Abstract: A chute for inspection and sorting apparatus is disclosed. It comprises two sections; a first, upper section (6) and a lower, grooved section (2). The first section has a smooth, normally polished surface which allows product pieces thereon to move laterally as well as downwards. In the lower section (2) product pieces are restricted in their lateral movement by the grooves (12) and move into alignment with the grooves before being discharged into the inspection zone (22) of the apparatus. If the apparatus is for inspection only, then the product pieces continue to a collection receptacle. If the apparatus is for sorting, then an ejector (26) is included which acts in response to signals from the inspection station to eject selected pieces from the product stream. Those are deflected into a reject receptacle (28) while the remainder proceed into the collection receptacle (24).

Abstract: A chute for inspection and sorting apparatus has first and second flat sections, with the lower end of the first section being disposed over the second section to form a step from which product falls onto the second section. Additional sections may be included. In one variant a third channelled section is included, with the lower end of the second section being disposed over the third section forming a second step from which product falls onto the third section.