Sensors for article sorter
US7213698B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 7, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2511/15
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A sortation assembly includes a plurality of chutes which are movable along a continuous loop and along and over a plurality of sort stations. The chutes are operable to deposit articles, such as mail or flats mail or the like, to appropriate bins or trays positioned at the sort stations. The sort stations are configured to support a tray thereon for filling of the tray by the chutes. At least some of the chutes include an electronic tray fill level sensor, which is operable to detect the level of articles deposited within the tray at which the chute is positioned, while being spaced from the tray and the articles. Also, at least some of the sort stations may include an electronic tray present sensor, which is operable to detect the presence of a tray at the respective sort station while being spaced from the tray at the sort station.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.