Abstract: An optical robotic sorting method and apparatus for identifying and sorting a product is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of illuminating the product with a light source, imaging the product using at least one imaging device, analyzing the image, and activating a robotic sorter to sort the product.

Abstract: An optical type granule sorting machine is provided which allows a sensitivity setting to be easily performed by effectively utilizing RGB three-dimensional color space information similar to information obtained via human eyes and which enables signal processing to be substantially simplified.

Abstract: An optical granular material-sorting apparatus includes: a transfer means for transferring objects being sorted; an optical detection means for detecting, at a detection position, objects being sorted as they drop from an end of the transfer means; and a blasting means provided below the optical detection means and designed to blow away objects being sorted through blasting of air based on the result of detection by the optical detection means. The blasting means has a piezoelectric valve which is driven by a driving means to blast air based on the result of detection by the optical detection means. The driving means applies voltage to a piezoelectric element in multiple stages so as to suppress fluctuation in the amount of gas ejected from a gas release channel when the valve opens.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for grouping randomly oriented articles traveling on a conveyor, said conveyor having an in-feed end, an out-feed end and a predetermined width. The apparatus comprises an inspection head located in a fixed position above the conveyor, the inspection head for capturing images of the articles traveling on the conveyor, a grouping unit located in a fixed position relative to the conveyor and downstream of the inspection head and a control unit for receiving and processing the captured images from the inspection head. The grouping unit comprises a plurality of individually controllable pins, the individually controllable pins each moveable between a buffering position wherein the pin arrests movement of an article in alignment with the pin and a grouping position wherein the pin allows the article to move to a grouping location.

Abstract: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for sorting foreign material and undesirable articles from a product stream. A mechanical diverter having a concave shape is responsive to an inspection station coupled to the product stream. The mechanical diverter is employed to effectively launch or otherwise redirect undesirable articles in an alternate path. In addition, an air ejector in one form of the invention is provided and is responsive to the inspection station and is employed to dislodge foreign material from the product stream.

Abstract: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.

Abstract: The apparatus, which serves for the optical inspection of workpieces, comprises a transport device driven by a drive unit, which transport device is supplied with workpieces delivered by a loading device, which workpieces are transported by the transport device to at least one inspection position, where an optical inspection is performed, and further to at least one discharge position, where the inspected workpieces are selectively extractable by a discharge device. According to the invention, a plurality of transparent receiving bodies are firmly mounted or rotatably supported on the transport device, each of the receiving bodies comprising a recess, into which the workpieces can be inserted individually or in groups, and wherein an inspection radiation can be guided through each receiving body in order to image the held workpieces.

Abstract: Fusarium infected grain is separated by comparing reflected and transmitted light at two wavelengths, one at which the light is substantially reflected and scattered the same by healthy and infected kernels, the other at which the light is reflected and scattered to a significantly greater degree by infected than healthy kernels. An apparatus having a rotating apertured cylinder, with a low internal vacuum, allows comparison of individual kernels. When comparison indicates that a kernel is infected, a lever dislodges it from the cylinder allowing it to fall into a receptacle for infected kernels. Kernels remaining on the cylinder are scraped off to fall into a receptacle for healthy kernels. Although results vary, to some extent depending on the degree of infection, approximately 90% of healthy kernels and 5% of infected kernels are deemed “healthy”, while approximately 10% of healthy kernels and 95% of infected kernels are deemed “infected,” reducing the level of infected kernels.

Abstract: An appearance inspection apparatus 1 has an aligning and conveying device 25 which has an aligning and conveying member 26 with one or a plurality of conveying passages, and a vibration exciter for alignment 37 for applying a vibration to the aligning and conveying member 26 and which aligns the inspection objects in a row and conveys them in each of the conveying passages, a slide-down mechanism 40 which has slide-down passages separately connected to the respective conveying passages of the aligning and conveying member 26 an provided to be tilted downward with respect to extensions of the slide-down passages, an imaging device 60 disposed in the vicinity of the slide-down passages for imaging the inspection objects sliding down in the slide-down passages, and a sorting device 80 for analyzing the images of the inspection objects captured by the imaging device, judge the qualities thereof, and sorting the inspection objects sliding down in the slide-down passages on the basis of analysis results.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.

Abstract: A high-speed fastener inspection system is provided to perform 100 percent inspection of various geometry features and to sort a large number of fasteners at high speed. The inspection system includes a rotary table having an outer periphery, an inner periphery, and a plurality of radial slots extending from the outer periphery to the inner periphery. When a fastener is be placed in a radial slot with the head of the fastener facing upward and the shank extending into the slot, the side view of each fastener is unobstructed. A loading mechanism, an anti-jam mechanism, and a sorting mechanism are arranged along the outer periphery of the rotary table. At least one vision inspection camera is provided for capturing the image of each fastener after each fastener is placed in a radial slot. An image analyzer is operatively connected to the vision inspection camera for analyzing the captured image and to determine whether the fastener is defective.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.

Abstract: A system for automatically inspecting matter for varying composition comprises one or more detection stations through which one or more streams of matter are advanced and particular materials therein are detected through their diffusely reflected IR spectra, if any, and/or through their variation of an electromagnetic field by their metallic portions, if any. A row of light sources distributed across the overall width of one or more belt conveyors may cause desired portions of the stream to reflect light diffusely onto a part-toroidal mirror extending over that overall width, whence the light is reflected, by a rotating, polygonal mirror through optical filters dedicated to differing IR wavelengths, onto detectors the data output of which is utilized in controlling solenoid valves operating air jet nozzles which separate-out the desired portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for detecting the presence of foreign material in food utilizing optical backlighting and/or ultrasonic inspection are presented. In optical backlighting, a substantially monochromatic light source optically backlights a food stream with source light having a wavelength between about 500 and 600 nm. An image of the food stream is captured and the presence of foreign material is determined when a portion of the detected image exceeds a predetermined threshold. The technique is especially suitable for the detection of bone in chicken meat, and the light source can be a planar array of green LEDs. In ultrasonic inspection, a process stream is interrogated with pulses of ultrasound and the presence of foreign material is determined based on the detected off-angle ultrasound scattering response.

Abstract: A marking system for use with a multi-spectral imager for use in high throughput sortation of articles having distorted or irregular surfaces is disclosed. Specific uses include, but are not limited to, document sorting, garment and textile rental operations, laundry operations, and mail and package sorting and identification. Methods and apparatus are provided to remotely identify items via information that is wavelength-encoded within an applied mark, as well as a mark reading/decoding scheme. In the preferred embodiment the marks are multi-dimensional. In one preferred embodiment the marks are used to realize multi-dimensional wavelength-enabled coding schemes. The marks can be overlayed one upon another and/or they can contain one or more key regions having at least one predetermined spectral characteristic for providing information related at least to reading and/or decoding the marks.

Abstract: A method of identifying non-conforming groups of items within a package, the package containing a plurality of groups of items, comprises obtaining a reference signal corresponding to a package containing conforming groups of items, obtaining a signal corresponding to each of the plurality of groups of items in the package, comparing the signal corresponding to each of the plurality of groups of items with the reference signal, determining whether any of the plurality of groups of items is nonconforming, and segregating the package based on whether the package contains a nonconforming group of items.

Abstract: Device for recognizing coins based on their di-electric surface properties by radiating electromagnetic radiation by a transmitter onto a coin, which is reflected from the surface of the coin and received by a receiver which transforms the reflected electromagnetic radiation into a measuring signal, said signal is then evaluated by an evaluator unit in which a wavelength-selective evaluating signal is generated and compared to wavelength-selective comparison bands.

Abstract: A sorting system (110) conveys articles, such as peaches (114) on a conveyor belt (112) past an inspection zone (126) that is lighted by an illumination source (90) radiating a number of emission peaks over visible and infrared portions of the spectrum. The illumination source generates the radiation from an Indium Iodide lamp (92) that is reflected off a parabolic reflector (94) and through a “soda straw” collimator (100) to illuminated the peaches. A detector system (118) employs line scanning visible and infrared cameras (142, 140) to sense visible and IR wavelength reflectance values for the peach meat (124) and peach pit or pit fragments (126). Various image processing and analysis methologies, such as subtraction, ratio, logarithmic, regression, combination, angle, distance, and shape may be employed to enhance the image contrast and classify the resulting data for sorting the peaches.

Abstract: An article classifying system includes a conveyor 9 for conveying mail pieces 1, a weighing conveyor 18, and a sorting conveyor 26. A length measuring unit 5 measures the length of the mail pieces while they are being conveyed by the conveyor 9. Also, the width and the thickness of the mail pieces are measured by a width measuring unit 4 and a thickness measuring unit 3. The weight of the mail pieces is measured by a weighing unit 6 while the mail pieces are being conveyed on the weighing conveyor 18. Then, a control unit classifies the mail pieces into categories according to their length, width, thickness and weight.

Abstract: A system for automatically inspecting matter for varying composition includes one or more detection stations through which one or more streams of matter are advanced and particular materials therein are detected through their diffusely reflected IR spectra, if any, and/or through their variation of an electromagnetic field by their metallic portions, if any. A row of light sources distributed across the overall width of one or more belt conveyors may cause desired portions of the stream to reflect light diffusely onto a part-toroidal mirror extending over that overall width, whence the light is reflected, by a rotating, polygonal mirror through optical filters dedicated to differing IR wavelengths, onto detectors the data output of which is utilized in controlling solenoid valves operating air jet nozzles which separate-out the desired portions.

Abstract: An article classifying system includes a conveyor 9 for conveying mail pieces 1, a weighing conveyor 18, and a sorting conveyor 26. A length measuring unit 5 measures the length of the mail pieces while they are being conveyed by the conveyor 9. Also, the width and the thickness of the mail pieces are measured by a width measuring unit 4 and a thickness measuring unit 3. The weight of the mail pieces is measured by a weighing unit 6 while the mail pieces are being conveyed on the weighing conveyor 18. Then, a control unit classifies the mail pieces into categories according to their length, width, thickness and weight.

Abstract: A system and method of operation performing automated optical inspection to remove peel-bearing defective potato pieces from a random mixture of peel-bearing defective and acceptable potato pieces use near infrared light as a source of illumination. The system implements a method of illuminating the mixture with near infrared light, detecting light reflected by the potato pieces under inspection, identifying defective potato piece surface regions based on the detected reflections, and removing the defective items from the mixture. The system and method the system implements permit the inspection of peel-bearing potato pieces for the presence of peel covered and exposed defects.

Abstract: A device for sorting raw, pre-treated or recycled bulk materials, which are comprised of individual components to be sorted, wherein the classification of the parts to be sorted occurs along empirically determined classification parameters and the material which is sorted is removed, the device including a conveyance device for supplying the bulk material, a conditioning device for wetting the bulk material, a break-down device for breaking down the bulk material into individual parts to be sorted, a sensor device for sensing the classification-relevant characteristics of the components to be sorted and for production of measurement data, which includes at least one camera, which is connected to a device for evaluation of electronically measured values with at least one micro computer for classification of the components to be sorted and for achievement of a control signal by means of a control unit, wherein the camera is associated with at least one even diffused light emitting light source.

Abstract: A method for sorting integrated circuit chips. At least one physical defect is detected in the semiconductor chips. The semiconductor chips are sorted based upon the physical defect.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for classifying batches of wood chips or the like according to light reflection characteristics; provide optimal use of darker wood chips in pulp and paper processes. According to a preferred embodiment, light produced by a set of illumination sources is evenly directed onto superficial wood chips of an inspected batch portion transported on a conveyor while being inspected by a camera disposed over the conveyor. The superficial wood chips presenting light reflection characteristics being substantially representative of the wood chips of the inspected batch, reflected light is sensed by the camera to produce electrical signals representing rejection intensity values for the wood chips of the batch portion.

Abstract: A method for processing sheet material such as bank notes by collecting measuring data from a plurality of sensor units. From the collected measuring data, deriving measuring results. Then mapping such measuring results on classes, combining individual classes into a property of sheet material with different forms, setting up a freely configurable rule matrix by method of which arbitrary but firmly selected combination of different forms of a quantity of properties can be associated with a sort class, deriving the sort class of the sheet material using the rule matrix, assigning the sort class to the sheet material, transporting the sheet material to a destination unit with the reference to the sort class of the sheet material.

Abstract: A glass sorting machine optically sorts glass cullet according to different color characteristics by irradiating the cullet with red, green and blue light as the cullet are passed through a sensing region between a light source and light sensors responsive to the different light colors. The attenuation levels of the different light colors are measured by the sensors as the cullet passes through the sensing region. The machine analyzes the attenuation levels to determine the color characteristics of the cullet. A collimator is typically used to enhance shadow definition. In one embodiment, a pixel grid map is made of the sensing region and each cullet that passes through the sensing region. Mapped on to each grid is a red, green, and blue digital signal. Attenuated signals are compared against baseline values to determine the attenuation for given cullet. The pixel grid map may be used with a data erosion technique to compensate for refraction.

Abstract: A glass sorting machine optically sorts glass cullet according to different color characteristics by irradiating the cutlet with red, green and blue light as the cullet are passed through a sensing region between a light source and light sensors responsive to the different light colors. The attenuation levels of the different light colors are measured by the sensors as the cullet passes through the sensing region. The machine analyzes the attenuation levels to determine the color characteristics of the cullet. A collimator is typically used to enhance shadow definition. In one embodiment, a pixel grid map is made of the sensing region and each cullet that passes through the sensing region. Mapped on to each grid is a red, green, and blue digital signal. Attenuated signals are compared against baseline values to determine the attenuation for given cullet. The pixel grid map may be used with a data erosion technique to compensate for refraction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an appearance inspecting device for a solid formulation, including a supply section for continuously supplying solid formulations such as capsules; an inspecting drum for holding on its outer peripheral portion the solid formulations supplied from the supply section, carrying the solid formulations in such a manner as to allow the solid formulations to be intermittently revolved, and allowing the solid formulations to be rotated on their axes at a specific carrying position; an image pickup device for photographing surfaces of the solid formulations being thus rotated on their axes; a quality determining section for processing images of the solid formulations thus picked up from the image pickup device and determining whether the solid formulations are nondefective or defective; and a classifying section for classifying the solid formulations into defective and nondefective solid formulations on the result determined by the quality determining section and recovering the defective and nondefective

Abstract: A granular material sorting apparatus comprises a transfer device for causing material grains to fall down, optical detector units mounted along the falling-down locus of the material grains, an injection nozzle device for injecting air to the material grains, and a control unit for controlling operation of the injection nozzle device in response to detection by the optical detector unit. The optical detector units and the control unit optically detect and discriminate colored grains different in color from good material grains and foreign matters in similar color to the good material grains or transparent, which are mixed in the material grains, and activate the injection nozzle device in a predetermined period of time after the detection to remove the detected bad grains. The control unit sets different injection times and different injection delay times depending whether the bad grains are colored grains or foreign matters.

Abstract: A fiber processing method includes the steps of removing fiber tufts from a series of fiber bales; pneumatically conveying the fiber tufts in a duct; forming images of the conveyed material as it passes through a first location of the duct; determining the degree of lightness or the color of the fiber tufts by an image processing device; determining the degree of lightness of foreign substances, conveyed with the fiber tufts, by the image processing device; comparing the measuring values obtained by the image processing device with a settable limit value; and initiating a switching operation when the limit value is exceeded for branching off to a waste receiver the fiber tufts from the duct at a second location thereof.

Abstract: Sorting apparatus has a conveyor belt or equivalent mechanism for moving particles at a speed sufficient to generate a stream of particles in air, which particles can be graded such that selected material can be removed. The grading or sorting is conducted by a primary scanning system for analysing light reflected from particles in the stream in a plurality of wavelength ranges. Ejectors for removing particles from the stream are disposed downstream of the scanning system, and are instructed in response to signals received from the scanning system. An auxiliary scanning system is also included to establish the presence of material in the stream, and in the event that a void is detected in a given region, then the analysis of that region by the primary scanning system and any corresponding activation of the ejectors is inhibited.

Abstract: A chip sorting apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an article transport mechanism, a light source positioned to direct light across surfaces of transported articles, and a detector positioned to detect light reflected from such surfaces and emit signals each indicative of a spectrum of light reflected by one such article as such articles are transported. A signal analyzer compares detector signals with stored data representative of the colors of articles of a set of articles being sorted. The analyzer emits article identifying signals reflective of such comparison. The apparatus also includes a sorter which is responsive to such identifying signals and directs identified articles from the transport mechanism into appropriate ones of a set of collection stations. A method of sorting a set of articles according to color is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for automatically inspecting matter for varying composition comprises one or more detection stations through which one or more streams of matter are advanced and particular materials therein are detected through their diffusely reflected IR spectra, if any, and/or through their variation of an electromagnetic field by their metallic portions, if any. A row of light sources distributed across the overall width of one or more belt conveyors may cause desired portions of the stream to reflect light diffusely onto a part-toroidal mirror extending over that overall width, whence the light is reflected, by a rotating, polygonal mirror through optical filters dedicated to differing IR wavelengths, onto detectors the data output of which is utilized in controlling solenoid valves operating air jet nozzles which separate-out the desired portions.

Abstract: A color-sorting machine for granular materials optically detects raw material grains falling along a substantially fixed path and sorts out no-good grains by color. An optical detection unit to this end comprises a condenser lens, a plurality of optical filters and a plurality of light-receiving sensors corresponding to the filters and can detect a plurality of wavelengths. The light-receiving sensors lie side by side on the same plane, are formed in a unit body, require no positioning adjustment among the light-receiving sensors, and make it possible to reduce the size of the optical system. A prism is provided between the condenser lens and the light-receiving sensors. The prism has light path diffraction surfaces of the same number as the light-receiving sensors, so that the light-receiving sensors receive light of the same point of view and can perform color sorting.

Abstract: A color sorting machine sorts particles of different colors from raw material such as cereal grains or the like. The machine has a down chute descending towards a front side of the machine for letting raw material particles flow down linearly, a photoelectric detection device which subjects the raw material particles jumped out of the down chute to light and discriminates different-color particles in accordance with difference in reflected light, and a nozzle device which injects air to and blows off the different-color particles. The injection nozzle device is situated on the rear side of the machine with respect to a coming-down locus of raw material particles from the down chute and close to the coming-down locus. The sorting machine further comprises a dust collecting device which is situated on the front side of the machine with respect to the coming-down locus of the raw material.

Abstract: A system and method of operation performing automated optical inspection to remove peel-bearing defective potato pieces from a random mixture of peel-bearing defective and acceptable potato pieces use near infrared light as a source of illumination. The system implements a method of illuminating the mixture with near infrared light, detecting light reflected by the potato pieces under inspection, identifying defective potato piece surface regions based on the detected reflections, and removing the defective items from the mixture. The system and method the system implements permit the inspection of peel bearing potato pieces for the presence of peel covered defects.

Abstract: Sorting apparatus has a conveyor belt or equivalent mechanism for moving particles at a speed sufficient to generate a stream of particles in air, which particles can be graded such that selected material can be removed. The grading or sorting is conducted by a primary scanning system for analysing light reflected from particles in the stream in a plurality of wavelength ranges. Ejectors for removing particles from the stream are disposed downstream of the scanning system, and are instructed in response to signals received from the scanning system.

Abstract: A device for detecting bone fragments in deboned poultry carried on a conveyor belt of flexible clear plastic material. Fluorescent lights are positioned under the conveyor. A second conveyor positioned above the first conveyor is made up of a linked series of rigid clear plastic slats which bear down on the deboned poultry passing over the light table in order to reduce the thickness to allow the light to show through and reveal bone fragments. A video camera positioned inside the conveyor and looking down on the flattened poultry parts is used to identify bone fragments. In another embodiment, the inspection may done by operators. In either embodiment filters, desirably rose colored, are used to enhance the visibility of the bone fragments. Computer image recognition may additionally be used to identify and reject parts with bone fragments.

Abstract: The color sorting apparatus includes a grain guide device, a grain feeder, an illumination device for illuminating the grain, an optical detector consisting of an optical detection section for receiving the light from the illuminated grain and a background, and ejector for rejecting the grain. The illumination device employs at least one light source having spectral energy distribution in both the visible light region and the near infrared region. At least one set of the optical detection device for monitoring a predetermined detection field is provided. The optical detection section of the optical detection device includes a first light receiving sensor having high sensitivity to the visible light region and a second light receiving sensor having high sensitivity to the near infrared region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting the presence of pit fragments as small as 2 mm.sup.2 in pitted peach halves. Pitted peach halves are agitated into a cup-up position, are conveyed to a position adjacent an inspection zone and are launched airborne into the inspection zone. Each peach half in the inspection zone is illuminated by a pair of quartz halogen lights and the diffusely reflected light is separated into first and second beams. The first and second beams are filtered to extract a first relatively wide wavelength band centered at 600 nm and a second relatively wide wavelength band centered at 750 nm. Preferably, each wavelength band is approximately 70 nm. Each of the wavelength bands enters a separate line scan camera for acquiring image signals from each wavelength band. The signals from both cameras are combined and enhanced to determine the presence or absence of fragments.

Abstract: To determine whether stress cracks are present in the bottom area of a plastic bottle which make it unfit for further use, the bottle bottom is scanned in the potential crack region by the measuring beam of a laser distance-measuring instrument. From its output signal, the prevalence and depth of the cracks can be identified sufficiently to enable a decision to be made on the removal of the bottle from circulation.

Abstract: A color sorting apparatus for beans includes a transferring device for transferring beans to be sorted to a detection position, an illuminating device for illuminating the bean at the detection position, a light receiving device for receiving a transmitted light transmitted through the bean and outputting a detection signal, a control device for operating the detection signal, comparing the detection signal operated with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the bean is a good or defective one, and outputting an ejection signal when the bean is determined as a defective one, and a sorting device for removing the defective bean based on the ejection signal. The transferring device includes two endless belts defining therebetween a parallel gap on which the beans are held and a driving motor for driving the endless belts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process which enables colored foreign bodies to be detected in continuous fibre transport and removed therefrom. A stream of fibres is examined for foreign bodies by color sensors (11). If the color differs, a control system (12) activates compressed air nozzles (13) and removes foreign bodies (17).

Abstract: Sorting apparatus has a conveyor belt or equivalent mechanism for moving particles at a speed sufficient to generate a stream of particles in air, which particles can be graded such that unacceptable material can be removed. The grading or sorting is conducted by a primary scanning system for analyzing light reflected from particles in the stream in a plurality of wavelength ranges. Ejectors for removing particles from the stream are disposed downstream of the scanning system, and are instructed in response to signals received from the scanning system. An auxiliary scanning system is also included to establish the presence of material in the stream, and in the event that a void is detected in a given region, then the analysis of that region by the primary scanning system and any corresponding activation of the ejectors is inhibited.

Abstract: A scrap particle sorting system and attendant sorting process employs a conveyor for conveying the randomly shaped particles in a random orientation, a position sensor for determining the advancement of the scrap particles in the direction of conveyance by determining the position of the conveyor belt, an image detector for periodically recording the image of a predefined viewing area through which the scrap particles are conveyed, and an image processor for periodic acquisition and processing of the images. The image processor includes logic for defining each image of the viewing area into a matrix of cells, and for each acquired image, analyzing the digital data corresponding to the image to determine for each cell in the matrix whether the pixels in that cell satisfy a predetermined criteria, and establishing a discriminator signal for each cell in the matrix as a function of that analysis.

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

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for sorting plastic items is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of transmitting polychromatic light from a source through each individual item; detecting the quantity of light of a first color passing through each individual item with a detector opposed to the source as a stream of the items is successively directed past the source and the detector; detecting the quantity of light of a second color passing through each individual item with the detector, wherein the second color is different from the first color; and selectively removing individual items from the stream, the removal being based upon a comparison of the quantity of light of the first color detected and the quantity of light of the second color detected.