U.S. patent application number 10/847184 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-17 for systems and methods for sorting in a package delivery system.
This patent application is currently assigned to United Parcel Service of America, Inc., United Parcel Service of America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bradley, David, Jenkins, Rhesa, Olsen, John.
Application Number | 20050252596 10/847184 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34969816 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050252596 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olsen, John ; et
al. |
November 17, 2005 |
Systems and methods for sorting in a package delivery system
Abstract
The present invention provides novel systems and methods for
processing packages through a delivery network using a hub assist
label. Generally described, the hub assist label includes indicia
of a sequence of sorting locations that designates the flow of a
package through a delivery network.
Inventors: |
Olsen, John; (Cumming,
GA) ; Bradley, David; (Alpharetta, GA) ;
Jenkins, Rhesa; (Atlanta, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
United Parcel Service of America,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34969816 |
Appl. No.: |
10/847184 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
156/64 ; 156/350;
156/360; 705/1.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B07C 7/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
156/064 ;
156/350; 156/360; 705/001 |
International
Class: |
B32B 031/00 |
Claims
That which is claimed:
1. A package sortation system that associates a sort plan to a
package in a delivery network, said system comprising: a data
capture device that captures shipping indicia from said package; a
hub assist tool that receives said shipping indicia from said data
capture device and associates a sort plan to said package based at
least in part on said shipping indicia; and a labeling device that
generates a sort label for said package based at least in part on
said sort plan.
2. The package sortation system of claim 1, wherein said shipping
indicia comprises a delivery service level and a destination zip
code.
3. The package sortation system of claim 2, wherein said hub assist
tool associates said sort plan to said package based at least in
part on said service level, and said destination zip code.
4. The package sortation system of claim 3, wherein said hub assist
tool associated said sort plan to said package by querying a sort
plan database with said service level and said destination zip
code.
5. The package sortation system of claim 1, wherein said labeling
device includes a printer that generates a printed sort label for
said package.
6. The package sortation system of claim 5, wherein said labeling
device is additionally configured to affix said printed sort label
to said package.
7. The package sortation system of claim 1, wherein said sort label
is an RFID tag.
8. The package sortation system of claim 7, wherein said labeling
device is an interrogator.
9. The package sortation system of claim 1, wherein said sort label
is a virtual label that is projected on said package.
10. The package sortation system of claim 1, wherein said label is
a virtual label that is displayed on a monitor.
11. The package sortation system of claim 1, wherein said label is
a virtual label and said sortation instructions are delivered via
audio.
12. The package sortation system of claim 1, wherein said sort plan
comprises a series of sortation instructions that identify a
predetermined path through said delivery network.
13. The package sortation system of claim 12, wherein said sort
label includes indicia of said sort plan.
14. The package sortation system of claim 12, wherein said sort
label includes indicia of a package destination address.
15. The package sortation system of claim 12, wherein said sort
label includes indicia of a package service level.
16. The package sortation system of claim 12, wherein said sort
label includes sorting instructions for a destination facility.
17. The package sortation system of claim 12, wherein at least a
portion of said sort label is in a human readable format.
18. The package sortation system of claim 12, wherein at least a
portion of said sort label is in a machine readable format.
19. The package sortation system of claim 1, wherein said shipping
indicia is a package tracking number.
20. The package sortation system of claim 19, wherein said hub
assist tool queries a package detail database with said package
tracking number to obtain a service level and a destination zip
code.
21. The package sortation system of claim 20, wherein said sort
plan is based at least in part on said destination zip.
22. A sort assist system for the delivery of a package via a
delivery network to a destination address, comprising: a data
capture device configured to capture shipping indicia from said
package; a sort plan database having a plurality of sort plans,
wherein each of said sort plans designates a route through said
delivery network, wherein further said route comprises a list of
one or more facilities in said delivery network through which said
package will pass to reach said destination address; and a hub
assist tool configured to receive said shipping indicia from said
data capture device and to associate one of said plurality of sort
plans to said package based at least in part on said shipping
indicia.
23. The sort assist system of claim 22, further comprising a
labeling device configured to receive said associated sort plan and
to generate a hub assist label having indicia of said associated
sort plan.
24. A package labeling system to aid in moving a package through a
delivery network, said package being bound for a consignee address,
and said delivery network having a plurality of sortation
facilities, said package labeling system comprising: a means for
generating a first label with said consignee address; and a means
for generating a second label that lists a sort plan for said
package, wherein said sort plan comprises a sequence of sortation
instructions that directs a movement of said package through one or
more of said multiple sortation facilities in said delivery
network.
25. The system of claim 24, further comprising a means for
generating a third label having indicia of a delivery vehicle and a
location for placement of said package on said delivery
vehicle.
26. The system of claim 24, wherein said second label includes
indicia of a service level.
27. The system of claim 24, wherein said second label includes
indicia of a preload process.
28. A method for delivering a package comprising the steps of:
capturing shipping indicia for said package; querying a sort plan
database with said shipping indicia to obtain a sort plan that
includes a first path through a delivery network; generating a
first hub assist label having indicia of said sort plan and
associating said first hub assist label to said package; changing
said sort plan while said package is in route through said delivery
network; generating a second hub assist label that reflects said
change to said sort plan; and associating said second hub assist
label with said package.
29. A method for sorting a package using a hub assist label
comprising the steps of: providing a hub assist label associated
with a package, said hub assist label having indicia of a sequence
of sorting locations; capturing said indicia from said hub assist
label; and sorting said package based at least in part on said
sequence of sorting locations.
30. The method of sorting of claim 29, wherein said step of
capturing indicia is automatic and said package is diverted
automatically based at least in part on said captured indicia.
31. The method of sorting of claim 29, further comprising the step
of displaying said sorting instructions on a monitor.
32. The method of sorting of claim 29, further comprising the step
of synthesizing said sorting instructions to an audio signal and
broadcasting said audio signal.
33. The method of sorting of claim 29, further comprising the step
of projecting said sorting instructions onto said package.
34. The method of sorting in claim 29, further comprising the step
of illuminating a light associated with a sorting location based at
least in part on captured machine readable code.
35. The method of sorting in claim 29, further comprises the step
of providing a heads up display system and said indicia includes
projecting a sorting location using said heads up display onto said
package.
36. A method for altering a sort plan comprising the steps of:
capturing a sort plan from a first hub assist label, said sort plan
comprising a sequence of sorting locations; verifying presence of
current location in said sort plan; and in response to absence of
current location, capturing shipping indicia for said package;
querying a second sort plan; and generating a second hub assist
label.
37. A method of changing a planned route of a package through a
delivery network while said package is in route through said
network, said method comprising the steps of: associating a sort
plan to said package that lists a sequence of sortation locations
through which said package will travel in accordance with said
planned route; checking said sort plan at a hub facility in said
network to determine if said hub facility is listed as one of said
sortation locations in said sort plan; and associating an updated
sort plan to said package if said hub facility is not listed as one
of said sortation locations in said sort plan.
38. A method of delivering a package to a destination address via a
delivery network that comprises a plurality of hub facilitities,
said method comprising the steps of:generating a hub assist label
that comprises sortation instructions for said package, wherein
said sortation instructions describe a path through said delivery
network, and wherein said path comprises a sequence of hub
facilities through which said package will pass in route to said
destination address, said path including a destination carrier
facility; moving said package through said delivery network in
accordance with said sortation instructions; generating a preload
assist label at said destination carrier facility, said preload
assist label including package handling instructions for loading
said package on a delivery vehicle that is bound for said
destination address; loading said package onto said delivery
vehicle in accordance with said package handling instructions; and
delivering said package to said destination address.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the delivery of
packages through a delivery network. More specifically, this
invention relates to systems and methods for improving the flow of
packages though a package carrier's sorting process using a hub
assist label.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The delivery of a package from a consignor to a consignee
typically requires sorting the package at several locations before
the package reaches the final destination. A conventional delivery
network typically includes a series of customer service centers
that receive and deliver packages, and several intermediate hubs
that provide links between the service centers. The flow of a
package through this delivery network typically begins at a service
center. From there, the package flows through a series of
intermediate hubs before reaching the destination facility
responsible for delivering the package to the destination address.
Within each intermediate hub, the package is sorted according to
the destination address for the package and consolidated for
transport to the next intermediate hub or service center in the
delivery process.
[0003] The tremendous volume of packages flowing through the
intermediate hubs creates a logistical challenge. To date, sorting
at the intermediate hubs is a highly manual process that relies
heavily on the knowledge-base of the sorting operator. The sorting
operator reads the destination address zip code from a shipping
label on a package and sorts the package to the appropriate
conveyor belt, bin, or chute. The appropriate sorting location for
each zip code is specified in standard sorting charts. Sorting
charts are well known in the art and specify the next sorting
facility in the delivery chain based on the destination zip code
and the service level of the package, wherein the service level of
a package represents the committed delivery time for the package.
The efficiency of the sorting operation depends on how quickly the
sorting operator determines the appropriate sorting location for a
package. To improve the efficiency, sorting operators memorize the
zip codes associated with each sorting location and use the sorting
charts sparingly. This highly manual process often results in
sorting errors.
[0004] Due to the reliance on a knowledge-based sorting process,
changing a sort plan may create signification inefficiencies and
increase the opportunity for sorting mistakes. Accordingly, a
proposed sorting chart change is weighed against the confusion
caused by the change. As a result, many timesaving adjustments to
sorting charts are discarded due to the learning curve necessary to
implement the change.
[0005] In addition, sometimes it is necessary to know the path a
package has taken through a delivery network. This may arise in a
mistake-tracking context where a carrier desires to monitor sorting
mistakes from their sorting hubs or it may be valuable if packages
from a particular sorting location become contaminated. The current
systems known in the art provide sorting charts at each location
that specify the next sorting stop. But once a package is sorted
and consolidated, the prior sorting locations for a particular
package often cannot be readily determined.
[0006] Therefore an unsatisfied need exists for improved systems
and methods for sorting packages within a delivery network that
overcome the deficiencies in the prior art, some of which are
discussed above.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides novel systems and methods for
processing packages through a delivery network using a hub assist
label. Generally described, the hub assist label includes indicia
of a sequence of sorting locations that designates the flow of a
package through a delivery network.
[0008] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a
package sortation system is described that associates a sort plan
to a package in a delivery network. This system includes a data
capture device that captures shipping indicia from the package; a
hub assist tool that receives the shipping indicia from the data
capture device and associates a sort plan to the package based at
least in part on the shipping indicia; and a labeling device that
generates a sort label for the package based at least in part on
the sort plan.
[0009] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a sort assist system is described for the delivery of a
package via a delivery network to a destination address. This
system includes a data capture device configured to capture
shipping indicia from the package; a sort plan database having a
plurality of sort plans, wherein each of the sort plans designates
a route through the delivery network, wherein further the route
includes a list of one or more facilities in the delivery network
through which the package will pass to reach the destination
address; and a hub assist tool configured to receive the shipping
indicia from the data capture device and to associate one of the
plurality of sort plans to the package based at least in part on
the shipping indicia. The system may also include a labeling device
configured to receive the associated sort plan and to generate a
hub assist label having indicia of the associated sort plan.
[0010] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present
invention, a package labeling system to aid in shipping a package
bound for consignee address via a delivery network having multiple
sortation facilities is described. This system includes a means for
generating a first label with the consignee address; and a means
for generating a second label that lists a sort plan for the
package, wherein the sort plan includes a sequence of sortation
instructions that directs a movement of the package through one or
more of the multiple sortation facilities in the delivery network.
The system may also include a means for generating a third label
having indicia of a delivery vehicle and a location for placement
of the package on the delivery vehicle.
[0011] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a
method for delivering a package is described that includes the
steps of: capturing shipping indicia for the package; querying a
sort plan from a sort plan database based at least in part on the
shipping indicia, wherein the sort plan includes a sequence of
sorting locations; generating a first hub assist label having
indicia of the sort plan; associating the sort plan with the
package; creating a second sort plan; generating a second hub
assist label having indicia of the second sort plan; associating
the second sort plan with the package; and sorting the package
based at least in part on the indicia on the second hub assist
label.
[0012] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a method for sorting a package using a hub assist label
is described that includes the steps of: providing a hub assist
label associated with a package, the hub assist label having
indicia of a sequence of sorting locations; capturing the indicia
from the hub assist label; and sorting the package based at least
in part on the sequence of sorting locations.
[0013] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a
method for altering a sort plan is described that includes the
steps of: capturing a sort plan from a first hub assist label, the
sort plan including a sequence of sorting locations; verifying
presence of current location in the sort plan; and in response to
absence of current location, capturing shipping indicia for the
package; querying a second sort plan; and generating a second hub
assist label.
[0014] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a
method for altering a sort plan for a package is described that
includes the steps of: capturing a sort plan from a first hub
assist label, the sort plan comprising a sequence of sorting
locations; capturing shipping indicia from a shipping label
associated with the package; generating a second sorting plan based
at least in part on the shipping indicia; comparing the first sort
plan with the second sort plan; and in response to a discrepancy,
generating a second hub assist label having indicia of the second
sort plan.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a delivery network in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates the flow of a package through a delivery
network in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a sort assist system in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a hub assist label containing indicia of
a sorting process in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a destination facility configured in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram that illustrates the steps
for using a hub assist label in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates an automated sortation system in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 8. illustrates an exemplary hub assist label in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram that illustrates the steps
for altering a sort plan using a hub assist label in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram that illustrates the steps
for detecting the diversion of a package from a sort plan in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates a delivery system in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 12 shows a pre-load assist label (PAL) that contains a
package handling instruction in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed,
these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should
not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;
rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0029] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
[0030] The present invention provides novel systems and methods for
processing packages through a delivery network using a hub assist
label. Generally described, the hub assist label provides indicia
of a sort plan that designates the flow of a package through a
delivery network. Sorting operators use the hub assist label to
identify the next sorting location in the delivery sequence.
[0031] Delivery Network
[0032] A delivery network 10 comprises a plurality of sorting
locations linked by transport and arranged in a hub and spoke
configuration as illustrated in FIG. 1. Preferably, the sorting
locations are divided into two broad categories: service centers 18
and intermediate sorting hubs 20. In a preferred embodiment,
service centers 18 have responsibility for the delivery and pickup
of packages within a designated geographic area 19. Service centers
18 may also receive packages directly from consignors. If the
destination address 30 of a package picked up or received from a
consignor is outside the designated delivery area 19 for that
service center 18, the package is sorted at the receiving service
center 18 and consolidated for transport to an intermediate sorting
hub 20.
[0033] An exemplary package flow in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. In this
embodiment, the package flows from an origin facility 15 to a
destination facility 25 via a series of intermediate sorting hubs
20. As used herein, the origin facility 15 is the first facility to
receive a package. The package may be received directly from a
consignor, or the package may be received from a delivery vehicle
that has picked up the package from a consignor's home or business.
The origin facility 15 is preferably a service center 18; however,
in an alternative embodiment, an intermediate sorting hub 20 or
another carrier facility can serve as an origin facility 15 and may
be the first facility in the delivery network 10 to receive a
package.
[0034] As used herein, a destination facility 25 is the last
carrier facility to handle the package before the package is picked
up by the consignee or delivered to the consignee by a delivery
vehicle. This facility too is preferably a service center 18. But
again, an intermediate sorting hub 20 or another carrier facility
can serve as a destination facility from which packages are
delivered to consignees, or from which packages are held for
consignee pickup.
[0035] Sort Assist System
[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sort
assist system 40, as illustrated in FIG. 3, controls the flow of a
package 42 through a delivery network 10. In this embodiment, a
data capture device 44 captures and communicates the destination
zip code and service level for a package 42 to a hub assist tool
46. Alternatively, the data capture device 44 may capture a
tracking number or other shipping label indicia from a package and
use that to query a database of package data to determine the
destination zip code and service level of the package. As will be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, any shipping indicia
may be used in connection with the present invention.
[0037] The data capture device 44 may be a barcode reader, a RFID
interrogator or any other type of automated or manual data capture
device that is known in the art.
[0038] As described in greater detail below, in a preferred
embodiment, a hub assist tool 46 queries a sort plan database 48
with a destination zip code and service level that are captured
from the package, and this query results in a sort plan for the
package 42. But one of ordinary skill will recognize that the sort
plan does not have to be determined from the destination zip code
and the service level. Thus, for example, a carrier may offer only
one service level, in which case, a sort plan can be determined
from the destination zip code alone, or alternatively from the
destination address alone. As will be apparent, the sort plan can
be based on any combination of shipping indicia and the present
invention is not dependent on any one approach.
[0039] As used herein, the sort plan specifies the route through a
delivery network 10 that a package takes as it travels from an
origin facility 15 to a destination facility 25. An aspect of the
present invention is that the sort plan is displayed in one of
several ways to the sorting operators that work in the hubs. By
having the sort plan clearly visible and associated with the
package, sorting operators can determine at a glance where the
package is heading next and how to sort the package.
[0040] Sorting charts list the available sort plans in a carrier
system. In a preferred embodiment, sorting charts are stored in a
database or some other electronic format and are indexed by
destination zip code and service level. Again, other package
shipping indicia can be used to index the sort plans in alternative
embodiments, but for purposes of description, the destination zip
code and service level are used herein.
[0041] Once the destination zip code and service level have been
captured from the package and used to identify a sort plan for the
package, the sort plan is sent to a hub assist tool 46, which
prints a hub assist label 50. In a preferred embodiment, the hub
assist label 50 (sometimes referred to herein as a HAL) describes
the sort plan for the package by identifying the sortation
facilities through which the package will travel as it moves
through the carrier network to the destination facility 25. Because
the hub assist label 50 lists every sort location for the package,
the sorting operators can readily determine how to handle (i.e.,
sort) the package without relying on sorting charts or memorized
sorting steps. Preferably, a hub assist label 50 is printed at the
origin facility 15 when the carrier first receives the package 42.
Alternatively, of course, the hub assist label 50 can be printed at
subsequent stages in the delivery process.
[0042] Printed Hub Assist Label
[0043] One format for a hub assist label 50 is illustrated in FIG.
4. In this illustration, a sequential list of sorting locations is
provided in human readable form with each sorting location
identified by a name or other readily-identifiable numeric or
alphanumeric code. The hub assist label 50 also preferably includes
indicia 54 in a machine-readable format, such as a barcode,
Maxicode, or other machine-readable symbology known in the art. The
machine-readable indicia 54 preferably encode the entire sort plan
in a machine-readable format. The machine-readable indicia 54 also
preferably include a tracking number for the package. In a
preferred embodiment, the hub assist label 50 includes both human
readable indicia 52 and machine-readable indicia 54 as illustrated
in FIG. 4.
[0044] The hub assist label 50 also preferably includes indicia of
a sorting time at the sorting location in addition to providing the
sort plan. It is common in the industry for a sorting facility to
receive packages continuously, but sort the packages at
predetermined time intervals. For example, an intermediate sorting
hub 20 may receive packages throughout the day, but only sort
packages in the morning from 6:00 am to 10:00 am and again in the
evening from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. To designate which sort the
package will be processed in, indicia such as, for example an "A"
for morning sort and a "P" for night sort may be included on the
hub assist label 50.
[0045] With reference to FIG. 2, the package flow that corresponds
to the hub assist label 50 shown in FIG. 4 will now be described. A
package is received at an origin facility 15 for delivery to a
destination address 30. Shipping indicia is captured from the
package, which, in this example, is the destination zip code and
service level of the package. If the destination zip code is
outside the delivery area 19 for the origin facility 15, the sort
assist system 40 uses the package destination zip code and service
level to select a sort plan for the package. In this case, the sort
plan indicates that the package will pass through the following
carrier facilities on its way to the consignee's destination
address: Origin Facility 15, Intermediate Sorting Hub A,
Intermediate Sorting Hub B, Intermediate Hub C, Destination
Facility 25.
[0046] While at the origin facility 15, the sort assist system 40
generates and prints a hub assist label 50 and the HAL is
preferably associated with the package, which, in the case of a
printed label preferably means that the HAL is affixed to the
package. At the origin facility 15, the sorting operator handles
the package based on sort instructions shown on the hub assist
label 50 and consolidates those packages that are bound for
Intermediate Hub A. This step is repeated at Intermediate Hubs B
and C and the package is sorted and consolidated based on the sort
instructions set out on the hub assist label 50. Finally, at the
destination facility 25, the package is again sorted and loaded on
a delivery vehicle for delivery to the destination address 30.
[0047] In addition to providing sorting instructions for each
intermediate sorting location, the hub assist label 50 may include
instructions for sorting within a destination facility 25 as
illustrated in embodiment shown in FIG. 4. The sorting process in a
destination facility 25 comprises segregating the packages in
preparation for loading onto delivery vehicles.
[0048] A layout of an exemplary destination facility 25 is
illustrated in FIG. 5. In a preferred embodiment, packages arriving
at a destination facility 25 are segregated into multiple sorting
stations within the destination facility 25 based on a number of
factors, such as, the package destination address 30 and package
dimensions. Packages are received by the destination facility 25 at
receiving area 60. From there, the packages are preferably
segregated to a primary sorting belt 62, a box line 66 or to an
incompatibles area 68. As described below, the sorting stations may
be related. Thus, for example, a primary sorting belt may lead to a
secondary sorting station 64.
[0049] The hub assist label 50 of FIG. 4 contains indicia 56 of the
sorting process within the destination facility 25 for an
associated package. In this embodiment, the indicia 56 provide a
method for designating the different sort stations within the
destination facility. The "P", "S", "B" and "I" represent a primary
sort belt 62, a secondary sort belt 64, a box line 66 and an
incompatibles area 68 respectively. The numbers following the above
destinations indicate a particular belt or area to sort the package
to. In this embodiment, the operator receiving the packages into
the destination facility 25 sorts the package according to the
indicia 56 on the hub assist label 50. This reduces the reliance on
an operator's memory (or knowledge-base) to remember the
appropriate sorting station for every potential package destination
zip code and service level serviced in the carrier facility.
[0050] RFID Hub Assist Label
[0051] In an alternative embodiment, a hub assist label 50 uses
radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. RFID technology
differs from barcode scanning in that it uses radio waves rather
than optics to capture and transmit data. RFID is known in the art
as a form of labeling where electronic labels or tags are
programmed with unique information and attached to objects to be
identified or tracked. RFID tags use electronic chips to store data
that can be broadcast via radio waves to a reader, thereby
eliminating the need for a direct line of sight. This feature also
makes it possible for tags to be placed anywhere on or in a
package. Additional benefits of RFID include greater data storage
capacity in comparison to the barcode and the decreased likelihood
that the RFID tag will be destroyed or otherwise made
unreadable.
[0052] A typical RFID system consists of a reader, a tag and a data
processing system to process the data read from the tag. The tag
also is called a transponder, an expression that is derived from
TRANSmitter/resPONDER and, in some cases, the term tag is used for
low-frequency (e.g. 125 kHz), whereas the term transponder is used
for high-frequency (e.g. 13.56 MHz and 2.45 GHz) tags. But for
purposes of this application the terms tag and transponder are used
interchangeably. The complexity of the reader (sometimes referred
to herein as an interrogator) can vary considerably, depending on
the type of tag used and the function to be performed. In general,
a reader has radio circuitry to communicate with a tag, a
microprocessor to check and decode the data and implement a
protocol, a memory to store data and one or more antennae to
receive the signal.
[0053] Unlike a barcode reader, which is limited to reading a
single barcode at a time, a RFID reader may have more than one tag
in its interrogation zone. The interrogation zone, as that term is
used herein, refers to the area covered by the magnetic field
generated by the reader's antenna. The process of reading a number
of transponders within a system's interrogation zone is known as
batch reading. Software applications known as anti-collision
algorithms permit a reader to avoid data collision from several
tags that enter the interrogation zone at the same time.
[0054] In one embodiment, the sort plan selected by the hub assist
tool 46 is written to a hub assist label 50 in the form of a RFID
tag. This information is then available to sorting operators or
carrier hub facilities that are equipped with equipment to read the
RFID tag. Thus, when the package arrives at the next sort location
in the carrier network, the RFID tag is interrogated and sortation
instructions are provided to the sorting operator. Preferably, the
packages are received in single file or another suitable
configuration such that an operator can readily identify a package
associated with an interrogated tag. In this embodiment, the
interrogation zone of the reader is narrowed to read one package at
a time. Alternatively, the RFID tag may be equipped with a light
that illuminates when read thereby identifying the associated
package.
[0055] The method used to display a sortation instruction to a
sorting operator can vary. In one embodiment, the sortation
instruction is passed to another computing device in the hub that
reads the sort plan and determines the next carrier facility to
which the package should be sent. This computing device then turns
on a light proximate a belt or sort location within the hub that
identifies the target sort location for the package. Alternatively,
the computing device may display the sortation instructions on a
video monitor, heads-up display or other device viewable by a sort
operator.
[0056] In a further embodiment, the sorting information is
communicated audibly to a set of headphones worn by an operator. In
this embodiment, the sorting instructions are processed by a text
to voice synthesizer and sent to a speaker or a set of headphones.
Alternatively, the synthesized instructions may be transmitted to a
wireless headset via Bluetooth or FM transmission. As will be
apparent to one of skill in the art, text to voice synthesizing
software is readily available from software companies, such as
Mircrosoft.RTM., to translate electronic text into spoken words for
the visually impaired. In operation, the sorting operator grasps a
package, scans the label, and the sorting instruction, after
conversion to voice, is broadcast to the operator via a speaker, FM
signal, Bluetooth signal or the like.
[0057] Additional methods of communicating the sort instructions
associated with a package will be readily apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0058] Virtual Hub Assist Label
[0059] In another embodiment, a hub assist label 50 takes the form
of a virtual label. In this embodiment, the sort plan is stored in
a database rather than on a physical label. When a package arrives
at a sortation facility, the sort assist system 40 retrieves the
sort plan from the database. Again, the package destination address
and zip code can be captured from the package and used to query the
database, or alternatively the package tracking number of other
shipping indicia can be used. In this embodiment, the sortation
instructions are displayed to the sorting operator via a virtual
image that is projected on the package. In a preferred embodiment,
a conventional heads up display system projects an image of the
sorting instructions onto the package. Alternatively, the sorting
instructions may be displayed on a video screen or a heads-up
display that is worn by or readily viewable by the sorting
operators. As will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art,
many known systems and methods for displaying the sorting
instructions to a sort operator can be used with the present
invention.
[0060] Methods for Using a Hub Assist Label
[0061] FIG. 6 shows a process flow diagram that illustrates the
steps of a sorting process in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. The process begins when a package is submitted
to a carrier for delivery to a destination address at step 100.
[0062] The destination zip code and service level are entered into
the hub assist tool 46 at step 105. Preferably, the destination zip
code and service level are captured electronically and sent to the
hub assist tool 46 when the carrier first receives the package 42
and/or generates a shipping label 41. But if the package 42 is
received with a pre-printed shipping label 41, the barcode on the
shipping label may be scanned to capture a package identification
number or tracking number. In such a case, the tracking number can
be used to query a package detail database to capture the
destination zip code and service level.
[0063] After identifying the destination zip code and service
level, the hub assist tool 46 uses the zip code and service level
to associate a sort plan to the package. At step 115, a hub assist
label 50 is generated. For purposes of illustration we assume that
a HAL is printed and attached to the package at this step. The
label is preferably generated on a portable label printer carried
by the user. This printer may receive the formatted label
information from the hub assist tool 50 via any transmission
method, such as for example, WIFI, Bluetooth, or convention cable.
Of course, conventional fixed printers may also be used to generate
a hub assist label 50.
[0064] At step 120, the package is sorted according to the sorting
instructions from the hub assist label 50. In a preferred
embodiment, at least a portion of the hub assist label 50 indicia
is human readable and the operator reads the sort instructions and
sorts accordingly. Preferably, the human readable indicia 52 are
arranged in rows with each successive sort instruction listed in
sequence from top to bottom. In an alternative embodiment, the hub
assist label 50 includes a numerical code directly across from the
sort locations to identify a specific conveyor belt, bin, or chute
associated with the next sorting location. As will be obvious to
one of ordinary skill in the art, the human readable sort
instructions may be arranged in rows, columns, or diagonally as
desired, as long as the operator can distinguish the sequence of
sorting locations.
[0065] Alternatively, of course, the machine-readable indicia on
the hub assist label 50 can be used at step 120 to provide sorting
instructions to the sort operator. This may occur, for example, if
the human-readable portion of the HAL is unreadable or the sorting
operator may use the machine-readable indicia in lieu of the
human-readable instructions. Preferably, the machine-readable
indicia is in the form of a barcode, but other types of
machine-readable symbology are known in the art can be used. If the
machine-readable code is used, the sorting operator captures the
machine-readable indicia 54 using a data capture device 44, and the
data capture device 44 communicates the captured data to the hub
assist tool 46, where the next sorting location is determined. The
hub assist tool 46 then displays the correct sort location for the
sort operator using one or more of the methods described above.
[0066] At step 125, the consolidated packages are transported to an
appropriate sorting facility. At step 130, the sorting facility
receives the packages and captures the sorting information from the
hub assist label 50 for each package. At step 135, the sortation
operator or the hub assist tool 46 determines from the captured
information whether the current location is the destination
facility for an associated package. The destination facility is
preferably the last location in the sequence of locations listed on
the hub assist label 50. If the current location is not the
destination facility for an associated package, the package is
sorted at step 120 according to the sortation instructions on the
hub assist label 50. If the current location is the destination
facility, the package is processed for delivery to or pickup by the
consignee at step 140.
[0067] FIG. 7 illustrates the use of the HAL in a fully automated
sortation system. Packages enter the sorting area via a conveyor
belt 70. A data capture device 44 captures indicia from the hub
assist label 50 on the package 42, and communicates the captured
data to the hub assist tool 46. The hub assist tool 46 retrieves
the sort plan and communicates the sorting instructions to an
automated sorting controller 72. The sorting controller 72 actuates
the sorting shuttle 74 to divert the package to the appropriate
location. In this illustration, packages are diverted to one of
chutes 76, 78 or to conveyor belt 80. As will be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art, any automated sorting system may be used
in connection with the present invention.
[0068] A benefit of the present invention is that the efficiency of
the sorting process is no longer tied to the knowledge base of the
operator, or the operator's ability to locate zip codes on a
sorting table. The operator simply has to read the sorting
instructions from the hub assist label 50 and sort the package
accordingly.
[0069] The following paragraphs describe how a package carrier such
as United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) may use the sort assist system
to facilitate the delivery of a package. FIG. 8 illustrates a hub
assist label 50 for a hypothetical package received at a service
facility in Acworth, Georgia for delivery to Torrance, Calif. In
this example, UPS generates the hub assist label 50 shown in FIG. 8
when the package is received at the Acworth facility. The label
provides a sort plan in a human readable 52 and a machine readable
54 format. The package flow illustrated by this hypothetical hub
assist label 50 calls for the package to proceed through sortation
facilities in Acworth, Georgia (ACWTH), Pleasant Dale Road,
Atlanta, Ga. (PLSDL), and Gardenia, Calif. (GRDNA). Within the UPS
system, each sortation facility is identified by a five-digit
abbreviation. Facility abbreviations are used on the hub assist
label 50 because the employees are familiar with these
identifiers.
[0070] On the hub assist label 50, the numerical code printed
directly across from the each facility abbreviation provides the
sorting instructions to a sorting operator. For example, the
sorting operator in ACWTH (Acworth, Ga.) sorts the package to 0009.
0009 is a numerical code for the PLSDL facility (Pleasant Dale
Road, Atlanta, Ga.).
[0071] The letters following the numerical codes represent a time
frame for the sort at the particular sort location. For example,
the "N" following the 0009 code designates the night sort at PLSDL.
"D" represent day sort.
[0072] The barcode at the bottom of the label has the entire sort
plan encoded therein. When a package is received at a hub, such as
PLSDL (Pleasant Dale Road, Atlanta, Ga.), the label may be scanned
by an automated sorting system or read by a sorting operator to
capture the sorting instructions. The sorting operator no longer
has to read the destination zip code from a shipping label and make
an independent determination as to the sorting location based on
memory or a sorting chart.
[0073] The 0050 code following GRDNA designation identifies the
destination facility for this hypothetical package. Once the
package arrives at the destination facility, sorting instructions
are provided for the receiving operator at the top of the hub
assist label 50. The instructions direct the operator to place the
package on primary sort belt 100 then to an incompatibles area
100.
[0074] Other helpful indicia provided on this label include a
package tracking number 57 and a date and time 58 when the package
was received. Additionally, a package destination city and zip code
59 are also present on the label.
[0075] Methods for Altering a Sort Plan
[0076] A benefit of the present invention is that it facilitates
dynamic sort plans. In some cases, circumstances may change while a
package is in route through a carrier delivery system that
necessitates a change in the sort plan associated with the package.
In convention delivery networks, changing the sort plan creates
sorting efficiency problems because the sorting process is tied to
the knowledge-base of the sorting operators. A change in the sort
plan requires that the sorting operator re-learn the sorting
procedures. Thus, changes in the sort plan often result in
increased opportunity for mistakes and a reduction in the
throughput of the sort operation. By reducing the reliance on the
memory of the sorting operator, the present invention allows a
carrier to change its sort plans without negatively impacting the
delivery process.
[0077] FIG. 9 shows a process flow that illustrates how a planned
route for a package can be changed on the fly to respond to changed
conditions. At step 200, the package is assigned a first sort plan.
A change in condition occurs at step 205. As will be recognized by
those skilled in the art, changes in condition can include, without
limitation, traffic congestion, insufficient delivery vehicle
capacity, insufficient sorting location capacity, road
construction, and seasonal volume fluctuations. In response to a
change in condition, and while the package is in route in the
delivery network, the carrier changes the sort plan at step
210.
[0078] At step 215, the change in sort plan is implemented in the
sort assist system 40. Preferably, the change in the sort plan is
implemented by altering the sort plan database 48. The alteration
may be a permanent or a temporary route change depending on the
reason for the change. For example, seasonal changes to a sort plan
are temporary changes while adding a new intermediate hub
represents an example of a permanent change. For temporary changes,
the alteration is preferably programmed to expire after a specified
duration or on a specified date and the sort plan returned to its
original state automatically.
[0079] At step 220, a package arrives at a carrier hub facility
after a change in the carrier sort plan has occurred. At step 225,
the hub assist label 50 on the package is scanned and the scanned
information is forwarded to the hub assist tool 46.Preferably, the
scanned information includes a sort plan, a destination zip code
and a service level for the package. Alternatively, a shipping
label associated with the package may be scanned to capture the
destination zip code and service level.
[0080] At step 230, the hub assist tool 46 determines whether a
change in the sort plan has occurred. Preferably, the hub assist
tool 46 queries the sort plan database 48 using the captured
destination zip code and service level to determine the next
sortation facility for the package. This determination is compared
against the sort instructions captured from the hub assist label
50. If a discrepancy is detected, a second hub assist label is
generated with sort instructions based on the second sort plan at
step 235. The package is then processed according to the new hub
assist label.
[0081] Preferably, the second hub assist label is affixed on top of
the first hub assist label 50. By affixing the second label on top
of the first, the opportunity for confusion by the sorting operator
is reduced. In an alternative embodiment, subsequent hub assist
labels are distinguished from prior (and now obsolete) hub assist
labels by crossing through and/or removing the prior label. Indicia
such as a serial number or a different color can also be used to
distinguish subsequent labels, and other methods of distinguishing
subsequent HALs from an initial HAL will be readily apparent to one
of ordinary skill.
[0082] In the case of an RFID-version of a HAL, the RFID tag is
preferably a read-write tag and the new sortation information can
be written over the initial sortation information. In such a
system, sorting plan indicia at step 210 are captured using an RFID
interrogator, and at step 225, the second sorting plan is written
over the original sorting plan stored in the RFID tag.
[0083] As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill, a check of the
sort plan against the information stored on the HAL can occur at
every sortation facility in a carrier network as a matter of
course. Alternatively, this check can occur only if a sort plan has
been changed.
[0084] In still another alternative embodiment, the check of the
HAL information against a sort plan occurs only at those sortation
facilities affected by a change in a sort plan. In such an
embodiment, the implementation of a change in the sort assist
system 40 at step 215 includes generating an alert to sorting
facilities affected by the sort plan change. Preferably, the alert
specifies that packages bound for a specific sortation facility
from the affected sort facility are now routed to an alternate
facility. Packages received by an affected facility at step 220 are
scanned at step 225 to obtain the sort plan from the hub assist
label 50. The hub assist tool 46 queries the scanned sort plan for
the alerted sorting instructions. If detected, a new hub assist
label is generated at step 235 containing the revised sorting
instructions. A benefit of this embodiment is that the unaffected
sort facilities do not have to needlessly query each package for a
sort change.
[0085] In a manual sort operation, a sort operator may perform the
step of reading a hub assist label 50 to determine if the sort plan
has changed rather than entering the hub assist label sort plan
into the hub assist tool 46 at step 225. In this embodiment, when a
new sort plan is implemented, an alert is broadcast to affected
sortation facilities and provided to the sortation operators.
Preferably, the alert specifies that packages bound for a specific
sortation location are affected by a sorting change. The sortation
operator reads the hub assist label 50 to determine if the
associated package is bound for the identified sortation location.
When an affected package is identified, the operator generates a
new hub assist label. The operator then sorts the package according
to the new hub assist label.
[0086] Turning to FIG. 10, the present invention also provides
methods for detecting packages that are diverted from an initial
sort plan. As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, a
package may be purposefully diverted due to unexpected traffic
congestion, road construction, or inadvertently diverted due to a
sorting error. The sort assist system 40 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention provides efficient methods for
determining a new sort plan when a diversion is detected.
[0087] At step 300, a package is assigned a first sort plan, but
the package is diverted from the first sort plan at step 305. At
step 310, an intermediate sorting hub that is not part of the first
sort plan receives the diverted package. The hub assist label 50 is
scanned and the hub assist tool 46 recognizes that there are no
sort instructions for the current sorting location at step 310. In
response, the hub assist tool 46 generates a new sort plan (step
320). In a preferred embodiment, the system treats the intermediate
sorting hub 20 as if it was the origin facility and determines the
most direct sort plan from this location based on the destination
zip code and service level of the package.
[0088] If a sorting operator reads the hub assist label 50 and
detects that the HAL lacks an appropriate sorting instruction from
the intermediate facility (step 310), or if the sorting operator
questions the accuracy of a sorting instruction on a HAL, the
sorting operator preferably has an option to generate a new hub
assist label. In any case, if a new HAL is generated from an
intermediate facility, the system automatically determines and
assigns the most efficient sort plan to deliver a package to the
destination facility. Moreover, if the system or an operator
determines that an error caused the package to be diverted to the
present location, an operator preferably has the option to change
the service level of the package so that the package will reach the
destination facility in the shortest time possible (or at least
quicker than it would using the prior service level).
[0089] Pre-Load Assist Label
[0090] Another stage in the delivery process is the preload
process. This stage involves capturing the destination address 30
and service level, and positioning the package in the appropriate
location on the appropriate delivery vehicle for delivery to the
destination address 30. As described below, this process is labor
intensive and relies heavily on the knowledge-base of a preload
operator. The preload operator must know which addresses are loaded
into each vehicle.
[0091] In a package delivery system, the pre-load phase of the
delivery process occurs when packages arrive at a carrier
destination facility and are loaded to package cars for delivery to
the consignee. Groups of individuals, known as preload operators
(or pre-loaders), have the responsibility of receiving packages
from a sortation bin or conveyor belt, examining the destination
address on the package and loading the packages onto the package
car that is responsible for delivering to that destination. In a
typical destination facility, multiple package cars are loaded
simultaneously and every one of the package cars has multiple load
positions. As a result, to load a package, the pre-loader must
first determine the correct package car for that package and then
decide where on that package car to load the package.
[0092] These known pre-loading processes are largely manual
processes that require that pre-loaders commit to memory the
correct package car/load position combination for the many package
destinations they encounter each day. Load charts are often placed
at the pre-load site to aid the pre-loaders, but the package volume
and time restraints of the process require that the pre-loader have
an extensive knowledge base of load positions to function
effectively.
[0093] The complexities associated with the pre-load process
require that a pre-loader receive extensive training. A pre-loader
is often asked to train for six or more weeks to familiarize him or
herself with the various load positions they are required to
memorize. In addition, because the pre-load process is critical to
the timely delivery of packages, additional time must also be spent
supervising the work of those fresh out of training. And,
notwithstanding this extensive training, the nature of the process
is such that errors in pre-loads still occur.
[0094] The reliance on the knowledge-base of the pre-loaders to
perform the loading process results in other disadvantages as well.
One problem is that carriers are unable to change the driver routes
for fear of disrupting the pre-load process. The pre-load process
relies so heavily on information that pre-loaders have committed to
memory that any change to the dispatch plan that changes the
loading order can cause major disruptions and errors in the loads.
As a result, carriers are hesitant to change a dispatch plan or a
route once the pre-loaders have memorized a set of load positions.
And because the package car and load position assignments are
dependent on the dispatch plan, the driver routes and other
dispatch plan variables are rarely changed. Accordingly, drivers
are forced to use routes that were developed years earlier, many of
which are out of date and no longer efficiently serve a territory
has changed in the intervening years.
[0095] FIG. 11 shows the various components of a delivery system 60
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this
figure, a work allocation system 65 serves as the central
component. The process begins when the work allocation system 65
receives a dispatch plan 70 and uses it to setup a pre-load
process. Dispatch plans are well known in the art and can be
produced by any number of well-known dispatching applications,
among them: Roadnet 5000.TM., Territory Planner.TM. and
Mobilecast.TM.. For purposes of this invention, a dispatch plan can
be viewed as simply a segregation of a geographical area or
territory into one or more service provider routes (delivery
routes), with each address on a delivery route assigned a service
sequence. The systems and methods used to generate dispatch plans
are known in the art and are outside the scope of this application.
The present invention, instead, is directed generally to the use of
a preexisting dispatch plan in a preload and the use of the systems
and processes described below to generate and deliver a manifest of
work to drivers.
[0096] Some of the components illustrated in FIG. 11 include a data
capture system 75, a workload monitoring system 80 and a manifest
download system 85. The function of each of these components is
described in the following paragraphs.
[0097] At the start of a pre-load, the work allocation system 65
retrieves a dispatch plan 70 that will be used that day. The
dispatch plan 70 is then forwarded to the work monitoring system 80
where a user is given the option of accepting the scheduled
dispatch plan 70 or choosing another plan on which to base the
pre-load.
[0098] As packages arrive in the pre-load site, the data capture
system 75 uses a bar code, radio frequency identification (RFID)
tag or other known data capture technology to capture the
destination addresses and service levels of the packages. The
package service level and destination address are passed to the
work allocation system 65 where a match is made against the
dispatch plan 70 to obtain a handling instruction for the package.
As shown below, the handling instruction provides simple to follow
instructions for the pre-loaders that indicate where the package
should be loaded. The work allocation system 65 then passes the
handling instruction information to the data capture system 75
where the information is sent to a printer or other label
generation device and a pre-load assist label (PAL 90) is printed
and affixed to the package.
[0099] FIG. 12 shows a PAL 90 and illustrates how the handling
instructions on the PAL 90 instruct a pre-loader where to load the
particular package. In the illustrated embodiment, the handling
instructions on the PAL 90 comprise two 4-character identifiers
separated by a hyphen. The first four characters are used to
identify the route or package car, and the second four characters
identify a load location on the package car. While a single package
car is generally associated with one route, handling instructions
can of course be generated that associate multiple routes with a
single package car or multiple package cars with a single
route.
[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the handling instruction provides
a simple set of instructions that indicate to a pre-loader where to
load the package. Preferably, the handling instructions identify
the appropriate package car and the proper load position on the
package car for that package. When properly implemented, the
generation and use of the handling instructions eliminates the need
for the pre-loader to commit load positions to memory. As a result,
the pre-loader task is greatly simplified, which in turn offers the
carrier or other delivery company greater flexibility in modifying
a dispatch plan without risking a disruption to the pre-load
process.
[0101] With reference again to FIG. 12, the handling instructions
on this particular PAL 90 instruct a pre-loader to load the package
in position 5889 of route R021. With these handling instructions as
a guide, the pre-loader identifies which of the three package cars
is assigned to route R021 and places the package on the shelf that
is associated with load positions 5000 through 5999. In a preferred
embodiment, the load positions assigned to each package car are the
same for all package cars. Alternatively, a service provider and/or
pre-loader might customize the load position of a package car so
that the load position reflected on the PAL 90 identifies load
positions on a unique package car or on a unique type of package
car.
[0102] The PAL 90 can include other package data that is relevant
to the sortation and pre-load process. In this example, the PAL 90
includes fields for primary and secondary package sortation
information, an irregular drop-off identifier, a DCAP station, a
low to high indicator, a commit time, a destination
address/consignee name, and a package tracking number. A primary
sort identifier identifies the primary sort belt that moves the
package through the carrier facility and the secondary sort
identifier identifies the secondary belt that moves the package
from the primary belt to the belt or bin from which the package is
retrieved by the pre-loaders. An irregular drop-off identifier
identifies the location in the building where the package will be
placed if it is too large, too heavy or shaped such that it cannot
be placed on a sorting belt. In general, packages bearing an
irregular drop-off identifier are sorted manually.
[0103] The DCAP field of the PAL 90 associates the package to a
particular data capture workstation in the data capture system 75.
The low to high indicator indicates the order in which the package
car should be loaded in the package car. In a preferred embodiment,
if the low to high indicator is set, packages are loaded
sequentially from the lowest number in the street range (i.e. 1
Main Street) to the highest number in the street range (i.e. 10
Main Street). If the low to high indicator is not set, the packages
are loaded from the highest number (10 Main Street)
[0104] As will be apparent to one of skill in the art, the method
used to communicate the handling instructions to a preload operator
can vary. These methods include, without limitation, displaying on
monitor, communicating via a heads up display or via the
transmission of an audio signal.
CONCLUSION
[0105] In concluding the detailed description, it should be noted
that it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that many
variations and modifications can be made to the preferred
embodiment without substantially departing from the principles of
the present invention. Also, such variations and modifications are
intended to be included herein within the scope of the present
invention as set forth in the appended claims. Further, in the
claims hereafter, the structures, materials, acts and equivalents
of all means or step-plus function elements are intended to include
any structure, materials or acts for performing their cited
functions.
[0106] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
of the present invention, particularly any "preferred embodiments"
are merely possible examples of the implementations, merely set
forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention.
Any variations and modifications may be made to the above-described
embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from
the spirit of the principles of the invention. All such
modifications and variations are intended to be included herein
within the scope of the disclosure and present invention and
protected by the following claims.
* * * * *