GBI SORTATION SYSTEMS  - AUTOMATIC INDUCTION

GBI manufactures several forms of automatic induction depending on product configuration and type of sortation method. In all cases the product is dispensed onto sorter trays or into sorter carriers to help approach the maximum through put of the sorter. Where several automatic induction units are employed a central control system is used to coordinate each induction unit to release product on available trays taking into account which trays have already been loaded. Generous use and placement of sensors help ensure that product is flowing properly.

Click on this image to view a video of the Tilt Tray Sorter with many of these options: Automatic Induction Semi-Manual Induction Print & Apply Label Option

Common Features of Automatic Induction Units 

• Modular Design
• Controlled Dispensing
• Greatly improves sorter throughput
• Adjustable guides to fit product size
• Integrated with sorter controls
• Built-in verification (option in some cases) with generous use of Monitoring Sensors
• Low maintenance and high reliability

High Speed Tilt Tray Sorter - with Automatic Induction Unit

GBI's tilt tray sorters have the capability of sorting product at rates up to 12,000 trays per hour making it very difficult to manually load product directly onto the sorter. A typical application of this auto-induction unit is for entertainment media such as CD's, DVD's, cassettes and videotapes. This option may be used whenever package sizes are uniform.

The operator places groups of product into the auto-loading units for automatic dispensing onto the passing trays. Each unit can dispense product at a rate exceeding one unit per second. A start and stop button is provided to indicate when the loader is ready to start or stop dispensing. Several sensors detect the disposition of the product for presence and proper deployment. The guide bracket used to frame the stack of product is adjustable so that different product configurations may be used on the same loading unit.

Synchro-Loader Automatic Induction
for Bomb Bay Sorter (Carrier Style)

GBI's Bomb Bay (carrier style) sorter is used primarily for envelopes or boxes that are less than 13 inches high, 7 inches wide, and up to 3 inches thick. Some applications of this sorter include check boxes, photo finishing envelopes, optical frames and lenses. This new Synchro Loader may also be used for any other product that fits within the size range. The greatest benefits of a Carrier Based Sorter is the high-density arrangement of sort destinations resulting in a small sorter footprint and a very high accuracy rating. GBI strives for 100% accuracy. Our customers report accuracy rates up to and exceeding 99.99%, with verification. 

The Synchro-Loader, auto induction unit is mounted to the front end of the carrier sorter where product arrives by conveyor from packaging stations. Packages are transported on a flighted conveyor belt that automatically loads work into the sorter. The direct drive system synchronizes the sorter carrier with the conveyor. This design supports the loading of envelopes, boxes, or prints onto the conveyor, including PANO packages, for photofinishing. This Synchro-Loader is also capable of loading to a 2nd sorter and filling every available carrier up to the maximum throughput of the sorter of 6,000 carriers per hour. There is no operator involvement since product arrives by conveyor and is dispensed within a closed system.

Semi-Automatic Induction Station

The Semi-Automatic Induction Station is used for inducting onto fast tilt tray sorters, with products requiring special handling, or that are not of uniform size and configuration. A typical application for this method of induction is book sortation where it is important not to damage corners or bend pages. It may also be used for manually entered UPC's or SKU's in conjunction with GBI Keyboard Terminals.

The operator places the item onto a feeder chute that is angled down in the direction of tray travel. The sensors detect the product's presence and verifies the size. A pneumatic gate is used to restrict the product until an empty tray becomes available at which time the gate retracts allowing the product to proceed forward onto the passing tray.

Additional sensors and controls are used to detect product that is outside the sorter design parameters and stop the induction to protect the product and/or the equipment. Other sensors monitor the product's deployment from the feeder chute onto the tray to avoid jams.

Keyboard Terminals

The 40-key keyboard terminals consist of a numeric keypad, a two-line vacuum fluorescent display, two serial interface ports and numerous function keys. This terminal is used to communicate with the sorter computer to receive input from the operator and return pertinent information about the sort. The function keys will allow the operator to switch between sorter functions such as when loading damaged product for induction (in a returns operation), processing "no-read" product and so on. One or more serial ports are used to communicate with the sorter computer and the other is used to attach a scanner for rapid input. Numerous other functions may be added during the design phase of the project or at a later point in time.

DEFINITION contributed by GBI to: www.wikiMHEDA.org
There are several forms of automatic induction (product loading) depending on product configuration and the type of sortation method. In all cases the product is dispensed onto sorter trays or belts to help approach the maximum through put of the sorter. If several automatic induction units are employed a central control system is used to coordinate each induction unit to release product on available trays taking into account which trays have already been loaded. Another method of automatic product loading utilizes a series of metered induction belts to load the sorter from a stationary placement onto the moving tray or belt. Sensors are used to ensure that product is loading properly.

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GBI Data & Sorting Systems • 1143 West Newport Center Drive • Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 USA
954-596-5000 Ext. 231 • Fax 954-596-5015 • E-mail contact: info@gbisorters.com