US20060272296A1 - Delivery point packager takeaway system and method - Google Patents

Delivery point packager takeaway system and method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20060272296A1
US20060272296A1 US11/465,294 US46529406A US2006272296A1 US 20060272296 A1 US20060272296 A1 US 20060272296A1 US 46529406 A US46529406 A US 46529406A US 2006272296 A1 US2006272296 A1 US 2006272296A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
tray
drop
sequenced
packaged
wrap
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/465,294
Inventor
Robert Ricci
J. Roth
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Lockheed Martin Corp
Original Assignee
Lockheed Martin Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US10/411,198 external-priority patent/US7683283B2/en
Application filed by Lockheed Martin Corp filed Critical Lockheed Martin Corp
Priority to US11/465,294 priority Critical patent/US20060272296A1/en
Publication of US20060272296A1 publication Critical patent/US20060272296A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43MBUREAU ACCESSORIES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B43M3/00Devices for inserting documents into envelopes
    • B43M3/04Devices for inserting documents into envelopes automatic
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B11/00Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
    • B65B11/06Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths
    • B65B11/08Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a single straight path
    • B65B11/10Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a single straight path to fold the wrappers in tubular form about contents
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B25/00Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B65B25/14Packaging paper or like sheets, envelopes, or newspapers, in flat, folded, or rolled form
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/06Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles
    • B65B5/068Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles in trays
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/10Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
    • B65B5/101Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by gravity
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H29/00Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
    • B65H29/48Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by tables arranged to be tilted to cause sliding of articles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H31/00Pile receivers
    • B65H31/30Arrangements for removing completed piles
    • B65H31/3009Arrangements for removing completed piles by dropping, e.g. removing the pile support from under the pile
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65GTRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G2201/00Indexing codes relating to handling devices, e.g. conveyors, characterised by the type of product or load being conveyed or handled
    • B65G2201/02Articles
    • B65G2201/0235Containers
    • B65G2201/0258Trays, totes or bins
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2301/00Handling processes for sheets or webs
    • B65H2301/40Type of handling process
    • B65H2301/42Piling, depiling, handling piles
    • B65H2301/421Forming a pile
    • B65H2301/4214Forming a pile of articles on edge
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2301/00Handling processes for sheets or webs
    • B65H2301/40Type of handling process
    • B65H2301/42Piling, depiling, handling piles
    • B65H2301/422Handling piles, sets or stacks of articles
    • B65H2301/4226Delivering, advancing piles
    • B65H2301/42261Delivering, advancing piles by dropping

Definitions

  • the invention generally relates to a delivery point packager system and method and, more particularly, to a system and method for packaging and transporting packages from a sorting machine in delivery point sequence.
  • the sorting of mail and other types of objects or products is a very complex, time consuming task.
  • the sorting of mail objects such as letters and flats are processed though many stages, including back end processes.
  • the mail objects are sorted and then sequenced into a delivery point sequence for future delivery to specific delivery point addresses.
  • the sorting and sequencing processes can either be manual or automated, depending on the mail sorting facility, the type of mail object to be sorted such as packages, flats, letters and the like.
  • a host of other factors may also contribute to the automation of mail sorting and sequencing, from budgetary concerns to modernization initiatives to access to appropriate technologies to a host of other factors.
  • the delivery portion of the process is the process of preparing the mail objects such as letters and flats into a delivery point sequence and then performing the actual delivery to each delivery address.
  • the automation of sequencing mail objects is known in many forms. By way of example, it is known to sequence letters using a mail sorter based on, for example, a two pass sorting scheme. Of course, other known systems can equally be used to sort and sequence mail objects, a host of them readily available and known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the letters or other objects are merged and placed into a tub or container in the sequence of delivery. But, the letters and other objects are merely placed in a tub or container in sequence without any physical constraints between each of the delivery point addresses.
  • the postal carrier must physically separate the mail objects from one delivery point address to the next delivery point address. This includes reading and, in instances, correlating different mail pieces for the same delivery point address. Such a task is very time consuming, and is a task prone to errors potentially resulting in the incorrect delivery of mail.
  • each different type of object may be placed in a separate tub or container.
  • the postal carrier must “sift” through each of the tubs or containers for each delivery point address
  • each of the different types of mail pieces are in a delivery point sequence, there still remains no physical constraint between each of the delivery point addresses.
  • the carrier must still filter through each of the tubs or containers for each address to ensure that the mail objects are being properly delivered. This, of course, is a very time consuming and error prone, too.
  • the invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
  • an apparatus for packaging and taking away packaged sequenced product such as mail pieces.
  • the apparatus includes a packaging device having an output end, and adapted to package sequenced products.
  • a clamping device is adjacent to the output end of the packaging device.
  • a conveying system is downstream from the clamping device. The conveying system incrementally moves a drop off tray.
  • the clamping device holds one of a plurality of packaged sequenced products such that the drop off tray is in a position to stack multiple packaged sequenced products of the plurality of packaged sequenced products into the drop off tray. In one embodiment, this allows the packages not to hit the drop off tray during the stacking process.
  • an apparatus for packaging and stacking product in another aspect of the invention, includes a mechanism for sequencing product into a delivery point sequence and a mechanism for packaging individual packages of the product for each delivery point sequence.
  • the apparatus further includes a mechanism for dropping the individual packaged product into a vertical stacked position in a takeaway container and a mechanism for incrementally moving the takeaway container a predetermined distance. In this manner, the individual packaged product can fill the takeaway container prior to a new takeaway container being positioned for filling.
  • a method of stacking packaged sequenced products includes aligning a drop off tray with a packaging mechanism and packaging sequenced product into individual packages of sequenced product.
  • the individual packages of sequenced product are dropped into the drop off tray.
  • the drop off tray is incrementally moved a predetermined distance about equal to a thickness of each of the individual packages of sequenced product. Additional individual packages of sequenced product are dropped into the drop off tray until the drop off tray is filled.
  • FIG. 1 shows a general schematic diagram of the system of the invention
  • FIGS. 2-6 show several sequences of stacking packages in a tray in accordance with the invention.
  • the invention is directed to a packaging mechanism and more particular to a mechanism which packages sequenced products such as, for example, flats and other mail items (i.e., letters), into a set of stacked merged, sequenced packages for future delivery or warehousing or the like.
  • the products are packaged into separate deliverable packages at a downstream point, after the sequencing of such products.
  • the packages are then automatically stacked in a takeaway or drop off tray in delivery point sequence.
  • the packages are vertically stacked for easy access by a carrier or the like, and remain connected together in each tray to ensure that the packages remain in delivery point order.
  • the apparatus and method significantly reduces processing times for delivering products such as flats or other products in delivery point sequence.
  • Other applications such as warehousing and storage applications are also contemplated for use with the present invention.
  • the mechanism 10 is downstream from a sequencing device generally depicted as reference numeral 10 .
  • the sequencing device 10 includes an optical system “ 0 ” for reading information on mail objects and other types of products, as well as an input mechanism “I”, transporting mechanism “T” and an output device “OD” feeding the product to the packaging mechanism 100 .
  • the sequencing device 10 is capable of sequencing product in a delivery point sequence as is well understood in the art, and may be any sequencing device known to those or ordinary skill in the art such as for example, a sequencing device manufactured by Lockheed Martin Systems Integration.
  • the packaging mechanism 100 includes a bag forming mechanism 102 (e.g., a plate-like member) and a bag bed plate or loading plate 104 .
  • the bag bed plate 104 is, in an embodiment, positioned below the bag forming mechanism 102 .
  • the bag forming mechanism 102 includes a hinged portion 106 and a sealing mechanism 108 at a distal end 102 a thereof
  • the sealing mechanism 108 may be a roller or other sliding mechanism capable of sealing a bag about a package of sequenced products “P”. This may include a heating device, or other sealing mechanism.
  • the hinged portion 106 tilts between a downwardly angled position and 180.degree., and may be controlled by an actuator, hydraulic system or other known driving device 106 a . Of course, other angles are also contemplated by the present invention.
  • the bag forming mechanism 102 and the bag bed plate 104 are slidable between a first position and a second position (represented by arrow “A” and “B) by using any conventional moving mechanism such as a chain drive, direct drive, linear motor, hydraulic system or the like.
  • the first position of the bag bed plate 104 (in the direction of arrow “B” shown in FIG. 1 ) and the first (i.e., retracted or sort) position of the bag former mechanism 102 (in the direction of arrow “A”) may be a loading position.
  • the bag bed plate 104 is also capable of being raised and lowered during the packaging stage, either of which may also be a loading position (shown by arrow “U/D”).
  • the bag former mechanism 102 may be lowered or raised instead of the bag bed plate 104 .
  • the raising and lowering movement may be performed by any conventional mechanism, including by way of example a hydraulic system or a spring loaded mechanism.
  • the bag bed plate 104 includes, in one embodiment, a curved end 104 a .
  • the end 104 a may simply be straight or other configuration, none of which are limiting features to the invention.
  • the curved end 104 a may facilitate the lo packaging and drop off of the formed package, itself.
  • a clamping, cutting and serrate mechanism 110 is also provided.
  • a roller or bar-type structure 112 is positioned near a top surface of the bag forming mechanism 102 at a stage of operation. The structure 112 directs wrapping “W” from a wrapping supply roll 114 to the packaging mechanism 100 .
  • a tray or container 118 is used to hold the sequenced packaged product “P”.
  • the container 118 is located on and movable by a conveyer 120 downstream from an output end of the packaging mechanism 100 .
  • the components of the invention are controlled by controller “C”, as discussed in more detail below.
  • FIGS. 2-6 show several stages of stacking the packaged objects using the packaging mechanism 100 of the invention.
  • the packaging mechanism 100 may be positioned on a mail or product sequencing machine at a point where the mail object is normally output in a delivery point sequence into a container for transport to a delivery unit.
  • the system receives the mail objects or other types of product such as a package, flat, letter and the like (generally referred to hereinafter as “product”) for each delivery point, forms a package or bag about the products and then loads the packaged sequenced product into the container 118 .
  • the packages are loaded or stacked vertically into the container or tray.
  • the packaged, sequenced product is then vertically placed into the tray. More specifically, referring to FIG. 2 , the tray is positioned in a first position “P”, basically aligned with the clamping, cutting and serrate mechanism 110 . In the stages of FIGS. 2-5 , the clamping, cuffing and serrate mechanism 110 is used for holding and serrating of the wrap “W”. In these stages, also, the packaged product “P” is swung into the container in a vertical position.
  • FIG. 3 shows the first packaged product in a vertical position.
  • the tray 118 is moved incrementally on the conveyer 120 to accommodate the next packaged product.
  • the clamping and holding mechanism 110 holds the packaged product at a height above the tray in order to avoid the packaged product from striking a rear wall of the tray.
  • the clamping and serrate mechanism 110 will release the next packaged product into the tray.
  • the packaged product is, in one embodiment, stacked in the vertical position.
  • FIGS. 4-6 show that the wrap remains interconnected between packages during the stacking process. This ensures that the packaged products remain in a delivery order, and also permits easy tear off by a carrier when at the corresponding delivery point. The latter being possible due to a serration performed on the wrap “W” at the interconnection points by the clamping and serrate mechanism 110 prior to dropping each packaged product into the tray. When the tray is full, the wrap is cut by the mechanism 110 so that a next tray, if needed, can be positioned for filling in accordance with the invention.
  • the controller “C” controls the incremental movement of the tray, as well as the holding, serrating and cutting of the wrap “W” at various stages.
  • the controller “C” controls the conveyer to move a predetermined distance, approximately one package size, after the mechanism 100 releases a package into the tray. This may be preprogrammed or performed on the “fly”, depending on a measured thickness of the package by a sensor such as a photo diode or the like.
  • the sensor for example, may measure a distance between the plates 102 and 104 when a packaged product is therebetween to determine the thickness of each package, as can be readily implemented by those of ordinary skill in the art from an understanding of the above description.
  • the controller may also be able to determine when the tray is full by at least one of two methods.
  • a sensor “S” may be used to determine when the tray is full. This sensor “S” may be a photo diode which becomes blocked, for example, when the tray becomes full.
  • the controller may then control the system to place an empty tray into a loading position, which is already on the conveyor.
  • the system can determine when the tray is full by knowing the size of the tray and the thickness of each package prior to being stacked into the tray. Other methods are also contemplated by the present invention.

Abstract

An apparatus includes a packaging device having an output end. The packaging device packages sequenced products with wrap. A clamping device is adjacent to the output end of the packaging device. A conveying system is downstream from the clamping device. The conveying system move a drop off tray incrementally. The clamping device holds one of a plurality of packaged sequenced products such that the drop off tray is in a position to stack multiple packaged sequenced products of the plurality of packaged sequenced products into the drop off tray as the drop off tray is moved, incrementally.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/624,650, filed on Jul. 23, 2003, which application is a continuation-in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/411,198, filed on Apr. 11, 2003. The disclosure of each of these applications is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • The invention generally relates to a delivery point packager system and method and, more particularly, to a system and method for packaging and transporting packages from a sorting machine in delivery point sequence.
  • 2. Background Description
  • The sorting of mail and other types of objects or products is a very complex, time consuming task. In general, the sorting of mail objects such as letters and flats are processed though many stages, including back end processes. In the back end processes, the mail objects are sorted and then sequenced into a delivery point sequence for future delivery to specific delivery point addresses. The sorting and sequencing processes can either be manual or automated, depending on the mail sorting facility, the type of mail object to be sorted such as packages, flats, letters and the like. A host of other factors may also contribute to the automation of mail sorting and sequencing, from budgetary concerns to modernization initiatives to access to appropriate technologies to a host of other factors.
  • In general, most modern postal and other types of mail handling facilities have taken major steps toward automation by the implementation of a number of technologies. These technologies include, amongst others, letter sorters, parcel sorters, advanced tray conveyors, flat sorters and the like. As a result of these developments, postal facilities and other handling facilities have become quite automated over the years, considerably reducing overhead costs.
  • But, the largest individual cost of the mail handling system, i.e., processing, transportation and delivery, is the delivery portion of the process. This is the process of preparing the mail objects such as letters and flats into a delivery point sequence and then performing the actual delivery to each delivery address. The automation of sequencing mail objects is known in many forms. By way of example, it is known to sequence letters using a mail sorter based on, for example, a two pass sorting scheme. Of course, other known systems can equally be used to sort and sequence mail objects, a host of them readily available and known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • Now, at the end of the sequencing process, the letters or other objects are merged and placed into a tub or container in the sequence of delivery. But, the letters and other objects are merely placed in a tub or container in sequence without any physical constraints between each of the delivery point addresses. Thus, at the time of delivery the postal carrier must physically separate the mail objects from one delivery point address to the next delivery point address. This includes reading and, in instances, correlating different mail pieces for the same delivery point address. Such a task is very time consuming, and is a task prone to errors potentially resulting in the incorrect delivery of mail.
  • It is also known that in mixed mail scenarios, i.e., flats, letters, married mail, etc., each different type of object may be placed in a separate tub or container. In this case, the postal carrier must “sift” through each of the tubs or containers for each delivery point address Although, each of the different types of mail pieces are in a delivery point sequence, there still remains no physical constraint between each of the delivery point addresses. Thus, the carrier must still filter through each of the tubs or containers for each address to ensure that the mail objects are being properly delivered. This, of course, is a very time consuming and error prone, too.
  • The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for packaging and taking away packaged sequenced product such as mail pieces. The apparatus includes a packaging device having an output end, and adapted to package sequenced products. A clamping device is adjacent to the output end of the packaging device. A conveying system is downstream from the clamping device. The conveying system incrementally moves a drop off tray. The clamping device holds one of a plurality of packaged sequenced products such that the drop off tray is in a position to stack multiple packaged sequenced products of the plurality of packaged sequenced products into the drop off tray. In one embodiment, this allows the packages not to hit the drop off tray during the stacking process.
  • In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for packaging and stacking product includes a mechanism for sequencing product into a delivery point sequence and a mechanism for packaging individual packages of the product for each delivery point sequence. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for dropping the individual packaged product into a vertical stacked position in a takeaway container and a mechanism for incrementally moving the takeaway container a predetermined distance. In this manner, the individual packaged product can fill the takeaway container prior to a new takeaway container being positioned for filling.
  • In another aspect of the invention, a method of stacking packaged sequenced products is provided. The method includes aligning a drop off tray with a packaging mechanism and packaging sequenced product into individual packages of sequenced product. The individual packages of sequenced product are dropped into the drop off tray. The drop off tray is incrementally moved a predetermined distance about equal to a thickness of each of the individual packages of sequenced product. Additional individual packages of sequenced product are dropped into the drop off tray until the drop off tray is filled.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 shows a general schematic diagram of the system of the invention; and
  • FIGS. 2-6 show several sequences of stacking packages in a tray in accordance with the invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
  • The invention is directed to a packaging mechanism and more particular to a mechanism which packages sequenced products such as, for example, flats and other mail items (i.e., letters), into a set of stacked merged, sequenced packages for future delivery or warehousing or the like. In aspects of the invention, the products are packaged into separate deliverable packages at a downstream point, after the sequencing of such products. The packages are then automatically stacked in a takeaway or drop off tray in delivery point sequence. In one embodiment, the packages are vertically stacked for easy access by a carrier or the like, and remain connected together in each tray to ensure that the packages remain in delivery point order. The apparatus and method significantly reduces processing times for delivering products such as flats or other products in delivery point sequence. Other applications such as warehousing and storage applications are also contemplated for use with the present invention.
  • Mechanism of the Invention
  • Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of the mechanism of the invention is shown. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the mechanism is downstream from a sequencing device generally depicted as reference numeral 10. The sequencing device 10 includes an optical system “0” for reading information on mail objects and other types of products, as well as an input mechanism “I”, transporting mechanism “T” and an output device “OD” feeding the product to the packaging mechanism 100. The sequencing device 10 is capable of sequencing product in a delivery point sequence as is well understood in the art, and may be any sequencing device known to those or ordinary skill in the art such as for example, a sequencing device manufactured by Lockheed Martin Systems Integration.
  • The packaging mechanism 100 includes a bag forming mechanism 102 (e.g., a plate-like member) and a bag bed plate or loading plate 104. The bag bed plate 104 is, in an embodiment, positioned below the bag forming mechanism 102. In an embodiment, the bag forming mechanism 102 includes a hinged portion 106 and a sealing mechanism 108 at a distal end 102 a thereof The sealing mechanism 108 may be a roller or other sliding mechanism capable of sealing a bag about a package of sequenced products “P”. This may include a heating device, or other sealing mechanism. The hinged portion 106 tilts between a downwardly angled position and 180.degree., and may be controlled by an actuator, hydraulic system or other known driving device 106 a. Of course, other angles are also contemplated by the present invention.
  • The bag forming mechanism 102 and the bag bed plate 104 are slidable between a first position and a second position (represented by arrow “A” and “B) by using any conventional moving mechanism such as a chain drive, direct drive, linear motor, hydraulic system or the like. The first position of the bag bed plate 104 (in the direction of arrow “B” shown in FIG. 1) and the first (i.e., retracted or sort) position of the bag former mechanism 102 (in the direction of arrow “A”) may be a loading position. The bag bed plate 104 is also capable of being raised and lowered during the packaging stage, either of which may also be a loading position (shown by arrow “U/D”). In an alternative embodiment, the bag former mechanism 102 may be lowered or raised instead of the bag bed plate 104. In either embodiment, the raising and lowering movement may be performed by any conventional mechanism, including by way of example a hydraulic system or a spring loaded mechanism.
  • Still referring to FIG. 1, the bag bed plate 104 includes, in one embodiment, a curved end 104 a. In another embodiment, the end 104 a may simply be straight or other configuration, none of which are limiting features to the invention. The curved end 104 a, though, may facilitate the lo packaging and drop off of the formed package, itself. A clamping, cutting and serrate mechanism 110 is also provided. Additionally, a roller or bar-type structure 112 is positioned near a top surface of the bag forming mechanism 102 at a stage of operation. The structure 112 directs wrapping “W” from a wrapping supply roll 114 to the packaging mechanism 100. A tray or container 118 is used to hold the sequenced packaged product “P”. The container 118 is located on and movable by a conveyer 120 downstream from an output end of the packaging mechanism 100. The components of the invention are controlled by controller “C”, as discussed in more detail below.
  • Method of use in Accordance with an Aspect of the Invention
  • FIGS. 2-6 show several stages of stacking the packaged objects using the packaging mechanism 100 of the invention. The packaging mechanism 100 may be positioned on a mail or product sequencing machine at a point where the mail object is normally output in a delivery point sequence into a container for transport to a delivery unit. The system receives the mail objects or other types of product such as a package, flat, letter and the like (generally referred to hereinafter as “product”) for each delivery point, forms a package or bag about the products and then loads the packaged sequenced product into the container 118. In one aspect of the invention, the packages are loaded or stacked vertically into the container or tray.
  • Once the system packages the products in a sequence received from the sequencing machine 10, as discussed in detail in co-pending application Ser. No. 10/411,198, the packaged, sequenced product is then vertically placed into the tray. More specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the tray is positioned in a first position “P”, basically aligned with the clamping, cutting and serrate mechanism 110. In the stages of FIGS. 2-5, the clamping, cuffing and serrate mechanism 110 is used for holding and serrating of the wrap “W”. In these stages, also, the packaged product “P” is swung into the container in a vertical position.
  • FIG. 3 shows the first packaged product in a vertical position. As the next sequenced product is packaged, the tray 118 is moved incrementally on the conveyer 120 to accommodate the next packaged product. At this stage, the clamping and holding mechanism 110 holds the packaged product at a height above the tray in order to avoid the packaged product from striking a rear wall of the tray. When the tray is properly positioned, the clamping and serrate mechanism 110 will release the next packaged product into the tray. The packaged product is, in one embodiment, stacked in the vertical position.
  • As seen in FIGS. 4-6, this same process repeats itself until the container is full of sequenced packaged product in delivery point order, all in a vertical, stacked position. FIGS. 4-6 further show that the wrap remains interconnected between packages during the stacking process. This ensures that the packaged products remain in a delivery order, and also permits easy tear off by a carrier when at the corresponding delivery point. The latter being possible due to a serration performed on the wrap “W” at the interconnection points by the clamping and serrate mechanism 110 prior to dropping each packaged product into the tray. When the tray is full, the wrap is cut by the mechanism 110 so that a next tray, if needed, can be positioned for filling in accordance with the invention.
  • The controller “C” controls the incremental movement of the tray, as well as the holding, serrating and cutting of the wrap “W” at various stages. In one embodiment, the controller “C” controls the conveyer to move a predetermined distance, approximately one package size, after the mechanism 100 releases a package into the tray. This may be preprogrammed or performed on the “fly”, depending on a measured thickness of the package by a sensor such as a photo diode or the like. The sensor, for example, may measure a distance between the plates 102 and 104 when a packaged product is therebetween to determine the thickness of each package, as can be readily implemented by those of ordinary skill in the art from an understanding of the above description.
  • It should also be readily ascertainable by those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the description herein that the controller may also be able to determine when the tray is full by at least one of two methods. First, a sensor “S” may be used to determine when the tray is full. This sensor “S” may be a photo diode which becomes blocked, for example, when the tray becomes full. At this time, the controller may then control the system to place an empty tray into a loading position, which is already on the conveyor. Second, the system can determine when the tray is full by knowing the size of the tray and the thickness of each package prior to being stacked into the tray. Other methods are also contemplated by the present invention.
  • While the invention has been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (24)

1. An apparatus comprising:
a packaging device having an output end, the packaging device packaging sequenced products with wrap;
a clamping device adjacent to the output end of the packaging device; and
a conveying system downstream from the clamping device, the conveying system moving a drop off tray incrementally,
wherein the clamping device holds one of a plurality of packaged sequenced products such that the drop off tray is in a position to stack multiple packaged sequenced products of the plurality of packaged sequenced products into the drop off tray as the drop off tray is moved, incrementally.
2. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the sequenced products are mail pieces.
3. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the clamping device holds each of the plurality of packaged sequenced products until the conveying system conveys the drop off tray to a predetermined area.
4. The apparatus in accordance with claim 3, further comprising a serrating device which serrates wrap attached between adjacent packaged sequenced products in the drop off tray prior to being stacked in the drop off tray.
5. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a serrating device which serrates wrap between adjacent packaged sequenced product prior to being stacked in the drop off tray such that each of the adjacent packaged sequenced products in the drop off tray remain connected to one another via the wrap.
6. The apparatus in accordance with claim 5, further comprising a cutting device for cutting the wrap downstream of a last package of the sequenced products of the plurality of packaged sequenced products to be stacked in the drop off tray.
7. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a controller controlling the incremental movement of the conveying system based on a parameter of the packaged sequenced product.
8. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the clamping device holds the one of a plurality of packaged sequenced products such that each of the one of the plurality of packaged sequenced products are vertically stacked into the drop off tray.
9. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising
a serrating device which serrates wrap attached between adjacent packaged sequenced products in the drop off tray prior to being stacked in the drop off tray such that the adjacent packaged sequenced product remain connected to one another via the wrap within the drop off tray; and
a cutting device for cutting the wrap downstream of a last package of sequenced products of the plurality of packaged sequenced products to be stacked in the drop off tray,
wherein the clamping device holds each of the plurality of packaged sequenced products at a predetermined height prior to dropping into the drop off tray such that the each of the plurality of packaged sequenced products does not hit an end of the drop off tray.
10. The apparatus in accordance with claim 9, further comprising a controller, wherein the controller controls:
the incremental movement of the conveying system based on a parameter of the packaged sequenced products;
the clamping device to hold the each of the plurality of packaged sequenced products at a predetermined height prior to dropping into the drop off tray;
the serrating device to serrate an interconnection between adjacent packaged sequenced products prior to dropping into the drop off tray; and
the cutting device to cut the wrap at end portion of the last of the packaged sequenced products dropped into the drop off tray.
11. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the packaging device forms bags or packages from the wrap, seals each of the bags or packages, and is arranged downstream from a roll of the wrap.
12. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the packaging device comprises a movable package forming mechanism and a movable loading device.
13. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the conveying system is arranged beneath the output end of the packaging device.
14. An apparatus for packaging and stacking product, comprising:
means for sequencing product into a delivery point sequence;
means for packaging individual package of the product for the delivery point sequence;
means for dropping the individual packages into a vertical stacked position in a takeaway container; and
means for incrementally moving the takeaway container a predetermined distance such that the individual packages can fill the takeaway container prior to a new takeaway container being positioned for filling.
15. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14, wherein the product is mail pieces.
16. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14, further comprising means for serrating wrap which wraps the product into the individual packages, the serrating means serrates the wrap at an interconnection between adjacent individual packages to ensure that the individual packages remain in a sequenced order.
17. The apparatus in accordance with claim 16, further comprising a controlling means for controlling the serrating means wherein the wrap is serrated at the interconnection between adjacent individual packages.
18. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14, wherein the dropping means is a clamping device which holds the individual packages until the takeaway tray is properly aligned with a next of the individual packages.
19. The apparatus in accordance with claim 18, wherein the means for packaging is configured to wrap the product into individual packages, and further comprising a cutting means for cutting the wrap after a last of the individual packages is to be stacked into the takeaway tray.
20. The apparatus in accordance with claim 19, further comprising a controlling means for controlling the cutting means, wherein the wrap is cut after a last of the individual packages is stacked into the takeaway tray.
21. An apparatus comprising:
a packaging device that forms bags or packages of sequenced products using wrap and which seals each of the bags or the packages;
at least one of a clamping device, a cutting device, and a serrating device arranged adjacent to an output end of the packaging device;
a conveying system arranged downstream from the output end, the conveying system moving a drop off tray beneath the output end; and
a controller that controls the packaging device and the conveying system.
22. A method of stacking packaged sequenced products, comprising the steps of:
aligning a drop off tray with a packaging mechanism; packaging sequenced product into individual packages of sequenced product;
dropping the individual packages of sequenced product into the drop off tray;
incrementally moving the drop off tray a predetermined distance about equal to a thickness of each of the individual packages of sequenced product; and
dropping further individual packages of sequenced product into the drop off tray until the drop off tray is filled.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising:
serratting wrap at an interconnection point between adjacent individual packages of sequenced product prior to dropping into the drop off tray to ensure that the individual packages of sequenced product remain in order in the drop off tray; and cutting the wrap after a last of the individual packages of sequenced product is dropped into the drop off tray,
wherein the stacking is vertical stacking of the individual packages of sequenced product.
24. The method of claim 22, further comprising the steps of:
determining when the drop off tray is full with the individual packages of sequenced product and supplying a new container for filling: determining when to serrate the interconnection point between the adjacent the individual packages of sequenced product; and
determining when to cut the wrap after the last of the individual packages of sequenced product is dropped into the drop off tray.
US11/465,294 2003-04-11 2006-08-17 Delivery point packager takeaway system and method Abandoned US20060272296A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/465,294 US20060272296A1 (en) 2003-04-11 2006-08-17 Delivery point packager takeaway system and method

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/411,198 US7683283B2 (en) 2003-04-11 2003-04-11 Delivery point merge and packaging device and method of use
US10/624,650 US7117657B2 (en) 2003-04-11 2003-07-23 Delivery point packager takeaway system and method
US11/465,294 US20060272296A1 (en) 2003-04-11 2006-08-17 Delivery point packager takeaway system and method

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/411,198 Continuation-In-Part US7683283B2 (en) 2003-04-11 2003-04-11 Delivery point merge and packaging device and method of use
US10/624,650 Continuation US7117657B2 (en) 2003-04-11 2003-07-23 Delivery point packager takeaway system and method

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20060272296A1 true US20060272296A1 (en) 2006-12-07

Family

ID=37492748

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/624,650 Expired - Fee Related US7117657B2 (en) 2003-04-11 2003-07-23 Delivery point packager takeaway system and method
US11/465,294 Abandoned US20060272296A1 (en) 2003-04-11 2006-08-17 Delivery point packager takeaway system and method

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/624,650 Expired - Fee Related US7117657B2 (en) 2003-04-11 2003-07-23 Delivery point packager takeaway system and method

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (2) US7117657B2 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7117657B2 (en) * 2003-04-11 2006-10-10 Lockheed Martin Corporation Delivery point packager takeaway system and method
US20130318929A1 (en) * 2012-06-05 2013-12-05 Pitney Bowes Inc. Method and apparatus for automated filling of mail trays
JP6239957B2 (en) * 2013-12-03 2017-11-29 株式会社イシダ Bag making and packaging machine and bag making and packaging system
US11059185B2 (en) 2014-10-03 2021-07-13 Frito-Lay North America, Inc. Apparatus and method for transferring a pattern from a universal surface to an ultimate package
US9802720B2 (en) * 2014-10-03 2017-10-31 Frito-Lay North America, Inc. Apparatus and method for maintaining a pattern of non-rigid objects in a desired position and orientation

Citations (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3000151A (en) * 1956-05-11 1961-09-19 Berkley Machine Co Method and apparatus for forming and wrapping packs of envelopes and similar articles
US3719021A (en) * 1971-02-11 1973-03-06 New Jersey Machine Corp Packaging machine
US3795163A (en) * 1971-12-16 1974-03-05 Dow Chemical Co Method of selectively cutting and perforating superposed panels of material
US3815321A (en) * 1972-06-28 1974-06-11 C Hartman Semi-automatic packing of packages
US4019947A (en) * 1975-09-10 1977-04-26 Fmc Corporation Multipurpose sealing and severing method and mechanism
US4237677A (en) * 1978-06-12 1980-12-09 Jagenberg-Werke Ag Switching apparatus for the lowering and pivoting rails of a carton filling machine
US4241559A (en) * 1978-06-12 1980-12-30 Jagenberg Werke Ag Lowering and pivoting rail mechanism for a carton filling machine
US4244672A (en) * 1979-06-04 1981-01-13 Burroughs Corporation System for sequencing articles including mail
US4353196A (en) * 1978-09-12 1982-10-12 Beer Frederick W Package and automatic method of forming same
US4570418A (en) * 1981-07-27 1986-02-18 Donati Gino Device for the automatic boxing of bags or sachets into containers
US4617784A (en) * 1984-01-05 1986-10-21 Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. Apparatus for stacking and banding tags
US4676050A (en) * 1984-02-25 1987-06-30 Ostma Maschinenbau Gmbh Method and apparatus for transporting flexible packages, particularly flat bags, filled with pourable or flowable material to container filling stations
US4683708A (en) * 1985-03-15 1987-08-04 Grapha-Holding Ag Method and apparatus for wrapping printed sheets
US5113639A (en) * 1991-02-19 1992-05-19 Am International Incorporated Selective article wrapping
US5119954A (en) * 1990-03-29 1992-06-09 Bell & Howell Company Multi-pass sorting machine
US5155973A (en) * 1991-05-14 1992-10-20 Webcraft Technologies, Inc. Composite wrap and method for wrapping multi-page items
US5190282A (en) * 1990-03-27 1993-03-02 Bell & Howell Company Multi-pass sorting machine
US5664407A (en) * 1993-05-14 1997-09-09 Cooper, Iii; Clayton C. Packaging machine
US5855105A (en) * 1997-06-30 1999-01-05 Cloud Corporation Cartoner with direct dropping of pouches into cartons
US5934048A (en) * 1997-04-29 1999-08-10 Cryovac, Inc. Seal assembly for easy open pouch
US6189294B1 (en) * 1997-03-07 2001-02-20 Natec Reich Summer Gmbh & Co Kg Packaging for highly perishable, flexible slices of food, and process for inserting the slices
US6219994B1 (en) * 1998-03-12 2001-04-24 Ntt Comware Corporation Method and system for mail processing
US6269609B2 (en) * 1999-06-15 2001-08-07 Quad/Graphics, Inc. Apparatus for selective wrapping of products and a method thereof
US6303889B1 (en) * 2000-02-15 2001-10-16 Opex Corporation Method and apparatus for sorting documents into a pre-defined sequence
US6501041B1 (en) * 1999-08-02 2002-12-31 Rapistan Systems Advertising Corp. Delivery point sequencing mail sorting system with flat mail capability
US6536191B1 (en) * 1999-06-28 2003-03-25 Bell & Howell Mail And Messaging Technologies Company Method and apparatus for high speed envelope traying
US6659442B1 (en) * 1998-02-19 2003-12-09 Lts Lohamann Therapie-Systeme Ag Method and device for inserting a plurality of individual sheetlike forms of administration in a dispenser by forming a multilayer pile
US6748294B1 (en) * 2000-10-23 2004-06-08 Bowe Bell + Howell Postal Systems Company Flats bundle collator
US20040211709A1 (en) * 2003-04-11 2004-10-28 Hanson Bruce H. Delivery point merge and packaging device and method of use
US6931816B2 (en) * 2003-06-25 2005-08-23 Lockheed Martin Corporation Packaging mechanism and method of use
US7117657B2 (en) * 2003-04-11 2006-10-10 Lockheed Martin Corporation Delivery point packager takeaway system and method

Family Cites Families (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3479795A (en) * 1966-10-31 1969-11-25 Carnation Co Automatic packaging apparatus
US3848014A (en) 1971-12-29 1974-11-12 Mitsubishi Petrochemical Co Catalytic steam dealkylation
US3948387A (en) 1973-06-25 1976-04-06 Kleen Test Products, Inc. Fabric package for a vaporizable anti-static and fabric softening bar
CA1006797A (en) 1973-12-14 1977-03-15 Shozo Omori Method and apparatus for automatically packing goods
JPS62287820A (en) 1986-05-29 1987-12-14 株式会社エクス Vacuum packer
US4676051A (en) 1986-10-20 1987-06-30 Moore Push-Pin Company Method and apparatus for forming, filling and sealing bags made from a continuous plastic sheet
SE465818B (en) 1988-01-28 1991-11-04 Wamac Ab SET AND DEVICE FOR WRAPPING MAGAZINE PACKAGES IN PACKAGING MOVIES
IT215564Z2 (en) 1989-01-30 1990-10-10 Meccanizzazione Postale E Auto DEVICE FOR STACKING OF EDGES, IN A FIXED OR MOBILE STORAGE CONTAINER OR SYSTEM, INDIVIDUAL FLAT OBJECTS, COMING FROM A BELT CONVEYOR OR SIMILAR.
DE3903280A1 (en) 1989-02-03 1990-08-09 Multivac Haggenmueller Kg VACUUM PACKING MACHINE FOR PACKING GOODS TO BE DISPOSED
US4999977A (en) 1990-01-29 1991-03-19 Briscoe Jack R Automatic bag filler
US5209043A (en) 1992-03-03 1993-05-11 Viskase Corporation Vacuum packaging method and apparatus
US5386678A (en) 1993-07-12 1995-02-07 Furukawa Mfg. Co., Ltd. Method and apparatus for vacuum packaging
DE59508633D1 (en) 1994-04-08 2000-09-21 Ferag Ag Method and arrangement for packaging printed products
US5822956A (en) 1994-05-03 1998-10-20 Inauen Maschinen Ag Vacuum packaging machine
DE9410970U1 (en) * 1994-07-12 1994-10-27 Ostma Maschinenbau Gmbh System for stacking packaging bags filled with non-fixed goods in a packaging container
US5718098A (en) 1994-12-30 1998-02-17 Pharmagraphics L.L.C., Midwest Method for producing sample package
US6308493B1 (en) 1997-06-02 2001-10-30 Daniel P. Mack Film wrapping machine control system and method
US6694706B1 (en) * 1999-04-19 2004-02-24 Nor-Reg A/S Facility and method for filling product receptacles with products
US6598748B2 (en) 1999-05-12 2003-07-29 Northrop Grumman Corporation Line of travel sequence transformation in mail processing applications
US6241099B1 (en) 1999-05-12 2001-06-05 Northrop Grumman Corporation Flats bundle collator
JP2001048119A (en) 1999-08-02 2001-02-20 Furukawa Mfg Co Ltd Bag mouth sealing device
EP1353763A1 (en) 2001-01-26 2003-10-22 Northrop Grumman Corporation Flats bundle collator

Patent Citations (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3000151A (en) * 1956-05-11 1961-09-19 Berkley Machine Co Method and apparatus for forming and wrapping packs of envelopes and similar articles
US3719021A (en) * 1971-02-11 1973-03-06 New Jersey Machine Corp Packaging machine
US3795163A (en) * 1971-12-16 1974-03-05 Dow Chemical Co Method of selectively cutting and perforating superposed panels of material
US3815321A (en) * 1972-06-28 1974-06-11 C Hartman Semi-automatic packing of packages
US4019947A (en) * 1975-09-10 1977-04-26 Fmc Corporation Multipurpose sealing and severing method and mechanism
US4241559A (en) * 1978-06-12 1980-12-30 Jagenberg Werke Ag Lowering and pivoting rail mechanism for a carton filling machine
US4237677A (en) * 1978-06-12 1980-12-09 Jagenberg-Werke Ag Switching apparatus for the lowering and pivoting rails of a carton filling machine
US4353196A (en) * 1978-09-12 1982-10-12 Beer Frederick W Package and automatic method of forming same
US4244672A (en) * 1979-06-04 1981-01-13 Burroughs Corporation System for sequencing articles including mail
US4570418A (en) * 1981-07-27 1986-02-18 Donati Gino Device for the automatic boxing of bags or sachets into containers
US4617784A (en) * 1984-01-05 1986-10-21 Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. Apparatus for stacking and banding tags
US4676050A (en) * 1984-02-25 1987-06-30 Ostma Maschinenbau Gmbh Method and apparatus for transporting flexible packages, particularly flat bags, filled with pourable or flowable material to container filling stations
US4683708A (en) * 1985-03-15 1987-08-04 Grapha-Holding Ag Method and apparatus for wrapping printed sheets
US5190282A (en) * 1990-03-27 1993-03-02 Bell & Howell Company Multi-pass sorting machine
US5119954A (en) * 1990-03-29 1992-06-09 Bell & Howell Company Multi-pass sorting machine
US5113639A (en) * 1991-02-19 1992-05-19 Am International Incorporated Selective article wrapping
US5155973A (en) * 1991-05-14 1992-10-20 Webcraft Technologies, Inc. Composite wrap and method for wrapping multi-page items
US5664407A (en) * 1993-05-14 1997-09-09 Cooper, Iii; Clayton C. Packaging machine
US6189294B1 (en) * 1997-03-07 2001-02-20 Natec Reich Summer Gmbh & Co Kg Packaging for highly perishable, flexible slices of food, and process for inserting the slices
US5934048A (en) * 1997-04-29 1999-08-10 Cryovac, Inc. Seal assembly for easy open pouch
US5855105A (en) * 1997-06-30 1999-01-05 Cloud Corporation Cartoner with direct dropping of pouches into cartons
US6659442B1 (en) * 1998-02-19 2003-12-09 Lts Lohamann Therapie-Systeme Ag Method and device for inserting a plurality of individual sheetlike forms of administration in a dispenser by forming a multilayer pile
US6219994B1 (en) * 1998-03-12 2001-04-24 Ntt Comware Corporation Method and system for mail processing
US6269609B2 (en) * 1999-06-15 2001-08-07 Quad/Graphics, Inc. Apparatus for selective wrapping of products and a method thereof
US6536191B1 (en) * 1999-06-28 2003-03-25 Bell & Howell Mail And Messaging Technologies Company Method and apparatus for high speed envelope traying
US6501041B1 (en) * 1999-08-02 2002-12-31 Rapistan Systems Advertising Corp. Delivery point sequencing mail sorting system with flat mail capability
US6303889B1 (en) * 2000-02-15 2001-10-16 Opex Corporation Method and apparatus for sorting documents into a pre-defined sequence
US6748294B1 (en) * 2000-10-23 2004-06-08 Bowe Bell + Howell Postal Systems Company Flats bundle collator
US20040211709A1 (en) * 2003-04-11 2004-10-28 Hanson Bruce H. Delivery point merge and packaging device and method of use
US7117657B2 (en) * 2003-04-11 2006-10-10 Lockheed Martin Corporation Delivery point packager takeaway system and method
US6931816B2 (en) * 2003-06-25 2005-08-23 Lockheed Martin Corporation Packaging mechanism and method of use

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20040200189A1 (en) 2004-10-14
US7117657B2 (en) 2006-10-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5138817A (en) Method of and system for creating a uniform log of strapped bundles
US9878349B2 (en) Postal sorting machine with a feed inlet having a robotized arm and a sloping flat conveyor
US7137234B2 (en) Vertical flat stacking apparatus and method of use
US20160263622A1 (en) Postal Sorting Machine With a Feed Inlet Having a Robotized Arm and a Vertically Movable Magazine
US20090113853A1 (en) Package unbundling system
US8278581B2 (en) Transporting and packaging device and method of use
JP2005530663A (en) Single pass ordering assembly
JP2006515229A (en) How to sort flat mail items in distribution order
US11560249B2 (en) Case unpacking system and method
US20070084764A1 (en) Bi-directional sort mechanism and method of use
JP2009532284A (en) Article weighing system
US20060272296A1 (en) Delivery point packager takeaway system and method
US20200024014A1 (en) Method for Consolidated Order-Picking and Packing of Articles, Order-Picking and Packing System and Order-Picking Container
US6405100B1 (en) Process and device for automatic provision of piece-type goods into or onto individual transport units
US8142133B2 (en) Integrated tray converter
US20060031127A1 (en) Method for collecting goods in a warehouse and for handling returned goods
US7464804B2 (en) Automatic pallet loader system and method
US7287952B2 (en) Feeder load automation system and method of use
CN106043858A (en) Full-automatic packaging production line
US7080968B2 (en) Loading system and method of use
US6931816B2 (en) Packaging mechanism and method of use
WO2007045492A1 (en) Aiding a filling of a sack with mail items
JPH07196166A (en) Article loading method and device
US20080047806A1 (en) Transfer mechanism and method of use
US20240010432A1 (en) Transport system for transporting material units in material processing and method for transporting material units

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION