Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to waste receptacles and more particularly to smart waste receptacles capable of identifying waste. A waste receptacle may identify waste using machine vision and perform a task in response to identifying the waste. In an embodiment, the smart waste receptacle may instruct a user to direct the waste to one of a plurality of waste bins based on a category of the waste. In an embodiment, the smart waste receptacle may place an order to replenish the stock of a product based on the identification of waste. In an embodiment, the smart waste receptacle is created by attaching a smart device to a standard waste receptacle.

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. The material sorting system may include an x-ray fluorescence system to perform a classification of the materials in combination with the vision system, whereby the classification efforts of the vision system and x-ray fluorescence system are combined in order to classify and sort the materials.

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided. The control apparatus includes: a packaged medicine preparation unit discharging a bundle of packaged medicines in which a large amount of medicines are prepared by one capsule in a single dose to perform a post-process on the bundle of packaged medicines for a specific purpose based on a medicine dispensing request; and a post-processing unit introduced with the bundle of packaged medicines discharged from the packaged medicine preparation unit to perform the post-process thereon.

Abstract: Method and system for x-ray detection of flaws in containers or their contents wherein containers are conveyed on a circular path around a central axis upon which an x-ray source is situated below the plane of the base of the containers. The x-ray source emits x-ray radiation obliquely upwards through the containers to a plurality of imaging x-ray detectors. Analysis of the images provided by these x-ray detectors determines the presence of a flaw in a container or its contents and is used to command a rejection mechanism to reject the container in question.

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: A method of sorting material that comprises determining whether a volume of material to be mined or a volume of stockpiled material is upgradable to produce a supply of material of greater economic value. If the determination is positive, the material is dry sorted to increase the grade or economic value. The determination is done by taking a plurality of samples from the initial volume of material and analyzing the material to determine if the material is able to be upgraded. The determination can be by X-Ray analysis. The upgrading can involve a size reduction step.

Abstract: A method for separating a mixture of solid materials can includes a sorting step based on differences in X-Ray transmission of different materials and a density sorting step at an elevated density. The mixture of solid materials can be a plastic-rich mixture recovered from waste electrical and electronic equipment. The mixture of solid materials can include plastics that contain brominated flame retardants. In some cases, a XRT or DEXRT sorter is used to remove the majority of plastics that contain brominated flame retardants from the mixture.

Abstract: Method and system for processing of meat trim products, where trim products are supplied as a sequence of collections of trim (COTs), each collection of trim (COT) comprising a plurality of trim products, whereby: a fat/meat relationship for a collection of trim (COT) is measured; a collection of trim (COT) is transferred to a selected station by a separator, controlled by a controller; and whereby a batch is completed at a selected station on the basis of data for said fat/meat relationship, said batch comprising one or more collections of trim (COTs) and fulfilling a predetermined criterion regarding a total fat/meat relationship.

Abstract: The method relates to the field of mineral enrichment.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sorting mined material is based on using a range of options for sensing multiple properties of a mined material on a fragment by fragment basis and then analyzing the multiple types of data and making decisions about the classification of each fragment and then sorting the fragment based on the analysis. The multiple sensing options include the response of the fragments to electromagnetic radiation. Other sensing options may include sensors that look at the response of fragments of a mined material to an acoustic wave or a magnetic field or optical sensors that evaluate texture or other surface characteristics of fragments.

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: 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: The present invention relates to a method for separating mineral impurities from calcium carbonate-containing rocks by comminuting the calcium carbonate-containing rocks to a particle size in the range of from 1 mm to 250 mm, separating the calcium carbonate particles by means of a dual energy X-ray transmission sorting device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating mineral impurities from calcium carbonate-containing rocks by comminuting the calcium carbonate-containing rocks to a particle size in the range of from 1 mm to 250 mm, separating the calcium carbonate particles by means of a dual energy X-ray transmission sorting device.

Abstract: A laser-based mono-energetic gamma-ray source is used to provide a rapid and unique, isotope specific method for sorting materials. The objects to be sorted are passed on a conveyor in front of a MEGa-ray beam which has been tuned to the nuclear resonance fluorescence transition of the desired material. As the material containing the desired isotope traverses the beam, a reduction in the transmitted MEGa-ray beam occurs. Alternately, the laser-based mono-energetic gamma-ray source is used to provide non-destructive and non-intrusive, quantitative determination of the absolute amount of a specific isotope contained within pipe as part of a moving fluid or quasi-fluid material stream.

Abstract: Method and system for processing of meat trim products, where trim products are supplied as a sequence of collections of trim (COTs), each collection of trim (COT) comprising a plurality of trim products, whereby a fat/meat relationship for a collection of trim (COT) is measured, a collection of trim (COT) is transferred to a selected station by a separator, controlled by a controller, and whereby a batch is completed at a selected station on the basis of data for said fat/meat relationship, said batch comprising one or more collections of trim (COTs) and fulfilling a predetermined criterion regarding a total fat/meat relationship.

Abstract: The method relates to the field of mineral enrichment. It involves setting a threshold value for the intensity of a luminescence signal after a given time following the end of a pulse of exciting radiation, measuring, in the course of registering the intensity of the luminescence signal of a mineral, the intensity of the luminescence signal after a given time following each pulse of exciting radiation, recording the intensity value obtained for each luminescence signal if the signal registered exceeds the set threshold value, comparing the value measured in the current period with the values obtained in the preceding periods, determining the period in which the intensity value was at its peak, and processing the luminescence signal in which the value of the measured intensity was at its peak in order to determine the separation parameters; a decision to separate the mineral to be enriched is taken in the event that the separation parameters are inside the range of given values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating mineral impurities from calcium carbonate-containing rocks by comminuting the calcium carbonate-containing rocks to a particle size in the range of from 1 mm to 250 mm, separating the calcium carbonate particles by means of a dual energy X-ray transmission sorting device.

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: 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 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: The method relates to the field of mineral enrichment. It involves setting a threshold value for the intensity of a luminescence signal after a given time following the end of a pulse of exciting radiation, measuring, in the course of registering the intensity of the luminescence signal of a mineral, the intensity of the luminescence signal after a given time following each pulse of exciting radiation, recording the intensity value obtained for each luminescence signal if the signal registered exceeds the set threshold value, comparing the value measured in the current period with the values obtained in the preceding periods, determining the period in which the intensity value was at its peak, and processing the luminescence signal in which the value of the measured intensity was at its peak in order to determine the separation parameters; a decision to separate the mineral to be enriched is taken in the event that the separation parameters are inside the range of given values.

Abstract: Method and system for processing of meat trim products, where trim products are supplied as a sequence of collections of trim (COTs), each collection of trim (COT) comprising a plurality of trim products, whereby a fat/meat relationship for a collection of trim (COT) is measured, a collection of trim (COT) is transferred to a selected station by a separator, controlled by a controller, and whereby a batch is completed at a selected station on the basis of data for said fat/meat relationship, said batch comprising one or more collections of trim (COTs) and fulfilling a predetermined criterion regarding a total fat/meat relationship.

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: We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document. An x-ray source is adapted to illuminate at least one inspection region of the security document when located at an inspection position. An x-ray detector adapted to receive x-rays from the at least one inspection region of the document and to generate a corresponding detector response. A processor analyses the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of the document in the at least one inspection region.

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 method of sorting material that comprises determining whether a volume of material to be mined or a volume of stockpiled material is upgradable to produce a supply of material of greater economic value. If the determination is positive, the material is dry sorted to increase the grade or economic value. The determination is done by taking a plurality of samples from the initial volume of material and analysing the material to determine if the material is able to be upgraded. The determination can be by X-Ray analysis.

Abstract: We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document using x-rays. A security thread is provided in a security thread region of the document. An x-ray source illuminates the security document and an x-ray detector receives x-rays from the security thread region of the document and generates a corresponding detector response. A processor analyses the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of a security thread present within the region.

Abstract: In a recycling system of the present invention for collecting a subject of recycling, which contains plastics, from the market and reprocessing the plastics to thereby produce a recycled product, the plastics contains a line spectrum radiation that radiates light when receiving ultraviolet rays or an electromagnetic wave. Recycle information particular to the subject of recycling is identified on the basis of the wavelengths of light radiated from the line spectrum radiation.

Abstract: A method for classifying a sample based upon a complete spectral analysis. The sample is illuminated with penetrating radiation and an initial complete spectral analysis is performed based on spectral resolution of resonant fluorescence lines emitted at the surface, or within the volume, of the sample. If the initial complete spectral analysis yields the composition of the sample to within acceptable limits, analysis values are output to the user. Otherwise, further analysis, informed by the results if the initial complete spectral analysis, is performed.

Abstract: We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document using x-rays. A security thread is provided in a security thread region of the document. An x-ray source illuminates the security document and an x-ray detector receives x-rays from the security thread region of the document and generates a corresponding detector response. A processor analyses the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of a security thread present within the region.

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: We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document. An x-ray source is adapted to illuminate at least one inspection region of the security document when located at an inspection position. An x-ray detector adapted to receive x-rays from the at least one inspection region of the document and to generate a corresponding detector response. A processor analyses the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of the document in the at least one inspection region.

Abstract: An X-ray inspection apparatus includes an X-ray radiating part, an X-ray detecting part, a mass estimation unit and a mass class determination unit. The X-ray radiating part is configured and arranged to radiate X-rays to an inspection target. The X-ray detecting part is configured and arranged to detect the X-rays radiated from the X-ray radiating part that transmitted through the inspection target. The mass estimation unit is configured to estimate a mass of the inspection target based on an amount of the X-rays detected by the X-ray detecting part. The mass class determination unit is configured to determine which mass class among a plurality of mass classes within a preset range the inspection target belongs to based on the mass of the inspection target estimated by the mass estimation unit.

Abstract: A cocoon sorting system sorts cocoons with healthy larvae therein, for example healthy leafcutter bee cells, from those with non-healthy larvae therein. The system conveys cocoons through a target scanning area on a conveyor where an x-ray source directs x-rays at the cocoons in the target scanning area. An opposing sensor head receives the x-rays which have passed through the target scanning area for generating a density image of cocoons in the target area. A processor compares the density image to a prescribed density criteria and determines a rejected cocoon if the density criteria is not met. A sorting mechanism removes the rejected cocoon from a remainder of cocoons on the conveyor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting of objects that includes a pathway network that has a plurality of pathways and one or more branch points. A fluid composition including one or more objects can be transported through the pathway network, where one or more of the objects are analyzed and sorted at one or more branch points based on the analysis of the objects.

Abstract: In order to check hand luggage and other objects carried by persons, control stations are needed, which have a control unit, in particular an X-ray checking unit, a conveyor which extends through the control unit, a depositing point which is arranged ahead of the conveyor, and a removal point which is arranged behind the conveyor, for the objects and having transport tubs which can be placed onto the conveyor. Small objects and items of clothing are placed in the transport tubs and conveyed through the control unit for checking. A return conveyor for the transport tubs is arranged next to or below the conveyor which passes through the control unit, which return conveyor reaches from the removal point behind the conveyor at least as far as into the region of the depositing point ahead of the conveyor.

Abstract: A cocoon sorting system sorts cocoons with healthy larvae therein, for example healthy leafcutter bee cells, from those with non-healthy larvae therein. The system conveys cocoons through a target scanning area on a conveyor where an x-ray source directs x-rays at the cocoons in the target scanning area. An opposing sensor head receives the x-rays which have passed through the target scanning area for generating a density image of cocoons in the target area. A processor compares the density image to a prescribed density criteria and determines a rejected cocoon if the density criteria is not met. A sorting mechanism removes the rejected cocoon from a remainder of cocoons on the conveyor.

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

Abstract: Used articles of different types are sorted into individual types through a sorting line, and are feed to disassembling lines that are provided for the respective article types. The sorting line is provided with a type discriminating section and a sorting section. In the sorting section, a number of sorting mechanisms are provided for the respective article types, and are arranged sequentially along a conveying direction of the articles. The individual sorting mechanism sorts out articles of a designated type on the basis of discrimination data from the type discriminating section. A controller counts the number of discriminated articles separately from type to type, and controls the sorting mechanisms depending upon the count of each type, to feed the sorted articles either to a corresponding one of the disassembling lines through a respective supply line, or to a buffer section.

Abstract: The concentration(s) of element(s) contained in an unknown sample is measured without necessity of judging the sample relying on a human's eye and obtaining information from a supplier of the sample previously. The concentration(s) of trace element(s) such as Cd, Pb and Hg contained in parts for electronic or electric equipment is determined by (1) irradiating the sample with an X-ray so as to identify whether the type of the sample is a nonmetal-based material or a metal-based material; (2) selecting measuring conditions for a fluorescent X-ray analysis depending on the identified type of the sample; and (3) measuring the concentration(s) of one or more element(s) contained in the sample by the fluorescent X-ray analysis according to the selected measuring conditions.

Abstract: A mail processing system includes a mail processing facility with at least one negative pressure zone which is negative with respect to a positive pressure zone external to the facility. The facility further includes a first area in the facility for receiving mail, a second area in the facility for sorting and inspecting the mail, a third area in the facility for temporarily storing mail that has been sorted and inspected, and a response system for responding to a mail threat being detected.

Abstract: In a method for calculating the temperature T of a solid body or the time t that is needed for a change of the temperature T of the solid body, a solution function to a dimensionless equation corresponding to the differential equation dT/dt=b?aT4?cT, is determined and used to create a matrix A=(aij) with which T or t can be easily calculated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.

Abstract: A system including a mailpiece sorting apparatus which includes a feeder, an OCR scanner, a mailpiece deliverer, a diverter and output module, compartments or bins for receiving sorted mailpieces, an optical character recognition system for reading addressee information, an addressee database, and microprocessor based control system is described. In an illustrative example, harmful materials are detected in mailpieces and such mailpieces are diverted from the mail stream. In another example, the system is contained in a detection area and clean room; and/or the system uses x-ray technology to determine the content of the mailpieces. The system provides for detection of harmful materials in mailpieces so as to help deter delays in incoming mail delivery caused by the presence of life harming material and to sanitize the mail so as to protect the intended recipients from harm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic spacing and diverting of packages on a conveyor system ensures an adequate gap between packages deposited onto a loading conveyor for subsequent inspection. A speed ratio between the loading conveyor and an inspection conveyor, a package detector disposed between the loading conveyor and the inspection conveyor, an interruption device controlling the loading conveyor and a controller to permit a signal from the package detector to command the interrupting device to temporarily halt the loading conveyor are used to ensure proper spacing between packages passed to a scanner. The apparatus may also include a package diverter for diverting a package to another area for further inspection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-intrusive analysis and display of internal features of wooden objects are provided. In embodiments of the system, a log is passed through a CT scanner in one continuous motion. One or more x-ray sources revolve around the log generating x-ray beams that traverse contiguous cross-sections of the log. An array of x-ray detectors detects x-rays that traverse the log for variations in the attenuation of rays. The detected attenuation is converted into spiral scan data that corresponds to projections in different contiguous cross-sections traversed by the x-rays. An image processor reconstructs spiral scan data into two dimensional cross-sectional images of the log by processing and formatting scan data using a planar reconstruction technique. The system renders three-dimensional views based on two-dimensional images.

Abstract: An auto reject unit includes a turntable rotatable about an upright axis and held stationary in operation along the upright axis. Driven rollers are mounted upon the turntable for selectively driving an article across the turntable in a direction. A motor is disposed to rotate the turntable about the upright axis in response to a command. The rotation adjusts the direction that an article disposed on the turntable will travel off of the turntable.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system of the present invention generally comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus which includes a feeder, an OCR scanner, a mailpiece deliverer, a diverter and output module, compartments or bins for receiving sorted mailpieces, optical character recognition system for reading addressee information, an addressee database, and microprocessor based control system. In an embodiment of the present invention, harmful materials are detected in mailpieces and such mailpieces are diverted from the mail stream. In alternate embodiments of the present invention: the system is contained in a detection area and clean room; and/or the system uses x-ray technology to determine the content of the mailpieces. The system provides for detection of harmful materials in mailpieces so as to help deter delays in incoming mail delivery caused by the presence of life harming material and sanitize the mail so as to protect the intended recipients from harm.