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MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL SORTING OF ITEMS USING A DYNAMICALLY CONFIGURABLE SORTING ARRAY

  • US 20200047218A1
  • Filed: 10/21/2019
  • Published: 02/13/2020
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2016
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of sorting items using a dynamically reconfigurable sorting array system, wherein the system includes a plurality of destination areas arranged into a series of columns extending generally vertically, a plurality of delivery vehicles, and an event annunciation system, the method comprising the steps of:

  • transferring, onto a delivery vehicle, an item to be delivered to a first destination area of the plurality of destination areas;

    driving the delivery vehicle along a path to the first destination area;

    initiating discharge of an item to the first destination area;

    upon detection of an item to be manually delivered to a second destination area of the plurality of destination areas, operating the event annunciation system to provide a first visible alert;

    upon detection of manual delivery of an item to the second destination, operating the event annunciation system to at least one of discontinue the first visible alert or provide a second visible alert visibly distinguishable from the first visible alert.

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