Patent ID: 8863961
Filing Date: 2014-10-21
Classification: B07C

Abstract:
1. A method sorting items for delivery, the method comprising: providing a plurality of bins, each bin associated with a display, an input device, and a plurality of indicators, at least one of the plurality of bins comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is separated from the second portion by a partition; displaying a sort criterion for the bin using the associated display; indicating, using a first indicator associated with the bin, that the bin is active; receiving items in the first portion of the bin; receiving, from the associated input device, an indication that an item has been placed in the bin; indicating, using a second indicator associated with the bin, that the bin contains a sufficient number of items for a shipping container; providing an actuator for the bin, the actuator coupled to the partition and adapted, when actuated, to cause items in the first portion of the bin to transfer into the second portion of the bin by causing the partition to move from a closed position to an open position; sensing actuation of the actuator; indicating, using a third indicator associated with the bin, that the actuator has been actuated; and transferring items to the second portion of the bin.