Abstract:
An apparatus for optimizing automated packaging of a shipment set, said shipment set comprising one or more items arranged in an arrangement for being automatically packaged, the apparatus comprising at least one image obtaining device for obtaining three-dimensional image data of said arrangement and at least one computer system and a signaling device, the computer system adapted for processing said image data to obtain information on the dimensions of individual items present in said arrangement and on the orientation and position of said items in said arrangement, performing an analysis of said information with respect to at least one optimization criterion and depending on said analysis, generating signals indicating to either proceed with automated packaging of said arrangement or to modify or to divert said arrangement, and the signaling device adapted for receiving the signals generated.
Abstract:
A method for packaging articles in a packaging device (10) includes: determining in a control unit inner box dimensions of a packaging box from overall dimensions of an article or group of articles to be shipped, preparing a packaging box blank satisfying said inner box dimensions, forming from said packaging box blank said packaging box around the article or group of articles, determining outer box dimensions of a resulting parcel from said packaging box blank, assigning a unique identifier to the resulting parcel, tying said outer box dimensions of the resulting parcel to said unique identifier and recording said unique identifier and outer box dimensions in a database that can be looked-up by various parties involved in the distribution of said resulting parcel.
Abstract:
A system and method are provided to determine in order, what mailing pieces are eligible for Flat Sequence Sorter (FSS) preparation, determine applicable prices of the pieces, and prepare bundles of the pieces to conform to the expected USPS output. By orderly implementing a filtering operation wherein FSS and Non-FSS pieces are first identified, followed by a pricing operation for groups with a very granular level (HDP) and the best price, to groups with a very coarse level (3D), and then creating bundles, pallets or containers, sacks, trays or handling units, of the FSS and Non-FSS pieces based thereon, the system and method identifies the best possible pricing for a mailing, while ensuring that the final mailing is compliant with U.S. Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual, Section 705.
Abstract:
A apparatus for creating corrugated cardboard (20) in particular on the site of a system for automatically forming packaging boxes, said corrugated cardboard having at least one corrugated layer (10) between two flat layers (12, 18). The apparatus includes a joining station (16) for attaching a second flat layer (18) to a corrugated layer (10) provided on a first flat layer (12), means for supplying said corrugated layer (10) with the first flat layer (12) attached thereto to said joining station (16) and means for supplying said second flat layer (18) to said joining station, means for removing a protective layer (28) from the corrugated layer (10) and/or the second flat layer (18), said protective layer (28) protecting an adhesive substance provided on the corrugated layer (10) or the second flat layer (18).
Abstract:
A random byte generator comprising a noise source configured to generate a noise signal, a digitizer with a resolution of no less than two bits and configured to digitize the noise signal from the noise source, and a processor configured to apply pre-defined rules for selecting bits captured by said digitizer and to generate random bit strings by combining the selected bits.
Abstract:
A feeder (12) for feeding envelopes in a mail handling machine comprising a transport deck (30) for receiving a stack of envelopes, feed rollers (34) for conveying downstream envelopes towards a reference wall (32) leaving a clearance path for the envelopes; a stack sensor (48) for detecting the presence of the stack of envelopes at a predetermined height threshold; and a control unit (46) configured for decreasing acceleration of the feed rollers when the stack of envelopes goes below the predetermined height threshold.
Abstract:
A planar antenna comprising: a substrate (10) having opposed first (10A) and second (10B) flat faces; the first flat face comprising a first ground (12), a second ground (14), a feed track (16) there between and an antenna pattern (18) and the opposed second flat face comprising a third ground (20); the third ground being connected to first and second grounds for assuring the continuity of the ground plane with the feeding; and the antenna pattern forms a coil line disposed into the remaining surface of the first flat face and comprises two overlapped loops in such a way that the antenna pattern is substantially auto-complementary.
Abstract:
Method and system for automatically forming packaging boxes and packaging an article therein, preferably simultaneously with the formation of said boxes. At least four folding units fold side and end panels of a blank upwardly. The four folding units comprise a front pair of folding units and a rear pair of folding units positioned upstream at a longitudinal distance from the front pair of folding units seen in conveying direction, and the folding units of the front pair and the folding units of the rear pair are positioned at a respective transverse distance from each other. Said longitudinal distance is adjustable during feeding of the custom sized blank into the supporting station, preferably by starting the displacement of the front pair of folding units towards the sealing station earlier than the displacement of the rear pair of folding units.
Abstract:
A blank for folding a box is proposed that allows folding a box of which the only seams substantially parallel to a bottom and a top plane of the box are a seam for attaching a first side panel to a first top side panel, a seam for attaching a second side panel to a second top side panel, and a seam for attaching a top end panel to a second end panel so that the seams are formed on an external surface of the box and are situated at a same distance from the bottom panel. A corresponding blank has a rectangular bottom panel (41), a first rectangular side panel (42) joined to a first side of said bottom panel (41), a second rectangular side panel (43) joined to a second side of said bottom panel (41) opposite the first side thereof, a first rectangular end panel (44) joined to a first end of said bottom panel (41), a second rectangular end panel (45) joined to a second end of said bottom panel (41) opposite the first end of said bottom panel (41) and having a free end side opposite said second end of said bottom panel (41), a first rectangular corner panel (46) joined to a first side of said first end panel (44), a second rectangular corner panel (48) joined to a second side of said first end panel (44) opposite the first side thereof, a third rectangular corner panel (47) joined to a first side of said second end panel (45), a fourth rectangular corner panel (49) joined to a second side of said second end panel (45) opposite the first side thereof, a rectangular top panel (50) joined to said first end panel (44) such that it is arranged at the side of said first end panel (44) opposite to the side where said bottom panel (41) is joined to said first end panel (44), a first rectangular top side panel (51) joined to a first side of said top panel (50), a second rectangular top side panel (52) joined to a second side of said top panel (50) opposite the first side thereof, and a rectangular top end panel (53) joined to said top panel (50) such that it is arranged at the side of said top panel (50) opposite to the side where said first end panel (44) is joined to said top panel (50), wherein said top side panels (51, 52) each have a width (H2+t) that substantially corresponds to the half of the length (H+2t; H+t) of each of the first and the second end panels (44; 45) and wherein said top end panel (53) has a length (H2+t) that substantially corresponds to the half of the length (H+2t; H+t) of each of the first and the second end panels (44; 45).
Abstract:
A system for securely controlling deposition and retrieval of shipments (40), including a managing distribution centre, at least one electronic locker unit connected to the managing distribution centre through a communication network, and having several lockable compartments (28i) of different sizes, wherein said at least one electronic locker unit comprises a weighing shipment module (50) located inside each compartment (28i) and made up of an arrangement of several thin flexible force sensors, linked together to circuit board, located under upper bearing plate and attached to bottom of the compartment within respective active measuring areas.