The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 22, 2000
Filed:
Mar. 28, 1997
Gerald A Isaacs, Arlington, TX (US);
Luiz C Harres, Arlington, TX (US);
John W Kulas, Euless, TX (US);
Joseph C Rotenberry, Bedford, TX (US);
Kenneth A McKee, Irving, TX (US);
Lynn V Hill, Forth Worth, TX (US);
Mark L Carlile, Carrollton, TX (US);
Richard C Hickey, Plano, TX (US);
Charles M Combs, Cedar Hill, TX (US);
Harold G Burkett, Jr, Carrollton, TX (US);
ElectroCom Automation, Arlington, TX (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for automatically sorting and feeding flat articles. The method stacks flat articles into cartridges in output compartments of a sorting machine, robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter.