Abstract: A flow channel device includes an inflow unit into which a transfer fluid that transfers particles is caused to flow, a first outflow unit including an inflow port into which a part of the transfer fluid caused to flow from the inflow unit is caused to flow, a holding unit that is connected to the inflow port and holds particles, and a particle outflow port from which the particles held in the holding unit are caused to flow out to a predetermined flow channel area by the transfer fluid caused to flow from the inflow port, and a second outflow unit including a peripheral outflow channel through which another part of the transfer fluid caused to flow from the inflow unit is caused to flow out to a peripheral flow channel area that surrounds the predetermined flow channel area, the peripheral outflow channel surrounding at least the particle outflow port.

Abstract: A microchip includes a channel permitting a sheath liquid to flow therethrough; and a microtube for introducing a sample liquid into a laminar flow of the sheath liquid flowing through the channel; wherein liquid feeding is performed in the condition where a laminar flow of the sample liquid introduced through the microtube is surrounded by the laminar flow of the sheath liquid.

Abstract: A method and a device for the optical testing of objects during the production and/or packaging of cigarettes, in particular of cigarette packs and/or blanks for cigarette packs and/or overprints and/or print substrates on or for cigarette packs, with the aid of a suitable testing device. For at least one feature characterizing the test object, in particular in a visual respect, a set of feature-value alternatives for the corresponding feature that are stored in a memory is displayed on a display means. By means of an input device, one of the displayed feature values of the set of feature-value alternatives is selected. The testing device is automatically set up or preset for the subsequent testing operations, in particular an evaluating device and/or an illuminating device and/or a suitable light detector of the testing device, the selection of the feature value influencing the setting up of the testing device.

Abstract: Articles and methods for controlling flow in fluidic Systems, especially in microfluidic Systems, are provided. A microfluidic System includes a configuration such that the actuation of a single valve can allow the switching of fluids from a first fluid path (e.g., a first channel section) to a second fluid path (e.g., a second channel section). This may be achieved by incorporating a valve (38) with a first channel section (24), which may have a lower hydrodynamic resistance than a second channel section (28) prior to actuation of the valve. Actuation of the valve (38) can cause only the hydrodynamic resistance of the first channel section (24) to increase, thereby redirecting fluid flow into the second channel section (28) (which now has a relatively lower hydrodynamic resistance). The valve comprises a control channel (40) for introducing a positive or reduced pressure, and is adapted to modulate fluid flow in an adjacent channel section by constricting or expanding the channel section (24).

Abstract: To obtain a resin type identification method and a resin type identification apparatus with which an optimum infrared reflection spectrum for identifying a resin piece can be selected and accurate identification processing can be performed successively on individual resin pieces even when the resin pieces are identified using a single optical detector, at least one identifying signal power is selected by executing signal processing on the basis of signal powers corresponding to infrared reflection intensities obtained by emitting infrared light onto the resin piece, and the resin type of the resin piece is identified on the basis of an infrared reflection spectrum corresponding to the selected identifying signal power.

Abstract: A method of measuring contamination in fluid that is expelled from a food processing system is presented. The method of measuring is carried out with fluorescence. The fluid is typically allowed to enter into an energy transfer system, but if the contamination exceeds a certain level, the fluid should be prevented from entering the energy transfer system. The fluid is generally comprised of water expelled from a sugar processing operation.

Abstract: Microspheres are sorted by resonant light pressure effects. An evanescent optical field is generated when light is confined within the interior of an optical element such as a surface waveguide, a tapered microfiber, or a prism. Microspheres brought within vicinity of the surface are subjected to forces that result from a coupling of the evanescent field to whispering gallery modes (WGM) in the microspheres. Alternatively, a focused laser beam is directed close to the edge of the microspheres to exert resonant optical forces on microspheres. Optical forces are resonantly enhanced when light frequencies match WGM frequencies in the microspheres. Those microspheres for which resonance is obtained are more affected by the evanescent field than microspheres for which resonance does not occur. Greater forces are applied to resonating microspheres, which are separated from a heterogeneous mixture according to size.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods to improve detection of PET polymer materials within a waste material to be sorted. The methods disclosed allow for municipal solid waste to be separated so that PET polymer materials, including those containing liquids, are separated for recycling, or other purposes. PET polymer materials, such as water bottles which have been disposed of while still containing liquid may now be separated by the enhanced methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods to improve detection of PET polymer materials within a waste material to be sorted. The methods disclosed allow for municipal solid waste to be separated so that PET polymer materials, including those containing liquids, are separated for recycling, or other purposes. PET polymer materials, such as water bottles which have been disposed of while still containing liquid may now be separated by the enhanced methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: A micro-particle sorting apparatus is provided including a microchip in which a flow path through which liquid containing a micro particle flows and an orifice; an oscillating element configured to transform the liquid into a liquid drop; a charge means for adding an electric charge to the discharged liquid drop; an optical detection means; paired electrodes sandwiching the moving liquid drop; and at least a container that collects the liquid drop, and wherein the flow path is configured to gradually decrease, from upstream of the orifice, in cross-section area perpendicular to the liquid-delivering direction between the location at which the optical property is detected and the location of the orifice.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-optical device for measurements of flow for the characterization of microparticles, comprising a measurement chamber (CUM) in which there circulates the flow of the fluid to be characterized, at least two luminous sources (S1,S2) of disjoint spectra, a device for measuring resistivity (RES), and at least three other detectors (D1,D2,D3) each allowing the measurement of an optical parameter, the optical parameters being chosen from among fluorescence (FL), extinction (EXT), wide angle diffraction (SSC) and small angle diffraction (FSC).

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of a fluid-borne particle (10) in an optically defined particle sensing zone, the apparatus comprising: i) a scattering chamber (40); ii) a means for providing a sample of fluid (34), containing the fluid-borne particle, in the form of a flow through the optically defined particle sensing zone; iii) A means for generating a beam of radiation (12) through the optically defined particle sensing zone; iv) a single reflector or refractor (14) means having a primary focus (16) within the optically defined particle sensing zone and a secondary focus (20) located outside the beam of radiation; v) a detector means comprising a first photosensitive detection area (26) a second photosensitive detection area (29); vi) a means for deriving area from the radiation detected by the first photosensitive detection area and second photosensitive detection area of the detection means wherein the single reflector or refractor means is adapted to direct radiation scattered from the fluid borne parti

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.

Abstract: A method to recover cesium, rubidium, or both from secondary ore is described and involves using scans and sorting techniques. Refined secondary ore is further described.

Abstract: A currency bill processing system includes a transport mechanism that is configured to transport bills from an input receptacle along a transport path that extends generally horizontally past at least one detector. The transport path transitions generally-vertically upward between a first and a second output receptacle. The transport mechanism is configured to deliver some of the bills toward a first end of the system into the first output receptacle and some of the bills toward a second end of the system into the second output receptacle. The system provides access openings in a front side of the system that are proximate the first and the second output receptacles thereby permitting operator access into the first and the second output receptacles from the front side.

Abstract: A process for separating synthetic turf product comprising includes the consecutive steps of: (a) downsizing the synthetic turf product into a downsized turf material; (b) separating the downsized turf material by sieving into at least a first fraction substantially comprising a mixture of backing material and additional components and a second fraction substantially comprising grass fiber components; (c) separating the first fraction by specific gravity to provide a low density fraction and a high density fraction; (d) separating the second fraction by specific gravity and size by providing an airflow directed upwards in a separator configured to cause a swirling motion whereby a lighter fraction is entrained upwards in the air flow and a heavy fraction is allowed to fall downwards; and (e) collecting the low density fraction and the light fraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material, preferably a plastic material, comprising foreign substances, characterised in that the material further comprises fluorescent compounds, and a process for sorting a mixture of materials.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for separating healthy plants from agricultural material, such as harvested plants. The apparatus includes a conveyor to present the agricultural material to a mesh, which may be, for example bristles. A rotating drum with a plurality of protruding tines moves through the mesh and pulls individual plants from the agricultural material. A machine vision system may then sort the healthy, individual plants. The method includes presenting the agricultural material to the mesh, and then pulling individual plants through the mesh.

Abstract: The invention relates to a waste treatment method in which waste is subjected to a first screening process (4). The fraction of waste passing through the screening is subjected to a pre-fermentation treatment in a rotating tube (1) and the material leaving the pre-fermentation treatment tube is subjected to mixing in a mixing hopper, and, subsequently, to a methanisation treatment in a digester (2). The organic materials are separated from the undesirable products in the material leaving the pre-fermentation treatment tube before it enters the digester. The digester (2) is horizontal and mechanically stirred, and a fraction of the digestate leaving the digester is recirculated at least in the mixing hopper, the recirculation rate being sufficiently high to ensure complete mixing.

Abstract: A cobalt coincidence radioactivity detector is used to separate radioactive concrete dust from uncontaminated dust resulting from dismantling a nuclear power plant. A suction air stream carries the dust through a vacuum line to a cyclone segregator. The dust falls into a smaller first container from the segregator, and the detector detects radioactivity in the filled first container. The dust is transferred from the first container to a second container if the detected radioactivity exceeds a predetermined threshold. The dust is transferred from the first container to a third container if the detected radioactivity does not exceed the predetermined threshold. A filter collects the dust carried past the segregator by the suction air stream. If the radioactivity detected in the dust that collects on the filter exceeds the predetermined threshold, the dust in the first container is transferred to the second container before the first container is allowed to fill.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing mined material that includes an applicator assembly (2) is disclosed. The applicator assembly includes a plurality of applicators (12) for exposing a moving bed of fragments of mined material to electromagnetic radiation as the bed of fragments moves through the applicator assembly. The applicators are arranged so that, in use, there is a high level of assurance that all of the fragments in the moving bed will receive at least a minimum exposure to electromagnetic radiation by the time the fragments reach an outlet end (8) of the applicator assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a guide for installing a photoconductive film on to a photo imaging plate includes a movable channel located near the photo imaging plate, for example in a digital printing press. The channel has a bed and a pair of sidewalls extending parallel to one another along opposite sides of the bed such that the lateral movement and skew of a photoconductive film lying on the bed is constrained by the sidewalls. The channel movable between a first position in which an open end of the channel is away from the photo imaging plate and a second position in which the open end of the channel is immediately adjacent to and aligned with the photo imaging plate for installing a photoconductive film on to the photo imaging plate.

Abstract: A wafer separation apparatus improves wafer separation performance in separation and transfer and suppresses the occurrence of wafer breakage in separation and transfer, while remaining inexpensive and small. The apparatus includes: a cassette that vertically accommodates a large number of single wafers in intimate contact with each other, the cassette being at least vertically opened; a cassette support that removably supports the cassette, the cassette support being at least vertically opened; a hoisting unit that hoists and lowers the cassette support integrally with the cassette; a liquid bath that accommodates a liquid into which the cassette support is immersed integrally with the cassette when the hoisting unit descends; a nozzle in the inside of the liquid bath to issue micro bubbles from the underside of the cassette support toward a large number of the wafers; and a micro bubble generator that generates micro bubbles to be issued from the nozzle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a fluorescence and afterglow detection device to detect fluorescence and afterglow on a sheet printed with fluorescent ink and phosphorescent ink while the sheet is being conveyed.

Abstract: A process of sorting metallic single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) from semiconducting types by disposing the SWNTs in a dilute fluid, exposing the SWNTs to a dipole-inducing magnetic field which induces magnetic dipoles in the SWNTs so that a strength of a dipole depends on a conductivity of the SWNT containing the dipole, orienting the metallic SWNTs, and exposing the SWNTs to a magnetic field with a spatial gradient so that the oriented metallic SWNTs drift in the magnetic field gradient and thereby becomes spatially separated from the semiconducting SWNTs. An apparatus for the process of sorting SWNTs is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing mined material, such as mined ore, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an applicator (2) for exposing a downwardly moving bed of fragments of a material to electromagnetic radiation. The applicator includes a tube (4) for containing the moving bed of fragments that has an upper inlet and a lower outlet and a transverse cross-sectional area that increases between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A method for sorting mined material in a sorting apparatus is disclosed. The method includes supplying particles of a mined material onto a conveyor belt (5), transporting the particles on the conveyor belt past a detection assembly (9, 13) and assessing the particles, and separating the particles based on the assessment into an accepts stream and a rejects stream at a discharge end of the belt using a separator assembly (29). The method also includes controlling the arrangement of particles so that there is an ordered arrangement of particles on the belt to optimise the throughput of particles through the sorting apparatus.

Abstract: Method and system for processing of meat trim products, where trim products are supplied as a sequence of collections of trim (COTs), each collection of trim (COT) comprising a plurality of trim products, whereby a fat/meat relationship for a collection of trim (COT) is measured, a collection of trim (COT) is transferred to a selected station by a separator, controlled by a controller, and whereby a batch is completed at a selected station on the basis of data for said fat/meat relationship, said batch comprising one or more collections of trim (COTs) and fulfilling a predetermined criterion regarding a total fat/meat relationship.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the processing of metal scrap, in particular steel scrap, wherein the metal scrap material is treated with at least one fluid with a view to removing surface coatings before a spectroscopic analysis of the metal scrap composition is performed. On the basis of this composition the metal scrap can then be sorted and further processed in a purposeful manner. Moreover, the fluid used for the removal of the surface coatings can be suitably treated to recover the metal constituents contained therein. On the one hand, a resource-conserving and economic recovery of metals, in particular zinc, contained in surface coatings is achieved by means of the inventive method and, what is more, the method also enables a purposeful sorting of metal scrap material to be performed for a variety of uses in the iron and steel producing industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating materials containing a mixture of plastic materials and metal materials, said method including: —crushing the material to be treated; pyrolysis of the crushed material; a first magnetic separation performed on the pyrolysed material providing, on the one hand, a ferrous metal fraction and, on the other hand, non-ferrous residue; —a second magnetic separation performed on the non-ferrous residue providing, on the one hand, a non-ferrous metal fraction and, on the other hand, non-magnetic residue. The invention also relates to a facility for implementing said method.

Abstract: The invention resides in a de-aeration device including at least one de-aeration chamber for locating a slurry; at least one slurry inlet connected to the de-aeration chamber to allow the slurry to pass into the de-aeration chamber; at least one slurry outlet to allow slurry to pass out of the de-aeration chamber; and at least one de-aeration face for collecting and transporting air from the slurry.

Abstract: The method and systems efficiently extract recyclable materials from a mixed solid waste stream. The methods and systems use sizing, density and dimensional separation to produce intermediate waste streams that are enriched in particular recyclable materials. The recyclable materials can then be efficiently sorted from the individual intermediate streams using mechanized sorting equipment.

Abstract: A process for fractionating a nanoparticle composition, the process includes combining a first polymer, a second polymer, and a solvent to form a fluid and contacting the nanoparticle composition with the fluid. The nanoparticle composition includes a plurality of first nanoparticles, a plurality of second nanoparticles, and a dispersant disposed on an exterior surface of the first nanoparticles and the second nanoparticles. Fractionating the nanoparticle composition also includes forming a multiphase composition that includes a first phase and a second phase by partitioning the first polymer and the second polymer such that a concentration of the first polymer is greater than a concentration of the second polymer in the first phase, and the concentration of the second polymer is greater than the first polymer in the second phase, wherein the solvent is present in the first phase and the second phase.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed generally a biomass conditioning system and methods for conditioning biomass to remove undesirable material for further processing and applications. In some embodiments, the disclosure includes a biomass conditioning system including a conditioning tank, a water input device, a biomass input device, a containment device, a spillway, and a moving separation device. In some embodiments, methods according to the disclosure include pumping water into a conditioning tank, depositing biomass into the conditioning tank, allowing the biomass to soak in the water and separate into a bark portion and a non-bark portion, allowing the bark portion to float to a water line, containing the bark portion to one side of the conditioning tank, moving the bark portion into a bark storage area, separating the non-bark portion into a biomass portion and a debris portion, and moving the conditioned biomass portion into a storage area.

Abstract: A system for testing semiconductor modules may include a first testing unit, a second testing unit, a classifying unit and a transferring unit. The first testing unit may test functions of the semiconductor modules mounted on a main board. The second testing unit may test the semiconductor modules tested by the first testing unit using a terminal. The classifying unit may classify the semiconductor modules tested by the second testing unit into normal semiconductor modules and abnormal semiconductor modules, or pass/fail. The transferring unit may be connected in-line between the first testing unit and the second testing unit, and between the second testing unit and the classifying unit to transfer the semiconductor modules from the first testing unit to the second testing unit and the classifying unit. Thus, the semiconductor modules may be automatically transferred to the units, so that a test time may be reduced.

Abstract: A deposit module is described. The deposit module comprises: a port for receiving a bunch of media items; a bunch characterization device operable to characterize the bunch prior to individual media items being removed from the bunch of media items; and a media separator for removing individual media items from the bunch and for transporting the removed individual media items to a media item validator subsequent to characterization of the bunch of media items.

Abstract: A method for sorting hard metal including the steps of subjecting one or more bodies of hard metal to a heat treatment at a temperature of 500° C. or higher in an atmosphere including at least one reactive gas component prone to form a reaction product with an element that may or may not be present in the one or more bodies. A sorting operation of the one or more bodies is performed based on a presence or absence of the reaction product in a surface portion of the heat treated one or more bodies.

Abstract: A system for recycling asphalt millings and methods thereof are provided. In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus for recycling asphalt millings may comprise a blender comprising a basin having an interior volume, an agitator disposed within the interior volume, the agitator adapted to agitate asphalt millings, a blender grate disposed on the bottom of the basin, the blender grate comprising apertures adapted to allow bitumen to pass through the blender grate, a heating conveyor comprising a heating apparatus for heating the asphalt millings, a cooling conveyor comprising an input for receiving asphalt millings and an opening adapted to receive a cold material applicator, a cold material applicator disposed in the opening, the cold material applicator adapted to apply cold material to asphalt millings.

Abstract: A method for separation of isotopes includes vaporizing a sample having two or more isotopes of the same element. A stream of atoms is generated from the vaporized sample. One or more light waves are applied to the stream. The one or more light waves are tuned to prepare one or more specific isotopes in the flowing stream into a set of one or more magnetic states. A magnetic field is applied to the stream, deflecting atoms in the stream based on their magnetic states. Isotopes are collected based on their deflections (or lack of deflection).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the use of differences in x-ray linear absorption coefficients to process ore and remove elements with higher atomic number from elements with lower atomic numbers. Use of this dry method at the mine reduces pollution and transportation costs. One example of said invention is the ejection of inclusions with sulfur, silicates, mercury, arsenic and radioactive elements from coal. This reduces the amount and toxicity of coal ash. It also reduces air emissions and the energy required to clean stack gases from coal combustion. Removal of said ejected elements improves thermal efficiency and reduces the pollution and carbon footprint for electrical production.

Abstract: A droplet interference system for sorting cells and a method for the same. The droplet interference system including a droplet generating system for producing a droplet which hits a fluid stream causing a selected segment of the fluid stream, and the cells contained therein, to be separated from the fluid stream.

Abstract: A system and process for separating plastic material from aggregate material. The system and process may utilize airflow through a venturi to dry the plastic and aggregate materials. The plastic particles may then be electrically charged and collected by a grounded drum. In some instances, the separated plastic may then be further processed, for example to produce energy sources.

Abstract: A method of beneficiation of phosphate from a phosphate ore comprising: providing an aqueous slurry of phosphate ore in particulate form for conditioning comprising at least 60% by weight solids; conditioning the aqueous slurry by contacting the aqueous slurry with at least one conditioning agent selected from fatty acids and salts thereof and at least one hydrocarbon; diluting the conditioned slurry to provide a solids content of no more than 35% by weight; subjecting the diluted slurry to froth flotation comprising combining a pressurized stream of diluted slurry with air in a downcomer to form a foam comprising a dispersed air phase and introducing a downward stream of the foam into a floatation chamber comprising liquid below a surface of the liquid to form a floated froth; and collecting the floated froth to provide a solid enriched in phosphate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating metal values, such as nickel and nickel compounds, from mineral ores, including lateritic ores are disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of particles (e.g., crushed and sized ore) that is composed of at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles. Group members have similar chemical composition, while particles belonging to different groups have dissimilar chemical compositions. The mixture of particles is concurrently, or generally concurrently, heated (using microwave/millimeter wave energy) and exposed to a reactant. The wave energy and the reactant act to increase the difference in either the magnetic susceptibility or other separation properties between the first and second group of particles. The mixture of particles is then passed through an appropriate separator to separate the particles of interest. Optional steps are disclosed for purifying selected particles.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to the separation of carbon nanotubes by reversible gelation.

Abstract: A process and system for the separation of materials from electrochemical cells is disclosed. Electrode materials are removed from electrochemical cells and separated into constituent active materials using magnetic separation.

Abstract: An adjustable magnetic separator and method is provided herein to process aggregate material including magnetic material into a magnetic portion having a predetermined magnetic susceptibility, and a non-magnetic portion. The method and system include configuring an adjustable magnet to provide an effective magnetic field at a separating surface of the magnetic separator corresponding to the predetermined magnetic susceptibility of the magnetic portion to be separated. The strength or intensity of the effective magnetic field may be varied by mechanically adjusting the position of the magnet array included in the adjustable magnet relative to a separating surface defined by the magnetic separator.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a novel method of sorting seed by providing a first seed population with a fluorescent indicator and a second seed population visually identical to the first seed population under standard operating conditions. The seed populations are combined to provide a combined seed population. A lamp having an output corresponding to the activation wavelength of the fluorescent indicator and a color sorting system are paired to count or separate the seed populations, as desired.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods for recovering silicon from saw kerf, or an exhausted abrasive slurry, resulting from the cutting of a silicon ingot, such as a single crystal or polycrystalline silicon ingot. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods for isolating and purifying silicon from saw kerf or the exhausted slurry, such that the resulting silicon may be used as a raw material, such as a solar grade silicon raw material.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for optical sorting and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an apparatus and method for sorting individual objects such as, for example, beans, grains, fruit and the like such that contaminated objects can be separated from non-contaminated objects. The objects are pre-stimulated with a source emitting UV light and are sorted based on the signal emitted by the objects, in particular for sorting Fungus-contaminated objects.