Abstract: Method and apparatus for high-speed automatic inspection and processing of large numbers of solid discrete particular objects such as multicolored capsule dose forms in regard to color and/or defect detection, in which virtually all unacceptable material is isolated and an accurate running and total count of acceptable material is provided. The objects are transported in a number of channels past respective optical heads comprising an electro-optics system, the transport mechanism being arranged to provide signals representative of relative object location. One or more rotary transport drums communicating with the front end of the transport mechanism are also provided to enable additional viewing of the capsules in either or both "end-on" orientations, in order to effect a more complete body of information for defect detection. The electro-optics system is comprised operatively of separate color recognition and shape inspection subsystems.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a feeding arrangement for high-speed multi-channel sensing and counting apparatus utilized in processing randomly-flowing discreet solid particular objects such as pharmaceutical tablets. An inclined vibrating feeder-tray is provided having a receiving and spreading region and a multi-channel sorting region. Each channel of the latter is provided with an exit port at the extreme end thereof for passage of the objects from the tray to an associated channel of a sensing apparatus. Associated with each channel of the feeder-tray is a wedge-like directing means having at least four unique inclined plane surfaces for operating on the objects incoming to the channel, which directing means enables each object to become oriented in the preferred erect orientation of rolling on its cylindrical surface, regardless of the initial orientation thereof upon entering the channel. Additional means are provided for adapting the feeder-tray to various different ranges of sizes of the objects.