Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media that support detection and mitigation of defects occurring in outputs of a process. A modelling engine creates and trains models to identify defects occurring in outputs of a process or system. A set of causation rules may be created and trained to identify causes of different defects identifiable via the models and a set of control rules may be created and trained to generate control data that may mitigate the causes of identified defects. A process monitoring device incorporating the trained models and rules may then be used to monitor the process and detect defects using the models. Once a defect is detected, the rules may be applied to determine the cause of the defect and then control data may be generated to modify the process such that further occurrences of the defect are reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: Filling unit (1) for a packaging machine (100) for filling bulk materials (50) into packages (60), and packaging machine with a filling unit (1), comprising a conveyor device (2), by means of which bulk materials (50) can be conveyed into a package (60), and a control device (3), which is suitable and configured to guide a filling stream (4) into a package (60). A fill level sensor device (5) including a sensor device (6) is provided, which is suitable and configured to detect a first fill level (7) and a second fill level (8) of bulk materials (50) in a package (60), wherein the first fill level (7) corresponds to a lower fill level than the second fill level (8). The control device (3) regulates the filling stream (4) by way of the fill levels determined by the sensor device (6). With the method according to the invention, the package is filled until the second fill level is detected. Then the filling stream is reduced until the first fill level is detected. Thereupon the filling stream is increased.

Abstract: A system and method for autonomously defining regions of interest for a container are provided. The system comprises a platform for supporting the container, a detector for capturing feature data of the container while on the platform, and a computer system. The computer system is in communication with the detector and platform. The computer system is programmed to locate features of the container from the captured feature data, and define the regions of interest for the container based on the located features.

Abstract: A feeding system (2) for feeding disc-shaped objects such as sample cups (4) to an analyzer. The system (2) includes as infeed trade (22) angled downward from horizontal and the outfeed track (24) angled downward, plus a reject chute. The disc feeding system (2) uses two RFID readers/writers, one (32) a standalone desktop and a second (190) proximate the sample bay of the analyzer for more comprehensive track-and-trace capability. The information read from the cup (4) tag as it is scanned is also stored with the resultant spectra so that predictive processing is applied properly and without error. For post scan (after the sample scan is completed) the scan information itself may be written directly to the sample cup RFID tag including, reflection/transmission, characteristics, constituent results etc.

Abstract: A conveyed article sorting device is provided, which has: a conveyor which conveys articles; a track configured such that the articles conveyed by the conveyor can be transferred onto the track from the conveyor; and a rotary gate which can come into contact with the articles on the conveyor; wherein, when an article to be sampled is conveyed by the conveyor, the rotary gate moves the article to be sampled from the conveyor onto the track.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for easily determining the composition of plastic waste that has been pressed into bales. Here, the proportion of plastic on at least one surface of a bale is determined with the aid of an NIR spectrum and, optionally, an image from a visual system. In a preferred embodiment, the proportion of plastic of a bale is determined on a plurality of sides of a bale. This increases the accuracy of the method. By way of the method according to the invention and the apparatus according to the invention, it is consequently possible to undertake a quality control of plastic waste that has been pressed into bales, which quality control is fast, reproducible and documentable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for optically inspecting containers (2) manufactured by a forming machine at the outlet of which the containers travel by means of a conveyor (5) past at least one inspection device (I) including at least one camera (10) mounted inside a support chamber (11). The installation includes a system for fastening the support chamber (11) on the conveyor (5) in such a manner that the support chamber (11) is positioned on one side of the conveyor and presents, below the conveyor, a low section (11b) in which the camera (10) is mounted, the support chamber (11) also presenting, above the conveyor, a high section (11h) provided with an observation port (15) and in which an optical deflector system (16) is mounted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated detection and classification of objects in a fluid of a receptacle such as, for example, a soft-sided receptacle such as a flexible container. The automated detection may include initiating movement of the receptacle to move objects in the fluid contained by the receptacle. Sequential frames of image data may be recorded and processed to identify moving objects in the image data. In turn, at least one motion parameter of the objects may be determined and utilized to classify the object into at least one of a predetermined plurality of object classes. For example, the object classes may at least include a predetermined class corresponding to bubbles and a predetermined class corresponding to particles.

Abstract: A method for determining the fill level of a fill substance located in a container. The method, which is based on the pulse travel time principle, is distinguished by the fact that extra-range echos can be recognized. For this, the method includes two method portions, in which microwave pulses are transmitted in the direction of the surface of the fill substance with different repetition rates in measuring cycles following one after the other. In each method portion, travel times are ascertained. The fill level is ascertained based on the first travel time and/or based on the second travel time, to the extent that they approximately agree. Otherwise, it is assumed that such echo pulses concern extra-range echos. Thus, by means of the method of the invention, it can be assured for pulse radar-based fill-level measurements that extra-range echos do not result in erroneous fill level values.

Abstract: A can inspection device includes a rotation device rotating cans, an imaging device taking images of rotating cans, and an image processor processing taken images. The imaging device includes a first camera taking an image of an entire can and a second camera taking an image of an opening-side end portion of the can. The image processor includes an image inspection means for inspecting whether printing is performed properly as compared with a master image by using the image taken by the first camera, a density measurement means for measuring densities in designated positions for respective colors by using the image taken by the first camera, and a printing misalignment value measurement means for measuring misalignment values with respect to set positions of printing misalignment inspection marks printed on the opening-side end portion of the can for respective colors by using the image taken by the second camera.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a tower light assembly having an output indicator responsive to an onboard sensor in accordance with a predetermined environmental parameter threshold. In an illustrative example, an augmented sensing tower light assembly (ASTLA) may include a light tower assembly having a controller configured to receive status data from monitored equipment. The controller may further receive environmental data from the onboard sensor. In response to the received status data and the received environmental data, the controller may actuate the output indicator in accordance with one or more predetermined criteria. Advantageously, the ASTLA may provide supplemental low-cost sensing capability.

Abstract: A method of determining the composition of a polymeric body includes applying electromagnetic radiation to the polymeric body, modulating the electromagnetic radiation using a tagant disposed within a polymer composition forming the polymeric body, and receiving the modulated electromagnetic radiation from the tagant at an infrared detector. The electromagnetic radiation received from the tagant has a signature corresponding to the polymer composition forming the polymeric body. A method of making a polymeric body and system for determining composition of a polymeric body are also described.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus with circuits that are configured to detect fallen containers upstream or proximate an intake zone suitable for automated evaluation apparatus using different sensors, including at least one lower sensor and at least one upper sensor which is positioned to project an optical signal at a height corresponding to a top portion of an upright container to thereby allow an increased reliability in detection of different orientations and positions of fallen containers. An optional second lower sensor may be used which is longitudinally spaced apart from the first lower sensor and the lower sensors can transmit optical signals across the container travel path that do not intersect.

Abstract: A method of determining the position and the orientation of at least one interface comprises illuminating the interface that is determined with at least one non-polarized diffuse light source point, using an image-forming device to acquire an image enabling polarization information determined about the reflection(s) of the source point on the interface to be determined, and in the image, locating any reflection of the light source point as reflected by the interface. For each located reflection, the light ray reaching the image-forming device together with at least its degree of polarization as its polarization parameter is calculated. The light ray as reflected on the interface that to be determined is calculated. Using the light ray reflected on the interface, its polarization parameter, and the known position of the source point, the position and the orientation of the surface element is deduced.

Abstract: A filtering and ventilating mechanism is driven by motors. The filtering mechanism rotates and presses downwards so its pressing surface is against a sample container. A ventilation needle is inserted into the sample container for ventilation. A mixing mechanism is arranged below the filtering mechanism and is driven by a mixing motor. The sample container is accommodated in a seat and is driven by the mixing motor. A test tube carrying mechanism is arranged below the mixing mechanism, and has an accommodating hole for a test tube. A jacking mechanism is arranged below the mixing mechanism, and is driven by a jacking motor. When the jacking mechanism moves upwards, a jacking platform is pressed against the bottom of the test tube, so that the test tube is butted against the bottom of the sample container, and a sample preparation in the sample container is dripped into the test tube.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer program products, apparatus and circuits are configured to detect fallen containers upstream or proximate an intake zone suitable for automated evaluation apparatus using different sensors, including at least one lower sensor and at least one upper sensor which is positioned to project an optical signal at a height corresponding to a top portion of an upright container to thereby allow an increased reliability in detection of different orientations and positions of fallen containers. An optional second lower sensor may be used which is longitudinally spaced apart from the first lower sensor and the lower sensors can transmit optical signals across the container travel path that do not intersect.

Abstract: A digital microscope has a stationary stand body (12) and a pivot unit (14) pivotably mounted on the stand body (12). The pivot unit (14) includes an image sensing unit for acquiring images of objects. The microscope has a brake unit (22) for braking and/or immobilizing the pivot unit (14), and an actuation element (44) for releasing the brake unit (22). The pivot unit (14) includes a first connecting element (60) and the stand body (12) has a second connecting element (62). The first and second connecting elements (60, 62) are coupled to one another when the pivot unit (14) is in a predetermined zero position and the actuation element (44) is in an unactuated default position. The connecting elements (60, 62) are moreover coupled to one another when the pivot unit (14) is in the zero position and the actuation element (44) is actuated within a predetermined actuation range.

Abstract: A digital microscope includes a stationary stand body (12) and a pivot unit (14) mounted on a shaft (24) of the stand body (12), pivotably about a longitudinal axis (26) of the shaft (24). The pivot unit (14) has an image sensing unit for acquiring images of objects to be examined microscopically. Microscope (10) furthermore has a brake unit (22) for braking and/or immobilizing the pivot unit (14), the brake unit (22) including at least one brake element (32 to 38) biased by an elastic element (40) into a braked position. Microscope (10) includes an actuation element (44) for releasing the brake unit (22), the brake element (32 to 38) being movable by manual actuation of the actuation element (44), against return force of the elastic element (40), from the braked position into a released position, and the actuation element (44) being coupled to the brake element (32 to 38).

Abstract: A digital microscope includes a stationary stand body (12) and a pivot unit (14) that is mounted on a shaft (24) of the stand body (12), pivotably around the longitudinal axis (26) of the shaft (24). The pivot unit (14) includes an image sensing unit for acquiring images of objects to be examined microscopically. The microscope (10) further has a brake unit (22) for braking and/or immobilizing the pivot unit (14), and an actuation element (44) for releasing the brake unit (22). Also provided is an elastic element (82) that, upon pivoting of the pivot unit (14) out of a predetermined zero position, exerts a return moment (MR) on the pivot unit (14), the return moment (MR) being directed against a tangential moment (MT) brought about by the weight (G) of the pivot unit (14).

Abstract: An illumination device for a color sorter includes an LED substrate placed on a longitudinal chassis for heat radiation and a light source in which many LED elements are linearly aligned in the longitudinal direction on the LED substrate, and the light source is an integration of at least two light sources provided together, one of the light sources illuminating a side on which items-to-be-sorted flow down and the other one of the light sources illuminating a side of a background arranged to face a camera.

Abstract: An inspection device is provided that is capable of counting the number of contained objects of a product in which objects each having a predetermined shape are contained in a package in an overlapping manner. An inspection device 1 includes a total-number calculator 11b that estimates a total mass of a plurality of objects based on grayscale information on a transmission image and calculates the total number of objects by dividing the total mass estimated by a mass of one object.

Abstract: A system and a method for improving process yield and quality while reducing dependence on operator skill by automatically adjusting I.S. machine timing and motions. Container pixel data information indicative of certain measurements of hot glass containers manufactured by the I.S. machine obtained with a multipoint, multispectral glass container measurement system is mathematically transformed into a reduced dimensional measured signature. Event timing signals to operate the cavities of the section of the I.S. machine in response to the measured signature and a preferred target signature are produced to automatically adjust the event timing of operations in the cavities of the section of the I.S. machine to diminish variations in the measured signature.

Abstract: A method and system for optically inspecting parts are provided wherein the system includes a part transfer subsystem including a transfer mechanism adapted to receive and support a part at a loading station and to transfer the supported part by a split belt conveyor so that the part travels along a first path which extends from the loading station to an inspection station at which the part has a predetermined position and orientation for inspection. An illumination assembly simultaneously illuminates a plurality of exterior side surfaces of the part with a plurality of separate beams of radiation. A telecentric lens and detector assembly forms an optical image of at least a portion of each of the illuminated side surfaces of the part and detects the optical images. A processor processes the detected optical images to obtain a plurality of views of the part which are angularly spaced about the part.

Abstract: A facility for measuring the thickness of the wall of containers includes an optical system for collecting and focusing on the detection plane of a light sensor and light beams reflected by the outer and inner surfaces of the wall. An optical collecting and focusing system includes a first objective having is object plane located in the vicinity of the impact of the incident light beam with the wall, an at least translucent diffusing screen located in the image plane of the first objective, so as to physically represent the light beams collected by the first objective as hot spots (Ti), and a second objective including, the diffusing screen as an object plane and the light sensor as an image plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating surfaces of objects with rounded cross sections and at least one partially electrically conductive outer wall, comprising a plurality of treating stations; and a feed device including support devices for supporting objects to be treated, wherein the feed device is configured to transport the objects supported by a respective support device in a timed sequence from one treating station to another treating station, wherein one of the treating stations is a test station and includes a voltage source, an electrode coupled with the voltage source and a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to detect voltage changes between the electrode and a respective object disposed at the respective test station.

Abstract: A defect inspection apparatus includes: a seed light generator including a pulse signal generator that generates a pulse signal and a polarization modulator that outputs pulse light of any one of two polarization states orthogonal to each other in synchronization with the pulse signal output from the pulse signal generator; a wavelength converting unit including a branching mechanism that branches the pulse light output by the polarization modulator of the seed light generator using polarization and a converting unit that wavelength-converts the pulse light branched by the branching mechanism into beams of two different wavelengths, respectively; an illumination optical system that illuminates a surface of an inspected target material with the beams of the two different wavelengths converted by the wavelength converting unit; a detection optical system including a detecting unit that detects light generated by the beams of the two different wavelengths illuminated by the illumination optical system; and a sig

Abstract: The method and apparatus for inspecting parts generally includes three main components: an indexer assembly, a clamp assembly, and a camera system. The indexer assembly is configured to rotate parts individually into proximity to the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly is configured to clamp the part and move the part into proximity to the camera system. The clamp assembly may be comprised of a first portion and a second portion which are independently moveable with respect to one another. The camera system is configured to scan the part as the clamp assembly moves the part past and create an image thereof. The camera system is further configured to analyze the image to inspect the part.

Abstract: A method and system for inspecting a manufactured part at an inspection station are provided. A supported part is rotated about a measurement axis so that the part moves at predetermined angular increments during at least one rotational scan. A backside beam of collimated radiation is directed at and is occluded by the supported part at each of a first plurality of consecutive increments of movement to create a stream of unobstructed portions of the backside beam in rapid succession passing by and not blocked by the supported part. A frontside beam of radiation is directed at and is reflected by the supported part at each of a second plurality of consecutive increments of movement to create a stream of reflected portions of the frontside beam in rapid succession. The streams of reflected and unobstructed portions are detected at the inspection station to obtain electrical signals which are processed.

Abstract: A container inspection arrangement for inspecting glass and/or plastic containers, and a method of inspecting glass and/or plastic containers. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A container-handling apparatus includes a filling machine for filling containers, a filling-level-monitoring control unit downstream of the filling machine, a first container-detection element configured to scan and relay at least a partial contour of a relevant container as inspection data, and a control-and-regulating device configured to receive inspection data about containers. The first container-detection element is separated from and upstream of the filling-level-monitoring control unit. The filling-level-monitoring control unit inspects a container and passes inspection data about the container to the control-and-regulating device. The first container-detection element inspects the container independently of the filling-level-monitoring control unit and passes inspection data about the container to the control-and-regulating device.

Abstract: An object imaging assembly includes a source of individual objects which move along a predetermined course of travel; an image capture device having a line of sight which extends across the course of travel; and an electromagnetic radiation emitter which emits electromagnetic radiation in a beam which extends transversely across the predetermined course of travel and the line of sight.

Abstract: Means are provided for the support of the automated process of supplying beverages. More particularly, the detection of the presence and the contents of exchangeable supply packs in beverage dispensing machines is automated. A pack-in-place detection is provided by emitting light and measuring the presence of the emitted light on one light detector, the system determines the absence or the correct/incorrect placement of the supply pack. A product availability detection is provided by detecting the intensity of light coming through a transparent element in the supply pack by another light detector, the system identifies the degree of product presence in the supply pack.

Abstract: A device and a method for aligning containers including an evaluation unit, which is capable of determining the position and/or the rotary position of at least one feature of the surface of containers to be aligned, by calculating image data of said feature in at least two views that differ with respect to the imaged rotary position of the containers, and where picture distortions and contrast limitations caused by the perspective can be compensated. The reliability of rotary position recognition and correction can thus be improved when aligning the containers.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for inspecting a container having a base and a mouth. Light is directed through the container base into the container, and out of the container through the container mouth, using at least one light source disposed beneath the container base. A plurality of images of the container mouth is obtained from the light transmitted through the container mouth. Minimum bore diameters of the container mouth are calculated from the plurality of images, and an overall lowest minimum bore diameter (OLMBD) of the minimum bore diameters is identified. A value other than the OLMBD is determined to be an effective minimum bore diameter of the container mouth.

Abstract: Method and systems for sorting are described. In one embodiment, a container is released into a pocket section, with the pocket section being at a first alignment stage. The pocket section is rotated with the container away from the first alignment stage to a second alignment stage. Attributes of the container are acquired at the second alignment stage. An order to which the container belongs is identified with the acquired attributes. The pocket section with the container is rotated to a third alignment stage. The location of the third alignment stage is selected based on the identified order. The container is received to group with one or more containers in the identified order. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for detecting leaded pieces of glass in a single-layer material flow of objects composed predominantly of waste glass, with the objects being irradiated with substantially monochromatic UV light (3) and the fluorescent light resulting therefrom being detected. It is provided therein that the object is additionally irradiated with visible or infrared light (4); the transmission light of the visible or infrared light (4) is detected after the passage through the object; and an object is defined as containing lead if both the fluorescent light for at least one predetermined wavelength range corresponding to the fluorescence of leaded glasses is present in a predetermined intensity range and also transmission light in a predetermined intensity range with an intensity of larger zero.

Abstract: Method and systems for sorting are described. In one embodiment, a container is released into a pocket section, with the pocket section being at a first alignment stage. The pocket section is rotated with the container away from the first alignment stage to a second alignment stage. Attributes of the container are acquired at the second alignment stage. An order to which the container belongs is identified with the acquired attributes. The pocket section with the container is rotated to a third alignment stage. The location of the third alignment stage is selected based on the identified order. The container is received to group with one or more containers in the identified order. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for facilitating the single stream recycling of toxic substance-containing products. A toxin impermeable container designed to enclose the product containing toxic substances incorporates graphic markings or radiofrequency tags to facilitate automated or manual sorting from single stream recycling processes, identification of the toxic component, identification of the person or entity recycling the toxic to allow verification and documentation of compliance with government regulations or reimbursement of a recycling deposit that may be associated with the particular product.

Abstract: An improved system and method for automatically inspecting the quality of newly-manufactured containers is disclosed that detects containers that are out-of-round by more than a predetermined amount so that they may be rejected to ensure that containers that are passed are of acceptable quality. One or more ultrasonic sensors are located at fixed positions with reference to a container that is rotated. If any sensor detects that the distance between the sensor and the container falls outside of an acceptable range, the container is rejected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inspecting, with the aid of a machine (1), transparent or translucent hollow articles (Aj) streaming past a series of monitoring stations each comprising at least one sensor (Ci) delivering an output signal (Si(j)) for each article (Aj) traveling past a sensor.

Abstract: A device for recognizing characteristic features of an empty container having at least one flat support element on which the empty container can be placed with at least one lateral surface of said container on the contact surface of the support element, having a carrier to carry the empty container and having at least one optical sensor to optically scan the empty container, wherein the carrier is formed by the at least one support element, the at least one support element is carried rotatably about an essentially horizontal drive shaft, the empty container can be brought from an input position, in which the empty container is placed on the at least one support element, to a different location on the support arm and, after being scanned can be transferred to a downstream functional module.

Abstract: A method and a device relating to handling caps for drinking straws is provided. In particular, the method and device provide for examining caps and discarding incomplete sets of caps and/or sets of caps in which at least one cap is aligned incorrectly.

Abstract: A device for recognizing characteristic features of an empty container having at least one flat support element on which the empty container can be placed with at least one lateral surface of said container on the contact surface of the support element, having a carrier to carry the empty container and having at least one optical sensor to optically scan the empty container, wherein the carrier is formed by the at least one support element, the at least one support element is carried rotatably about an essentially horizontal drive shaft, the empty container can be brought from an input position, in which the empty container is placed on the at least one support element, to a different location on the support arm and, after being scanned can be transferred to a downstream functional module.

Abstract: An arrangement for separating cylindrical bodies, such as parisons for hollow bodies, which have at least one protuberance at a first end, has a pair of parallel guide elements between which the cylindrical bodies can be erected in that the cylindrical bodies hang on the guide elements in each case by way of the protuberance. The separation arrangement here has a height guide, wherein a spacing between the height guide and the cylindrical bodies, as seen in the conveying direction, decreases to a predetermined spacing in relation to the guide elements, as a result of which vertically projecting cylindrical bodies, as they are being conveyed in the conveying direction, are forced downwards by the height guide and wherein the height guide can be raised briefly by means of a lifting device in accordance with a triggering signal.

Abstract: Sorting apparatus comprising conveying means for conveying input objects into to the apparatus, extraction means for extracting from the conveying means input objects identified as belonging to a particular object-class processing means arranged to received input data corresponding at least to the portions across the conveying means of said identified input objects and to output control signals corresponding to the input data to the extraction means to effect extraction of said identified input objects, where the extraction means comprises an array of nozzles extending in a direction (z) across the conveying means, each of which is independently operable under control of the processing means to produce an air jet in a generally upward direction (y), and is arranged to activate sub-groups of nozzles corresponding to, and in response to, said control signals, characterised in that the conveying means has a partially open surface arranged to convey input objects over the array of nozzles, in that the array of no

Abstract: The reverse vending machine (RVM) receives, handles, sorts, and stores returnable items or objects. The RVM includes an item supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor unit, an upright storage chamber for such items, a safety apparatus to avoid operational hazards, a camera aided detection device for detecting at least one of a bar code on and other characteristics, e.g. contour, of an item, a simplified token system, and a drive system with a releasable power coupling for operating the sorting device and a further storage device.

Abstract: A method of detecting unwanted objects or faults in containers containing a fluid or liquid includes: (a) moving the containers along a path of travel; (b) providing; a light source emitting light of a specific spectral distribution, wherein the containers and their contents are at least partly transparent or translucent at the specific spectral distribution; (c) providing a camera for detecting light at the specific spectral distribution, wherein (1) the path of travel intersects a field of view defined by the camera, and (2) the camera registers a sequence of digital images as the containers pass between the light source and the camera; (d) selecting a part of each of the digital images that corresponds to the outline of a specific container; and (e) processing a sequence of the parts of the digital images so as to detect the unwanted objects or faults in the specific container.

Abstract: The apparatus is intended for performing quality checks on preforms (10) each having a body made of plastics material having an internal cavity (12) communicating with the exterior through an end opening (14) of the body.

Abstract: A plastic identifying apparatus according to the present invention identifies the kind of plastic in an object to be identified by using as an identification face at least two faces of a test piece (1) serving as the object to be identified. The plastic identifying apparatus according to the present invention includes an identifying and detecting portion (3, 4) for identifying the kind of the plastic included in the test piece (1) and a toppling system (7a, 7b) for toppling the test piece (1) by applying an external force to the test piece (1) in order to change the identification face of the test piece (1) facing the identifying and detecting portion (3, 4) from a first face (1a) to a second face (1b).

Abstract: Methods for using a liner in a waste sorting and disposal system are provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.