Abstract: a flat detector includes a first flat member and a second flat member both made of a nonmagnetic nonmetal, a first conductive wiring that generates an alternating magnetic field, the first conductive wing being disposed on a surface of the first flat member facing toward the second flat member, a first layer made of a nonmagnetic metal and disposed at least on a surface of the first flat member, a second conductive wiring that detects a signal generated by magnetization reversal of a magnetic material, the magnetization reversal being caused by the alternating magnetic field generated by the first conductive wiring, the second conductive wiring being disposed on a surface of the second flat member facing toward the first flat member, and a second layer made of a nonmagnetic metal and disposed at least on a surface of the second flat member.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention there are systems and methods of separating a mixture of carbon nanotubes comprising dispersing carbon nanotubes into a fluid to form a dispersion of individually-suspended carbon nanotubes and focusing the dispersion of individually-suspended carbon nanotubes into a single file stream of carbon nanotubes. The methods can also include characterizing the single file stream of carbon nanotubes and sorting the carbon nanotubes based on their properties.

Abstract: A singularizer device for a mail-sorting system configured for receiving at input homogeneous lots of postal objects and feeding at output postal objects that have been singularized, i.e., physically separated from one another, to the mail-sorting system; each lot of homogeneous postal objects comprises postal objects having common dimensional parameters and/or physical/constructional parameters. The singularizer device is provided with sensor means designed to detect the type of lot fed at input for implementing automatically a respective singularization program suited to the type of postal objects detected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for efficient sorting of specimen include specimen containers, such as vials, positioned in container carriers, such as pucks. The specimen containers contain a specimen that is to be processed through, for example, one or more tests. The specimen containers contain an identifier for the specimen and the container carriers include an identifier, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The identifier of the specimen is associated with the identifier of the container carrier. The container carriers with the specimen containers are then sorted based on the identifier of the container carrier according to the desired processing of the specimen containers.

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: Methods for reclaiming or reconditioning used tubulars are disclosed. One method includes performing non-visual, non-destructive inspection of used tubulars at a site of a reconditioning or reclaiming plant prior to the used tubulars being cleaned in preparation for reclaiming or reconditioning, followed by sorting the used tubulars based principally on the inspection. The non-visual, non-destructive inspection may be selected from magnetic flux leakage inspection, ultrasonic inspection, Eddy current inspection, acoustic emission inspection, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A flow cytometer subsystems monitors a particle sensing zone within a fluid transport chamber for the presence of a particle (e.g., blood cell) traveling therethrough, and produces an output pulse, whose width is representative of the trajectory and thereby the length of time that the particle is within the particle sensing zone as it travels through the fluid transport chamber. This output pulse is then processed in accordance with geometry parameters of successive time delay zones of the particle fluid transport chamber through which the particle passes, in order to derive a composite time delay between the sensing of the particle to the time at which a fluid droplet containing the particle will break off from the carrier fluid. The composite time delay is employed to accurately establish the time at which the particle is controllably charged as the particle breaks off from the carrier fluid.

Abstract: A device for sorting disks or disk-like members of different identities (e.g., roulette chips) that ejects the disks from a receptacle by means of a rotating wheel with numerous wells, such as multi-chip storage compartments. Ejection of an article from the numerous wells is achieved by an ejector lever making contact with an activated solenoid thus forcing the article at the bottom of the well, in conjunction with the momentum of the rotating wheel, into a receiving space. The disks in the receiving spaces are continually replaced by newly arriving disks, which force the previously positioned disks upwards into a column.

Abstract: Reprocessable medical devices that have been disposed of in a sharps container are recovered, disinfected or sterilized, sorted, and packed for reprocessing in a generally continuous process. In one embodiment, either a sharps container or at least a portion of its contents is successively and controllably conveyed, either manually or automatically, through a plurality of processing stations that are configured to perform different operations. The operations performed by the processing stations can include, for example, detecting and identifying contents, cleaning and disinfecting, opening the sharps containers, separating and sorting their contents, and disposal of contents that are non-reprocessable. Reprocessable medical devices can be sorted by type as they move along on a conveyor.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for processing mailpieces within a mail transportation and distribution system comprising at least a first mail distribution center, a second mail distribution center and an electronic parcel compartment facility located in the area of the second mail distribution center. An exemplary method comprises acquiring data present on a mailpiece in the first mail distribution center, the acquired data comprising at least information that unambiguously identifies the mailpiece as well as information about the recipient of the mailpiece, wherein destination information for an electronic parcel compartment facility is associated with the information that unambiguously identifies the mailpiece.

Abstract: Reprocessable medical devices that have been disposed of in a sharps container are recovered, disinfected or sterilized, sorted, and packed for reprocessing in a generally continuous process. In one embodiment, either a sharps container or at least a portion of its contents is successively and controllably conveyed, either manually or automatically, through a plurality of processing stations that are configured to perform different operations. The operations performed by the processing stations can include, for example, detecting and identifying contents, cleaning and disinfecting, opening the sharps containers, separating and sorting their contents, and disposal of contents that are non-reprocessable. Reprocessable medical devices can be sorted by type as they move along on a conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of recycling exhaust tubes used to manufacture optical fiber includes the automated use of 1) a machine vision system that signals a conveyor system when to stop so that a cutting machine will cut contaminates and discoloration from an exhaust tube at the correct place and provides an indication on whether the exhaust tube is reusable, 2) a conveyor system to transport reusable exhaust tubes to different stations, and 3) a robotic arm to load exhaust tubes onto the conveyor system, and unload exhaust tubes from the conveyor system.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating flat mail items includes two transport devices for transporting two independently mobile stacks of mail items to an extraction device for extracting mail items from both stacks of mail items and supplying the mail items to a transport run. A single-component extraction element of the extraction device is provided for extracting mail items from the two stacks of mail items. An economical device for separating flat mail items from both stacks of mail items can be obtained, and the device generates a continuous flow of mail items.

Abstract: An item sorting system includes at least three modules for processing items requiring sorting, a conveyor line to transport the items in a first transport path from the first to the second and to the third module, and a bypass to transport items requiring sorting in a second transport path from the first to the third module thereby bypassing the second module. A control unit sets a spacing between the items in the conveyor line upstream of the bypass as a function of an activation of the bypass. The bypass is to mitigate stresses to which items are exposed when the item sorting system is used in a plurality of passes with different functions.

Abstract: A screen apparatus, which in certain aspects is a screen apparatus having a support, screening material on the support, a mass member connected to the screen apparatus, and energizable identification apparatus connected to (exteriorly, interiorly, and/or within) the mass member for identifying the screen apparatus; a vibratory separator with such a screen apparatus; and a vibratory separator or shaker with energizable identification apparatus.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly for sorting a plurality of objects comprises a conveyor belt having a surface with a first end and a second end, adapted to carry the plurality of objects from the first end toward the second end, and an electric motor adapted to move the conveyor belt. At least one air flow generation device is positioned adjacent the conveyor belt, and a controller sends a signal to the air flow generation device to generate air flow adapted to bias at least one of the plurality of objects off the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Drupaceous fruit pieces, including fruit flesh with and without pit matter adhering to the flesh as well as loose pits and pit pieces themselves, are passed through an integrated system of multiple sorting units utilizing different sorting methodologies. The sorting units include a laser-based sorting unit that sorts according to differences in light scattering, a diode-based sorting unit that sorts according to differences in light reflectance, and in certain embodiments a camera-based sorting unit that sorts according to differences in color. The system also includes an impact separator that dislodges pit material from fruit flesh from which the pit material has not been dislodged by any preceding units, most notably by pitting machinery through which the fruit has passed prior to entering the system of the invention.

Abstract: Method to sort products whereby the products are transported along a path of conveyance in a conveying device, automatically checked during transport according to at least two predetermined sorting criteria, and when one of the criteria is met, automatically diverted by a diverting force out of the path of conveyance perpendicular to the direction of conveyance into a receiving area, whereby the diverting force proceeds from a common center independent of the fulfilled criterion on the basis of which the respective product is to be diverted, and a device suitable for implementing this method as well as a container for receiving the rejected products.

Abstract: A transport subsystem conveys seed holding well trays between a plurality of stations. A loading subsystem is positioned at a first station and is operable to load seeds into individual wells of the conveyed tray. An imaging subsystem is positioned at a second station and is operable to image the seeds contained within the tray wells. A mechanism is provided for flipping the seeds so as to enable the imaging subsystem to obtain multi-side seed images. A sorting subsystem is positioned at a third station and is operable to remove the seeds from the tray wells and sort the removed seeds into a plurality of sort bins. The sorting determination may be made based on an analysis of the seed images obtained by the imaging subsystem.

Abstract: Methods for automatically controlling a vibratory separator, e.g., but not limited to a shale shaker for processing drilling fluid, the methods in certain aspects including: introducing material to a vibratory separator; sensing with sensor apparatus a state parameter indicative of operation of the vibratory separator; providing a signal indicative of a value of said state parameter to control apparatus; and, with the control apparatus, automatically controlling the vibratory separator based on the level of the state parameter. 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 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: An automated mail sorting system including a display for displaying the image of an item of mail belonging to a carrier route, and input device for associating the image with any of a plurality of stations in a walking sequence of the carrier route, and a sorter having a reader for identifying the item of mail, to sorter for placing the item of mail in a location corresponding to the station in the walking sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for increased efficiency during grading and/or batching. Partial batches are formed based on their characteristics and the fact that the items (1) forming a partial batch have appropriate and desired characteristics. The items (1) are then transported jointly to its destination where they form an intermediate or final batch. The present invention therefore provides a method for grading and batching items with increased efficiency. The method of the present invention is applicable to the devices and processing lines of modern item processing such as food processing lines and grading systems such as cabin grading etc.

Abstract: In a method and device for sorting a quantity of flat objects, especially of mail items, each object passes at least twice through a sorting system with a number of output devices. In each pass of an object the sorting system determines a destination identification of the object and discharges the object depending on the destination identification determined into one of the respective output devices. In the second sorting pass the sorting system groups all objects which are provided with identifications of the same destination into at least one stack such that each stack contains a number of objects and the objects of each stack at least partly overlap each other. The sorting system transports each stack formed in this manner to one of the output devices and discharges it into this output device.

Abstract: A sorting device has at least one mail item buffer receptacle, a number of storage pockets for mail items arranged one after another and circulating continuously in a conveyor belt and moved past one or more loading stations. Below straight transfer sections of the conveyors fixed intermediate storage receptacles open at the top are arranged to accept one or more mail items from the loaded storage pockets to be opened under control in the transfer sections. On a transport path below the intermediate storage receptacles there are also continuously circulating mail item containers open at the top as sorting end points assigned to the destination addresses or destination address groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for continuously selecting defective components (2) from a certain amount of components (2) which are arranged in a detachable manner on a carrier strip (3) in at least one continuous row, and a device (80) and method for continuously producing a carrier strip (3), which is void of defects, from a carrier strip (3) whereon components (2) are arranged in at least one continuous row, and which comprises defective components (2) and components which are void of defects (2).

Abstract: sorting device for RFID tags, comprising a dispensing unit for supplying RFID tags which are applied to a transport belt to a dispensing area, in which the RFID tags are detached from the transport belt; a pick-up unit having a plurality of transport units for respectively picking up the RFID tags in a respective pick-up area onto a corresponding transport belt of the transport units and a positioning device for positioning the dispensing area and a selected pick-up area with respect to one another so that the RFID tags detached from the transport belt in the dispensing area are picked up by the pick-up area of the selected transport unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.

Abstract: An apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a calculation device which calculates a period during which each of postal items passes through a predetermined section, based on time points of passage measured by inlet- and outlet-side measuring devices, individually, a comparison device which compares the passage period calculated by the calculation device with a required period for the passage through the predetermined section, and a control device which controls the operation of a gap correction device so as to vary the transfer speed of the postal items having passed through the outlet side, based on a comparative value obtained by comparison by the comparison device.

Abstract: A received banknote processing apparatus having no temporary reserving section has a failure recovery processing unit. The failure recovery processing unit securely recovers the number of banknotes of an accepted transaction together with the determination of the fitness of the banknotes of the accepted transaction in failure recovery processing that is performed when a failure, such as a jam, occurs.

Abstract: A method is specified for sorting flat mail items, which allows sorting according to delivery order to be carried out swiftly and reliably. With the method a first sorting pass is carried out in a first segment with at least N storage modules of a sorting device and a second sorting pass is then carried out in a second segment with at least N storage modules of the sorting device. The overflow items, which are assigned to a storage module that has been closed because it is full, are deposited into one of the other storage modules in the first sorting pass and are included in the sorting process of the second sorting pass.

Abstract: The present interdependent group of inventions pertains to methods of and devices for lump separation of raw material and may be used in ferrous and non-ferrous metal ore dressing, concentration of mining and chemical raw materials, processing secondary raw materials and technological wastes. The method and the device are based on the idea that a lump comprises a useful component and refuse, and such lump is exposed to ultrahigh frequency (UHF) electromagnetic field. The frequency selected is such that electromagnetic wave penetration depth will exceed the maximum linear size of a lump under conditions of maximum damping of electromagnetic wave, which depends upon characteristics of such lump material. The energy of UHF electromagnetic radiation absorbed by a lump material causes heating of the lump components. A component with higher electric conductivity will absorb UHF energy higher than UHF energy absorbed by a component with lower electric conductivity during the same period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing thermal and magnetic energy to a receptacle containing a reaction mixture and a magnetic retention member. The apparatus can also control heating of a reaction mixture, and bring about a separation of magnetic particles from the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture typically comprises polynucleotides from a biological sample that are being brought into a PCR-ready form.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for on-line sorting of waste matter, at the entrance to a waste processing plant, according to the level of specific chemicals, typically chlorine detected therein. The apparatus comprises a waste matter inlet that provides waste matter to a weighing module, preferably until a preset limit is reached. Then, this control volume of waste is introduced into a pulsed neutron material analyzer that is optimized for the determination of the content of the specific chemical in the control volume. A control means such as a computer then decides whether the level of the chemical in the waste control volume is above or below a preset threshold, and accordingly channels the waste into one or another of two channels. One of these channels accepts waste with low content of the given chemical, for introduction into the waste processing chamber.

Abstract: A device for sorting particles. The device may include a channel structure that defines a channel having an inlet and first and second outlets. The device also may include first and second transport mechanisms. The first transport mechanism may be configured to create a particle stream of first particles and one or more second particles. Each particle may move along the channel from the inlet toward the first outlet and may be disposed in a fluid supported by the channel structure. The second transport mechanism may be configured to be pulse-activated to selectively move at least one of the second particles from the particle stream and toward the second outlet.

Abstract: A method of sorting documents of value includes a) forming a stack of documents of value, the including two or more batches of documents of value, each batch of documents of value being provided with first and second separators to separate the batch from an adjacent batch; and, b) sequentially feeding all the documents in the stack through a sorting machine to inspect the documents and to sort the documents into one or more output stations in dependence upon the results of the inspection, and sorting all first separators to a separator output station.

Abstract: An automatic failed roll condom detection and removal apparatus wherein failed roll condoms are rapidly removed from a testing mandrel such that shut down of the testing and handling equipment is not required. Detection means detect the presence of a failed roll condom on a testing mandrel as it returns from the testing and removal station and ejection means remove the failed roll condom from the mandrel. The ejection means has a series of rotating brushes having relatively stiff bristles, the brushes being mounted on a reciprocating carriage in ascending manner in the mandrel return travel direction. When a failed roll condom is detected, the shuttle carriage return rate is slowed and the rotating brushes are brought into contact with the failed roll mandrel, each brush in succession pushing or rolling the condom higher on the mandrel until the final brush ejects the condom.

Abstract: There is provided a logistics and method a logistics system for transporting a mailpiece along a transportation route within a postal distribution network, the transportation route comprising several nodes of the postal distribution network. An exemplary logistics system comprises a node that corresponds to a delivery point, the node being associated with a first unambiguous identifier and a node that corresponds to a sorting point, the second node being associated with a second unambiguous identifier. The exemplary logistics system further comprises a node that corresponds to a subsequent node in the transportation route being associated with a third unambiguous identifier, the node that corresponds to the subsequent node in the transportation route being associated with another node that either precedes or follows the subsequent node in the transportation route.

Abstract: After pre-printed cards are manufactured at least a corner of each card is imaged. It is then determined whether the position and orientation of markings in the image with respect to the corner are within tolerance. If not, the card is rejected. If the markings are, or include, indicia, these indicia may be identified to allow identification of the card. This allows a determination of whether the card is in an intended order, or it allows selection of the batch into which the card is placed. It also means that cards in a given set of cards arranged in a first order can be randomized by first buffering cards in buffers and then outputting the cards to an output conveyor. In one approach, each unique card in the set is sent to a different buffer such that like cards are buffered in the same buffer. Cards are then randomly fed from the buffers to form a re-ordered set of cards such that cards in the re-ordered set of cards have an order that is random with respect to the first order.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel systems and methods for processing packages through a delivery network using a hub assist label. Generally described, the hub assist label includes indicia of a sequence of sorting locations that designates the flow of a package through a delivery network.

Abstract: A process is provided for analyzing the physical characteristics of flat articles being sorted to determine which downstream operations the articles should be processed with next. Length, height, width and stiffness information are received from sensors, and the data is analyzed to determine if the mail piece is automation compatible, extended capability or manual letter, or a flat.

Abstract: Commingled items are sorted down into groupings, such as textile items that are associated with distinct clients and/or groups of related clients, by employing a programmed computer to manage sorting destinations at plural levels of sorting. An RFID reader coupled to the computer senses an item's identification code. A human sorter responds to signaling from the computer to move successive items to a destination or along a path that determines a preliminary grouping or sorting stage. The number of destination sort positions is limited to a manually-manageable number, and also can be varied under program control to exploit all the sorting positions provided at the final sort stage. Provisions are made to handle outlier items that become separated from other members of their groups. Automated order fulfillment scanning at a final stage ensures accurate sorting results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the screening of objects in-transit and materials, for security purposes (i.e. explosives detection). The invention provides an adjustable computerized system suitable for use at airports, seaports, land terminals, distribution centers, railway terminals, border crossings or other transit terminals, in order to achieve maximal efficiency and detection reliability, by adjustment of the screening process of any specific object to its risk factor in conjunction with the characteristics of the available in-line detection equipment. The invention provides an automated security inspection and conveying system for in-transit objects, comprising means for identifying the sender of each package and to profile and import the security status data relevant to the object into the system, and a plurality of various security screening machines in combination with conveying and sorting components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively sorting individual particles, such as blood cells of a particular type of interest, from a plurality of particles of different types. Particles of interest are individually differentiated from other particles in a known manner, and a discrete control signal is produced in response to having identified a particle of interest. An impulse generator, acting in response to such control signal, applies a focused impulsive force on the identified particle of interest, such force serving to eject such particle from the plurality of particles of which it is a part. The ejected particles of interested are then collected in a separate container. The apparatus of the invention is preferably embodied in a flow cytometric instrument.

Abstract: A device for sorting particles. The device may include a channel structure that defines a channel having an inlet and first and second outlets. The device also may include first and second transport mechanisms. The first transport mechanism may be configured to create a particle stream of first particles and one or more second particles. Each particle may move along the channel from the inlet toward the first outlet and may be disposed in a fluid supported by the channel structure. The second transport mechanism may be configured to be pulse-activated to selectively move at least one of the second particles from the particle stream and toward the second outlet.

Abstract: A compact banknote dispensing device including a storage section for storing one or more banknotes, a discharging unit driven by a first motor for discharging banknotes one-by-one at a first speed, and a transporting unit driven by a second motor for receiving the discharged banknotes from the discharging unit and transporting the discharged banknotes at a second speed where the second speed is faster than the first speed, the one-way clutch permitting the discharged banknote to be continuously drawn at the second speed without damaging the discharged banknote. The compact banknote dispensing device includes a length sensor disposed about a U-shaped guiding unit and connected to a control unit. The control unit determines whether the transported banknote is acceptable for dispensing and is transported properly. The compact banknote dispensing device turns off the motors in an error condition and sounds an audible alarm.

Abstract: A method for making a sex determination in avian hatchlings involves the following activities. A process line is equipped to process an endless plurality of hatchlings. The process line has an ultrasound inspection station for the hatchlings. The ultrasound inspection results are analyzed to find the presence of given sex-determinative structure for each hatchling. If the given sex-determinative structure is found then a first category assignment is made. The hatchling is sorted according to its category assignment. The category assignments might number two or three or so including positively-identified one sex, positively-identified other sex, and default to waste for any of various reasons.

Abstract: A baggage screening system and method includes providing a plurality of screening subsystems, each including an automated baggage screen device and a feed conveyor for feeding bags to the screen device. A supply conveyor is provided for supplying bags to the screen subsystems. A sortation network sorts bags downstream of the screen device as a function of the screening of the bags.

Abstract: A fluid particle-separating device includes a sorting, first and second diverting channels, a detector, a microprocessor, first and second actuators, and first and second sieving valves. The sorting channel receives fluid containing first and second particles. The first and second diverting channels guide the first and second particles. The detector recognizes the sizes and numbers of the first and second particles and outputs first and second recognition signals. The microprocessor receives the first and second recognition signals and outputs first and second control signals. The first and second sieving valves respectively inside the first and second diverting channels allow the particles to pass through or not. The first actuator receives the first control signal and controls the deformation of the second sieving valve to block the first particle. The second actuator receives the second control signal and controls the deformation of the first sieving valve to block the second particle.

Abstract: A system and method for separating batches of mail in a mailpiece sorter. The system employs a card stock interposed between batches of mail, which card stock includes a ferromagnetic symbology disposed on a face surface of the card stock. An inductive proximity detector is employed to scan the ferromagnetic symbology and produce a ferromagnetic signature signal indicative of the ferromagnetic parameters of the symbology. The system conveys batches of mail containing the card stock past the inductive proximity detector such that the signature signals may be read and compared to predefined ferromagnetic signature signals stored in a signal processor. The processor may then determine the beginning and/or ending of a mailpiece job run for use by the mailpiece sorter.