Abstract: An automated method for detecting glass-ceramic materials in cullet, includes detecting the glass-ceramic material in cullet, during which fragments thought to be glass-ceramic material are identified in the cullet, obtaining a digital image resulting from the detecting of the glass-ceramic material, the image including at least one group of pixels corresponding to a fragment thought to be glass-ceramic material, colorimetrically processing the image, during which at least the group of pixels of the image corresponding to fragments thought to be glass-ceramic material is processed by a colorimetric image processing module according to an RGB model.

Abstract: A controllable array sorting device is disclosed, including: an array of diverting mechanisms; and a processor coupled to the array of diverting mechanisms, wherein the processor is configured to: process an instruction to perform a sorting action on a target item, wherein the instruction specifies a selected at least subset of the array of diverting mechanisms to use to perform the sorting action; and in response to the instruction, cause the selected at least subset of the array of diverting mechanisms to perform the sorting action on the target item.

Abstract: A paddy discriminator includes a downflow gutter in which mixed grains including paddy and brown rice are aligned and flow down, a light emission source that irradiates the mixed grains discharged from the downflow gutter with light, and light receiving means capable of receiving reflected light and transmitted light from the mixed grains irradiated with light by the light emission source, wherein the light emission source includes first illumination means that is provided on a light receiving means side of the mixed grains and is capable of irradiating the mixed grains with light of a red component, and second illumination means that is provided on a side away from the light receiving means of the mixed grains and is capable of irradiating the mixed grains with light of a green component.

Abstract: Automatic packager for pharmaceuticals and method of operating the same. The method includes receiving a prescription to be filled by a pharmacy management system and identifying one or more bulk containers that contain medications to fill the prescription. The method also includes counting, using a pre-counter, medications from the one or more bulk containers to fill the prescription and depositing the counted medications in one or more cartridges. The method also includes placing the one or more cartridges including the counted medications at an automatic packager and dispensing the medications in the one or more cartridges. The method also includes packaging medications dispensed from the one or more cartridges into packages and verifying whether the medications are correctly packaged.

Abstract: A robotic work cell uses an object separating mechanism to disperse bulk objects into a 2D arrangement on a horizontal surface and uses a vision system to generate pick-up (positional) data and rotational orientation data for each sequentially selected target object of the 2D arrangement. A pick-and-place robot mechanism uses the positional data to pick-up each target object and uses the rotational orientation data to reorientate the target object during transfer to a designated hand-off location. A carousel-type robotic end-tool disposed on a 4-axis object-processing robot mechanism rotates a gripper mechanism around a vertical axis to move the target object from the hand-off location to a designated processing location, where an associated processing device performs a desired process (e.g., label application) on the target object. In one embodiment the gripper mechanism is selectively rotatable around a horizontal axis to facilitate processing on opposing surfaces of the target object.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a property of products, in particular plant or animal products, the apparatus comprising: a conveyor configured for conveying products one-by-one along a transport path in a transport direction; a light source configured for illuminating a first illumination area of the transport path, wherein the first illumination area extends substantially across the transverse width of the transport path; and a sensor structure configured for receiving light from a sensing area of the transport path, wherein the sensing area extends substantially across the transverse width of the transport path, wherein the sensing area is adjacent to the first illumination area.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sorting hides are provided. In particular, one or more embodiments comprise a tanning control system that enhances the traceability of hides by capturing and utilizing data related to the unloading, tanning, sorting, and packaging of hides. Furthermore, one or more embodiments enable the tanning control system to improve efficiency by sorting hides based, at least in part, on data generated during prior tanning processes. Additionally, one or more embodiments facilitate the tanning control system in customizing the sorting and packaging of hides based, at least in part, on one or more hide characteristics and/or customer specifications.

Abstract: Images depicting items in a waste flow on a conveyor belt are provided to two analysis systems. The first system processes images to decode digital watermark payload data found on certain of the items (e.g., plastic containers). This payload data is used to look up corresponding attribute metadata for the items in a database, such as the type of plastic in each item, and whether the item was used as a food container or not. The second analysis system can be a spectroscopy system that determines the type of plastic in each item by its absorption characteristics. When the two systems conflict in identifying the plastic type, a sorting logic processor applies a rule set to arbitrate the conflict and determine which plastic type is most likely. The item is then sorted into one of several different bins depending on a combination of the final plastic identification, and whether the item was used as a food container or not. A variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for sorting cottonseeds. Methods include the use of an optical sorter to sort cottonseed by color. Additionally, methods include sorting cottonseed using a gravity table to collect high-density seed (“accepts”) and mid-density seed (“middlings”), followed by sorting the mid-density, and optionally, the high-density seed using an optical sorter to collect dark cottonseed, thereby providing high-quality cottonseed for packaging. Devices and systems comprising one or more gravity tables and one or more optical sorters are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for determining the location and characteristics of certain surface features that comprises elevated or depressed regions with respect to a smooth surrounding surface on an object. A filter acts on a range image of the scene. A filter defines an annulus or other perimeter shape around each pixel in which a best-fit surface is established. A normal to the pixel allows derivation of local displacement height. The displacement height is used to establish a height deviation image of the object, with which bumps, dents or other height-displacement features can be determined. The bump filter can be used to locate regions on a surface with minimal irregularities by mapping such irregularities to a grid and then thresholding the grid to generate a cost function. Regions with a minimal cost are acceptable candidates for application of labels and other items in which a smooth surface is desirable.

Abstract: The ore intelligence sorting apparatus and method based on X-rays discernment includes a feeding unit with a toothed classifier, an X ray excitation unit with filter, a characteristic spectrum receiving unit with filter, a computer analysis and control unit with a central control unit, a spectral acquisition system, an industrial computer and an instruction output system, and a separator unit with a cylinder and a wear-resistant kick plate. The feeding unit is fed by a vibrating feeder and grading materials by a toothed classifier, and the measured ore is stimulated by the X ray excitation unit to produce a characteristic x ray spectra. The characteristic spectrum receiving unit receives the characteristic x ray spectrum which is then analyzed by the computer analysis and control unit, and a sorting instruction is output based on the analysis results. The invention is used for sorting magnetic or non-magnetic ores in a concentrator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for classifying seeds, for example coffee seeds. The device is characterised by: a seed-feeding mechanism; a seed-containing mechanism connected to the seed-feeding mechanism; an electronic seed-viewing system operationally disposed in the seed-containing mechanism; a seed-ejecting mechanism connected to the outlet of the seed-containing mechanism, the electronic seed-viewing system having a central processing unit that implements methods for classifying seeds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of Acrylamide precursors in raw potatoes including: illuminating at least one region of a raw potato's surface with an illumination beam; measuring the intensity of light scattered by the potato; generating a detection signal based on the measured intensity of scattered light; comparing the detection signal to a predefined threshold; and classifying the potato as having a high Acrylamide precursor concentration if the detection signal exceeds the predefined threshold.

Abstract: A sorting system determines the aptitude of the result of learning obtained by learning sorting data indicative of the result of sorting of an object to be sorted corresponding to measurement data on a state of the object to be sorted. If the aptitude is compatible with a previously specified criterion, the operation of the system is switched so as to perform automatic sorting of the object to be sorted. If the aptitude is not compatible with the previously specified criterion, the operation of the system is switched so as not to perform the automatic sorting of the object to be sorted.

Abstract: A printing process for dosage forms selected from hard or soft capsules, the process comprising the steps of: (i) providing a plurality of said dosage forms, preferably filled with a liquid composition, in a reservoir; (ii) transferring a predetermined number of the dosage forms from said reservoir to a printing station; (iii) printing indicia over each of the dosage forms; (iv) transferring the printed dosage forms to an inspection station arranged to sense a predetermined characteristic of the indicia; (v) sorting the dosage forms based on the sensed predetermined characteristic of the indicia by separating dosage forms that meet the predetermined characteristics from dosage forms that do not meet the predetermined characteristics; wherein the dosage forms that do not meet the predetermined characteristics are collected and further processed through a regenerating unit arranged to remove the indicia from the dosage forms in a regeneration step, and further re-processed according to steps (i) to (v).

Abstract: A magnetic chip conveyor of the present invention reduces the possibility that both end portions of a long chip are adsorbed by two or more types of magnets having different magnetic forces, so that a long chip does not remain. An endless chain is disposed on the rear surface of a plate, so as to be wound around sprocket wheels. The sprocket wheel is rotated in the counterclockwise direction by a motor, and the endless chain rotates in the counterclockwise direction. Twelve magnet holders are fixed to the endless chain at equal intervals. Three types of permanent magnets having different magnetic forces are bonded and fixed to the magnet holders.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a blowing apparatus wherein a piezoelectric element is unlikely to cause insulation deterioration leading to burnout during use of the blowing apparatus. The blowing apparatus of the present invention blows compressed gas supplied from a compressed gas supply unit through a nozzle hole of a nozzle unit by opening a piezoelectric valve. The blowing apparatus comprises a humidity sensor detecting a humidity of the compressed gas inside a flow path unit, and a humidity control unit comparing a detected value of the humidity detected by the humidity sensor with a set value. If the humidity of the compressed gas inside the flow path unit detected by the humidity sensor is equal to or greater than the set value, the humidity control unit replaces the compressed gas inside the flow path unit with the compressed gas whose humidity is less than the set value and which is supplied from the compressed gas supply unit, before starting to use the blowing apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for non-destructively determining characteristics of a vegetable or fruit may include processing an image of the vegetable or fruit to produce image analysis results; analyzing light emitted by a Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) device and reflected from the vegetable or fruit to produce reflection analysis results; and calculating at least one value that reflects at least one characteristic of the vegetable or fruit based on the image analysis results and based on the reflection analysis results.

Abstract: An imaging system for and method of imaging product in a product flow (F), the system comprising: an illumination unit for illuminating product in the product flow with illumination at first and second, different wavelengths or ranges of different wavelengths; a detector unit (15) for detecting reflected illumination from product in the product flow, wherein the detector unit comprises first and second line array detectors, the line array detectors (17a, 17b) each comprising a plurality of pixel elements and extending as lines across a width of the product flow, one line downstream of the other, whereby product passing a pixel element of the first line array detector passes a corresponding pixel element of the second line array detector; a control unit for triggering the first and second illumination sources to flash sequentially at a scan rate corresponding to the flow rate of the product flow; and an image processing unit for successively reading the pixel lines of the first and second line array detectors

Abstract: An inspection system for inspecting rubber crumb includes a conveyor, lighting, a camera, and a controller. The conveyor is used to carry the rubber crumb. The lighting is positioned above the conveyor to illuminate the rubber crumb with at least 3,500 lumens. The camera is positioned adjacent to the lighting to take images of the illuminated rubber crumb in the lighted area. The controller receives the images from the camera and detects a contamination in the rubber crumb by determining whether there is a dark particle within the crumb. If a contamination is detected, it may be removed from the remaining rubber crumb.

Abstract: An electronic product sorting system includes a conveying device; an image capturing device configured to capture at least one image of an electronic product; a storage unit configured to pre-store appearance characteristic information of a plurality of predetermined electronic products; a processing unit coupled to the image capturing device and the storage unit, configured to determine appearance characteristic information of the electronic product according to the at least one image of the electronic product, and generate a comparison result by comparing the appearance characteristic information of the electronic product and the plurality of predetermined electronic products; and a sorting unit configured to sort the electronic product according to the comparison result.

Abstract: A method for capturing an item of laundry in a reliable and efficient manner. Washed items of laundry usually leave a washing machine intertwined with one another as a pile of laundry. Before the items of laundry that come out of a washing machine in this way are subjected to further treatment steps, for example mangling or sorting, they have to be separated. In the method, the topography of the item of laundry is ascertained and at least one point of the item of laundry at which the item of laundry is intended to be captured and/or preferably can be captured by a capturing means is determined on the basis of this topography. The item of laundry is captured by the capturing means by specific control of the capturing means at this point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.

Abstract: The current invention is an improvement to the random number generator described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,737. Random digits are generated by mixing ten differently colored balls in a transparent chamber. The entire surfaces of all the balls are uniformly colored and unmarked. None of the balls contains any electronic identification devices. A color sensor mounted near the settlement pocket of the mixing chamber emits data that is unique for each ball. A miniature computer and novel software correlate the data emitted for each of the ten balls with a different digit. One of the balls is randomly separated from the others and comes to rest near the color sensor without human intervention. The computer and its software record the digit that is correlated with the randomly separated ball and command a mini-projector to display the digit on the ball's surface in an upright position.

Abstract: A bin cleaning plant includes a bin destacking and overturning station, a plurality of bin washing stations, the whole being connected to a conveyor that transfers the bins in an orderly, continuous and sequential manner through the stations; and means that sense and measure the level of dirt present in each of said bins and that modify the washing process selectively for each of said bins according to the level of dirtiness detected. Preferably, the measurement and control means are connected to optical devices oriented toward the internal surfaces of the bins, and detect the optical/luminous/chromatic image reflected from their internal surfaces. The image is converted into one or more electrical signals with representative characteristics, which signals are compared with corresponding levels selectively predetermined and previously memorized. The measuring and control means control actuators suitable to control/drive one or more of the operating parameters of the washing station.

Abstract: A waste management system for associating a collected refuse bin with a corresponding user of that bin. The system comprises a GPS tracker unit on-board a collection vehicle for recording the GPS co-ordinates of each refuse bin during refuse collection therefrom by the collection vehicle. A central server is configured for communication with each of a plurality of collection vehicles so that the GPS co-ordinates of each refuse bin collected during a refuse collection may be communicated to the central server. The server is further configured to effect a datastore lookup for comparing the GPS co-ordinates of the collected refuse bins with pre-recorded geographical data of a plurality of users for associating each refuse bin to a corresponding user.

Abstract: A sorting and inspection apparatus comprising a feed system for delivering a product stream sequentially through an imaging zone and a sorting zone, at least one tight source for illuminating a product at the imaging zone, at least one optical sensor and detector circuit for viewing at least a portion of the illuminated product at the imaging zone, for collecting viewed data, for determining a condition of that at least portion of the illuminated product from the viewed data and then for outputting a signal dependent upon the determined condition of that at least portion of the illuminated product, and at least one ejector for ejecting product at the sorting zone dependent upon the output signal. The imaging zone comprises at least two sensor zones, sequentially arranged one after another in a direction of the product stream.

Abstract: A conveyer apparatus for inspecting and processing pellet-shaped articles, each of the pellet-shaped articles including a first side and a second side, the conveyer apparatus comprising: a conveyer including a plurality of carrier links to convey a plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined conveyer path; a first inspection unit including at least one camera to inspect the first side and/or the second side of each of the pellet-shaped articles and determine an orientation of each of the pellet-shaped articles on the conveyer; a processing unit including at least two processing devices, each on an opposite side of the conveyer to process the first side and the second side of each of the pellet-shaped articles; and a second inspection unit including at least one camera on each side of the conveyer to inspect the first side and/or the second side of the pellet-shaped articles after processing.

Abstract: An optical type granule sorting machine is provided which allows a sensitivity setting to be easily performed by effectively utilizing RGB three-dimensional color space information similar to information obtained via human eyes and which enables signal processing to be substantially simplified.

Abstract: Provided is a color sorting machine in which decreases in yield resulting from the erroneous inclusion of good granules can be prevented by using different selection algorithms and operation ejector nozzle operations resulting therefrom in a first sorting part and a second sorting part. The machine is provided with: a binarization means for binarizing images of granular objects, a flaw-detecting means for extracting flawed parts of granular objects, a reducing means for reducing images of the external contour parts of granular objects, an enlarging means for enlarging images of the flawed parts of granular objects, and a synthesis means for synthesizing the reduced images of the external contours and the enlarged images of the flawed parts; wherein on the basis of an image obtained by this synthesis means, different air-jetting operations are established for the ejection means of a first sorting part and the ejection means of a second sorting part.

Abstract: An optical type granule sorting machine is provided which allows a sensitivity setting to be easily performed by effectively utilizing RGB three-dimensional color space information similar to information obtained via human eyes and which enables signal processing to be substantially simplified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a recyclable product (1, 8, 9) made from a first material, wherein before or during the production of the product (1, 8, 9) a first marking material is added to the first material and the product (1, 8, 9) is produced from the first material with the admixed marking material, wherein the first marking material can be automatically detected in a recycling plant in the first material of the product (1, 8, 9) after the production thereof.

Abstract: A sifting and grading device includes an accommodation module, a pushing module, a detection module, an image unit, and a transmission module. The accommodation module is used to accommodate pellets and convey the pellets to the pushing module. The pushing module is connected to the accommodation module to move the pellets to the detection module. The detection module includes a rotation box. The image unit is positioned above the rotation box and electrically connected to the transmission module. The image unit controls the transmission module to switch among different motion states according to colors of light reflected by the pellets, thereby driving the rotation box to rotate towards different directions.

Abstract: An automatic sorting system identifying and sorting non-homogenous material includes a conveyor belt and an identification unit above the conveying surface for identifying material. The identification unit includes a projector projecting light downwardly onto material to be identified, which reflects light towards the identification unit. The identification unit includes a lens receiving the reflected light from the material, and a first processing unit linked to the lens for spectral analysis of reflected light captured by the lens to determine the nature of the material, and a second processing unit linked to the first processing unit for comparing spectral analysis results with data associated with different materials stored in a second processing unit database. A sorting unit links to the second processing unit and cooperates with the second end of the conveyor to sort material released from the second end depending on signals from the second processing unit.

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: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for grouping randomly oriented articles traveling on a conveyor, said conveyor having an in-feed end, an out-feed end and a predetermined width. The apparatus comprises an inspection head located in a fixed position above the conveyor, the inspection head for capturing images of the articles traveling on the conveyor, a grouping unit located in a fixed position relative to the conveyor and downstream of the inspection head and a control unit for receiving and processing the captured images from the inspection head. The grouping unit comprises a plurality of individually controllable pins, the individually controllable pins each moveable between a buffering position wherein the pin arrests movement of an article in alignment with the pin and a grouping position wherein the pin allows the article to move to a grouping location.

Abstract: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.

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 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: A system for sorting a mixed stream of colors and types of cullet into separate groups of cullet with similar color and type includes a source for transmitting light through a cullet, and a camera having a plurality of pixels for receiving light transmitted through the cullet or detecting the absence of light blocked by an opaque contaminant, the camera providing at least one value from the light received, wherein the cullet moves along a designated path based in part on the at least one value. The system further includes a radiation source for irradiating a cullet with selected spectral ranges of radiation, and a sensor for determining characteristics of one or more selected spectral ranges of fluorescent radiation emitted by the cullet, wherein the cullet moves along a designated path based in part on the characteristics of the one or more selected spectral ranges of fluorescent radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and sorting disks includes a wheel having at least one well for receiving a disk, a motor coupled to the wheel, a collecting device positioned relative to the wheel, a disk sensor, an ejector, and a controller. The collecting device has at least a first collector and a second collector configured for receiving disks. The disk sensor is configured to detect a value of a parameter of a disk received in the well and generate a parameter value signal. The ejector is coupled to the wheel proximate the well and configured to eject a disk from the well in a plane parallel to a bottom surface of the wheel in response to an eject signal. The controller is operably coupled with the disk sensor and the ejector.

Abstract: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.

Abstract: Process for separating at least one type of catalyst or adsorbent particles having similar colors characterized in that such particles undergo an oxidative heating treatment for generating particle of different colors, and then particles are separated using a color sorting process for separating at least one type of particles.

Abstract: A method for reducing the content of a heavy metal in a mixture of solid plastic materials, wherein the mixture includes plastic flakes and there are at least two different colors of plastic flakes in the mixture. A percentage of each of two or more colors of flakes in the mixture is determined. A heavy metal content in the mixture based on the determined percentages is predicted. Whether the predicted content of the heavy metal in the mixture exceeds a pre-determined threshold is determined. If the predicted content exceeds the pre-determined threshold, a color sorting step is performed to obtain a subset of the mixture of plastic flakes, wherein the subset of the mixture of plastic flakes has a lower heavy metal content than the mixture prior to the color sorting step.

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 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: Colored foreign particles contained in quartz powder material are detected in a high precision with the specified detection apparatus even when the colored foreign particles are pale colored foreign particles such as iron-based refuse, organic refuse and carbon-based refuse.

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 method and a computer program product for batching items are disclosed including the steps of: selecting a first item for a batch, analyzing the characteristics of the selected item, creating a profile of the selected item, and determining qualification criteria for forthcoming items. The qualification criteria for the forthcoming items based on the profile created from the first item selected for the batch with the analysis of the characteristics of an item based on one or more of the following: weighing the item, recording and processing an image of the item, for determining one or more of the following characteristics: the thickness of the item, the color of the item, and/or the shape of the item. The characteristics are used for creating a profile of the item.