ESCORT BASED SORTING SYSTEM FOR MAIL SORTING CENTERS

摘要

An Escort-Based Sorting (EBS) mail sorting and distribution center system configured and controlled for optimum mail flow and dispatch, minimal sorting center space usage, and elimination of peripheral storage and retrieval equipment. A plurality of input stations each include a mechanism for loading mailpieces and obtaining mailpiece data. A plurality of sorting banks each having a plurality of sorting modules, each sorting module adapted for the face-to-face conveyance of mailpieces for sorting by transferring select mailpieces from a first to a second conveyance path. The sorting modules define at least one row and a plurality tiers operatively coupled by a plurality of elevators. The elevators move mailpieces to and from tiers of the respective sorting bank. A system controller, operatively coupled to the input stations, sorting banks, and elevators, creates an association between the mailpiece information and the escort device, and sorts and dispatches mailpieces according to a dispatch schedule.

主权项

1. A conveyance/diverter system for selectively transferring escorted mailpieces across multiple paths, comprising:
a first path structured to receive escorted mailpieces to be sorted and stored in batches; a second path structured to dispatch escorted mailpieces previously stored and sorted; a plurality of central paths disposed between the first and second paths, each of the central paths operative to receive select escorted mailpieces and store the escorted mailpieces in batches; and a controller operatively coupled to the first path, the second path and the plurality of central paths, the controller structured and arranged to control: the first path to receive escorted mailpieces to be sorted and stored in batches; the second path to dispatch escorted mailpieces previously stored and sorted; and each of the central paths to receive select escorted mailpieces and store the escorted mailpieces in batches.