Abstract: The teachings herein relate to an inspection apparatus for visual inspection of elastic particles and to methods of inspecting elastic particles. The inspection apparatus employs at least one flap for stopping or reducing a horizontal portion of the movement of particles leaving a conveyer belt. Preferably the flap dissipates a part of the kinetic energy of the elastic particles and/or reducing a horizontal rebound of the elastic particles. The teachings herein may be employed in a method with improved accuracy of sorting elastic particles.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include methods and systems for autonomous data collection and system control of a material recovery or recycling facility. In some embodiments, a central control system receives inputs in the form of at least one data stream from each of one or more environmental sensors that reflect the status of a material recovery facility (MRF). The inputs are used to determine the operating status of one or more components of the MRF, and/or composition of a waste stream being processed by the MRF. At least one material handling unit is controlled in response to the inputs to optimize the recovery and/or purity of recyclable or recoverable materials from the waste stream. A service unit or mechanism may also be controlled in response to the inputs indicating that a component of the MRF requires servicing.

Abstract: A coin processing apparatus eliminates quickly and surely a coin congestion in the cases where (a) a Tawara state and/or a Keirin phenomenon of coins is/are generated on a conveying surface, (b) additional coins are overlapped or stacked on existing coins having a Tawara state or a Keirin phenomenon, and (c) additional coins are placed on the conveying surface on the upstream side of the existing coins. A conveying belt has a protrusion on its conveying surface. A reversing roller is provided opposite to the conveying surface. Screw-like members with spiral projections on their outer surfaces are respectively provided at two sides of the conveying surface. Coins placed on the conveying surface in their standing state are moved backward due to engagement with the screw-like members to topple down naturally toward the conveying surface during conveyance and then, moved forward due to engagement with the protrusion.

Abstract: A system is provided for the identification and separation of heterogeneous material, the system comprising: a hyperspectral identification system for capturing spectra of material; a computer receiving and analyzing data from the hyperspectral identification system and selecting desired materials from the heterogeneous materials; and an ejection system, whereby the desired materials are ejected from the system.

Abstract: A method and system for sorting workpieces, such as chicken nuggets. The sorting system includes a conveyor system that advances in a forward direction and one or more blow off bars positioned over the conveyor system. The blow off bars extend along the forward advancing direction. The blow off bars include one or more valved nozzles connected to a pressurized source of a fluid, and the nozzles are positioned to discharge the fluid across the conveyor system.

Abstract: A system is provided for the identification and separation of heterogeneous material, the system comprising: a hyperspectral identification system for capturing spectra of material; a computer receiving and analyzing data from the hyperspectral identification system and selecting desired materials from the heterogeneous materials; and an ejection system, whereby the desired materials are ejected from the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inspecting, with the aid of a machine (1), transparent or translucent hollow articles (Aj) streaming past a series of monitoring stations each comprising at least one sensor (Ci) delivering an output signal (Si(j)) for each article (Aj) traveling past a sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of sorting coal into multiple fractions based upon x-ray absorption and size characteristics in order to remove rocks and other contaminants of various sizes from coal. The use of such dry processing of coal is desirable as it reduces pollution and transportation costs. The multi-fractional sorting of coal is a more efficient manner for identifying and removing rock and contaminants from coal.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems are provided for mining alluvial gold deposits. The methods can comprise collecting feed from alluvium and washing the feed at high pressure. The feed can be separated into a plurality of separate fractions. At least one fraction is transferred to a metal sensor system using a conveyer, wherein when gold is detected in a piece of the fraction, an air blast can be targeted and delivered at the piece, with the air blast diverting the piece to a receiving container.

Abstract: A system for sorting metals from a batch of mixed material scrap includes an array of inductive proximity detectors, a processing computer and a sorting mechanism. The inductive proximity detectors identify the location of the metal pieces and the processing computer instructs the sorting mechanism to place the metal and non-metallic pieces into separate containers.

Abstract: In a disclosed good chip classifying method capable of classifying the good chips on a wafer, defective chips are divided into defective groups so that the defective chips contiguous to each other are placed into the same defective group based on the wafer test results; the defective group is judged as a defective chip concentrated distribution area when the number of the defective chips exceeds the prescribed value; a defective chip concentrated distribution nearby area including all the defective chips in the defective chip concentrated distribution area and nearby good chips is formed; and the good chips in the defective chip concentrated distribution nearby area are classified to have a chip index based on four directions (X and Y axis directions) on which the defective chips in the defective chip concentrated distribution area are disposed.

Abstract: A raw stream of freshly harvested processor tomatoes which includes desired crop, substandard crop and detritus is subjected to successive scannings and separations to produce an improved collection of tomatoes of increased value to the processor.

Abstract: A method of automatically sorting and placing parts for inspection is described which includes orienting the parts within a feeder and delivering the oriented parts from the feeder to an escapement. Once the parts are delivered, they are advanced from the escapement, one at a time, down a ramp, and caught by a resilient material. The parts are then transferred ring from the resilient material to a parts fixture and positioned for inspection in the parts fixture within ±0.001 inch in a vertical direction and within 0.002 inches in x and y directions, x and y defining a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A conveyor sorter includes a shuttle moving transversely to the conveyor direction to place in the path of articles either a pass-through conveyor or a diverting conveyor. The shuttle is mounted on a reversible belt drive and preferably has two diverting conveyors, one on either side of the pass-through conveyor. Multiple shuttles can be installed in series along the main conveyor to allow sorting to many destinations. Large packages can be sorted at high speed, and the shuttle can be replaced easily to reduce down time when repairs are needed.

Abstract: A peach sorting system (110) conveys peaches (114) on a conveyor belt (112) past an inspection zone (126) that is lighted by an illumination source (90) radiating a number of emission peaks over visible and infrared portions of the spectrum. The illumination source generates the radiation from an Indium Iodide lamp (92) that is reflected off a parabolic reflector (94) and through a “soda straw” collimator (100) to illuminated the peaches. A detector system (118) employs line scanning visible and infrared cameras (142, 140) to sense visible and IR wavelength reflectance value differences existing between peach meat (124) and peach pit or pit fragments (126). Because there is a reversal in the reflectance values between the visible and infrared wavelengths, a data subtraction technique (150) is employed to enhance the detection contrast ratio.

Abstract: A specimen sorting apparatus sorts specimens such as blood or urea from different subjects into predetermined classes according to examination items.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting or otherwise treating objects, wherein the apparatus includes an endless belt which is in contact with a guide by means of which the endless belt is given a curved portion. At least one path between the guide and the curved portion of the belt is provided for the passage of objects therethrough. The path has an inlet portion arranged to receive objects which have traveled thereto along a trajectory which has a substantial horizontal component at the inlet portion, and the path has a vertically disposed outlet portion. A feeder is provided for feeding the objects to the inlet portion of the path. The belt is driven so that objects passing into the path through the inlet portion thereof are centrifugally forced against the belt and carried thereby to the respective outlet portions. The objects are sorted or otherwise treated as they fall under gravity from the outlet portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for recycling post-consumer plastic containers supplied as compressed bales thereof to recover at least uncolored and colored PET uncolored and colored HDPE in flake form is provided. The apparatus and process includes debaling, sortation of the desired containers from the bale, granulation of these containers into flakes, wet processing to dissolve glue and the residue of contents of the containers and to provide separation of contaminants from the desired flake by specific gravity difference, and recovery of the purified flakes.

Abstract: A magnetic trap in the pan floor of a vibratory conveyor comprises a recess in the pan floor for momentarily receiving articles falling therein. A magnet is provided beneath the recess to retain magnetic articles in the recess.

Abstract: A system for gravity table separation including a gravity table for separating materials and a detector operatively associated with the gravity table for detecting the movement of control particles with respect to the gravity table during its operation. The control particles are of a known characteristic. By calibrating the desired movement of the control particles through the table, any misalignment or deviance of that movement during operation is detected, and adjustments can be made to the operation of the table to bring the control particles back to the desired movement. The separation process can then be controlled to bring about optimum efficiency. Also, the detector can be interfaced with a control component which can automatically adjust the operation of the table in response to whether the control particles are following the desired movement through the table.

Abstract: A cleaning system is provided for separating desired material from undesirable material in a mixture of particulate materials. The system includes an inlet for receiving the mixture of materials and an outlet for discharging the desired materials. At least one screen is provided for separating undersized material from oversized material within the mixture, and at least one vacuum air-lift is provided for separating the lighter material from the heavier material within the mixture. A first sensor is mounted below the discharge end of the screen for sensing the quantity of undersized material separated by the screen and a second sensor is mounted in the air-lift for sensing the quantity of lighter materials separated by the air-lift. The signals generated by the sensors can be received by a processing unit which adjusts the extent of separation by the screen and by the air-lift to achieve the desired efficiency of the cleaning system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for sorting fasteners, particularly screws, wherein defective fasteners are identified by a series of mechanical and electrical gauging stations arranged one after the other on a rectilinear conveying track and controlling ejection devices for eliminating screws which are not true in size or in quality. The mechanical gauging stations precede the electrical ones operating on the eddy current principle, in order to prevent neutralization of error signals generated by the electrical gauging stations. In this manner a very high accuracy of the entire sorting device is achieved.

Abstract: A process for treating radioactive contaminated soils to remove radioactive metal oxide contaminants therefrom comprises creating a suspension of particles of the soil in a column of water, alternately forcing fresh water in the column upwardly to force ligher soil particles upwardly in the column and allowing heavier particles to gravitationally settle in the bottom of the water column. The heavy particles comprising radioactive metal oxides are collected and handled for radioactive waste material storage. The aqueous slurry of lighter soil particles is directed to a separator for removing substantial amounts of water after which the particles are directed to a conveyor and spread out to a substantially uniform thickness and detected for any radioactivity. Portions of material in which radioactive particles are detected ar diverted and the uncontaminated soil material is recovered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separation wall movement control device for grain sorting machines designed to separate mixed grain of different kinds which give different responses to light by the rough surface grain sorting plate, the separation wall being designed to move or stop along one side of a rough surface grain sorting plate. A detector consisting of many LED light sources and light receiving elements is provided facing one or both sides of a grain exit passage of the rough surface grain sorting plate. The mixing ratio of grain flowing out through the grain exit passage of the rough surface grain sorting plate is detected, the detector sends a signal through the control circuit to the motor communicating with the separation wall provided at a distance in the direction of movement of the detector, and the separation wall is moved to the boundary between pure grains and mixed grains and is stopped there.

Abstract: Apparatus for classifying elongated tablets, pills and similar objects according to their lengths has a rotary wheel-shaped conveyor with a peripheral groove which receives a succession of objects and advances them past a testing station where the objects are monitored by an optical reflection type detector which generates signals denoting the lengths of the objects. Such signals are used to expel by jets of compressed air those objects whose lengths are unsatisfactory ahead of the location where satisfactory objects leave the groove by gravity. The objects which approach and move past the testing station are attracted to the conveyor by suction.

Abstract: An automatic control device for a boundary plate of a grain separator for separating a grain mixture into different grains. The grain separator has a separator plate provided with a roughened surface and mounted at inclinations in both of longitudinal and lateral directions with respect to the horizontal plane. A lateral movement is imparted to the different grains on the separator plate by a lateral oscillation given to the separator plate or by a lateral jet of air jetted from a numerous small aperture formed in the separator plate, so that the flow fluxes of different grains are deflected away from each other due to the difference in the physical properties such as specific weight and/or friction coefficient, so that the mixture of different grains are separated.

Abstract: A calibrating distributor of cylindrical members incorporating a cylindrical member supply station, a drum for transferring the members between the supply and a distribution station, the drum having equidistant cavities, each of which receive one of the members, a calibrating plate to transfer the cylindrical members having a diameter exceeding a maximum permitted diameter between the distribution station and an ejection station, the plate having equidistant calibrated holes, which are at least partly frustum-shaped, whose smallest diameter is equal to the maximum permitted diameter, a drive for the stepwise rotation of the transfer drum and the calibrating plate, and a pusher for forcing the cylindrical members contained in the cavities into and through calibrated holes whereby the members having a diameter exceeding the maximum permitted diameter remain jammed in the holes and are ejected at the ejection station.

Abstract: A novel particle sorting system based on vibrations induced by impact against a strike plate is disclosed, wherein two strike plates in succession are used, the first to absorb kinetic energy from certain particles on a preferential basis due to particle composition, and the second to absorb the residual kinetic energy for analysis. Vibrations arising in the second strike plate due to particle impact which meet preset criteria corresponding to undesired particles are used to actuate an ejection system which sends an impulse to the offending particle, deflecting it from its otherwise undisturbed trajectory. Also disclosed is an analyzing circuit which combines two or more waveform features of the vibration signal in an algorithm such as a ratio, to provide an unusually high sensitivity for discrimination among the particles.

Abstract: A sorting device for sorting out a multiplicity of pieces such as tickets, for example, according to their size includes a frame, a drum rotatably mounted in the frame for storing therein pieces such as tickets having different sizes to be sorted out, a sorter on the drum including openings of different dimensions for passing therethrough pieces of different sizes, respectively, and a collector disposed peripherally around the drum in radial alignment with those openings of one dimension for collecting pieces of a particular size passing through the last-mentioned openings. The drum is rotated by a motor about its own axis to cause the pieces of the particular size to be discharged through the openings of the one dimension out of the drum. The sorting device also has a separator for separating superimposed sorted-out pieces from each other. Magnetic or optical information recorded on sorted-out pieces is read by a magnetic or optical reader.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recognizing and sorting articles. The apparatus includes at least one reading station having an optoelectronic sensor for forming an image pattern of each article, an evaluation device connected to the optoelectronic sensor and a transporting device which transports the articles underneath the optoelectronic sensor. The transporting device includes an endless transporting belt having a conveying surface with transversely disposed ribs for subdividing the surface into a plurality of sections.

Abstract: A transfer system is utilized for automatically transporting a master microfiche from a computer output microfiche unit to a duplicator unit, thereby avoiding the physical handling of the microfiche by operating personnel. In addition to effecting the transfer of the microfiche, the transfer system further diverts those microfiche with errors in their bar code instructions to an error hopper so that optimum use of the duplicator time in making copies is assured. Appropriate switches are provided for diverting all microfiche to the error hopper when the duplicator is being serviced. Also, switches are provided for bypassing the bar code reader so that all microfiche will go to the feed hopper for the duplicator regardless of whether or not an error in the bar code exists.

Abstract: A device for sorting packagings such as cans having overall dimensions within a pre-determined range as regards length and diameter, comprising a first sorting stage, including a pivoted supporting member for carrying the packagings and a frame with an opening through which the supporting member is movable to the second stage. The second stage includes pressing members cooperating with the supporting member to effect axial compression of the packagings carried by the supporting member. The opening of the frame is of a size which limits the dimension in at least one direction of the packagings passing through the opening. The second stage is provided with a second opening through which compressed packagings pass whereby the second opening maximizes the axial length of the compressed packagings which pass through the second opening and are thereby sorted out.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting packagings such as cans of a certain type of material from packagings of other types of materials comprising a support member transporting the packagings one by one to a compression station at which are disposed first and second pressing members arranged to move relative to each other to compress the packagings transported by the supporting member. The relative movement of the pressing members and transfer of the packagings when relative movement of the pressing chambers has ceased is controlled by a regulating mechanism such that when compressive forces of a magnitude within a predetermined range required for packagings of the type of material in question allow the pressing members to move towards each other to complete the pressing operations whereby the packagings are compressed to a size before transfer to a collecting device. In the case of compressive forces of a magnitude outside the predetermined range, the packagings are prevented from being transferred to the collecting device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting and intercepting an irregular product in a product flow are disclosed. The product flow is conveyed along a path from a first, product feed station past other product handling stations. Product flow is singulated and aligned at a guide station. The product then is delivered along a product flow axis and in a single file manner to an inspection station where the product, which may be processed, pitted fruit, is graded for firmness and where extraneous matter, such as fruit pits or portions of pits, is detected. Detection involves probing or otherwise impaling each individual product in the flow with a plurality of spaced, pin-like projections. An irregular product resists such probing and produces a pressure differential between the projections and the conveyor belt by which the irregular product is detected. After inspection, detected irregular products are discharged from the product flow.

Abstract: An article or can sorting apparatus for separating articles having a recycle value from articles having no recycle value is defined by an annular article supporting surface positioned at about 45 degrees to horizontal, a cylindrical wall positioned in relation to the surface to define an article processing chamber, a feed hopper into which a plurality of the articles are deposited for feeding into the chamber, and an article conveying disc or wheel positioned in parallel relation to the surface and having a plurality of outwardly extending article pusher arms for separating the articles, such as discarded beverage cans, from the plurality of articles and conveying the articles one at a time about the annular surface to a material discriminator and a weight scale and toward an accept door or a reject door. The material discriminator or metal detector, the scale, and the accept and reject doors form segments of the article conveying surface.

Abstract: An article selection apparatus is disclosed having a first conveying device for conveying an article along a path and a second conveying device for receiving the article at an entrance end spaced apart by a predetermined distance from a conveying end of the first conveying device and for conveying the received article, wherein the first conveying device has a gap extending along the conveying path to the conveying end thereof, and a width of the gap is made smaller than the predetermined distance from the conveying end of the first conveying device to the entrance of the second conveying device.

Abstract: Potatoes carried on a roller table conveyor are presented in transverse rows at an inspection area illuminated by a lamp from a first direction and observed by a line imaging camera along a second direction arranged by a mirror to be approximately at right angles to the first direction. The camera scans repeatedly across each row and provides an output detection signal representing the reflected radiation. The camera observes a sharply illuminated boundary of the potatoes against a dark background a micro-computer processes the detection signal to provide an information signal representative of the length of a potato along the direction of its row. Size grading, for example, may be effected by directing potatoes along different routes by deflecting fingers controlled in dependence upon the information signal. An operator may observe potatoes in the inspection area by means of a television camera and monitor, and may indicate by a lightpen a potato to be rejected by the subsequent deflecting fingers.

Abstract: An improved sorting apparatus for separating loose debris, rocks and clods of dirt from root crops such as potatoes includes a channelizing conveyor, a take-away conveyor having an inlet end positioned below the discharge end of the channelizing conveyor, and a plurality of diverter paddles aligned with the channels of the channelizing conveyor. The channelizing conveyor includes an endless series of segments, each segment comprising a bar having hook portions at the ends thereof and an elastomeric molding formed thereon. Each molding includes several uniformly spaced, wedge-shaped projections, and the projections are longitudinally aligned to form channels for the potatoes, rocks and clods. The segments are interconnected with the hook portions thereof being engaged upon the trailing segment.

Abstract: A cigarette hopper, especially for a packing machine, has a number of flow channels (6) incorporating restraining devices to arrest cigarettes which are faulty, e.g. in size, shape or orientation, thereby preventing the formation of defective cigarette bundles. The lower ends of the channels (22) may be curved to catch non-horizontal cigarettes (C3), and may include photo-cell devices (FIG. 3) which detect and arrest inadequately filled cigarettes and which additionally serve to monitor the flow of cigarettes so that the machine operator can receive a fault warning.

Abstract: The invention relates to bottle feeding apparatus in which bottles in an upright position are moved continuously in a stream along a path, means being provided for deflecting the mouth of a bottle transversely of the direction of its forward movement to tilt the axis of the bottle, the neck of a deflected bottle being engaged by a plough positioned adjacent to and downstream of the deflecting means and shaped progressively to displace the body of the bottle sideways out of the stream of moving bottles. As a deflected bottle is moved sideways out of the stream it is guided by the plough into a deflection channel and its axis is restored to an upright position by its neck engaging with a rail at the opposite side of the deflection channel and by the squeezing action of adjacent bottles.

Abstract: A system is described for receiving mixed mail pieces, for singulating the machinable mail including flats, and for culling all of the pieces into respective discrete categories for further processing. The system is characterized by an inherent freedom from jams and consequent mail damage and features a recycle loop which provides a continuous, substantially uniform output of machinable mail.