Ergonomic method for sorting and sweeping mail pieces

Abstract

In a process for sorting mail pieces according to the invention using a priori or first sort pass derived information, a sorting machine is used having a first array of pockets and a second array of pockets physically separate from the first array of pockets. The first and second arrays are swept of mail pieces by separate sweepers. The number of mail pieces sorted to each array are equalized in order to equalize the volume of mail pieces swept by each sweeper. In particular, where each pocket corresponds to a destination code and a total number of mail pieces per destination code is known in advance for each sort scheme to be carried out on the sorting machine, the equalizing step involves assigning destination codes to specific pockets to different sweeper zones in a manner that equalizes the volume of mail pieces swept by each sweeper. Mail is then swept from the pockets to trays stored on a vertically and horizontally extending rack having rows and columns of compartments containing trays. The number of mail pieces associated with each destination code in the sort scheme is determined, and destination codes are assigned to pockets and to trays at specific positions on the rack in a manner that minimizes the amount of vertical travel in sweeping sorted mail from the pockets. These improvements in combination improve the ergonomic aspects of the sorting process, when human or robotic sweepers are used.