Multi-machine mail sorting system

US8796577B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Industry, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Luiz C. Harres · Allen, US
• Peter Berdelle-Hilge · Konstanz, DE
• Homer L. Dickerson · Dallas, US
• Lelan D. Warren · Dallas, US
• Tamas Eger · Arlington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 14, 2008
• Grant date: Aug 5, 2014
• Expiry date: Jul 11, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2701/1916
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A sorting system for postal mail has a plurality of input sections capable of operating in parallel, each including a feeder that takes in mail pieces one at a time and a scanner that scans each mail piece for destination indicia. The system further includes a plurality of stackers each comprising at least one row of pockets in which mail is stacked, and a routing section or switch network effective to route mail in accordance with a sort scheme from any input section to any pocket of a stacker. The routing section uses diverts and merges so that mail can be conveyed to each stacker in accordance with a sort scheme implemented by a control system.