Mail tray singulator and method of use
US7137502B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 7, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G47/682
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A mail tray singulator for controlling the handling, movement and sensing of mail trays or other mail items into a single file arrangement on a conveyor system for downstream processing. The mail tray singulator includes conveyor modules configured at preferably right angles with respect to one another. The modules are configured so that they can be readily adapted to preexisting conveyor systems with minimal reconfiguration. The system may use differing speed, height and belt friction conveyor belts between adjacent modules to achieve separation and enhance the effect of the right angle configuration between adjacent conveyor modules. Guard rails and side rail rollers may also be employed. Photoeyes, in conjunction with a programmable logic controller, allow the conveyors to be started/stopped based on pre-programmed scenarios.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.