Abstract: Produce sorting equipment comprising: a conveyor driving a plurality of carriers spaced along the conveyor to support a single produce between adjacent carriers; at least one exit conveyor positioned above the carriers; an air distribution sprocket positioned below at least two adjacent carriers, the sprocket being rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor; the sprocket having a plurality of radial arms that terminate below the carriers; each arm including an air conduit; and means to control air flow along each air conduit; whereby as the sprocket rotates each arm passes underneath the carriers and an air blast via the conduit propels the produce supported by adjacent carriers up and off the carriers to fall onto the exit conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of sorting submillimetric particles entrained in a fluid flowing in an axial direction of a main channel, the particles being of density different from the density of the fluid, and the method being characterized in that it implements, in a first region of the main channel, focusing of the particles along a wall (7) of the main channel (1) by means of at least one focusing device (3), and downstream from said region, collecting of particles in at least one sorting and take-off device (40) in communication with the main channel (1) via an opening such that the particles collected are selected by the take-off device as a function of the size of said particles, and in that said at least one sorting and take-off device is a recirculation chamber (40) in communication with the main channel (1) and presenting at least one recirculation zone (41) for concentrating the collected particles.

Abstract: A system for accurately determining whether a work piece such as a plastic molded bottle cap is defective from quality norms and removing those defective pieces from a stream of work pieces includes a feed conveyor for serially delivering work pieces where adjacent work pieces are in contact with each other. The feed conveyor delivers these work pieces onto an inspection conveyor with a plurality of air holes. Air is forced through the air holes to impinge upon the work piece and thus rapidly accelerate them away from the adjacent work piece it was in contact with and move through an inspection station. An air blower provides pressurized air through the air holes to continue accelerating and separating the work pieces as they move. The inspection station includes a camera to image each work piece. The camera communicates these images to a processing unit such as a computer that can rapidly compare the image to a set of quality control standards each work piece should meet.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling an automatic separator apparatus of a Materials Recovery Facility. An input stream of recycled materials is provided, wherein the composition of the input stream is subject to variation during a time interval. The input stream passes through a separator machine having a plurality of adjustable machine operating parameters. Via a computerized control system the first one of the operating parameters is adjusted for monitoring the quality of separation achieved by the separator machine so as to select a value of the first parameter that improves the monitored quality of separation. This process is continued for each of the other adjustable parameters of the separator machine, and then the process is repeated so as to continuously adjust the operating parameters of the separator machine to optimize its efficiency of separation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sorting particles entrained in a gaseous stream are disclosed. A representative system, among others, includes a particle scanner, a sorter, which is in pneumatic communication with the particle scanner, and a controller, which is in electrical communication with the particle scanner and sorter. The particle scanner is adapted to receive a gaseous stream and measure a characteristic of a particle entrained in the gaseous stream. The controller is adapted to classify the scanned particle according to the measured characteristic of the particle. The sorter includes an electrically controlled valve. Responsive to the particle being classified as belonging to a first category, the controller signals the valve to deflect the trajectory of the particle.

Abstract: A device for sorting of laundry pieces comprises a transport device for transporting different types of laundry pieces, a first collection device for receiving a first type of laundry pieces and disposed in a receiving relationship to the transport device, a second collection device for receiving a second type of laundry pieces and disposed in a receiving relationship to the transport device, and a recognition device disposed near the transport device such that laundry pieces disposed on the transport device are recognizable for the recognition device. A register device is predisposed to the first collection device and to the second collection device for registering of the laundry pieces disposed in the transport device and for generating a corresponding register signal.

Abstract: A separation system includes an air separator that in one embodiment primarily receives Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) containing relatively light MSW recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic containers, and/or metal containers. The air separator blows the relatively light MSW recyclable materials up though a chamber and onto a first conveyer while the other relatively heavy MSW material drops down a chute onto a second conveyer. A separation screen receives the relatively light MSW recyclable materials from the air separator and separates the relatively flat paper and cardboard from the plastic and metal containers.

Abstract: A method and system for sorting different colored objects, preferably glass cullets, into separate groups of same colored objects comprising a plurality of sorting devices for receiving an input feed of different colored objects and sorting the different colored objects based on their light transmission properties into a plurality of output feeds, wherein at least one output feed in the plurality of output feeds is a subsequent input feed to one or more sorting devices in the plurality. The one or more sorting devices sort the at least one subsequent input feed into a plurality of further sorted output feeds. At least one of the plurality of sorting devices is a final sorting device, wherein the final sorting device sorts one or more subsequent input feeds into a plurality of final output feeds. The output feeds preferably contain objects of a desired color, undesired objects and flint objects.

Abstract: A system for sorting a mixed stream of different colored cullet into separate groups of same colored cullet comprises a light emitting source for transmitting light, such as white 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 on the at least one value. The camera collects the received light at a desired sampling interval and a circuit converts the values into digital representation values. The circuit calculates a non-linear function from the digital representation values. An electrostatic or fluid driving actuator directs the cullet along a deflected path based on a value of the non-linear function. A vibratory feeder provides the cullet onto a conveyer belt having an exit roller of a desired diameter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the separation of foreign bodies from a material flow, in particular a tobacco stream. Method is characterized in that at least a portion of the material from the material flow is conveyed into the area of a foreign-body detection device in the form of a partial material flow, whereby foreign bodies are identified by the foreign-body detection device in the partial material flow and subsequently removed from the partial material flow, whereby the partial material flow is formed by a separation step by an air flow upstream from the foreign-body detection device. Apparatus is characterized in that a material flow conveyor and a separation device arranged diagonal to the material flow conveyor are provided by which a partial material flow can be separated from the material flow. A foreign-body detection device is arranged after the separation device and after this, a foreign-body separation device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for sorting wood chips, said apparatus having a feeder for supplying the wood chips onto a sloping support surface so that the chips slide along the support surface and over a slit extending across the support surface. A flow of gas through the slit providing an impulse action to the chips as the chips pass over the slit. Alongside the impulse-action generating gas flow discharging from the slit is mounted a baffle/guide plate for controlling turbulence created by the gas flow.

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: Apparatus is described for processing articles. It has a hollow drum having permeable walls. At one end there is an inlet for receiving articles onto an inside surface of the permeable walls. At the other end is an outlet for discharging articles from the drum. The drum is rotated about an axis having at least a horizontal component at such speed that centrifugal force acting on the articles is sufficient to overcome the gravity acting on the articles. A first jet of fluid is applied to the articles through the permeable wall, to displace the articles from the inside surface and in a direction away from the inlet, towards the outlet. In one application, the process is used to dry the articles. In another application the process is used to inspect the articles.

Abstract: An air separator system for separating shredded trash into relatively light material and relatively heavy material. An air stream is provided at an end of a conveyor. A splitter plate system comprises a rotating cylinder supported by a frame, and a splitter curtain hanging below the cylinder. The amount of light material which make it over the cylinder into a collection area can be controlled by adjusting at least one of a speed of the conveyor, an angle of the conveyor with respect to horizontal, an angle of the airstream with respect to the angle of the conveyor, a pressure of the airstream, a position of the airstream relative to the end of the conveyor, a distance between the bar and the conveyor, and a height of the bar with respect to a height of the conveyor.

Abstract: A postal sorting machine comprises an injection carousel (1) and a system (4) for injecting mail items (3) standing on edge into receptacles (2) of the carousel (1). Each receptacle (2) of the carousel (1) is defined by an end wall (7) and two side walls (5, 6). A blower (13) is interposed between the injection system (4) and the carousel (1). The blower (13) delivers two jets (14, 15) of compressed air that are substantially perpendicular to each other, with each mail item (3) being displaced between the jets.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying articles from one or more input streams to at least two output streams using air to support, convey and divert the articles is disclosed. The apparatus uses a plurality of primary air passageways to support and convey the articles and a plurality of secondary air passageways to divert and convey the articles. Also disclosed is a method for conveying articles from on or more input streams into at least two output streams utilizing the diverting apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closed air circulation system for an apparatus used for sorting wood chips, containing chips in a variety of sizes and/or fines particles, in a wood chips processing chamber, in separate fractions by means of a gas flow, which is delivered from one or more nozzle chambers by way of a nozzle slit into the wood chips processing chamber and which applies an impulse action to the processing-bound wood chips sliding along an inclined support surface. Air is circulated from the wood chips processing chamber by way of a dedusting cyclone into said one or more nozzle chambers. The wood chips processing chamber is maintained at a negative pressure by regulating the volume of air removed from the chamber. A conduit extending between the wood chips processing chamber and the one or more nozzle chambers is open to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A small item pneumatic diverter for high speed diversion of articles, such as fruit, from a moving conveyor in a product handling system. The pneumatic diverter is particularly suited for diversion of small, relatively fragile articles after they have been optically scanned for size, weight, quality or other characteristics. The diverter has a nozzle connected to an electrical solenoid controlled air valve that is connected to a source of compressed air and a computer for controlling the release of air to the nozzle. The nozzle has a plurality of small discharge ports at one end for discharging air towards an article on the moving conveyor. In one configuration, the nozzle discharges air across the top of a small article to provide lift and against the article to off-load it from the conveyor. A delay mechanism is utilized to selective discharge an article after it has been scanned.

Abstract: This invention provides a seed-sorting apparatus that includes an alignment trough having a plurality of grooves into which the seeds are distributed, a line sensor camera for inspecting the seeds, a nozzle device having a number of nozzles that is the same as the number of grooves on the upper surface of the alignment trough, and a control unit. The control unit, through a series of calculations, is capable of differentiating between different types of seeds and can direct a seed sorting and sucking device to suck the seed.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying articles from one or more input streams to at least two output streams using air to support, convey and divert the articles is disclosed. The apparatus uses a plurality of primary air passageways to support and convey the articles and a plurality of secondary air passageways to divert and convey the articles. Also disclosed is a method for conveying articles from on or more input streams into at least two output streams utilizing the diverting apparatus.

Abstract: An automated machine is used to handle and manipulate individual pieces of particulate matter. The particulate matter is contained in a bin. The machine operates to pick single individual pieces of the particulate matter from the bin. The picked individual pieces are then conveyed for further handling. Pneumatic transport is primarily used for the conveying operation. One aspect of the handling involves individually weighing each piece of the picked particulate matters. Another aspect of the handling involves sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter into a plurality of receptacles. Yet another aspect of the handling involves both weighing and then sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter, wherein the sorting operation may be performed based upon the measured weight of each piece.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting cells includes a cell alignment portion applying a process to a cell-suspending fluid with a great number of cells and arraying the cells with a spacing between each cell, a cell information detecting portion detecting information on the cells, a cell sorting portion for sorting the cells based upon the information detected by the cell information detecting portion, a first passage of the cell alignment portion so as to let the cell-suspending fluid flow, and a second passage of the cell alignment portion, intersecting with the first passage so as to communicate therewith, letting a splitting fluid flow so as to split the flow of the cell-suspending fluid in the first passage and forming a great number of small cell-containing liquid drops.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting wood chips includes a feeder for supplying wood chips onto a sloping support surface to slide along the support surface over a slit extending thereacross. The slit is configured to provide an impulse action by means of a continuous gas flow on the chips or the fines particles presently in line with the slit. The bottom end of the support surface upstream of the slit is provided with a section (a) diverging from the rest of the support surface in terms of its gradient, over which section an angle of inclination (?) relative to the horizontal plane is smaller than an angle of inclination (?) of the support surface upstream of the same in the advancing direction of the wood chips.

Abstract: An illumination source for a machine vision viewer for a sorter that provides a flow of articles along a scan line includes an elongated, cylindrical shroud with illumination sources mounted interior of the shroud. The illumination sources are arranged longitudinally within the shroud and are angularly spaced along the inner circumference of the shroud. Linear slots running parallel with the shroud axis are provided in the shroud for the subject articles to enter and exit the shroud. A linear slot running parallel with the shroud axis is provided for receptors to view the articles passing through the shroud. The cylinder interior is otherwise uniform and light reflecting. An alternative embodiment of the shroud comprises two shroud arc components with openings between the arcs to allow articles to pass between the shroud arc components.

Abstract: An apparatus for singling out tablets for a rotary tablet-compressing press the rotor of which has associated therewith a nozzle which, via a line and a controllable valve disposed in the line, is adapted to be connected to a pressure source in order to route a tablet into a rejects duct wherein the control signals for the valve are produced by a control device, characterized in that the line, between the orifice of the nozzle and the valve, has disposed a pressure sensor which delivers a sensor signal if the valve is opened or a predetermined minimum pressure prevails in the line and a logic evaluation circuit is provided into which the sensor signal and the control signal are input and that an error signal is produced in the evaluation circuit, which signal is evaluated by the control device if the time relation of the control signals and the sensor signals deviates from a predetermined relation.

Abstract: A magnetic metal removing device for color sorting apparatus includes a hollow feeding roll. Within a hollow portion of the feeding roll, a magnet is arranged such that it closely opposes to a part of an inner surface of the hollow feeding roll to form a magnetic force active surface on the corresponding outer surface of the feeding roll. Magnetic metal mixed in raw granular objects is attracted on the magnetic force active surface. The magnetic forced active surface changes to a magnetic force inactive surface as the feeding roll rotates. The magnetic metal caught on the feeding roll is released from the magnetic forced inactive surface and colleted by a collecting device.

Abstract: A small item pneumatic diverter for high speed diversion of articles, such as fruit, from a moving conveyor in a product handling system. The pneumatic diverter is particularly suited for diversion of small, relatively fragile articles after they have been optically scanned for size, weight, quality or other characteristics. The diverter has a nozzle connected to an electrical solenoid controlled air valve that is connected to a source of compressed air and a computer for controlling the release of air to the nozzle. The nozzle has a plurality of small discharge ports at one end for discharging air towards an article on the moving conveyor. In one configuration, the nozzle discharges air across the top of a small article to provide lift and against the article to off-load it from the conveyor. A delay mechanism is utilized to selective discharge an article after it has been scanned.

Abstract: A work inspection system 2 includes: a conveyor table 7 vertically positioned, and conveying works W stored in work-storing pockets 9; a work inspection apparatus for inspecting the works stored in the work-storing pockets 9 of the conveyor table 7; and a sorting and ejecting apparatus 12 for sorting the inspected works stored in the work-storing pockets of the conveyor table in accordance with a property of the works and ejecting the same. The work-storing pockets 9 of the conveyor table 7 are positioned inside the periphery 7a of the conveyor table 7 to surround the works W. The work-storing pockets 9 are disposed along two concentric circles on the conveyor table 7.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for sorting wood chips, said apparatus having a feeder for supplying the wood chips onto a sloping support surface so that the chips slide along the support surface and over a slit extending across the support surface. A flow of gas through the slit providing an impulse action to the chips as the chips pass over the slit. Alongside the impulse-action generating gas flow discharging from the slit is mounted a baffle/guide plate for controlling turbulence created by the gas flow.

Abstract: A foreign substance eliminating apparatus transfers raw material by passing the raw material between an upstream conveyor (6) and a downstream conveyor (8), and detects a foreign substance on the upstream transfer conveyor with a foreign substance detector (9). An eliminating airflow (R) is ejected from a row of air nozzles (13) when the detected foreign substance falls down, and deflects the falling direction of the foreign substance. At this point, a small foreign substance (BS) is blown off by the eliminating airflow, and sent to the foreign substancereceiving box (16). On the other hand, a large foreign substance (BL) goes across the eliminating airflow, and falls down onto the bar screen conveyor (20). The bar screen conveyor captures the large foreign substance, and removes it outside of the conveyor.

Abstract: A waste plastics separator is provided which includes a charging device for charging waste plastics; a first alignment device for arranging the waste plastics in a row in the lengthwise direction of the waste plastics; a second alignment device for selecting and discharging waste plastics having not been arranged in the row; a detection device for detecting the waste plastics arranged in the row; a sorting device for sorting the waste plastics; and a sorting control device for controlling sorting work.

Abstract: A pneumatic weighing device has a weigh pan, which is supported for vertical movement by a load cell in response to the weight of an article; the weigh pan is provided with a plenum chamber having an apertured upper surface through which air under pressure is directed for purpose of providing an air cushion for supporting and transporting articles to be weighed. The weighing device additionally includes pneumatic means for rejecting articles of improper weight.

Abstract: A product handling apparatus, components of a product handling apparatus, a method of handling products and a software program for controlling a product handling apparatus. The apparatus includes an induct area, in which products are inducted or fed, either automatically or manually, into the product handling apparatus, an identification area, in which the product configuration, the product type and the product title are identified, a labeling area, in which product labels are printed, applied to each product and verified, and a product sorting area, in which the products are sorted into the individual customer order product collection locations for packaging and shipment to the customer. In the product sorting area, products are diverted by air knife diverter mechanisms, and stackable products are stacked in stacker assemblies. An “endless” main conveyor assembly conveys products from the induct area, through the product handling apparatus, to the product sorting area.

Abstract: An electronic parts conveying apparatus reduces damage to electronic parts (e.g., chip-type electronic parts) and stabilizes the positions of the electronic parts during a conveying operation. The conveying apparatus has a conveying table having, on its entire outer-peripheral section, concave storage slots formed with identical pitches that store the electronic parts in series. The conveying table also has air holes, each of which passes through a respective concave storage slot. One end of the air hole terminates in an opening disposed on an inner-circumferential side surface of the concave storage slot. The other end of the air hole communicates through a selector valve with a negative air pressure source, which generates negative air pressure suction applied to suction the electronic part into the concave storage slot. The hole is also connected with a positive air pressure source, which generates air pressure to eject the electronic part from the concave storage slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for singling out tablets for a rotary tablet-compressing press the rotor of which has associated therewith a nozzle which, via a line and a controllable valve disposed in the line, is adapted to be connected to a pressure source in order to route a tablet into a rejects duct wherein the control signals for the valve are produced by a control device, characterized in that the line, between the orifice of the nozzle and the valve, has disposed a pressure sensor which delivers a sensor signal if the valve is opened or a predetermined minimum pressure prevails in the line and a logic evaluation circuit is provided into which the sensor signal and the control signal are input and that an error signal is produced in the evaluation circuit, which signal is evaluated by the control device if the time relation of the control signals and the sensor signals deviates from a predetermined relation.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating particles contained in threshed leaf tobacco includes a plurality of separating chambers, each including a separation chamber and having a fan system for establishing a generally upward air flow. A covered, high speed conveyor of projects the tobacco across the upward flow of air in each chamber in conjunction with additional make up air from the covered, high speed conveyor. Lighter particles of tobacco are carried upward and exit the chamber via a separating mechanism. Heavier particles of tobacco fall onto an integral conveyor and are discharged from the chamber onto another covered, high speed conveyor connecting it to the next chamber. The separating chambers are mounted in line in a configuration to suit the tobacco being processed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vertical drop, multi-pass product cleaner with air flow control on the outlet side of the cleaner, wherein the air flow control includes dampers movable between open and constricted positions disposed within at least one of a plurality of air outlets of the product cleaner.

Abstract: A sorting device in which a nozzle (31) having a flat tip portion (31a) for blowing air to a predetermined article X transported by a pair of transport belts (23, 23) is covered with a nozzle cover (32) whose forward-oriented and rearward-oriented end portions in the direction of air blowing are open and whose forward opening (32a) is located forward of the tip portion (31a) of the nozzle (31). Then, by covering above the transport belts (23, 23) with an upper cover (8), as well as providing a sorting cover (33) whose upper forward and lower rear end portions are open at a position opposed to the nozzle cover (32) with these transport belts (23, 23) provided therebetween, a continuous air path from the nozzle cover (32) to the sorting cover(33) is formed.

Abstract: Capacitor characteristics measurement apparatus and packing apparatus includes a turntable (1) intermittently driven at a constant pitch to supply capacitors (C) from a parts feeder (8) to a holder section (2) of the turntable (1) in a one-by-one manner. A capacitance measurement section (4) and an IR prediction section (5) are provided to determine whether each capacitor is acceptable or defective in quality based on the measured values obtainable from these sections (4, 5). The IR prediction section (5) applies a DC voltage to a capacitor while predicting the current value at termination of chargeup by use of its initial current value in the charge region of an insulation polarization component thereof upon application of the voltage thereto.

Abstract: A facility for the selective separation of a stream of mixed bulk materials made up of objects of different densities and possibly different sizes comprising a sorting device having at least one conveyor belt on which the stream of mixed bulk materials to be selected is conveyed; and at least one nozzle by means of which compressed air can be blown transversely to the conveying direction and against the stream of mixed bulk materials lying on the conveyor belt, including at least one separating element and at least two collection containers, one of which is placed laterally approximately opposite the nozzle and the other of which is placed in the end region of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A device for removal of trimmings obtained from cutting of logs of web material by means of a log cutting machine which include a cutting blade for log cutting and a supporting surface downstream of the cutting blade to support cut out rolls. The device for removal of trimmings is disposed downstream of the supporting surface and at least one pair of conveyor belts for conveying the rolls toward an unloading station, the lower conveyor belt having a back-up horizontally movable roller able to move toward or away from the supporting surface thus creating a gap between the supporting surface and the conveyor sufficient for the trimmings to pass through and fall beneath the machine, while the cut out rolls pass form the supporting surface to the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting waste material, in particular plastic waste and hollow parts made of plastic. The waste material to be sorted is placed in an unsorted manner on a conveyor belt and moved below a sensor. The sensor examines the waste to determine the type of material and/or the color of the material, the waste being sorted depending on the type of material or its color. The conveyor is provided with a grate-like structure, and blow-out nozzles are arranged below the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sorting apparatus for granular products (7, 8), such as peas, nuts, raisins, and suchlike, with a detection system (3), a removal system (4) and a transport device (1), where the latter has a sloping distribution surface (1′) over which said products (7, 8) are moved, whereby said surface (1′) is convex over at least a certain distance in the direction of travel (10) of said products (7, 8), such that said surface (1′) has a curvature in the direction of fall of said products (7, 8) equal to or slightly less than that of the path (9) which the products would follow at said surface (1′) in free fall, independent of said surface (1′).

Abstract: An electronic parts conveying apparatus reduces damage to electronic parts (e.g., chip-type electronic parts) and stabilizes the positions of the electronic parts during a conveying operation. The conveying apparatus has a conveying table having, on its entire outer-peripheral section, concave storage slots formed with identical pitches that store the electronic parts in series. The conveying table also has air holes, each of which passes through a respective concave storage slot. One end of the air hole terminates in an opening disposed on an inner-circumferential side surface of the concave storage slot. The other end of the air hole communicates through a selector valve with a negative air pressure source, which generates negative air pressure suction applied to suction the electronic part into the concave storage slot. The hole is also connected with a positive air pressure source, which generates air pressure to eject the electronic part from the concave storage slot.

Abstract: A separation device which has at least one blower device and at least one deflector device can be used to separate large fragments of semiconductor material from small fragments of semiconductor material.

Abstract: An egg removal apparatus includes a frame and a manifold removably secured to the frame. The frame is movable from a first location overlying an egg flat to a second location overlying an area adjacent the egg flat. When the frame is in the first location, eggs from an egg flat are picked up under vacuum via a plurality of flexible cups. When the frame is in the second position, the eggs are released from the plurality of flexible cups. The removable manifold can be quickly and easily removed from a supporting frame and cleaned as a unit.

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

Abstract: 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 system (20) is provided for detecting and ejecting container ends having a reversed orientation from an axially aligned group of otherwise similar nested container ends having a non-reversed orientation. The system includes a support member (36) interposed along the path of movement of the container ends and having a bore (52) and an ejection slot (54). A counting sensor (62) for counting the number of passing container ends and a gap sensor (72) for detecting a gap in the periphery of the axially aligned group caused by a reversed container end are positioned upstream of the ejection slot and connected to a control unit (70). An air nozzle (82) is positioned next to the axially aligned group of container ends in axial alignment with, but laterally opposite to, the ejection slot and connected to a source of pressurized air controlled by the control unit (70).

Abstract: A continuous conveyor belt for transporting a stream of objects to an inspection station includes a plurality of links matingly joined together to form a surface for supporting the objects for movement along a given path of travel to the inspection station, and wherein the continuous conveyor belt is entrained between a drive roller and a nose bar which has a given diametral dimension, and wherein the continuous conveyor belt propels the objects into free flight and in a given pattern through a sorting station which is disposed downstream of, and in spaced relation relative to the nose bar, and wherein the individual links when passing about the nose bar effectively minimizes the size of the object pattern passing through the sorting station, while simultaneously maintaining product separation which permits imaging of substantially the entire surface area of each product.