Abstract: Spectral identification and optical sorting systems and methods are disclosed. The system can include a conveying roller having a conveying surface on its outer lateral periphery along which a flow of objects can be transported; an illumination unit to illuminate the objects on the conveying surface; a spectral detector to detect object light from the objects and output spectral data; and a processor to derive, from the measured spectral data, material-specific information associated with the objects. A sorting unit can be provided to sort the objects based on the material-specific information. An infrared emitter-detector assembly for measuring a mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) response of an object is also disclosed and includes an illumination unit having a blackbody-like source operated at a temperature of about at least 2000 kelvins; and a MWIR detector having a detection waveband including wavelengths between about 2.5 and 8 micrometers to detect object light from the object.

Abstract: Spectral identification and optical sorting systems and methods are disclosed. The system can include a conveying roller having a conveying surface on its outer lateral periphery along which a flow of objects can be transported; an illumination unit to illuminate the objects on the conveying surface; a spectral detector to detect object light from the objects and output spectral data; and a processor to derive, from the measured spectral data, material-specific information associated with the objects. A sorting unit can be provided to sort the objects based on the material-specific information. An infrared emitter-detector assembly for measuring a mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) response of an object is also disclosed and includes an illumination unit having a blackbody-like source operated at a temperature of about at least 2000 kelvins; and a MWIR detector having a detection waveband including wavelengths between about 2.5 and 8 micrometers to detect object light from the object.

Abstract: An automatic sorting system identifying and sorting non-homogenous material includes a conveyor belt and an identification unit above the conveying surface for identifying material. The identification unit includes a projector projecting light downwardly onto material to be identified, which reflects light towards the identification unit. The identification unit includes a lens receiving the reflected light from the material, and a first processing unit linked to the lens for spectral analysis of reflected light captured by the lens to determine the nature of the material, and a second processing unit linked to the first processing unit for comparing spectral analysis results with data associated with different materials stored in a second processing unit database. A sorting unit links to the second processing unit and cooperates with the second end of the conveyor to sort material released from the second end depending on signals from the second processing unit.

Abstract: An automatic sorting system identifying and sorting non-homogenous material includes a conveyor belt and an identification unit above the conveying surface for identifying material. The identification unit includes a projector projecting light downwardly onto material to be identified, which reflects light towards the identification unit. The identification unit includes a lens receiving the reflected light from the material, and a first processing unit linked to the lens for spectral analysis of reflected light captured by the lens to determine the nature of the material, and a second processing unit linked to the first processing unit for comparing spectral analysis results with data associated with different materials stored in a second processing unit database. A sorting unit links to the second processing unit and cooperates with the second end of the conveyor to sort material released from the second end depending on signals from the second processing unit.

Abstract: An automatic sorting system is for identifying and sorting non-homogenous material. The system includes a conveyor belt and an identification unit cooperable with the conveyor belt and placed above the conveying surface thereof for identifying material traveling therealong. The identification unit includes at least one projector for projecting a beam of light downwardly towards the conveying surface, at a given height above the conveying surface, and onto a given material to be identified, so that a portion of projected light may be reflected back from the given material and upwardly towards the identification unit. The identification unit also includes at least one lens positioned about the identification unit for receiving the portion of reflected light from the given material to be identified.

Abstract: An automatic sorting system is for identifying and sorting non-homogenous material. The system includes a conveyor belt and an identification unit cooperable with the conveyor belt and placed above the conveying surface thereof for identifying material traveling therealong. The identification unit includes at least one projector for projecting a beam of light downwardly towards the conveying surface, at a given height above the conveying surface, and onto a given material to be identified, so that a portion of projected light may be reflected back from the given material and upwardly towards the identification unit. The identification unit also includes at least one lens positioned about the identification unit for receiving the portion of reflected light from the given material to be identified.