Abstract: The invention relates to an order picking station (48) and a method of picking articles from loading aids (2) by an order picker, adjoined by automated conveyor systems (20, 41) disposed on different height levels, loading aids (2) being conveyed to the order picking station (48) on a first conveyor system (20) and loading aids (2) being conveyed away from the order picking station (48) by a second conveyor system (41), and comprising a loading aid supply apparatus (61), an automated first loading aid transport apparatus for transporting loading aids (2) to the loading aid supply apparatus (61) and an automated second loading aid transport apparatus for transporting loading aids (2) away from the loading aid supply apparatus (61), and the first loading aid transport apparatus has a first carrying unit (62) for a loading aid (2) and the second loading aid transport apparatus has a second carrying unit (63) for a loading aid (2).

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for consolidating multiple pickings of an item to fulfill multiple shipments into a single picking of the multiple items. A determination is first made whether a metric representing a plurality of shipments exceeds a threshold, wherein individual ones of the plurality of shipments are mapped to corresponding ones of a plurality of item locations in a fulfillment center. The plurality of shipments are then remapped to an individual one of the plurality of item locations in response to a determination that the metric exceeds the threshold. Finally, a picking of the items is initiated.

Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by uniquely identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. In one embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. In another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece.

Abstract: A packaging system and method for receiving articles from a first location, such as a product delivery system, transporting the articles to a second location for unloading the articles such that they are placed in a desired orientation and number of columns, rows, and stacks.

Abstract: A diamond sorting system comprising a diamond source for supplying one or more diamonds to be graded by a vision system having one or more cameras arranged to take one or more images of the diamond, and a processor arranged to receive the image data and execute an algorithm on the data to grade the diamond. The sorting system further comprising a diamond collection unit arranged to receive a graded diamond from the vision system and an electromechanical diamond transporter arranged to transport a diamond to be graded from the diamond source to the vision system, and further arranged to transport a graded diamond from the vision system to the diamond collection unit.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to propose a computerized control device and a computer-implemented method for speed regulation during delivery of printed products to stacking devices which do not have at least some of the disadvantages of the known systems. It is in particular an object of the present invention to propose a computerized control device and a computer-implemented method for regulating the speed of a conveyor for delivering printed products to stacking devices which enable flexible production of stacks of different sizes.

Abstract: There is proposed a unit including a station for preparing orders, controlled by a control system. The station has a first circuit that includes a first outward conveyor, which receives containers for storing products, and an accumulator for accumulating a predetermined quantity of storage containers received on the first outward conveyor. The accumulator includes: at least one first shaft comprising superposed mobile positions that can each receive and downwardly move at least one storage container, the at least one first shaft vertically accumulating and sequentially dispensing storage containers previously placed in the positions; and at least one first elevator moving vertically along the at least one first chute up to each of the locations of the at least one first chute.

Abstract: A device and a method for the handling of containers with a plurality of handling units recognize a defective state in a handling element situated downstream and, as a reaction to this recognition, a specified container conveyed upstream is separated out, namely preferably that container which in the further course of operation would arrive at the handling element known to be operating defectively.

Abstract: Two types of objects are sorted in multiple sorting passes, for instance flat mail items are precisely sorted into a delivery sequence. Objects of a first object type are fed to a sorting system from a first feeding device. Objects of a second object type are fed from a second feeding device. The sorting system sorts the objects in at least two successive sorting passes. A first sorting plan and a second sorting plan are used in each sorting pass except in the last sorting pass, where a sorting plan is used. Each first sorting plan assigns a sorting end location of a first sorting end-location region and each second sorting plan assigns a sorting end location of a second sorting end-location region. A sorting end location is selected for each object using a sorting plan in each sorting pass, and the object is transferred into the selected sorting end location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for crane control and stock management, the method includes attaching to the goods to be stored an identifier associated with a code, such as number or name, given to the goods in stock accounting or the like; reading the identifier with a reader, when the goods are being transferred by a crane; transmitting the identifier information from the reader to the memory of the crane control; transferring the goods with the crane to a selected location in the warehouse; and storing the coordinates of the goods to the memory of the crane control so that they are associated with the identifier; and when the goods are removed from the warehouse, reading with the reader from a work order or the like the identifier information associated with the goods; and transmitting the identifier information from the reader to the memory of the crane control; and activating the crane control with the identifier information, whereby the crane moves to the location of the earlier stored goods.

Abstract: A component feeding system includes a platform and a tray supported by the platform having a component support surface for supporting a plurality of components. An agitation unit is supported by the platform and is operatively coupled to the tray to agitate the tray to cause the components to move on the tray. A guidance system is supported by the platform and has a camera viewing the tray. A positioning system is supported by the platform and a component gripper is supported by the positioning system and moved by the positioning system relative to the tray. The component gripper is configured to pick and place components on the tray. A controller communicates with the agitation unit, the positioning system, the component gripper and the guidance system. The controller operates the agitation unit, the positioning system and the component gripper based on an image obtained by the camera.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture to combine mail streams in a binding line are disclosed. An example method includes analyzing a mailing list including a plurality of addresses. The example methods also includes associating a primary book with a first set of the addresses and associating a secondary book with a second set of the addresses. In addition, the example method includes creating multiple primary books on a production line and depositing multiple secondary books in the production line.

Abstract: A sorting method for plastics, including: sorting a predetermined plastic piece from a mixed plastic piece group including plastic pieces of a plurality of types; identifying the plurality of types of the plastic pieces; and calculating mixing rates of the plurality of types in the mixed plastic piece group based on a result obtained in the identifying, the identifying is performed on the mixed plastic piece group prior to the sorting, a sorting condition of the sorting is set based on an identification result obtained in the identifying, the identifying includes identifying the plurality of types of the plastic pieces with a beam.

Abstract: A method for order picking products in an order picking facility having at least one rack for storing products and an assigned warehouse transport system for collecting and storing the products and for transferring the collected products to a transport system, by means of which the collected products are transported to a good-to-picker order picking station, at which the quantity of the collected products that is determined in a picking order is order-picked manually or automatically by a robot, into one order transport unit for each picking order. Product types corresponding to the picking order are collected, order-picked at the good-to-picker order picking station, one after the other, and the remaining products of the product type are stored via the transport system again in the rack.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention comprises associating a marker with at least some of the seeds containing a genetic element of interest of the bulk sample, exciting the seeds using an photonic emitting device, evaluating at least some of the seeds of the bulk sample for the presence or absence of the marker, and sorting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest based on the presence or absence of the marker. In various other embodiments, the method may comprise associating a red fluorescent protein marker with at least some of the seeds containing a genetic element of interest of the bulk sample, evaluating at least some of the seeds of the bulk sample for the presence of the red fluorescent protein marker using an evaluating device, and sorting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest based on the presence of the red fluorescent protein marker.

Abstract: Objects are sorted according to predetermined groups of sorting feature values. In particular, postal items are sorted according to groups of delivery addresses. A sorting system sorts the objects into a sequence so that all objects with sorting feature values belonging to the same predetermined value group are situated one directly behind another in this sequence. The sorting system has x1 storage subregions, x2 sorting subregions and a sorting plan. The objects are apportioned to the x1 storage subregions. For each storage subregion, an apportionment step is then carried out, in which the objects from this storage subregion are apportioned to the x2 sorting subregions. The apportionment steps are performed one after the other. Each apportionment step, is followed by a sorting and output step for each sorting subregion, in which the objects from this sorting subregion are brought into a sequence in accordance with the sorting feature values and this sequence is output.

Abstract: A banknote handling apparatus includes: a first winding storage unit; a second storage unit; a transport unit; a recognition unit; and a control unit. The first storage unit stores the banknotes, while providing a mark associated with inventory amount information of the first storage unit. To perform a reconciliation process for the first storage unit, the control unit allows some of the banknotes stored in the first storage unit to be fed from the first storage unit, based on the mark, for recognition by the recognition unit, and determines an inventory amount of the first storage unit based on a result of the recognition and the inventory amount information associated with the mark.

Abstract: A method of analyzing minerals received within a mining shovel bucket includes collecting data associated with ore received in the bucket, where the bucket includes at least one active sensor, where the ore includes one or more mineral, and where the ore is within a field of the active sensor. The method further includes determining a content of the minerals using the data, transmitting information relating to the content of the minerals to a decision support system, and sorting or processing the ore based on an output of the decision support system. Collecting data associated with the ores may include generating source signals, applying the source signals to the active sensor, collecting a response from the active sensor, and comparing the response with a reference or threshold. Other features are disclosed.

Abstract: An insertion system includes an enclosure supply device, an envelope supply device, an insertion device to insert an enclosure supplied from the enclosure supply device into the envelope supplied from the envelope supply device, a first input unit to input identification data of the enclosure inserted into the envelope in each of multiple insertion setting records, a second input unit to input identification data of the enclosure set in the enclosure container of the enclosure supply device, and a controller to determine whether the identification data of the enclosure to be inserted, input by the first input unit, matches the identification data of the enclosure set in the enclosure container, input by the second input unit, and to control supply of the envelope by the envelope supply device as well as supply of the enclosure by the enclosure supply device based on a result of the determination.

Abstract: A sorting device having at least one control unit for sorting mixtures of individual elements in sorting units according to at least one characterizing feature of the individual elements and having at least one conveyor belt. The sorting device comprises at least one buffer unit having at least two displaceable storage elements for intermediate storage of individual elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loading control apparatus capable of aligning the mail automatically. The loading control apparatus includes a distribution unit configured to guide mail, inputted to the cargo box of an unmanned receipt apparatus, to any one of a plurality of mail capacity boxes, a gravimetry unit configured to measure the weight of the mail loaded onto the mail capacity box, and a control unit configured to determine a mail capacity box onto which the mail will be loaded based on the weight received from the gravimetry unit and control the distribution unit based on a result of the determination. In accordance with the present invention, registered ordinary mail received through the unmanned receipt apparatus is automatically aligned and loaded in order of the receipt of mail.

Abstract: Method for arranging rod-like elements including cigarette parts such as filter and tobacco parts, in which elements are delivered to a conveyor having successive sectors which arrange the elements in separate rows along the conveyor. The type, number and location of element transported on the conveyor are determined by at least a single scanning of each successive element on the conveyor. The scanned results are transmitted to a control unit which assigns each sector of the conveyor information according to its contents. The elements are subsequently sorted based on the information received by the control unit according to the type and the number of parts each element is composed of, the orientation of these parts in relation to the direction of movement of the conveyor. Each of the successive elements is transferred to a predetermined receiving area based on the information received from the control unit.

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

Abstract: A system for picking and placing glass articles from a first location to a second location, the second location including a thermal reforming apparatus for transforming the glass articles from 2D glass articles to 3D glass articles includes a robot having an end effector, the end effector including a compliance assembly having at least six degrees of freedom. The compliance assembly is in fluid communication with both an open pneumatic system and a closed pneumatic system, the open pneumatic system providing a partial vacuum to a portion of the compliance assembly for grabbing the glass article, and the closed pneumatic system for activating a centering function for a portion of the compliance assembly.

Abstract: Method and system for arranging rod-like elements, in which an unordered portion of rod-like elements, composed each of at least one part selected from cigarette parts being filter parts and tobacco parts, is delivered to a conveyor which arranges the elements on the conveyor in a plurality of compartments, longitudinally in each compartment and transversely to the direction of movement of the conveyor. The compartments have a length which receives at least one filter part and at least one tobacco part of a cigarette. The type, number and location of parts of the element received in each compartment is defined by at least a single scanning of each successive compartment of the conveyor. The result of the scanning is transmitted to a control unit and the elements are subsequently sorted based on information received from the control unit.

Abstract: A set of circuit carriers includes a number of N?1 circuit carriers, each of which has an upper side, an underside opposite from the upper side, a distinctive structure, and a conductor structure on the upper side. Each of the circuit carriers is populated by: determining a first relative position between the distinctive structure and the conductor structure; picking up the circuit carrier by a pickup of a lifting and positioning unit; determining a second relative position between the lifting and positioning unit and the distinctive structure of the circuit carrier picked up by the pickup; and populating the circuit carrier with one or more components while taking the first relative position and the second relative position into account.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus includes pickup unit which picks up a plurality of sheets loaded in a loading unit, a first determining unit which determines a type or a state of the sheet picked up by the pickup unit, a data collecting unit which collects handling amount data for respective types of the sheets or respective states of the sheets, a second determining unit which determines a distribution destination of the sheet based on the handling amount data for the respective types or the respective states of the sheets which are determined by the first determining unit, a distributing unit which distributes the sheet based on a determination result of the distribution destination of the sheet by the second determining unit, and a stacking unit composed of a plurality of cassettes to stack the distributed sheets.

Abstract: A method of processing mailpieces for sorting mailpieces into sequence in a sorting machine depending on delivery points of delivery rounds, in which method the mailpieces are grouped together into batches associated with delivery rounds and are sorted as a function of various sorting plans each associated with a respective batch of mailpieces and defining a list of delivery points of delivery rounds, which method includes the following steps, assessing the batches of mailpieces before the machine sorting to detect those that will under-use the sorting capacities; aggregating the batches of mailpieces detected as under-using the capacity so as to constitute aggregated batches of mailpieces; computing an associated sorting plan resulting from the aggregating; feeding each aggregated batch of mailpieces into the postal sorting machine and controlling the sorting of the mailpieces as a function of the sorting plan computed for said aggregated batch of mailpieces.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of automatic container orientation systems. Also disclosed are methods for automatically orienting containers. In an exemplary embodiment, a system for automatically orienting containers generally includes one or more cameras, a controller, and an orientation unit. The one or more cameras are configured to obtain data relating to an orientation of at least one container to be included in a package. The controller is in communication with the one or more cameras for receiving the data and is configured to use the data to determine an amount of rotation needed for the at least one container to orient the at least one container in a desired final orientation. The orientation unit is configured to rotate the at least one container by the determined amount of rotation to thereby orient the at least one container in the desired final orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus, method, and system for combining a plurality of items into a batch having a set number of items. Number of items are put together onto a production line to form a batch along with non-batch items which are not suitable for inclusion within the batch onto the production line. The batch is advanced on the production line as a partial batch without the non-batch item being added to it when a batch is not complete. A reminder batch is created after the non-batch items have been added to the production line and the remainder batch includes the number of items that must be added to the partial batch to make a full batch.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for material handling in an order fulfillment center. An order fulfillment system may include inventory storage, a processing area, and a control system. The inventory storage may in some instances include two storage areas, and in some cases the processing area may be disposed between the two storage areas. The processing area may include a router module that is configured to receive inventory items that have been picked from the inventory storage. Inventory items may be received by the router module via conveyance receptacles (e.g., totes, bins) that are conveyed using a conveyor mechanism. The processing area may also include a plurality of processing modules that may be configured to receive inventory items from the router module. In some instances, the processing modules may receive the inventory items via conveyance receptacles that are conveyed using the conveyor mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic-adjustable stacker for controlling the movement of a media, such as cardboard, through a media handling system. The stacker includes a media receiver positioned proximate a feed of the media that receives a leading edge of the media and a controller that causes the media receiver to move from a first position for receiving the media, to a second position for depositing of the media at a desired location. The media receiver is configured to prevent the media from coming into contact with other media already located at the desired location until the media has arrived at the desired location, while creating a concave-like shape to the media while conveying it.

Abstract: An automated letter movement system comprising: postal item processing lines adapted to receive incoming postal items; SSM devices configured to receive at input postal items from at least one postal item processing line and adapted to group the postal items forming shingled groups of partially overlapping postal items; a transportation system adapted to move the shingled groups generated by the SSM devices along a feed direction; postal item output processing lines adapted to carry out the sorting of the postal items fed into it; singulator models receiving the shingled groups arriving from said transportation system, each singulator module being configured to only singularize the postal items belonging to a specific group and to send the singularized postal items to a postal item output processing line configured to implement a sorting program for the postal items subjected to singularization.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture to combine mail streams in a binding line are disclosed. An example method is used to create a first book on a production line, where the first book is associated with a first recipient address. The example method is then used to deposit the second book associated with a second recipient address via a book feeder on the first book as the first book moves along the production line.

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

Abstract: Rolling view optimization is initiated by receiving electronic mail data corresponding to a plurality of mail pieces, the electronic mail data including a first cycle and determining whether substantially all electronic mail data from the first cycle can be processed for mailing. In response to determining that substantially all of the electronic mail data from the first cycle cannot be processed for mailing, a determination is made whether a portion of the mail data from the first cycle can be processed for mailing and in response to determining that a portion of the mail data from the first cycle can be processed for mailing the electronic mail data corresponding to the first cycle for mailing is sent.

Abstract: In a system, one or more robotic arms are positioned adjacent a transport surface that is moving workpieces, and one or more picking elements are connected to each of the robotic arms. The picking elements have physical picking features that remove the workpieces from the transport surface and move the workpieces to another location. A controller is operatively connected to the robotic arms and the picking elements, and the controller independently controls the robotic arms and the picking elements to dynamically position the picking elements in coordination with a dynamic size, spacing, and transport speed of the workpieces being moved by the transport surface.

Abstract: A sorting device for sorting products, comprising successive carrier units each provided with a load carrying platform having a front arcuate edge and a rear arcuate edge, the arcuate shape of the front edge of a load carrying platform matching the arcuate shape of the rear edge of a next load carrying platform located at the front side of the load carrying platform in question. Each load carrying platform is provided with a supporting surface between the front edge and the rear edge. The sorting device further comprises conveying means for conveying the load carrying platforms in a conveying direction along a conveying path and sorting means comprising an elongated pusher element for each load carrying platform for pushing a product to be sorted sideways off at least one supporting surface, using at least one pusher element, at a desired sorting location.

Abstract: A method for storing scanned information concerning a relevant laundry item in a data storage means which is assigned to a carrier holding the laundry item. The laundry item is assigned to a storage means or an intermediate storage means with the carrier comprising its information by a conveying system. The laundry items are sorted by way of their individual information stored on the carriers, moved into corresponding storage sections of the storage means and at the same time are both sorted and formed into laundry batches. The laundry batch then includes laundry items which require a same treatment. The laundry batch can then be supplied, for example, to a continuous-batch washing machine where the laundry items of the laundry batch are washed and, where applicable, subject to further treatments in the manner predefined according to their information. The sorting of the laundry items is automated to a large extent.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus including a table to be loaded a first and a second banknote group partitioned by a header card recording the bar code number in the piling direction of the banknotes, a take-in portion to take in the banknotes of the first and second banknote groups loaded on the table and the header card, a discrimination portion to count the banknotes taken in by the take-in portion and discriminate the type hereof, a plurality of stackers to sort and stack the banknotes discriminated by the discrimination portion on the basis of the type thereof, and a sensor to detect the header card taken in by the take-in portion. The sheet processing apparatus additionally includes a controller to control so as to stop the taking-in of the second banknote group on the basis of detection of the header card by the sensor and after a lapse of a predetermined time, to start the taking-in of the second banknote group.

Abstract: Systems for sorting materials, such as those made of metal, are described. The systems may operate by irradiating the materials with x-rays and then detecting fluoresced x-rays, transmitted x-rays, or both. Detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be performed using an x-ray fluorescence detector array. The systems may be configured to provide high throughput sorting of small pieces of materials.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for assisting sort operators in identifying the appropriate location to sort an item. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system for identifying a particular bin from a plurality of bins for sorting a package is provided. The system includes a plurality of bins configured to receive sorted packages; an optical reader positioned to capture destination indicia associated with the package; a keypad comprising a plurality of keys, where in at least some of the keys are associated with individual bins of the plurality of bins and at least some of the keys include lights; and a control system. The control system is configured to: receive data from the optical reader relating to the destination indicia; identify a particular bin within the plurality of bins associated with the received data; and trigger illumination of one or more lights on the keypad.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method transport articles by way of a plurality of parallel buffer sections. A feeding device transports the articles to a buffer device at a predetermined feeding speed. Each article is then directed into in each case one buffer section, which is either in a feeding mode or in a transporting-away mode. Each buffer section transports the articles which have been directed into this buffer section to a transporting-away device. In the feeding mode, the buffer section transports to the transporting-away device at a feeding buffer speed which depends on the feeding speed. In the transporting-away mode, the buffer section transports to the transporting-away device at a transporting-away buffer speed which depends on the transporting-away speed. The transporting-away device transports the articles away at a predetermined transporting-away speed.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for enabling manual sorting items to one of several designated areas associated with delivery destinations. The system includes a conveyor for transporting a stream of items. A video camera is positioned to capture an image of an observation zone to read destination data on the item as it is transported on the conveyor and the location of the item as it continues on the conveyor. A control computer is used in which destination data is stored associating the destination data for an item with a location of the item on the conveyor, and operable to track the location of the item by video tracking with the same camera as the item moves out of an observation zone into an unloading zone. A video projector projects an image onto the item on the conveyor in the unloading zone that includes human-readable instructions for disposition of the item.

Abstract: A computerized method includes sorting mail that comprises a multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein the multiple pass mail sort operation for a mail piece that is undeliverable as addressed comprises performing a first pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein performing the first pass comprises capturing data to identify a feature of the mail piece. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes generating a first fingerprint for the mail piece between performing the first pass and performing a second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes performing the second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. Performing the second pass includes determining a final disposition of the mail piece that is undeliverable as addressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a postal sorting machine (101) for sorting mailpieces (1) and separators (2), which machine includes: sorting outlets (105); a first unstacker (102); a conveyor (104) for distributing said mailpieces (1) and said separators (2) between said sorting outlets (105); a second unstacker (103) for automatically unstacking at least one separator (2) on the basis of at least one predetermined criterion, and for inserting it into the stream of mailpieces (1), said conveyor (104) distributing said reinserted separator (2) to a certain predetermined sorting outlet (105); and a stacker (103) for stacking separators (2), which stacker is interposed between said first unstacker (102) and said second unstacker (103) for the purposes of extracting separators (2), of stacking them, of storing them, and of feeding said second unstacker (103) automatically. The invention also relates to a sorting method using said postal sorting machine (101).

Abstract: A system is provided for the identification and separation of heterogeneous material, the system comprising: a hyperspectral identification system for capturing spectra of material; a computer receiving and analyzing data from the hyperspectral identification system and selecting desired materials from the heterogeneous materials; and an ejection system, whereby the desired materials are ejected from the system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking product groups associated with orders through an automated packaging system are presented.

Abstract: A sorting installation and a sorting method jointly sort two kinds of flat mail items. For each article to be sorted, a value that a prescribed sorting feature assumes for the article is measured. The article is transported by a first transport device to a separating filter. An article of the first article kind is redirected in a first outward-transfer device. On the basis of the ascertained sorting feature value, one sorting output from a first set of sorting outputs is selected. The article is transferred outward to the selected sorting output from the first sorting output set. An article of the second article kind is redirected to a second transport device and transported to a second outward-transfer device. On the basis of the ascertained sorting feature value, one sorting output from a second set of sorting outputs is selected.

Abstract: A system is provided for identifying at least one physical characteristic of items in a stream of items moving along a path through an inspection zone, and for separating items from the stream of items based upon the at least one physical characteristic. The system includes a movable transversely scanning mirror arranged to reflect electromagnetic energy from the inspection zone onto an array of detectors. The detectors of the array are arranged to sequentially receive electromagnetic energy so that on each transverse scan of the mirror for any given sub-zone within the inspection zone the detectors of the array receive electromagnetic energy reflected from the mirror at different times. The controller is then operable to correlate input signals from the various detectors corresponding to detected levels of electromagnetic energy received at different times from each given sub-zone within the inspection zone.