Abstract
Opening with a simple description of the principles of the machine the paper then recounts its history and traces the changes made in design since its introduction by the Australian Post Office. Some situations which are critical for machine operation are then analysed, e.g. mechanism of parcel discharge, loss of station of parcel, and maximum length of twist section (where such is essential). Because the throughput of the machine is much greater than that of a sorter or even a two-man facer-sorter team, means of feeding it from two or three positions have been designed. Salient features of these designs are described together with results of computer simulations of traffic. An account of the different methods of information storage that have been used is given and the paper concludes with a review of outstanding problems in the design of this machine.
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