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

Abstract: An automatic trash disposal system (20) employing a trash discharge station (56) located internally of a building structure (22) and having a plurality of dedicated trash disposal ports (60P, 60M, 60G, 60NR) for receipt of different categories of recyclable trash items and/or non-recyclable trash items; a remotely located trash housing (21) exterior of the building structure (22) and housing a plurality of dedicated removable trash receptacles (36, 38, 39, 40); conduits (64P, 64M, 64G, 64NR) coupling the trash disposal ports (60P, 60M, 60G, 60NR) with respective different ones of the remotely located dedicated trash receptacles (36, 38, 39, 40); and, a blower/motor combination (68/79) for drawing a vacuum in the enclosed remotely located trash housing (21) and the conduits (64P, 64M, 64G, 64NR) for vacuum transferal of items of trash inserted into a particular one of the interior trash disposal ports (60P, 60M, 60 G, 60NR) to a particular one of the remotely located dedicated trash receptacles (36, 38, 39, 40

Abstract: A rotary drum log sorter for sorting logs received from a log feeder adjacent to the log sorter. A circular rotating drum is mounted to a frame and has a set of circumferential pockets for receiving logs from the log feeder as the pocket rotates to a position adjacent to the log feeder. Gates are provided which are mounted to the frame and adjacent to the rotating drum. The gates can be in a closed position so that a log in a pocket of the drum is prevented from leaving the packet as the pocket rotates past the closed gate. The gates also can be in an open position which will allow a log to drop from the pocket. An operator using conventional controls linked to the gates can selectively permit a log to drop from a pocket into a given collection bin.

Abstract: A position indicator device for conveyed objects having a checking area disposed in a conveying passage where a plurality of objects are unidirectionally conveyed while being aligned in a conveying direction and a direction normal thereto; an indicator manually movable to a position of a target object within the checking area for indicating a position of the same; and an indicator-position detector for detecting a two-dimensional position of the indicator within the checking area. The checking area includes a plurality of beam emitters operable together to project beams of light in a grating form within the area and a plurality of beam receivers each operable to receive a light beam from a corresponding emitter. The indicator acts as a beam-blocking member for blocking the beam transmission between the emitter and receiver. The indicator-position detector detects a position within the checking area of the indicator based on a position information of the receiver blocked by the indicator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting articles passing an inspection station and subsequently removing selected articles from a transporting track. The position of the articles to be removed is determined by means of a pointer positioned next to an article during its movement along the inspection station, and the position moves along with the transporting track. A signal is generated by the pointer for removing the article from the track. The position of the article is determined by the pointer and at least two fixed points on either side of the inspection station. The pointer and the fixed points are fitted with an ultrasonic transmitter and a receiver, respectively, or the other way round, or with a combined transmitter/receiver.

Abstract: Garbage collection device for a built-in sink unit with a garbage discharge opening which is integrated into its top surface and below which a holder is arranged for several waste containers, one of which can be loaded with garbage through the discharge opening. To enable easy sorting of the garbage to be disposed of through the garbage discharge opening, the holder comprises a waste container support in the form of a merry-go-round and an actuating means for the support in order to selectively bring one of several waste containers into the position below the discharge opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inspecting and grading a grain sample involves the use of a first tray having an upwardly-facing grooved surface on which kernels of grain can be arranged in rows for a first inspection. A second tray is placed on top of the first ray and has a resiliently compressible deformable surface which faces downwardly and bears against kernels in the grooved surface of the first tray so as to entrap and immobilize any kernels of grain on the first tray. Both trays are then overturned so that resilient surface of the second tray faces upwardly and grooved surface of the said tray faces downwardly. When said first tray is removed from association with the second tray, the kernels, now overturned, are arranged on the resilient surface of the second tray and are ready for further inspection.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding, selecting and sorting has a coding and feeding unit, a sorting machine and a synchronizing unit. The coding and feeding unit has a keyboard for keying in codes of respective unloading-station destinations of respective items thereat and conveys the items from the keyboard. The sorting machine has a monorail of T-shaped cross section, a plurality of conveying devices for conveying respective items in one direction along the monorail, a chain for moving the conveying devices along the monorail in the one direction one after the other, and pairs of feed rods spacedly parallel to each other, the pairs of feed rods being spaced along the monorail for defining an unloading station at each pair of the feed rods therealong and spaced from the monorail for sliding contact with slidable contacts of each conveying device as it moves therepast along the monorail in the one direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manipulation of products, comprising a conveyor for conveying a plurality of products in a prescribed path, a locator for emitting light at the position of a specific product out of the plurality of products being conveyed in a detection zone on the path of the conveyor a video sensor and a microcomputer for receiving the light and, based on the received light, issuing a position coodinate signal indicating the position of the specific product in the detection zone, a conveyor speed detector for detecting the speed of the conveyor and issuing a travel speed signal corresponding to the speed, a microcomputer for issuing a current position coordinate signal indicating the position of the specific product in a separation zone of the conveyor situated downstream relative to the detection zone based on the position coordinate signal issued by the video sensor and microcomputer and the travel speed signal issued by the conveyor speed detector, and a removing device for giving necessary treatmen

Abstract: A parcel sorting and distributing apparatus includes a plurality of inclined chutes which receive parcels at their open upper ends. Each parcel slides down a chute into a receptacle such as a mail hamper. The chutes are vertically stacked and arranged in a spoke-like fashion about a circle with the aggregate of their upper ends forming a cylindrical surface. A rotatable vertical mast at the axis of the cylinder includes a pivotally mounted carrier. In one position the carrier retains a parcel; when it pivots to a second position, the parcel spills out into one of the chutes. A first motor causes the mast to rotate and a second motor drives the carrier vertically along the mast. A parcel which has been identified as to its destination is loaded into the carrier, and a controller controls the first motor, the second motor and the carrier pivot so as to convey the parcel to the appropriate receptacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting ova removed from fowl moving along a poultry processing line. Ova are removed from the fowl shortly before inspection, and the removed ova are transferred to a separate ova conveyor. One or more ova-ejection stations are located along the ova conveyor, which operates at a speed correlated to the speed of the bird conveyor line. If a defective fowl is detected by inspection after removal of ova, ova are ejected from a corresponding location along the ova conveyor, thereby ejecting any ova removed from the defective fowl. Ova reaching the end of the conveyor are collected for use.

Abstract: A document inserter system having an improved control system is disclosed. The system includes a sheet inserter system and one or more web modules for, receiving a web of forms, scanning the forms for information, storing and retransmitting the information, separating the web into discrete forms and feeding the forms for further processing. The information includes control information scanned from a control document for controlling formation of a batch of forms associated with that control document. The control system includes a supervisory control processor which receives the control information and controls the sheet inserter system and the web modules in accordance therewith. The system also includes web control processor systems for direct control of each web module, which web control processor systems are responsive to the supervisory control processor. The system is controlled in accordance with a prespecified configuration which defines the document type for each web module.

Abstract: Sorting apparatus conveying articles through an inspection station includes an operator manipulated indicator which cooperates with an orthogonal sensing matrix beneath the conveyor to provide position and article size information used to selectively actuate deflection fingers to deflect an indicated article.

Abstract: In a discharge arrangement for green pellets a discharge chute and a conveying means arranged below the discharge chute are provided. In order to largely prevent the destruction of the green pellets, to keep the falling height of the green pellets as low as possible and to prevent conveying-belt transfers, a flap is provided between the discharge chute and a green-pellet collecting means. The flap is pivotable between two positions. In a first position it elongates the discharge chute to the green-pellet collecting means and in a second position it is directed transverse to the discharge chute towards a reconveying means.

Abstract: Sorting apparatus, e.g. for root vegetables such as potatoes, comprises a roller table conveyor which has an inspection area onto which a video camera is directed. An operator uses a hand-held probe or wand incorporating a light source and provided with a pressure-sensitive switch in its tip. The switch is actuated by touching a selected article in the inspection area. The position of the wand as indicated by light is given in the video signals fed from the camera to a control circuit to which the switch is also connected. The control circuit also receives speed indicating signals from the conveyor and it provides control signals to operate a finger bank to selectively deflect those articles indicated by a touch of the wand. Provision may be made for a plurality of wands to be used at the same time, each wand having an individually modulated light.

Abstract: A method and a system for grading and sorting articles comprising a conveyor for sequentially conveying a plurality of articles passed a coding station. The coding station identifies a first one of a plurality of articles with an electronically stored information code indicative of specific characteristics of the first article. A sequentially operable visual indicator device identifies the location of the first article moving along a predetermined portion of the conveyor line at the coding station where the information code is to be stored. The visual indicator is activated until the information code is completed and a termination signal to that effect is generated. The visual indicator then identifies the following article as being a first article in the predetermined portion.

Abstract: A sorting method and apparatus for sorting steel products such as bars, rods, shapes and tubular products which are delivered in a random manner, according to the ordered lengths, sizes and so forth. The steel products are made to stay on a sorting apparatus temporarily. Then, pieces of products of the same class are successively selected and forwarded to a bundling bed from the sorting apparatus, while the latter receives a new piece of steel products. This operation is repeated for successive classes to sort the steel products into a plurality of classes having different ordered lengths, sizes or other sorting condition. The sorting apparatus has a vertically movable sorting roller table and a sorting truck arranged in a side-by-side relation to the sorting roller table and movable in the direction normal to the direction of movement of the steel products.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting stones contained within a supply reservoir by viewing the stones individually through a microscope includes a pick-up tube having a first opening disposed at one end thereof, the first opening adapted to form a substantially airtight seal with one of the stones. A vacuum source is connected to a second opening disposed at the other end of the pick-up tube, the second opening being in communication with the first opening. The apparatus further includes support apparatus connected to the other end of the pick-up tube for moving the one end of the tube between a first position disposed at a transfer location whereat the one end is exposed to the stones within the supply reservoir, and a second position outside the reservoir whereat the one end is positioned exactly within the field of view of an objective of the microscope such that a stone held adjacent the first opening is disposed precisely at the focal length of the microscope objective.

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 guide unit (9) for the flat objects, the unit includes a plurality of guide paths (12,15,16) and movable along one side of a magazine for holding flexible flat objects transversely to the one side in locations spaced along the one side of the magazine, it being thus possible to place a first such guide path (12) opposite a first such location (6), the other guide paths of the guide unit, which diverge away from the first guide path being placed simultaneously opposite the locations (5,7) adjacent the first location.An ejection device (10) moves any flat objects (8) contained in the neighbouring locations (5,7) outward from the one side of the magazine into the divergent paths (15,16) of the guide unit to provide a clear opening before an object is inserted in the first location.

Abstract: A stone sorting apparatus for viewing stones individually through a microscope includes a platform having a reservoir adjacent a surface thereof for storing the stones. One end of a rod projects upward through an opening disposed at the bottom of the reservoir, the rod adapted to slide along the opening, and having at the one end a concave indentation facing upward and shaped to support one of the stones. Connected to the other end of the rod is means for sliding the one end of the rod between a first position within the reservoir, and a second position outside the reservoir, whereat the one end is positioned exactly within the field of view of an objective of the microscope such that a stone supported by the indentation is disposed precisely at the focal length of the microscope objective.

Abstract: In apparatus for sorting potatoes a roller table conveyor conveys potatoes beneath a television camera which produces on a television monitor screen a picture of an inspection area of the roller table. An operator watching the monitor screen selects potatoes to be rejected by pointing a light pen at the monitor screen. The light pen feeds to a microcomputer a signal indicative of the light pen position on the television monitor screen, which corresponds to a transient position of the potato in the inspection area. Sensors deriving signals from sprocket-wheels coupled to the conveyor feed to the microcomputer a signal dependent upon the conveyor speed, and the microcomputer actuates selectively a bank of deflector fingers to deflect reject potatoes. The choice of deflector fingers actuated is determined by one orthogonal co-ordinate of the light pen, and the timing of actuation of the deflector fingers is determined by the other orthogonal co-ordinate of the light pen and the speed of the conveyor.

Abstract: A system for routing correspondence from a first location including a plurality of slot entries to a predetermined conveyor path to a second, discharge location. A collection assembly is disposed at the discharge location for collection of routed correspondence along two adjacent conveyor paths.

Abstract: Apparatus for (a) selecting plural desired edge-notched coded documents from different decks of similarly coded documents successively delivered to a document selector from a remote mass document store, in which selection process the selected documents extend only partially out of their respective decks in a direction parallel to their code-notched edge, and (b) successively fully removing the partially extending documents selected from the various successively retrieved decks and temporarily storing them in a temporary storage zone prior to ejecting them into a stationary container in which they are accumulated for manual removal at the convenience of an operator. Also included is a movable selected document removal and temporary storage assembly which traverses along a path adjacent the document selector proximate the leading edges of documents selected from the deck thereat.

Abstract: A machine for sorting objects of various destinations, particularly for bulky postal correspondence. A guide defines a path passing through at least one loading station and at least one sorting station. At least one succession of compartments for containing individual objects is moved along said guide. Each compartment is in the form of a narrow pigeon hole, which has its surface of maximum size perpendicular to the direction of movement of the compartment and is provided with an operable base wall.

Abstract: A apparatus for separating unacceptable elongated elements from a batch of such elements being dropped laterally and singly from a delivery mechanism into a receiver. The unacceptable elements are deflected away from their path of descent from the delivery mechanism to a laterally located discharge zone, from which the unacceptable elements are then removed longitudinally to a location remote from the receiver.

Abstract: A reclamation system for receiving unused mixed concrete ingredients and the washout water therewith includes an elongated, on grade gravity separation tank having an upper discharge end over an on grade grout receiving area, an inclined belt conveyor which is pivotally mounted for limited rotation on a vertical axis between a first position alongside the tank and said grout receiving area and a second position having its lower end over said area and below said tank discharge end and having its upper discharge end over an aggregate and sand receiver.

Abstract: A fish-sorting apparatus for use on board a fishing vessel of the type including fish-storing bins. The apparatus includes a surface for sorting fish, by category, into different selected ones of the bins, or overboard (for rejected fish), through ports and adjustable chutes which communicate with the surface.

Abstract: An arrangement of this invention comprises a device to apply a different identification mark to each of a plurality of heads of livestock and to couple each of the identification marks to an optimization computer, each of the identification marks remaining with its associated one of the plurality of heads of livestock until the finished cuts are obtained; a scale to separately weigh each of the heads of livestock in sequence and to couple each of the resultant weights to the computer with each of the weights being correlated with the associated one of the identification marks; an automatic electronic grader to separately and automatically grade each of the heads of livestock in sequence and to couple each of the resultant grades to the computer with each of the grades being correlated with the associated one of the identification marks and the associated one of the weights; and a plurality of gate controlled sorting pens to sort the plurality of heads of livestock according to the weights and grades after pas

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: Apparatus and methods for selectively distributing a plurality of unordered articles at a plurality of receiving stations in predetermined orders are provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The present invention contemplates a plurality of receiving stations wherein each receiving station is to receive a plurality of selectively distributed ones of a plurality of articles in a predetermined order. A conveyor system is provided for releasably supporting the plurality of unordered articles to be selectively distributed and for displacing releasably supported ones of the plurality of unordered articles in a path adjacent to the plurality of receiving stations. The conveyor system has at least one portion for receiving the plurality of unordered articles sequentially and releasably supporting the plurality of unordered articles in the sequence received.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting items includes a plurality of receiving stations for receiving the unsorted items. Each of the receiving stations has associated with it a scale for sensing the weight of each item as it is received. The weight of each item is transmitted to a memory device associated with the receiving stations along with destination information for each particular item. The weight and destination is stored in the memory device for retrieval at a later time. The sorting apparatus further includes a conveyor operating to move the items from the receiving stations to their destinations. A recognition unit associated with the conveyor is located intermediate the receiving stations and the destinations and includes a scale in assocation with the memory device. The items are weighed a second time on the recognition unit scale and the weight information is transmitted to the memory device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sorting and classifying lumber in which multiple signals relating to length and quality of the lumber are fed to a computer which is programmed to select optimal cut-off length and optimal quality and to feed these selections to cutting or sorting apparatus for appropriate operations to be performed on the lumber.

Abstract: A high speed conveyor sorting system includes a plurality of infeed conveyors coupled to an induction station including a merging conveyor for singulating articles from the infeed conveyor and inducting them onto a sorting conveyor. An operator actuated control system is employed for controlling the release mechanism of the induction station and diverters spaced along the sorting conveyor for discharging articles from the sorting conveyor onto preselected diverting conveyors spaced longitudinally along the sorting conveyor. The control system includes a portable training detector which is movably positioned near each of the divert locations such that the travel of an article from a predetermined reference point detector near the induction station to each of the divert locations can be accurately ascertained by counting pulses from a pulse position indicator associated with the conveyor during the travel interval of the article.

Abstract: Sorting apparatus comprises a locating device for defining an array of selectable sites and for generating for each site (when selected) a signal or signals identifying that site, a conveyer for conveying objects to be sorted past the array of sites and, a separator for separating selected and unselected objects. The locating device includes a movable selector member for use by an operator to select objects as they pass the array of sites. Preferably the array of sites is defined by a matrix of sets of orthogonal coils for receiving electrical signals transmitted by the selector member, and preferably the conveying device conveys the objects to be sorted over the matrix of orthogonal coils. The separator is connected to an output of the locating device for actuating the separator in dependence upon site-identifying signals generated by the locating device.

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.