APPARATUS FOR SORTING MAIL INCLUDING MAIL RECEIVING RECEPTABLES ARRANGED IN AN ARCUATE CONFIGURATION

摘要

An apparatus for sorting mail includes at least one tier of mail receiving receptacles (12) arranged in an arcuate configuration. The preferred embodiment utilizes an arm (16) supported by a support (14) for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical pivot axis (22). The arm sweeps in an arc in close proximity with and conforming to the arcuate configuration of the tier of mail receiving receptacles (12). A conveyor (24) conveys individual pieces of mail (26) sequentially along the arm. A controller (36) is provided which is adapted to monitor the positioning of the arm (16) relative to the tier of mail receiving receptacles (12), selectively activate a drive motor (30) to alter the positioning of the arm (16), and selectively activate the conveyor (24) to convey individual pieces of mail (26) sequentially along the conveyor to the second end of the arm and into selected mail receiving receptacles. The apparatus provides a significant sorting capacity within a relatively compact space.