Abstract: An object detection method includes an electromagnetic radiation emitter, and an electromagnetic radiation detector on a first side of an inspection zone, a reflective background on a second side of the inspection zone and a controller operably connected to the emitter and the detector to measure/determine a first time of travel for emitted electromagnetic radiation waves/pulses to travel from the emitter, to the reflective background, and return to the detector, and to measure/determine a second time of travel for emitted electromagnetic radiation waves/pulses to travel from the emitter of electromagnetic radiation to objects of interest passing through the inspection zone along an unsupported path of travel and to be reflected to the electromagnetic radiation detector, and any determined time of travel which varies from the first time of travel is evidence there is an object within the inspection zone and between the emitter and the reflective background.

Abstract: A method of application of cutting a stream of products using a source of high pressure liquid is disclosed, and where a conveyor is provided for moving a stream of product along a path of travel which is at least partially unsupported, and a liquid jet is provided all which generates a pressurized liquid stream which severs individual objects in the stream of products while the individual objects are moving in an unsupported fashion along the path of travel.

Abstract: A light source for a sorting apparatus is described and which includes an illuminator having a multiplicity of modules which are electrically coupled together, and which further include a plurality of light emitting diodes which can be selectively energized, by a computer network so as to parametrically control a temporal, spatial, and spectral energizing of the respective modules; and a light diffuser member is located in spaced relation relative to the illuminator, and which passes and substantially renders a visibly luminous or invisible emission substantially uniform.

Abstract: An object detection apparatus is described and which includes an image capturing device; a source of electromagnetic radiation which is directed towards and reflected from an object passing through a field of view; a background located in spaced relation relative to the image capturing device, and wherein the field of view is located between the image capturing device and the background; and an electromagnetic radiation detector is positioned in electromagnetic receiving relation relative to the background and which is operable to generate a signal which indicates the presence of an object passing through the field of view.

Abstract: An inspection and cutting apparatus which employs a reciprocally moveable cutting knife includes an elongated main body having opposite ends; and a protrusion is integral with the elongated main body, and which inhibits an adhesive force from being created between the outside facing surface of the elongated main body, and the adjacent sidewalls of a knife guidance track when a source of water wets the outside surface of the elongated main body and the adjacent spaced sidewalls of the knife guidance channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while intentionally creating and utilizing known signal interference to enhance contrasts when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding internal and external features and characteristics and qualities of products being inspected.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus is disclosed which includes a cutter knife which is reciprocally moveable along a path of travel; a track member mounted adjacent to the cutter knife and which mechanically cooperates with the cutter knife so as to define, at least in part, a first non-cutting position, and a second cutting position for the cutter knife; and a magnet is mounted in a location on the track member and which releasably, magnetically restrains the cutter knife when the cutter knife is in the first non-cutting position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.

Abstract: A linear motion conveyor is described and which includes an elongated conveyor bed having a product transporting surface for supporting and transporting a product between the opposite first and second ends thereof, and a drive assembly oriented in force transmitting relation relative to the elongated conveyor bed, and where the elongated conveyor bed, when reciprocated by the drive assembly is operable to move product alternatively between the opposite ends of the product elongated conveyor bed in a first direction; a second direction; and which is further rendered operable to substantially stop the movement of the product located between the opposite ends of the elongated conveyor bed.

Abstract: A method of application of cutting a stream of products using a source of high pressure liquid is disclosed, and where a conveyor is provided for moving a stream of product along a path of travel which is at least partially unsupported, and a liquid jet is provided all which generates a pressurized liquid stream which severs individual objects in the stream of products while the individual objects are moving in an unsupported fashion along the path of travel.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably positioning an object of interest is described, and which includes a wave propagator and a wave detector which are both mounted in spaced relation to an object of interest, and which allows determination of a distance between the wave propagator and wave detector and the object of interest during operation; an adjustment device mounted in force transmitting relation relative to the object of interest an which imparts force to the object of interest to maintain the object of interest along a predetermined course of travel, and a controller coupled in controlling relation relative to the wave propagator and the adjustment device, and in signal receiving relation relative to the wave detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably positioning an object of interest is described, and which includes an imaging device which is mounted in spaced relation to an object of interest, and which further forms an image of a feature of the object of interest during operation; an adjustment device mounted in force transmitting relation relative to the object of interest an which imparts force to the object of interest to maintain the object of interest along a course of travel; and a controller coupled in controlling relation relative to the adjustment device, and in signal receiving relation relative to the imaging device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly includes a reciprocally moveable conveyor bed, having a product conveying surface, and a magnetic drive which is oriented in spaced relation relative to the conveyor bed and which, when energized, imparts reciprocal motion to the conveyor bed to move the product along the product conveying surface of the conveyor bed.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor is described and which includes a base frame; a reciprocally moveable conveyor bed supported by elongated springs and which are attached to each of the conveyor bed, and the base frame, and four unbalanced motors mounted on the base frame, and wherein the unbalanced motors when selectively energized, generate a vibratory force which is transmitted to the reciprocally moveable conveyor bed, and where, selective energizing of the four unbalanced motors can effect the movement of a product along the conveyor bed at a selectively variable speed in a manner not possible heretofore.

Abstract: A vibration generating assembly is described, and which includes an exterior housing having an internal cavity, and opposite first and second ends; a reciprocally moveable carriage which is biasingly supported within the internal cavity of the housing; and an electrical transducer have a magnet which is supported by and reciprocally moveable relative to the biasingly supported carriages, and the electrical transducer has a fixed cylindrically shaped electrical coil which is mounted on the exterior housing.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a mask, a sensor body configured to be attached to the mask, and an electronic module for producing an output in response to air flow through the sensor body.

Abstract: An electrical grounding arm is described and which has a predetermined geometry that dissipates stress imparted to the electrical grounding arm by the repeated movement of the electrical grounding arm, so as to inhibit stress related damage from being imparted to the electrical grounding arm, and which further, inhibits a source of fluid from pooling or collecting on the exterior facing surface thereof in order to prevent an unsanitary condition from developing.