Patent ID: 6190110
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: B07C,B65G,G06T

Abstract:
In a bulk mail processing system in which a bulk mail container is conveyed from a receiving station to an unloading station at which the contents of the container are emptied out of the container, apparatus for monitoring the container comprising:emptying means at the unloading station emptying the contents of the container;imaging means viewing the container after it has been emptied;a processor to which the image is transmitted by the imaging means, the processor processing the image to determine if the container has been fully emptied or if any residual pieces of mail remain therein; and,a controller controlling operation of the emptying means and responsive to an input from the processor that the container has been emptied to have the empty container conveyed away from the unloading station, the controller being further responsive to an input from the processor that there is residual mail left in the container to have the emptying means re-empty the container to unload the remaining contents of the container so the container is completely empty before being conveyed from the unloading station.