Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A sorting system having a plurality of sorting assemblies where each sorting assembly has an image device that transmits an image of product to a controller that then actuates a robotic sorting device to remove damaged product through a suction tube based upon the transmitted image.

Abstract: A method of sorting material that comprises determining whether a volume of material to be mined or a volume of stockpiled material is upgradable to produce a supply of material of greater economic value. If the determination is positive, the material is dry sorted to increase the grade or economic value. The determination is done by taking a plurality of samples from the initial volume of material and analyzing the material to determine if the material is able to be upgraded. The determination can be by X-Ray analysis. The upgrading can involve a size reduction step.

Abstract: A sorting machine (1) for sorting flat articles (2) on edge, which machine includes an upstream conveyor (10), and a downstream conveyor (30) that conveys the flat articles (2) by nipping them, the upstream conveyor (10) and the downstream conveyor (30) being separated by detector means (100) including an intermediate conveyor (20) provided with intermediate belts (22) that convey said flat articles (2) by nipping them, and that are associated individually with suction means (24, 25) pressing any flat article (2) against one or the other of said intermediate belts (22), image capture means (26) for capturing images of the bottoms of said flat articles (2) passing between the intermediate belts (22), and analysis and processing means (4) for analyzing and processing said images to detect any bunching of said flat articles (2).

Abstract: Embodiments describe a system and method for reading the information on bundled packages wrapped in transparent film. The film can obscure information on the outside of the packages making the automated identification and tracking of the packages difficult. Embodiments described herein provide a system and method for capturing the unique information regardless of the obscuring effects of packaging films. A camera that is insensitive to UV light captures visible light emitted by labels after the labels are irradiated by UV light. The light emission induces greater contrast overcoming any distortion that might have occurred due to the transparent packaging film.

Abstract: An apparatus for singulating load items, with a group of delivery apparatuses for delivering load items, wherein there is associated with each delivery apparatus a first singulation apparatus for singulating the load items delivered with that delivery apparatus and there is, downstream of the first singulation apparatuses of the group of delivery apparatuses which form a first singulation stage, a second singulation stage for singulating load items not singulated in the first singulation stage, wherein the second singulation stage comprises a second singulation apparatus and a detection system associated with it for detecting load items not singulated by the second singulation apparatus, with, downstream of the second singulation stage a third singulation stage for singulating load items not singulated in the second singulation stage, which consists of manually post-singulating load items not singulated by the second singulation stage or of providing a return unit for returning the non-singulated load items d

Abstract: A terahertz-based material identification system includes a terahertz source for transmitting a terahertz wave for interaction with an object. The interaction results in a resulting terahertz wave that is influenced by the object. A terahertz detector receives the resulting terahertz wave and is configured to output measurement data corresponding to the resulting terahertz wave. A processor is in communication with the terahertz detector for receiving the measurement data. The processor is also configured to calculate an object response signature based on the measurement data, and compare the object response signature to a set of known response signatures so as to identify the object. The material identification system may also be implemented as part of a sorting system that is configured to selectively separate the object from a mixture based on the identity of the object.

Abstract: In some embodiments, aggregated serialized goods may be loaded into the serialization/aggregation system via a conveyor, and the aggregated serialized goods may be scanned and authenticated. The aggregated serialized goods that are determined to be authentic may be diverted to at least one aggregation line, where the aggregated serialized goods may be bundled. The serialization/aggregation system may be adjustable, and may be easily converted to accept items of various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sorting mined material is based on using a range of options for sensing multiple properties of a mined material on a fragment by fragment basis and then analyzing the multiple types of data and making decisions about the classification of each fragment and then sorting the fragment based on the analysis. The multiple sensing options include the response of the fragments to electromagnetic radiation. Other sensing options may include sensors that look at the response of fragments of a mined material to an acoustic wave or a magnetic field or optical sensors that evaluate texture or other surface characteristics of fragments.

Abstract: There is provided a particle sorting apparatus, including: an excited light irradiating unit for irradiating an excited light to particles flowing through a flow path; a light irradiating unit for detecting a speed for irradiating a light for detecting a speed to the particles at a position different from the excited light; a light detecting unit for detecting a light emitted from the particles; a calculating unit of an arrival time for individually calculating an arrival time of each particle at a sorting unit being communicating with the flow path from a detection time difference between the light derived from the excited light and the light derived from the light for detecting a speed; and a sorting control unit for controlling sorting of the particles, and a method thereof.

Abstract: A nondestructive system and method for aflatoxin detection based on red-orange fluorescence is described. A sorting plane is illuminated with a wide band black light source. At least one image of unsorted produce on said sorting plane is obtained. A red component of the at least one image is evaluated. Contaminated produce is determined based on the red component.

Abstract: A tray engine includes a vertical drive column, a rotation mechanism for rotating the vertical drive column, and an end effector attached to the vertical drive column. The end effector includes an end effector base attached to the vertical drive column. The end effector further includes a slide attached to the end effector base to support a tray, when present. The slide enables the tray to slide along a length of the end effector base. The tray engine includes a drive mechanism attached to the end effector base for moving along the length of the end effector base to enable the tray, when present, to slide linearly along the length and load or unload the tray to or from the slide.

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: Method and system for processing of meat trim products, where trim products are supplied as a sequence of collections of trim (COTs), each collection of trim (COT) comprising a plurality of trim products, whereby a fat/meat relationship for a collection of trim (COT) is measured, a collection of trim (COT) is transferred to a selected station by a separator, controlled by a controller, and whereby a batch is completed at a selected station on the basis of data for said fat/meat relationship, said batch comprising one or more collections of trim (COTs) and fulfilling a predetermined criterion regarding a total fat/meat relationship.

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

Abstract: A method of sorting mined material to separate the mined material into at least two categories is disclosed. The method comprises exposing particles of the mined material to microwave energy and heating the particles depending on the susceptibility of the material in the particles. The method also comprises thermally analyzing the particles using the temperatures of the particles as a basis for the analysis to indicate composition differences between particles and then sorting the particles on the basis of the results of the thermal analysis. The method also comprises compensating for temperature variations in the mined material that is supplied to the method.

Abstract: A machine vision system for automatically identifying and inspecting objects is disclosed, including composable vision-based recognition modules and a decision algorithm to perform the final determination on object type and quality. This vision system has been used to develop a Projectile Identification System and an Automated Tactical Ammunition Classification System. The technology can be used to create numerous other inspection and automated identification systems.

Abstract: A method for transporting a set of items includes predetermining a destination point for each item of the set and for each further item which passes through the sorting system, generating for each item a current image of the item from a predetermined viewing direction, determining the predetermined destination point of the item, and initiating a transport of the item to the destination point. The method includes further transmitting a computer-readable description of the set to a data processing system which is connected to the sorting system. The description includes a reference image of the item from the viewing direction. For each item which passes through the sorting system, the method includes automatically deciding by the data processing system whether or not the item belongs to the set, wherein the data processing system compares the generated current image of the item with the reference image.

Abstract: A device for obtaining a material from a mixed fraction (including particles of a desired material and particles of another material with different optical properties) has a first sorting apparatus and at least two further sorting apparatuses below the first sorting apparatus. From the first sorting apparatus, a major fraction is introduced into a first further sorting apparatus and purified further there, while a minor fraction is passed into a second further sorting apparatus and processed further there.

Abstract: There is provided a microparticle sorting method including a procedure of collecting a microparticle in a fluid that flows through a main channel in a branch channel that is in communication with the main channel by generating a negative pressure in the branch channel. In the procedure, a flow of a fluid is formed that flows toward a side of the main channel from a side of the branch channel at a communication opening between the main channel and the branch channel.

Abstract: A selective-sorting berry-harvesting machine includes a supply system which supplies a computer vision system, a computer vision system including an artificial vision device for acquiring images of harvest components originating from the supply system and a processing device for analyzing said images so that the harvest components can be recognised and differentiated according to pre-established criteria, and a system for selectively separating whole, ripe and healthy berries from other components of the harvest, controlled by the processing device. The supply system is configured such that the harvest can be spread out to form a single layer, harvest components can be isolated individually and the harvest components, particularly the whole, ripe and healthy berries, can be moved rectilinearly at a controlled speed so that they are conveyed individually through the computer vision system.

Abstract: There is provided a microparticle sorting method, including a procedure of collecting a microparticle in a fluid that flows through a main channel in an area that is formed in a manner that a vertical cross-section increases in a flow direction of the fluid at a branch channel which is in communication with the main channel by generating a negative pressure in the branch channel.

Abstract: A method of sorting mined material to separate the mined material is disclosed. The method comprises exposing particles of the mined material to microwave energy and heating the particles depending on the susceptibility of the material in the particles. The method also comprises thermally analyzing the particles using the temperatures of the particles as a basis for the analysis to indicate composition differences between particles. The thermal analysis step includes thermally assessing particles against a background surface. The thermal analysis step also includes heating the background surface to a temperature that is different to the temperature of the particles to provide a thermal contrast between the particles and the background surface. The method also comprises sorting the particles on the basis of the results of the thermal analysis.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for distinguishing and sort seeds containing a genetic element of interest from a bulk sample. In various embodiments, the present invention comprises associating a marker with at least some of the seeds containing a genetic element of interest of the bulk sample, exciting the seeds using an electromagnetic energy emitting device, evaluating at least some of the seeds of the bulk sample for the presence or absence of the marker using an evaluating device configured to excite a majority of the surface area of the seeds, and sorting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest based on the presence or absence of the marker.

Abstract: A system for determining at least one characteristic of wood furnish from an upstream source. The system includes: an inclined panel comprising a transparent window having a top surface for the wood furnish to slide down; a lighting means adjacent the transparent window for lighting the wood furnish visible through a bottom surface of the window; an image capturing means adjacent the transparent window for capturing an image of the wood furnish visible through the bottom surface of the window; and a processing means in communication with the image capturing means for deriving from the captured images the at least one characteristic of the wood furnish.

Abstract: A droplet interference system for sorting cells and a method for the same. The droplet interference system including a droplet generating system for producing a droplet which hits a fluid stream causing a selected segment of the fluid stream, and the cells contained therein, to be separated from the fluid stream.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the use of differences in x-ray linear absorption coefficients to process ore and remove elements with higher atomic number from elements with lower atomic numbers. Use of this dry method at the mine reduces pollution and transportation costs. One example of said invention is the ejection of inclusions with sulfur, silicates, mercury, arsenic and radioactive elements from coal. This reduces the amount and toxicity of coal ash. It also reduces air emissions and the energy required to clean stack gases from coal combustion. Removal of said ejected elements improves thermal efficiency and reduces the pollution and carbon footprint for electrical production.

Abstract: A specimen sorter includes a separating device to remove a specimen from a container, a detection device to identify the specimen as a target specimen or a non-target specimen, and a dispensing device to dispense the specimen. The dispensing device includes a dispensing nozzle to contact a vibration member to form liquid droplets at a front end of the dispensing nozzle and to dispense the liquid droplets, a first container to collect the liquid droplets dispensed from the dispensing nozzle that contain the target specimen, and a second container to collect the liquid droplets dispensed from the dispensing nozzle that contain the non-target specimen.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for analyzing quantities of grain in-line and separating the grain into batches on the basis of one or more grain parameter values is disclosed. The grain is separated in-line on the basis of the grain parameter value thus allowing the grain to be separated into homogeneous batches.

Abstract: A method for sorting out interfering objects (2) in a material stream (13) consisting of acceptable material (1), preferably cullet, wherein during a sorting process the interfering objects (2) and the acceptable material (1) are respectively sorted in at least one separate room area or container, preferably a shaft (9, 10). In order to achieve high degrees of purity with low loss of acceptable material and to simultaneously avoid the use of high fluid blowout pressures and quantities, it is provided that the material stream (13) is continuously subjected during a sorting process to a fluid stream, preferably consisting of compressed air, having a blowing pressure, wherein the fluid stream is interrupted temporally and/or locally depending on a detection result of a detection device (14), which detects the interfering objects in the material stream (13).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of sorting coal into multiple fractions based upon x-ray absorption and size characteristics in order to remove rocks and other contaminants of various sizes from coal. The use of such dry processing of coal is desirable as it reduces pollution and transportation costs. The multi-fractional sorting of coal is a more efficient manner for identifying and removing rock and contaminants from coal.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sorting particles into quality classes are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a measurement device (400) for determining at least one analytical property of said particles. A transport device (300) transports the particles past the measurement device. A sorting device (500) is operatively coupled to the measurement device and sorts the particles into at least two quality classes based on the analytical property. To achieve rapid and reliable transport, the transport device comprises a transport surface (310) configured to move in a transport direction. The transport surface has a plurality of perforations. The transport device further comprises a pump (130) for applying a pressure differential to these perforations, to cause particles fed to the transport device to be aspirated to the perforations and to be transported on the transport surface past the measurement device to the sorting device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining substantially pure hybrid cereal seed and a machine for use thereof. In particular the invention describes a method for separating hybrid barley seed from a mixed population of inbred barley seed and hybrid barley seed on the basis of a difference which is detectable via the use of near infrared light.

Abstract: Machine for the inspection and sorting of fruits, which has, connected to a control system, an inspection unit (1) and ejection means (3) which eject the fruits inspected by the inspection unit (1) which do not comply with certain conditions pre-established by the control system. The product transport means have a plurality of rotating rollers (7) which rotate the fruits they transport as they advance, providing multiple views of said fruits to the artificial vision system (4), and a final section for the fall of the fruits with a curved surface with variable decreasing radius. The present invention also consists of a method to inspect and sort fruits which makes them rotate during their transport and inspection and sets their acceleration at the discharge from the machine through a curved surface with decreasing radius.

Abstract: A separation method for extracting a target 1 from a separation subject (101) in which the target (1) to be extracted and a non-target (2) are mixed. The method includes the steps of distinguishing the target (1) from the non-target (2); obtaining positional information of the target (1) distinguished; attaching a liquid to the target (1) based on the positional information; and extracting the target (1) from the separation subject (101) by bringing a catch member (140) into contact with the separation subject (101) such that viscosity of the liquid causes the target (1) to adhere to the catch member.

Abstract: A method of sorting mined material, such as mined ore, is disclosed. The method comprises exposing particles of mined material to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation and heating particles depending on the minerals present in the particles and then thermally analysing particles exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation to detect temperature differences between particles which indicate differences in the minerals in the particles. The method also comprises sorting the particles on the basis of the results of the thermal analysis.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for sorting a stream of products, comprising a supply system for supplying the stream of products to a scanning zone, a background element positioned behind the scanning zone, at least one inspection unit comprising a scanning unit for illuminating the product stream along the entire width W of the stream of products, and a detection unit for capturing a zone of light returned by the products, the apparatus further comprising a reject system, the apparatus being characterized in that said background element comprises means to capture incident light and to direct it to detector means that is configured to convert said light into an electric signal. The invention equally concerns a method for sorting a stream of products.

Abstract: A system and associated method is provided for sorting parts, which includes a conveyor system for receiving and circulating a plurality of randomly presented parts, a sorting buffer for accumulating selected parts from the plurality of randomly presented parts in an assigned buffer location, and a sequencing system for sequencing the accumulated selected parts.

Abstract: The apparatus, which serves for the optical inspection of workpieces, comprises a transport device driven by a drive unit, which transport device is supplied with workpieces delivered by a loading device, which workpieces are transported by the transport device to at least one inspection position, where an optical inspection is performed, and further to at least one discharge position, where the inspected workpieces are selectively extractable by a discharge device. According to the invention, a plurality of transparent receiving bodies are firmly mounted or rotatably supported on the transport device, each of the receiving bodies comprising a recess, into which the workpieces can be inserted individually or in groups, and wherein an inspection radiation can be guided through each receiving body in order to image the held workpieces.

Abstract: A defective vegetable rejecting device, including methodology, has a transparent of semi-transparent conveyor, a set of light sources mounted offset from a centerline of the conveyor, light blocking plates mounted proximate and aligned with the light source and the conveyor, a light receiver mounted on a side of the conveyor opposite from the light source; and nozzles for rejecting a defective vegetable.

Abstract: A separation method of separating first targets (2) and second targets (7) from a separation subject (101). The separation method includes: conveying the separation subject (101); distinguishing the first targets (2); obtaining positional information of the first targets (2); dropping the separation subject (101) from an end of a conveyance path; striking each of the dropping first targets with a pulsing first airflow (F1) so as to change a drop path of the first targets (2); and striking the first target, which is blown up to or above a predetermined height with a second airflow (F2) so as to change the drop path of the first target (2).

Abstract: A sorting apparatus is described and which includes an inspection station; a multiplicity of electromagnetic radiation emitters and detectors; an optical filter which is positioned in front of the electromagnetic radiation detectors, and which passes electromagnetic radiation having a given polarization; an ejector assembly positioned downstream from the inspection station for removing defective objects of interest which are identified; and a computer/controller for selectively energizing the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and detector, and rendering the ejector assembly operational to remove defective objects of interest, from a stream of objects of interest which have passed through an inspection station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting plant material based on the presence or absence of a visual marker on the plant material. The visible marker may be a visible genetic color marker in the corn seed which is used in double haploid breeding. The absence or presence of the visible marker identifies correctly pollinated seeds as well as putative haploid seeds.

Abstract: Fusarium infected grain is separated by comparing reflected and transmitted light at two wavelengths, one at which the light is substantially reflected and scattered the same by healthy and infected kernels, the other at which the light is reflected and scattered to a significantly greater degree by infected than healthy kernels. An apparatus having a rotating apertured cylinder, with a low internal vacuum, allows comparison of individual kernels. When comparison indicates that a kernel is infected, a lever dislodges it from the cylinder allowing it to fall into a receptacle for infected kernels. Kernels remaining on the cylinder are scraped off to fall into a receptacle for healthy kernels. Although results vary, to some extent depending on the degree of infection, approximately 90% of healthy kernels and 5% of infected kernels are deemed “healthy”, while approximately 10% of healthy kernels and 95% of infected kernels are deemed “infected,” reducing the level of infected kernels.

Abstract: An appearance inspection apparatus 1 has an aligning and conveying device 25 which has an aligning and conveying member 26 with one or a plurality of conveying passages, and a vibration exciter for alignment 37 for applying a vibration to the aligning and conveying member 26 and which aligns the inspection objects in a row and conveys them in each of the conveying passages, a slide-down mechanism 40 which has slide-down passages separately connected to the respective conveying passages of the aligning and conveying member 26 an provided to be tilted downward with respect to extensions of the slide-down passages, an imaging device 60 disposed in the vicinity of the slide-down passages for imaging the inspection objects sliding down in the slide-down passages, and a sorting device 80 for analyzing the images of the inspection objects captured by the imaging device, judge the qualities thereof, and sorting the inspection objects sliding down in the slide-down passages on the basis of analysis results.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus is described and which includes an inspection station; a multiplicity of electromagnetic radiation emitters and detectors; an optical filter which is positioned in front of the electromagnetic radiation detectors, and which passes electromagnetic radiation having a given polarization; an ejector assembly positioned downstream from the inspection station for removing defective objects of interest which are identified; and a computer/controller for selectively energizing the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and detector, and rendering the ejector assembly operational to remove defective objects of interest, from a stream of objects of interest which have passed through an inspection station.

Abstract: In a recycling system of the present invention for collecting a subject of recycling, which contains plastics, from the market and reprocessing the plastics to thereby produce a recycled product, the plastics contains a line spectrum radiation that radiates light when receiving ultraviolet rays or an electromagnetic wave. Recycle information particular to the subject of recycling is identified on the basis of the wavelengths of light radiated from the line spectrum radiation.

Abstract: A sample identification/sorting apparatus (10) includes a sample storage portion (11) that stores samples (S and SR) dispersed in a liquid (A), a flow cell (12) having a flow path (12a) through which the liquid (A) flows, and a sorting nozzle (14) that has a flow path (14a) communicating with the flow path (12a) of the flow cell (12) and dispenses a sorting solution including the sample (S), which is a target sample, to a culture plate (13). A flow path from the sample storage portion (11) to the leading end of the sorting nozzle (14) is a straight line. There is no curved portion in the flow path of the liquid (A) and the collision risk of a sample, such as a living cell, with the wall of the flow path is reduced.

Abstract: A pellet-shaped article inspection unit is structured for use with a conveyer mechanism having a plurality of carrier bars, each carrier bar being structured to convey a plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The article inspection unit includes a first camera unit positioned adjacent a first side of the conveyer mechanism, to sense a first predetermined characteristic, e.g., laser holes. A removal mechanism, downstream from the first camera unit, is structured to remove or maintain at least a selected one of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles from at least a selected one of the plurality of carrier bars depending on whether the first predetermined characteristic is sensed.

Abstract: A sorting device and a method for separating products in a random bulk stream of inhomogeneous products. The sorting device comprises an image recording unit arranged for recording images of the bulk stream of products. An image processing unit connected to the image recording unit for determining product properties and process properties of products in the bulk stream from the recorded images. A decision unit connected to the image processing unit for determining, on the basis of one or more of the determined product properties of the products, which products are to be separated. A separating unit arranged for separating the products to be separated from the bulk stream. As well as an object processing unit arranged for determining, on the basis of one or more of the determined product properties and one or more of the determined process properties of the products, points of engagement on the products to be separated for separating the products to be separated by means of the separating unit.