Abstract: A system for sorting randomly positioned, irregularly shaped scrap metal particles on a moving conveyor employs laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), and includes an image detector for locating the particles as they path through a predefined viewing area, a position detector for detecting movement of the conveyor, a laser system for providing laser pulses, a scanner assembly for directing the pulses to selected locations within a target area, a light collector, a light distribution and spectral analyzer for isolating and measuring at least one selected band from the collected light, a separator, and suitable logic for identifying the particles, monitoring their position, monitoring the output of the laser and, operating the scanner assembly to direct the pulses to the identified particle. The spectral data is then analyzed, each particle is categorized, and thereafter sorted.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for optically sorting and/or manipulating carbon nanotubes by creating an optical dipole trap with a focused light source (e.g., a laser) are described in detail herein. In one representative embodiment, light from the light source may be directed onto a mixture of carbon nanotubes, the mixture including a target class of carbon nanotubes having dimensions (e.g., length and diameter) corresponding to particular electronic properties suitable for an application. By identifying a resonant condition corresponding to the target class of carbon nanotubes, and tuning the light source substantially to the resonant condition, an optical dipole trap may be created to attract carbon nanotubes of the target class to allow manipulation and/or sorting of the target class of carbon nanotubes from the mixture, or rotation of the nanotubes via rotation of a plane of polarization of the light, in an embodiment.

Abstract: A method for sorting products including the steps of conveying the products in a product stream, scanning the products in the product stream casting light onto the products on the basis that certain products will emit light, observing emitted light from the products, making a selection of certain products from the product stream as a function of the observed light, and separating certain products from the product stream as a function of the selection. A device is provided that is arranged to sort the products according to the method of the invention and includes a light device that is arranged to cast light onto products and an observation device that is arranged to observe light emitted from the products. A selection device is also provided that is arranged to make a selection of whether to separate certain products from the product stream observed by the observation device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring the width of the transverse sealing web of a sealed, cut package unit in which products are packaged and which is transported further in a cyclic or continuous manner in the longitudinal direction. Two laser-optical sensors are arranged opposite one another above and below the cut package units. The measured values of the sensors, the said measured values corresponding to the distance from the package unit, are acquired at a speed-proportional clock frequency. A difference value is formed from the measured values of the two sensors which have been recorded in the same clock cycle, and an output signal is generated if the number of successive difference values which exceed or fall below a predetermined reference value falls below a predetermined critical value.

Abstract: A system and method for reliably detecting singulated parcels traveling on a conveyor belt by comparing parcel characteristics before and after parcel agitation. First, parcel characteristics are evaluated. Then parcels are agitated to promote a change in characteristics, for example volume or dimensions, of the unsingulated parcels. Next, parcel characteristics are again evaluated and compared to the previously-evaluated characteristics. If there is no appreciable difference in characteristics, the parcel is deemed singulated.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes as functional elements of MEMS devices. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of preparing a MEMS substrate for synthesis of a carbon nanotube. A nanosize hole or catalyst retaining structure is fabricated on a MEMS substrate on which a nanotube catalyst is deposited. A nanotube is then synthesized within the nanosize hole.

Abstract: A water monitoring system for a nuclear reactor is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the water monitoring system includes a fiber optic cable having a first end and a second end, with the first end configured to optically couple to the reactor cooling water distribution system, and at least one laser light source optically coupled to the second end of the fiber optic cable. The water monitoring system also includes a spectrophotometer optically coupled to the second end of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for optically sorting and/or manipulating carbon nanotubes by creating an optical dipole trap with a focused light source (e.g., a laser) are described in detail herein. In one representative embodiment, light from the light source may be directed onto a mixture of carbon nanotubes, the mixture including a target class of carbon nanotubes having dimensions (e.g., length and diameter) corresponding to particular electronic properties suitable for an application. By identifying a resonant condition corresponding to the target class of carbon nanotubes, and tuning the light source substantially to the resonant condition, an optical dipole trap may be created to attract carbon nanotubes of the target class to allow manipulation and/or sorting of the target class of carbon nanotubes from the mixture, or rotation of the nanotubes via rotation of a plane of polarization of the light, in an embodiment.

Abstract: A system for sorting randomly positioned, irregularly shaped scrap metal particles on a moving conveyor employs laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), and includes an image detector for locating the particles as they path through a predefined viewing area, a position detector for detecting movement of the conveyor, a laser system for providing laser pulses, a scanner assembly for directing the pulses to selected locations within a target area, a light collector, a light distribution and spectral analyzer for isolating and measuring at least one selected band from the collected light, a separator, and suitable logic for identifying the particles, monitoring their position, monitoring the output of the laser and, operating the scanner assembly to direct the pulses to the identified particle. The spectral data is then analyzed, each particle is categorized, and thereafter sorted.

Abstract: A system for sorting randomly positioned, irregularly shaped scrap metal particles on a moving conveyor employs laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), and includes an image detector for locating the particles as they path through a predefined viewing area, a position detector for detecting movement of the conveyor, a laser system for providing laser pulses, a scanner assembly for directing the pulses to selected locations within a target area, a light collector, a light distribution and spectral analyzer for isolating and measuring at least one selected band from the collected light, a separator, and suitable logic for identifying the particles, monitoring their position, monitoring the output of the laser and, operating the scanner assembly to direct the pulses to the identified particle. The spectral data is then analyzed, each particle is categorized, and thereafter sorted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for efficiently and accurately sorting spherical objects based on their diameters. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a support frame, an inclined measurement chute having a measurement channel through which a laser beam can be transmitted, a feeder for feeding spherical objects into the measurement chute, a laser micrometer, a plurality of receptacles for receiving the sorted objects, a sorter for directing the objects into one of the plurality of receptacles, and a computer for directing the sorter to place the objects into the appropriate receptacles.

Abstract: A system for sorting randomly positioned, irregularly shaped scrap metal particles on a moving conveyor employs laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), and includes an image detector for locating the particles as they path through a predefined viewing area, a position detector for detecting movement of the conveyor, a laser system for providing laser pulses, a scanner assembly for directing the pulses to selected locations within a target area, a light collector, a light distribution and spectral analyzer for isolating and measuring at least one selected band from the collected light, a separator, and suitable logic for identifying the particles, monitoring their position, monitoring the output of the laser and, operating the scanner assembly to direct the pulses to the identified particle. The spectral data is then analyzed, each particle is categorized, and thereafter sorted.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for detection of and differentiation between base materials, colors and contamination in granulate-like or tablet-shaped substances, characterized in that the substances are illuminated in a linear manner with a laser beam, the optical radiation re-emitted by the substances is spectroscopically analyzed, and the substances are classified and sorted into different groups.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for efficiently and accurately sorting spherical objects based on their diameters. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a support frame, an inclined measurement chute having a measurement channel through which a laser beam can be transmitted, a feeder for feeding spherical objects into the measurement chute, a laser micrometer, a plurality of receptacles for receiving the sorted objects, a sorter for directing the objects into one of the plurality of receptacles, and a computer for directing the sorter to place the objects into the appropriate receptacles.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sizing and sorting articles in an article stream. A scanning station includes a plurality of laser line beam generators and a linear array including a plurality of photo detectors. A first group of generators and detectors is horizontally oriented, and second group is vertically oriented. The area between the generators and the detectors defines an exposure window through which the articles are passed. Each line beam generator has a respective cylindrical lens for collimating its output across the exposure window. The output information is sampled, digitized, stored, and analyzed. Computer-based determinations are made regarding the size, configuration, and weight of the articles. Articles determined to have predetermined physical characteristics are selectively removed from the article stream, and directed to diverting conveyors carrying articles having like characteristics.

Abstract: A high accuracy rapid system for sorting a plurality of waste products by polymer type. The invention involves the application of Raman spectroscopy and complex identification techniques to identify and sort post-consumer plastics for recycling. The invention reads information unique to the molecular structure of the materials to be sorted to identify their chemical compositions and uses rapid high volume sorting techniques to sort them into product streams at commercially viable throughput rates. The system employs a laser diode (20) for irradiating the material sample (10), a spectrograph (50) is used to determine the Raman spectrum of the material sample (10) and a microprocessor based controller (70) is employed to identify the polymer type of the material sample (10).

Abstract: A multi-spectral imager and the applications of same for the marking and coding of, for example, textiles, linens, garments, documents and packages for high-speed machine identification and sortation. Specific uses include garment and textile rental operations, laundry operations, and the postal and mail sortation of documents and packages. Methods and apparatus are provided to identify items via information encoded within an applied mark, as well as a novel mark reading/decoding scheme. A method is disclosed for printing fluorescent marks on an item, such as a heat-sealable label, to generate a unique identification number or indicia, as well as a reader system for reading applied marks.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sorting apparatus for granular products (7, 8), such as peas, nuts, raisins, and suchlike, with a detection system (3), a removal system (4) and a transport device (1), where the latter has a sloping distribution surface (1′) over which said products (7, 8) are moved, whereby said surface (1′) is convex over at least a certain distance in the direction of travel (10) of said products (7, 8), such that said surface (1′) has a curvature in the direction of fall of said products (7, 8) equal to or slightly less than that of the path (9) which the products would follow at said surface (1′) in free fall, independent of said surface (1′).

Abstract: An efficient package sorting system in which a stationary matrix of multi-directional conveyor cells sorts packages to a plurality of destination locations. In a preferred embodiment, the matrix delivers sorted packages to a plurality of lift assemblies that further transfer the packages to receiving conveyors or chutes on different levels. According to another preferred aspect of the system, a selectively elevating stop bar is provided to control side transfer between conveyor cells. A controller is operative to plan a path for each of the objects from the input cell to a destination location, to monitor availability of successive conveyor cells along the path, and to cause an object to be moved to the next conveyor cell along its path only when the next conveyor cell is available. The system may include a plurality of sensors positioned to sense the passage of objects from one conveyor cell to another, the sensors being connected to the controller.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for flexibly controlling sorting decisions for a flow cytometer or similar instrument at a purity vs. yield ratio of sorted particles, particularly at high event rates. The system monitors distances between sequential objects to determine if they are in close enough proximity to be within a single resolution unit of the sorting device. The "friend" or "foe" status of neighboring events is considered by this system in dealing with detected "coincident" events. The system operates on information of the desirability to sort the object, i.e. droplet, based upon the properties of the individual object. A storage and retrieval method is provided for making the information available at the time a sort operation based on a sorting logic condition is performed. Accordingly, an easily reconfigurable mode of operation control is provided to allow customized sorting strategies, based on the needs of individual applications or experiments.

Abstract: The present invention sorts unselected product from selected product using a chute having a grain separating section, a cross section to orientate the product, and a grain stabilizing section; a laser with a laser line transmitted through the product; a photo detector and processor to receive and analyze the light transmitted through the product to determine which product are unselected; and a separator to separate the selected and unselected product.

Abstract: Measuring the limpness of a note is necessary to separate a worn note out of circulation. Several methods are disclosed which can be used either alone or in combination to test for limpness. One method measures the note's ability to reflect light or transmit the light. Another method measures the response of the note to an acoustic wave. Another method measures the note's deflection to a pressure or force. Yet another method measures the dielectric value of the note when placed between the plates of a capacitor. A final method involves measuring the thermal conductivity of the note. In each case, a limp note will produce distinguishable results from a stiff note.

Abstract: A glass cullet separation apparatus according to the present invention includes a hopper (1), a rotary feeder (6), an inclined guide plate (14), a conveying belt (17), and a foreign glass discrimination device (37). The discriminated device can radiate a laser beam onto a surface of a cullet passing over a slit of the conveying belt (17) for emission therefrom and for discriminating a "yes or no" foreign glass determination by analyzing a spectrum of the emission. Also, included is a color discrimination device (41), a foreign glass discrimination trigger sensor (33), a color discrimination trigger sensor (40), and air nozzles (44) for ejecting the cullet at each predetermined positions which correspond to the cullet of the foreign glass and the cullet of each color. A non-contact type photoelectric sensor (45) is provided for sensing the cullet passing the air nozzle (44).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for sorting textiles, as is a system that operates in accordance with the method. The method includes steps of (a) providing a plurality of textiles to be sorted, each of the textiles comprising a portion that includes an electromagnetic radiation emitting and amplifying material; for each textile, (b) illuminating at least the portion with laser light that exceeds a threshold fluence; (c) detecting a narrow band laser-like emission of at least one wavelength from the portion in response to the step of illuminating; and (d) sorting the textiles based on the detected laser-like emission. In one embodiment the textile has at least one stitched-in thread, the thread comprising a substrate material and the electromagnetic radiation emitting and amplifying material in combination with scatterers for providing the laser-like emission. In another embodiment the textile has an applied patch containing the electromagnetic radiation emitting and amplifying material.

Abstract: The present invention sorts imperfect grains from perfect grains using a chute having a grain separating section, a cross section to orientate the grains, and a grain stabilizing section; a laser with a laser line transmitted through the grains; a photo detect or and processor to receive and analyze the light transmitted through the grains to determine which grains are imperfect; and a separator to separate the perfect and imperfect grains.

Abstract: A system for sorting particles is arranged such that the presence or absence of multiple parameters is determined for each particle in a flow of particles, and a logic condition is determined based on the multiple parameters. Thereafter, particles are outputted from the system when the logic condition is present. Accordingly, multiparameter high-speed measurements of a rare subpopulation of particles (e.g. biological cells) can be made amidst a larger population of particles with differing characteristics. When attached to a multiparameter flow cytometer/cell sorter and microcomputer, the system allows multiparameter analysis of cells at rates in excess of 100,000 cells/sec. This system can be an outboard module attached to a commercially available or home-built flow cytometer.

Abstract: An automation and verification device for an insert machine which assembles stacks of inserts. The inserts are located in electronically selectable hoppers and are encoded with an electronically readable sort code. The automation and verification device has a controller unit, a first code scanner and a second code scanner, and a program executed on the controller unit. The controller unit has a microprocessor and an electronic memory circuit. The controller unit is electrically connected to the insert machine such that the electronically selectable hoppers can be controlled by the controller unit. The first and the second code scanners are mounted on the insert machine such that the scanners are oriented to read the sort code on the inserts. The code read by the first scanner is interpreted by the program which responds by designating a job set of hoppers for inserts to be taken from.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analysis device for the automatic grading of products, in particular of fruits or vegetables, comprising punctiform lighting means (4, 8, 12) capable of generating a polarised incident beam, means (19) for deflecting the polarised incident beam which are capable of forming a crosswise line of light, lateral reflection means (22, 23) capable of allowing the products to be lighted laterally, lower reflection means (28, 29) capable of allowing the lower face of the products to be lighted, and separation means (6, 10, 14) aligned on the optical axis of the polarised incident beam and suited to separating said incident beam and the backscattered depolarised light energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cylindrical body inspection apparatus characterized in comprising: a) rotating mechanism for supporting and rotating a cylindrical body; b) sensor comprising a light emitting unit for irradiating light onto a surface to be inspected of a cylindrical body, and a light detecting unit for detecting incoming light reflected from the surface to be inspected; this sensor detects displacement information corresponding to a displacement of distance from the surface to be inspected to the light detecting unit, and information regarding the quantity of incoming light corresponding to quantity of reflected light from the surface to be inspected; c) computing unit for computing surface information and external form formation based on the above displacement information and information regarding quantity of incoming light from the sensor; and d) discriminating unit for discriminating the presence or absence of defects relating to shape of the cylindrical body based on the surface informat

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for classifying or sorting objects by projecting and irradiating an object through an irradiation zone and then examining the radiation emitted by the object to determine its class, the irradiating zone having a length in a vertical plane greater than its width where its length to width ratio is greater than 5:1.

Abstract: A light beam such a laser beam is used to scan the surface of an egg for flaws such as pin holes, cracks, thinned shell regions, etc. The light beam is vibrated with a rocking/rotating movement to describe a closed curve such as a circle, ellipse or an ellipse so narrow that it is effectively a straight line. The utilization of such a light beam allows identification of types of flaws due to the character of the progression of light emanating from the egg. The invention includes apparatus for rotating the egg about its longitudinal axis in the path of the beam or beams. The apparatus also includes apparatus for forming the vibrating beam such as mirrors vibrated by out of phase electro-magnetic vibration or piezo electric actuators.

Abstract: A direct jet monitor illuminates the jet of a flow cytometer in a monitor wavelength band which is substantially separate from the substance wavelength band. When a laser is used to cause fluorescence of the substance, it may be appropriate to use an infrared source to illuminate the jet and thus optically monitor the conditions within the jet through a CCD camera or the like. This optical monitoring may be provided to some type of controller or feedback system which automatically changes either the horizontal location of the jet, the point at which droplet separation occurs, or some other condition within the jet in order to maintain optimum conditions. The direct jet monitor may be operated simultaneously with the substance property sensing and analysis system so that continuous monitoring may be achieved without interfering with the substance data gathering and may be configured so as to allow the front of the analysis or free fall area to be unobstructed during processing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for flexibly controlling sorting decisions for a flow cytometer or similar instrument at a purity vs. yield ratio of sorted particles, particularly at high event rates. The system monitors distances between sequential objects to determine if they are in close enough proximity to be within a single resolution unit of the sorting device. The "friend" or "foe" status of neighboring events is considered by this system in dealing with detected "coincident" events. The system operates on information of the desirability to sort the object, i.e. droplet, based upon the properties of the individual object. A storage and retrieval method is provided for making the information available at the time a sort operation based on a sorting logic condition is performed. Accordingly, an easily reconfigurable mode of operation control is provided to allow customized sorting strategies, based on the needs of individual applications or experiments.

Abstract: In order to sort ore from associated mineral material, a method and apparatus of classifying an object is provided, the method including feeding the object along a feed path, irradiating the object with infra-red radiation of a first wavelength, the radiation of the first wavelength being focussed onto an irradiation zone intersecting the feed path, the irradiation zone having a length in the vertical plane substantially greater than its width in the vertical plane. The intensity of radiation emitted by the object at at least one second wavelength different from the first wavelength is examined, the second wavelength being characteristic of a first class of object or the ore to be sorted from the mineral, whereby the classification of the object may be derived.

Abstract: The concentrations of residual heavy metal contaminants in the particulate material in a slurry produced in a particulate material washing process are monitored on-line and can be used to control the washing process. In alternative embodiments of the invention, x-rays, thermal neutrons or laser beams are directed at the slurry as it flows through a flow cell to induce emission of secondary x-rays, gamma rays or light, respectively, characteristic of the heavy metal contaminants and constituents representative of the solids contents of the slurry. These characteristic energies are measured and used to determine the concentration in ppm of the residual heavy metal contaminants in the particulate material within the slurry.

Abstract: A particle-separating apparatus discharges a liquid drop by providing discharging energy within a receptacle for receiving a particle-suspending fluid. Thermal energy can be used to generate a bubble and discharge a liquid drop containing an individual particle to be examined from an opening in the receptacle.

Abstract: A pellet diameter inspection system has a laser scanning apparatus operable for detecting and measuring the outside diameter of the pellets, a pellet transfer apparatus operable for transferring pellets end-to-end in a row along a feed path past the laser scanning apparatus, and a pellet reject apparatus operable for removing from the feed path any off-sized diameter pellets measured by the laser scanning apparatus. The pellet reject apparatus includes an ejector member and a support member capable of supporting the ejector member along and adjacent to one side of the feed path and of moving the ejector member through an eject stroke across the feed path from a home position to an end position in order to remove pellets from the feed path and through a reverse stroke across the feed path from the end position to the home position. The pellet reject apparatus also includes an actuator mounted to the support member and, in turn, mounting the ejector member.

Abstract: In order to sort diamond-bearing ore particles conveyed on a wide belt, exciting radiation strikes the belt along an extended line. Diamonds are detected by passing the emitted radiation through a narrow band pass filter and sensing the Raman radiation with a photo-multiplier tube. Only axial-parallel rays passing through the filter reach the photo-multiplier tube. An array of side-by-side converging lenses can be used, the lenses being of rectangular shape as seen looking along the optical axis with their long axes at right angles to the line of radiation. The ore particles are in the plane of the foci of the lenses, so that radiation emitted by each particle is passed in parallel rays through the filter. In order to stop rays having an angle of incidence greater than the maximum permitted, to avoid identifying non-diamond material as diamond, a further converging lens is used to focus the rays at the plane of a telecentric stop. The stop stops rays having too great an angle of incidence.

Abstract: Process for rendering a plastic identifiable by adding 5 to 10,000 ppb of a fluorescent marker to the plastic during or after is manufacture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for flexibly controlling sorting decisions for a flow cytometer or similar instrument at a purity vs. yield ratio of sorted particles, particularly at high event rates. The system monitors distances between sequential objects to determine if they are in close enough proximity to be within a single resolution unit of the sorting device. The "friend" or "foe" status of neighboring events is considered by this system in dealing with detected "coincident" events. The system operates on information of the desirability to sort the object, i.e. droplet, based upon the properties of the individual object. A storage and retrieval method is provided for making the information available at the time a sort operation based on a sorting logic condition is performed. Accordingly, an easily reconfigurable mode of operation control is provided to allow customized sorting strategies, based on the needs of individual applications or experiments.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for determining and identifying drill bit type in a simple manner that does not involve complex mathematical techniques. The invention utilizes a laser scanner that produces a plurality of crosswise diameter measurements taken equidistantly along each drill bit's length. The crosswise measurement indicates the diameter of the bit's silhouette at a given location. By comparing such diameters with what would be expected for a given bit, the bit's shank type, maximum diameter, flute characteristics and length can be accurately ascertained. Having such information enables identification of the bit so that it may be later kept track of during subsequent sorting and refurbishment operations.

Abstract: A method for separating diamonds from associated gangue in a diamondiferous material. The method comprises the steps of mixing the diamondiferous material with water to form a slurry and passing the slurry through laser radiation of known wavelength in the infra red part of the electromagnetic spectrum to cause Raman spectral scattering of the radiation from the slurry. The scattered radiation is collected and filtered to isolate diamond-relevant radiation and the filtered radiation is analyzed to determine whether it is indicative of the presence of diamond. Finally, on the basis of such analysis, high diamond content slurry is separated from low diamond content slurry.

Abstract: A method of sorting a mixed group of plastic articles, such as PET and PVC containers, involves individually subjecting each article to a beam of electromagnetic radiation, and detecting a change in the intensity of the beam. The measured intensity varies in a manner indicative of the crystallinity of the plastic from which the article is made, and hence identifies the type of plastic the article is made of. Each article is then sent to one of a plurality of destinations, such as recycling collection bins, according to the type of plastic. The method is particularly useful in separating PET and PVC used in containers, since these plastics are very difficult to sort by conventional methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus to analyze metal particles to determine their composition and to generate a sorting signal. The particles are exposed to a pulsed laser beam by which they are partly vaporized to form a plasma so that the particles are cleaned and the cleaned area is subsequently partially vaporized by a pulsed laser beam to form a plasma. The spectral lines of the plasma are inspected for an identification of the composition of the metal particles. The required inspection rate of 30 particles per second can readily be achieved or even exceeded if a defined narrow wavelength range or a defined wavelength is filtered from the total radiation that is emitted by the plasma and the intensities of the filtered partial radiations are related to each other to obtain ratios, which are compared with adjustable limiting values. A sorting signal is derived from the result of said comparison.

Abstract: A bundle processing apparatus includes a receiving conveyor for receiving a plurality of bundles, each bundle including a number of packs and each pack including a plurality of paper sheets, a removing conveyor for removing bundles from the receiving conveyor, a counter for counting the number of packs included in each bundle removed by the removing conveyor, a length detector for detecting the length of each bundle, a stacking device for stacking a bundle when the number of packs counted by the counter is equal to a predetermined number and the length detected by the length detector is equal to a predetermined length, a device for rejecting a bundle when the number of packs counted by the counter is not equal to the predetermined number or the length detected by the detector is not equal to the predetermined length, and a storage device having a storage box for storing the stacked bundles.

Abstract: A system for characterizing objects to be sorted in real time and making sorting decisions using lasers to excite fluorescing dyes used to tag objects such as cells which flow through the laser beam in a stream of conductive fluid. The scattered light and fluorescent light at various frequencies define a multidimensional space. These light characteristics are sensed and digitized. The data so gathered is buffered and then compared to a binary classification tree. The individual parameters cause a certain path through the binary decision tree to be taken while the cell is passing from the point in the stream where the light characteristics are gathered to a point where electrostatically charged electrodes deflect individual statically charged drops containing cells to be sorted into various sorting bins. When the decision tree has been traversed, the sorting decision for the drop containing the cell which had those parameters is done.

Abstract: A coincidence arbitration system for a sorting cytomteter which detects and sorts particles using a flow chamber and a stream of droplets. Those droplets containing selected particles are sorted by selectively applying a charge thereto and passing the droplets through deflection plates. After detection, the particle data is delayed and analyzed to make sort decisions. The delay is for a period of one and one fourth droplet time periods less than the time the particle is formed into a droplet. At the time the command is issued creating the charge on the droplet to be formed, the coincidence arbitration circuit looks four quarter droplet times ahead and behind of the event to determine whether a coincidence is occurring, and if so, whether the coincidence is with a similar type of particle or a different type of particle. Based on this information, appropriated sort or no-sort commands are issued.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating particles by means of a contra-flow centrifuge, wherein a monitor system is used to analyze or control the separation process. The monitor system used impinges a monochromatic light beam on a sample of the separated particles, and measures the light scattering not only in the beam-forward direction, but also in the beam-reverse and beam-lateral directions. This reduces the processing time and increases the reliabiity of output data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sorting particles, such as biological particles. A first laser defines an optical path having an intensity gradient which is effective to propel the particles along the path but which is sufficiently weak that the particles are not trapped in an axial direction. A probe laser beam interrogates the particles to identify predetermined phenotypical characteristics of the particles. A second laser beam intersects the driving first laser beam, wherein the second laser beam is activated by an output signal indicative of a predetermined characteristic. The second laser beam is switchable between a first intensity and a second intensity, where the first intensity is effective to displace selected particles from the driving laser beam and the second intensity is effective to propel selected particles along the deflection laser beam. The selected particles may then be propelled by the deflection beam to a location effective for further analysis.

Abstract: An optical inspection system for using laser-induced luminescence to detect the quality of organic materials, such as peanuts. The inspection system comprises an excitation means for illuminating a specimen to cause it to produce fluorescent radiation. The spectral representation of the fluorescence produced by the specimen is compared to a reference spectrum to obtain an indication of the physical characteristics of the specimen. In a preferred embodiment, the system identifies and removes peanuts contaminated with aflatoxin from a stream of peanuts by determining fluorescence at a predetermined wavelength.