The output signal based upon the data update is then immediately multicast through the network to at least one actuator and the units of material are sorted based upon the output signal.

Abstract: A method and control system are provided for controlling a modular conveyor system, which may be networked together with other such systems in order to implement a control strategy for a modular conveyor system. The control system comprises a communications port for interconnection of the control system with a network for sending outgoing addressed data to other devices on the address-based network and for receiving incoming addressed data from other devices. The control system further comprises a logic system, which may receive a signal from an object sensor and provide a control signal or output adapted to control activation of a motorized roller assembly, based on an input signal from the object sensor or the communications port. The logic system may provide for single step operation whereby system troubleshooting may be facilitated, and in addition may provide situation aware and output value source selection functionality.

Abstract: A system for collating cheques (or other sheets bearing an account number), feeds cheques in a batch of cheques. The system reads the account number of each cheque in the batch and counts the number in the batch. This is compared with corresponding information on an associated account statement. On a mis-match, action is taken (e.g., an alarm is raised).

Abstract: The bill arranger of the present invention comprises: a loader for loading bills and feeding the bills one by one; a conveyer for conveying the bills fed from said loader; a discriminating device for discriminating the bills conveyed by said conveyer; a plurality of stackers for stacking the bills, which are conveyed by said conveyer, so that the bills can be removed; an operating device for selecting one of sorting process modes which defines a method of sorting the bills loaded in said loader; a controller for delivering the bills, which are fed from said loader, to one of said stackers, by said conveyer, based on the results of the discrimination by said discriminating device, according to the sorting process mode selected by said operating device; and displays, separately provided for said respective stackers, which can change displayed contents.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for sorting a plurality of items into a predetermined sorted sequence. Items are initially located on initial sorting regions of a sorting apparatus. The items are then sorted into at least one intermediary sorted set and then sorted, from the intermediary sorted sets, into the final sorted sequence. A computer may be used to track the position of the items on the sorting apparatus and to control the movement of the items into the sorted sequence.