Abstract: A method for handling harvested root crops such as potatoes. The method includes the steps of optically imaging (i.e., by the hyper-spectral imaging system) a bulk flow of a harvested root crop to produce image data and analysing the image data to identify discrete objects within the bulk flow. Each identified object is categorised as either acceptable or unacceptable based on a comparison with at least one discriminator and objects classified as unacceptable are removed (by the ejector actuator) from the bulk flow to provide a sorted flow of the harvested root crop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rejecter for a product sorting system comprising at least two different co-located rejection means wherein each rejection means is independently activatable to deflect a product from a sorting stream.

Abstract: A method for handling harvested root crops such as potatoes. The method includes the steps of optically imaging (i.e., by the hyper-spectral imaging system) a bulk flow of a harvested root crop to produce image data and analysing the image data to identify discrete objects within the bulk flow. Each identified object is categorised as either acceptable or unacceptable based on a comparison with at least one discriminator and objects classified as unacceptable are removed (by the ejector actuator) from the bulk flow to provide a sorted flow of the harvested root crop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rejecter for a product sorting system comprising at least two different co-located rejection means wherein each rejection means is independently activatable to deflect a product from a sorting stream.

Abstract: A double-acting cylinder and piston mechanism comprising a cylinder (1) substantially closed at both ends by front (5) and rear (7) end walls, a piston (8) axially displaceable within the cylinder (1), a first region (6) defined between the piston (8) and the rear end wall (7) of the cylinder (1) and a second region (4) defined between the piston (8) and the front end wall (5) of the cylinder (1), a piston rod (2) extending from the piston (8) through the front end wall (5) of the cylinder (1), an air inlet port (19) for communication with said first region (6) of the cylinder (1) and at least one exhaust vent (14) which is exposed during axial displacement of the piston (8) for release of air delivered to the cylinder (1) through the air inlet port (19).

Abstract: A double-acting cylinder and piston mechanism comprising a cylinder (1) substantially closed at both ends by front (5) and rear (7) end walls, a piston (8) axially displaceable within the cylinder (1), a first region (6) defined between the piston (8) and the rear end wall (7) of the cylinder (1) and a second region (4) defined between the piston (8) and the front end wall (5) of the cylinder (1), a piston rod (2) extending from the piston (8) through the front end wall (5) of the cylinder (1), an air inlet port (19) for communication with said first region (6) of the cylinder (1) and at least one exhaust vent (14) which is exposed during axial displacement of the piston (8) for release of air delivered to the cylinder (1) through the air inlet port (19).

Abstract: An optical inspection system inspect products passed through an inspection region. Light is directed onto the products form optical control units including light emitting diodes. Light emitted from the diodes is directed by cylindrical lenses onto the products at a specified target region, and a sensor detects light reflected from the products. Focussing is achieved by an outer row of the diodes being displaced outwardly relative to axes of respectively cylindrical lenses, so that light originating from the outer rows of diodes converges towards that passing along a central axis extending from a central row of the diodes through a central lens to the target region, light from all rows of the diodes being therefore focussed substantially at the target region.