Abstract: The invention relates to a detection system in a screening device for screening material, e.g. aggregate, ore or similar, comprising at least one screening decks, the at least one screening deck having a screening surface comprising one or more screening modules. The system comprises a sensor arranged at or near at least one screening deck of the screening device. The sensor is arranged such that it can detect objects present leaving the at least one screening deck. The invention also relates to a method for detection of objects in a screening device, and use of the detection system.

Abstract: A method of producing gluten-free oats from a supply of grains incorporating oats and at least one contaminant grain includes hyperspectral imaging and analyzing data of only a particular region of interest of each grain in the supply of grains, particularly excluding tip and peripheral edge regions of the grain. Therefore, the particular regions of interest is limited to a central region of each grain determined by locating a centroid of the grain and collecting data of the grain from only pixels in a predetermined spacing from the centroid. Preferably, the hyperspectral imaging is only performed in wavelengths ranging from 1000 to 2500 nm. The method can be particularly employed in connection with quality control sampling of a pre-sorted supply of gluten-free oats to assure a gluten level well below 20 ppm, preferably a gluten level of no greater than 10 ppm.

Abstract: The separator according to the invention comprises: a tank (1) for receiving waste material and containing fluid to separate waste material by density into floating and settled material; automatic feed means (18, 37), for example, a double screen (18) to feed waste material to the tank (1); motorised conveyor belts (3, 4) divided into a floating waste material conveyor (3) and a settled waste material conveyor (4) to extract floating or settled waste material from the tank (1): and a blower-type sorting device (21) comprising: a turbine (22) that provides an airflow; and a branched duct (23) divided into: a riser duct (26) to transport part of the airflow to a diffuser (39) beneath the automatic feed means (18, 37) to raise light-weight waste material; and a discharge duct (27) to transport and horizontally expel another part of the airflow in order to remove previously raised waste material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separation-apparatus for separating from a particle-stream at least a first fraction with particles of a first group of dimensions, and a second fraction with particles of a second group of dimensions, comprising an infeed-device for the particle-stream, a rotatable drum having at its circumference plates, each plate having a radially extending hitting surface for the particles, at least a first receiving area proximal to the drum for receipt therein of particles of the first fraction, and at least a second receiving area distant from the drum for receipt therein of particles of the second fraction, wherein the apparatus has a housing so as to protect the particles from outside weather-conditions, allowing that the particles of the particle-stream to be processed by said apparatus have dimensions in the range 0-15 mm.

Abstract: There is presented a system 10,100 for sorting microscopic objects 76, 78, 80, where the system comprises a fluid channel 66 with an inlet 68 and an outlet 70, where the fluid channel is arranged for allowing the fluid flow to be laminar. The system furthermore comprises a detection system 52 which enables detecting microscopic objects in the fluid channel and furthermore enables determining their position. The system furthermore comprises a controller 67, such as a computer, which receives the positions and accordingly controls a source of light beams so as to “shoot” light beams towards selected microscopic objects so as to “push” them into a new position. The system thereby enables sorting the selected microscopic objects. In more specific embodiments, the detection system furthermore assigns different categories to different microscopic objects, so as to enable sorting based on multiple categories.

Abstract: The method for sorting grain (10) comprises the step of conveying the grain (10) with at least a part of the pericarp, seed-coat or aleuron layer or any combination thereof attached into a colour-sorting device (1). The grain (10) is sorted according to colour into at least a first colour-fraction (11) and at least a second colour-fraction (12). The first colour-fraction (11) or the second colour-fraction (12) is conveyed into a size-sorting device (2). Subsequently, the first colour-fraction (11) or the second colour-fraction (12) conveyed into the size-sorting device (2) is sorted according to size of the grain (10) into a size-accept fraction (13) and a size-reject fraction (14).

Abstract: A propulsive element usable for producing a jet of fluid using a pressurized fluid. An inlet receives the pressurized fluid; a propulsive element passageway extends from the inlet; two main outlets are in fluid communication with the propulsive element passageway and are configured and sized for releasing each a respective main jet portion when the pressurized fluid is injected in the inlet, the two main jet portions being each substantially divergent, the two main jet portions creating a low pressure zone therebetween.

Abstract: An ejector system for a color sorter, eliminates particulate matter by air by detection of the particulate matter falling from an end of a transfer device at a predetermined position, and has a nozzle part in which a plurality of air flow paths that communicate with a plurality of nozzle holes are formed. A manifold part is provided with a plurality of electromagnetic valves that communicate with an air space communicating with a compressed air source and in which a plurality of air flow paths for supplying compressed air to the corresponding air flow paths in the nozzle part by the operation of the respective electromagnetic valves are formed. The nozzle part and the manifold part are separably integrated while open surfaces of the air flow paths in the nozzle part and open surfaces of the air flow paths in the manifold part are brought into contact with each other.

Abstract: Method and device for removing foreign bodies from a first tobacco stream that is conveyed via an air flow in a region of a first foreign body detection device. Method includes detecting, with a first foreign body detection device, the foreign bodies in the first tobacco stream based on at least one property, and removing, with a jet of compressed air, the foreign bodies from the first tobacco stream. In this manner, a foreign body freed tobacco stream and a second tobacco stream including tobacco particles and the foreign bodies entrained by the jet of compressed air are formed. Method also includes at least one of: accelerating the second stream at a distance from the first tobacco stream; and detecting, with a second foreign body detector, foreign bodies in the second stream based on at least one property and removing the detected foreign bodies with a second jet of compressed air.

Abstract: A system for sorting has an inlet end, a first separation section disposed downstream of the inlet end and including a fluidizing section and a hood disposed above the fluidizing section, a negative pressure developed adjacent the fluidizing section to draw a first class of materials into the hood, a second separation section disposed downstream of the first separation section and including an air knife and a dropout, a second class of materials passing through the air knife and into the dropout and a third class of materials passing over the dropout and through an outlet end, and a vibration generator coupled to the first separation section and the second separation section to convey material from the inlet end to the outlet end.

Abstract: A material separation system includes a separation screen and an air directing device positioned above the separation screen. The separation screen has at least one rotating shaft, wherein the separation screen transports the relatively rigid material and relatively flexible material to the rotating shaft. The air directing device directs air towards the separation screen such that the relatively flexible material is blown beneath the rotating shaft in a first material stream, wherein the relatively rigid material continues on the separation screen past the rotating shaft in a second material stream.

Abstract: The process for coal separation includes two steps of size grading and oversize raw coal separating. A size range is obtained through size grading, then the obtained raw coal is separated by a sensor system, and coal briquettes with high impurity contents are blown into an impurity chamber through high-speed compressed air, thus improving the separating accuracy and efficiency. The system for coal separation includes a dry screening machine, an oversize raw coal conveying chute, a sensor system, a control system, nozzles and a flow division chamber. The tail end of the dry screening machine is connected with the charge end of the chute; the sensor system and the discharge end of the chute are correspondingly arranged; the flow division chamber is arranged below the chute; and the nozzles operated and controlled by the control system are arranged between the discharge end of the chute and the flow division chamber.

Abstract: A nondestructive system and method for aflatoxin detection based on red-orange fluorescence is described. A sorting plane is illuminated with a wide band black light source. At least one image of unsorted produce on said sorting plane is obtained. A red component of the at least one image is evaluated. Contaminated produce is determined based on the red component.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for separating plastics from compost material. In an embodiment, the method comprises: providing an inclined trough having a feed entry at a top end and a materials discharge end at a bottom end, the inclined trough including a plurality of riffles positioned substantially perpendicularly to a direction of flow of compost material down the inclined trough; inducing a vibration in the inclined trough to induce a prolonged period of hindered unsettling in the compost material; providing a longitudinal dam to at least one side of the inclined trough; and generating an air flow over a substantial length of the inclined trough perpendicular to the direction of flow of compost material down the inclined trough, thereby to blow plastics separated from the compost material over the longitudinal dam.

Abstract: Machine for the inspection and sorting of fruits, which has, connected to a control system, an inspection unit (1) and ejection means (3) which eject the fruits inspected by the inspection unit (1) which do not comply with certain conditions pre-established by the control system. The product transport means have a plurality of rotating rollers (7) which rotate the fruits they transport as they advance, providing multiple views of said fruits to the artificial vision system (4), and a final section for the fall of the fruits with a curved surface with variable decreasing radius. The present invention also consists of a method to inspect and sort fruits which makes them rotate during their transport and inspection and sets their acceleration at the discharge from the machine through a curved surface with decreasing radius.

Abstract: A system for density-based particle separation includes a loading bin, a separating feeder, a mesh conveyor belt, a compressor for the mesh conveyor belt, transporting nozzles integrated with the separation bins and located over the mesh conveyor belt, discharge nozzles positioned under the mesh conveyor belt in the same plane with transporting nozzles and adjusted for separation of the primary material into particle products of specific density and an aspiration systems (cyclones), as well as fans for generation of ascending sucking air flows in the transporting nozzles and discharge flows in the discharge nozzles.

Abstract: A sorting device and a method for separating products in a random bulk stream of inhomogeneous products. The sorting device comprises an image recording unit arranged for recording images of the bulk stream of products. An image processing unit connected to the image recording unit for determining product properties and process properties of products in the bulk stream from the recorded images. A decision unit connected to the image processing unit for determining, on the basis of one or more of the determined product properties of the products, which products are to be separated. A separating unit arranged for separating the products to be separated from the bulk stream. As well as an object processing unit arranged for determining, on the basis of one or more of the determined product properties and one or more of the determined process properties of the products, points of engagement on the products to be separated for separating the products to be separated by means of the separating unit.

Abstract: An automated method is used to direct seeds to desired locations. The method includes isolating individual seeds from a plurality of seeds, for example, in a seed bin, and then measuring desired properties of the seeds. The measured properties are evaluated, and the seeds are then directed to desired locations, for example, based on the measured properties. The individual seeds are each contacted with a stream of air to move the seeds to the desired locations.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a rotating classifier which can keep classification performance high and which can prevent blockages caused by biomass and the like. [Means for Resolution] The rotating classifier is characterized in that: comb teeth-like protrusion portions protruding toward a fixed member side are provided on top of rotary classification fins at intervals along the circumferential direction of the rotating classifier fins; a first gap is provided between an upper end portion of each of the comb teeth-like protrusion portions and a lower surface of the fixed member; a second gap formed between a protrusion portion and a protrusion portion adjacent to the protrusion portion is connected to the first gap; and an air stream flowing from the radial outside to the radial inside of the comb teeth-like protrusion portions through the first gap and the second gap is formed due to the rotation of the rotary classification fins.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for sorting foreign material and undesirable articles from a product stream. A mechanical diverter having a concave shape is responsive to an inspection station coupled to the product stream. The mechanical diverter is employed to effectively launch or otherwise redirect undesirable articles in an alternate path. In addition, an air ejector in one form of the invention is provided and is responsive to the inspection station and is employed to dislodge foreign material from the product stream.

Abstract: A system includes a vibratory apparatus with a housing having a floor with an opening and a chamber, a deck disposed in the chamber between the chamber inlet and the opening, a section of the deck having a plurality of apertures and a plenum defined beneath the deck section, and an air knife disposed between the deck section and the chamber outlet. The system includes an air handling system with a first path in communication with the plenum, a second path in communication with the air knife, a third path in communication with a space beneath the air knife, a fourth path in communication with the chamber above the deck between the inlet and the deck section, a return path from the outlet, and an air mover having an outlet in communication with the first, second, third, and fourth paths and an inlet in communication with the return path.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) and method cleans a batch of pellets or granules prior to use in an extrusion process. Loose contaminants having material characteristics that are undersired for the extruded product are first removed (110) from the batch using a deduster. The deduster may also remove uncontaminated fines and fluff from the batch. Pellets that are defective or otherwise undersired for the extrusion process as well as other loose particle contaminants can then be efficiently detected and removed (120) without the risks of fines clogging the apparatus or shielding the detection process. Magnets may help remove (130) particulates of ferrous material before or after the removal (120) of defective pellets. The resulting batch of pellets helps to produce extruded materials of higher quality, such as insulation material in electrical cables.

Abstract: Processing waste materials to recover valuable metals, such as copper, from the materials. The disclosed systems and methods employ processes that further refine the waste materials to concentrate the metallic material after the waste materials are initially processed. Processes include employing air separation and screening. Processes also include employing a dynamic sensor and a vacuum pressure separator to separate metals from other materials.

Abstract: A system for sorting has an inlet end, a first separation section disposed downstream of the inlet end and including a fluidizing section and a hood disposed above the fluidizing section, a negative pressure developed adjacent the fluidizing section to draw a first class of materials into the hood, a second separation section disposed downstream of the first separation section and including an air knife and a dropout, a second class of materials passing through the air knife and into the dropout and a third class of materials passing over the dropout and through an outlet end, and a vibration generator coupled to the first separation section and the second separation section to convey material from the inlet end to the outlet end.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating metallically augmented non-magnetic objects are provided herein. Systems may include a conveyor for translating refuse along a path, the refuse comprising non-magnetic objects and metallically augmented non-magnetic objects, and a magnetic force generator extending along at least a portion of the conveyor and generating a magnetic force that causes the metallically augmented non-magnetic objects to remain in contact with the conveyor as the metallically augmented non-magnetic objects traverse along the path and as the non-magnetic objects are removed from conveyor.

Abstract: The apparatus for separating residues from a thermal waste treatment into one fine fraction and one coarse fraction comprises a housing (1) abutting on swinging elements (2), said housing having a plurality of diagonally offset plates (3.1-3.5) that are disposed one beneath the other and are connected to said housing (1) by their side edges, and being equipped with means (5) for generating a vibration component oriented in the direction of the plates (3.1-3.5) disposed diagonally offset downward. The apparatus further comprises one suction line (6) as well as an inlet opening for a gas that may be passed between the plates for wind sieving. Residues or slag from a waste treatment plant or an incineration plant are supplied to this apparatus in order to separate them into at least one fine fraction and one coarse fraction.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for sorting foreign material and undesirable articles from a product stream. A mechanical diverter having a concave shape is responsive to an inspection station coupled to the product stream. The mechanical diverter is employed to effectively launch or otherwise redirect undesirable articles in an alternate path. In addition, an air ejector is responsive to the inspection station and is employed to dislodge foreign material from the product stream.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic chip including a channel through which a liquid containing micro-particles flows, and a gas jetting section configured to jet a gas toward the micro-particle-containing liquid ejected from the channel is provided.

Abstract: An air classification device for separation of solids comprising an input system, a first solid separator system, an output system, and an emission containing system. The emission containing system employs supplemental air lines, a supplemental air source, and high-velocity air knives to create negative air pressure at any opening in the device. The negative air pressure induces air to move into the device and prevents polluted air from escaping the device at the openings.

Abstract: In an apparatus in spinning preparation for separating foreign objects at conveying equipment for fiber material, at least one separation device is associated with the conveying equipment. The separation device comprises an arrangement for producing a blast of air that flows in the direction onto the conveying equipment and generates an air flow that detaches the foreign objects from the conveyed fibers and carries them away. The arrangement comprises a plurality of blast nozzles arranged across the width of the conveying equipment and connected to a compressed air pipe and to valves. To reduce the proportion of good fibers in the waste in a simple manner, and to allow a more selective action of the blast air current, a bar member for mounting the blast nozzles is present and the nozzles are integrated in the bar member.

Abstract: The apparatus for separating residues from a thermal waste treatment into one fine fraction and one coarse fraction comprises a housing (1) abutting on swinging elements (2), said housing having a plurality of diagonally offset plates (3.1-3.5) that are disposed one beneath the other and are connected to said housing (1) by their side edges, and being equipped with means (5) for generating a vibration component oriented in the direction of the plates (3.1-3.5) disposed diagonally offset downward. The apparatus further comprises one suction line (6) as well as an inlet opening for a gas that may be passed between the plates for wind sieving. Residues or slag from a waste treatment plant or an incineration plant are supplied to this apparatus in order to separate them into at least one fine fraction and one coarse fraction.

Abstract: A cross-flow air separation system comprises a conveyor configured to project material out over an end of the conveyor generally along a trajectory path into a far receiving bin. An optical sensing system is configured to identify particular objects in the projected material. A first air ejection system is configured to generate a first airstream that ejects the identified objects from the trajectory path into a second near receiving bin. A second cross air current system is configured to generate a second airstream that reduces air resistance for the materials projected along the trajectory path. The second airstream reduces certain aeronautic phenomena that would cause some of the projected materials to unintentionally fall into the wrong receiving bin, thus creating a higher purity/less contaminated materiel stream into the near bin.

Abstract: A method for separation of heterogeneous products included in household waste (HW) comprises separating the products in a fractionation vessel containing a liquid. The waste includes components, of which at least some are capable of floating in the liquid. The components are exposed to a first essentially horizontal force (P1) in a first direction (D1) enforced by a flow of the liquid in the fractionation vessel and to a second essentially horizontal force (P2) in a second direction (D2), which is substantially different from the first direction (D1). The combined impact of the forces (P1; P2) on the components spreads the components and leads them to at least two collection areas. Products of varying buoyancy may thus be treated separately.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus separate fines from crushed rock and stone. A motorized conveyor belt system is activated that includes a conveyor belt moving in an upward direction. A spray system is activated to spray a fluid on an underneath surface of the conveyor belt. The mixture of rock and fines are directed to the conveyor belt. The rock tumbles or rolls down the conveyor belt and is collected at a first end of the conveyor belt. The fines stick or adhere to the conveyor belt, and the fines are scraped off of the conveyor belt at or near the second end of the conveyor belt. The apparatus includes a conveyor belt system, including a moving belt, a motor to move the belt, the belt including a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is elevated relative to the first end. The apparatus includes a spray system, including a source of fluid, a sprayer in fluidic communication with the source of the fluid, and the sprayer positioned to spray a surface of the belt with the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for sorting foreign material and undesirable articles from a product stream. A mechanical diverter having a concave shape is responsive to an inspection station coupled to the product stream. The mechanical diverter is employed to effectively launch or otherwise redirect undesirable articles in an alternate path. In addition, an air ejector is responsive to the inspection station and is employed to dislodge foreign material from the product stream.

Abstract: Sorting apparatus comprising conveying means for conveying input objects into to the apparatus, extraction means for extracting from the conveying means input objects identified as belonging to a particular object-class processing means arranged to received input data corresponding at least to the portions across the conveying means of said identified input objects and to output control signals corresponding to the input data to the extraction means to effect extraction of said identified input objects, where the extraction means comprises an array of nozzles extending in a direction (z) across the conveying means, each of which is independently operable under control of the processing means to produce an air jet in a generally upward direction (y), and is arranged to activate sub-groups of nozzles corresponding to, and in response to, said control signals, characterised in that the conveying means has a partially open surface arranged to convey input objects over the array of nozzles, in that the array of no

Abstract: A powder separation apparatus and method are provided so as to be able to accurately separate a raw powder material. This apparatus has a container into which a raw powder material containing a heavy powder and a light powder, and medium particles having a larger particle size than the raw powder material, are supplied; a container shaker for shaking the container; and a gas blower unit for blowing a gas into an interior of a medium particle layer in the container to discharge the light powder with the gas to the outside of the medium particle layer.

Abstract: A method for sorting tablets at a rotary press for making tablets, comprising the following steps: the individual tablets are monitored with regard to at least one property of their condition during the pressing process, and a bad-signal is generated, if a tablet does not fulfill the property, and tablets which do not generate a bad-signal being good-tablets; the good-tablets are directed from a die plate of the rotary press into a good-channel; after a bad-signal has been generated, a bad-tablet is directed into a bad-channel by means of an air blast; by means of a further air stream, which is directed into the bad-channel, the bad-tablet is accelerated into the bad-channel whereby a returning to the die plate is avoided.

Abstract: An automated system for sorting dissimilar materials, and in particular for sorting plastics from other materials and for sorting different types of plastics from one another comprises, depending upon the embodiment, combinations of a sizing mechanism, a friction separation, an air separator, a magnetic separator, a dielectric sensor sortation bed, shaker screening, a ballistic separator, an inductive sensor sortation system and a float/sink tank. The dielectric sensor sortation system may be either analog or digital, depending upon the particular implementation. One or more float/sink tanks can be used, depending upon the embodiment, each with a media of a different specific gravity. The media may be water, or water plus a compound such as calcium chloride. In addition, multiples of the same general type of module can be used for particular configurations. A heavy media system or a sand float process can be used either alternatively or additionally.

Abstract: A screening arrangement in a vibrating screen for screening of material, such as crushed stone, gravel or the like, the screening arrangement having one or more screening decks placed at different heights and provided with directing means, where the directing means are provided on the underside of at least one upper screening deck to direct the screened material upstream onto a screening deck located below the at least one upper screening deck.

Abstract: A system for sorting fine nonferrous metals and insulated copper wire from a batch of mixed fine nonferrous metals and insulated wire includes an array of inductive proximity detectors, a processing computer and a sorting mechanism. The inductive proximity detectors identify the location of the fine nonferrous metals and insulated copper wire. The processing computer instructs the sorting mechanism to place the fine nonferrous metals and insulated copper wire into a separate container than the non-metallic pieces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifugal separator with an inlet channel for a flow containing coarse and fine particles, a first outlet channel for a flow containing predominantly coarse particles, a second outlet channel for a flow containing predominantly fine particles and a separator chamber with at least one separator device, wherein the separator chamber connects the inlet channel to the first outlet channel and the second outlet channel, and wherein the inlet channel, the separator channel and the two outlet channels form a flow path. To improve the degree of efficiency, as a first separator device, one or more separator pockets are arranged in the separator chamber, which project into the flow path. Also disclosed is a corresponding method for the separation of a flow containing coarse and fine particles.

Abstract: A screening apparatus for separating components of a material by vibratory separation which, in certain aspects, includes a vibratable box connected via vibration isolators within a container, the box including screening apparatus thereon or the vibratory separator having replaceable screening cartridges within a container. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for separating materials, such as fluff and plastic found in disposable diapers. A separator unit is provided having an inlet for receiving the materials, means for separating the materials, and multiple outlets for each of the respective materials. In one aspect, the system is substantially pneumatic, and air is used to separate the materials. In some aspects, a shredder is provided for shredding the materials prior to separating, and balers are provided for baling each of the respective materials.

Abstract: Multiple shafts are aligned along a frame and configured to rotate in a direction causing paper products to move along a separation screen. The shafts are configured with a shape and spacing so that substantially rigid pieces of the paper products move along the screen while non-rigid pieces of the paper products slide down between adjacent shafts. In one embodiment, the screen includes at least one vacuum shaft that has a first set of air input holes configured to suck air and retain the non-rigid paper products. A second set of air output holes are configured to blow out air to dislodge the paper products retained by the input holes.

Abstract: Multiple shafts are aligned along a frame and configured to rotate in a direction causing paper products to move along a separation screen. The shafts are configured with a shape and spacing so that substantially rigid pieces of the paper products move along the screen while non-rigid pieces of the paper products slide down between adjacent shafts. In one embodiment, the screen includes at least one vacuum shaft that has a first set of air input holes configured to suck air and retain the non-rigid paper products. A second set of air output holes are configured to blow out air to dislodge the paper products retained by the input holes.

Abstract: A vibratory material separating apparatus has at least two plateau conveying surfaces interrupted by a drop out opening. A composite mixture is conveyed by a vibrating action beyond the first conveying plateau and over a foraminous section in the first conveying plateau adjacent the drop out opening. Air is directed upwardly through the foraminous section to break apart the composite mixture, and an air supply formed by an air duct is also directed angularly in relationship to the plane of the first conveying plateau to further break apart the composite mixture and to propel particles of predetermined density and/or dimension to the landing area on the second conveying plateau. The air duct is adjustable between a first position and a second position to form an air stream having an adjustable and width. In another aspect, a separating tube is located between and spaced from the first and second conveying plateaus, within the drop out opening.

Abstract: A sorting device to sort granules within a bulk of granules, where the granules differ in quality includes a positioning means giving a well-separated position for each granule. At least one detector is arranged to receive electromagnetic radiation or sonic waves sent by an energy source via the granules. Furthermore, ejecting means are arranged to eject the granules into receiving means based on the detected quality.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sorting particles entrained in a gaseous stream are disclosed. A representative system, among others, includes a particle scanner, a sorter, which is in pneumatic communication with the particle scanner, and a controller, which is in electrical communication with the particle scanner and sorter. The particle scanner is adapted to receive a gaseous stream and measure a characteristic of a particle entrained in the gaseous stream. The controller is adapted to classify the scanned particle according to the measured characteristic of the particle. The sorter includes an electrically controlled valve. Responsive to the particle being classified as belonging to a first category, the controller signals the valve to deflect the trajectory of the particle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the separation of foreign bodies from a material flow, in particular a tobacco stream. Method is characterized in that at least a portion of the material from the material flow is conveyed into the area of a foreign-body detection device in the form of a partial material flow, whereby foreign bodies are identified by the foreign-body detection device in the partial material flow and subsequently removed from the partial material flow, whereby the partial material flow is formed by a separation step by an air flow upstream from the foreign-body detection device. Apparatus is characterized in that a material flow conveyor and a separation device arranged diagonal to the material flow conveyor are provided by which a partial material flow can be separated from the material flow. A foreign-body detection device is arranged after the separation device and after this, a foreign-body separation device.