Patent US6189784B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6189784B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fixed commercial and industrial scanning system
Assignee: Federal Express Corp
•
Filing: 1999-12-21
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Granted: 2001-02-20
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Expires: 2019-12-21
Abstract
Abstract A package sorting and/or tracking system or workstation including a high performance data reader or barcode scanner, a real time system control computer, user interface devices, a superstructure to which all hardware is attached providing hands-free scanning operation at each work station, and a real-time communication link with the host computer system for transferring information scanned from the parcels or configuring the scanning system with up-to-the minute routing information. A scale system weighs each parcel to assure compliance to specifications. An optional feedback system to error-proof the sorting operation whereby the scanning system is configured with a sensing device on each of the bins to which a parcel may be sorted. Based on the tracking information read from the barcode label and the routing information provided by the host computer system, the scanning system instructs the operator to place the parcel in a particular bin. The sensing device on the bin determines if the parcel was placed into the correct bin. If a parcel is placed in the wrong bin, the operator is instructed to remove the parcel and re-sort it.
Inventors
- 👤 Kevin J. Williams
- 👤 Robert F. Kortt
- 👤 Brian D. Peavey
- 👤 Thomas E. Tamburrini
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 05:48
CPC Classifications
B; B07; B07C; B07C7/00; B07C3/00; B07C3/10; B07C3/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 38
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for sorting parcels amongst a plurality of parcel bins, comprising the steps of selecting a parcel bearing a parcel identification code; inputting the parcel identification code into a controller; obtaining parcel destination information associated with the parcel identification; directing the parcel to a selected parcel bin corresponding to the parcel destination information obtained; determining whether the parcel is deposited into the selected parcel bin by sensing an incremental increase in weight at a bin sensor occasioned by deposit of the parcel in a parcel bin.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for sorting parcels amongst a plurality of parcel bins, comprising the steps of selecting a parcel bearing a parcel identification code; inputting the parcel identification code into a controller; obtaining parcel destination information associated with the parcel identification; directing the parcel to a selected parcel bin corresponding to the parcel destination information obtained; determining whether the parcel is deposited into the selected parcel bin by sensing an incremental increase in weight at a bin sensor occasioned by deposit of the parcel in a parcel bin.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method of sorting parcels according to claim 1 further comprising providing a correct parcel indication if it is determined that the parcel has been deposited in the selected parcel bin.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method of sorting parcels according to claim 2 wherein the step of directing the parcel to a selected parcel bin comprises providing the parcel bins with light indicators connected to the controller and alighting the light indicator associated with the selected parcel bin.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method of sorting parcels according to claim 1 further comprising directing an operator to redirect the parcel if it is determined that the parcel has been deposited in an incorrect parcel bin.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
A parcel sorting system comprising a controller, a plurality of parcel bins in communication with the controller, each parcel bin having a weighing element for sensing deposit of a parcel in the parcel bin by sensing additional weight incurred by deposit of the parcel in the parcel bin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
A parcel sorting system comprising a controller, a plurality of parcel bins in communication with the controller, each parcel bin having a weighing element for sensing deposit of a parcel in the parcel bin by sensing additional weight incurred by deposit of the parcel in the parcel bin.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
79 words
A parcel sorting system comprising a workstation including a scanner for scanning parcels presented thereto; a controller in communication with the workstation; a plurality of parcel bins disposed about the workstation and in communication with the controller, each parcel bin having (a) an indicator for providing instructions to an operator designating that parcel bin as a proper destination for the parcel which has been scanned and (b) bin sensor for sensing deposit of a parcel into the parcel bin.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
79 words
A parcel sorting system comprising a workstation including a scanner for scanning parcels presented thereto; a controller in communication with the workstation; a plurality of parcel bins disposed about the workstation and in communication with the controller, each parcel bin having (a) an indicator for providing instructions to an operator designating that parcel bin as a proper destination for the parcel which has been scanned and (b) bin sensor for sensing deposit of a parcel into the parcel bin.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
119 words
A method for sorting parcels, comprising the steps of providing a user-operated parcel sorting workstation integrated with a data reader and a weigh scale; selecting a parcel bearing a parcel identifier containing parcel identification information; electronically reading the parcel identifier with the data reader to obtain the parcel identification information; communicating with a host computer and obtaining parcel weight and parcel destination information corresponding to the parcel; weighing the parcel with the weigh scale to determine actual parcel weight; comparing the actual parcel weight as weighed with the scale against weight limit for a given charge rate corresponding to the parcel and sending a charge-back record to the host computer if the actual weight is over the weight limit.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
119 words
A method for sorting parcels, comprising the steps of providing a user-operated parcel sorting workstation integrated with a data reader and a weigh scale; selecting a parcel bearing a parcel identifier containing parcel identification information; electronically reading the parcel identifier with the data reader to obtain the parcel identification information; communicating with a host computer and obtaining parcel weight and parcel destination information corresponding to the parcel; weighing the parcel with the weigh scale to determine actual parcel weight; comparing the actual parcel weight as weighed with the scale against weight limit for a given charge rate corresponding to the parcel and sending a charge-back record to the host computer if the actual weight is over the weight limit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
62 words
A method of sorting parcels according to claim 7 further comprising directing the user to deposit the parcel in a selected parcel bin corresponding to the parcel destination information obtained; determining whether the parcel is deposited into the selected parcel bin by sensing an incremental increase in weight at a bin sensor occasioned by deposit of the parcel in a parcel bin.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method of sorting parcels according to claim 8 further comprising providing a correct parcel indication if it is determined that the parcel has been deposited in the selected parcel bin.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method of sorting parcels according to claim 9 wherein the correct parcel indication comprises a visible indicator.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
57 words
A method of sorting parcels according to claim 7 wherein the step of electronically reading comprises positioning the data reader in a fixed position over a scan volume, projecting a scan pattern downwardly into the scan volume, and projecting a visible spot through a center of the scan pattern for assisting an operator in placing the parcel.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for sorting parcels, comprising the steps of providing a user-operated parcel sorting workstation station with a data reader positioned over a scan volume; projecting a scan pattern downwardly from the data reader into the scan volume for reading a label disposed on a top surface of a parcel presented in the scan volume; selecting a parcel bearing a parcel identifier containing parcel identification to be read by the data reader; projecting a visible locator into the scan volume for assisting a user in placing the parcel within the scan volume.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for sorting parcels, comprising the steps of providing a user-operated parcel sorting workstation station with a data reader positioned over a scan volume; projecting a scan pattern downwardly from the data reader into the scan volume for reading a label disposed on a top surface of a parcel presented in the scan volume; selecting a parcel bearing a parcel identifier containing parcel identification to be read by the data reader; projecting a visible locator into the scan volume for assisting a user in placing the parcel within the scan volume.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method for sorting parcels according to claim 12 wherein the step of projecting a locator comprises projecting a visible light spot within the scan pattern.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method for sorting parcels according to claim 12 further comprising weighing the parcel on a weigh scale positioned below the scan volume.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
120 words
A method for sorting parcels, comprising the steps of providing a user-operated parcel sorting workstation with a bar code scanner disposed over a scan volume; selecting a parcel bearing a bar code label containing parcel identification information for the parcel; placing the parcel in the scan volume and orienting the bar code label upward toward the bar code scanner; scanning the bar code label with the bar code scanner to obtain the parcel identification information; communicating to a host computer and obtaining parcel destination information corresponding to the parcel; providing a plurality of parcel bins in proximity to the workstation; providing instructions to the user as to a selected bin to deposit the parcel corresponding to the destination information obtained.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
120 words
A method for sorting parcels, comprising the steps of providing a user-operated parcel sorting workstation with a bar code scanner disposed over a scan volume; selecting a parcel bearing a bar code label containing parcel identification information for the parcel; placing the parcel in the scan volume and orienting the bar code label upward toward the bar code scanner; scanning the bar code label with the bar code scanner to obtain the parcel identification information; communicating to a host computer and obtaining parcel destination information corresponding to the parcel; providing a plurality of parcel bins in proximity to the workstation; providing instructions to the user as to a selected bin to deposit the parcel corresponding to the destination information obtained.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein the step of providing instructions to the user comprises activating a visual indicator at the selected bin.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 15 further comprising the steps of sensing via a sensor when a parcel has been deposited therein for confirming that the parcel has been deposited in the selected bin.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein the step of sensing comprises sensing the parcel being passed through a light curtain.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein the step of scanning the bar code label comprises projecting a scan pattern downwardly into the scan volume, and projecting a visible spot through a center of the scan pattern for assisting an operator in placing the parcel.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
160 words
A method for sorting parcels, comprising the steps of providing a user-operated parcel sorting workstation with a bar code scanner disposed over a scan volume; selecting a parcel bearing a bar code label containing parcel identification information for the parcel; placing the parcel in the scan volume and orienting the bar code label upward toward the bar code scanner; scanning the bar code label with the bar code scanner to obtain the parcel identification information; communicating to a host computer and obtaining parcel destination information corresponding to the parcel; providing a plurality of parcel bins in proximity to the workstation; providing instructions to the user as to a selected bin to deposit the parcel corresponding to the destination information obtained; sensing via a sensor when a parcel has been deposited therein for confirming that the parcel has been deposited in the selected bin, wherein the step of sensing comprises weighing the bin to determine whether the parcel has been deposited.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
160 words
A method for sorting parcels, comprising the steps of providing a user-operated parcel sorting workstation with a bar code scanner disposed over a scan volume; selecting a parcel bearing a bar code label containing parcel identification information for the parcel; placing the parcel in the scan volume and orienting the bar code label upward toward the bar code scanner; scanning the bar code label with the bar code scanner to obtain the parcel identification information; communicating to a host computer and obtaining parcel destination information corresponding to the parcel; providing a plurality of parcel bins in proximity to the workstation; providing instructions to the user as to a selected bin to deposit the parcel corresponding to the destination information obtained; sensing via a sensor when a parcel has been deposited therein for confirming that the parcel has been deposited in the selected bin, wherein the step of sensing comprises weighing the bin to determine whether the parcel has been deposited.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
61 words
A parcel sorting workstation comprising a support structure; an overhead reader mounted on the support structure for producing a downwardly-projected scan pattern into a scan volume for reading a label disposed on a top surface of a parcel presented in the scan volume; a weigh scale mounted on the support structure and positioned below the scan volume for weighing the parcel.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
61 words
A parcel sorting workstation comprising a support structure; an overhead reader mounted on the support structure for producing a downwardly-projected scan pattern into a scan volume for reading a label disposed on a top surface of a parcel presented in the scan volume; a weigh scale mounted on the support structure and positioned below the scan volume for weighing the parcel.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
37 words
A parcel sorting workstation according to claim 21 further comprising a pointing device which projects a visible spot through a center of the scan pattern for assisting an operator in placing the parcel in the scan volume.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
46 words
A parcel sorting workstation according to claim 21 further comprising a lower reader mounted on the support structure, the reader comprising at least one window positioned below the scan volume in a horizontal upward facing orientation for projecting a scan pattern upward into the scan volume.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
31 words
A parcel sorting workstation according to claim 21 wherein the support structure comprises a vertically-oriented center pole, wherein the overhead reader and the weigh scale are mounted on the center pole.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
35 words
A parcel sorting workstation according to claim 21 wherein the support structure comprises a base and a vertically-oriented center pole mounted to the base, the base including wheels for allowing the workstation to be moved.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
A parcel sorting workstation according to claim 21 further comprising a controller mounted to the support structure wherein the controller comprises a display and a keypad.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
A parcel sorting workstation according to claim 21 further comprising an upwardly facing reader integrated with the weigh scale.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
77 words
An item sorting and/or scanning workstation comprising a support structure; a reader mounted on the support structure for projecting a scan pattern into a scan volume from at least two directions for permitting reading of at least two side surfaces of an item; a weigh scale mounted on the support structure and positioned below the scan volume for weighing the parcel; wherein the support structure comprises a base including wheels for allowing the workstation to be moved.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
77 words
An item sorting and/or scanning workstation comprising a support structure; a reader mounted on the support structure for projecting a scan pattern into a scan volume from at least two directions for permitting reading of at least two side surfaces of an item; a weigh scale mounted on the support structure and positioned below the scan volume for weighing the parcel; wherein the support structure comprises a base including wheels for allowing the workstation to be moved.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
A workstation according to claim 28 further comprising a wireless communication link to a host computer.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-02-20 | 2004-08-21 | 2005-02-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-02-20 | 2008-08-21 | 2009-02-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-02-20 | 2012-08-21 | 2013-02-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |