Abstract: A sorting apparatus is described, and which includes a conveyor which transports a produce stream for inspection. The conveyor has various regions formed in part of ridges, troughs and apertures which reduce the weight of the produce stream, as well as reduces the vertical and horizontal components of motion of the produce stream, as the produce stream progresses from one end to the other.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus is described, and which includes a conveyor which transports a produce stream for inspection. A product separation surface is mounted near the distal end of the conveyor, and the produce stream passes over the product separation surface, and is slowed to a speed such that the produce stream falls substantially immediately vertically downwardly. An inspection zone is located downstream relative to the product separation surface. An imaging device is provided, and which images the produce stream passing through the inspection zone; an illumination device is provided for illuminating the produce stream passing through the inspection zone, and an ejector assembly is located downstream of the inspection zone and which removes unwanted solid material in the produce stream having undesirable characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for differentiating articles in a product stream is described, and which includes an acoustic generator for generating acoustic energy; a plurality of articles located in receiving relation relative to the acoustic energy, and wherein the plurality of articles receive at least a portion of the acoustic energy, and wherein at least some of the acoustic energy received by the plurality of articles is converted into electromagnetic energy; a sensor for detecting at least some of the electromagnetic energy generated by the conversion of the acoustic energy; and a processor operably coupled with the sensor for differentiating the plurality of articles based upon the electromagnetic energy sensed.