SORTER FEATURES AND OPTIONS

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Manual Mode Function

The manual mode process is for identifying bar code unreadable product. The operator would either hand scan or key in the sku arriving at the sorter at which time the terminal displays the quantity to be inducted. The operator then places one product per available tray. The sorter will detect the presence of product on the trays as it leaves the load station and assigns the manually entered sku to each tray. As each piece is detected the keyboard counter is decremented and the manually input sku is associated to that product. Sorters may be run entirely in manual mode with multiple operator stations.

Dual sensor arrays are employed to help correct false reads by examining incoming trays prior to product placement.

After-Sort Package on Tray Sensor Array

This sensor array is used to provide additional protection in the event that product remained stuck to a tray and was not deployed to the designated drop when the tray tilted. Product sensed on the tray after passing all the drop destinations is matched against the tracking database. Should product be detected the drop count of the effected drop is automatically adjusted and the product need only be re-induced onto the sorter. Meanwhile, an error message is posted to the screen, time stamped and recorded in the database showing the effected drop location, the product ID (sku), and the tray it was carried on.

GBI Sorter Control Boards - Standard Features

GBI proprietary node controller boards work in concert with the sorter software to track the product and trip the mechanisms. Confirmations and cancel notifications are communicated to the sorter computer by the node controllers as a check on the sort. Safeguards are in place to monitor equipment function and to display warnings and errors when acting to protect the sort or equipment. Some safeguards are designed to stop the sorter to help avoid possible damage to the equipment (e.g. a possible chain jam).

GBI Sorter Control Boards - Other Features

• The GBI control boards (node boards) are designed, built and programmed by GBI.
• Node boards are standard issue for the tilt tray and carrier family of sorters.
• Node board proms are programmed for the functionality of the sorter according to customer requirements.
• Controls programming is done in concert with the sorter software programming to ensure full integration of controls to the overall process.
• Low maintenance requirements.
• Quiet operation

Sorter Software:

The software used to drive the GBI Tilt Tray Sorters is built on a Windows^® 2000 Operating System platform using Microsoft^® SQL for data storage. Aside from being user friendly, our sorter software in concert with the GBI sorter controls permit a high degree of programming flexibility. Included with these systems is the additional functionality to allow you to keep track of product by chute and subsequently by package.

Safeguards:

Software safeguards are in place to protect the integrity of the sort as well as the maintenance of the equipment. We presently check that a solenoid was triggered to confirm the sort request and stop the sorter under extreme conditions that may affect the reliability of the sort or the equipment condition, such as a possible chain jam.

Tracking Software:

Sorted data is recorded in a database that tracks each package including:

• every sku seen by the scanner
• the time it was seen
• whether it got a valid read or not
• the tray it traveled on
• to which drop it was directed
• mode of operation (automatic or manual)
• where it was dispensed
• was the solenoid triggered to drop or canceled.

This information is available for examination by network, Internet, or modem to assist in diagnosing irregularities or for generating productivity or other analysis reports.  Remote access software and modem are supplied with each sorter computer. Internet access may be used if available.

Other Related Topics:

• Chute Types and Status Displays
• Tray Types and Capacities

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