Abstract: A method is disclosed for sorting a plurality of objects including an object that is one of a grain, a nut, a tree nut, or a bean. The plurality objects are conveyed along a guide plate having at least two channels between a first end and a second end of the corresponding channel. The channels have a first aperture provided at a first longitudinal position thereof and an additional aperture provided at a second longitudinal position on the guide plate located downstream of the first aperture. An optical measurement associated with a property of the object of the plurality of objects is conducted when the object passes the first aperture towards the second end with an object measurement unit. The object conveyed on the corresponding channel is ejected with an ejector unit when reaching the second longitudinal position based on the measured property of the object and a timing signal.

Abstract: The present application is related to the process of automation of separation by identification, classification and quantification of grains and their possible pertinent materials through equipment that performs such events, aiming at the automation of the whole chain of separation, identification and classification. grain, thus eliminating the human action of the process and thus avoiding errors related to human interaction in the process. This process has 4 steps, as follows: grain and impurities entering the equipment; separation of impurities and grains: grain processing and qualitative and quantitative identification of grains and impurities. The process and equipment can be applied to the separation by identification, classification and quantification of grains such as soybeans, corn, among others, and their possible pertinent materials.

Abstract: An article sorting apparatus, comprising a sorting mechanism (23) that performs a sorting operation to convey an inspected article (W) in one of a plurality of sorting directions (D1, D2 and D3); and a control unit that receives a sorting control signal (RJ) and controls operation of the sorting mechanism (23), wherein the sorting mechanism (23) includes rejection arms (31, 32) that change posture between a rejection posture where the rejection arms contact with the article (W) to change the conveyance direction to a specific sorting direction (D2 or D3) and a pass allowance posture where the rejection arms allow the article (W) to pass without contacting with the article, and air cylinders (33A, 33B) that operate the rejection arms to change the posture thereof, and an acceleration sensor (61) and a detection unit (62) and a deterioration determination circuit (46) that determines the deterioration of the movable portion (23M).

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein relate to techniques for computing dimensions of an object. In this regard, a dimensioning system converts points cloud data associated with an object into a density image for a scene associated with the object. The dimensioning system also segments the density image to determine a void region in the density image that corresponds to the object. Furthermore, the dimensioning system determines, based on the void region for the density image, dimension data indicative of one or more dimensions of the object.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods for providing instructions to a user are disclosed. The systems and methods may be configured to: receive a first user input of a container identifier, the container identifier corresponding to a physical container comprising one or more items associated with one or more orders; retrieve, from a networked database, one or more item identifiers associated with the container identifier, the item identifiers corresponding to the items; receive a second user input of a first item identifier, the first item identifier corresponding to a first item among the items; assign, among one or more locations, a first location to the first item identifier; and display the instructions to the user for placing the first item at the first location.

Abstract: A method for operating a camera system for detecting codings, in which positions of contour points of the codings are determined in relation to edges of a search zone of the camera system, wherein a reading reliability of the search zone is determined from a distance of the contour points from the edges of the search zone.

Abstract: The automatic sorting of laundry items requires a knowledge of all sorting criteria. One strives to read these out from data storage media attached to the laundry items. The problem is when laundry items lack data storage media, or they are not readable because they have been damaged, for example. The invention calls for deriving sorting criteria which cannot be otherwise obtained from at least one imaging recording of an imaging device, such as a 3D-camera. Such sorting criteria, which cannot be derived from the picture or recording of the 3D-camera, are derived from supplemental information which can be obtained in different ways. Thus, it is also possible to sort laundry items without data storage medium or with damaged data storage media in a fully automatic or at least largely automatic manner.

Abstract: A method and a system for digitization of a document are disclosed. The document is scanned to generate an electronic document. One or more characters in a first set of portions of the electronic document are identified, based on a character recognition technique. Each portion in the first set of portions is classified in one or more groups based on at least a status of identification of the corresponding one or more characters. Further, one or more tasks are created for each of the one or more groups. The one or more tasks are transmitted to one or more crowdworkers, based at least on the respective type of the one or more tasks. Further, a response for each of the one or more tasks is received. Based on the received response, a digitized document is generated.

Abstract: A body comprising an internal cavity and a pair of support brackets mounted to a support brackets on opposite sides of the internal cavity. A drawer is engagable with the pair of support brackets for movement with the pair of support brackets from a closed position to an open position. A lid assembly comprising a lid is configured for selectively covering an inside of the drawer. A first latch is configured for moving between a first position for securing the lid to the body and a second position for securing the lid to the drawer, wherein in the first position the drawer moves with respect to the lid to the open position so that the inside of the drawer is exposed, and wherein in the second position the drawer moves with the lid toward the open position so that the drawer and the lid can be removed from the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for batching items such as fish. The object is specifically to batch smaller items like pelagic fish, such as mackerel and herring or salmon. The batching apparatus and method of the present invention uses at least one image means to provide faster batching with more accuracy and less give-away.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, systems and techniques in connection with particle sorting in liquid, including cytometry devices and techniques and applications in chemical or biological testing and diagnostic measurements.

Abstract: A nozzle system that includes an improved air nozzle is provided. In one embodiment, the nozzle has an inlet and an outlet. An air source is connected with the nozzle through a conduit and generates an air flow using a high flow centrifugal blower. The nozzle is connected with and part of an air-driven orientation device.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, media and code for routing mail items to different destinations. A driven mail conveyor may receive: a first mail item that includes a paper envelope displaying in an addressee segment an institution name and institution address information, the first mail item including a first part; and a second mail item that includes a paper envelope displaying in the addressee segment the institution name and the institution address information and no other institution address information, the second mail item including a second part. A processor may electronically route, based on a first text string vector of the first part, the first mail item to a first mail item destination in the institution; and, based on a second text string vector of the second part, the second mail item to a second mail item destination in the institution.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for grading products and forming predetermined mixes of graded products. Graders sort products into different grades. The graded products are formed into batches of known quantity. Each batch is designated for deposit in a bin specified to have a certain mixture of graded products. A conveyor conveys the batches to the designated bin. The quantity of each batch is determined by count or weight.

Abstract: According to the embodiment, a sorting device has sensors, a feature extracting unit, a feature searching unit, a determining unit and a sorting unit. The sensors detect physical quantities of an object. The feature extracting unit extracts a plurality of types of feature values from the physical quantities detected. The feature searching unit specifies identification information of the object based on values of various feature values extracted, from a feature database which associates and stores the values of the various feature values and the identification information of the object. The determining unit determines sorting information of the object based on the identification information of the object specified, from a sorting database which associates and stores the identification information of the object and the sorting information. The sorting unit sorts the object based on the sorting information determined by the determining unit.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for sorting items for delivery. A smart case module includes a plurality of bins. Each bin includes a display for a sort criteria for the bin and a first indicator to indicate that the bin is active. The bin also includes an input device for an operator to use to indicate that an item has been placed in the bin. The bin further includes a second indicator to indicate that the bin contains a sufficient number of items for a shipping container.

Abstract: The vision sort system provides a semi-automated sort system that requires no other action from the user other than picking up a box and placing on a skid. The vision sort system is most effective in a manual sort system. The vision sort system integrates various operational technologies in order to provide staff with information to ensure the packages are sorted to the correct destination. Validation feedback is provided to ensure no missorts occur. Information is collected on the package and final destination for tracking purposes. Benefits of the vision sort system include sort accuracy, package visibility, and reduced requirement for sort knowledge by operator and revenue recovery (cube and reweigh) on all packages. This application is perfect for pick and pack systems that are in-motion and any transportation sortation facility. This is applicable for any product including mail or non packaged items.

Abstract: A system is provided for identifying at least one physical characteristic of items in a stream of items moving along a path through an inspection zone, and for separating items from the stream of items based upon the at least one physical characteristic. The system includes a movable transversely scanning mirror arranged to reflect electromagnetic energy from the inspection zone onto an array of detectors. The detectors of the array are arranged to sequentially receive electromagnetic energy so that on each transverse scan of the mirror for any given sub-zone within the inspection zone the detectors of the array receive electromagnetic energy reflected from the mirror at different times. The controller is then operable to correlate input signals from the various detectors corresponding to detected levels of electromagnetic energy received at different times from each given sub-zone within the inspection zone.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a paper sheet processing system includes a reader unit, a determination unit, a sorting controller, a plurality of storage units, and a display. The reader unit is configured to read paper sheet information. The determination unit is configured to determine a storage destination of the paper sheet based on the paper sheet information read. The sorting controller is configured to control sorting of the paper sheet based on a determination result of the storage destination from the determination unit. The plurality of storage units are configured to store the paper sheets sorted through the sorting control of the sorting controller. The display is configured to display the paper sheet information for each storage destination based on the determination result.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for grading products and forming predetermined mixes of graded products. Graders sort products into different grades. The graded products are formed into batches of known quantity. Each batch is designated for deposit in a bin specified to have a certain mixture of graded products. A conveyor conveys the batches to the designated bin. The quantity of each batch is determined by count or weight.

Abstract: A method of collecting and processing organic waste material is disclosed, comprising, placing organic waste in an identifiable can liner, placing the can liner in a general waste stream, and at a later point in time removing the can liner from the waste stream while maintaining the integrity of the contents therein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for efficient sorting of specimen include specimen containers, such as vials, positioned in container carriers, such as pucks. The specimen containers contain a specimen that is to be processed through, for example, one or more tests. The specimen containers contain an identifier for the specimen and the container carriers include an identifier, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The identifier of the specimen is associated with the identifier of the container carrier. The container carriers with the specimen containers are then sorted based on the identifier of the container carrier according to the desired processing of the specimen containers.

Abstract: An automated mail sorting system including a display for displaying the image of an item of mail belonging to a carrier route, and input device for associating the image with any of a plurality of stations in a walking sequence of the carrier route, and a sorter having a reader for identifying the item of mail, to sorter for placing the item of mail in a location corresponding to the station in the walking sequence.

Abstract: An address label rework station according to the invention includes a conveyor which can simultaneously transport a series of spaced parcels along a conveyor path in a substantially horizontal stream. The station includes a camera, A work space, a microphone is usable by an operator in the work space, a targeting device directing a human operator in the work space. Station also includes a sensor system, a labeler and a printer to print shipping information. The station also includes a computer configured to receive and recognize image and voice data, generate a label with a recognized shipping address, and control the conveyer to apply a new label to the parcel by the labeler at the position selected using the targeting device.

Abstract: The invention is a device for characterizing the particle size distribution of powders, comprising a supply member, a discharge member, a weighing member, a continuous vibration member, a screening member and, optionally, a control member, said device being characterized in that the screening member is a member that rotates about a horizontal axis and has at least four positions corresponding to two screens of different mesh size, one release space and one anti-shock plate. Another subject of the invention is the use of such a device for characterization of the particle size distribution of powders and especially their in-line characterization, that is to say characterization during their manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a single photon source. The method comprises the steps of providing a substrate with a visual feature and providing a plurality of particles positioned on the substrate. The particles are positioned in the proximity of the visual feature and include a particle that is arranged for single photon emission in response to a suitable excitation. The method also includes characterising photon emission from the particles to identify the single photon emission and thereby identifying an approximate location of the particle arranged for single photon emission relative to the visual feature. Further, the method includes imaging the visual feature and an area in the proximity of the visual feature and thereby imaging the particle arranged for single photon emission.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method for directing indicator-based sortation of shipments are described. In various embodiments, a control system may be configured to utilize indicators to direct the sortation of items in a materials handling facility, such as an order fulfillment center tasked with fulfilling customer orders for one or more items. For a given unsorted item, the control system may cause an indicator to indicate to which of multiple sorting slots the given item is to be placed, thereby sorting the item to its respective shipment assigned to the sorting slot. In various embodiments, the shipment sorting units may be serviced from a rebin side as well as a pack side. The control system may be configured to prioritize the processing of such shipments by utilizing indicators associated with respective shipment sorting slots on the pack side to indicate a priority for processing a given shipment.

Abstract: A design support apparatus includes an evaluation unit that evaluates a recyclability of the product, using evaluation condition and parts/material data, an analysis unit that analyzes a factor obstructing the recyclability based on an evaluation result of the evaluating unit, and a display unit that displays a remedy against an obstruction factor provided as an analysis result of the analysis unit.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for sorting items for delivery. A smart case module includes a plurality of bins. Each bin includes a display for a sort criteria for the bin and a first indicator to indicate that the bin is active. The bin also includes an input device for an operator to use to indicate that an item has been placed in the bin. The bin further includes a second indicator to indicate that the bin contains a sufficient number of items for a shipping container.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for efficient sorting of specimen include specimen containers, such as vials, positioned in container carriers, such as pucks. The specimen containers contain a specimen that is to be processed through, for example, one or more tests. The specimen containers contain an identifier for the specimen and the container carriers include an identifier, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The identifier of the specimen is associated with the identifier of the container carrier. The container carriers with the specimen containers are then sorted based on the identifier of the container carrier according to the desired processing of the specimen containers.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for processing mailpieces within a mail transportation and distribution system comprising at least a first mail distribution center, a second mail distribution center and an electronic parcel compartment facility located in the area of the second mail distribution center. An exemplary method comprises acquiring data present on a mailpiece in the first mail distribution center, the acquired data comprising at least information that unambiguously identifies the mailpiece as well as information about the recipient of the mailpiece, wherein destination information for an electronic parcel compartment facility is associated with the information that unambiguously identifies the mailpiece.

Abstract: A handling system able to efficiently process information relating to a plurality of conveyed articles, the handling system provided with a conveyer for conveying workpieces, a visual sensor for detecting positions of workpieces by acquiring images of a plurality of tracking ranges obtained by dividing a belt into sections, an encoder for detecting an amount of movement of the belt, a tracking manager for monitoring amounts of movement of the plurality of tracking ranges based on the amount of movement detected by the encoder and specifying the tracking range passing through a workpiece detection area, a workpiece manager for selecting the article in the tracking range specified by the tracking manager, and a controller for controlling operations of robots so as to hold the workpiece selected by the workpiece manager.

Abstract: A sorting and distributing system (50) for sorting article units in accordance with customers' orders, the system having a high sorting performance and comprising: a rotary sorting conveyor (14), which may be closed, having a conveyor means, wherein the conveyor means is connected to a plurality of receiving devices (16), to which the article units are to be delivered. A plurality of target positions (54) is coupled to the sorting conveyor (14) and can supply articles units to the receiving devices (16) in accordance with a customer's order, wherein the target positions (54) are assigned to customers' orders. At least one filling station (10; 10?) manually fills the receiving devices (16) by article units, wherein the filling station (10; 10?) includes a plurality of filling buckets (12) each having an opening mechanism (18) at its lower end thereof, in order to allow supply of article units, which are order picked into the filling bucket (12), to the receiving devices (16) in an automated manner.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for multi-destination pick using motes. In embodiments, each receptacle may be assigned to a destination and may have a sensor that detects when an item is placed in the receptacle to deactivate the indicator and/or to verify that the item was placed in the correct receptacle. The sensor may be coupled via a wired or wireless connection to a mote that may include a communication interface for communicating with a control system and with other motes in an ad-hoc network. In some embodiments, each mote may also include an indicator that may be activated by a control system to indicate to the agent that the receptacle is the destination receptacle for a picked item. The agent may then place the item in the indicated destination receptacle. In one embodiment, the mote on the destination receptacle may be activated when the picked item is scanned by the agent.

Abstract: An irrigation valve box includes a body for shielding the valve, which forms an opening at the top, and a removable lid for fitting into the opening formed by the body. Access to the valve is normally gained by removing the lid. Metal is associated with the valve box for the purpose of being detected by a metal detector. In one arrangement the metal forms a plate which fits into the removable lid. In an arrangement especially suited for a larger or commercial valve box, the metal forms a metal ring which fits into the removable lid. In yet another arrangement, the lid comprises molded plastic or molded rubber and the metal is molded into the lid. In one such an arrangement, the metal forms a wire mesh.

Abstract: In a sheet processing apparatus which checks sheets and sorts the sheets for a plurality of cassettes on the basis of the check result and conditions for the sheets which are assigned to the respective cassettes, conditions for sheets such as bill types and bill states which are assigned to the respective cassettes are displayed on a display unit. When an instruction to save these setting contents is issued while a cassette and conditions for sheets which are displayed on the display unit are selected, the selected conditions for sheets are assigned to the selected cassette.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method and system for processing mail items on bar code sorting machines. Such a method includes the steps of scanning a surface of each mail piece with at least one imaging camera to obtain at least one image of the surface represented by image data, analyzing the image data to locate a bar code in the image, and analyzing the bar code to recognize a first destination code. If the first destination code meets predetermined criteria, then the mail piece is processed further in a manner dependent on the first destination code. If the first destination code cannot be recognized or fails to meet the predetermined criteria, the image data is analyzed to locate destination address lines in the image, and the address lines are analyzed to determine a second destination code. The mail piece is sorted according to the second destination code, or a result determined by arbitrating the first and second destination codes.

Abstract: A device for applying a predetermined destination address to a transport container configured to transport an object has an electronic label storing the destination address, a holding device attached to the transport container to hold the electronic label during transport, a transmission facility for transmitting the destination address to the electronic label and for storing the destination address in the label, and a fixed receiving component for receiving one of the labels. The receiving component is disposed in such a manner that the transmission facility is able to transmit the destination address to each of the labels, when the label is received by the fixed receiving component. The label is removable from the holding device.

Abstract: An automated mail sorting system including a display for displaying the image of an item of mail belonging to a carrier route, and input device for associating the image with any of a plurality of stations in a walking sequence of the carrier route, and a sorter having a reader for identifying the item of the mail, the sorter for placing the item of mail in a location corresponding to the station in the walking sequence.

Abstract: In order to provide a method of detecting protrusion of an inspection object from a palette improved to be capable of making highly precise detection and reducing a socket breakage ratio, an inspection object is introduced into each of a plurality of pockets provided on the surface of a palette, which in turn is transported. A reflection level of the inspection object stored in each of the plurality of pockets is measured every palette with a reflection type photoelectric sensor. The maximum value and the minimum value of the reflection level are obtained from data of every palette, for calculating a dispersion width defined by the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value. The dispersion width is compared with a previously set determination threshold, for determining whether or not the dispersion width is greater than the determination threshold.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a sorting system for use in manual sorting, which presents a detached ephemeral display moving in a manner corresponding to the movement of the article, by which an article to be sorted can be quickly and easily identified. To accomplish its purpose, the device comprises: feed conveyors; a switching unit; optical readers positioned to capture destination indicia affixed to each article; a detached moving display which remains close to the article to be sorted and presents information representative of the article's destination location; a destination location which signals when a related article is approaching; and a controller capable of assigning destination locations and controlling display devices.

Abstract: The vehicle security inspection system may include multiple automated detection devices for detecting explosives, weapons, contraband, etc. which may be contained on or within a motor vehicle. The system includes a tunnel or enclosure with a moving conveyor therein. A motor vehicle is driven into the entrance to the enclosure, and conveyed past the series of sensors by the conveyor belt. One or more surveillance cameras may be installed in the enclosure, as well. The various sensors incorporated therein check the vehicle for illegal articles, and the vehicle is released from the enclosure. A control gate may be provided as a door at the exit of the enclosure, and/or as a gate guiding vehicles along their intended route or to a detention area, as appropriate. The system may be provided either as a portable device or as a permanent installation, and/or may be configured as a multiple lane inspection system.

Abstract: In the blood-sampling-tube preparation device according to the present invention, the each blood-sampling-tube containing section is provided with a number of compartments along a periphery thereof, in which the blood-sampling-tubes are contained one by one in a laying state, and an opening portion at a lower portion thereof for discharging the blood-sampling-tube from the each compartment, the compartments in each of the blood-sampling-tube containing section are intended to be moved in a peripheral direction thereof so that the blood-sampling-tube contained in the compartment aligned with the opening portion falls through the opening portion by moving the compartments at a suitable distance along the peripheral direction, and the blood-sampling-tube transferring means is arranged under the opening portions of the blood-sampling-tube containing sections for receiving the blood-sampling-tube felt from the each blood-sampling-tube containing section.

Abstract: A card shuffling device reads suit and value of individual cards that are moved through the card shuffler. Reading of the cards is effected after cards have been received into a card holding area and before cards have been delivered into a card collection area from which cards are removed from the device for use.

Abstract: System and apparatus for determining a relationship between transportable or storable materials and plural transportation or storage modes for the materials. In a transportation system, placard rules that correlate placards, materials, and transportation or storage modes are pre-stored in a computer memory. Materials data is entered corresponding to a first predetermined material, as well as data corresponding to a predetermined transportation mode or a predetermined storage mode. One of the plurality of predetermined placards is selected in response to the materials data, the transportation or storage data, and the placard rules data. The transportable or storable material may be a hazardous material, and the placard rules therefore correspond to safety rules. In an apparatus aspect, an arrangement selects one of a plurality of placards.

Abstract: A commercial article sorting system is provided. The system comprises a belt conveyor to transfer a plurality of articles of the same kind put in a tray, a sorting rack provided along the belt conveyor and having a plurality of slots, a scanner provided to the sorting rack to read the data necessary for sorting the articles from the tray to the slots, at least one direction indicator each thereof is mounted to approximately center of the one block of the slots to provide a visual direction signal to the hauler, entry indicators each thereof is mounted to each slot to provide a visual location signal to the hauler, and a controller to control the direction indicator and the entry indicators based on the data read from the label.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus including a voice recognition system and a method of processing reject mailpieces using voice recognition. Mailpieces that OCR cannot read and determine the recipient for (“rejects”) are processed. The operator obtains a reject and determines the proper address segment for the recipient information. The proper address segment is spoken by the operator to the recognition system. The voice recognition software interprets the information and communicates it to recipient matching software. The software narrows the potential recipient matches in the mailpiece sorting apparatus addressee database. If a match is made, the operator is prompted to place the mailpiece onto mailpiece sorting apparatus which sends the mailpiece to the proper sort bin based on addressee identification performed by the matching software. The present invention may also calculate statistical information regarding reject mailpieces.

Abstract: An article sorting system is provided. The system comprises a plurality of inflow lines to convey trays each containing articles to be sorted, a first conveyor to convey the trays introduced from the plurality of inflow lines, a plurality of second conveyors branching off from the first conveyor, a plurality of sorting racks each placed opposite to the second conveyer, each sorting rack having a plurality of slots leading to containers into which articles are placed from the trays according to sorting categories by sorters, a plurality of first delivery conveyors each placed opposite to the sorting rack, each first delivery conveyor conveying the containers pushed thereon from the sorting rack, and a second delivery conveyor to convey the containers from the plurality of first delivery conveyors to a shipment area.

Abstract: A system for identifying wafers contained in a wafer carrier includes a wafer sorter. Each wafer includes a surface terminating in an edge and a plurality of sector identification codes disposed on the surface proximate the edge. The wafer sorter is adapted to scan at least a portion of a wafer extending from the carrier and to identify at least one of the sector identification codes on the wafer independent of the orientation of the wafer in the wafer carrier. A method for identifying wafers contained in a wafer carrier is provided. Each wafer includes a surface terminating in an edge and a plurality of sector identification codes disposed on the surface proximate the edge. The method includes scanning at least a portion of a wafer extending from the carrier and identifying at least one of the sector identification codes on the wafer independent of the orientation of the wafer in the wafer carrier.

Abstract: An article sorting system is provided. The system comprises a first conveyor; a plurality of sorting lines; a reading device to read the identification information of a tray conveyed by the first conveyor; a memory to store an article information table connecting the identification information of a tray with the information of the articles contained in the tray, and the arrangement pattern of the slots of each of the plurality of sorting line; a sorter control device to determine an appropriate sorting line for a tray and control the sorter to guide the tray to the sorting line, after having referred to the identification information of the tray read by the reading device, and the article information table and the arrangement patterns of slots stored in the memory; and a direction indicating device to provide each article introduced into the sorting rack with an arrow to indicate a direction towards a nominated slot and a number of the nominated slot for the article.