Abstract: A roller assembly for a screening device includes a shaft extending along a width direction, a pair of discs disposed on the shaft, and a spacing assembly disposed on the shaft between the pair of discs. The spacing assembly includes an inner spacer disposed around the shaft and an outer spacer disposed around the inner spacer. The outer spacer has a body defining an inner receiving space and a support element disposed in the inner receiving space. The body abuts against the discs and is formed of an elastically compressible material. The support element limits compression of the body along the width direction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sorting control method, apparatus, platform and system, and an unmanned sorting device. The sorting control method comprises controlling an unmanned sorting device to load a plurality of packages; obtaining package list information, and sending the package list information to a sorting control platform; receiving a sorting route planned by the sorting control platform; and controlling the unmanned sorting device to traverse a package list in order to travel according to the sorting route, and sequentially unloading the plurality of packages to corresponding destination sorting ports.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for a reconfigurable on-board package sorting system for a delivery vehicle including an enclosed storage compartment with a horizontal plane, a plurality of bins for holding packages, each bin including a computer readable identifier, a set of correlated conveyor belts on each horizontal plane, the correlated conveyors belts sized as a function of the bins, including at conveyor belts linearly oriented on the horizontal plane, mixing conveyors, each oriented adjacent to each convey belt to provide directional transition to a next conveyor belt, wherein the correlated conveyor belts provide directional movement of the bins in a loop on the horizontal plane by selective rotation of each conveyor belt, and a computer including a processor and memory to receive data from each identifier, the processor including instructions to: identify a location of bin and direct the operation of the correlated conveyor belts.

Abstract: Animal sensing systems and methods are described. An animal sensing system can include an input section with an entrance and an output section having at least two output paths each having its own exit. An animal can enter the animal sensing system through the entrance. A sensor within a sensing area of the input section can detect one or more characteristics of the animal, and can communicate the detected characteristic(s) to a central processing unit. The central processing unit can use the received data to classify the animal based on the detected characteristic(s), and then control a directional guide, such as a gate, in the animal sensing system on the basis of the classification, so as to direct the animal within the animal sensing system, such as to allow access to only one of the output paths at a time. The animal may thus be allowed to exit the animal sensing system through only one output path, directing the animal to a desired location based on the classification.

Abstract: A package imaging system can be configured to utilize unused or idle degrees of freedom associated with a robot to collect identification and modeling information. One or more sensors can be attached to the robot and configured to track a package between a first location and a second location. A final joint of the robot can be configured to cause one or more rotations of the package within the reference frame. The one or more sensors can capture one or more images of the package within the reference frame. Based on the one or more images, the package imaging system can determine a package identity from an identifier associated with the package. The package imaging system can also generate a three-dimensional model of the package by combining the one or more pictures.

Abstract: A sorting system having a plurality of sorting assemblies where each sorting assembly has an image device that transmits an image of product to a controller that then actuates a robotic sorting device to remove damaged product through a suction tube based upon the transmitted image.

Abstract: A system includes a robot, comprising a manipulator and a controller, with a gripper mounted on the manipulator, for picking the battery for testing and sorting, a battery holding section for receiving batteries for testing and sorting at predetermined locations in the battery holding section, and a testing section disposed within the working range of the robot, for testing an electrical condition of the battery for testing and sorting, whereby the controller controls the manipulator and the gripper to first-pick the battery for testing and sorting at the predetermined location from the battery holding section and place it to contact the testing section for testing, the testing section tests the battery and sends to the controller a signal indicating the electrical condition of the tested battery, and the controller controls the manipulator and the gripper to second-pick the battery contacting the testing section and sort it according to the signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for managing (e.g. sorting, orienting, arranging, and stacking, etc.) one or more utensils; the utensils having a first and second end that define a longitudinal axis. The utensil sorting apparatus comprises of a plurality of arms to which a mechanism for locating a utensil, one or mechanisms for identifying a utensil, a device for orienting a utensil, and a device for grasping a utensil are attached. The grasping mechanism is used to transport a utensil to various steps used in a sorting process with a final step being to place the utensil in a designated bin, or compartment. The utensils placed in a compartment are oriented such that the first end of each utensil is at the same end of a wall of the compartment. The apparatus can also be used to arrange and stack utensils in preparation for secondary operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for completing a format set of products which are conveyed line-wise on a plurality of conveyor tracks along a conveying direction comprises a first stop conveyor and a second stop conveyor which are arranged after one another in the conveying direction and which are configured to convey products along the conveying direction on all conveyor tracks, with the first stop conveyor and the second stop conveyor furthermore being able to stop a conveyed product as required on at least one conveyor track, while a product is conveyed onward on at least one other conveyor track. A distributor conveyor is arranged between the first stop conveyor and the second stop conveyor and is configured to convey at least one product along the conveying direction, with the distributor conveyor being displaceable transversely to the conveying direction.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides colored wear tiles for use in optical sorting apparatuses and related methods that separate an associated material into a desired product and an undesired product. The colored wear tiles have a color and/or lightness value that permeates the entire body of the wear tile and sufficiently differs from the color and/or lightness of the associated material in order to allow the colored wear tile, or portions or pieces thereof, that may mix with the associated material, to be separated from the desired product by the sorting apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating nuts of different buoyancy in a liquid. The apparatus has a tank, a support frame, and a particle collecting device. The particle collecting device has a shell that is attached to and wraps circumferentially around an auger shaft that is rotatably mounted to the support frame. As the auger shaft is rotated about its axis, the attached shell is rotated in the liquid in the tank and its spiral shape directs nuts onto the auger shaft, and the auger surface advances the nuts towards an end opening of the shell disposed outside of the tank.

Abstract: A wood veneer diverter system comprises a plurality of veneer diverters operable to divert veneer downwardly and away from a belt based on the category or grade of the veneer. These veneer diverters are desirably rotated so that they pass through a veneer flow path in the direction of veneer flow. The veneer diverters may be configured to enhance their effectiveness in diverting veneer away from belts that move the veneer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for grouping fragile floating objects, such as floating fruits, in batches in at least one accumulation channel. An upstream portion (12) of at least one accumulation channel is supplied with objects transported by a hydraulic current as far as a downstream end of the latter provided with a retaining/releasing device for retaining/releasing the objects. The speed of the hydraulic current is adjusted so as to bring about a hydraulic superposition of the objects retained in a superposition zone of the accumulation channel against the retaining/releasing device which is closed so as to retain the objects.

Abstract: A device for loading a transporting unit provided for transporting piece goods, in particular mail deliveries, includes a first conveying unit which can be moved into the transporting unit and is provided for conveying and unloading a first stream of piece goods in the transporting unit. At least one second conveying unit is provided for conveying and unloading a second stream of piece goods in the transporting unit in order to optimize loading with respect to a transport filling density of the transporting unit, along with an increased loading throughput and increased working convenience. The piece goods are distributed among the streams of piece goods according to at least one sorting criterion.

Abstract: A document sorting machine having dual feeders which feed documents onto common tiers of sort pockets form each end of the machine. The machine includes an induction buffer section which prevents a document already in the transport on a particular tier from colliding with a document being fed into the same transport by a different feeder. Also, the machine includes a serpentine piggy-back unit which can stack consecutive documents going to the same sort pocket.

Abstract: Provided is an electric wire scrap high-grade recovery apparatus with improved recovery rates of copper materials and the like by causing miscut materials contained in crushed materials to be capable of being separated and recovered with good efficiency. A weir 11 which holds back part of the water flowing on a separation bed 10 in the width direction of the separation bed 10 is provided in a lower part of the separation bed 10, whereby miscut materials 43 contained in crushed materials gather in a region in the vicinity of an upper end of a water pool 12 formed by the weir 11. Therefore, in the above-described region where the miscut materials 43 on the separation bed 11 gather, there are provided on the separation bed partition plates 13, 14 which form miscut material recovery passages 15, 16, whose one end is open and through which the water does not flow, and the miscut materials 43 are recovered by using the miscut material recovery passages 15, 16.

Abstract: Fruit handling equipment comprising a conveyor having a plurality of linked carriages, each supporting at least one fruit carrying cup pivotally secured to the carriage, each cup having a latching mechanism operable to hold the cup in a fruit carrying mode and releasable to cause the cup to pivot to a delatched position to eject the fruit, and remotely controllable means in each carriage to release the latching mechanism.

Abstract: Automatic loading/unloading apparatus (1) for automatically loading flat articles (200) stacked on edge into storage trays (300) and for automatically unloading flat articles (200) stacked on edge therefrom, each of the storage trays (300) having a bottom plate (301) provided with a through window (306), said automatic loading/unloading apparatus having a stationary actuator (4) in register with said window and a moving actuator (5) that receives said storage tray (300) and that is mounted to move between: a waiting position in which said stationary actuator (4) is set back from said moving actuator (5) and is not in contact with said flat articles (200); and an unloading position in which said stationary actuator (4) passes through said window (306) while carrying said flat articles (200) until it comes flush with said stacking zone (3) suitable for receiving said flat articles (200) without said storage tray (300) being interposed between said flat articles (200) and said stacking zone (3).

Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a particle separation device and a method of separating particles, each of which can easily separate particles for a short time without a great stress to the particles and easily collect the particles thus separated. The particle separation device includes at least: a separation flow path (i) to which a separation fluid and a particle group including two types of particles being different in density are supplied, and (ii) through which the separation fluid flows in a certain direction; a divergence section connected to at least an end of the separation flow path in the certain direction in which the separation fluid flows, a first flow path formed from the divergence section in a rising direction; and a second flow path formed from the divergence section in a falling direction, the separation flow path being formed in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A route enhanced mail sorting and dispatch system and method sorts mail based on carrier route and then arranges the mail into delivery point order in a single pass that accommodates both letter and flat format mail. Mail sorting based on carrier routes and arrangement into delivery point order is achieved through a plurality of route enhanced dispatch modules. Each dispatch module has upper and lower helical mail conveyors. The lower helical mail conveyor is linearly translatable and can moved to a plurality of positions. Mail sorted based on carrier route is held in the upper helical mail conveyor before being placed or dropped into an allocated position in the lower helical mail conveyor by a put away shuttle. The lower helical mail conveyor can then be rotated to dispatch the mail in delivery point order.

Abstract: A spiral separator apparatus is used to separate a mixture of particles of different shapes. The spiral separator apparatus includes rotating separator cores that each have a number of banked flights. As the separator cores rotate, non-round particles continue traveling down the banked flights, while round or substantially round particles are ejected from the separator core by centrifugal force. Particles that are ejected from the separator cores impact a housing, fall, and are collected, for example, in a collection bin.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for separating particles and methods for using such apparatus are provided.

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

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for grading products and forming predetermined mixes of graded products. Graders sort products into different grades. The graded products are formed into batches of known quantity. Each batch is designated for deposit in a bin specified to have a certain mixture of graded products. A conveyor conveys the batches to the designated bin. The quantity of each batch is determined by count or weight.

Abstract: A spiral separator apparatus is used to separate a mixture of particles of different shapes. The spiral separator apparatus includes a rotating separator core that has a number of banked flights. As the separator core rotates, non-round particles continue traveling down the banked flights, while round or substantially round particles are ejected from the separator core by centrifugal force. Particles that are ejected from the separator core impact a housing, fall, and are collected, for example, in a collection bin.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes a support frame to support a feed mechanism, an orientation mechanism, a measurement mechanism, a transfer mechanism, and an unloading mechanism. The feed mechanism includes a first holding assembly, a first elevation assembly, a second elevation assembly, and a first clipping assembly. The first elevation assembly and the second elevation assembly are positioned under the holding assembly, and the first clipping assembly is positioned over the holding assembly. The measurement mechanism includes a support stage and at least one calibration head. The transfer mechanism includes at least one pickup head. The orientation mechanism includes a driving member and a securing assembly driven by the driving member. The unloading mechanism has the same structure as the feed mechanism. The disclosure further provides a measuring method using the measurement apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a workpiece separation apparatus permitting to input a mixture of workpieces and chips stably within a flow current and to separate them accurately and efficiently. The workpiece separation apparatus includes an input cylinder (120) inserted within a separating container (110) and a fluid supplying means (130) arranged so as to supply fluid to the separating container (110) from a part lower than a lower end of the input cylinder (120), and configured such that the fluid overflows and flows out of the upper end of the separating container (110) due to a flow current generated within the separating container (110) and such that a fluid level of the fluid rises up in the input cylinder (120) and the fluid does not flow out of the upper end of the input cylinder (120).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for managing (e.g. sorting, orienting, arranging, and stacking, etc.) one or more utensils; the utensils having a first and second end that define a longitudinal axis. The utensil sorting apparatus comprises of a plurality of arms to which a mechanism for locating a utensil, one or mechanisms for identifying a utensil, a device for orienting a utensil, and a device for grasping a utensil are attached. The grasping mechanism is used to transport a utensil to various steps used in a sorting process with a final step being to place the utensil in a designated bin, or compartment. The utensils placed in a compartment are oriented such that the first end of each utensil is at the same end of a wall of the compartment. The apparatus can also be used to arrange and stack utensils in preparation for secondary operations.

Abstract: An industrially highly useful CNT separation method is provided whereby metallic CNTs and semiconducting CNTs can be efficiently separated and purified in large quantities in a short time period from CNTs containing these carbon nanotubes, using inexpensive equipment and in simple steps, and whereby metallic CNTs and semiconducting CNTs can be separated at low cost. The CNT separation method includes adding a CNT dispersion to a powder-charged separation vessel to selectively adsorb the semiconducting CNTs to the powder, and eluting the semiconducting CNTs adsorbed to the powder after collecting the metallic CNTs.

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 sorting apparatus is described and which includes a substantially continuous source of a product to be sorted; and a downwardly oriented supporting surface for guiding the source of product for movement, at least in part, under the influence of gravity, along a path of travel through a first inspection station which is oriented along the supporting surface, and where the product is first inspected, and then travels to a second location or station, which is located off the supporting surface, and where, at the second location or station, individual defective products are removed from the substantially continuous source of product to be sorted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating non-biogenic plastic from biogenic waste. A stream of waste materials is delivered through an inlet into a conduit in which the biogenic waste drops out the bottom. The non-biogenic plastic is drawn upwardly by a separator in the form of pressurized gas fed tangentially through two ports in an opposite direction with each other to create a vacuum in the conduit.

Abstract: A machine for sorting fasteners that have a shaft with a head attached thereto from fasteners that only have a shaft. The machine can have a plurality of rollers that are rotatably attached to a frame, the plurality of rollers having a gap between each other and generally aligned parallel to each other. In addition, the plurality of rollers can be oriented at an angle relative to horizontal. The gap between each roller is dimensioned such that the shaft of a fastener can fit or fall therethrough and yet prevent the head of the fastener to fit or fall therethrough. The plurality of rollers can have an elevated end and an exit end, the exit end having an opening proximate thereto and dimensioned for the head of the fastener to fit therethrough.

Abstract: A route enhanced mail sorting and dispatch system and method sorts mail based on carrier route and then arranges the mail into delivery point order in a single pass that accommodates both letter and flat format mail. Mail sorting based on carrier routes and arrangement into delivery point order is achieved through a plurality of route enhanced dispatch modules. Each dispatch module has upper and lower helical mail conveyors. The lower helical mail conveyor is linearly translatable and can moved to a plurality of positions. Mail sorted based on carrier route is held in the upper helical mail conveyor before being placed or dropped into an allocated position in the lower helical mail conveyor by a put away shuttle. The lower helical mail conveyor can then be rotated to dispatch the mail in delivery point order.

Abstract: There is here disclosed a resin pellet store device including a silo (1) in which resin pellets are stored; an discharge route for ON-SPEC products (2) through which resin pellets having a low content of foreign substances stored above the vicinity of the lowermost part in the silo (1) are discharged as ON-SPEC products from the silo (1); and another discharge route for OFF-SPEC products (3) through which resin pellets having a high content of foreign substances accumulated in the vicinity of the lowermost part in the silo (1) are discharged as OFF-SPEC products from the silo (1). In consequence, the resin pellets having a high content of foreign substances to be treated as the OFF-SPEC products are clearly sorted out in the silo and discharged therefrom to reduce the content of the foreign substances in the ON-SPEC products. Moreover, the OFF-SPEC products are discharged through another route to avoid the contamination of a downstream facility.

Abstract: A device for delivering bulk material consisting of individual products has a supply container for storing the bulk material of individual products, the supply container having a product outlet. A perforated plate is arranged downstream of the product outlet of the supply container on a base stand. The perforated plate serves to receive the individual products from the product outlet and to move them further in a transport direction while removing broken products and dust. A bulk material leveler formed as a leveler strip rotatable around a pivot axis is arranged downstream of the product outlet above the perforated plate.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device for removing impurities from an agricultural fibrous material. In addition, the invention is related to a method for obtaining the same. The device according to the invention comprises: a processing unit (4) having an inlet (16), an outlet (38), and a first (18) and second holding member (19) defining a holding space there between for holding said material, wherein at least said first holding member is moveable; a drive unit for driving at least said first moveable holding member to obtain a compression and expansion of said holding space; an impurities collection unit (5) coupled to or disposed in said processing unit to collect impurities released from said material; The compression and expansion of the holding space ensures an effective release of impurities from the fibers of the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an installation for separating individual valuable materials from mixed, in particular milled, plastic waste, comprising film parts, laminated film parts and hard plastic parts, plus optionally impurities. Any impurities are separated from the plastic waste. Next the plastic waste is separated into hard plastics and films as well as laminates, and the hard plastics are separated from the films, and finally the hard plastics are separated into the different types of plastic. At least one separation step comprises a sink-or-float separation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces. The system also utilizes aerosol chambers using at least two arrays of pinch rollers to provide for decreased incremental changes on mail pieces and decrease the likelihood of mail piece damage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to mechanically destroy printer toner cartridges and reclaim their constituent materials under a water shielded environment while providing a safer and more environmentally friendly recycling system. The present invention is an economical system that provides greater protection from possible fire or explosion and releases less irritating or possibly harmful airborne contamination than the currently available systems.

Abstract: A process for metallizing nanomaterial including subjecting nanomaterial in a metallizing solution to microwave radiation; nanomaterial made by such a process; and density gradient separation of such material. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A mobile system for improving the picking and preliminary processing of apples, citrus, stone fruit and the like is disclosed and claimed. The system comprises a mobile chassis upon which can be mounted picking stations, pneumatic tube transport subsystems, receiving and conveying subsystems, object scanning subsystems, cull diverter subsystems, labeling subsystems, and subsystems for relatively gently placing the objects in a predetermined location in a receiving bin. The system can also include a subsystem for gently placing diverted objects in a receiving bin.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating the arils from a fruit such as a pomegranate. The apparatus comprising a perforated grid for fixing over a receptacle, and a dome for covering the fruit and a corresponding method for removing seeds from a fruit comprising: (a) opening the fruit into at least two pieces; (b) placing the opened fruit opening side down onto a perforated grid and placing a dome over the piece of fruit; (c) placing the grid over a receptacle; (d) tapping the dome to separate and dislodge the arils from the fruit so that they fall through the openings into the receptacle.

Abstract: A self contained and portable gold and gem separation kit. The apparatus is driven with a manual rocking motion to wash material with the self contained water. Using the natural wave motion, generated in the water from the rocking apparatus, the material is washed and classified. The bottom collection tray catches the classified material, and is removable for ease of collection of the concentrated material.

Abstract: A design support apparatus includes an evaluation unit that evaluates a recyclability of the product, using evaluation condition and parts/material data, an analysis unit that analyzes a factor obstructing the recyclability based on an evaluation result of the evaluating unit, and a display unit that displays a remedy against an obstruction factor provided as an analysis result of the analysis unit.

Abstract: In a method, piece goods which differ from one another in at least one property are moved by at least one piece-good conveyor into depositing positions of at least one depositing-position conveyor, in order to form groups which are predefined with regard to this property. The at least one depositing-position conveyor transports these depositing positions parallel but in the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the at least one piece-good conveyor, at least in the region of the transfer of the piece goods into said depositing positions. The picker which is in each case last in the conveying direction of the at least one depositing-position conveyor completes the groups here. This method makes it possible to implement packaging strategies in a flexible and time-optimized manner.

Abstract: A shale shaker for separating solids from solids laden drilling fluid is disclosed as having a basket with a scalping screen deck, at least one first screen deck and at least one second screen deck. The basket further may have a flow tray arranged between said scalping screen deck and at least one first screen deck, and a plurality of first ducts and a plurality of second ducts, the plurality of first ducts for directing solids laden drilling fluid to the at least one first screen deck. The second plurality of second ducts are for directing solids laden drilling fluid to said second screen deck.

Abstract: A system and method for separating food particles is disclosed here. The system may include means for receiving food particles to be separated, means for screening the food particles into fine and coarse particles, means for controlling the amount of output fine particles, and means for delivering the output for further processing. The method may include receiving food particles to be separated, mechanically screening the food particles into fine and coarse particles, controlling the amount of the fine particles output, and delivering the fine output for further processing.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus includes a first module arranged along a sheet conveyance route from the upstream to the downstream thereof, and a second module arranged adjacent to the first module, wherein the first module including a take-out part to take out sheets one by one from a bundle of sheets fed into a supply part; a first conveyance route to convey the taken out sheets with the take-out part; a discriminating device to discriminate category of the sheets conveyed along the first conveyance route; and a first control part to transmit destination information and category information of the sheet discriminated by the discriminating device and to execute a conveyance control to the sheet residing along the first conveyance route, and wherein the second module including: a second conveyance route to convey further the sheets conveyed from the first module; a first stacking device to stack the sheet conveyed along the second conveyance route based on the destination information and category information rece