Importance

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Abstract

In the disclosed method and apparatus, item-identifying codes of packages loaded onto a conveyor are scanned and, based on comparisons with the items in a group of orders stored in a computer, the packages are distributed to corresponding order-assembly lanes while account is kept of the distributed packages. In a preferred embodiment, one code-reader is located at the supply end of the conveyor system and packages are tracked in the computer for delivery to respective order-assembly lanes, deducting from order requirements at the time of scanning and correcting for the deductions if timely deliveries are not effected. Where belt conveyors are used and 'slip' of a package behind its theoretical maximum travel speed may occur, package travel is monitored and operation of the system is halted in case of excessive delay of a package along any travel segment. The actual 'slip' of each tracked package occurring along each segment of the conveyor system, unless excessive, is erased in monitoring travel of the packages along each succeeding conveyor segment, thereby avoiding tracking complications due to pyramiding of tolerable sequential 'slips' along successive segments of the conveyor system.

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First Claim