PACKAGE SORTING DEVICE WITH ROUTE DISTRIBUTOR AND DIVERSION SYSTEM

Abstract

Device for sorting parcels (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4), the device comprising: a sliding device defining a transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3) configured to transport packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) from an upstream point of the sliding device to a downstream point of the sliding device, the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3) comprising a plurality of surface segments (135, 135-1, 135-2, 135-3) disposed between the upstream point and the downstream point, each of the plurality of surface segments (135, 135-1, 135-2, 135-3) having selected geometry and surface properties for controlling speeds of the packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) when conveyed from the upstream point to the downstream point, wherein the sliding device further defines an opening (140, 140-1, 140-2) in the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3),which is dimensioned to receive one or more of the packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) therethrough; at least one door (205) arranged in the sliding device, the door (205) being selectively positionable at least between: a first position in which the door (205) closes the opening (140, 140-1, 140-2) and forms at least a portion of the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3), and a second position in which the door (205) opens the opening (140, 140-1, 140-2) to allow the one or more packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) to pass therethrough, the door (205) comprising: a first door region (430) defining a first portion of the portion of the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3), the first portion having a first coefficient of friction; and a second door region (435) defining a second portion of the portion of the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3), the second portion having a different, second coefficient of friction; and a route distributor (145, 145-1, 145-2) arranged below the opening (140, 140-1, 140-2) and comprising: a diverter system (215, 315) comprising one or more diverter devices (330, 340-1, 340-2) operable to divert individual packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) to a selected one of a plurality of outlets (320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4).

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates to techniques for sorting packages and in particular to implementations of a device with a conveyor and diversion system.

[0002] The shipping of packages typically involves receiving packages at a warehouse or other suitable location, moving the packages to various locations within the warehouse during processing, and loading the packages onto trucks or other transport vehicles for external distribution. The processing of packages in the warehouse can involve one or more sorting operations. For example, a sorting system can sort packages and distribute them to a number of stations where employees manually collect the distributed packages (e.g., add packages to a pallet or container). The packages can be sorted and / or collected according to one or more criteria, such as assigned destination information.

[0003] Within the sorting operations, there may be some periods in which packages are delivered to the stations at a reduced rate. During these periods, employees may be waiting or otherwise underutilized. In some cases, the sorting system may perform an accumulation or buffer function, allowing employees to be deployed elsewhere in the warehouse until a significant number of packages are available for collection. In addition, the collection of packages may require employees to manually transport packages between different locations in the warehouse, which generally represents a less efficient use of employees. US 2005 / 0 205 387 A1 discloses an apparatus and method for sorting items using chutes to transport items to selected locations.The chutes include one or more openings through which a fluid can be forced to reduce friction between the objects and the chute. Diverters are operatively aligned with the chutes to direct the objects to selected chutes. A pulse mechanism imparts forward momentum to the objects to move them along the chutes.

[0004] US 5 638 938 A discloses an apparatus and method for receiving a stream of packages such as packets or bundles, dividing it into a plurality of streams for easier singulation, singulating each of these streams, and delivering the produced packages individually to a user, each stream being delivered to a different user. Downstream sensors are used to control a deflector, which in turn divides a received packet stream into a plurality of such streams and distributes the received packets between the two output streams. Singulation of each such output stream is achieved by a plurality of inclined belts, each of which moves a received packet up and over its apex to descend to enter the next downstream stage, thereby singulating the received stream into stages.These belt stages are individually controlled by additional downstream sensors and motors, which prevent the movement of one or more upstream belts if one or more packages indicating a flow blockage are detected downstream. The output of the singulator is fed to a carriage equipped with a series of motorized detents to deliver packages one at a time to the downstream user.

[0005] US 2018 / 0 264 521 A1 relates to a sorting conveyor with pivotally mounted flaps for sorting items into sorting outlets depending on a sorting indication attached to each of the items. The conveyor includes a monitoring and control unit configured to pivot each flap between a closed position, in which the flap forms a conveying section suitable for conveying an item in a specific conveying direction, and an open position, in which the flap interrupts the conveyance of an item on the conveyor belt to redirect it to a suitable sorting outlet.The monitoring and control unit is also arranged to retrieve thickness data from a memory indicative of a particular thickness for the article to be deflected and responds by causing the flap to pivot to an open position through a particular opening amplitude which is determined as a function of the thickness data of the article to be deflected.

[0006] According to US 4 804 078 A, a device comprises a flat element mounted on a pivot substantially in the plane of symmetry of the conveyor belts and having a stroke extending from a first lateral sorting position of the carried objects to a second symmetrical position with respect to the pivot point, and also a series of chutes with a convergent axis, arranged symmetrically and on either side below said pivot point, for conveying the objects to be transported to their respective containers arranged below the chutes, the stroke being controlled by a suitable actuator.

[0007] DE 10 2010 049 281 A1 discloses a gravity chute for objects lying on a base surface, with a chute floor having a conveying inclination angle pointing in a conveying direction, and with at least one side wall laterally delimiting the chute floor, wherein the chute floor, in addition to the conveying inclination angle, has a transverse inclination angle directed transversely to the conveying direction and pointing towards a side wall, as well as a sorting conveyor with a discharge station at which such a gravity chute is arranged.

[0008] According to WO 98 / 55379 A1, a conveyor for slidingly conveying and decelerating or accelerating objects comprises a conveyor track with at least one track section comprising transversely spaced first and second track section parts, the support surface parts having different friction surface properties. Flexible web material arranged between adjacent track section parts is provided to prevent objects and foreign bodies from becoming trapped or crushed between adjacent track section parts. Displacement means for moving the first and second track section parts relative to each other between article-carrying and article-non-carrying positions are provided, whereby the movement speed of the articles along the conveyor track can be controlled. A method for operating such a conveyor is disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Various embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, in which like designations refer to like elements. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example system for sorting packages according to various embodiments. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating example implementations of a transport surface according to various embodiments. The Fig. 3A-3E illustrate embodiments of an exemplary route distributor according to various embodiments. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example transport surface according to various embodiments. Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example controller according to various embodiments. Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary method for sorting packages according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] According to one or more embodiments described herein, an apparatus for sorting packages is disclosed, wherein a transport surface is configured to convey packages along a transport path defined between a first end and a second end of the transport surface. An opening is defined in the transport surface at a first elevation and sized to receive one or more of the packages therethrough. The transport surface includes a plurality of surface segments disposed between the first end and the second end, each of the plurality of surface segments having selected geometric and surface characteristics for controlling the speeds of the packages as they are conveyed along the transport path. The apparatus further includes a path distributor disposed at a second elevation below the first elevation.The route manifold includes a chute having an inlet aligned with the opening, a plurality of outlets coupled to the inlet, and a first diverter system including one or more diverting devices disposed within the route manifold and operable to selectively divert the received packages to any one of the plurality of outlets. In some embodiments, the one or more diverting devices are responsive to destination information associated with the individual packages.

[0011] Advantageously, the device can be used to perform parcel sorting between multiple destinations with increased automation, allowing for more efficient use of staff. The device can be used to automatically sort parcels into different containers, such as bags, compartments, or boxes. The different containers can be of different sizes and / or different types.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system 100 for sorting parcels according to various embodiments. In particular, Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of system 100. System 100 may represent a portion of a warehouse or other suitable environment. Some non-limiting examples of the warehouse include an order fulfillment center and a sortation center.

[0013] The system 100 includes an automatic sortation line 105 and a sortation line 110. The automatic sortation line 105 may have any suitable implementation, such as one or more robotic systems configured to distribute packages between different sortation lines 110. The automatic sortation line 105 may deliver packages (such as package 115-1) to the sortation line 110 at a first elevation Z1 relative to a reference surface 160, such as a floor level of the warehouse. As shown, a surface 120 slopes downward to the first elevation Z1.

[0014] The sorting line 110 is configured to distribute the packages between a plurality of bins 150-1, 150-2, 155 and a manual sorting station 130. A device 165 of the sorting line 110 includes a transport surface 125 configured to convey the packages between a first end (also referred to as an "upstream point") and a second end (also referred to as a "downstream point") of the transport surface 125. As shown, the transport surface 125 extends between the first height Z1 and a second height Z4. A surface of the manual sorting station 130 may be located at the second height Z4, which may be selected according to ergonomic considerations for the employees.

[0015] In one non-limiting example that may represent a gravity-assisted deployment of the device 165, the height Z1 is between about 4 and about 5 meters (m), and the height Z4 is about 800 millimeters (mm). Other values ​​of the first height Z1 and the second height Z4 are also possible. In another example of a non-gravity-assisted deployment of the device 165, the first height Z1 and the second height Z4 may be substantially equal.

[0016] A plurality of surface segments 135-1, 135-2, 135-3 collectively define the transport surface 125. One or more openings 140-1, 140-2 may be defined and sized in the transport surface 125 to receive one or more packages therethrough. As shown, opening 140-1 is disposed between the surface segments 135-1, 135-2, and opening 140-2 is disposed between the surface segments 135-2, 135-3.

[0017] Although not explicitly shown, in some embodiments, the system 100 may include one or more doors disposed at the openings 140-1, 140-2. Each door may be selectively positionable between at least a first position in which the door closes the corresponding opening 140-1, 140-2 and forms at least a portion of the transport surface 125, and a second position in which the door opens the corresponding opening 140-1, 140-2 to allow the one or more packages to pass through the corresponding opening 140-1, 140-2.

[0018] In some embodiments, one or more actuatable components are provided proximate the transport surface 125 and are controlled to selectively allow package(s) to pass through the openings 140-1, 140-2. For example, the one or more actuatable components may be disposed at or near the openings 140-1, 140-2 (e.g., actuators associated with the doors), at or near the surface segments 135-1, 135-2, 135-3 (e.g., paddle diverters disposed above the transport surface 125), or integrated into the transport surface 125 (e.g., motorized rollers configured to divert package(s) toward and / or away from the openings 140-1, 140-2).

[0019] A controller 505 may acquire destination information associated with a plurality of packages 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4 and may communicate control signals to operate the one or more actuatable components to sort the packages 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4 according to the destination information. The destination information may be acquired using one or more sensors (e.g., a visual scan of the labeling on the packages 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4).

[0020] The acquired destination information may take any suitable form: a destination within the warehouse (such as a particular container 150-1, 150-2, 155 or a particular location in the surrounding area), a destination outside the warehouse (such as a portion of a destination mailing address or a particular transport vehicle), and so on. Using the acquired destination information, the controller 505 may operate the one or more actuatable components to allow the packages to pass through the openings 140-1, 140-2 or to bypass the openings 140-1, 140-2.

[0021] Each of the plurality of surface segments 135-1, 135-2, 135-3 may have selected geometric and surface characteristics for controlling velocities of the packages as they are conveyed between the upstream point and the downstream point. For example, various of the surface segments 135-1, 135-2, 135-3 may comprise material(s) with different coefficients of friction and / or may have different inclinations relative to the reference surface 160.

[0022] Advantageously, controlling the speeds of the parcels can enable more efficient sorting and / or handling of the parcels and reduce the risk of damage to the parcels during transport.

[0023] The surface segments 135-1, 135-2, 135-3 may include any material(s) suitable for supporting the packages conveyed on the transport surface 125. Some non-limiting examples of the material(s) include sheet metal (e.g., aluminum), wood, plastic, and so on. In some cases, the surface segments 135-1, 135-2, 135-3 may include coatings and / or textures to provide desired friction coefficients.

[0024] The plurality of surface segments 135-1, 135-2, 135-3 may include passive surface segments and / or active surface segments. Some non-limiting examples of passive surface segments are substantially planar sliding surface segments and non-driven rollers. Some non-limiting examples of active surface segments are conveyor belts, motor-driven rollers, and self-driven rollers.

[0025] In one embodiment, the device 165 includes a sliding device that defines the transport surface 125, and the plurality of surface segments 135-1, 135-2, 135-3 includes a substantially continuous sliding surface between the first end and the second end.

[0026] The apparatus 165 further includes a route manifold 145-1 disposed below the opening 140-1 (in the Z direction) and a route manifold 145-2 disposed below the opening 140-2. Each of the route manifolds 145-1, 145-2 is configured to receive one or more packages passing through the corresponding opening 140-1, 140-2 and redirect the one or more packages to a selected one of a plurality of outlets. In some embodiments, the movement of packages through the route manifolds 145-1, 145-2 may be gravity-assisted. In some embodiments, the controller 505 is further configured to communicate control signals to operate one or more actuatable components included in the route manifolds 145-1, 145-2.Operation of the one or more actuatable components may redirect or allow parcels to move to selected outlets.

[0027] In system 100, containers 150-1, 150-2 are disposed below respective outlets of line manifold 145-1, and container 155 is disposed below an outlet of line manifold 145-2. Containers 150-1, 150-2, 155 may be disposed on reference surface 160, however, in other implementations, one or more of containers 150-1, 150-2, 155 may be disposed at a different elevation.

[0028] The route distributor 145-1 extends from a height Z2 substantially to the opening 140-1, and the route distributor 145-2 extends from a height Z3 substantially to the opening 140-2. In some embodiments, the heights Z2, Z3 may be selected based on a size of the respective bins 150-1, 150-2, 155. In some cases, the heights Z2, Z3 may be selected to be sufficiently close to the bins 150-1, 150-2, 155 (e.g., substantially less than a dimension of the packages) to prevent packages from being missorted (e.g., packages being diverted to the wrong bin) and / or packages from being lost. In some embodiments, the heights Z2, Z3 of the route distributors 145-1, 145-2 may be mechanically and / or manually adjustable.

[0029] In some embodiments, the route manifolds 145-1, 145-2 may be fixedly connected to the transport surface 125, and the inlets of the route manifolds 145-1, 145-2 may be aligned with the corresponding openings 140-1, 140-2. In other embodiments, the route manifolds 145-1, 145-2 and the transport surface 125 may be in a non-connected arrangement with the inlets aligned with the corresponding openings 140-1, 140-2.

[0030] In some embodiments, the route manifolds 145-1, 145-2 may be flexibly connected to the transport surface 125, and the plurality of outlets may be movable relative to an inlet of the route manifolds 145-1, 145-2. For example, the route manifolds 145-1, 145-2 may include wall portions formed from flexible material(s) and / or have a geometry such as folded sides (e.g., with an appearance such as a bellows or an accordion). In some embodiments, the inlets of the route manifolds 145-1, 145-2 may be movable relative to the openings 140-1, 140-2. For example, the system 100 may include mechanical actuators configured to reposition the route distributors 145-1, 145-2 (e.g., by rolling or sliding) and / or means for manually repositioning the route distributors 145-1, 145-2 (e.g.,one or more handles that can be operated by an employee). Thus, the route distributors 145-1, 145-2 can be reconfigurable to easily adapt to different types and / or arrangements of containers 150-1, 150-2, 155.

[0031] Although the transport surface 125 is shown as comprising substantially planar surface segments 135-1, 135-2, 135-3 arranged in a substantially coplanar configuration, other configurations are possible. In other words, the transport surface 125 may include surface segments 135-1, 135-2, 135-3 that are non-planar and / or have a configuration that is non-coplanar. In some alternative implementations, one or more of the surface segments 135-1, 135-2, 135-3 may be curved and / or the transport surface 125 may include portions that form sidewalls or support elements. In some alternative implementations, the transport surface 125 may include twists or turns or may have the surface segments 135-1, 135-2, 135-3 in a serpentine arrangement.

[0032] Fig. 2 includes diagrams 200, 210, 230 illustrating embodiments of the transport surface 125, and in particular, top views of embodiments of the transport surface 125. The elements discussed herein may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, such as the device 165 of Fig. 1.

[0033] In illustration 200, a first transport surface 125-1 includes two surface segments 135 that are substantially spaced apart from each other. As shown, the two surface segments 135 are connected by two regions 202-1, 202-2 that are relatively narrow compared to the opening 140 (as shown, in the Y direction). Alternative implementations may include a different number of regions and / or may have surface segments 135 that are completely detached from each other in the plane of the two surface segments 135.

[0034] In illustration 200, an opening 140 is formed in the transport surface 125-1, and a door 205 is disposed at the opening 140. The door 205 is shown in a closed position such that the door 205 forms a portion of the transport surface 125-1. For example, one surface of the door 205 may be coplanar with the two surface segments 135. When the door 205 is positioned in an open position, packages conveyed along the transport surface 125-1 (e.g., in a left-to-right direction, as shown) may be allowed to pass through the opening 140 and into a corresponding lane manifold.

[0035] In illustration 210, a second transport surface 125-2 includes two surface segments 135 that are substantially spaced apart from one another. A diverter system 215 is disposed between the two surface segments 135 and configured to divert or otherwise position packages to be conveyed to and / or away from the openings. The diverter system 215 may include one or more actuatable diverters of any suitable type, such as one or more paddle diverters.

[0036] In some embodiments, the diversion system 215 is configured to divert packages to a selected one of a plurality of lanes 220-1, 220-2, 220-3. In some embodiments, the operation of the diversion system 215 can be controlled based on destination information associated with the packages. As shown, the lanes 220-1, 220-2, 220-3 are arranged substantially in parallel, although other arrangements are also possible. In some cases, the lanes 220-1, 220-2, 220-3 can include independent surface segments that can be defined by walls or other suitable elements. As shown, the lane 220-2 includes the opening 140 and the lanes 220-1, 220-3 do not include corresponding openings.

[0037] In some embodiments, the diverter system 215 is configured to divert packages onto a bypass arm 225 that extends away from the surface segments 135 to prevent the packages from being directed to the opening 140. The bypass arm 225 may comprise any suitable and / or active implementation, such as a sliding surface, non-driven or driven rollers, conveyor belts, and so forth. Furthermore, alternative implementations of the bypass arm 225 may form a substantially continuous interface with the surface segments 135, although the bypass arm 225 is shown extending away from the surface segments 135 to form an opening 226.

[0038] In illustration 230, a third transport surface 125-3 includes two conveyor belts 235-1, 235-2 spaced apart by opening 140. Conveyor belts 235-1, 235-2 may represent examples of active surface segments 135. Door 205 may be disposed between conveyor belts 235-1, 235-2 and configured to selectively allow packages to pass through opening 140. View 240 illustrates a side view of illustration 230 in which door 204 has a surface substantially coplanar with the surfaces of conveyor belts 235-1, 235-2. Other relative positioning of door 204 and conveyor belts 235-1, 235-2 is also possible.

[0039] Fig. 3A is a diagram 300 illustrating an exemplary route manifold 145 according to various embodiments. The route manifold 145 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, such as the transport surface 125 of FIGS. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0040] The route manifold 145 is disposed below the opening 140 and includes a chute 305 having an inlet 310 aligned with the opening 140. The route manifold 145 further includes a plurality of outlets 320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4 coupled to the inlet 310. A diverter system 315 is disposed within the route manifold 145 and includes one or more diverters 330, 340-1, 340-2 operable to divert individual packages to a selected one of the plurality of outlets 320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4. Each of the plurality of outlets 320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4 is aligned with a respective container 325-1, 325-2, 325-3, 325-4. In some embodiments, the route manifold 145 is arranged such that the movement of the packages from the inlet 310 to the selected outlet is assisted by gravity.

[0041] The chute 305 may have any dimension suitable for aligning the inlet 310 with the opening 140. In some embodiments, the door 205 is configured to extend at least partially through the inlet 310 into the chute 305 when the door 205 is positioned to open the opening 140 and allow one or more packages to pass through the opening 140. The chute 305 may also have any dimension and / or orientation for controlling speeds of packages moving therethrough. In one example, the chute 305 has a substantially "vertical" orientation (i.e., extending primarily in the Z direction). In another example, and as shown in illustration 300, the chute 305 has an inclined orientation extending in the X direction and in the Z direction.

[0042] In some embodiments, the inlet 310 may be movable relative to the opening 140 and / or the plurality of outlets 320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4 may be movable relative to the inlet 310. To this end, the chute 305 may be provided with any rigid or flexible material(s). For example, the chute 305 may include wall portions formed from flexible material(s) and / or have a geometry such as folded sides (e.g., with an appearance such as a bellows or an accordion). In general, the chute 305 may be provided with any flexible or articulated member(s) configured to allow the route manifold 145 to be moved between a number of positions.

[0043] In an example, the Fig. 3B and Fig. 3C, the slide 305 provided with a bellows in a central region of the slide 305. The illustration 360 from Fig. 3B generally illustrates an orientation of the chute 305 that places the route manifold 145 in a first position. A first, rigid portion 365 extends from the inlet 310 to a first end of the collapsed bellows 366, and a second, flexible portion 368 extends from a second end of the bellows 366 to the route manifold 145. The illustration 370 of Fig. 3B generally illustrates an orientation of the chute 305 that places the route manifold 145 in a second position. The first, rigid portion 365 remains in a static position and extends to the first end of the expanded bellows 372, and the second, flexible portion 368 extends to the route manifold 145 at a different orientation. The expanded bellows 372 and the different orientation of the flexible portion 368 allow the route manifold 145 to be repositioned in any of the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0044] Furthermore, the route manifold 145 may include mechanical actuators for repositioning the chute 305 and / or the route manifold 145 (e.g., by rolling or sliding) and / or means for manually repositioning the chute 305 and / or the route manifold 145 (e.g., one or more handles operable by an employee). Thus, the route manifold 145 may be reconfigurable to easily adapt to different types and / or arrangements of containers.

[0045] As shown, the diverter system 315 includes a plurality of diverters 330, 340-1, 340-2. Each of the diverters 330, 340-1, 340-2 may have any suitable configuration for passively and / or actively diverting packages to a selected one of a plurality of paths. In some embodiments, each of the diverters 330, 340-1, 340-2 includes a respective tilt tray 335, 345-1, 345-2. The tilt tray 335 is rotatable about an axis A, and the tilt trays 345-1, 345-2 are rotatable about an axis B. The tilt trays 335, 345-1, 345-2 can be individually actuated using respective actuators 545-2, 545-3, 545-4, such as electric motors. The controller 505 is configured to communicate control signals with the actuators 545-2, 545-3, 545-4.In some embodiments, the controller 505 is further configured to communicate control signals with an actuator 545-1 connected to the door 205 and configured to rotate the door about an axis C.

[0046] Although the axes A, B are shown to be substantially perpendicular to each other, alternative implementations may have different relative orientations between the axes A, B. Furthermore, in alternative implementations, the tilt trays 345-1, 345-2 may be rotatable about different axes with a desired relative orientation.

[0047] In some embodiments, the plurality of diverters 330, 340-1, 340-2 are disposed on a plurality of paths, each path performing a respective sorting operation for packages moving therethrough. For example, tilt tray 335 is disposed on a first path 350 and is operable to selectively divert individual packages between at least a first path and a second path. Tilt tray 345-1 is disposed on a second path 355 and is coupled to the first path and is operable to selectively divert individual packages between at least a third path and a fourth path. Tilt tray 345-2 is disposed on the second path 355 and is coupled to the second path and is operable to selectively divert individual packages between at least a fifth path and a sixth path.

[0048] Each of the third path, the fourth path, the fifth path, and the sixth path is coupled to a respective one or more outlets of the plurality of outlets 320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4. As shown, the third path, the fourth path, the fifth path, and the sixth path are coupled to the plurality of outlets 320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4 in a 1:1 ratio. Other implementations may include various numbers of routes of diverter devices, such that paths selectable on the second route 355 may correspond to outlets of the route manifold 145 in various ratios.

[0049] As shown, each of the plurality of diverters 330, 340-1, 340-2 is operable between two separate positions, and the plurality of outlets 320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4 correspond to the plurality of bins 325-1, 325-2, 325-3, 325-4 in a 1:1 ratio. In some alternative implementations, one or more of the plurality of diverters 330, 340-1, 340-2 are operable between three or more positions, so that the outlets of the route manifold 145 can correspond to the bins in ratios other than 1:1.

[0050] In illustration 300, the diverting devices 330, 340-1, 340-2 are shown as respective tilt trays 335, 345-1, 345-2, each configured to divert parcels between two paths and sized to have a substantially symmetrical profile in a side view. In other words, each of the tilt trays 335, 345-1, 345-2 is illustrated as extending substantially equal lengths in two directions from the respective rotation axes A, B. However, alternative implementations of the diverting devices 330, 340-1, 340-2 may be configured to divert parcels between three or more paths and may have different dimensions.

[0051] In an example, the illustration shows 380 from Fig. 3D an exemplary embodiment of a diversion device 340 that is rotatable about axis B to a plurality of positions 382-1, 382-2, 382-3. When the diversion device 340 is in a first position 382-1 (represented by a solid contour), a package 115 is diverted into a container 325-5. When the diversion device 340 is in a second position 382-2 (represented by a dashed contour), the package 115 is diverted into a container 325-1. When the diversion device 340 is in a third position 382-3 (represented by a dotted contour), the package 115 is diverted into a container 325-2. In some embodiments, the diversion device 340 includes regions 384, 386 that extend radially from axis B in different directions and have different lengths.In some embodiments, the diverter system 315 and / or the route distributor 145 may be sized to control the speed of the package 115 differently based on which bin the package 115 is destined for. For example, the diverter device 340 may be maintained in a similar position when diverting the package 115 to different bins, and the package 115 is delivered at a slower speed when diverted to a nearby bin and at a faster speed when diverted to a distant bin.

[0052] In another example, the illustration shows 390 from Fig. 3E illustrates an embodiment of a diverter 340 rotatable about axis B to any of a plurality of positions 392-1, 392-2. In some embodiments, diverter 340 includes discrete portions 394 extending radially from axis B. When diverter 340 is in a first position 392-1 (represented by a solid outline), package 115 is directed into a receptacle 325-2. When diverter 340 is in a second position 392-2 (represented by a dotted outline), package 115 is directed into a receptacle 325-1.

[0053] Fig. 4 is a diagram 400 illustrating an exemplary transport surface 125 according to various embodiments. In particular, the diagram 400 illustrates a side view 420 and a top view 425 of the transport surface 125. The elements of the transport surface 125 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, such as the system 100 of Fig. 1 and / or the route distributor 145 Fig. 3.

[0054] The transport surface 125 includes a plurality of slope regions 402, 404, 406, 408. Each of the slope regions 402, 404, 406, 408 may have a respective slope selected to control speeds of the packages as they are conveyed along the transport surface 125. Advantageously, controlling the speeds of the packages may enable more efficient sorting and / or handling of the packages, as well as reducing the risk of damage to the packages during transport. In some embodiments, the slope region 402 has a slope between about 5° and about 15° relative to a reference surface, such as a floor plane of a warehouse. In some embodiments, the slope region 404 has a slope between about 10° and 35°, which in some cases may be greater than that of the slope region 402.In some embodiments, the slope region 406 has a slope between about 10° and about 25°, which in some cases may be less than the slope of the slope region 404 and / or greater than the slope of the slope region 402. In some embodiments, the slope region 408 has a slope between about -5° and 10°, which in some cases may be less than the slope of the slope region 406. In one non-limiting example, the slope region 402 has a slope of about 7°, the slope region 404 has a slope of about 20°, the slope region 406 has a slope of about 15°, and the slope region 408 has a slope of about 5°.

[0055] The transport surface 125 includes a plurality of surface segments 410, 412, 414, 416, 418. As discussed above, the plurality of surface segments 410, 412, 414, 416, 418 may have selected geometric and surface characteristics for controlling speeds of the packages as they are conveyed between an upstream point and a downstream point of the transport surface. In one non-limiting example, surface segment 410 has a length of about 500 millimeters (mm), a first door portion 430 has a length of about 900 mm, a second door portion 435 has a length of about 800 mm, surface segment 412 has a length of about 1200 mm, surface segment 414 has a length of about 8000 mm, surface segment 416 has a length of about 2000 mm, and surface segment 418 has a length of about 1000 mm.In some embodiments, the surface segments 410, 412 are spaced apart such that the opening has a length of about 1700 mm, although other opening lengths are also possible.

[0056] Surface segment 410 and first door portion 430 are included in slope region 402, surface segment 412 and second door portion 435 are included in slope region 404, surface segments 414, 416 are included in slope region 406, and surface segment 418 is included in slope region 408. Surface segments 410, 412, 414, 416, 418 may have any suitable implementation. For example, surface segments 410, 412, 414, 418 may include sliding surfaces, and surface segment 416 includes a plurality of motorized rollers, gravity-assisted sliding rollers, or caster bars.

[0057] In some embodiments, a first door portion 430 of the door 205 is included in the first surface segment 410, and a second door portion 435 of the door 205 is included in the second surface segment 412. In this way, the door 205 forms a portion of the transport surface 125, the first door portion 430 defines a first sub-portion of the portion, and the second door portion 435 defines a second sub-portion of the portion. In some embodiments, the first sub-portion has a first coefficient of friction, and the second sub-portion has a different, second coefficient of friction.

[0058] In some embodiments, when the door 205 is positioned in a closed position 440-1, individual packages are conveyed along a first path 445-1 across the first sub-portion and the second sub-portion of the portion of the transport surface 125 defined by the door 205, and a diversion system (e.g., the diversion system 215 of Fig. 2) be configured to arrange the individual packages to control a ratio of the first sub-portion and the second sub-portion included in the path 445. For example, assume that the second friction coefficient associated with the second door region 435 is greater than the first friction coefficient associated with the first door region 430. To slow down certain packages (e.g., heavier packages), the diverter system may adjust the positioning of the package in the positive Y direction so that the package moves along a second path 445-2 that includes a larger proportion of the (larger) second friction coefficient.Similarly, the diverter system may adjust the positioning of the package in the negative Y direction to increase the speed of certain packages, causing the packages to move along a third path 445-3 that includes a smaller portion of the (larger) second friction coefficient. In other words, the diverter system may control a composite friction coefficient associated with the movement of the packages through the door 205.

[0059] As shown, each of the surface segments 410, 412 has a right trapezoidal shape, and each of the first door portion 430 and the second door portion 435 has a right trapezoidal shape. At least one side of the door portion 430 overlaps at least one side of the surface segment 410, and at least one side of the door portion 435 overlaps at least one side of the surface segment 412. However, alternative implementations may include different shapes of the surface segments 410, 412 and / or the door portions 430, 435.

[0060] When the door 205 is positioned in an open position 440-2, individual packages can pass through the opening into the chute 305 and the diverter system 315. A first diverter device 330 (e.g., a tilt tray 335) of the diverter system 315 is shown. Alternative numbers of diverters are also possible, such as those shown in Fig. 3 shows a plurality of diversion devices.

[0061] Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system 500 including an exemplary controller 505, according to various embodiments. The controller 505 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, such as the system 100 of Fig. 1 and / or the route distributor 145 Fig. 3.

[0062] The controller 505 includes one or more computer processors 510 and a memory 515. The one or more computer processors 510 represent any number of processing elements, each of which may include any number of processor cores. Some non-limiting examples of the one or more computer processors 510 include a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated chip (ASIC), and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or combinations thereof. The memory 515 may include volatile memory elements (such as random access memory), non-volatile memory elements (such as solid-state, magnetic, optical, or flash-based memory), and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the memory 515 may be distributed across various media (e.g., network-attached storage or external hard drives).

[0063] The controller 505 may be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors 540 using one or more communication links 555 and to one or more actuators 545 using one or more communication links 560. The one or more sensors 540 are configured to identify and / or track packages during transport along a transport surface. Some non-limiting types of the one or more processors 540 include visual sensors configured to obtain images of the packages and radio-frequency identification (RFID) readers configured to receive identification data from RFID tags included with the packages.

[0064] The one or more actuating elements 545 are connected to one or more actuatable components that are provided on the transport surface 125 of Fig. 1. The one or more actuating elements 545 may be of any suitable type, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and / or mechanical actuators. Some non-limiting examples of the one or more actuatable components include one or more doors 205 ( Fig. 2) arranged at (an) opening(s) in the transport surface 125, a diversion system 215 ( Fig. 2) configured to redirect or otherwise position packages to be conveyed to and / or away from the opening, and a redirection system 315 configured to direct individual packages to a selected one of a plurality of outlets.

[0065] The controller 505 may further be communicatively coupled to a network 550 using one or more communication links 565. The network 550 may include one or more networks of various types, including a local area / access network (LAN), a general purpose wide area network (WAN), and / or a public network (e.g., the Internet). In one example, the controller 505 is communicatively coupled to one or more other controllers used to control other parcel handling routes, such as an automated sortation route that provides the parcels to a sortation route associated with the controller 505.

[0066] Memory 515 may include a plurality of "modules" for performing various functions described herein. In one embodiment, each module includes program code executable by one or more of computer processors 510. However, other embodiments may include modules implemented partially or entirely in hardware (i.e., circuitry) or firmware of controller 505. As shown, memory 515 includes a sorting module 520 and an image processing module 525.

[0067] The sorting module 520 is configured to sort or distribute packages according to a predefined algorithm. The sorting module 520 is further configured to communicate control signals to the one or more actuators 545 to sort the packages as they are conveyed along a transport surface. The image processing module 525 may use any suitable processing techniques to extract information from images acquired by visual sensor(s) of the one or more sensors 540.

[0068] In some embodiments, the storage 515 may further include package information 530 associated with the various packages to be tracked, which may include destination information 535 associated with the packages. The destination information 535 may take any suitable form, such as a destination within the warehouse (e.g., a specific container or a specific location in the environment), a destination outside the warehouse (e.g., a portion of a destination mailing address or a specific transport vehicle), and so on. In one non-limiting example, the destination information 535 may include zip codes of a mailing address associated with the packages.

[0069] In some embodiments, a visual sensor of the one or more sensors 540 is configured to obtain images of the packages, which may include labels on the packages. The image processing module 525 may be used to extract package information 530, which may include physical characteristics of the packages and / or other information contained in the labels affixed to the packages. In some embodiments, the destination information 535 may be included in the labeling. In other embodiments, the destination information 535 may use some or all of the extracted package information 530 to identify the packages, and the sorting module 520 may obtain the destination information 535 for the identified packages using the network 550. For example, assume that the package information 530 identifies a long, rectangular package and a small, square package.The sorting module 520 may request the destination information 535 associated with a previous fulfillment path from a controller and operate the one or more actuators 545 according to the destination information 535.

[0070] Although the previous examples describe the operation of the sorting module 520 with respect to the destination information 535 for the various packages, other implementations of the sorting module 520 may employ different algorithms. In one non-limiting example, the sorting module 520 may be configured to perform load balancing and may distribute packages substantially evenly among a number of bins.

[0071] Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary method 600 for sorting packages according to various embodiments. The method 600 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, such as the system 100 of Fig. 1 and / or the controller 505 Fig. 5.

[0072] The method 600 begins at block 605, where a first package is picked up at a first end of a transport surface. The transport surface is configured to convey packages along a transport path defined between the first end and a second end. At block 615, the controller obtains first destination information associated with the first package.

[0073] At block 625, the controller, in accordance with the first target information, controls at least a first actuatable component disposed proximate the transport surface to allow the first package to pass through an opening defined in the transport surface at a first elevation. The first package is received in a route manifold through an inlet aligned with the opening.

[0074] At block 635, the controller, in accordance with the first destination information, controls at least one second actuatable component disposed within the route manifold to enable individual packages to travel to a selected one of a plurality of outlets of the route manifold. In some embodiments, the plurality of outlets are located at one or more second elevations below the first elevation. In some embodiments, the movement of the first package from the inlet to the selected outlet is gravity-assisted.

[0075] At block 645, a second package is picked up at the first end of the transport surface. At block 655, the controller obtains second target information associated with the second package. At block 665, the controller controls the first actuatable component according to the second target information to prevent the second package from passing through the opening. The method 600 ends upon completion of block 665.

[0076] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein has been chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical application, or technical improvement over current technology, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0077] Reference is made above to embodiments illustrated in this disclosure. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to specifically described embodiments. Rather, any combination of the described features and elements, whether or not in the context of various embodiments, is contemplated to implement and practice contemplated embodiments. Moreover, while embodiments disclosed herein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a particular embodiment does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.Thus, the foregoing aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages are merely illustrative and are not to be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly recited in a claim(s).

[0078] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, native software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, all of which may be generally referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or "system." Additionally, aspects may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embodied thereon.

[0079] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used to implement embodiments of the disclosure. The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may, for example, be, among other things, a system, apparatus, or device operating on an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared-based, or semiconductor-based principle, or any combination of the foregoing.More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. For the purposes of this specification, a computer-readable storage medium is any tangible medium on which a program can be contained or stored for use by or in connection with an instruction-executing system, apparatus, or device.

[0080] A computer-readable signal medium may include a propagating data signal with computer-readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagating signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium may be any computer-readable medium, other than a computer-readable storage medium, that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0081] Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including, but not limited to, wireless, wired, via an optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0082] The aspects of the present disclosure are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments presented in this disclosure. It should be understood that each block in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, may be implemented by computer program instructions.These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine such that the instructions, executing via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, produce means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the block or blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0083] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture that includes instructions that implement the function / act specified in the block or blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0084] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of process steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable device, or other devices to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executing on the computer or other programmable device provide processes for implementing the functions / acts specified in the block or blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0085] The flow and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flow or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions specified in the block may occur in a different order than that specified in the figures. For example, depending on the functionality involved, two blocks shown in succession may actually execute substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes execute in reverse order.It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0086] Although the foregoing refers to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be developed without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope of these embodiments is determined by the following claims.

[0087] The above statements can be better understood by reference to the following sentences: Set 1 is a device for sorting parcels, the device comprising: a slider defining a transport surface configured to transport packages from an upstream point of the slider to a downstream point of the slider, the slider further defining an opening in the transport surface sized to receive one or more of the packages therethrough, the slider comprising: a plurality of surface segments arranged between the upstream point and the downstream point, which together define the transport surface, wherein each of the plurality of surface segments has selected geometric and surface characteristics for controlling speeds of the packages as they are conveyed on the sliding device between the upstream point and the downstream point; at least one door arranged in the sliding device, the door being selectively positionable at least between: a first position in which the door closes the opening and forms at least a portion of the transport surface, and a second position in which the door opens the opening to allow the one or more packages to pass therethrough; and a line distributor located below the opening and comprising: a chute with an inlet aligned with the opening; a plurality of outlets coupled to the inlet; a diverter system disposed in the route manifold and comprising one or more diverter devices operable to divert individual packages to a selected one of the plurality of outlets. Sentence 2 is the device according to sentence 1, wherein the one or more diverting devices comprise one or more tilting trays. Sentence 3 is the device according to sentence 1, wherein the one or more diverting devices comprise a plurality of diverting devices arranged in a cascade-like arrangement. Sentence 4 is the device according to sentence 3, wherein the plurality of diverting devices comprises: a first tilt tray disposed on a first path, the first tilt tray operable to selectively redirect individual packages between at least a first path and a second path; a second tilt tray disposed on a second path and coupled to the first path, the second tilt tray operable to selectively redirect individual packages between at least a third path and a fourth path; and a third tilt tray disposed on the second path and coupled to the second path, the third tilt tray operable to selectively redirect individual parcels between at least a fifth path and a sixth path, wherein each of the third path, the fourth path, the fifth path, and the sixth path is coupled to a respective one or more outlets of the plurality of outlets. Sentence 5 is the device according to sentence 1, further comprising: a controller communicatively coupled to a first actuator connected to the door and a second actuator connected to the diverter, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the first actuating element and the second actuating element according to the target information associated with the one or more packages. Claim 6 is the device according to Claim 1, wherein at least one of: the inlet of the chute is movable relative to the opening; and the plurality of outlets is movable relative to the inlet. Claim 7 is the device according to Claim 1, wherein the door comprises: a first door area that defines a first partial section of the section of the transport surface, the first partial section having a first coefficient of friction; and a second door area that defines a second partial section of the section of the transport surface, the second partial section having a different, second coefficient of friction. Claim 8 is the device according to Claim 7, wherein when the door is in the first position, the individual packages are conveyed along a path over the first partial section and the second partial section, the device further comprising: a second rerouting system configured to arrange the individual packets to control a ratio of the first subsection and the second subsection included in the path. Sentence 9 is the device according to sentence 7, wherein the first subsection has a first inclination and the second subsection has a different, second inclination. Set 10 is a device for sorting parcels, the device comprising: a transport surface configured to convey packages along a transport path defined between a first end and a second end of the transport surface, wherein an opening in the transport surface is defined at a first height and sized to receive one or more of the packages therethrough, the transport surface comprising a plurality of surface segments disposed between the first end and the second end, each of the plurality of surface segments having selected geometric and surface characteristics for controlling speeds of the packages as they are conveyed along the transport path; and a line distributor arranged at a second height below the first height and comprising: a chute with an inlet aligned with the opening; a plurality of outlets coupled to the inlet; and a first diverter system comprising one or more diverters disposed in the route manifold and operable to selectively divert the received packages to any one of the plurality of outlets, the one or more diverters responsive to destination information associated with the individual packages. Clause 11 is the device of clause 10, wherein the plurality of surface segments form a substantially continuous sliding surface between the first end and the second end. Clause 12 is the apparatus of clause 10, wherein the one or more diverting devices comprise a plurality of diverting devices arranged in a cascade-like arrangement. Sentence 13 is the device according to sentence 12, wherein the plurality of diverting devices comprises: a first tilt tray disposed on a first path, the first tilt tray operable to selectively redirect individual packages between at least a first path and a second path; a second tilt tray disposed on a second path and coupled to the first path, the second tilt tray operable to selectively redirect individual parcels between at least a third path and a fourth path; and a third tilting tray disposed on the second path and coupled to the second path, the third tilting tray operable to selectively redirect individual parcels between at least a fifth path and a sixth path, wherein each of the third path, the fourth path, the fifth path, and the sixth path is coupled to a respective one or more outlets of the plurality of outlets. Sentence 14 is the device according to sentence 10, wherein at least a first surface segment of the plurality of surface segments has a first inclination and wherein at least a second surface segment of the plurality of surface segments has a different, second inclination. Sentence 15 is the device according to sentence 10, further comprising: a door arranged at the opening; and an actuator connected to the door and responsive to the target information to selectively position the door at least between: a first position in which the door closes the opening and forms at least a portion of the transport surface, and a second position in which the door opens the opening to allow the one or more packages to pass through. Sentence 16 is the device according to Sentence 15, wherein the door comprises: a first door region defining a first portion of the portion of the transport surface, the first portion having a first coefficient of friction; and a second door region defining a second portion of the portion of the transport surface, the second portion having a different, second coefficient of friction. Sentence 17 is a procedure comprising: Receiving a first package at a first end of a transport surface, the transport surface configured to convey packages along a transport path defined between the first end and a second end; Obtaining, using a controller comprising one or more computer processors, first destination information associated with the first packet; Controlling, according to the first target information, at least one first actuatable component disposed proximate the transport surface to allow the first package to pass through an opening defined in the transport surface at a first height, wherein the first package is received in a route distributor through an inlet aligned with the opening; and Controlling, according to the first destination information, at least one second actuatable component disposed in the route manifold to enable individual packages to travel to a selected one of a plurality of outlets of the route manifold, the plurality of outlets being disposed at one or more second elevations below the first elevation, wherein movement of the first package from the inlet to the selected outlet is assisted by gravity. Sentence 18 is the method of Sentence 17, wherein the first actuatable component comprises a door disposed at the opening and connected to an actuating element, and wherein controlling the first actuatable component comprises: from a first position in which the door forms at least a portion of the transport surface, operating the door to a second position in which the door opens the opening to allow the first package to pass therethrough. Sentence 19 is the method of sentence 17, wherein the second actuatable component comprises a tilting tray connected to an actuating element. Sentence 20 is the procedure according to sentence 17, further comprising: Picking up a second package at the first end of the transport surface; Obtaining second destination information associated with the second packet; and Controlling, according to the second target information, the first actuatable component to prevent the second package from passing through the opening.

Claims

[1] Device for sorting parcels (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4), the device comprising: a sliding device defining a transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3) configured to transport packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) from an upstream point of the sliding device to a downstream point of the sliding device, the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3) comprising a plurality of surface segments (135, 135-1, 135-2, 135-3) disposed between the upstream point and the downstream point, each of the plurality of surface segments (135, 135-1, 135-2, 135-3) having selected geometry and surface properties for controlling speeds of the packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) when conveyed from the upstream point to the downstream point, wherein the sliding device further defines an opening (140, 140-1, 140-2) in the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3),which is dimensioned to receive one or more of the packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) therethrough;, at least one door (205) arranged in the sliding device, the door (205) being selectively positionable at least between: a first position in which the door (205) closes the opening (140, 140-1, 140-2) and forms at least a portion of the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3), and a second position in which the door (205) opens the opening (140, 140-1, 140-2) to allow the one or more packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) to pass therethrough, the door (205) comprising: a first door region (430) defining a first portion of the portion of the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3), the first portion having a first coefficient of friction; and a second door region (435) defining a second portion of the portion of the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3), the second portion having a different, second coefficient of friction; and a route distributor (145, 145-1, 145-2) arranged below the opening (140, 140-1, 140-2) and comprising: a diverter system (215, 315) comprising one or more diverter devices (330, 340-1, 340-2) operable to divert individual packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) to a selected one of a plurality of outlets (320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4). [2] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more diverting devices (330, 340-1, 340-2) comprise one or more tilting trays (335, 345-1, 345-2). [3] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more diverting devices (330, 340-1, 340-2) comprise a plurality of diverting devices (330, 340-1, 340-2) arranged in a cascade-like arrangement. [4] The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of diverting devices (330, 340-1, 340-2) comprises: a first tilt tray (335) disposed on a first path (350), the first tilt tray (335) operable to selectively redirect individual packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) between at least a first path and a second path; a second tilt tray (345-1) disposed on a second path (355) and coupled to the first path, the second tilt tray (345-1) operable to selectively redirect individual packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) between at least a third path and a fourth path; and a third tilt tray (345-2) disposed on the second path (355) and coupled to the second path, the third tilt tray (345-2) operable to selectively redirect individual packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) between at least a fifth path and a sixth path, wherein each of the third path, the fourth path, the fifth path, and the sixth path is coupled to a respective one or more outlets (320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4) of the plurality of outlets (320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4). [5] The device of claim 1, further comprising: a controller (505) communicatively coupled to a first actuator (545-1) connected to the door (205) and one or more second actuators (545-2, 545-3, 545-4) connected to the one or more diverters (330, 340-1, 340-2), wherein the controller (505) is configured to actuate the first actuating element (545-1) and the one or more second actuating elements (545-2, 545-3, 545-4) according to the destination information associated with the one or more packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4). [6] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when the door (205) is in the first position, the individual packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) are conveyed along a path across the first section and the second section, the apparatus further comprising: a second rerouting system (215, 315) configured to arrange the individual packets (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) to control a ratio of the first subsection and the second subsection included in the path. [7] The device of claim 1, wherein the first section has a first inclination and the second section has a different, second inclination. [8] The device of claim 1, wherein the sliding device comprises: a plurality of surface segments (135, 135-1, 135-2, 135-3) arranged between the upstream point and the downstream point and which together define the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3), and wherein each of the plurality of surface segments (135, 135-1, 135-2, 135-3) has selected geometric and surface characteristics for controlling speeds of the packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) as the packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) are conveyed on the sliding device between the upstream point and the downstream point. [9] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the route distributor (145, 145-1, 145-2) further comprises: a chute (305) having an inlet (310) aligned with the opening (140); and the plurality of outlets (320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4) coupled to the inlet (310). [10] Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein at least one of: the inlet (310) of the chute (305) is movable relative to the opening (140); and the plurality of outlets (320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4) is movable relative to the inlet (310). [11] Device for sorting parcels (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4), the device comprising: a transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3) configured to convey packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) along a transport path defined between a first end and a second end of the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3), the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3) comprising a plurality of surface segments (135, 135-1, 135-2, 135-3) disposed between the first end and the second end, each of the plurality of surface segments (135, 135-1, 135-2, 135-3) having selected geometry and surface properties for controlling the speeds of the Packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) when conveyed along the transport path, wherein the plurality of surface segments (135, 135-1, 135-2, 135-3) forms a substantially continuous sliding surface between the first end and the second end, wherein an opening (140, 140-1, 140-2) in the transport surface (125,125-1, 125-2, 125-3) is defined at a first height and dimensioned to receive one or more of the packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) therethrough; and, a route distributor (145, 145-1, 145-2) arranged at a second height which is below the first height and comprising: a chute (305) having an inlet (310) aligned with the opening (140); a plurality of outlets (320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4) coupled to the inlet (310); and a first diverter system (215, 315) comprising a plurality of diverter devices (330, 340-1, 340-2) arranged in the route distributor (145, 145-1, 145-2) and operable to selectively divert the received packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) to any one of the plurality of outlets (320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4), the plurality of diverter devices (330, 340-1, 340-2) being responsive to destination information associated with the individual packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4), wherein the plurality of diverting devices (330, 340-1, 340-2) comprises: a first tilt tray (335) disposed on a first path (350), the first tilt tray (335) operable to selectively redirect individual packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) between at least a first path and a second path; a second tilt tray (345-1) disposed on a second path (355) and coupled to the first path, the second tilt tray (345-1) operable to selectively redirect individual packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) between at least a third path and a fourth path; and a third tilt tray (345-2) disposed on the second path (355) and coupled to the second path, the third tilt tray (345-2) operable to selectively redirect individual packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) between at least a fifth path and a sixth path. [12] The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the third path, the fourth path, the fifth path, and the sixth path is coupled to a respective one or more outlets (320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4) of the plurality of outlets (320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4). [13] The apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least a first surface segment (135, 135-1, 135-2, 135-3) of a plurality of surface segments (135, 135-1, 135-2, 135-3) of the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3) has a first inclination, and wherein at least a second surface segment (135, 135-1, 135-2, 135-3) of the plurality of surface segments (135, 135-1, 135-2, 135-3) has a different, second inclination. [14] The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: a door (205) arranged at the opening (140, 140-1, 140-2); and an actuator (545-1) connected to the door (205) and responsive to the target information to selectively position the door (205) at least between: a first position in which the door (205) closes the opening (140, 140-1, 140-2) and forms at least a portion of the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3), and a second position in which the door (205) opens the opening (140, 140-1, 140-2) to allow the one or more packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) to pass therethrough. [15] The device of claim 14, wherein the door (205) comprises: a first door region (430) defining a first portion of the portion of the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3), the first portion having a first coefficient of friction; and a second door region (435) defining a second portion of the portion of the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3), the second portion having a different, second coefficient of friction. [16] Method (600) comprising: Receiving (605) a first package at a first end of a transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3), wherein the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3) is configured to convey packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) along a transport path defined between the first end and a second end, wherein the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3) comprises a plurality of surface segments (135, 135-1, 135-2, 135-3) disposed between the first end and the second end, wherein each of the plurality of surface segments (135, 135-1, 135-2, 135-3) has selected geometric and surface characteristics for controlling the speeds of the packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) as they are conveyed along the transport path, wherein the plurality of surface segments (135, 135-1, 135-2, 135-3) forms a substantially continuous sliding surface between the first end and the second end; Obtaining (615), using a controller (505) comprising one or more computer processors, first destination information associated with the first packet; Controlling (625), according to the first destination information, at least one first actuatable component disposed proximate the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3) to allow the first package to pass through an opening (140, 140-1, 140-2) defined in the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3) at a first height, wherein the first package is received in a route distributor (145, 145-1, 145-2) through an inlet (310) aligned with the opening (140); and Controlling (635), according to the first destination information, at least one second actuatable component arranged in the route distributor (145, 145-1, 145-2) to enable individual packages (115, 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4) to reach a selected outlet (320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4) of a plurality of outlets (320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4) of the route distributor (145, 145-1, 145-2), wherein the second actuatable component comprises a tilting tray (335, 345-1, 345-2) connected to a first actuating element (545-1, 545-2, 545-3, 545-4), wherein the plurality of outlets (320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4) are arranged at one or more second heights which are below the first height, and wherein the movement of the first package from the inlet (310) to the selected outlet (320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4) is assisted by gravity. [17] The method of claim 16, wherein the first actuatable component comprises a door (205) disposed at the opening (140, 140-1, 140-2) and connected to a second actuating element (545-1, 545-2, 545-3, 545-4), and wherein controlling the first actuatable component comprises: from a first position in which the door (205) forms at least a portion of the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3), actuating the door (205) to a second position in which the door (205) opens the opening (140, 140-1, 140-2) to allow the first package to pass therethrough. [18] The method of claim 16, further comprising: Picking up (645) a second package at the first end of the transport surface (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3); Obtaining (655) second destination information associated with the second packet; and Tax (665) the first operable component according to the second target information to prevent the second package from passing through the opening (140, 140-1, 140-2).

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