Abstract: A sorting apparatus, system, and related methods are described and which include a selectively heated avalanche photodiode (APD) which is maintained at a stable and substantially constant predetermined temperature and which further demonstrates a higher gain and signal-to-noise ratio with greater stability at the predetermined temperature for enhancing sorting efficiency.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation detector assembly is described and which includes an optical scattering mirror which optically interacts with a source of bulk and/or surface scattered electromagnetic radiation coming from the direction of an object of interest so as to function, at least in part, as a bulk scattered and/or surface scattered spatial input filter; and electromagnetic radiation detectors are provided and which are oriented in fixed locations relative to the optical scattering mirror so as to detect, with an improved signal-to-noise ratio, the bulk and/or surface scattered electromagnetic radiation; or another source of electromagnetic radiation coming from the direction of the object of interest, and then generate a resulting image signal having improved contrast.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting is described, and which includes an arrangement for controllably and operably coupling to a controller, and then selectively energizing each of a background element; laser scanner; first and second electromagnetic radiation detectors; line scan imaging assembly; and selectively energizable radiators, so as to improve the detection of individual products and/or other objects of interest forming a product stream by increasing the contrast of the respective products or specific characteristics thereof, and/or objects of interest in a multiplicity of electrical signals which are received, and then processed by the controller, as the product stream passes through an inspection station.

Abstract: An 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 sorting apparatus is described and which includes a selectively heated avalanche photodiode (APD) which is maintained at a predetermined temperature and which further demonstrates a higher gain and signal-to-noise ratio with greater stability at a predetermined temperature for enhancing sorting efficiency.

Abstract: An 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 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 is described, and which includes an arrangement for controllably and operably coupling to a controller, and then selectively energizing each of a background element; laser scanner; first and second electromagnetic radiation detectors; line scan imaging assembly; and selectively energizable radiators, so as to improve the detection of individual products and/or other objects of interest forming a product stream by increasing the contrast of the respective products or specific characteristics thereof, and/or objects of interest in a multiplicity of electrical signals which are received, and then processed by the controller, as the product stream passes through an inspection station.

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 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 sorting apparatus is described and which includes a selectively heated avalanche photodiode (APD) which is maintained at a predetermined temperature and which further demonstrates a higher gain and signal-to-noise ratio with greater stability at a predetermined temperature for enhancing sorting efficiency.

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: 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 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: 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: 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.