Abstract: A system and a method for inspecting a stream of products (3, 3?, 3?) is disclosed, comprising a scanning focused light beam (5) for scanning the product stream and a camera (7) for detecting light beams directly returned from the scanned product stream, whereby the scanning movement of the focused light beam is synchronized with the exposure time of the camera.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for inspection of products (3?, 3?), provided with a transport mechanism (2) configured to transport a continuous stream of products (3?, 3?) so that, on leaving the transport mechanism, the product stream (3?, 3?) follows a free-fall path along which it is fed in a single product layer through an inspection zone (16), which has a length (L) that at least corresponds to the width of the aforementioned single product layer, a light source (5, 5?) configured to illuminate said inspection zone (16), a detection unit (6), configured to optically scan the illuminated inspection zone (16), an analysis unit (17) and possibly a removal unit (7) and also a background element (10?), which is situated behind the falling product stream, seen from the position of the detection unit, positioned so that:—light beams from the light source impinge on an illumination zone (14) of the background element when these beams do not impinge on a product from the product stream (3?, 3?),—the detecti

Abstract: This application describes a guide plate for collecting and discharging bulk products (12), comprising a first segment (14), said first segment (14) comprising damping means (19, 20), which, during use, dissipate the collision energy of each product (12) to be collected essentially individually. Further, this application describes a sorting machine for the sorting of a continuous single layer stream of products, in which said sorting machine contains a feeding unit, an analysis unit, a removal unit and transport unit, where said transport unit contains such a guide plate in order to collect the products coming from the feeding unit.

Abstract: This application describes a guide plate for collecting and discharging bulk products (12), comprising a first segment (14), said first segment (14) comprising damping means (19, 20), which, during use, dissipate the collision energy of each product (12) to be collected essentially individually. Further, this application describes a sorting machine for the sorting of a continuous single layer stream of products, in which said sorting machine contains a feeding unit, an analysis unit, a removal unit and transport unit, where said transport unit contains such a guide plate in order to collect the products coming from the feeding unit.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a detection system for inspecting a continuous stream of products comprising means for determining the detection system induced variations in its output signal. The detection system comprises a reference element and an intermediate optical element, means for scanning a light beam over the product stream and, via the intermediate optical element, over the reference element and means for converting the light beams re-emitted by the product stream and by the reference element into an electrical signal. The intermediate optical element is positioned such that the light beam successively scans the product stream and at least one region of the reference element, in whatever order. Such detection system and method are of particular use in an apparatus for sorting products, where it is used to inspect products provided to the detection system in a continuous stream.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus for sorting products, in particular granular products such as raisins, blueberries but also pellets e.g. plastic pellets. The sorting apparatus comprises a supply system, a detecting system, a selecting system and a chute. The chute comprises a first guiding element having a downwardly-curved surface for guiding the stream of product moving under influence of gravity towards the detecting system and the selecting system. Optionally the chute comprises a second guiding element having a surface which is upward-curved at least over a certain distance along the movement of the stream of products, such that products which are propelled by the first guiding element and received by the second guiding element are redirected in an essentially vertical downward direction. The detection system will inspect the products when moving in a substantially vertical direction.