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 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 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 sorting apparatus is described, and which includes a conveyor which transports a produce stream for inspection. A product separation surface is mounted near the distal end of the conveyor, and the produce stream passes over the product separation surface, and is slowed to a speed such that the produce stream falls substantially immediately vertically downwardly. An inspection zone is located downstream relative to the product separation surface. An imaging device is provided, and which images the produce stream passing through the inspection zone; an illumination device is provided for illuminating the produce stream passing through the inspection zone, and an ejector assembly is located downstream of the inspection zone and which removes unwanted solid material in the produce stream having undesirable characteristics.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus is described, and which includes a conveyor which transports a produce stream for inspection. The conveyor has various regions formed in part of ridges, troughs and apertures which reduce the weight of the produce stream, as well as reduces the vertical and horizontal components of motion of the produce stream, as the produce stream progresses from one end to the other.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus is described, and which includes a conveyor which transports a produce stream for inspection. The conveyor has various regions formed in part of ridges, troughs and apertures which reduce the weight of the produce stream, as well as reduces the vertical and horizontal components of motion of the produce stream, as the produce stream progresses from one end to the other.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus is described, and which includes a conveyor which transports a produce stream for inspection. A product separation surface is mounted near the distal end of the conveyor, and the produce stream passes over the product separation surface, and is slowed to a speed such that the produce stream falls substantially immediately vertically downwardly. An inspection zone is located downstream relative to the product separation surface. An imaging device is provided, and which images the produce stream passing through the inspection zone; an illumination device is provided for illuminating the produce stream passing through the inspection zone, and an ejector assembly is located downstream of the inspection zone and which removes unwanted solid material in the produce stream having undesirable characteristics.

Abstract: A conveying system for multiple product units conveyed on two parallel conveyors past a sensing section. The sensing section includes multiple line scan sensors which each receive input from both conveyors and a calibration standard object in a thin line scan across the conveyors. Optics include an objective lens and a 1× relay lens divided in two and including a prism between halves. The exit pupil of the objective lens is imaged onto the entrance pupil of the 1× relay lens where a slit is positioned to define an image of the thin portion of the product unit in the sensing area. The optics spread the spectrum perpendicularly to the spatial direction to define a grid received by a CCD camera. The CCD camera and associated CPU operate on the data to bin attenuated pixels, train for filtering by spectral range and employ that training to subsequently train for the establishment of algorithms which sense differences in the filter data between product units of different attributes.

Abstract: A conveying system for multiple product units conveyed on two parallel conveyors past a sensing section. The sensing section includes multiple line scan sensors which each receive input from both conveyors and a calibration standard object in a thin line scan across the conveyors. Optics include an objective lens and a 1X relay lens divided in two and including a prism between halves. The exit pupil of the objective lens is imaged onto the entrance pupil of the 1X relay lens where a slit is positioned to define an image of the thin portion of the product unit in the sensing area. The optics spread the spectrum perpendicularly to the spatial direction to define a grid received by a CCD camera. The CCD camera and associated CPU operate on the data to bin attenuated pixels, train for filtering by spectral range and employ that training to subsequently train for the establishment of algorithms which sense differences in the filter data between product units of different attributes.

Abstract: A conveying system for multiple product units conveyed on two parallel conveyors past a sensing section. The sensing section includes multiple line scan sensors which each receive input from both conveyors and a calibration standard object in a thin line scan across the conveyors. Optics include an objective lens and a 1×relay lens divided in two and including a prism between halves. The exit pupil of the objective lens is imaged onto the entrance pupil of the 1×relay lens where a slit is positioned to define an image of the thin portion of the product unit in the sensing area. The optics spread the spectrum perpendicularly to the spatial direction to define a grid received by a CCD camera. The CCD camera and associated CPU operate on the data to bin attenuated pixels, train for filtering by spectral range and employ that training to subsequently train for the establishment of algorithms which sense differences in the filter data between product units of different attributes.

Abstract: A product discrimination system using a fiber optic sensing system and a line scan camera sensor for recalibration of the fiber optic system. A plurality of fiber optic sensing stations measure reflected light spectra of products conveyed past the stations. The line scan camera is positioned adjacent one of the fiber optic sensors at one of the stations. A standard object is positioned adjacent conveyor so as to also be viewed by the line scan camera. The line scan camera recalibrates itself based on the standard object and is compared with the adjacent fiber optic station to recalibrate results from the fiber optic system.

Abstract: A product discrimination system using a fiber optic sensing system and a line scan camera sensor for recalibration of the fiber optic system. A plurality of fiber optic sensing stations measure reflected light spectra of products conveyed past the stations. The line scan camera is positioned adjacent one of the fiber optic sensors at one of the stations. A standard object is positioned adjacent conveyor so as to also be viewed by the line scan camera. The line scan camera recalibrates itself based on the standard object and is compared with the adjacent fiber optic station to recalibrate results from the fiber optic system.

Abstract: A product discrimination system using a lens assembly for projecting an image of the product unit toward a randomized fiber optic cable. The end of the fiber optic cable is constructed in a rectangular section such that a long thin section of the product unit is viewed at any given time. The cable discharges the light at a lens and filter arrangement such that the emitted light may be divided into portions and filtered for measurement by photodiodes of specific and different wavelengths. Through a comparison of the wavelengths to a standard, attributes of the product unit can be determined. A method for distinguishing between adjacent product units which are not separated one from the other employs sensing a plurality of decreasing widths followed by a plurality of increasing widths to establish a product end therebetween. Off-loading elements on the conveyor are assigned by location of the product units.

Abstract: A product discrimination system using an off-loading conveyor with rotatably mounted bow tie rollers to convey product units past a sensing station. The sensing station includes four receptors arranged along the conveying path for sensing the physical attributes of products. Between the receptors are friction surfaces which contact the rollers to rotate same and, in turn, rotate the product units on the conveyor. During sensing, the product units are stationary. Ahead of the sensing station, an elongate friction surface is positioned to rotate the rollers. The four views of each product unit may be independently analyzed or may be compared. A ratio of the greatest and the least of the readings may be used to grade product units. The greatest or least may be used independently to grade or may both be discarded and an average taken of the remaining readings to determine an average of an attribute.

Abstract: A product discrimination system using a lens assembly for projecting an image of the product unit toward a randomized fiber optic cable. The end of the fiber optic cable is constructed in a rectangular section such that a long thin section of the product unit is viewed at any given time. The cable discharges the light at a lens and filter arrangement such that the emitted light may be divided into portions and filtered for measurement by photodiodes of specific and different wavelengths. Through a comparison of the wavelengths to a standard, attributes of the product unit can be determined. A method for distinguishing between adjacent product units which are not separated one from the other employs sensing a plurality of decreasing widths followed by a plurality of increasing widths to establish a product end therebetween. Off-loading elements on the conveyor are assigned by location of the product units.

Abstract: A product discrimination system using a lens assembly for projecting an image of the product unit toward a randomized fiber optic cable. The end of the fiber optic cable is constructed in a rectangular section such that a long thin section of the product unit is viewed at any given time. The cable discharges the light at a lens and filter arrangement such that the emitted light may be divided into portions and filtered for measurement by photodiodes of specific and different wavelengths. Through a comparison of the wavelengths to a standard, attributes of the product unit can be determined. A method for distinguishing between adjacent product units which are not separated one from the other employs sensing a plurality of decreasing widths followed by a plurality of increasing widths to establish a product end therebetween. Off-loading elements on the conveyor are assigned by location of the product units.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing fruit and the like, particularly for sorting as a function of variables including color, blemish, size and shape. The apparatus provides an illuminator for substantially uniformly illuminating a portion of the item being examined, and a signal detector array for generating a plurality of signals corresponding to respective different portions of the item being examined. The data signals corresponding to a given item are accumulated and then batch processed to determine sorting signals, while a next item is being examined and data signals for it are being accumulated. For blemish detection, the batch processing includes determination of differences between signals representing adjacent surface portions, and generation of blemish sorting signals as a function of such determined differences.