Abstract: A system and method (FIG. 1) for automated handling and identification of parcels sorted by an automated high-speed mail sorting apparatus that identifies parcels that contain hoax or biological threat material comprising an opener (120) and a particle sampler (170) wherein said sampler analyzes air flow created as the parcels are compressed by pinch rollers (140).

Abstract: A method of sorting sorting objects within a bulk of objects from a heterogeneous population is provided. The bulk of objects to be sorted has an inherent variation, and at least one class, having less variation than the originally inherent variation of the bulk, is separated from the bulk. This lesser variation represents a quality of composition with reference to any organic material of the objects within the bulk.

Abstract: Improved flow cytometer system particularly adapted to use for sex-selected sperm sorting include enhanced sheath fluid and other strategies which minimize stress on the sperm cells, including a 2.9 percent sodium citrate sheath solution for bovine species and a HEPES bovine gamete media for equine species. Improved collection systems and techniques for the process are described so that commercial applications of sperms samples as well as the resulting animals may be achieved.

Abstract: In an apparatus at a spinning preparation machine, for example a cleaner, opener, carding machine or the like, for detecting waste which is separated out from fibre material, for example cotton, and consists of foreign matter and good fibres and which is collected in a collecting device, there is provided an optical measuring device having a brightness sensor, which measuring device examines the waste. In order to make it possible, by simple means, for the content of good fibres in the waste to be detected and to allow optimum adjustment of the composition of the waste, especially with a high content of trash and low content of good fibres, the waste material is moved past at least one sensor arrangement responding to good fibres, and the sensor arrangement comprises a light source, the light reflected by the moving good fibres being detected by the brightness sensor and being converted into electrical signals, from which the good fibre content can be determined.

Abstract: An object inspection system includes an object feeding device, a positioning device including a rotatable wheel with a peripheral edge face formed with retaining grooves for positioning objects from the feeding device, an image recognition detector for detecting a side portion of the object in each of the retaining grooves so as to generate image data, and an image processing device for receiving and converting the image data into a set of calculated dimensions and for comparing the set of calculated dimensions with a set of preset dimensions so as to generate a first signal or a second signal. First and second object removing member are controlled by the first and second signals, respectively, to remove the objects from the positioning device.

Abstract: In a method for calculating the temperature T of a solid body or the time t that is needed for a change of the temperature T of the solid body, a solution function to a dimensionless equation corresponding to the differential equation dT/dt=b?aT4?cT, is determined and used to create a matrix A=(aij) with which T or t can be easily calculated.

Abstract: This invention provides a seed-sorting apparatus that includes an alignment trough having a plurality of grooves into which the seeds are distributed, a line sensor camera for inspecting the seeds, a nozzle device having a number of nozzles that is the same as the number of grooves on the upper surface of the alignment trough, and a control unit. The control unit, through a series of calculations, is capable of differentiating between different types of seeds and can direct a seed sorting and sucking device to suck the seed.

Abstract: A method for separating objects, such as stones, wherein each object is dropped through a predefined path, such as a drop tube. Then, for each object, the time when the object passes through a predefined point in the path is determined, as are selected characteristics, such as the color, of the object. The characteristics of the object are matched, if possible, to various criteria and, depending on the criteria to which the object is matched, a diverter gate is activated to divert the object from the predefined path to an appropriate collection bin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for sorting a plurality of green wood veneer sheets into a plurality of subsets of sheets, the subsets including a “driest” subset, a “wettest” subset, and one or more “intermediate” subsets. The system has a light source for transmitting light through a sheet of veneer as it passes along a conveyor system, and a light sensor for sensing the light passing through the sheet. The pattern of light is recorded by an image acquisition and processing subsystem as an image, which is fed to an image analysis subsystem programmed to analyse the light pattern and to produce a mathematical representation of the image. An integrated moisture content value (IMCV) is set for the particular veneer sheet. Based on this value, a controller sends signals to the conveyor system to convey the particular sheet to a location storing sheets having similar IMCV values for drying.

Abstract: An illumination source for a machine vision viewer for a sorter that provides a flow of articles along a scan line includes an elongated, cylindrical shroud with illumination sources mounted interior of the shroud. The illumination sources are arranged longitudinally within the shroud and are angularly spaced along the inner circumference of the shroud. Linear slots running parallel with the shroud axis are provided in the shroud for the subject articles to enter and exit the shroud. A linear slot running parallel with the shroud axis is provided for receptors to view the articles passing through the shroud. The cylinder interior is otherwise uniform and light reflecting. An alternative embodiment of the shroud comprises two shroud arc components with openings between the arcs to allow articles to pass between the shroud arc components.

Abstract: A device for controlling a continuous movement of an object with symmetry of revolution (1) comprises a conveyor (5) having two parallel guides, (6) and at least one pair of belts (8) stretched on the guides, between and on which these objects move at the level of the guides. These belts form an angle (11) between a top track and a lower track of each of the belts. The belts in the pair have the same direction of rotation around the guides, the same value of the measured angle (11) from the upper track to the lower track, and the same displacement speed. Preferably, the pair of belts consists of a single folded belt.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting defects in the cover sheets used to manufacture diapers is disclosed. A linear sensor is used to detect defects in the cover sheet web before it is combined with the absorbent material to form a diaper. When a defect is detected, the manufactured diaper containing the defective cover sheet is ejected from the line after a delay which is dependent on the speed of the process.

Abstract: A method of analysing products arranges above a conveyer line three successive analysing stations having, in the first station, two cameras arranged in such a way that their optical axes form a V centred on the products and has a vertex angle in the range between 90° and 130°, and in the other two stations, a camera arranged plumb with the conveyer line. Moreover, the products are driven in rotation during their transport along the analysing stations, in such a way that the cameras each take a number of photographs of complementary faces of the surface of the products, and there are selected from among the photographs taken, by a comparison between the calculated theoretical diameter of a product and a predetermined average diameter, the photographs to be retained so as to obtain a complete analysis of the total surface of the product.

Abstract: A color-based sorting apparatus comprising, a material supplying device provided so as to discharge and supply the grains stored therein, a color detecting device detecting a color of each of the grains passing through a setting region, a sorting processing section operating to change a transference path for defective grains, a control device, which determines whether each of the grains to be sorted is defective or not based on a detection signal from the color detecting device, and when it is determined that one of the grains is defective, the control device activating the sorting processing section, and a feeding roll disposed between the material supplying device and the color detecting device and rotating around an axial line thereof to cause the grains to be sorted, which are supplied from said material supplying device aligned in an axial direction, to freely fall down toward the color detecting device.

Abstract: Environmental containment methods (16) for a flow cytometer (21) which provides an adjustably controllable environment in which biological particles can be differentiated and droplets separated into collection containers (15).

Abstract: A reticle sorter and a semiconductor fabrication facility employing one or more reticle sorters is provided. The reticle sorter(s) generally lies between a reticle storage system and a group of one or more photolithography exposure tools (e.g., steppers) and is configured for sorting reticles in one or more cassettes. The use of the reticle sorter provides sorting functionality apart from the reticle storage system and typically closer to the group of photolithography steppers with which it is associated. This can, for example, significantly increase the throughput of semiconductor wafers through the associated photolithography exposure tools as well as in the semiconductor fabrication plant as a whole.

Abstract: In a sorting and separating method for recycling plastics provided in a mixture of plastics as refuse, said mixture of plastics is sorted and separated according to colours. Fractions of plastics thus obtained, separated according to colours, are sorted and separated according to types of plastic.

Abstract: A micromechanical actuator for sorting hematopoietic stem cells for use in cancer therapies. The actuator operates by diverting cells into one of a number of possible pathways fabricated in the fabrication substrate of the micromechanical actuator, when fluorescence is detected emanating from the cells. The fluorescence results from irradiating the cells with laser light, which excites a fluorescent tag attached to the cell. The micromechanical actuator thereby sorts the cells individually, with an operation rate of 3.3 kHz, however with the massively parallel 1024-fold device described herein, a throughput of 3.3 million events/second is achievable.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for checking the quality of blanks processed with a machine processing blanks of at least a certain type, comprising: carrying out a registering for said possible blank types, feeding a register parameter (n) defining a required number of blanks per pile, loading a pile of blanks into a device, conveying the blanks of the pile throughout a registering area ensuring the scanning of the printing and/or diecutting quality of said blanks, defining which type the registered blank is the better related, stripping the blank if it has printing and/or diecutting defects, and piling up the registered blanks that were not stripped so as to pile up a new pile until it comprises n blanks, and repeating the steps, and apparatus for the foregoing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for classifying beverages of natural origin such as wine or coffee. Classification is carried out by means of NIR spectroscopy and corresponding numerical-mathematical conditioning of the spectral data of the individual beverage samples, wherein respective obtained spectra are then correlated with a predetermined beverage class. By means of the method of the invention it is possible to classify wines by sort of wine, growing regions, grape, vine, vintage, kind of material or wood of the wine cask used, and varying degree of maturity of the wine, and by other chemical parameters. Coffee, for example, may be classified by coffee sort, country of origin, coffee growing region, roasting method and defined chemical parameters, e.g., caffeine content, or chlorogenic acid content.

Abstract: A raw stream of freshly harvested processor tomatoes which includes desired crop, substandard crop and detritus is subjected to successive scannings and separations to produce an improved collection of tomatoes of increased value to the processor.

Abstract: A environmental containment system (16) for a flow cytometer (21) which provides a adjustably controllable environment in which biological particles can be differentiated and droplets separated into collection containers (15).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for assaying and sorting radioactive seeds that provides for feeding seeds in line horizontally in end to end fashion; translating the seeds from the horizontal to a vertical stack; singulating the seeds from the vertical stack and moving a singulated seed to a horizontally displaced position; loading the horizontally displaced singulated seed into a shuttle by pushing vertically downward into a cavity in the shuttle; moving the shuttle horizontally from a retracted position where it receives a singulated seed, into one end of an annular dose calibrator to an intermediate position within the dose calibrator and out of the other end of the annular dose calibrator to an unloader position; determining the activity of the singulated seed contained in the cavity while it is in the intermediate position; dropping the singulated seed into one of a plurality of receptacles at the unloader position; and controlling the plurality of receptacles to position a preselected receptacle to receive the si

Abstract: Articles entered into a sorting system are identified by means of an article identification device 1. An allocation ratio is selected from an allocation ratio table 7 based on the identifying information from the article identification device 1. Chute selection information is obtained for a sorter 2 based on the allocation ratio by means of a calculator 6, which in one embodiment uses a random number generator 8 to make a weighted calculation and a deviation reduction mechanism 11 to reduce the deviation of the accumulated weighted calculation results. A controller 3 selects a chute 4 such that the articles entered into the system will be distributed in accordance with the article allocation ratio, and provides the chute selection information to the sorter 2. The sorter 2, based upon the chute selection information, conducts sorting by dropping the articles entered into the system into the appropriate chute 4.

Abstract: A system for sorting articles includes a conveyor transporting the articles in conveying zones. An identifier directed at an identification zone on the conveyor identifies an article bearing a particular characteristic. A sliding gate coupled to the conveyor at a removal zone on the conveyor downstream from the identification zone is arranged below the articles and controlled by the identifier to open when the article bearing the characteristic passes the removal zone. The sliding gate opens parallel to the conveyor and either in the conveyor direction or the direction opposing the conveyor direction. The sliding gate provides an opening of the same length as the conveying zone. A device for sorting articles includes a sliding gate on the conveyor at a removal zone. The sliding gate is arranged below the articles and controlled by an identifier to open when an article bearing a characteristic passes the removal zone.

Abstract: A system and method of the present invention removes defects from citrus pulp. An advancing mechanism advances citrus pulp along a predetermined path of travel into an inspection zone. A citrus pulp imager is positioned at the inspection zone and acquires image data of the citrus pulp. A processor is operatively connected to the citrus pulp imager and receives the image data and processes the image data to determine defects within the citrus pulp. A rejection mechanism rejects any citrus pulp determined to be defective.

Abstract: Apparatuses for settling, analyzing and sorting materials, which can afford to realize such procedures as analysis and sorting of materials present as independent pieces at a high efficiency in a high accuracy, by settling individual pieces 5 of materials in receptacles 4 of a holder 1 at a definite posture using a light-hardenable adhesive at uniform hardening strength in a uniform but brief hardening time by cold hardening under identical hardening condition without causing denaturation of the material, wherein the receptacles 4 are arranged on the holder 1 in a definite arrangement at a definite posture, whereby it is able to process each individual material piece after the hardening of the adhesive, by, for example, cutting and so on, to form uniformly on each material piece an analyzing surface for which the analysis is performed.

Abstract: A flow cell and flow cytometer in which a nozzle at the end of a flow channel is disposed on a removable substrate held at a registered location on a flow cell. Other elements including illumination optics, light collection optics, and the flow cell may then be positioned at fixed locations and would not require subsequent periodic adjustment. The registered location for positioning the nozzle allows removal and replacement of the nozzle key with the nozzle subsequently positioned in the identical location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.

Abstract: According to the invention, the bulk material is dropped down a drop section (5) for the purpose of separating the material, in order determine the temperature distribution of the bulk material very accurately and as completely as possible. Said drop section can be configured e.g. at the end of the conveyor belt (1). A thermographic measuring device (10, 11) is used to carry out spatially resolved measurement of the bulk material in a measuring area (15) of the drop section (5). The temperature distribution of the bulk material can then be determined from the measuring values (m). Local temperature increases in particular can be determined during this process, by comparison with a maximum allowable limit temperature, as can an inhomogeneity in the temperature distribution.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for determining characteristics of products of generally unequal size, e.g. apples, which are conveyed on product carriers, such as rollers of a conveying apparatus, and pass the system, the system comprising a detection device, arranged at some distance from the products, having a transmitter section and a receiver section, as well as a signal processing unit for processing signals to and from the system, including the signals of the receiver section for determining the characteristics, the system further comprising: a sensor which, prior to the passage of a product, scans the size of each passing product and produces a corresponding scanning signal, and a displacement device, for positioning, in accordance with each scanning signal, at least the receiver section of the detection device at a well-defined distance during the passage of each product.

Abstract: An automated inspection system for detecting digestive contaminants on food items as they are being processed for consumption includes a conveyor for transporting the food items, a light sealed enclosure which surrounds a portion of the conveyor, with a light source and a multispectral or hyperspectral digital imaging camera disposed within the enclosure. Operation of the conveyor, light source and camera are controlled by a central computer unit. Light reflected by the food items within the enclosure is detected in predetermined wavelength bands, and detected intensity values are analyzed to detect the presence of digestive contamination.

Abstract: Semiconductor die analysis is enhanced using a system that is adapted to perturb a die in a test chamber and to detect a response from the die to the perturbation. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor die analysis system includes a test chamber and a docking arrangement adapted to dock with the test chamber. A die is held in the docking arrangement and is presented inside of the test chamber when the docking arrangement is docked with the chamber. Two or more perturbation devices are used to perturb the die, and controller is adapted to control the perturbation. A data acquisition arrangement receives data from the die in response to the perturbation, and the data is used for analyzing the die.

Abstract: A flow cytometer (20) capable of utilizing an imaging system including a sensor (88) to determine various properties of the flow cytometer (20). Importantly, the imaging allows for determination of a drop delay time (154). Other characteristics that can be determined include at least the width of the stream, pressure of the stream, effect of charged droplets on other droplets (44), trajectory of the stream, resonant frequency, wavelengths, change in position of droplet break-off point (150), and others. An automatic warning system (180) can be used to alert an operator of an anomaly during setup or during normal operation. Furthermore, a mechanical interrupter can be used to shield a sort result from contamination by an incorrectly functioning stream. The cytometer (20) also allows for the disablement of the sort, particularly the charging and deflection systems. In addition, a more accurate system for detecting the speed of the stream can be used.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for at least one of authenticating, sorting or counting documents, as well as to security structures contained within documents and to documents containing security structures. A security device or structure includes an optical gain medium and a structure having boundaries that impart an overall geometry to the structure that, in combination with at least one material property of the structure, favors in one embodiment the creation of at least one mode that enhances an emission of electromagnetic radiation within a narrow band of wavelengths. Suitable shapes for the structure comprise elongated, generally cylindrical shapes such as filaments, a sphere shape, a partial-sphere shape, a toroidal shape, a cubical and other polyhedral shape, and a disk shape. The structure preferably comprises at least one of a monolithic structure or a multi-layered structure or an ordered structure that may provide for distributed optical feedback.

Abstract: Improved flow cytometer system particularly adapted to use for sex-selected sperm sorting include enhanced sheath fluid and other strategies which minimize stress on the sperm cells, including a 2.9 percent sodium citrate sheath solution for bovine species and a HEPES bovine gamete media for equine species. Improved collection systems and techniques for the process are described so that commercial applications of sperms samples as well as the resulting animals may be achieved.

Abstract: A system for sorting articles includes a feed conveyor for launching the articles across an airspace toward a first destination. A light source shines light energy on the articles in the airspace. A collector collects light energy reflected from the articles. A deflector is provided for deflecting selected articles toward an alternative destination as the articles fly across the airspace. A control system is operably connected to the collector and the deflector for actuating the deflector in response to a sensed parameter, such as an electromagnetic radiation frequency spectrum, of the light energy collected in the collector. Preferably, this system is utilized with a retro-reflector located on an opposite side of the airspace from the light source and the collector. This system also preferably includes the use of a multi-plexer which allows a single analyzer unit to be utilized to analyze light signals from each of a large plurality of collector units of the collector.

Abstract: An automated particle sorter having a fluid flow path, which places single biological particles in an optical cuvette. An exciting light irradiation system having a light source emits a source of light through the cuvette. The light excites a fluorescent substance present on the particle, and the emitted light is detected by a light detection apparatus containing at least two detection elements for measuring the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent substance. A light separation element separates the fluorescence from the exciting light. A data processor compares the signal received from the fluorescent light; and from the background autofluorescent signal, and according to pre-set parameters, controls the position of a collection conduit between two set points. The first being a collection set point for the collection of objects having a first phenotype and the second being a set point for the collection of objects having a second phenotype.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring coated test panels, the test panels (2) being taken from a feed magazine (1) by a gripping and moving device, e.g. a laboratory robot, placed on a measuring station (9) and, finally, transferred to a delivery station (5). In the measuring station (9) measurement of the various properties of the coating is carried out by the laboratory robot (3) using various measuring devices (4). This process can in particular involve spatial resolution and electronic recording. The test panels can furthermore be distinguished by a bar code system which is recorded and evaluated electronically.

Abstract: A method of identifying non-conforming groups of items within a package, the package containing a plurality of groups of items, comprises obtaining a reference signal corresponding to a package containing conforming groups of items, obtaining a signal corresponding to each of the plurality of groups of items in the package, comparing the signal corresponding to each of the plurality of groups of items with the reference signal, determining whether any of the plurality of groups of items is nonconforming, and segregating the package based on whether the package contains a nonconforming group of items.

Abstract: A sorting system (110) conveys articles, such as peaches (114) on a conveyor belt (112) past an inspection zone (126) that is lighted by an illumination source (90) radiating a number of emission peaks over visible and infrared portions of the spectrum. The illumination source generates the radiation from an Indium Iodide lamp (92) that is reflected off a parabolic reflector (94) and through a “soda straw” collimator (100) to illuminated the peaches. A detector system (118) employs line scanning visible and infrared cameras (142, 140) to sense visible and IR wavelength reflectance values for the peach meat (124) and peach pit or pit fragments (126). Various image processing and analysis methologies, such as subtraction, ratio, logarithmic, regression, combination, angle, distance, and shape may be employed to enhance the image contrast and classify the resulting data for sorting the peaches.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for determining a location of a coated region on a braided structure. The system includes at least one light source for illuminating the braided structure and at least one detector for detecting an optical contrast between the braided structure and the coated region. A data processor may be provided for determining the location of the coated region based on the detected optical contrast. The light source may be an ultraviolet light source, and the detector detects a fluorescent emission from at least one strand or filament, e.g. a monofilament, that forms a part of the braided structure. More specifically, the detector detects at least one of a reduction or an increase in a fluorescent emission from the least one filament, where the reduction and/or the increase is due to the presence of the coated region that overlies the at least one filament.

Abstract: A sheet winding apparatus or a heat transfer recording sheet providing apparatus including the sheet winding apparatus, the sheet winding apparatus formed of a plurality of sheet winding devices arranged in multiple steps in a vertical direction. Each of the sheet winding devices includes (1) a plurality of holding/rotating devices, (2) a sticking apparatus for sticking adhesive around a number of outer peripheral portions of an unused roll shaft held by one of the holding/rotating devices, arranged in the direction of the unused roll shaft, and (3) a press roll that presses a sheet against an outer periphery of a roll shaft held by the holding/rotating device during the entire time that the sheet is wound around the roll shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for verifying the drop delay in a flow cytometer, which is indicative of the time that elapses from a moment at which a particle of interest is detected at an interrogation point in the flow of cytometer to the moment at which a sorting condition, such as a charging potential, is applied in response to the detection to a droplet forming at a droplet forming location in the flow cytometer. The apparatus and method analyzes the content of the droplets formed by the flow cytometer, and based on the analysis, provides an indication as to whether the drop delay time at which the flow cytometer is operating is correct. Specifically, the charging potential should be applied to the droplet containing the detected particle of interest. The content of the droplets can be analyzed at the droplet formation point, or at a location downstream of the droplet formation point, to detect the presence or absence of a particle of interest that was detected at the interrogation point in the flow cytometer.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus for sorting and receiving optical discs as a function of different quality control codes associated with respective optical discs including a base and a motor mounted to the base and having an output shaft. A turntable has a plurality of vertically oriented fixed spindles attached thereto, and the turntable is connected to, and rotates with, the output shaft of the motor. Each of the spindles has a diameter less than a diameter of a centerhole in the optical discs. A control is responsive to the quality control codes and operates the motor to rotate the turntable and move a spindle to a loading position for receiving an optical disc. The control selects the spindle to receive the optical disc so that only discs having a common quality control code are received by the spindle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sorting carpet or similar pieces of material to material type and the like, wherein the method comprises the following steps of: placing pieces of carpet on a transport system; disentangling or separating the pieces of carpet on a transport system; fixing pieces of carpet individually to a guide system; recognizing the type of carpet during movement along the guide system; and releasing a piece of carpet into or onto a relevant location determined by the recognition.

Abstract: A discarded industrial product recycling system capable of acquiring pertinent data required for processings of discarded industrial products such as discarders, reception dates, persons responsible for disposal, disposal dates and so forth for selecting proper disposal for each of the discarded industrial products while automatizing the article data acquisition to a possible maximum for enhancing the enhance disposal rate. An electronic tag (radio-frequency identifier tag) is attached to each of discarded industrial products to allow data required for the processing to be written and read by readers/writers. At a time point and a place where a discarded industrial product is received, basic data required for the processing of that article is written in the electronic tag. Pertinent processing route for each of the manufactured articles is decided by reading the data from the electronic tag while writing additional data in the tag as occasion requires.

Abstract: A method and apparati of automatic sexing of a one-day-old chick which includes inducing the chick to lose its equilibrium and voluntarily spread its wings. An example of an apparatus which causes chick disequilibrium includes a cup with a rim, a funnel removably seated on the rim, and a free-rolling ball inside the cup. A second example of such an apparatus includes a conveyer belt, a mechanical vibrator attached to the surface of the conveyer belt, and two poles for supporting the spread wings. A third example of such an apparatus includes a passageway enclosed on both sides whose bottom is attached to an oscillator. The wings are caused to be spread so that chick sexing can be performed by photographing the chick, applying appropriate image processing to the photograph, identifying the sex of the chick from the processed photograph, weighing the chick, and processing chicks based on sex and weight. Preferably, the chick is photographed in blue light, using a digital camera.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting documents. The documents are scanned to determine a characteristic of each document and then sorted in response to the scanned characteristic. In particular, a method is provided for multi-pass processing of documents. In accordance with one method, each document is assigned a logical sort number corresponding to the recipient of the document. The documents are then sorted in sequential order according to the logical sort numbers. A method is also provided that compares data scanned during a pass with data obtained during a previous pass to determine the recipient of the document. In addition a method is provided for marking the documents and sorting the documents so that the markings provide indicators of pre-defined groups of documents.