Patent · US Expired

Delivery point sequencing mail sorting system with flat mail capability

US6953906B2 · kind B2 · utility

46Cited by
40References
34Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 30, 2002
Grant dateOct 11, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 8, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S209/923
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A method and apparatus for sorting articles to a delivery point sequence includes at least one sortation assembly adapted to sort articles and a buffer. The buffer is operable to arrange and convey containers of articles sorted in a first sort pass to an induct of the at least one sortation assembly for a second sort pass or process of the articles. The buffer automatically arranges the containers in an arranged manner prior to conveying the containers and articles to the induct of the at least one sortation assembly for the second sort process. The second sort process is then performed to sort the articles to a delivery point sequence or carrier walk sequence depth of sort. A conveyor assembly may be operable to convey containers to an appropriate one of multiple sortation assemblies and/or buffers to increase the sequencing matrix capability of the apparatus.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.