United States Postal Service

Thomas C Potter

Christopher M Stratton

Gregory J Smith

Wayne R Perry-Eaton

Hernan A Borja

Scott R Bombaugh

Terry Martin Gingell

Anthony B Taylor

Todd M Schimmel

Benjamin Schwind

Nan K McKenzie

Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.

Transformable tray and tray system for receiving, transporting and unloading items

A closure member (e.g., door) stop includes a base having a top portion opposite a bottom portion, the bottom portion being configured for affixing to an installation point associated with the closure member, a flexure extending away from the top portion, a cushion comprising an angled face and an impact face, the impact face being configured to interface with the closure member during closing of the closure member, and the angled face being configured to interface with the closure member during opening of the closure member. The flexure provides an operable, bendable connection between the cushion and the base. Also, a lever is operably connected to the cushion and the flexure and configured to move the cushion away from a swing path of the closure member. The cushion extends into a swing path of the closure member when the closure member stop is at rest in the installed position.

Closure member stop and associated kit

Door stop

Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a divider is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.

Systems, devices, and methods for sorting items

Systems, devices and methods for sorting items

Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a progressive displacement divider with amplified output for a given input is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.

Transformable tray

Two-way disc mailers for mailing DVDs, CDs, video game discs, or other discs from a sender to a recipient via first class mail. The disc mailer provides improved automated mail processing while weighing less than or equal to 1 ounce, including the weight of the disc.

Delivery container for digital disc

Described herein is a system and device for singulating mail pieces during mail processing and sorting. A double inhibit mechanism, mounted opposite a feed belt assembly and having at least two degrees of freedom at its downstream end, can maintain contact with mail in the mail path while separating overlapping mail pieces and allowing only single pieces to pass thereby.

Growing community of inventors

Oak Hill, VA, United States of America

Thomas C Potter