Method and apparatus for sorting flat articles

US6026967A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• ElectroCom Automation · US

Inventors

• Gerald A. Isaacs · Arlington, US
• Luiz C. Harres · Allen, US
• John W. Kulas · Euless, US
• Joseph C. Rotenberry · Bedford, US
• Kenneth A. McKee · Irving, US
• Lynn V. Hill · Fort Worth, US
• Mark L. Carlile · Carrollton, US
• Richard C. Hickey · Plano, US
• Charles M. Combs · South 375th Place, US
• Harold G. Burkett, Jr. · Carrollton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 28, 1997
• Grant date: Feb 22, 2000
• Expiry date: Mar 28, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S209/90
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for automatically sorting and feeding flat articles. The method stacks flat articles into cartridges in output compartments of a sorting machine, robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter.