Abstract: The problem addressed by the invention was to provide a process for the production of organic granules which would give granules with a minimal dust content. It was found that this problem could be solved by a process for the production of granules in which organic compounds are introduced in the form of a melt into a fluidized bed which has a temperature below the softening temperature of the compounds to be granulated, granulated and optionally dried and in that the granules are discharged from the fluidized bed via a grading stage.

Abstract: A cherry sizing process and apparatus in which cherries are sized in stages, with each stage including substantially parallel rollers and with each stage having a gap different than the other stages. Preferably, the larger size cherries are removed before the final sizing stage. In addition, the larger cherries are preferably removed as an overs product, i.e., as the cherries which do not pass through the gap between rollers at the stage at which the larger cherries are removed. The different gap settings can be set based upon recommended ranges which have been determined based upon the recognition that a particular gap will have a predictable removal efficiency for each of various cherry sizes. In addition, the gap can be selected utilizing a simulator which determines the result of each sizing stage based upon statistical information concerning the size distribution of cherries to be sized and the removal efficiencies of each stage for each cherry size.

Abstract: A two-direction reject and make-up conveyor system includes a supply conveyor system (30) and a first inspection conveyor (40) and a second inspection conveyor (41). The conveyors (40 and 41) are moveable in both a forward and reverse direction allowing items to be inspected to be rejected in both directions. The supply conveyor system (30) allows for the make-up of any rejected items onto the inspection conveyors (40 and 41).

Abstract: A conveyor for the sorting of mixed cargo, especially of packages, small packets, containers and pieces of luggage, includes Carts (5) coupled to each other and each movable along Running Rails (9) and having an Undercarriage (6). Support Elements (12) are arranged on the Undercarriage (6) and spaced apart from each other in the Direction of Motion (F). A Tilting Axle (4) is mounted on the Support Elements (12) and runs in the Direction of Motion (F) for supporting through a Lever (13) a Carrying Tray (3) that can be swiveled out of a transport position that is generally horizontal into a tilted position for the lateral delivery of Mixed Cargo (2) into a predetermined target station. A Sliding Element (16) is connected in a movable fashion with the end of the Lever (13) turned away from the Carrying Tray (3) and guided between and at the Support Elements (12) crosswise to the Direction of Motion (F), for carrying out the tilting movement.

Abstract: A system (20) is provided for detecting and ejecting container ends having a reversed orientation from an axially aligned group of otherwise similar nested container ends having a non-reversed orientation. The system includes a support member (36) interposed along the path of movement of the container ends and having a bore (52) and an ejection slot (54). A counting sensor (62) for counting the number of passing container ends and a gap sensor (72) for detecting a gap in the periphery of the axially aligned group caused by a reversed container end are positioned upstream of the ejection slot and connected to a control unit (70). An air nozzle (82) is positioned next to the axially aligned group of container ends in axial alignment with, but laterally opposite to, the ejection slot and connected to a source of pressurized air controlled by the control unit (70).

Abstract: A method for trapping, separating, manipulating and controlling particles and molecules of biological origin is disclosed. The method comprises containing the particles or molecules of biological origin in a vacuum, projecting a beam of light onto the particles, inducing the beam of light to impart a spinning motion to the particles, inducing the beam of light to impart a dipole moment to the particles, generating a field density gradient in the vacuum, trapping the particles in the team of light, concentrating the particles at a focal plane of the beam, and, then manipulating the particles by a second beam of light. Particles are caused to spin and interact with the energy gradient of the beam of light, causing them to orbit in a controlled manner. The particles and molecules of biological origin include bacteria, viruses, cells, organelles, chromosomes, and the like.

Abstract: A stacker has a feed unit for feeding separate sheets in a direction, a stacking unit for stacking the separate sheets in a normal position, and a sheet classifying mechanism for shifting a sheet into a position different from the normal position, upstream of the stacking unit with respect to the direction. Sheets to be used to classify respective batches of sheets stacked by the stacking unit can selectively be shifted into the position different from the normal position by the sheet classifying mechanism. Since those shifted sheets can easily and clearly be recognized by the operator, the batches of stacked sheet can be sorted out with ease. The sheets remain sightly in appearance as no classifying ink mark is applied to those sheets used to classify the batches of stacked sheets.

Abstract: A conveyer with an automated sorting system comprises a transport mechanism, a guide mechanism, and a sorting mechanism. A sorting sensor activates electrical spiral tubes which, in turn, actuate left and the right separation pieces to guide pins of the transport mechanism along desired guide rails so as to alter their original moving paths. More particularly, the guide pins are capable of moving along three different directions: left, middle, and right. The article intended to be transported is thus sorted out automatically and is sent to the designated area.

Abstract: An automatic rotary sorter system for sorting objects from a source stream into a plurality of destination streams which are spaced apart both horizontally and vertically. The automatic rotary sorter system of the present invention includes an object source conveyor, a rotating distribution assembly, and an object receiving assembly. The rotating distribution assembly of the automatic rotary sorter system is provided with an upright drive shaft and several receiving and discharging wings. The object receiving assembly of the automatic rotary sorter system is provided with a plurality of transverse conveyors. The object source conveyor provides the stream of sortable objects for sorting by the automatic rotary sorter system. Sorting within the automatic rotary sorter system is achieved through the transfer of one sortable object at a time from the object source conveyor to a selected transverse conveyor by the receiving and discharging wings of the rotating distribution assembly.

Abstract: An invention is described in which a method and apparatus are disclosed for guiding, trapping, concentrating and separating particles. The method comprises containing particles in a gas, liquid, or other fluid medium, projecting a beam of light into the particles, inducing the beam of light to impart a spinning motion to the particles, generating a field density gradient in the fluid medium thereby trapping the particles in the beam of light, guiding the particles on the beam of light, concentrating the particles at a focal plane of the beam, and if desired, separating the particles into groups by size and density. Particles are caused to spin and interact with the energy gradient of the beam of light, causing them to orbit in a controlled manner. A preferred apparatus utilizes a chamber, a switching mechanism under a vacuum or partial vacuum, a light source such as a laser or a plurality of lasers, and a lens or a plurality of lenses may be used.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for sorting laundry. The method includes laundering a plurality of items each having a separable tag portion of a laundry ticket bearing bar coded identification data associating an item of laundry with a laundry ticket, arranging tickets for the plurality of items into a randomly ordered stack, and scanning bar coded identification data from the randomly ordered stack of tickets for the laundered items into a control computer. The method includes scanning identification data for each laundered item into the computer, placing the scanned items onto a rotating pickup assembly, and bringing collector arms, one at a time, toward the rotating pickup assembly. The method also includes removing the items, one at a time, from the rotating pickup assembly to the collector arms according to the identification data so that items may be assembled with the associated ticket without altering the rotational speed of the rotating pickup assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating an uncontaminated portion of a seed cotton module from a water-contaminated face stratum are disclosed. The technique includes conveying a contaminated cotton module toward a housing having a plurality of rotating fiber release bodies mounted therein. The housing and the conveyor are arranged for relative movement so that only the uncontaminated portion of the module is fed into the fiber release bodies while the contaminated face stratum passes beneath the bodies. The uncontaminated cotton is collected and conveyed to a cotton gin and the contaminated cotton is conveyed to a disposal location.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for removing detected tramp material (TM) in a flow of material (M) moving along a primary flow path (P). The tramp material is deflected into one of two deflection paths (P1, P2) which are located of opposite sides of the material flow path. A scoop (29) is responsive to the detection of tramp material to deflect it into one of the deflection paths. The scoop is transported over rails (45, 47) between the deflection paths and across the primary flow path by a carriage (43) driven by a penumatic cylinder and rope and pulley unit (65). An actuator unit (91) repositions the scoop after each traversal of the flow path so it can deflect tramp material on its next traverse of the primary flow path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling flows of fluids, suspensions, gases, aerosols, and for sorting individual particles, flowing in transporter ducts of a flow-through duct system, using for control of the flow and hence, for dispensing and sorting processes, a pressure increase for a short time interval, at the entrances of preselected ducts having a value so that the flow of the fluid or gas to be dispensed comes to a stop at these entrances and is thus constrained together with the particle to flow into ducts where the pressure increase does not take place during the same dispensing/sorting phase. The momentary pressure increase is caused at the ducts either by injection of another fluid or gas through the injection duct, corresponding to these ducts, or by generation of a gas bubble or vapor between electrodes situated at the entrance of these ducts.

Abstract: A separating apparatus employs a foraminous drum with a resilient belt forming a nip therebetween. A take-up roller upstream of the nip is rotatably supported about a center of rotation that is parallel to, but offset from a central axis of the take-up roller. As the wobbling roller rotates, it constantly changes the point on the circumference of the foraminous drum at which contact is made with the resilient belt. This overcomes a tendency for entering items to bridge the nip.

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: A sorting device suitable for sorting defective parts from a stream of parts is disclosed. The parts may be non-magnetic. A sorting disc having a number of recesses disposed around its periphery receives the parts to be sorted. A reject disc having a number of reject devices on its tangent to the sorting disc and rotates such that the peripheral speed of the reject devices at the point of tangency is the same as the speed of the recesses in the sorting disc. When a defective part is detected, the appropriate one of the reject devices is activated, withdrawing the defective part from the corresponding recess in the sorting disc.

Abstract: A Christmas tree shaker including a base with a horizontal turntable mounted rotatably thereon on a motor driven shaft. A tree trunk receiving receptacle is mounted on the turntable for limited relative rotation with respect thereto. The receptacle is offset from the turntable axis of rotation. A stabilizer link between the base and receptacle limits the amount of relative rotation between the receptacle and turntable as the motor driven shaft rotates the turntable causing the receptacle to travel rapidly in a tight circle.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus for sorting items according to weight or other measurable characteristics. An elongated conveyor feeds the items to be sorted to a combined weighing and conveying mechanism, which after weighing the item, is driven in one direction or another to drop the item weighed onto a uni-directionally driven conveyor. The unidirectionally driven conveyor transports the item it receives and deposits it onto a bi-directionally driven conveyor. The bi-directionally driven conveyor is then driven in the necessary direction to transport the item it receives and to deposit it onto a selected bi-directionally driven conveyor. This bi-directionally driven conveyor, in turn, is selectively driven to cause the item it receives to be deposited into the indicated receiver for items of weight corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A sorting method is disclosed in which particles suspended in a fluid are conducted in a closed duct and pass a measurement location in which particles to be selected trigger a signal by a sensing device. At a downstream fork, a pressure wave generated in response to the signal diverts the stream containing the particles from one branch to the other. An apparatus for carrying out this method is disclosed and includes a supply duct for the particle stream, a measurement duct, a measurement position in the measurement duct, a fork downstream of the measurement duct leading to a sorting branch duct and waste branch duct, and a pressure wave generator which is disposed in one of the ducts leading away from the fork.

Abstract: High speed system and mechanism for selecting a vial or vials from a series line of vials driven in a given spaced relationship into a capping and sealing mechanism, wherein detection signals are taken in a seal force monitor according to preset criteriae such as bottle configuration and efficiency of capping and sealing, and a vial acceptance or rejection device is operatively tied in to the seal force monitor on a screw feed mechanism, the vials being advanced by a screw feed mechanism into pockets in rotating starwheels, gripper fingers are positioned in conjunction with the starwheel and operable by cam means selectively operated by a signal from the monitor to indicate that a specific vial is to be rejected, the gripper fingers being designed to snap around and hold the vial as long as required, a secondary cam being used to drive the gripper fingers back to a normal inoperative position and/or to release a selected vial to be rejected and deposited into a special path, the secondary cam being further de

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting particles comprises a nozzle or the like for forming discrete droplets of particles from a flowing liquid stream containing those particles. A detector is provided for detecting particles in the stream. A charging electrode, responsive to the detector, charges some droplets of selective interest with a positive electrical charge and some with a negative electrical charge. Electrical deflecting plates deflect charged droplets of selective interest. Droplets of selective interest, charged with opposite polarities, are collected in a collection well inside which the electrical charge is substantially neutralized. A method for sorting particles, such as cells or the like, substantially in accordance with the above-described apparatus is another aspect of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting particles comprises a nozzle or the like for producing a stream of particles, such as cells, in a liquid flow. The particles are analyzed as they are flowing to detect different parameters thereof. A hollow inner tube and a concentrically arranged hollow outer tube are located downstream of the analyzing area. Gas bubbles are generated in the inner tube to prevent particles from flowing therein and to deflect particles into the annular space between the inner and outer tubes. Gas bubble generation is coordinated with the particle analysis to selectively deflect particles having the different parameters into the annular space, whereby the deflected particles are sorted for collection. A method of sorting particles, such as cells, substantially in accordance with the above-described apparatus is another aspect of the present invention.

Abstract: A device for stacking plates or sheet metal blanks cut in guillotine shears includes a rotatable drum with radially outwardly extending partitions defining a number of compartments located around the circumferential outside surface of the drum and extending in the axial direction of the drum. Each compartment receives a cut plate in a first position, carries the plate to a second position where the plate is moved by a displacement device in the axial direction of the drum into a location corresponding to a stacking position, and then with further rotation of the drum, the compartment reaches a third position where the plate is removed to the stacking position. Further, conveyor belts can be used to receive plates from the compartments in the drum and to carry the plates to stacking positions spaced from the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for the aerobic decomposition of garbage, sludge, and similar organic waste materials having a reaction container (10) with vertically descending walls for the material to be decomposed, a discharge opening (12) extending over the entire cross section of the container (10), discharge elements (14) extending over the entire area of the discharge opening, and a removal device below the opening extending over the entire area of the discharge opening. A bi-directionally driven conveyor belt (16) transports the material to be removed from the discharge opening (12) into a first receptacle (22) which receives the material that has not been adequately purified or a second receptacle (24) for purified material. The conveyor belt (16) is preferably provided with cleansing devices (26).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for segregating and separately recovering fractions of a mixture of low density solids and high density solids, such as mixtures of clam shells and free detached clam meat. The mixture of solids is submerged in a laminar flowing stream of liquid which has a specific gravity about the same as that of the low density solids and such that the low density solids are substantially non-buoyant in the liquid. The bottom of the laminar flowing stream of liquid is defined in part by an upper foraminous conveyor surface which is moving in the same direction as the laminar flowing stream. The mixture of solids is flowed across a turbulent zone of rising air bubbles, and low density solids are removed from the top of the liquid and high density solids are removed from the bottom of the laminar flowing stream. Advantageous apparatus embodiments are provided for conducting the method.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for sorting pieces or particles of radioactive ore where the particles are moved one after another substantially horizontally then discharged into a gravity-accelerated trajectory which is substantially free-fall but can be controlled to follow a modified path by a low-friction slide plate. The falling particles pass a plurality of radiation detectors arranged in line along their path with increasing velocity due to gravity providing the required separation of the pieces so that each detector is subject to the radiations of essentially only one piece at a time. The size and number of detectors and the path length covered by the detectors is determined by the size of the pieces and the cut-off grade and accuracy required. All counts corresponding to a particular piece and derived successively from the plurality of detectors are accumulated since accuracy increases and percentage of probable error decreases with increased total count.

Abstract: A method of treating mammal semen for use in artificial insemination is provided. Human saliva is added to the semen as an anti-coagulant. For mammals other than primates and voles, sperm-free human semen is added to the mammal semen as a cell membrane diffusion material so that a dye such as quinicrine or quinicrine mustard will be absorbed by the Y chromosome. The semen is then fed in a narrow stream through a detection chamber where it is irradiated with ultraviolet light causing the Y chromosomes to fluoresce. The stream is fed from the detection chamber through a fluidic amplifier wherein the stream is switched in response to whether the detected chromosome is fluorescent or non-fluorescent so that the fluorescent Y chromosome is directed through one outlet port and collected and the non-fluorescent X chromosome is directed through a second outlet port and collected.

Abstract: Removing dice (16) from a wafer (10) which has been attached to a tape layer (12, 14) and severed into individual die (16) leaving the tape layer (12, 14) in one piece is accomplished by attaching the tape layer (12, 14) to a length of adhesive tape (18). The adhesive tape (18) is passed across a surface (20) and through a slot (38) in the surface (20) causing the die (16) to pass across the slot (38) and away from the tape layer (12, 14) which remains attached to the adhesive tape (18).

Abstract: The invention sorts small particles by subjecting them to a charging and motivating field produced by a single positively charged electrode. The magnitude of the charge placed on the particle passing the electrode is a function of the observed particle parameters. Once the particle has been deflected in accordance with its observed parameter, the particle may be collected for further study.

Abstract: A slide viewer/sorter having a chute oriented at an incline to horizontal which is adapted to receive a photographic slide at one end. The slide drops by force of gravity to a viewing station where it is held by a detent. After viewing the slide the detent is actuated to release the slide which is transported by force of gravity to the lower end of the chute where it drops into a first receptacle. The first receptacle is rotatably mounted so that it can be moved out of the way, thus allowing the slide to drop further down into a second receptacle, having a number of bins. The second receptacle is mounted so that any bin can be positioned under the chute. This allows the operator of the viewer/sorter to sort the slides into two or more different stacks.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for sorting pieces or particles of radioactive ore where the particles are moved through the apparatus in an asynchronous or non-constant manner. The particles are moved one at a time to a position in front of a radiation detector where they are temporarily stopped. The counts from the particle are accumulated with respect to time. In a control unit of the apparatus there is data representing a cut-off grade radiation rate and early upper and lower decision limits are established with regard to the cut-off rate. As soon as the accumulated count/time ratio from the detector exceeds the upper limmit or falls below the lower limit, the control unit is able to provide a decision to accept or reject the particle. If the particles are not closely sized then the size of each particle is determined before it is positioned in front of the radiation detector and the size determination is used to modify the cut-off grade and upper and lower early decision limits.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and apparatus which allows the sorting of particles or cells in accordance with their physical and/or chemical properties such as size, DNA and/or protein content.

Abstract: A slide viewer/sorter having a chute oriented at an incline to horizontal which is adapted to receive a photographic slide at one end. The slide drops by force of gravity to a viewing station where it is held by a detent. After viewing the slide the detent is actuated to release the slide which is transported by force of gravity to the lower end of the chute where it drops into a first receptacle. The first receptacle is rotatably mounted so that it can be moved out of the way, thus allowing the slide to drop further down into a second receptacle, having a number of bins. The second receptacle is mounted so that any bin can be positioned under the chute. This allows the operator of the viewer/sorter to sort the slides into two or more different stacks.