Abstract: Systems and methods for classifying materials utilizing one or more sensor systems, which may implement a machine learning system in order to identify or classify each of the materials, which may then be sorted into separate groups based on such an identification or classification. The machine learning system may utilize a neural network, and be previously trained to recognize and classify certain types of materials.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and system for classifying rock types in a rock body. The method comprises the steps of obtaining spectral data from a spectral measurement (202) of a surface region of the rock body and then determining a first spectral ratio between two wavelength bands of the spectral data. From the first spectral ratio it can be assessed (204) whether the measurement is a high-angle measurement, and if the measurement is not a high-angle measurement then a further spectral ratio between two further wavelength bands of the spectral data is determined (208). The further spectral ratio is then compared (210) with a corresponding diagnostic criterion to assess whether the surface region comprises a first rock type associated with the further spectral ratio and diagnostic criterion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining properties of gemstones based, inter alia, on fluorescence properties of the gemstones, are presented. In one aspect, properties of at least one gemstone can be determined. In another aspect, a relationship between at least two gemstones can be determined. In one example, a first and a second gemstones are illuminated with illuminating light of at least one fluorescence-exciting wavelength range; corresponding at least one first fluorescence-emission light and at least one second fluorescence-emission light spectrum, emitted from the first and second gemstones respectively are detected and analyzed, either independently or by comparison, to determine the relationship between the first and second gemstones. In some examples, data indicative of visible light absorbance or three-dimensional models of the gemstones is combined with the fluorescence data to determine the properties or the relationship.

Abstract: In a surface measurement method, a measurement surface is irradiated with a coherent light beam, reflected light reflected from the measurement surface is projected to a screen to form an optical image; and the optical image is captured by an optical sensor when the screen is continuously moved in one direction when the optical image is captured by the optical sensor.

Abstract: A method and system of recycling aluminum alloy rims, the method and system comprising providing a feed of a plurality of aluminum alloy rims of different alloys, for each rim in the feed of aluminum alloy rims, determining a composition of that aluminum alloy rim, determining a plurality of recycled aluminum alloy composition ranges, and dividing the feed of aluminum alloy rims into a plurality of batches of aluminum alloy rims, each batch of aluminum alloy rims in the plurality of batches of aluminum alloy rims corresponding to an associated recycled aluminum alloy composition range in the plurality of recycled aluminum composition ranges, such that each rim in the plurality of aluminum alloy rims is allocated to an associated batch in the plurality of batches of aluminum alloy rims based on the composition of that aluminum alloy rim.

Abstract: There is provided technology that enables a microparticle sorting device to be adjusted highly accurately without using adjustment beads. The present technology provides a microparticle sorting device including a light detection unit that optically detects a microparticle flowing through a flow path, a droplet forming unit that forms a droplet containing the microparticle, and a device adjustment unit that adjusts the device, in which, in a process of adjusting the device before actual measurement of the microparticle, the device adjustment unit performs optical axis position calibration for calibrating a relative position of the flow path relative to irradiation light and delay time calibration for calibrating a delay time from light irradiation to the microparticle to formation of the droplet on the basis of information obtained from the microparticle to be measured.

Abstract: A sub stream auto sampling system includes an inspection unit and a sorter unit. The inspection unit includes a camera configured to capture an image of a sample, a light configured to illuminate a sample, a processor configured to process the captured image, and a memory configured to store the captured image. The sorter unit is configured to divert a sub stream of samples, from a main stream of samples, toward the inspection unit. The output of the inspection unit may be directed to the main stream of samples, or the output of the inspection unit may be directed to a collection unit. In addition to the inspection performed by the inspection unit, weighing of the sub stream of samples may also be performed by a weighing unit before the sub stream of samples are routed to the main stream of samples or the collection unit.

Abstract: An identification apparatus includes a window unit including a passage surface on an upper side configured to allow a sample supplied from a conveyance unit to slide along and pass on the passage surface, a light irradiation unit disposed below the window unit, spaced a certain distance from the passage surface, and configured to irradiate the sample with a primary light through the window unit, a light collection unit disposed below the window unit and configured to collect a secondary light from the sample through the window unit, and an acquisition unit configured to acquire identification information for identifying a property of the sample based on the secondary light collected by the light collection unit.

Abstract: To provide a technology of efficiently and effectively sorting microparticles to be sorted from a sample solution. The present technology provides a control device being a device that controls a processing condition when sorting microparticles from a sample liquid flowing through a flow path, the control device provided with a control unit that controls a sorting processing condition on the basis of a content of microparticles to be sorted in the sample liquid. In the control device according to the present technology, the control unit may control the sorting processing condition on the basis of a surviving rate and/or an activation rate of biological particles to be sorted with respect to the sorting processing condition.

Abstract: A material sorting system sorts materials utilizing a vision system that implements a machine learning system in order to identify or classify each of the materials, which are then sorted into separate groups based on such an identification or classification determining that the materials are composed of either wrought aluminum, extruded aluminum, or cast aluminum.

Abstract: A sub stream auto sampling system includes an inspection unit and a sorter unit. The inspection unit includes a camera configured to capture an image of a sample, a light configured to illuminate a sample, a processor configured to process the captured image, and a memory configured to store the captured image. The sorter unit is configured to divert a sub stream of samples, from a main stream of samples, toward the inspection unit. The output of the inspection unit may be directed to the main stream of samples, or the output of the inspection unit may be directed to a collection unit. In addition to the inspection performed by the inspection unit, weighing of the sub stream of samples may also be performed by a weighing unit before the sub stream of samples are routed to the main stream of samples or the collection unit.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for detecting events in a flow cytometer. Also provided are methods of detecting cells in a flow cytometer. Other aspects of the present disclosure include methods for determining a level of contamination in a flow cell. Computer-readable media and systems, e.g., for practicing the methods summarized above, are also provided.

Abstract: A material sorting system sorts materials utilizing a vision system that implements a machine learning system in order to identify or classify each of the materials, which are then sorted into separate groups based on such an identification or classification determining that the materials are composed of either wrought aluminum or cast aluminum.

Abstract: A material sorting system sorts materials utilizing a vision system that implements a machine learning system in order to identify or classify each of the materials, which are then sorted into separate groups based on such an identification or classification determining that the materials have a specified geometric shape. Such a system can sort monetary coins or other valuable metals from other forms of scrap.

Abstract: A method is proposed for inspecting cylinder-shaped elongated elements for smoking articles that provides projecting from a first half-space a first stripe of light onto an external face of a first elongated element and projecting from a second half-space onto the first elongated element a second stripe of light. The method reconstructs, by means of a first identified curved line and a second identified curved line respectively in a first acquired view and in a second acquired view of the first elongated element, a first closed curved section profile of the first elongated element and identifies possible deformations of the reconstructed first closed curved profile with respect to an ideal section profile.

Abstract: An inspection group is proposed for inspecting cylinder-shaped elongated elements for smoking articles, in which a working plane is selected passing through a longitudinal axis of a first elongated element and there are considered a first half space and a second half space arranged on opposite parts with respect to the working plane.

Abstract: A LIBS measurement system is described herein that provides an orifice, aperture or opening in a substantially V-shaped chute or sleeve that allows access to the material to be analyzed from the underside of the chute. The laser beam is aimed through the hole and return light (signal) is collected through the hole by a photodetector assembly. A diverter device, which is located at an output end of the chute, diverts certain particles away from the chute upon receipt of an actuation signal.

Abstract: An optical grain evaluation device is provided with: a light-projecting part 58 through which light from a light source is projected to grain; a light-receiving part 59 on which light transmitted through the grain is incident; a grain evaluation unit 60 configured to evaluate the grain based on information relating to the received light; and a shielding part SH that separates an area between the light source 50 and the light-projecting part 59 from an area between the light-receiving part 59 and the grain evaluation unit 60, and prevents light from the light-projecting part 58 from directly entering the light-receiving part 59. The area between the light source 50 and the light-projecting part 58, and the area between the light-receiving part 59 and the grain evaluation unit 60 are configured, over the entirety of the areas, as air transmission areas in which light is transmitted through air.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium for sorting out pieces of rock containing quartz vein includes receiving an electric signal representing an image of a piece of rock to be sorted; determining the number of pixels in the image having a predetermined color value that is indicative of presence of quartz; and in case the number of the pixels having said predetermined color value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the method comprises as step for identifying from the image linear forms between the area of the pixels having said predetermined color value and the area of pixels representing the rest of the piece of rock, and in case linear forms is, the method comprises a step for generating a control signal for controlling a deviator device to perform a sorting action.

Abstract: A system may be able classify events that occur during the runtime of applications (e.g., exceptions). The system may receive an indication of the event and may classify the event based on a comparison with elements of a classification data structure. The classification data structure may be a hierarchical data structure, and child elements may inherit characteristics from parent elements. Based on the classification, the system may perform one or more actions, which may be specified by the elements of the data structure. For example, the system may provide notifications to administrators and/or user, may attempt to recover from the event, and/or the like. Each event may be associated with a unique identifier so the user can more easily identify the event to support personnel. The system may include analysis tools to assist administrators in tracking events and identifying which events are most important.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a surface, comprising: illuminating a region of said surface, with said region having an aspect ratio larger than unity; capturing an image of scattered radiation originating from said region; and computing electromagnetic field of said scattered radiation from said image of scattered radiation and generating an image of region by computational propagation of said electromagnetic field through a predetermined distance, whereby features of said region are captured in said image of region.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved cell sorter systems and methods. Such systems and methods provide a self-stabilizing sorter jet to automate calibration, and address the issue of drift in cell sorting systems. The systems and methods presented make it possible to determine and set the charge delay interval automatically with circuitry in the cell sorter. These circuits can set, monitor, and adjust the time delay continuously, allowing for a completely automatic, autonomous, turn-key, self-stabilizing sorter jet.

Abstract: A high-speed, high-resolution, triangulation-based, 3-D method and system for inspecting manufactured parts and sorting the inspected parts are provided. The method includes consecutively transferring the parts so that the parts move along a path which extends from a supply of parts and through an imaging station. A triangulation-based sensor head is supported at the imaging station. The sensor head is configured to generate focused lines of radiation and to sense corresponding reflected lines of radiation. The focused lines are delivered onto an end surface of each part to obtain a corresponding array of reflected lines of radiation. The sensor head senses the array of reflected lines to obtain a corresponding set of 2-D profile signals. The set of profile signals represent a 3-D view of the end surface. The set of 2-D profile signals of each part is processed to identify parts having an unacceptable defect.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for inspecting a magazine including a plurality of partially-finished products. The apparatus is configured to inspect a stopper of the magazine before providing the magazine to a packaging process, and further configured to classify the stopper into a normal product. The magazine comprising the stopper classified as the normal product is into the packaging process.

Abstract: High-speed, triangulation-based, 3-D method and system for inspecting manufactured parts and sorting the inspection parts are provided. A plurality of angularly-spaced, triangulation-based, sensor heads are located at an imaging station to simultaneously deliver focused lines of radiation onto a plurality of exterior side surfaces of the part during motion of the part relative to the focused lines to obtain corresponding arrays of reflected lines of radiation. The sensor heads simultaneously sense their corresponding arrays of reflected lines to obtain corresponding sets of 2-D profile signals. Each set of profile signals represent a 3-D view of one of the exterior side surfaces and the sets of 2-D profile signals represent a 360° panoramic composite 3-D view of the outer peripheral surface of the part.

Abstract: A high-speed, high-resolution, triangulation-based, 3-D method and system for inspecting manufactured parts and sorting the inspected parts are provided. The method includes consecutively transferring the parts so that the parts move along a path which extends from a supply of parts and through an imaging station. A triangulation-based sensor head is supported at the imaging station. The sensor head is configured to generate focused lines of radiation and to sense corresponding reflected lines of radiation. The focused lines are delivered onto an end surface of each part to obtain a corresponding array of reflected lines of radiation. The sensor head senses the array of reflected lines to obtain a corresponding set of 2-D profile signals. The set of profile signals represent a 3-D view of the end surface. The set of 2-D profile signals of each part is processed to identify parts having an unacceptable defect.

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 MEMS-based particle manipulation system which uses a particle manipulation stage and a plurality of laser interrogation regions. The laser interrogation regions may be used to assess the effectiveness or accuracy of the particle manipulation stage. In one exemplary embodiment, the particle manipulation stage is a microfabricated valve, which sorts a target particle from non-target particles in a fluid stream. The laser interrogation stages are disposed in the microfabricated fluid channels at the input and output of the valve. By reversing the flow from output to input, the same laser interrogation region may be used to perform the cytometry. The cytometry may be performed throughout the sorting process to optimize or control the sorting, or may be performed afterward to allow a multi-pass, sequential sort to be performed on the same sample.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a system with scattering analysis including a handling system that presents a single particle to at least one quantum cascade laser (QCL) source. The QCL laser source is configured to deliver light to the single particle in order to induce resonant mid-infrared absorption in the particle or an analyte within the particle. A mid-infrared detection facility detects the mid-infrared wavelength light scattered by the single particle, wherein a wavelength and angle analysis of the scattered mid-IR wavelength light is used to determine analyte-specific structural and concentration information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the use of differences in x-ray linear absorption coefficients to process ore and remove elements with higher atomic number from elements with lower atomic numbers. Use of this dry method at the mine reduces pollution and transportation costs. One example of said invention is the ejection of inclusions with sulfur, silicates, mercury, arsenic and radioactive elements from coal. This reduces the amount and toxicity of coal ash. It also reduces air emissions and the energy required to clean stack gases from coal combustion. Removal of said ejected elements improves thermal efficiency and reduces the pollution and carbon footprint for electrical production.

Abstract: A droplet interference system for sorting cells and a method for the same. The droplet interference system including a droplet generating system for producing a droplet which hits a fluid stream causing a selected segment of the fluid stream, and the cells contained therein, to be separated from the fluid stream.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for analyzing quantities of grain in-line and separating the grain into batches on the basis of one or more grain parameter values is disclosed. The grain is separated in-line on the basis of the grain parameter value thus allowing the grain to be separated into homogeneous batches.

Abstract: A piece of material that includes low-Z elements is classified based on photonic emissions detected from the piece of material. Both XRF spectroscopy and OES techniques, for example, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and spark discharge spectroscopy, may be used to classify the piece of material. A stream of pieces of material are moved along a conveying system into a stimulation and detection area. Each piece of material, in turn, is stimulated with a first and second stimulus, of a same or different type, causing the piece of material to emit emissions, for example, photons, which may include at least one of x-ray photons (i.e., x-rays) and optical emissions. These emissions then are detected by one or to more detectors of a same or different type. The piece of materials is then classified, for example, using a combination of hardware, software and/or firmware, based on the detected emissions, and then sorted.

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: An apparatus for separating components and a method of separating components using the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes: a main chamber which contains a sample that is separated into a plurality of layers by a centrifugal force; a component separating chamber which is connected to the main chamber, and receives a specific layer including specific components among the plurality of layers; a first channel which connects the component separating chamber to the main chamber; and a first channel valve which is disposed in the first channel to control a liquid flowing through the first channel.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for grouping individual products such as industrially baked products that travel past a visiometry station into lots for counting them. In a viewing zone of a conveyor belt, a laser triangulation visiometry system is used. The method and apparatus also uses a signal processor associated with the camera that deduces from the images acquired thereby at least one piece of information on the location of the products on the conveyor belt as well as height information thereon. This information is then used by the signal processor to automatically distinguish between the presence of a product and the presence of contaminating material (for example flour or chocolate particles) on the conveyor belt and to distinguish the presence of several partially or fully overlapping products from the presence of a single product on said conveyor belt. Preferably, two cameras are disposed symmetrically relative to a laser plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the viewing zone.

Abstract: A system for sorting articles includes a detector system having a plurality of narrow bandwidth sources of electromagnetic energy sequentially illuminating articles passing through the detector system, the detector system further including a collector for collecting electromagnetic energy reflected from the articles; a deflector for deflecting selected articles toward an alternative destination; and a control system, operably connected to the collector and the deflector, for actuating the deflector in response to a sensed parameter of the electromagnetic energy collected in the collector.

Abstract: A piece of material that includes low-Z elements is classified based on photonic emissions detected from the piece of material. Both XRF spectroscopy and OES techniques, for example, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and spark discharge spectroscopy, may be used to classify the piece of material. A stream of pieces of material are moved along a conveying system into a stimulation and detection area. Each piece of material, in turn, is stimulated with a first and second stimulus, of a same or different type, causing the piece of material to emit emissions, for example, photons, which may include at least one of x-ray photons (i.e., x-rays) and optical emissions. These emissions then are detected by one or more detectors of a same or different type. The piece of materials is then classified, for example, using a combination of hardware, software and/or firmware, based on the detected emissions, and then sorted.

Abstract: Light resonant with an electronic excitation level of nanosize objects is projected onto a plurality of closely located nanosize objects, such as quantum dots, quantum dot pairs, and a carbon nanotube, in a collection of nanosize objects is disclosed. In so doing, to control the mechanical interaction induced between the nanosize objects, the projected resonant light is changed in polarization. This enables the collective manipulation of the nanosize objects.

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: An apparatus and method for sorting particles in a laminar flow microfluidic channel includes a cantilevered coaxial flow injector in a microfluidic device, the cantilevered coaxial flow injector including an elongated cantilever element integrated into the microfluidic device. A coaxial channel runs through the elongated cantilever element, where coaxial channel is sized to pass particles of a predetermined size. An actuator is coupled to the elongated cantilever element, for actuating said elongated cantilever element.

Abstract: Apparatus for classifying objects in an input waste stream comprises a hyperspectral sensor, means for moving objects in the input waste stream relative to the sensor and through a sensing region thereof, and processing means for classifying objects in the input waste stream on the basis of signals output from the hyperspectral sensor to the processing means. The apparatus allows classification of objects composed of one of a wide range of materials and also provides for discrimination of objects comprising different grades of the same material.

Abstract: A system for capturing multiple images of an object, the system including: means, in communication with a source of objects, for delivering an object into an image capture zone whereby the object passes through a predetermined point in space within the image capture zone; a first image capture device located a first predetermined distance from the predetermined point in space; and a second image capture device located a first predetermined distance from the predetermined point in space, the second image capture device being substantially 90 degrees offset from the first image capture device.

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: An apparatus for separating components and a method of separating components using the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes: a main chamber which contains a sample that is separated into a plurality of layers by a centrifugal force; a component separating chamber which is connected to the main chamber, and receives a specific layer including specific components among the plurality of layers; a first channel which connects the component separating chamber to the main chamber; and a first channel valve which is disposed in the first channel to control a liquid flowing through the first channel.

Abstract: A system for sorting articles includes a detector system having a plurality of narrow bandwidth sources of electromagnetic energy sequentially illuminating articles passing through the detector system, the detector system further including a collector for collecting electromagnetic energy reflected from the articles; a deflector for deflecting selected articles toward an alternative destination; and a control system, operably connected to the collector and the deflector, for actuating the deflector in response to a sensed parameter of the electromagnetic energy collected in the collector.

Abstract: An optical illumination and monitoring subsystem controls the operation of a flow cytometer having a carrier fluid that flows along a channel coupled to a droplet generator, which controls a point at which droplets break off from the carrier fluid, and a droplet sorter that is operative to cause selected droplets to be sorted along one or more droplet travel paths. The subsystem is operative to illuminate a respective droplet monitoring location along each of one or more droplet travel paths with a respective beam of light, such as that sourced from a common laser. In response to backscatter reflection from a droplet passing through the respective beam of light at a respective droplet monitoring location, the amplitude of the beam of light is increased. Then the droplet is monitored for the presence of a particle therein exhibiting detectable fluorescence as a result of the increase in the amplitude of the respective beam of light.

Abstract: In a method for optoelectronically inspecting pharmaceutical capsules (2) in a capsule filling machine (1), the pharmaceutical capsules (2) are fed in single file from a station (3) where the capsules (2) are made to a capsule (2) outfeed portion (8) of the machine (1) along a defined feed path (P) passing through an inspection station (13). In the inspection station (13), each pharmaceutical capsule (2) passes through an electromagnetic field created by coherent, polarised light radiation.

Abstract: An illumination source for a machine vision viewer for a sorter that provides a flow of articles along a scan line includes an elongated, cylindrical shroud with illumination sources mounted interior of the shroud. The illumination sources are arranged longitudinally within the shroud and are angularly spaced along the inner circumference of the shroud. Linear slots running parallel with the shroud axis are provided in the shroud for the subject articles to enter and exit the shroud. A linear slot running parallel with the shroud axis is provided for receptors to view the articles passing through the shroud. The cylinder interior is otherwise uniform and light reflecting. An alternative embodiment of the shroud comprises two shroud arc components with openings between the arcs to allow articles to pass between the shroud arc components.

Abstract: An apparatus for tribocharging particles of electrically insulating materials has a rotatable drum (1), made of a metallic material, for containing the particles. The drum has an inlet (11), for charging material, and an outlet (13), for discharging material. The drum further has means (7) for rotating the drum about an axis of rotation, the orientation of the axis of rotation being such that, in operation of the apparatus, the particles tumble against each other and against the walls of the vessel, thereby becoming tribocharged. A fines removal mesh screening means (10) is attached to an outer surface of the drum, allowing fines to escape from the drum. An electrostatic separation tower (20), having tapering walls and at least one pair of electrodes (24) arranged on opposite walls of the tower, is aligned to receive discharged material from the drum. The tower separates the particles, falling from the drum into the tower (20), in an electric field generated between the electrodes (24).