Patent ID: 7201277

Claim:
A device for automatically merging manually processable mail flats with a flow, in a sorter, according to a distribution sequence of sorted mail items, filed on a section conveyor which transports the mail items in sections to a collecting station at which the mail items are coordinated according to the distribution sequence, the device comprising: containers movable independently from each other along an enclosed transport path, provided over one part of the section conveyor, the containers circulating independently from each other along the enclosed transport path and each comprising several coupled compartments controlled to open downwards for one mail item each such that the compartments may only be emptied if the containers are in a neutral position at stationary sorting stations and automatic emptying takes place on sections assigned to delivery paints in accordance with known destination addresses, and driving means for driving the container, after it has been emptied, to a loading station at which the compartments are filled with mail items, the compartments with the mail items being assigned to delivery points of distribution sequences according to respective destination addresses, and transmitting means for transmitting assignment information relating to the assigned delivery points to a device for controlled opening of the compartments.