Abstract: This invention is a sheet processing array having an imaging station, an in-site, an exit-site and a transport array connecting all of them. The transport array is adapted to advance sheets from the in-site, past the imaging station for imaging the first face of the sheet and to advance it to a reversing transport section. This section has a series of rollers arrayed in a loop which continually rotate in one direction and are adapted to provide non-stop forward movement that turns the sheet over and returns it to present its opposite face to the imaging station for imaging. The sheet is then advanced to the exit-site.

Abstract: A granular material sorting apparatus comprises a transfer device for causing material grains to fall down, optical detector units mounted along the falling-down locus of the material grains, an injection nozzle device for injecting air to the material grains, and a control unit for controlling operation of the injection nozzle device in response to detection by the optical detector unit. The optical detector units and the control unit optically detect and discriminate colored grains different in color from good material grains and foreign matters in similar color to the good material grains or transparent, which are mixed in the material grains, and activate the injection nozzle device in a predetermined period of time after the detection to remove the detected bad grains. The control unit sets different injection times and different injection delay times depending whether the bad grains are colored grains or foreign matters.

Abstract: A granular object evaluation device for evaluating quality and shapes of transparent or translucent granular objects includes an illuminating device for irradiating light to the object fed into a measuring area by a feeder, a detecting device in which a detection viewing line is directed to the measuring area through a center portion of the illuminating device and which receives reflection light from the object, a light shielding plate located between the illuminating device and the detecting device, for preventing the light from the illuminating device from directly incident on the detecting device, and having an opening through which the detection viewing line passes, and a control device for analyzing detected signals from the detecting device and evaluating quality and shapes of the granular object.

Abstract: In a calibrator used for a non-destructive transmission optical measuring apparatus for quantitatively determining a specific component contained in a measuring object by making light incident on the measuring object at its light-incident area, detecting the light having entered, and having been transmitted through, the interior of the measuring object, at its light-emergent area set at a position different from the light-incident area, and measuring absorption of the light to quantitatively determine the specific component contained in the measuring object, the calibrator comprises a closed body having a light inlet and a light outlet, the interior of which is provided with a substrate having light absorption characteristics identical or similar to those of the specific component, and in which a light path length from the light inlet to the light outlet is so set as to be equal or substantially equal to an effective light path length of the light transmitted through the interior of the measuring object.

Abstract: A fiber processing method includes the steps of removing fiber tufts from a series of fiber bales; pneumatically conveying the fiber tufts in a duct; forming images of the conveyed material as it passes through a first location of the duct; determining the degree of lightness or the color of the fiber tufts by an image processing device; determining the degree of lightness of foreign substances, conveyed with the fiber tufts, by the image processing device; comparing the measuring values obtained by the image processing device with a settable limit value; and initiating a switching operation when the limit value is exceeded for branching off to a waste receiver the fiber tufts from the duct at a second location thereof.

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

Abstract: Sorting apparatus has a conveyor belt or equivalent mechanism for moving particles at a speed sufficient to generate a stream of particles in air, which particles can be graded such that selected material can be removed. The grading or sorting is conducted by a primary scanning system for analysing light reflected from particles in the stream in a plurality of wavelength ranges. Ejectors for removing particles from the stream are disposed downstream of the scanning system, and are instructed in response to signals received from the scanning system. An auxiliary scanning system is also included to establish the presence of material in the stream, and in the event that a void is detected in a given region, then the analysis of that region by the primary scanning system and any corresponding activation of the ejectors is inhibited.

Abstract: A chip sorting apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an article transport mechanism, a light source positioned to direct light across surfaces of transported articles, and a detector positioned to detect light reflected from such surfaces and emit signals each indicative of a spectrum of light reflected by one such article as such articles are transported. A signal analyzer compares detector signals with stored data representative of the colors of articles of a set of articles being sorted. The analyzer emits article identifying signals reflective of such comparison. The apparatus also includes a sorter which is responsive to such identifying signals and directs identified articles from the transport mechanism into appropriate ones of a set of collection stations. A method of sorting a set of articles according to color is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated processing of bulk mail in a continuous and automatic procedure includes an operative combination of processing stations including an input station for receiving incoming mail in bulk fashion and for separating the pieces of mail for individual delivery to the remainder of the apparatus; a station for detecting irregularities in the contents of the envelopes, such as metal items, folded contents, or oversized items; a station for out-sorting envelopes rejected in accordance with determinations made at the detection station; a station for opening the envelopes, preferably along multiple edges; a station for removing the contents from the opened envelopes, for subsequent processing of the contents; and a series of stations for handling and orienting the contents for subsequent delivery to a plurality of output stackers.

Abstract: A system for automatically inspecting matter for varying composition comprises one or more detection stations through which one or more streams of matter are advanced and particular materials therein are detected through their diffusely reflected IR spectra, if any, and/or through their variation of an electromagnetic field by their metallic portions, if any. A row of light sources distributed across the overall width of one or more belt conveyors may cause desired portions of the stream to reflect light diffusely onto a part-toroidal mirror extending over that overall width, whence the light is reflected, by a rotating, polygonal mirror through optical filters dedicated to differing IR wavelengths, onto detectors the data output of which is utilized in controlling solenoid valves operating air jet nozzles which separate-out the desired portions.

Abstract: The present invention sorts unselected product from selected product using a chute having a grain separating section, a cross section to orientate the product, and a grain stabilizing section; a laser with a laser line transmitted through the product; a photo detector and processor to receive and analyze the light transmitted through the product to determine which product are unselected; and a separator to separate the selected and unselected product.

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

Abstract: A sheet processing machine utilizes chain conveyors, each of which are provided with a plurality of chain gripper devices, to convoy sheets. As the sheet are conveyed, they are cut to proper size and are inspected. Each sheet is separated into several partial sheets which are then conveyed independently of each other to selectable stacks in a sheet delivery system.

Abstract: A color-sorting machine for granular materials optically detects raw material grains falling along a substantially fixed path and sorts out no-good grains by color. An optical detection unit to this end comprises a condenser lens, a plurality of optical filters and a plurality of light-receiving sensors corresponding to the filters and can detect a plurality of wavelengths. The light-receiving sensors lie side by side on the same plane, are formed in a unit body, require no positioning adjustment among the light-receiving sensors, and make it possible to reduce the size of the optical system. A prism is provided between the condenser lens and the light-receiving sensors. The prism has light path diffraction surfaces of the same number as the light-receiving sensors, so that the light-receiving sensors receive light of the same point of view and can perform color sorting.

Abstract: A feed device for a unit for sorting elongate items, particularly vegetables such as carrots, includes a slanted conveyor (23) with a plurality of freely rotatable transverse rollers (24) driven by two endless chains. The conveyor includes three longitudinal sections, i.e. a lower section (23a) having a device (30) for rotating the rollers (24) in the same direction as the forward direction of the conveyor (23), an intermediate section (23b) where the rollers (24) are freely rotatable, and an upper section (23c) having an element (33) for rotating the rollers (24) in the opposite direction to the forward direction of the conveyor. A unit for sorting elongate items is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sorting machine with a standard operator work space containing a compact and ergonomic assembly of a hopper (5) for a horizontal stack of envelopes (3) between a control panel (6) and an extraction head (9), and a set of pigeonholes (11) for receiving a large enough number of sorted envelopes to prepare a postman's round. The pigeonholes are arranged above the hopper and supplied by a conveyor moving along a path in such a way that the orientation of the envelopes remains the same as they are delivered from the hopper (5) to the pigeonholes.

Abstract: The present invention sorts unselected product from selected product using a chute having a grain separating section, a cross section to orientate the product, and a grain stabilizing section; a laser with a laser line transmitted through the product; a photo detector and processor to receive and analyze the light transmitted through the product to determine which product are unselected; and a separator to separate the selected and unselected product.

Abstract: A grain sorting method and a device is provided which serves to continuously and quickly detect the appearance quality of the grains. The grain sorting device includes a feeding mechanism and a scattering mechanism where the grains are separately scattered over the surface of a conveying belt. The conveying belt serves to transfer the grains to a photographing section where they are photographed and inspected by an electric coupling device. Various parameters of the grains are calculated and the inspected results are compared with data stored in a computer. The grains are then sorted into different classifications and respectively collected by a discharging device.

Abstract: An air decelerator for an inspection and sorting system employing pneumatic ejectors, comprising an air plenum adapted to generally cause a stream of air to flow in a direction opposing acceptable articles moving in a trajectory, and thereby decelerate the velocity of the articles to reduce the impact of the articles when they come into contact with the receiving surface to minimize damage to the articles caused by the impact.

Abstract: Measuring the limpness of a note is necessary to separate a worn note out of circulation. Several methods are disclosed which can be used either alone or in combination to test for limpness. One method measures the note's ability to reflect light or transmit the light. Another method measures the response of the note to an acoustic wave. Another method measures the note's deflection to a pressure or force. Yet another method measures the dielectric value of the note when placed between the plates of a capacitor. A final method involves measuring the thermal conductivity of the note. In each case, a limp note will produce distinguishable results from a stiff note.

Abstract: An optical inspection system inspect products passed through an inspection region. Light is directed onto the products form optical control units including light emitting diodes. Light emitted from the diodes is directed by cylindrical lenses onto the products at a specified target region, and a sensor detects light reflected from the products. Focussing is achieved by an outer row of the diodes being displaced outwardly relative to axes of respectively cylindrical lenses, so that light originating from the outer rows of diodes converges towards that passing along a central axis extending from a central row of the diodes through a central lens to the target region, light from all rows of the diodes being therefore focussed substantially at the target region.

Abstract: A device for conveying, lifting and rotating containers (521; 522; 523), (510) are conveyed in lying position past a detector (515) in order to inspect characteristic data regarding the containers, and means (124; 538) which, on the basis of such data, determines how the containers are to be handled. Along a first and a second longitudinal side (510'; 510") of the conveyor (510) there are provided respectively a first and a second rotatable roll (511, 512), wherein the rolls can be made to rotate with the aid of respective first and second roll driving motors (513, 514) about their longitudinal axis in the same direction of rotation.

Abstract: A multiple station CD-ROM testing system includes a conveyance device, a first gripping device, a multiple station testing device having a number of testing stations arranged in a vertically stacked fashion, a second gripping device, a collection device, and a controlling device comprised of a single programmable logic control and a single personal computer. The conveyance device carries the CD-ROMs fed into the system forward. The first gripping device picks up the CD-ROMs on the conveyance device and positions the CD-ROMs into the testing stations of the multiple station testing device to have the CD-ROMs tested therein by means of the controlling device and removes the tested CD-ROMs out of the multiple station testing device and places them back to the conveyance device. The second gripping device picks up the tested CD-ROMs on the conveyance device and transfers the tested CD-ROMs to either a next process if the CD-ROMs pass the test or a flaw product collection device if the CD-ROMs fail the test.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting and sorting agricultural products which includes launching each product individually from an input transport unit with substantially no change in speed or direction across a gap to an output transport unit. Fixed line scan camera and photocell units are mounted at spaced intervals around the gap to simultaneously optically line scan in the same plane the surfaces of the product. A plurality of simultaneous line scans are sequentially taken at intervals timed to the speed of the input transport unit as the product travels across the gap, and data obtained from the sequential line scans is used to determine the size, shape, weight, color and other characteristics of the product. The product is graded based upon this characteristics and is sorted based upon its grade by a mechanical sorting unit.

Abstract: A dispenser dispenses pellet shaped articles onto a conveyer. The conveyer conveys the pellet shaped articles past a video sensor that senses any pellet shaped articles needing rotation so that they are uniformly oriented. The sensor provides a signal to a manipulating device which manipulates certain pellet shaped articles so that all of the articles are uniformly oriented. The conveyer transports the pellet shaped articles to a first pellet shaped article modifying device that, for example, prints indicia on the pellet shaped articles. A rectifying drum reorients all of the pellet shaped articles in order for printing to be performed on a reverse side. A second sensor and a second manipulating device may also be provided. An inspection system to determine whether a pellet shaped article is defective after a performed modification is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method of operation performing automated optical inspection to remove peel-bearing defective potato pieces from a random mixture of peel-bearing defective and acceptable potato pieces use near infrared light as a source of illumination. The system implements a method of illuminating the mixture with near infrared light, detecting light reflected by the potato pieces under inspection, identifying defective potato piece surface regions based on the detected reflections, and removing the defective items from the mixture. The system and method the system implements permit the inspection of peel bearing potato pieces for the presence of peel covered defects.

Abstract: Sorting apparatus has a conveyor belt or equivalent mechanism for moving particles at a speed sufficient to generate a stream of particles in air, which particles can be graded such that selected material can be removed. The grading or sorting is conducted by a primary scanning system for analysing light reflected from particles in the stream in a plurality of wavelength ranges. Ejectors for removing particles from the stream are disposed downstream of the scanning system, and are instructed in response to signals received from the scanning system.

Abstract: The sorting system provides a high degree of sorting accuracy even in high throughput sorting applications such as high speed wood chip sorting. In one embodiment, a sorting apparatus (10) includes a shaker (12) for distributing stock material, a spectrographic analyzer (14) for identifying unacceptable material in a product stream, an ejector (16) for diverting unacceptable material from the product stream, a three-zone sorting receptacle (18) and a recirculating system (20) for returning a selected portion of the sorter output for an additional pass by the analyzer (14) and ejector (16). The three-zone sorting receptacle (18) divides the product stream into an accept portion, a rejection portion, and an ambiguous portion including both acceptable product and unacceptable material. The ambiguous portion is re-sorted for improved accuracy at high throughput levels.

Abstract: In an apparatus for sorting material into desired and undesired pieces or portions according to their optical characteristics, comprising a background, and a viewing means for viewing the material against the background; a method for removing debris from the background is proposed which comprises providing a jet of air or water which is moved relative to and across the background, and directed towards the background so as to remove debris and thereby clean the background. The jet is positioned out of the field of view of the viewing means so that debris removal can take place without interruption of the sorting process. A magnetic type air-cylinder, in which exhaust gas is fed back as the debris-removing air-jet, is preferably used.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sorting a group of documents contained with an envelope into selected batches of documents. An envelope feeder feeds a group of envelopes containing documents onto a document transport. A document extractor positioned along the path of movement extracts the documents from the envelopes. A system controller identifies the documents extracted from each respective envelope as a single transaction along the path of movement. An orientation detector including a magnetic image reader and an optical image reader determines the orientation of selected documents along the path of movement. A document orientor changes the orientation of documents along the path of movement into a desired orientation. A document feeder is positioned downstream from the envelope feeder to selectively feed batch identification pieces into the path of movement.

Abstract: A method of sequentially sorting pieces of material in real-time into output bins where each piece has a composition defined by a plurality of control elements. Each piece is analyzed to determine the concentrations of each control element in the piece. The output bins are assigned target concentrations of the control elements that are defined by customer requirements. The method establishes a bin order used during composition checking to place each piece in a selected bin. The selected bin is the highest order bin that can accept a piece while retaining the actual concentration for each control element of the selected bin within the target concentration for each control element of the selected bin. To optimize the value of the input material to be sorted the bin order is established for each piece based on real-time sort parameters that can determine via global optimization of data from similar input material.

Abstract: A method of classifying objects comprises the steps of sensing a multiple color image of at least a portion of the object and producing color signals indicative of a plurality of colors in response to sensing the multiple color image. The color signals are transformed to a hue signal and a saturation signal, and the object is classified in response to the hue signal and the saturation signal.

Abstract: To sort materials, in particular plastic parts, the items are carried at known conveying speed past a material recognition system which uses non-contact scanning, for example NIR spectroscopy, of each item to determine its material type and delivers a signal that identifies the type of material, which signal is used in sorting the items according to material type. To ensure that the determination of material type is done at a spot on the item that is not disturbed by a label, metal stamp or the like, the items are also conveyed past an imaging system which takes pictures of the items from which, using electronic image-processing techniques, features of colour and/or shape of the items are determined, from which in turn position data are derived about spots on the item at which an undisturbed determination of material type is possible. With the aid of these position data the determination of material type is then confined to such undisturbed spots.

Abstract: A method of separating selected fruit from a volume of fruit is based on the reflectivity of the selected fruit. The method utilizes an automated optical inspection and sorting system to illuminate a volume of fruit including cranberries characterized by a spectral power distribution in the infrared spectral region. The system detects reflections of wavelengths of the illumination in the infrared spectral region, identifies the selected fruit based on the detected reflectivity, and sorts the selected fruit from the volume of fruit.

Abstract: The color sorting apparatus includes a grain guide device, a grain feeder, an illumination device for illuminating the grain, an optical detector consisting of an optical detection section for receiving the light from the illuminated grain and a background, and ejector for rejecting the grain. The illumination device employs at least one light source having spectral energy distribution in both the visible light region and the near infrared region. At least one set of the optical detection device for monitoring a predetermined detection field is provided. The optical detection section of the optical detection device includes a first light receiving sensor having high sensitivity to the visible light region and a second light receiving sensor having high sensitivity to the near infrared region.

Abstract: Method to determine the purity of treated used glass, whereby the sample quantity is taken from the treated used glass and arranged in one layer and is sent trickling down a free-falling path, the foreign bodies according to non-ferrous metals and opaque foreign materials being blown out and weighed after a separate identification, and the ratios of non-ferrous metal additions to the whole sample quantity and of the opaque foreign materials to the whole sample quantity respectively being determined. In order to be able to carry out such a method in a particularly simple manner, it is provided that the foreign materials are continuously weighed together, and depending on which kind of foreign materials--non-ferrous metals or opaque foreign materials--has been identified, the increase in weight is attributed to this identified group.

Abstract: Workpieces in which, for example, wire bonding has been performed are inspected to determine if they are defective or not by an inspection device. Workpieces which have been found to be defective are conveyed to one workpiece magazine and workpieces which have been found to be defect-free are conveyed to another workpiece magazine, thus defective and non-defective workpieces are separated immediately after inspection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting the presence of pit fragments as small as 2 mm.sup.2 in pitted peach halves. Pitted peach halves are agitated into a cup-up position, are conveyed to a position adjacent an inspection zone and are launched airborne into the inspection zone. Each peach half in the inspection zone is illuminated by a pair of quartz halogen lights and the diffusely reflected light is separated into first and second beams. The first and second beams are filtered to extract a first relatively wide wavelength band centered at 600 nm and a second relatively wide wavelength band centered at 750 nm. Preferably, each wavelength band is approximately 70 nm. Each of the wavelength bands enters a separate line scan camera for acquiring image signals from each wavelength band. The signals from both cameras are combined and enhanced to determine the presence or absence of fragments.

Abstract: A selection machine and process for fine particulate material such as, for example, semolina wheat or other food or industrial products in powdery or granular form, where the particulate material is distributed on a continuous mobile support, is transported from the support to a scanning station for the identification in the particulate material, of undesirable parts thereof, and their position on the support, and, subsequently, to a sorting station having a photoconducting element that can be moved in synchronism with the support and on which photoconducting element is formed a latent image of electrostatic charges, corresponding to the position of the undesirable parts, which electrostatic charges separate the undesirable parts from the desired particulate material by electrostatic attraction.

Abstract: To determine whether stress cracks are present in the bottom area of a plastic bottle which make it unfit for further use, the bottle bottom is scanned in the potential crack region by the measuring beam of a laser distance-measuring instrument. From its output signal, the prevalence and depth of the cracks can be identified sufficiently to enable a decision to be made on the removal of the bottle from circulation.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for generating colorimetric data useful in the automatic colorimetric sorting of products, such as fruits or vegetables, each product is illuminated by means of a beam producing a succession of lines of light, the energy reflected by the product in preselected wavelengths is reconstituted for each point on each line of light, the light intensity of each point is measured, the measured values are converted so as to form a series of numerical data corresponding, for each wavelength, to the light intensity curves for each line of light, and the series of numerical data are processed, by computing, in accordance with programmed criteria based on a comparison of the values of the homologous points of said series, so as to generate usable colorimetric data.

Abstract: A non-destructive taste characteristics measuring apparatus comprising trays and a measuring section provided in the course of a transport path and at which light is made incident on a vegetable or fruit to measure its taste characteristics, wherein the trays are each provided with at least two tray-side light passages one opening ends of which are so made as to come in contact with the vegetable or fruit and the other ends of which stand open outward at the bottom of the tray, and the measuring section has at least two measurement-side light passages one opening ends of which are positionally adjustable to the opening ends of the tray-side light passages at its part facing the bottom of said tray, and is provided with i) a means for making light incident on the vegetable or fruit through one of the measurement-side light passages and one of the tray-side light passages and ii) a detector which the light emergent from the vegetable or fruit enters through the other tray-side light passage and the other measur

Abstract: To test a bottle for contamination, the bottom of the bottle is laterally illuminated with a measuring light beam from a source. This measuring light beam is deflected, as if in a waveguide, in the ring of residual liquids at the bottom of the bottle. Light reemerging from the residual liquid is imaged on a detector by an imaging lens. The detector measures the spectral composition of the deflected light and compares this with theoretical values which should be yielded by the liquid with which the bottle was last filled. If deviations from the theoretical values are excessive, the bottle is rejected. The process described provides a simple way of determining whether a multi-trip bottle has contained an extraneous liquid.

Abstract: Sorting apparatus has a conveyor belt or equivalent mechanism for moving particles at a speed sufficient to generate a stream of particles in air, which particles can be graded such that unacceptable material can be removed. The grading or sorting is conducted by a primary scanning system for analyzing light reflected from particles in the stream in a plurality of wavelength ranges. Ejectors for removing particles from the stream are disposed downstream of the scanning system, and are instructed in response to signals received from the scanning system. An auxiliary scanning system is also included to establish the presence of material in the stream, and in the event that a void is detected in a given region, then the analysis of that region by the primary scanning system and any corresponding activation of the ejectors is inhibited.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process which enables colored foreign bodies to be detected in continuous fibre transport and removed therefrom. A stream of fibres is examined for foreign bodies by color sensors (11). If the color differs, a control system (12) activates compressed air nozzles (13) and removes foreign bodies (17).

Abstract: A scanning system inspects elements, such as ICs, continuously by positioning a second tray containing elements to be inspected adjacent a scan bed in which the elements in a first tray are being scanned. Immediately upon completion of scanning of elements in the first tray, scanning begins on elements in the second tray. During scanning of the second tray, the first tray is off loaded, and a third tray replaces the first tray. The cycle is repeated continuously. Since transport and scanning operations take place simultaneously, transport delay is reduced substantially, as compared to the serial system of the prior art. When the transport, positioning, and off loading operations consume substantially less time than the scanning operation, a fresh tray of elements always awaits scanning upon completion of scanning of elements in a tray.

Abstract: A sorting conveyor system is disclosed having a computer controlled first sort conveyor stage and a final sort conveyor stage. Articles to be sorted are identified and loaded onto a first sort conveyor which sorts the articles into groups and routes each group to one or more holding rails coupled via a transfer rail to one or more final sort conveyors. As a complete group of articles is assembled on one or more holding rails, the group of articles is transferred to a final sort conveyor. Identification information for each article transferred to the final sort conveyor is also transferred to the final sort conveyor. The final sort conveyor then performs a final sort on each group of articles transferred thereto.

Abstract: A scrap particle sorting system and attendant sorting process employs a conveyor for conveying the randomly shaped particles in a random orientation, a position sensor for determining the advancement of the scrap particles in the direction of conveyance by determining the position of the conveyor belt, an image detector for periodically recording the image of a predefined viewing area through which the scrap particles are conveyed, and an image processor for periodic acquisition and processing of the images. The image processor includes logic for defining each image of the viewing area into a matrix of cells, and for each acquired image, analyzing the digital data corresponding to the image to determine for each cell in the matrix whether the pixels in that cell satisfy a predetermined criteria, and establishing a discriminator signal for each cell in the matrix as a function of that analysis.

Abstract: A method of selecting low-pressure mercury discharge lamps comprising a luminescent layer, the luminescent layer being excited and the low-pressure mercury discharge lamps being selected in dependence on the emission spectrum of the visible light emitted by the luminescent layer. The luminescent layer is excited by a light source arranged outside the low-pressure mercury discharge lamp and which generates ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength above 300 nm. This makes it possible to use the presence of a blue-luminescent substance in the luminescent layer as a selection criterion for both leaky and intact low-pressure mercury discharge lamps.

Abstract: A grain sorting apparatus includes a conveyor belt mechanism for conveying grains, fed by a feed mechanism onto a conveying surface separately from each other at an upstream region with respect to a conveying direction, to a downstream end so that the grains are discriminated and sorted by a discriminating mechanism and a sorting mechanism when dropping from the downstream end along a predetermined path, the belt mechanism being disposed so that the conveying surface thereof declines as going downstream with respect to the conveying direction to prevent the grains being carried by the belt mechanism from rolling toward the upstream direction on the conveying surface of the belt mechanism. It is therefore possible to prevent the grains from rolling on the conveying surface of the conveyor belt mechanism toward the upstream direction relative to the conveying surface of the conveyor belt even when a conveying velocity of the conveyor belt mechanism is high.