Abstract: A sorting and inspection apparatus comprising a feed system for delivering a product stream sequentially through an imaging zone and a sorting zone, at least one tight source for illuminating a product at the imaging zone, at least one optical sensor and detector circuit for viewing at least a portion of the illuminated product at the imaging zone, for collecting viewed data, for determining a condition of that at least portion of the illuminated product from the viewed data and then for outputting a signal dependent upon the determined condition of that at least portion of the illuminated product, and at least one ejector for ejecting product at the sorting zone dependent upon the output signal. The imaging zone comprises at least two sensor zones, sequentially arranged one after another in a direction of the product stream.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting product pieces in a product stream comprising a system for creating a stream of product pieces for delivery in free flight at a viewing station, first light means for illuminating the viewing station from one side with light for reflection from product therein, second light means for illuminating the viewing station from the other side with light for reflection from product therein, a scanning system for receiving light from the first and second illuminating means reflected from product pieces in the viewing station and transmitted across the viewing station, and means for activating the first and second light means alternately in first and second scanning phases to successively illuminate a product stream at the viewing station.

Abstract: A sorting and inspection apparatus comprising a feed system for delivering a product stream sequentially through an imaging zone and a sorting zone, at least one tight source for illuminating a product at the imaging zone, at least one optical sensor and detector circuit for viewing at least a portion of the illuminated product at the imaging zone, for collecting viewed data, for determining a condition of that at least portion of the illuminated product from the viewed data and then for outputting a signal dependent upon the determined condition of that at least portion of the illuminated product, and at least one ejector for ejecting product at the sorting zone dependent upon the output signal. The imaging zone comprises at least two sensor zones, sequentially arranged one after another in a direction of the product stream.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting product pieces in a product stream comprising a system for creating a stream of product pieces for delivery in free flight at a viewing station, first light means for illuminating the viewing station from one side with light for reflection from product therein, second light means for illuminating the viewing station from the other side with light for reflection from product therein, a scanning system for receiving light from the first and second illuminating means reflected from product pieces in the viewing station and transmitted across the viewing station, and means for activating the first and second light means alternately in first and second scanning phases to successively illuminate a product stream at the viewing station.