Michael R Norris

US Patent:

7728245, Jun 1, 2010

Filed:

May 10, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/842252

Inventors:

Dale E. Redford - Grand Prairie TX, US
Michael O. Norris - Colleyville TX, US
Floyd W. Worth - Richardson TX, US

Assignee:

Siemens Industry, Inc. - Alpharetta GA

International Classification:

G06K 9/00

US Classification:

209584, 209900

Abstract:

A sorting system using multiple sorters operating as part of a single, multi-sorting machine unified system. The system according to the invention includes a plurality of input sections capable of operating in parallel, each including a feeder that takes in mail pieces one at a time and a scanner that scans each mail piece for destination indicia, a plurality of stackers each comprising at least one row of pockets, a control system that determines a destination pocket in the stacker for each mail piece based on a predetermined sort scheme and the destination indicia, and a routing system effective to route mail in accordance with the sort scheme from any input section to any pocket of a stacker.

US Patent:

20070144948, Jun 28, 2007

Filed:

Dec 12, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/637330

Inventors:

Floyd W. Worth - Richardson TX, US
Michael O. Norris - Colleyville TX, US
Dale E. Redford - Grand Prairie TX, US
James M. Pippin - Keller TX, US

International Classification:

B07C 5/00
G06K 9/00

US Classification:

209584, 209900

Abstract:

A method is provided for processing mail at a sorting facility, which mail includes automation mail that can be processed automatically by automated machines at the sorting facility and manual mail which, due to its physical characteristics, cannot be processed by the automated machines at the sorting facility. Such a method includes the steps of placing a piece of manual mail into a sleeve such that the combination of sleeve and mail piece can be processed by the automated machines at the sorting facility, and processing the sleeve containing the manual mail piece on the automation equipment along with automation mail. Following processing, the sleeve can either be removed from the mail piece, or left in place for delivery to the postal customer.