Material or article handling – Device for emptying portable receptacle – For emptying contents thereof into portable receiving means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-20
2001-04-17
Keenan, James W. (Department: 3652)
Material or article handling
Device for emptying portable receptacle
For emptying contents thereof into portable receiving means
C414S404000, C198S408000, C198S465100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217274
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to mail handling equipment for rapidly processing mail, and in particular to an automated continuous flow transfer system for transferring the mail pieces contained within plastic or cardboard mail trays into cartridges for processing and then transferring the processed mail pieces contained within the cartridges back into mail trays for subsequent delivery.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Although the present invention may be used in connection with other applications, the present invention was designed for automated mail handling. Currently, mail is typically transported in flexible plastic or cardboard trays. As such, these trays do not always interface well with certain processing operations, and in particular, fully automated processing operations. To have a fully automated processing operation, it has become desirable to develop a machine or system that automatically transfers the contents of the mail trays into sturdy cartridges of uniform size and weight specially designed for interfacing with a given processing operation. Then, once the mail is processed, the machine or system would transfer the contents of the cartridges back into the mail trays for transport to delivery points. The automated mail transfer system must also have the ability to maintain the facing, orientation and order of each mail piece throughout the transfer process as to not disturb the mail processing procedure.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a unique automated continuous transfer system that provides for the transfer of mail from a mail tray into a specially designed cartridge and then, after processing, for transferring the mail from the cartridges back into the mail trays or other mail containers, without disturbing the facing and orientation of each mail piece.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is to provide an automated device for loading and unloading mail trays of various sizes into and out of cartridges specifically designed to interface with certain mail processing operations.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a transfer apparatus that maintains the mail facing and orientation throughout the transfer process.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mail transfer apparatus that transfers mail pieces from a mail tray to a cartridge and back into a mail tray with minimal loss or damage to each mail piece.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mail transfer apparatus that provides for smooth exchange of content.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a mail transfer apparatus having the capability of dividing mail contained within a completely filled mail tray and placing that mail into two separate cartridges, if necessary for further processing.
In accordance with these and other objects, the present invention provides a continuous flow transfer system for transferring the contents of a mail tray into a cartridge for processing and then transferring the contents of the cartridge back into a mail tray, subsequent to processing of the mail without disrupting the order, facing or orientation of the contents of the mail. The continuous flow transfer system comprises both a cartridge loader and a cartridge unloader. Both the cartridge loader and the cartridge unloader are comprised of a tray section, a transfer conveyor and a cartridge section.
The tray section, or infeed section, of the cartridge loader is designed to deliver loaded mail trays to the transfer section of the loader where the contents of each mail tray are then deposited into an intermediate container that is affixed to the transfer section The transfer section then delivers the contents of the intermediate container into empty cartridges being supplied by the cartridge section. Once filled, each cartridge then exits the cartridge section, or discharge section, of the cartridge loader. The cartridges are transported to an intermediary processing operation where the mail is removed from the cartridges for processing. Once processed, the mail is re-deposited into cartridges, and each cartridge is then delivered to the cartridge unloader by the cartridge section, or input section, of the cartridge unloader. The contents of each cartridge are then transferred into an intermediate container that is affixed to the transfer section of the cartridge unloader. The transfer section then delivers the contents of the intermediate container back into mail trays for further transport and delivery. Once in the mail trays, the filled mails trays then exit the tray section, or discharge section, of the cartridge unloader. The filled mail trays are then transported to an area for subsequent delivery.
As seen in the attached figures, the transfer section of both the loader and unloader is interposed between the tray section and cartridge section to maintain the order, facing and orientation of the mail pieces within the trays and cartridges. In the case of the loader, the transfer section may be designed to divide the contents of a mail tray for deposit into two cartridges, when necessary.
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Archer Stephen R.
Conard Walter
Estis Anatoly
Hegland Fred
McClain James Carl
Bell & Howell Postal Systems Inc.
Keenan James W.
Patula & Associates P.C.
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