Abstract: A material sorting system sorts materials utilizing an x-ray fluorescence and/or a vision system that implements a machine learning system in order to identify or classify each of the materials, which are then sorted into separate groups based on such an identification or classification determining that the materials are composed of either wrought aluminum, extruded aluminum, or cast aluminum. The system is capable of sorting between cast aluminum alloys and also between wrought aluminum alloys.

Abstract: A system for recycling planar objects including compressed mineral fiber material includes: a conveyor arranged to covey the planar objects through a number of stations at least including a thickness measurement station and a sound measurement station. The sound measurement station includes a sound reflecting surface arranged to back a first major surface of a planar object, a sound emitter arranged to emit sound towards the sound reflecting surface, a sound receiver arranged to receive sound reflected from the sound reflecting surface, and a converter arranged to determine a property related to sound absorption. A sorting station is arranged to sort the planar objects based on determined properties in to a plurality of fractions.

Abstract: Selector machine comprising an optical detection system provided with an emitter device and with an optical sensor adapted to detect a product to be selected. The emitter device comprises three IR sources, each of which emits electromagnetic radiations in a corresponding spectral band in the infrared spectrum. An electronic control unit alternately turns on the IR sources in corresponding separate time intervals, and the optical sensor detects, in each time interval, corresponding reflected radiations coming from the product. In addition, the electronic control unit comprises a processing module, which is provided with three chromatic channels of a RGB color space in order to associate the measurement signals corresponding to each IR source with a corresponding chromatic channel so as to compose a false color synthesis image of the product.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for inspecting a flow of particulate material, comprising: a background reflector (105) adjacent which in use falls a flow of particulate material (F); and a lighting unit (107) for illuminating an elongate viewing field (VF) across the background reflector (105), the viewing field (VF) having a first width (w1); wherein the lighting unit (107) comprises a fixed, non-scanning light source (115), and the light source (115) is formed of one or more light elements (120) which define a second width (w2) which is shorter than the first width (w1) of the viewing field (VF).

Abstract: A system and method for automated grain inspection and analysis of results, that inspects grains using a plurality of light spectra, analyzes the results, and produces detailed reports from the analysis.

Abstract: Techniques for providing instruction to devices in the network are provided. For example, based at least in part on the list of currently active devices and the command, a controller can determine a sequence of IR signals associated with at least one currently active device and transmit, utilizing an IR transmitter incorporated with the controller, the sequence of IR signals to one or more of the currently active devices. In another example, an audio command and location information can be received and used to determine where a controller should transmit an IR signal that corresponds with the audio command, based at least in part on the location information.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer includes a photodetection unit configured to convert received light into an electric signal to output the electric signal; a circuit unit including a plurality of gain amplifiers and a plurality of AD converters configured to amplify an output signal from the photodetection unit by a plurality of gains using the plurality of gain amplifiers and configured to convert the amplified output signals into digital signals using the plurality of AD converters to output the digital signals as a plurality of pieces of light amount data; a saturation determination unit configured to determine whether or not each of the plurality of pieces of light amount data from the circuit unit has been saturated; and a measurement result calculation unit configured to calculate, in accordance with a result of the determination by the saturation determination unit, a measurement result of the received light using a part or all of the plurality of pieces of light amount data.

Abstract: A method for sorting, in a continuous flow, contaminated materials, which includes: conveying materials from a point (A) to a point (B) by means of a conveyor; measuring the radioactive activity by means of a first sensor between the points (A) and (B) on the top surface (FSUP) of the first conveyor; and sorting the materials by means of a sorting device. The method may include measuring the radioactive activity of the contaminated material by means of a second sensor, either on the top surface (FSUP) of the conveyor and upstream from the point (A), or below the bottom surface (FINF) of said conveyor; calculating a differential measurement between a measurement from the second sensor and from the first sensor; and restricting the sorting to the comparison between a threshold value and the measurement from the first sensor or the differential measurement.

Abstract: An unjamming system is used in connection with mass-produced parts fed through a process by a rotating bowl feeder. The bowl feeder has a bowl with an axis of rotation and an outer wall. The parts are disposed against the outer wall by centrifugal force. The unjamming system includes a jamming region adjacent the bowl, wherein unjamming is carried out. A sensor adjacent the jamming region detects a jam. A pneumatic cylinder actuator and an air blow jet adjacent the jamming region removes the parts from the jam. The parts are returned to the bowl by the air blow jet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tablet test station, including at least one receptacle for the transfer of tablets from an outlet of a feed device and at least one test means for inspecting, testing and/or measuring the tablets. A lifting device (20) is provided for moving the receptacle (15) relative to the feed device (13).

Abstract: A system for sorting metals from a batch of mixed material scrap includes an array of inductive proximity detectors, a processing computer and a sorting mechanism. The inductive proximity detectors identify the location of the metal pieces and the processing computer instructs the sorting mechanism to place the metal and non-metallic pieces into separate containers.

Abstract: A system for sorting metals from a batch of mixed material scrap includes an array of inductive proximity detectors, a processing computer and a sorting mechanism. The inductive proximity detectors identify the location of the metal pieces and the processing computer instructs the sorting mechanism to place the metal and non-metallic pieces into separate containers.

Abstract: To provide a glass substrate storage case capable of preventing quality deterioration of a glass substrate, a glass substrate transfer apparatus automatically transferring a glass substrate from the glass substrate storage case to another case; a glass substrate management apparatus managing glass substrates individually, a glass substrate distribution method for trading a glass substrate while storing the glass substrate in a specialized glass substrate storage case, a sealing member improving a sealing effect, and a sealing structure using the sealing member.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for on-line sorting of waste matter, at the entrance to a waste processing plant, according to the level of specific chemicals, typically chlorine detected therein. The apparatus comprises a waste matter inlet that provides waste matter to a weighing module, preferably until a preset limit is reached. Then, this control volume of waste is introduced into a pulsed neutron material analyzer that is optimized for the determination of the content of the specific chemical in the control volume. A control means such as a computer then decides whether the level of the chemical in the waste control volume is above or below a preset threshold, and accordingly channels the waste into one or another of two channels. One of these channels accepts waste with low content of the given chemical, for introduction into the waste processing chamber.

Abstract: A quality evaluation method and apparatus for non-bran rice evaluate quality or taste of non-bran rice by identifying proportions of a hull layer, an aleurone layer, an endosperm layer, which adhere to a surface of the non-bran rice according to luminance levels of self-emitted fluorescence obtained by irradiating the non-bran rice with excitation light.

Abstract: A sortation and sequencing system for sorting a plurality of different items into discrete orders and putting the items into a predetermined sequence within each discrete order or group of orders. The system includes an induction station for accepting items in random succession, and a sensor at the induction station for sensing an identifying characteristic unique to each item and for generating tracking signals uniquely corresponding to the items for tracking the items through the system. A controller receives the tracking signals and generates sort command and sequence command signals which are in part responsive to the tracking signals. A sorter receives the items from the induction station and directs individual items to selected ones of a plurality of sort locations, each sort location corresponding to an individual order or group of orders, in response to sort command signals from the controller.

Abstract: Device of the type including a system against which a side of meat suspended from the conveyor of a slaughterhouse line bears, capable of orientating the side of meat about its hanging point, a system for taking shots which is located on one side of the conveyor, a luminous or contrasting background situated facing the system for taking shots, on the other side of the conveyor, a system for processing the shots and a control system. The system against which each side of meat bears includes a vertical post, the axis of which passes through the axis of the hook of the conveyor, this post being driven in terms of rotation by a gear motor unit and associated with a mechanism for indexing its angular position, the post having, diametrically opposite each other, two series of bearing limit stops for a side of meat, each limit stop including a support fixed to the post used for mounting a horizontal bar forming the limit stop proper.

Abstract: A method of automatically inspecting an exposed and bent lithographic plate having an image thereon to determine whether the image is in proper registration relative to the plate. The plate has front, rear, and opposite side edges.

Abstract: A sorter is described that optically differentiates acceptable objects from unacceptable objects. The sorter illuminates the objects as they move in a stream through a viewing zone with both visible and infrared light. The detecting system and circuit provides electric signals proportional to the light transmitted or reflected by the objects to a microcomputer system which in turn activates a rejection mechanism if unacceptable objects are viewed. The microcomputer system determines what objects are unacceptable by comparing signals for objects being viewed with stored signals for acceptable objects.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting and rejecting defective containers comprising a plurality of reflective infrared sensors, an electronic logic control and a container removal device. The system assesses the quality of the flange of the container and senses the height of the container by sensors irradiating the flange portion of the container with narrow beams of infrared light at varying heights and receiving radiation reflected from the flange portion. The acceptability of the container is determined by the quantum of reflected radiation received by the sensors. Unacceptable containers are removed by a high-speed pneumatic cylinder coupled to independently controlled, solenoid-operated air valves which govern the movement of the cylinder piston of the pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the grade of rice grains includes a grain supply unit, vibrating troughs on which the rice grains run in their longitudinal posture, flow-down troughs having slits each opening to each of the flow-down troughs, a reflected light measuring unit having its light sources and its detecting element for detecting the amount of the light reflected from the rice grains, a transmitted light measuring unit having its light sources and its detecting element for detecting the amount of the light transmitted through the rice grains at the positions of the slits, and a calculation control unit for digitally calculating the values measured at the reflected light measuring unit and the transmitted light measuring unit for evaluating the rice grains into a plurality of grades. The light sources for reflection may be of visible light and the light source for transmission may be of infrared light.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting articles having a roller conveyor for moving articles through an inspection region where they are scanned by a camera. From the scans, the position of boundaries of the articles is determined so that the existence and location of the articles can be identified. Color counts, representative of the color of the articles are made from the scans and are correlated with the appropriate article identified. Load cells produce weight information which is similarly correlated with the appropriate articles. The information is fed to a processor which is arranged to track the articles through the inspection region and is arranged to route the articles differently in accordance with the color counts and/or weight information correlated therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus for classifying particulate material on a particle by particle basis according to the extent to which the particles possess certain attributes, such as the presence of particular colors when viewed from different directions. A particle feeder (12) feeds particles past an inspection system (13) which inspects each particle and derives signals which are a measure of a plurality of attributes of the particle. A separation or airblast mechanism (14) operates to direct particles to multiple outlets (15) according to the signals derived by the inspection system (13). This operation is controlled by a signal processor which can store a plurality of sets of specific values of attributes each set of which is typical of one of a plurality of particular classes into which the particulate material is to be classified and can compare subsequently measured sets of values of attributes of successive particles with the stored sets to determine a closest match with one of the particular classes.

Abstract: A verification system for capsules, tablets and the like includes a test block having a slot through which the capsules are directed by a conveyor. The test block includes first and second spaced sensing planes each having bifurcated fiber optic input and output arrays on the top and both sides of the slot. An optical system provides a planar light beam for sensing the position of the capsules being tested at the output from the test block. The length of the capsule is determined from the speed of the conveyor and the time of interruption of planar light beam. If the capsule is not of the proper colors and length, it is pneumatically ejected into a rejection chute.

Abstract: A pit detection apparatus (10) and method for detecting the presence of pits or pit fragments (12) in fruit (14) as the fruit (14) passes through a zone of inspection (16) includes a scanning beam generator (17) for sweeping a transmission scanning beam (28) across the inspection zone (16). The inspection zone (16) is located intermediate the beam generator (17) and an array (38) of transmission sensors (40). The sensors (40) generate transmission sensor signals indicative of received light intensity from the beam (28). A second sizing beam generator (50) and associated array (60) of sensors (62) generate sizing signals representative of te optical path length through which the transmission scanning beam (28) travels within the fruit (14). The transmission sensor and sizing signals are applied to an analysis circuit (44) wherein the signals are analyzed to determine the presence or absence of pits or pit fragments (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grading generally spherical articles, and specifically fruit such a oranges, which do not orient along a predetermined axis when rotated on a roller conveyor comprises a pair of side scan cameras disposed on opposite sides of the fruit. An overhead camera provides plural data signals representative of the surface quality of the fruit. The side scan cameras provide data indicative of the surface quality of side portions of the fruit. A processor and processing algorithm computes a surface quality indication based upon the data from the overhead camera and modifies the surface quality indication depending upon the data provided by the side scan cameras.

Abstract: A system for sorting parts wherein a part to be sorted is irradiated with wave energy of a single frequency (or very narrow band of frequencies) which interacts with the part. Wave energy emanating from the part is sensed at many spatially separated places to generate an electric signal representative of a characteristic of the amplitude and phase of the detected wave energy at each place. The electric signal so generated is compared with a pre-established signal and any differences therebetween are determined to establish whether the part is within acceptable limits in terms of geometric characteristics, e.g., size, material characteristics and orientation. The part is then acted upon on the basis of the comparison.

Abstract: A master clock oscillator produces a series of control pulses to drive a multiple frequency L.E.D. illuminator and an optically coaxial synchronous detection system in an AC based organic/inorganic, ripe/unripe sorter. Data is collected by subjecting free-falling articles to a repetitious sampling cycle and detecting the reflected pulses. Counters running at differential rates, store binary data relating to the size and ripe/unripe condition of the article. At the end of the sampling period, an accept/reject determination is made, based upon the binary data.

Abstract: A system to measure geometric and electromagnetic characteristics of objects. Wave energy of a single frequency (or very narrow band of frequencies) is directed upon an object which reflects (or otherwise interacts with) the wave energy. The reflected wave energy is sensed by many spatially spaced sensors to provide electric signals whose amplitude and phase components are combined to give a quantity from which geometric and/or electromagnetic characteristics of the object can be ascertained.

Abstract: A method and system for packaging insulation units comprising a receiving section that indexes each roll-set that comes off a production line, a roll breaking section that separates the roll-set into individual units and spaces each unit, a diverter section that verifies height and facing and then diverts a selected roll unit to the proper packaging material and a packaging section that receives a roll unit, orients it properly, and packages it in the proper packaging. The system allows rejection of unsuitable product and reduced handling of product by employees.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing fruit and the like, particularly for sorting as a function of variables including color, blemish, size and shape. The apparatus provides an illuminator for substantially uniformly illuminating a portion of the item being examined, and a signal detector array for generating a plurality of signals corresponding to respective different portions of the item being examined. The data signals corresponding to a given item are accumulated and then batch processed to determine sorting signals, while a next item is being examined and data signals for it are being accumulated. For blemish detection, the batch processing includes determination of differences between signals representing adjacent surface portions, and generation of blemish sorting signals as a function of such determined differences.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing medicinal tablets for thickness, diameter and hardness wherein there is a support for receiving and supporting tablets for testing one at a time, a gauge movable relative to the support to measure the thickness, a gauge movable relative to the support to both measure the thickness and breaking strength, a sweeper movable relative to the support to clear the crushed tablets therefrom and control circuitry including a computer for controlling the sequence of operations and recording the values measured.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inspecting empty cans entirely automatically includes a flange inspecting process and a drawing condition inspecting process. The flange and the drawing condition inspections are simultaneously carried out in the same inspecting station during the forcible rotation of the can. The flange portion is checked for craks and length, and the outer body surface is checked for the drawing conition respectively in a non-destructive and contactless manner by utilization of static electromagnetic inspection and light reflection inspection methods. A prestored reference value signal, which is compared with a converted electrical signal for the determination of whether cans are good or not, is a signal of a value calculated by a microcomputer on the basis of values which are sampled, equally divided, signal values corresponding to one rotation of a forcibly rotated standard good empty can.

Abstract: Drills (35), vertically oriented in a row/column array in a drill block (31), are moved in the column direction across a slot (49) located at a loading station (41). As the drills in each partially or fully occupied row reach the slot and drop, drill block movement halts. Thereafter a vertically oriented turn-over tube (51) is moved in the row direction beneath the slot (49). When an occupied drill position is reached, the drill drops into the turn-over tube, tube row movement temporarily halts, and the tube is rotated. The drill slides out of the turn-over tube (51) and down the channel (59) of a measuring station (43) until it hits a movable stop (61). After drill diameter is measured by a pneumatically positioned LVDT (87) and overall drill length is measured by a pneumatically positioned linear potentiometer (69)/proximity detector (PX3) combination, the stop (61) is withdrawn and the drill enters a clamp (95), which grips the adapter shank of the drill.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for grading large batches of fruit by sampling technique. A sample, drawn from a batch, is divided into two approximately equal portions, one portion being inspected without being weighed. The other portion is weighed and then inspected. Grade-defect material is placed into separately classified buckets and weighed one by one. Grade-defect percentages are then determined and acceptance and grading thereby determined. A weigh hopper is suspended from a load cell by a pair of wires, one at each side of the weigh hopper. A turnbuckle on each wire enables adjustment, and excessive motion of the weigh hopper is dampened. The load cell is suspended from a shock transmission member which rests on a shock-absorbing spring that is compressed when shock loads are exerted.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sorting scrap metal pieces dependent on the type of metal therein. The apparatus includes a conveyor and a feeding arrangement to feed the scrap metal pieces on to the conveyor, together with an X-ray fluorescence detector to examine each metal piece and determine the type of metal as a result of the characteristic X-rays emitted. A respective control signal is utilized to move pegs on the conveyor so as to permit the respective metal piece to exit from the conveyor along a respective path and to enter a bin for that particular type of metal. In this way scrap metal pieces of different metal are collected in different bins for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A system of sorting elongated pieces such as asparagus, wherein each of the elongated pieces are successively conveyed by a conveyer and detected as a still image by a sensor such as a TV camera. In processing a signal representative of the still image a stem diameter of the piece and a ratio of the spike maximum diameter of the piece to the stem diameter are obtained as sorting out factors by calculation. When the calculation values of the sorting out factors satisfy predetermined reference values, the piece is further sorted out according to size. The stem diameter is measured at a position which is spaced from the cut end of the stem by a predetermined dimension toward the spike thereof.

Abstract: An arrangement of this invention comprises a device to apply a different identification mark to each of a plurality of heads of livestock and to couple each of the identification marks to an optimization computer, each of the identification marks remaining with its associated one of the plurality of heads of livestock until the finished cuts are obtained; a scale to separately weigh each of the heads of livestock in sequence and to couple each of the resultant weights to the computer with each of the weights being correlated with the associated one of the identification marks; an automatic electronic grader to separately and automatically grade each of the heads of livestock in sequence and to couple each of the resultant grades to the computer with each of the grades being correlated with the associated one of the identification marks and the associated one of the weights; and a plurality of gate controlled sorting pens to sort the plurality of heads of livestock according to the weights and grades after pas

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grading and sorting articles, particularly fruit, according to size, surface blemish and surface color. Fruit is passed sequentially through a camera array which scans the surface of each fruit and measures the intensity of light reflected from successive discrete surface segments. Significant differences between such measured intensities are detected and a measurement of surface blemish is generated in accordance therewith. Size measurements are derived by counting the total number of segments in the surface of each fruit. Color measurements are derived by averaging the ratio of red light intensity to infrared light intensity reflected from each of a plurality of surface areas of each fruit. The fruit are separated and delivered to separate receivers by a mechanism responsive to the size, blemish and color measurements of the respective fruit.

Abstract: A produce grading system that detects the light reflectances from an object in four color bands. Two bands are in the visible range and two are in the invisible range. By means of comparing various color combinations the system looks for the presence of a desired color, an undesired color, and determines if the object is vegetable or nonvegetable matter.

Abstract: A produce grading system that detects the light reflectance from an object in four color bands. Two bands are in the visible range and two are in the invisible range. By comparing various color combinations the system looks for the presence of a desired color, an undesired color, and determines if the object is vegetable or nonvegetable matter.

Abstract: A sorting machine for sorting ground nuts affected by a mould which produces aflatoxin comprises detectors for detecting infra-red (or red) and green light respectively reflected from a ground nut being viewed. The infra-red detector produces a first signal indicative of the amount of mould carried by the ground nut. The green detector produces a signal indicative of the extent to which the ground nut is mechanically damaged, and also produces a gating signal. A comparison signal is derived from these first and second signals and is passed by way of a gate and a level detector to an ejector. The gating signal controls the operation of the gate in dependence upon the extent to which the ground nut being viewed is mechanically damaged, so that the ejector is actuated by comparison signals of a predetermined level only when the extent to which the ground nut is mechanically damaged does not exceed a predetermined value.

Abstract: Disclosed apparatus sort unequally dimensioned veneer sections or other objects which are successively conveyed in a transit direction by a conveyor in parallel to their planes. A series of sensors are mounted at equal mutual distances across the conveyor in a row extending transversely to the transit direction and generate sensor signals in response to successively conveyed objects. The sensor signals are analyzed and the extents of the conveyed objects are tested on the basis of the analyzed sensor signals, preferably with the aid of predetermined nominal values. The conveyed objects are sorted in accordance with their tested extents.

Abstract: Non-destructive testing apparatus for rollers and the like of magnetic material comprises a pair of rotating spin rails having intermediate sections of magnetic material. Feeding apparatus deposits rollers on the spin rails and moves them successively past the magnetic sections. A magnet produces flux through the magnetic sections and a roller rotating thereon. Variable reluctance sensing apparatus senses changes in the flux. An eddy current test probe is positioned adjacent the magnetic sections. Variable reluctance and eddy current test circuits produce flaw output signals which control apparatus for segregating the rollers. Advantageously the feeding apparatus intermittently deposits successive rollers on the spin rails and intermittently moves the rollers along the rails in end-to-end relationship.

Abstract: Newly made glass containers received on a conveyor belt in random orientation are conveyed and brushed into transversally separated columns in lying-down orientation, mouths randomly forwards and rearwards. An escapement periodically addresses the leading row of the columns and sets all the containers of this row in a mouth-upwards upright condition. These upright containers are transferred, several at a time, to individual pockets of an indexing rotary table. Typically, the table has four positions, in which the containers are respectively loaded into pockets, plug gauged, photoelectrically inspected, and unloaded. The relative position of inspection-failing containers is stored in a memory and, in connection with unloading the rotary table, these containers are culled. Apparatus for accepting and automatically packing the inspection-passing containers in boxes is preferably juxtaposed with the unloading station of the rotary table.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for high-speed automatic inspection and processing of large numbers of solid discrete particular objects such as multicolored capsule dose forms in regard to color and/or defect detection, in which virtually all unacceptable material is isolated and an accurate running and total count of acceptable material is provided. The objects are transported in a number of channels past respective optical heads comprising an electro-optics system, the transport mechanism being arranged to provide signals representative of relative object location. The electro-optics system is comprised operatively of separate color recognition and shape inspection subsystems. For the former, a plurality of optical channels are arranged in each optical head operatively in P groups of R optical channels each. The R optical channels of each group view different object segments to provide a spatially integrated output for minimizing noise and particularly the effects of printing on the objects.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for sorting objects, e.g. tomatoes, according to both size and color. A preferred embodiment can sort the objects into fourteen size/color categories and yet requires only two photodetectors. The objects travel on a conveyor belt past a sensing station having a light source to illuminate an object and a pair of phototransistors for receiving light reflected from the object in two different color bands, e.g. red and green. The phototransistors produce a pair of output electrical signals. An analog divider forms a ratio of the electrical signals and the peak value is stored and compared with preset limits to produce a color category signal. A size category signal is derived on the basis of the time duration of the signal produced by the summation of the phototransistors' signals.