PARCEL HANDLING METHODS
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for handling parcels comprising:
- separating a mass flow of parcels into two or more individual streams of parcels;
singulating the parcels in each of the individual streams of parcels;
delivering each individual stream of parcels at a steady rate to a corresponding individual culling and facing station;
manually culling unacceptable parcels from the individual stream of parcels at each culling and facing station;
manually facing acceptable parcels at each culling station so that identifying indicia on the parcels can be read downstream.
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Abstract
Methods for preparing parcels for final sorting. The methods include dividing a mass flow of parcels into individual streams, separating and singulating the parcels in each stream, delivering each stream at a steady rate to a human operator that faces and culls the parcels, reading identifying indicia on the parcels, delivering the scanned parcels to a presorter in parallel lanes, and selectively discharging parcels from the lane closest to a side of the presorter off the side at multiple discharge points.
20 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method for handling parcels comprising:
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separating a mass flow of parcels into two or more individual streams of parcels; singulating the parcels in each of the individual streams of parcels; delivering each individual stream of parcels at a steady rate to a corresponding individual culling and facing station; manually culling unacceptable parcels from the individual stream of parcels at each culling and facing station; manually facing acceptable parcels at each culling station so that identifying indicia on the parcels can be read downstream. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for handling parcels comprising:
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feeding two or more streams of singulated parcels onto a sorter in parallel lanes; discharging a parcel from a spot in a lane closest to a side of the sorter off the side of the sorter at a selected of multiple discharge points; diverting a neighboring parcel from an adjacent lane to occupy the spot vacated by a parcel discharged off the side of the sorter for subsequent discharge from the lane closest to the side of the sorter. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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Specification