Abstract: A sorting apparatus for sorting objects including equipment for causing the objects to travel in a predetermined direction or path. The sorting apparatus includes equipment for emitting light within a given frequency range located in such a position to illuminate at least a portion of the objects as the objects travel in the predetermined direction or path. The sorting apparatus also includes equipment for detecting at least a portion of the reflected light resulting from the illumination of at least a portion of each of the objects that are subjected to the emitted light. Equipment is also provided for sorting the objects based upon the detection of the reflected light from the objects that are subjected to the emitted light. The detection equipment is sufficient to insure that the light pulses are received at a sufficient time frequency or periodic intervals to insure that reflected light is detected from each object.