Abstract: A mail processing system utilizes a conveyor to shingle or de-shingle mailpieces as they move through the processing system and utilizes belts to move the mailpieces. A first shingling conveyor moves a first mailpiece to overlap with a second mailpiece to create shingled mailpieces. A second shingling conveyor moves a first mailpiece away from a second mailpiece to de-shingle them to create singulated mailpieces. A camera takes images of the mailpieces in the conveyor and image analysis software is used to determine dimensional aspects of the mailpieces that are used to control the belt speeds to move mailpieces with respect to each other. A mail processing system may include a mail processing station that scans addresses, applies postage and/or weighs the mailpieces. Mail may be de-shingled prior to being weighed and then re-shingled for subsequent processing, or mail may shingled prior to passing through a scale if weighing is not necessary.

Abstract: Computerized system, method, and processor-executable code, as may be executed by an artificial intelligence-based system, for carrying out an autonomous process are provided. Disclosed embodiments may be used to autonomously screen in real-time mailable or shippable items being conveyed through an item processing system to identify item candidates for content inspection and/or testing to check for prohibited and/or restricted content (e.g., contraband) prior to item sortation and distribution for delivery to recipients. Disclosed embodiments make effective use of algorithms involving machine vision, machine learning, and data-intensive and/or sensor-driven tasks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an industrial robot system comprising a platform (1) positioned in a robot cell, an industrial robot (2) positioned on the platform and including an articulated robot arm (6), a sensor system comprising 5 two sensors (4, 5), wherein each of the sensors is configured to detect motions within an angle of at least 90o in a horizontal plane, two arms (10, 12) attached to the platform (1) and arranged to move the sensors (4, 5) in relation to the platform independent of the articulated robot arm between an extended position located a distance of a least 0.5 m from the platform and a 10 retracted position. The sensors are arranged to detect motions of an object within a safety zone and the robot system is configured to adjust the speed of the robot if a moving object is detected in the safety zone.

Abstract: A machine and method for recognizing and orienting fruits, especially peaches, for their automatic pitting, the machine has a fruit flight conveyor (1) up to a cutting station (6) in which a vertical cutting plane is provided, the fruit flights (4) being shaped with a number of recesses (7) in which fruits (P) are positioned with fruit suture plane thereof, containing a suture line (ls), being arranged vertically. A fruit recognizing station (8) is suitable to detect the position of the vertical suture plane, and to calculate an angle (?) between the suture line (ls) and the cutting line (lt), or to communicate information of non-detection. An orientation station (16) is adapted to receive information on the dihedral angle, and to control a respective gripping unit (17) to grip and rotate a fruit to a final position, or to remove from the fruit lane.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an improved conveyor belt comprising: a visible surface having a primary axis oriented in a machine direction; a plurality of first stripes having a first visible appearance, each of the plurality of first stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis; and a plurality of second stripes having a second visible appearance, each of the plurality of second stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis, wherein: the second visible appearance provides a contrasting appearance relative to the first visible appearance; and each of the plurality of second stripes are located intermediate two of the plurality of first stripes such that the plurality of first and second stripes collectively define an alternating contrasting pattern on the visible surface of the improved conveyor belt.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an improved conveyor belt comprising: a visible surface having a primary axis oriented in a machine direction; a plurality of first stripes having a first visible appearance, each of the plurality of first stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis; and a plurality of second stripes having a second visible appearance, each of the plurality of second stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis, wherein: the second visible appearance provides a contrasting appearance relative to the first visible appearance; and each of the plurality of second stripes are located intermediate two of the plurality of first stripes such that the plurality of first and second stripes collectively define an alternating contrasting pattern on the visible surface of the improved conveyor belt.

Abstract: A grading machine for grading small uneven objects includes: at least one feeding assembly including at least one main hopper for feeding; at least one vibrator for agitating objects to move them to at least one slider coupled with a feeding regulator; at least one tilted assembly including at least two sets of reverse roller pairs; at least one pick and place assembly including a vacuum rotating drum wherein an inner solid roller rotates; a tray assembly including a plurality of parallel trays, each including a cup assembly; at least one conveyor; at least two imaging systems which can see multiple sides of the objects for analysis of surface properties; at least one embedded intelligence system; at least one energizer box assembly including a plurality of energizer boxes; an ejection system for grading objects into categories based on their surface properties; and at least one main frame.

Abstract: An ice bagging assembly and related method with a horizontal ice bag cassette, a pair of opposing ice bag ply graspers configured to move an empty ice bag from the horizontal ice bag cassette to a vertical position to receive cubed ice before it is sealed shut and dropped to an ice bag merchandiser. The opposing graspers may be configured as rotating wheels and may have a grasping sensor. The ice bag cassette may be slidably and tiltably supported for easy replacement of horizontal bags. A load sensor, optical or mechanical, may be associated with the ice hopper to sense how much ice has been put in each bag. A pair of angled guides may guide a hopper into a support frame for the system.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an improved conveyor belt comprising: a visible surface having a primary axis oriented in a machine direction; a plurality of first stripes having a first visible appearance, each of the plurality of first stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis; and a plurality of second stripes having a second visible appearance, each of the plurality of second stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis, wherein: the second visible appearance provides a contrasting appearance relative to the first visible appearance; and each of the plurality of second stripes are located intermediate two of the plurality of first stripes such that the plurality of first and second stripes collectively define an alternating contrasting pattern on the visible surface of the improved conveyor belt.

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: Various embodiments provide an improved conveyor belt comprising: a visible surface having a primary axis oriented in a machine direction; a plurality of first stripes having a first visible appearance, each of the plurality of first stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis; and a plurality of second stripes having a second visible appearance, each of the plurality of second stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis, wherein: the second visible appearance provides a contrasting appearance relative to the first visible appearance; and each of the plurality of second stripes are located intermediate two of the plurality of first stripes such that the plurality of first and second stripes collectively define an alternating contrasting pattern on the visible surface of the improved conveyor belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting matter, the apparatus including: a first light source adapted to emit a first light beam; a second light source adapted to emit a second light beam, wherein the apparatus is arranged such that the first and second light beams converge towards a scanning element; the scanning element adapted to redirect the converging first and second light beams towards the matter to be detected; and a detector adapted to receive light reflected by the matter via the scanning element. Also, a system and method of detecting matter.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards determining, at sea, the respective weights of fish species that are part of a fish catch. By way of the present disclosure, images of a fish catch are taken using triangulation techniques involving stereo-photogrammetry. According to one embodiment, a method for estimating a total weight of a fish catch includes receiving a fish catch on a fishing vessel and capturing images of the fish catch. From the images, fishes are identified and the species to which the corresponding fishes belong are also identified. Using the images, lengths of the identified fishes as well as the total volume occupied by the fish catch are determined, which can be used to estimate the total weight of the fish catch.

Abstract: A method of separating a mined material that comprises assessing the grade of successive segments of the mined material, and separating each segment on the basis of grade into a category that is at or above a grade threshold or a category that is below the grade threshold. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a method and apparatus for managing the allocation of items to processing stations in an order fulfillment process are described. The apparatus for managing the allocation of items to processing stations in an order fulfillment process may include a conveyance mechanism including at least one item inducted into the conveyance mechanism. The apparatus for managing the allocation of items to processing stations in an order fulfillment process may also include an item allocation component. The item allocation component may be configured to assign the item to a particular sorting station of a group of multiple sorting stations. The item allocation component may determine the particular sorting station to which the item is assigned based upon a determined quantity of other items located at the particular sorting station and a determined quantity of other items en route to the particular sorting station.

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: Apparatus and methods for sorting and dispensing microparticles using a flow switch mechanism wherein changing flow rate into the flow switch changes flow path. The present invention is well-suited for precisely sorting microparticles, such as cells, for applications such as cell line development, monoclonal antibody selection and single cell research, etc.

Abstract: This invention concerns a system for sorting elongated random width wood boards and preparing board rows having a row width within a predetermined width range. The system comprises a main longitudinal surface, a conveyor for conveying the boards on the main surface, a width detector, and accumulating compartments located one after the other under the main surface, controllable traps located on the main surface providing access to the accumulating compartments, controllable gates for retaining or releasing the boards accumulated therein and a controller. The controller selectively distributes each of the boards into the accumulating compartments, and controls the gates of the accumulating compartments to release the boards accumulated therein when the sum of the widths of the boards accumulated is within the predetermined width range.

Abstract: A method and system for optically inspecting manufactured rounds of ammunition or cylindrical components of the rounds to obtain rounds which exhibit superior accuracy when fired are provided. The method includes providing a nominal numerical value and an acceptable range of numerical values for a size or a geometric characteristic of an acceptable manufactured round of ammunition or a cylindrical component of the round for a predetermined caliber of ammunition. Also provided is a high-performance range of numerical values for the corresponding size or geometric characteristic of a high-performance manufactured round of ammunition or a cylindrical component of the high-performance round for the predetermined caliber of ammunition.

Abstract: A method for automated in-line determination of the center thickness of an ophthalmic lens including providing an inspection cuvette (2) having an optically transparent bottom (21) and a concave inner surface (210) and containing the lens immersed in a liquid, providing an interferometer having a light source and a focusing probe (30) focusing light coming from the light source to a set position (310) of the lens. Focusing probe (30) also directs light reflected at the boundary between the back surface of the lens and the liquid as well as light reflected at the boundary between the front surface of the lens and the liquid or at the boundary between the front surface of the lens and the concave inner surface (210) to a detector of the interferometer. The center thickness of the lens is determined using the light reflected at the respective boundary at the back surface and at the front surface of the lens.

Abstract: A mailpiece feed device designed to be mounted upstream from a franking machine, and comprising at least a mailpiece feed zone for receiving a stack of mailpieces of various formats supported by a first plurality of drive rollers and a separation zone for individually selecting the mailpieces and having a second plurality of drive rollers, at least first clutch means E3 being provided for actuating said first plurality of drive rollers, said mailpiece feed device further comprising at least one sensor CN for detecting passage of said mailpieces as they enter said separation zone, and control means for subjecting said first clutch means to forced deactivation followed by an activation/deactivation series so long as the sensor CN is not activated, so as to cause a rapid succession of horizontal movements generating jerky motion on said stack, conducive to facilitating mutual separation of said mailpieces.

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: The present invention concerns itself with a dry, free of toxic chemicals, and thus, environmentally safe, mineral processing technique. It uses ore elements' specific heat differences as the basis for separating valuable minerals from ores. No EPA approval, no environmental pit and no expensive monitoring are required in order to practice the teachings of the present invention. Furthermore, the technique described herein is economically attractive since it is a low cost approach to mineral processing.

Abstract: A process is provided for analyzing the physical characteristics of flat articles being sorted to determine which downstream operations the articles should be processed with next. Length, height, width and stiffness information are received from sensors, and the data is analyzed to determine if the mail piece is automation compatible, extended capability or manual letter, or a flat.

Abstract: A bolt supply apparatus (1) recognizes images of bolts conveyed by a conveyor (22) using a camera (24) and feeds the recognized bolts to a next operation step using a robot (26). Bolts to be conveyed from a hopper (10) through a spiral feeder (14) are temporarily stored in a first storage box (16). Weight of the first storage box (16) is measured by a first weight measuring device (18). When the first weight measuring device (18) measures a given weight, the bolts of the first storage box (16) are supplied to the conveyor (22).

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.

Abstract: A grain classifying device for accurately classifying the grains of uniform length, and an adhesive containing grains classified by the device and capable of connecting electrodes under a low pressure and being applicable to electrodes arranged in fine pitches. The grain classifying device (1) includes a dispersing means (2) for dispersing a plurality of grains (P). A grain orienting means (3) orients each of the dispersed grains in a transfer direction (X) of the grains (P) while spacing the grains apart from one another in the transfer direction (X) of the grains. A grain length measuring means (4) measures the length of each of the grains (P) oriented in the transfer direction (X). A grain separation means (5) separates the grains (P) having a predetermined length based on data related to the lengths of the measured grains (P).

Abstract: A grain classifying device for accurately classifying the grains of uniform length, and an adhesive containing grains classified by the device and capable of connecting electrodes under a low pressure and being applicable to electrodes arranged in fine pitches. The grain classifying device (1) includes a dispersing means (2) for dispersing a plurality of grains (P). A grain orienting means (3) orients each of the dispersed grains in a transfer direction (X) of the grains (P) while spacing the grains apart from one another in the transfer direction (X) of the grains. A grain length measuring means (4) measures the length of each of the grains (P) oriented in the transfer direction (X). A grain separation means (5) separates the grains (P) having a predetermined length based on data related to the lengths of the measured grains (P).

Abstract: A device for conveying flat articles, in which device the flat articles are moved in series while being at a pitch one from the next that is normally constant, includes a synchronization device for compensating for a certain amount of variation in said pitch. This device includes: means for categorizing the articles on the basis of certain physical characteristics of the articles; means for identifying a certain amount of variation in the pitch for the current article and for recording said pitch variation in a memory in correspondence with the class of the current article; and means for servocontrolling the synchronization system on the basis of said pitch variations recorded in the memory in correspondence with said classes of articles.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for grouping individual products such as industrially baked products that travel past a visiometry station into lots for counting them. In a viewing zone of a conveyor belt, a laser triangulation visiometry system is used. The method and apparatus also uses a signal processor associated with the camera that deduces from the images acquired thereby at least one piece of information on the location of the products on the conveyor belt as well as height information thereon. This information is then used by the signal processor to automatically distinguish between the presence of a product and the presence of contaminating material (for example flour or chocolate particles) on the conveyor belt and to distinguish the presence of several partially or fully overlapping products from the presence of a single product on said conveyor belt. Preferably, two cameras are disposed symmetrically relative to a laser plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the viewing zone.

Abstract: A method of optically inspecting a fastener to determine whether it meets two or more dimensional parameters is provided. The method includes using centrifugal force to place the fastener in a predetermined location. Two or more sets of image data of the fastener are generated from two or more corresponding different angles. Fastener pass/fail data is generated using a dimensional requirement associated with each set of image data.

Abstract: The present interdependent group of inventions pertains to methods of and devices for lump separation of raw material and may be used in ferrous and non-ferrous metal ore dressing, concentration of mining and chemical raw materials, processing secondary raw materials and technological wastes. The method and the device are based on the idea that a lump comprises a useful component and refuse, and such lump is exposed to ultrahigh frequency (UHF) electromagnetic field. The frequency selected is such that electromagnetic wave penetration depth will exceed the maximum linear size of a lump under conditions of maximum damping of electromagnetic wave, which depends upon characteristics of such lump material. The energy of UHF electromagnetic radiation absorbed by a lump material causes heating of the lump components. A component with higher electric conductivity will absorb UHF energy higher than UHF energy absorbed by a component with lower electric conductivity during the same period of time.

Abstract: A system based on the continuous measurement (20) of the diameter of a cylindrical object (1) moving, laid down, on a belt conveyor (10) allows dimensional compliance of the latter object to be checked. The measurement system (20) may be coupled with a sorting system based on ejection out of the conveyor (10) by projecting a gas through a transverse nozzle (42). By means of the system according to the invention, it is possible to continuously determine whether a nuclear fuel pellet (1), in particular after rectification (2), has to be rejected or not.

Abstract: Use of more exotic laying patterns in connection with establishing paving stones of concrete blocks for e.g. paving on yards, are not widely used for cost reasons, as the automated laying machines laying the said paving stones in large surfaces at a time require the stones to be delivered in palletised formats which are handled by machine. The only way in which the said stereotype formats can be laid by machine is, if the paving stones are supplied manually, patterned layers on pallets. There is thus indicated a method for automatic sorting of paving stones (2) of different size from bulk condition to e.g. patterned laid palletisable layers in a standard out format, as the stones (2) after being guided into a row (3) are registered by size by a vision based system and guided into arraying lanes (34) from where these may selectively be dispensed in the preferred laying patterns in the said out formats (22).

Abstract: A grain classifying device for accurately classifying the grains of uniform length, and an adhesive containing grains classified by the device and capable of connecting electrodes under a low pressure and being applicable to electrodes arranged in fine pitches. The grain classifying device (1) includes a dispersing means (2) for dispersing a plurality of grains (P). A grain orienting means (3) orients each of the dispersed grains in a transfer direction (X) of the grains (P) while spacing the grains apart from one another in the transfer direction (X) of the grains. A grain length measuring means (4) measures the length of each of the grains (P) oriented in the transfer direction (X). A grain separation means (5) separates the grains (P) having a predetermined length based on data related to the lengths of the measured grains (P).

Abstract: A bag packaging system includes a bag packager and a defect detection device that receives bags manufactured by the bag packager and conveys the bags while checking for defects. The defect detection device includes a first conveyor belt that is arranged below the bag packager, a line sensor that is arranged adjacent to a downstream end of the first conveyor belt, and a controller. The line sensor sends a detection signal when it detects an object that is conveyed by the first conveyor belt. The controller stores the size of a proper bag that is being manufactured. The controller finds a defective bag based on the size of the proper bag, the conveying speed of the first conveyor belt, and duration of the detection signal from the line sensor. The defect detection device can detect defects in bags promptly after the bags are manufactured by the bag packaging machine.

Abstract: A device for measuring the width L of a mail item on the fly in a mail handling machine in which mail items are caused to move parallel to a reference wall, the device comprising: a detector device rendered active when the presence of a mail item passing over a plurality of levers is detected, said levers being disposed at a determined set pitch perpendicularly to said reference wall; an emitter device for emitting a light ray, which emitter device is disposed facing a first lever of said plurality; a receiver device for receiving said light ray; a measurement device for measuring the light intensity of the light ray received at said receiver device; and a processor device for computing a determined number y of levers activated by said mail item going past, on the basis of a comparison between said measurement of the received light intensity and an initial measurement of the light intensity of the light ray received at said receiver device when no mail items pass over said plurality of levers, the width L of

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sorting workpieces (204) includes multiple conveyors (201, 202), a scanner (208), an offloading device (216), a workpiece processor (218), and a computer (210). The computer has instructions for carrying out a method for sorting that includes obtaining the physical parameters of the workpiece by scanning the workpiece, obtaining an updated distribution of a physical parameter of a population of workpieces, obtaining an updated loading on each conveyor, obtaining the workpiece processor's capacity, obtaining a processing parameter indicating the required amount of workpiece processing to be performed, and obtaining each conveyor's speed. This information is used to place the workpiece on a conveyor in a manner that is calculated to utilize the optimum amount of workpiece processor capacity, while at the same time maintaining an even belt loading.

Abstract: A method for monitoring two or more movable objects in a monitoring region. A substantially horizontal light barrier grid having a plurality of parallel light barriers monitors the region. To permit a plurality of objects to simultaneously move in the monitored region without deactivating the monitoring function of the system, the system controls an entry area for the objects, the size of the objects as well as the distance between the objects to ascertain that predetermined criteria therefor are met. If one or more of these criteria is not met, a control signal is generated which can be used, for example, to deactivate the machinery and/or prevent access to the monitored region.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for receiving envelopes, or stacker, for a mail handling machine, comprising a conveyor belt arranged at the exit of the mail handling machine, for receiving these envelopes and conveying them perpendicularly to a direction of advance of these envelopes towards an inclined transfer surface from which these envelopes are then directed by guiding means mounted directly at the exit of the inclined transfer surface towards a first post storage bin of standard dimensions disposed beneath the conveyor belt. There is preferably provided, upstream of the conveyor belt, a motorized sorting flap adapted to be switched depending on the format of the franked mail item and which, in a first position, serves as support for the mail item when it is ejected towards the conveyor belt and, in a second position, forms an obstacle to the mail item which then drops loose directly in a second post storage bin disposed just at the exit of the mail handling machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and removing abnormal balls among a large number of balls, most of which are good separate balls, comprising (a) a rotatable, cylindrical, ball-holding means comprising a large number of ball-receiving cavities each receiving one ball; (b) a means for detecting part of a ball projecting from each ball-receiving cavity in a detection region substantially at a top of the cylindrical ball-holding means; (c) a ball-supplying means disposed on the cylindrical ball-holding means upstream of the detection region; (d) an abnormal ball-removing means disposed downstream of the detection region on the cylindrical ball-holding means; (e) a means for collecting good separate balls downstream of the detection region; and (f) a means for carrying out the determination of abnormal balls based on the detection information of projecting portions of the balls obtained by the projecting ball-detecting means.

Abstract: A sorting machine receives a bulk of workpieces or fasteners from a hopper unit into a feed station which align the fasteners into a single file for engagement to a transport system of an inspection station. Preferably, the transport system has a conveyor belt with a magnetic member disposed radially inward from the belt. The fasteners are preferably ferrous and thereby engage the conveyor belt via the magnetic field which penetrates the belt. The fasteners are thus carried along the transport system past a trigger sensor which sends a signal to a central controller to timely actuate a dimensional sensing apparatus which takes an image of the fastener and sends it to the central computer for dimensional analysis. If the fastener fails to meet pre-established guidelines the nonconforming fastener is ejected from the transport system via a reject mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method that identifies potentially life harming mailpieces. The system generally comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus which includes a scanner, a scale, a appropriate thickness and length measurement sensors and compartments or bins for receiving sorted mailpieces, an OCR system for reading address information, one or more databases, microprocessor based control system, a document scanner and email functionality. The system and method captures and analyzes mailpiece metrics. The metrics are incorporated into a decision making process as to how the mailpiece should be sorted. The system and method identifies potentially life harming mailpieces with mailpiece processing so as to help deter delays in incoming mail delivery caused by the presence of life harming material in mailpieces and helps to protect the intended recipients from harm.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for optically sorting and/or manipulating carbon nanotubes by creating an optical dipole trap with a focused light source (e.g., a laser) are described in detail herein. In one representative embodiment, light from the light source may be directed onto a mixture of carbon nanotubes, the mixture including a target class of carbon nanotubes having dimensions (e.g., length and diameter) corresponding to particular electronic properties suitable for an application. By identifying a resonant condition corresponding to the target class of carbon nanotubes, and tuning the light source substantially to the resonant condition, an optical dipole trap may be created to attract carbon nanotubes of the target class to allow manipulation and/or sorting of the target class of carbon nanotubes from the mixture, or rotation of the nanotubes via rotation of a plane of polarization of the light, in an embodiment.

Abstract: A method of determining pallet layers for placement by a material handling system robot can include identifying cases for inclusion in a pallet and identifying case dimension information for the cases. Using the case dimension information, the cases can be classified into at least one group, wherein each group is defined by a height range such that cases classified within a group have a height within the height range associated with that group. Cases of one of the groups can be assigned to locations within a pallet layer, wherein the pallet layer has an area within a predefined area range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for dimensionally sorting a group of received articles, like fruits and vegetables, and using the determined different sizes for differentiation during the subsequent processing and handling of the articles. Generally, the size and shape of each article is determined by the degree of deflection of one or more sensor heads located along a path the article is traversing. The determined size and shape is then used to direct the article during the subsequent processing and/or handling of the article.

Abstract: A conveyor system (10) for transporting items in a first direction and diverting the items to the appropriate ones of a plurality of stations (50, 52) spaced from one another in the first direction. The system includes at least one diverter region (DR) and a diverter (16) arranged in each diverter region. Each diverter diverts items transported by the conveyor to the appropriate ones of the stations in response to corresponding fire signals. The conveyor system further includes a source of destination information (46) identifying the stations to which the items transported by the conveyor are to be diverted. The conveyor system also includes a controller system (40) connected to each diverter and the source for generating, and providing to each diverter, the fire signal for each item transported by the conveyor based on destination information from the source regarding to which one of the stations the item is to be diverted.

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

Abstract: A sorting machine receives a bulk of workpieces or fasteners from a hopper unit into a feed station which align the fasteners into a single file for engagement to a transport system of an inspection station. Preferably, the transport system has a conveyor belt with a magnetic member disposed radially inward from the belt. The fasteners are preferably ferrous and thereby engage the conveyor belt via the magnetic field which penetrates the belt. The fasteners are thus carried along the transport system past a trigger sensor which sends a signal to a central controller to timely actuate a dimensional sensing apparatus which takes an image of the fastener and sends it to the central computer for dimensional analysis. If the fastener fails to meet pre-established guidelines the nonconforming fastener is ejected from the transport system via a reject mechanism.

Abstract: A method of sorting and categorizing seed departs from the traditional method of sorting based primarily on size of the seeds and instead sorts primarily on the basis of shape of the seeds. Sorted categories based primarily on shape can reduce the number of categories of the same type of seed that need to be packaged and inventoried. It simplifies warehousing, selection and planting of the seed. Optionally, the method can include sorting a substantial portion of a type of seed primarily by shape and sorting at least a portion of the remainder of the seed by traditional methods which also include size as a factor.