Abstract: A pit detection apparatus (10) and method for detecting the presence of pits or pit fragments (12) in fruit (14) as the fruit (14) passes through a zone of inspection (16) includes a scanning beam generator (17) for sweeping a transmission scanning beam (28) across the inspection zone (16). The inspection zone (16) is located intermediate the beam generator (17) and an array (38) of transmission sensors (40). The sensors (40) generate transmission sensor signals indicative of received light intensity from the beam (28). A second sizing beam generator (50) and associated array (60) of sensors (62) generate sizing signals representative of te optical path length through which the transmission scanning beam (28) travels within the fruit (14). The transmission sensor and sizing signals are applied to an analysis circuit (44) wherein the signals are analyzed to determine the presence or absence of pits or pit fragments (12).

Abstract: Optical sorting apparatus wherein during sorting, articles are directed to free fall through an illuminated inspection chamber. A light reflecting background positioned in the chamber is adjustable to form a variable reference standard of reflectivity. A sensor positioned to receive light from the background establishes a reference level and also receives reflected light from objects passing through the chamber. A change in detected light level from the reference level is indicative of a property of an article to be sorted for selectively effecting sortation of the article.