Method and device for distributing mail items
US6279750A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB07C3/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention relates to the distribution of mail items with information on the surface of the mail items. Distribution occurs successively by means of various sorting machines. Sorting in particular is carried out in a succession of operations for the last point of distribution. According to the invention, distribution points are determined once the mail items have been received in the first sorting machine and the thicknesses of the mail items are measured by optical scanning of the mail item surfaces. Mail item thicknesses allocated to the distribution points are registered, stored and statistically prepared if required. Optimized sort programs are then calculated for sorting machines assigned to the various distribution points based on information regarding thickness, and the mail items are distributed accordingly. The optimized sort programs and data on determined thickness alone can be transmitted to the sorting machines assigned to the various distribution points so that the subsequent sort program can be drawn up.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.