Abstract: An apparatus for 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 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: An apparatus for 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 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: 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 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: 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 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: Method for using renewable energy sources, comprising at least one remote energy generation plant, which is operated by a renewable energy source, a remote control unit at the location of the at least one remote energy generation plant, which controls the operation thereof, and a central control unit, the method comprising the following steps: a) Producing a proposed schedule, in which for a future time period presettings for the operation of the at least one remote energy generation plant are established, and transmitting the proposed schedule to the central control unit via a computer network, b) Producing a schedule based on the proposed schedule, c) Transmitting the schedule from the central control unit to the remote control unit via a computer network, d) Automatic control of the at least one remote energy generation plant by the remote control unit according to the schedule.

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: 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 an upwardly-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 downward-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.

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: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for sorting a stream of products by scanning this stream of products with a bundle of concentrated light and analyzing the light originating from the scanned products and a background element, wherein this background element is chosen such that the corresponding detected light signal differs from the light signals originating from the products to be sorted in at least one parameter and wherein one or more control signals are generated by shifting the background level of the observed light signals to a signal level chosen such that, in the thus obtained signal, the signal level of the signal of a scanned product to be accepted distinguishes itself from the signal level of the signal of a scanned product to be rejected.

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: A hybrid installation for providing electric energy from regenerative energy sources, comprising a biogas installation that provides electric energy, and at least one additional energy converter, which provides electric energy and whose releasable power is depending of external influence factors, of the wind supply and/or the sun irradiation in particular, wherein the electric energy of the biogas installation and the electric energy of the at least one additional energy converter are fed into a common mains grid, characterized in that the biogas installation features a gas turbine with an electric generator which is operated by the biogas produced in the biogas installation, and whose waste heat can be supplied to the biogas installation via a heat exchanger.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for inspecting and sorting unsuitable or irregular objects in a stream of products, the system includes means for scanning the stream of products along a scan line. The scan line is formed by means of at least one light source directing light along the scan line, and means for detecting light beams reemitted by the product stream upon scanning. The scanning means includes a focusing means for concentrating the light in at least one dimension. The detecting means includes a focusing means for forming an image in an image plane. The detecting means is oriented towards the scan line such that points on the scan line form a projected scan line in the image plane and the image substantially located in the image plane is substantially focused in at least one dimension by the focusing means. The detecting means also includes a spatial filtering means that filters the image in substantially the direction perpendicular to the direction of the projected scan line.

Abstract: Method for using renewable energy sources comprising at least one remote energy generation plant which may be operated by a renewable energy source, a production measurement unit at the location of the at least one remote energy generation plant which measures the production of the at least one remote energy generation plant, a central control unit, the method comprising the following steps: a) producing a production forecast for the production of the at least one remote energy generation plant in a future time period, b) transmitting the production forecast to the central control unit via a computer network, c) operating the remote energy generation plant and measuring the production using the production measurement unit, d) comparing the measured production with the production forecast, e) notifying an operator of the at least one energy generation plant, if the measured production deviates from the production forecast beyond a predetermined level.