Abstract: A method for generating a quality inspection data block for a distributed ledger includes: determining an identification code associated with a sample to be inspected, inspecting the sample and thereby generating quality inspection data associated with the sample, and after completion of the inspecting of the sample combining the identification code and the quality inspection data into the quality inspection data block. The method also includes adding the quality inspection data block to the distributed ledger. An inspector including a sensor that senses a characteristic of a sample, a memory that stores sensor output data, and a processor configured to: determine an identification code associated with a sample to be inspected, generate quality inspection data based on the sensor output data, and combine the identification code and the quality inspection data into a quality inspection data block. In one example, the inspector is an in-flight 3D inspector.

Abstract: A sub stream auto sampling system includes an inspection unit and a sorter unit. The inspection unit includes a camera configured to capture an image of a sample, a light configured to illuminate a sample, a processor configured to process the captured image, and a memory configured to store the captured image. The sorter unit is configured to divert a sub stream of samples, from a main stream of samples, toward the inspection unit. The output of the inspection unit may be directed to the main stream of samples, or the output of the inspection unit may be directed to a collection unit. In addition to the inspection performed by the inspection unit, weighing of the sub stream of samples may also be performed by a weighing unit before the sub stream of samples are routed to the main stream of samples or the collection unit.

Abstract: An adaptable inspection and sorting unit includes an attachment mechanism, an inspection sensor device that is capable of inspecting a sample, a sorting device that is capable of deflecting the sample, a data port that is capable of receiving information, and a power port that is connectable to a power source. The attachment mechanism, the inspection device, the sorting device, the data port, and the power port are physically connected together. A memory circuit and a processor circuit read information received via the data port, control the inspection sensor device, and control the sorting device. The adaptable inspection and sorting unit is capable of inspecting and deflecting a sample traveling along the processing line. The speed of the sample is measured utilized to determine a delay between inspecting the sample and sorting the sample.

Abstract: A sub stream auto sampling system includes an inspection unit and a sorter unit. The inspection unit includes a camera configured to capture an image of a sample, a light configured to illuminate a sample, a processor configured to process the captured image, and a memory configured to store the captured image. The sorter unit is configured to divert a sub stream of samples, from a main stream of samples, toward the inspection unit. The output of the inspection unit may be directed to the main stream of samples, or the output of the inspection unit may be directed to a collection unit. In addition to the inspection performed by the inspection unit, weighing of the sub stream of samples may also be performed by a weighing unit before the sub stream of samples are routed to the main stream of samples or the collection unit.

Abstract: A sub stream auto sampling system includes an inspection unit and a sorter unit. The inspection unit includes a camera configured to capture an image of a sample, a light configured to illuminate a sample, a processor configured to process the captured image, and a memory configured to store the captured image. The sorter unit is configured to divert a sub stream of samples, from a main stream of samples, toward the inspection unit. The output of the inspection unit may be directed to the main stream of samples, or the output of the inspection unit may be directed to a collection unit. In addition to the inspection performed by the inspection unit, weighing of the sub stream of samples may also be performed by a weighing unit before the sub stream of samples are routed to the main stream of samples or the collection unit.

Abstract: A method for generating a quality inspection data block for a distributed ledger includes: determining an identification code associated with a sample to be inspected, inspecting the sample and thereby generating quality inspection data associated with the sample, and after completion of the inspecting of the sample combining the identification code and the quality inspection data into the quality inspection data block. The method also includes adding the quality inspection data block to the distributed ledger. An inspector including a sensor that senses a characteristic of a sample, a memory that stores sensor output data, and a processor configured to: determine an identification code associated with a sample to be inspected, generate quality inspection data based on the sensor output data, and combine the identification code and the quality inspection data into a quality inspection data block. In one example, the inspector is an in-flight 3D inspector.

Abstract: An adaptable sorter unit includes an attachment mechanism, a device that is capable of moving a first sample by use of a vacuum, a pressurized air inlet, and a valve. The pressurized air inlet is connected to the valve that controls a flow of pressurized air through the device. The valve may be electronically controlled or pneumatically controlled. The location of the adaptable sorter unit may be adjustable based, at least in part, on data captured by an optical inspector. An array of adaptable sorter units may be configured side-by-side to cover the width of the processing line. The device may be a venturi vacuum. The adaptable sorter unit may include a baseline vacuum control valve that causes a baseline vacuum force to be applied. An electrical control signal may be used to open the valve, the frequency of which may control the amount of time the valve is opened.

Abstract: A sub stream auto sampling system includes an inspection unit and a sorter unit. The inspection unit includes a camera configured to capture an image of a sample, a light configured to illuminate a sample, a processor configured to process the captured image, and a memory configured to store the captured image. The sorter unit is configured to divert a sub stream of samples, from a main stream of samples, toward the inspection unit. The output of the inspection unit may be directed to the main stream of samples, or the output of the inspection unit may be directed to a collection unit. In addition to the inspection performed by the inspection unit, weighing of the sub stream of samples may also be performed by a weighing unit before the sub stream of samples are routed to the main stream of samples or the collection unit.

Abstract: An adaptable sorter unit includes an attachment mechanism, a device that is capable of moving a first sample by use of a vacuum, a pressurized air inlet, and a valve. The pressurized air inlet is connected to the valve that controls a flow of pressurized air through the device. The valve may be electronically controlled or pneumatically controlled. The location of the adaptable sorter unit may be adjustable based, at least in part, on data captured by an optical inspector. An array of adaptable sorter units may be configured side-by-side to cover the width of the processing line. The device may be a venturi vacuum. The adaptable sorter unit may include a baseline vacuum control valve that causes a baseline vacuum force to be applied. An electrical control signal may be used to open the valve, the frequency of which may control the amount of time the valve is opened.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a stream of products using a source of high pressure liquid is disclosed, and where a conveyor is provided for moving a stream of product along a path of travel which is at least partially unsupported, and a liquid jet is provided all which generates a pressurized liquid stream which severs individual objects in the stream of products while the individual objects are moving in an unsupported fashion along the path of travel.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a stream of products using a source of high pressure liquid is disclosed, and where a conveyor is provided for moving a stream of product along a path of travel which is at least partially unsupported, and a liquid jet is provided all which generates a pressurized liquid stream which severs individual objects in the stream of products while the individual objects are moving in an unsupported fashion along the path of travel.

Abstract: A method of application of cutting a stream of products using a source of high pressure liquid is disclosed, and where a conveyor is provided for moving a stream of product along a path of travel which is at least partially unsupported, and a liquid jet is provided all which generates a pressurized liquid stream which severs individual objects in the stream of products while the individual objects are moving in an unsupported fashion along the path of travel.

Abstract: A method of application of cutting a stream of products using a source of high pressure liquid is disclosed, and where a conveyor is provided for moving a stream of product along a path of travel which is at least partially unsupported, and a liquid jet is provided all which generates a pressurized liquid stream which severs individual objects in the stream of products while the individual objects are moving in an unsupported fashion along the path of travel.

Abstract: This application describes a guide plate for collecting and discharging bulk products (12), comprising a first segment (14), said first segment (14) comprising damping means (19, 20), which, during use, dissipate the collision energy of each product (12) to be collected essentially individually. Further, this application describes a sorting machine for the sorting of a continuous single layer stream of products, in which said sorting machine contains a feeding unit, an analysis unit, a removal unit and transport unit, where said transport unit contains such a guide plate in order to collect the products coming from the feeding unit.

Abstract: This application describes a guide plate for collecting and discharging bulk products (12), comprising a first segment (14), said first segment (14) comprising damping means (19, 20), which, during use, dissipate the collision energy of each product (12) to be collected essentially individually. Further, this application describes a sorting machine for the sorting of a continuous single layer stream of products, in which said sorting machine contains a feeding unit, an analysis unit, a removal unit and transport unit, where said transport unit contains such a guide plate in order to collect the products coming from the feeding unit.