Abstract: A device for the optoelectronic classification of semiconductor materials, which has an identifying device 6 that forwards the morphology of the product 1 to be classified to an evaluating device 7 which evaluates the data.

Abstract: A flow cytometer capable of utilizing an imaging system to determine various properties of the flow cytometer. Importantly, the imaging allows for determination of a drop delay time. 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, trajectory of the stream, resonant frequency, wavelengths, change in position of droplet break-off point, and others. An automatic warning system 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 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. The imaging system can allow for the removal of background noise and the monitoring of a change in a stream characteristic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assaying and sorting automatically a batch of radioactive seeds used in medical applications. The method and apparatus consist in feeding seeds from a vibratory feeder through a first gate to an EA measuring station where the equitorial anisotrophy of the seeds are determined. The seeds then pass automatically to a dose calibrator where their radioactivity level is determined. Based on the radiation measurements, a computer controls a turret wheel to position it correctly, to sort the seeds from the dose calibrator into a plurality of receptacles.

Abstract: A process of the type disclosed according to DE 196 50 875 for sorting mailings having different properties by using sorting machines not suitable for all properties of the mailings. The unsuitable mailings receive an identification (ID) marking and their sensed distribution information is stored under this ID marking. As representing each non-processible mailing, a processible substitute is added to the stack of substitutes being assigned one of the non-processible mailings, in each case by means of an ID marking. Then, the processible mailings and the substitutes are sorted according to the associated distribution information. After sorting, the non-processible mailings are brought into a sequence appropriate for sorting on the basis of the ID markings located on them and the associated substitutes.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting indicia on articles. The indicia act to identify a group of articles, having a common characteristic. The articles may be address panels used in mass mailings. Particular address panels, representing the beginning or end of a zip code or a postal delivery route, are pre-marked with one or more special indicia. The apparatus includes a scanning station, a computerized system controller, and a marking station. The scanning station includes a video camera, a video analyzer, a camera controller, and a video monitor. The video camera is programmable by using the camera controller and the video monitor, to scan only a predetermined operative scanning area of each article. The video analyzer assess each pixel within the scanning area and adds up the total number of pixels having a desired characteristic. If the pixel count satisfies predetermined criteria correlating to the presence of an indicia, the article is electronically tagged by the system controller.

Abstract: A conveyor sorter includes a shuttle moving transversely to the conveyor direction to place in the path of articles either a pass-through conveyor or a diverting conveyor. The shuttle is mounted on a reversible belt drive and preferably has two diverting conveyors, one on either side of the pass-through conveyor. Multiple shuttles can be installed in series along the main conveyor to allow sorting to many destinations. Large packages can be sorted at high speed, and the shuttle can be replaced easily to reduce down time when repairs are needed.

Abstract: Methods for classifying plants by remote sensing and image analysis technology are presented. These methods are useful for evaluating plants and for selecting plants for a plant breeding program which has as its goal to selectively alter phenotype. The methods combine the newer techniques of remote sensing technology to obtain indirect correlates of the traits of interest, with classical pedigree breeding strategies. Thermal and infrared reflectance measures of plant canopies are examples of energy values measured by remote sensing, used to indirectly predict the selected traits.

Abstract: The computer imaging analysis of bakery products for quality control and other purposes is disclosed. Apparatus and methods useful in such analysis are disclosed. The methods are useful on all types of bakery products. They can be used to analyze for parameters, such as size, shape, area and volume. They can also be used to analyze holes, grain or crust. Viewable images may be provided. The parameters can be compared with prescribed specifications and can be used on a plurality of products to determine substantial uniformity.

Abstract: An article transporting, and preferably also color and/or weight sorting, assembly and method, support the articles (.g. apples or like pieces of fruit), and effect precise rotation (e.g. within about 5°) of all apples transported thereby. This allows accurate determination of the apple's color by color sensing equipment (e.g. a color camera). The assembly comprises a support element, and two sets of cones mounted to the support by rotatable shafts, each set comprising first and second cones having a tapered exterior surface, the cones on each shaft facing each other and tapering to an imaginary substantially common midpoint. The cones support an apple essentially without the apple engaging the shaft. The cones may be of soft yieldable plastic or rubber with a first taper of about 25-35° (e.g. about 28°), and optionally one or more steps of different taper.

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: Methods and apparatus are provided for removing clear avian eggs from a moving egg flat without contacting the removed eggs and without contaminating the eggs remaining within the egg flat. Clear eggs are identified by passing an egg flat between respective pairs of light sources and light detectors and detecting the amount of light that passes through each egg. Clear eggs are then ejected from the moving egg flat into a stationary receptacle located above the moving egg flat by applying a first stream of air to the lower end of the clear egg. A second stream of air may also be applied to the egg after the egg has been lifted from the egg flat by the first stream of air. This second stream of air is applied to the egg along a direction substantially transverse to the first stream of air. A third stream of air may be utilized to dislodge an egg from a stuck condition prior to being ejected from the egg flat.

Abstract: An apparatus is used to determine whether a container moving along a conveyor is suitable for storing water. The apparatus includes a sampler that obtains a sample from the interior of the container as the container moves along the conveyor. A PID is connected to the sampler to receive the sample and produce a signal corresponding to contents of the sample. A controller is connected to the PID and receives and analyzes the signal to determine whether the container is suitable for storing water. The apparatus may include a vacuum source connected to the PID that produces a reduced pressure for drawing the sample through the PID. A flow restrictor may be positioned between the sampler and PID. The flow restrictor may provide variable resistance to set a desired clearance time through the PID and sensitivity of the PID.

Abstract: A sorting system wherein particulate material is dispersed by centrifugal force in a layer on an inner surface of a rotating drum, and particles which possess at least one predetermined characteristic are removed from the layer.

Abstract: A device for separating at least one item from a housing part includes a gripping device, a pushing-out means and, if appropriate, a sensing device for identifying the item. The separating device can be used expediently for installations for the disassembly of cassettes or cartridges for audio, video, data or film applications.

Abstract: A method and device for improving the efficiency of mechanical transplanting, wherein seedling balls carrying no seedlings or undersize seedlings are automatically removed prior to the planting stage. Several seedling balls are simultaneously extracted from a common cultivation tray and deficient balls are detected and removed. The deficit caused by a removed seedling ball is compensated by momentarily increasing the rate of feeding balls from the tray. No separate replacement seedling supply is required.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method and an apparatus for sorting seeds for the assessment of the maturity and quality of seeds by measuring the amount of chlorophyll fluorescence. Fluorescence of the chlorophyll molecule is induced by irradiating the seeds with electromagnetic radiation with a suitable wavelength and measuring the chlorophyll fluorescence. Properties of the method are the very high sensitivity, being fully non-destructive and the very high speed.

Abstract: Following a process or handling apparatus, in particular following a drying turret (11), (cigarette) packs (10) are transported along a horizontal conveying section. The latter has a checking section (30). In the region of this checking section, the cameras (48, 49) check the packs (10) for correct formation. In the region of the checking section (30), the packs (10) are transported, or retained by intermediate belts (31, 32), such that the cameras (48, 49) can sense a sub-region of the packs (10) in optimum fashion in each case.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for temperature calibration of a microwave sensor unit used in non-destructively measuring and monitoring meat parameters such as fat, protein, and moisture content of a meat supply presented into the sensor unit. The apparatus implementing the method provides for separating the portion of the meat supply exceeding a maximum allowable meat parameter. The method provides for temperature calibration of the microwave sensor unit by processing microwave signal and temperature measurements of meat samples in combination with laboratory analysis data of the same meat samples to obtain temperature-corrected value of meat parameter measurements of the supply of meat presented into the sensor unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for the optoelectronic classification of semiconductor materials, has a separating device 2 and a slide face 3, the angle of the slide face 3 to the horizontal being adjustable, and the separating device 2 and the slide face 3 each having a surface made of the semiconductor material to be separated. There is a radiation source 5, through the beam path of which the material to be classified falls, and a shape recognition device 6, which transmits the shape of the material to be classified to a control unit 7, which controls at least one diverter device 8.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electromagnetic source which transmits electromagnetic radiation to an object. The electromagnetic radiation then either passes through the object or is reflected by the object depending upon the electromagnetic source and the type of the object. The reflected or penetrating radiation, depending upon the type of application, is picked up by a receiver. The receiver then sends the penetrating or reflected signal into a splitter which divides it into a first and second stream or a third and fourth stream, if necessary. After each of these streams, the split signal can then be run through a filter before it is analyzed by a sensor. The sensor reading is then fed into a microprocessor which compares, combines, and evaluates the various readings.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement by which separating liquid streams, such as occur for example in cell sorters, are monitored automatically. An image of the separating liquid streams is recorded and the position of a separation point at which the drops separate from a column of liquid is found using image analysis methods. Various solution possibilities are indicated for the suitable preparation of the image information for easier processing.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing between microorganisms having different attributes comprises the steps of: encapsulating one or more cells within a polymeric bead; incubating the cell(s) within the bead in a growth-supporting medium for a time period sufficient for multiplication of viable cells within the bead; then non-invasively physically examining the bead or the adjacent vicinity of the bead for physical characteristics associated with the differing attributes of cells within the bead. Various forms of apparatus for carrying out the process are descried.

Abstract: The sorting device is able to sort biological objects, particularly cells or viruses, in liquids as a function of physically measurable criteria or properties. The sorting apparatus is provided with a feed inlet (1) for the biological liquid which branches into a microstructured system of multi-parallel main channels (3) and sorting modules (4) each with a switch unit for distribution to two different outlet channels (19,20). Inside a sorting module (4), at least one sensor (9,10) is arranged on each main channel, and a sorting actuator (12) controlled by the relevant sensor is arranged on each switch unit (11). Finally, each outlet channel (20) is connected to a collecting channel (6) for the unselected biological cells or viruses, and each outlet channel (19) is connected to a collecting channel (5) for the selected cells or viruses. If the cells or viruses are magnetically marked, it is possible to dispense with the sensor (9,10) on the main channels (3).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling of packages containing goods in a warehouse and for verifying contents of the packages includes conveying the packages through consecutive stations; performing a plausibility check on the packages by generating and outputting signals which are indicative of respective plausibility parameters, and inputting the electrical signals to the computer for effecting a plausibility determination, the plausibility check being composed of weighing the packages and outputting a signal indicative of weight; measuring volume of the packages and outputting a signal indicative of volume; and measuring at least one property of the goods contained in the packages and outputting a signal indicative of the at least one property; and inputting electrical signals outputted from the identifying and performing steps to the computer; comparing the respective signals inputted to the computer with respective predetermined data stored in the computer and generating a plausibility determination including

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit includes a housing which incorporates an exposure mechanism and is pre-loaded with photo film. A packaging cardboard covers the housing. An identification sign is disposed outside the housing in externally readable fashion, and signals information of one kind of the housing. In classification of the photo film unit, the packaging cardboard is removed from the housing. The identification sign is read, to detect the one kind of the housing. Three downstream paths are disposed and respectively associated with three kinds of housings. The housing is transferred to one of the downstream paths in association with the detected one kind. In a preferred embodiment, the identification sign includes a combination of smooth and rough faces, which are different in optical reflectance from one another. The combination constitutes the information of the one kind of the housing. Preferably, a lower critical value is determined for a surface roughness of the rough face.

Abstract: A permanently attached identification device which is a button sized RFID tag having a unique number. The RFID tag is applied to the garment on the first visit and the identification number is then read. Information related to the garment (such as owner name, dates, reason for cleaning, etc.) is input to a computer along with the identification number. Each time the garment is deposited with a dry cleaner the RFID tag is automatically read by a tag reader near the garment conveyor, and information related to the current visit is input to the computer. The computer maintains a history record related to each garment that is keyed to the identification number in the RFID tag.

Abstract: A process to distinguish plumbing parts, either individually or as combined into a plumbing product, in which one of two types of coatings have been applied to the parts, with the parts being visually indistinguishable by the type of coating. The parts are illuminated with a non-visible light operating at a frequency which will be absorbed by only one type of coating. The parts may be coated with an essentially organic coating or an essentially inorganic coating. Only one of these coatings will absorb the non-visible light and such absorption will be displayed so as to distinguish between parts having the different types of coatings.

Abstract: A complete sorting system is provided herein including a sequence of interlacing cable conveyors for conveying objects to be sorted, such as apples or other agricultural produce, from bulk storage at the input to the system, through the system, and along to drops at the output of the system. The cable conveyors are configured and arranged to handle even delicate agricultural produce without damage and at high speed. The produce or objects which are conveyed typically do not roll along the conveyors. Preferably, objects of substantially any shape can be conveyed along the system.

Abstract: To detect damage in the bottom region of a plastic bottle a picture of the bottom region is taken by means of a camera. The resulting image is then tested for brightness pixel by pixel in a predetermined inspection area. Large deviations of the test curve from the average value are indicative of a damaged bottle. The process is meaningful, and it can be carried out on existing bottle inspection machines.

Abstract: A droplet flow cytometer system which includes a system to optimize the droplet formation time delay based on conditions actually experienced includes an automatic droplet sampler which rapidly moves a plurality of containers stepwise through the droplet stream while simultaneously adjusting the droplet time delay. Through the system sampling of an actual substance to be processed can be used to minimize the effect of the substances variations or the determination of which time delay is optimal. Analysis such as cell counting and the like may be conducted manually or automatically and input to a time delay adjustment which may then act with analysis equipment to revise the time delay estimate actually applied during processing. The automatic sampler can be controlled through a microprocessor and appropriate programming to bracket an initial droplet formation time delay estimate.

Abstract: Provided is a method for tagging thermoplastic containers using near infrared fluorescing compounds or copolymerized residues readily capable of detection. Also provided is a method for identifying a thermoplastic container. Also provided are thermoplastic polymer compositions comprised of the near infrared fluorescing compounds or residues and articles comprised of such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for regenerating a sheet-like recording medium comprising a means for feeding a printed sheet-like recording medium, a regenerating treatment means having a step for eliminating image formed on said recording medium, a means for discriminating and separating the recording medium whether the treated recording medium is reusable or not and a means for storing the separated reusable recording medium.

Abstract: An apparatus monitors a web of textile material which is also processed by a textile processing machine. The web is in motion relative to an imaging unit, and the imaging unit repetitively scans at least one strip across the web in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of relative motion of the web. A computer receives signals from the imaging unit and produces digital data corresponding thereto. The computer further analyzes the digital data to find entities of interest in the web and determines parameters of the found entities of interest. Preferably, the imaging unit and computer include distinguishing means for producing a plurality of optical images of the same portion of the web where each of the optical images are distinguished one from the others by the spectral content. In addition, the imaging unit and computer produce a plurality of time separated images, where each of the time separated images are produced during different lighting conditions on the web.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sorting meat chunks of variable fat and lean meat content, in which some of the meat chunks are interconnected by stringy tissue, the method including providing a roller located above a separation panel separating a lean meat outfeed location and a fat meat outfeed location, the roller being rotatable about a central axis in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction to actively displace interconnected meat chunks striking the roller into either the lean meat outfeed location or the fat meat outfeed location and prevent build-up of interconnected meat chunks on the separation panel.

Abstract: A method for scanning and sorting documents which employs data not found on the document to make the sorting decision. Provision is also made for correcting misread information with the most probable correct data so that the scanning and sorting process may continue uninterrupted. In one form, the method comprises the steps of: (a) reading first data from a document by optical character recognition; (b) accessing second data which contains a list of valid first data; (c) determining if said data contains an error based on said second data; (d) accessing third data if said first data contains an error, said third data containing a probable correction of said first data; (e) changing said first data to equate with said third data; (f) retrieving fourth data from a data file based upon said first; (g) sorting said document based upon said fourth data.

Abstract: In a method for the automated processing of bulk mail, envelopes are transferred to a receiving apparatus in bulk fashion (from incoming mail trays or the like) for the extraction of documents contained by the envelopes, and the extracted documents are delivered to a remittance processing device, preferably both automatically and without the need for human intervention. Subsequent processing of the extracted documents within the remittance processing device then proceeds in usual fashion, completing the acquisition of information which is necessary to ready such documents for deposit into the banking system. Also disclosed are various presorting functions so that only envelopes containing documents of a specified type will be fully processed, other sorting functions such as the identification of specific types of documents (invoices or checks) for separate processing, and the use of a single extraction device to deliver extracted documents to either one, or a series of remittance processing devices.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for singulating inhomogeneous materials. The pieces of materials are first deposited onto a cleat conveyor which is set at an incline so that the pieces of material not residing on a cleat will fall backwards. The cleat conveyor deposits the materials onto a cross conveyor which has a cross conveyor path perpendicular to the cleat conveyor path. There is a slight drop and slide between the cleat conveyor and cross conveyor. The cross conveyor then deposits materials onto a diverter system having a diverter conveyor moving material along a path. The path is interrupted by diverters extending at obtuse angles across the path of the materials. The diverter system works the materials into a single file order and performs some spacing. The diverter conveyor then deposits the materials onto an acceleration conveyor having a velocity greater then the diverter conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining whether a sheet is of a first type or a second type, the sheet including two marks printed on opposite halves of the sheet. The apparatus includes a thickness detector for detecting a thickness of the sheet to detect parts greater than a predetermined thickness, an image input unit for imaging the two marks of the sheet, a judging unit for determining a check condition when any part thicker than the predetermined thickness is located between the two marks and extend between lengthwise edges of the sheet, a comparison unit for comparing the images of the two marks of the sheet imaged by the image input unit when the judging unit determines the check condition and for providing a result signal representative of whether the two marks correspond to each other, and a determining unit for determining in response to the result signal that the sheet is of the first type when the two marks correspond to each other and of the second type when the two marks do not correspond to each other.

Abstract: An article collection system includes a housing having a port for receiving articles, such as aluminum cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles. The assembly also includes a mechanism for classifying the articles, and for densifying the articles.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting and aligning articles to be sorted in an automated bulk processing system is disclosed. The conveyor comprises one or more product-carrying lanes, each lane comprising two side belts separated by a central product-carrying belt. Each of the side belts is raised with respect to the product-carrying belt, thereby guiding articles on to the product-carrying belt. In a preferred embodiment, the product-carrying belt has two product-carrying surfaces and is provided with a 180.degree. lengthwise twist whereby the product-carrying surfaces are alternately presented on the upper surface of the conveyor system for each complete belt travel cycle. The 180.degree. lengthwise twist is maintained in position by a belt guide or comb located on the underside of the conveyor system.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process for the detection of liquids in fibrous and/or porous materials by irradiating the materials by a source of microwaves, detecting the heat emission by temperature measuring devices and transmission of the temperature data thus obtained to a sorting device, and controlling the sorting device by the temperature data thus obtained, whereby first the materials are treated with a polymer solution and whereby residual humidity within the materials is detected after curing of the polymer and drying of the material and whereby sorting of materials, which contain residual liquids and of materials which are free of liquids is carried out, based on the differences in temperature increase.

Abstract: The concentrations of residual heavy metal contaminants in the particulate material in a slurry produced in a particulate material washing process are monitored on-line and can be used to control the washing process. In alternative embodiments of the invention, x-rays, thermal neutrons or laser beams are directed at the slurry as it flows through a flow cell to induce emission of secondary x-rays, gamma rays or light, respectively, characteristic of the heavy metal contaminants and constituents representative of the solids contents of the slurry. These characteristic energies are measured and used to determine the concentration in ppm of the residual heavy metal contaminants in the particulate material within the slurry.

Abstract: A system for injecting liquid into containers moving through an inspection station at variable speeds without spilling liquid over the outside of, or between, the containers for inspecting the containers for the presence of certain substances such as potential contaminants, such as ammonium salts or amine salts in glass or plastic bottles. The movements of each container is tracked with sensors upstream of a high speed injector, and one or more nozzles is timed to inject liquid in a narrow, high velocity stream only while the top opening of a container is under the nozzle(s). The liquid is employed to enhance liberation of vapors from within the containers for detection of the contaminants in the containers.

Abstract: A printed sheet constituting a reference is scanned to form an image of a predetermined part of the sheet, and this reference image is stored in a microprocessor. Additional printed sheets which are to undergo further processing are subsequently similarly scanned to form images of predetermined parts thereof which, as regards position, correspond at least approximately to the predetermined part of the reference sheet. The predetermined part of the reference sheet may be larger than the predetermined parts of the additional sheets or vice versa so that the reference image is larger than the other images or vice versa. The microprocessor compares the image of each additional sheet with that of the reference sheet. In comparing two images, the microprocessor searches the larger image to determine the relative position in which the images would be most closely matched if superimposed on one another.

Abstract: An automated interrupt driven system which employs a circular buffer is used to sort materials based on differing electromagnetic radiation absorption and penetration characteristics. The system has a conveyor and a source of electromagnetic radiation which radiates materials travelling along the conveyor. A controller samples detector outputs at various times to evaluate the absorption and penetration characteristics of the materials to be sorted, based on a plurality of samples. Portions of the materials are ignored to obtain accurate readings from the detectors. Based on the detected penetration and absorption characteristics, the controller activates ejection mechanisms causing materials of different compositions to be deposited into different bins. The controller executes interrupts to cause detection, ejection, testing, and system history maintenance at required times.

Abstract: A method for identifying wheat cultivars is provided which employs an imaging device such as a video camera and a computer to acquire and process images of grain samples and to identify the particular type or cultivar of the wheat by the images obtained thereby. The method involves the steps of acquiring the image of the kernel and germ for each grain, processing the image into digital format, storing data in the computer corresponding to the edge of the kernel and germ, determining the image characteristics of the kernel and germ, and comparing the image characteristics for the sample to a known standard. By accumulating data for a number of grains, calculating statistical information for the sample, and comparing to a known standard, the particular cultivar of the sample may be identified.

Abstract: Electromagnetic radiation is projected through various types of plastics materials such as plastic containers. The readings from the electromagnetic radiation transmitters are received by a sensor array. Plural readings are taken from each plastic bottle as it passes under the sensor. The measurements from the sensor array output are then fed into a computer. The materials are then separated into three classes. The first class contains polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene teraphalate (PET) containers. The second class contains polypropylene (PP) and natural (primarily milk containers) high density polythylene (HDPE) containers. The third class contains opaque materials such as rigid, mixed color high density polythylene (HDPE) containers, opaque polyvinyl chloride (PVC) containers, opaque polystyrene (PS) containers, and opaque polypropylene (PP) containers. The groups of plastics contained in each of the classes are then separated out using the same or other detection means.

Abstract: A sample of powder granules flowing through an online conveyor is removed periodically and fed to a supply hopper where a predetermined amount of granules are stored. A small portion of the granules are removed from the supply hopper and continuously fed to the upper surface of a rotary table to form a single layer thereon. The sample on the table is optically sensed to detect foreign particles. The foreign particles are removed and subsequently the good particles are removed and passed to a weighing hopper. The ratio of good product after sensing and the sample in the hopper is calculated to determine the relative amount of foreign particles flowing in the system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for regenerating a sheet-like recording medium comprising a means for feeding a printed sheet-like recording medium, a regenerating treatment means having a step for eliminating image formed on said recording medium, a means for discriminating and separating the recording medium whether the treated recording medium is reusable or not and a means for storing the separated reusable recording medium.

Abstract: An automated interrupt driven system which employs a circular buffer is used to sort materials based on differing electromagnetic radiation absorption and penetration characteristics. The system has a conveyor and a source of electromagnetic radiation which radiates materials travelling along the conveyor. A controller samples detector outputs at various times to evaluate the absorption and penetration characteristics of the materials to be sorted, based on a plurality of samples. Portions of the materials are ignored to obtain accurate readings from the detectors. Based on the detected penetration and absorption characteristics, the controller activates ejection mechanisms causing materials of different compositions to be deposited into different bins. The controller executes interrupts to cause detection, ejection, testing, and system history maintenance at required times.