Small object sorting system and method

摘要

An automated object sorting system is provided. In various embodiments, the automated object sorting system includes an automated object extraction assembly and an automated object collection assembly. The automated object extraction assembly extracts one or more objects from an object sorting tray based on one or more attributes and/or traits of interest. The automated collection assembly selectively deposits the extracted objects in selected collection receptacles according to the particular attributes and/or traits of each respective object.

主权项

1. An automated small object sorting system comprising:
an object sorting tray configured to hold a plurality of objects; a transfer funnel; an automated object extraction assembly, comprising:
an automated object offloading mechanism including a nozzle array having a plurality of nozzles, the nozzles of the automated object offloading mechanism connectable to a vacuum source to selectively provide a vacuum pressure at a tip of each nozzle; andan automated moveable indexing table configured to support the object sorting tray, the indexing table operable to position the object sorting tray over the transfer funnel, and the nozzles of the automated object offloading mechanism configured to extract, via the vacuum pressure, one or more objects from the object sorting tray and deposit the one or more extracted objects into a reception end of the transfer funnel; multiple collection receptacles configured to receive the one or more extracted objects from the transfer funnel; an automated collection assembly configured to selectively position one or more of the collection receptacles under the object sorting tray: the collection assembly comprising a receptacle retention apparatus structured to removably retain the collection receptacles, and mounted on an automated X-Y stage configured to position the receptacle retention apparatus such that the selected collection receptacle is positioned adjacent a disposition end of the transfer funnel, in accordance with the one or more extracted objects to be deposited into the transfer funnel; and at least one processor based master control system operable to control the object offloading mechanism and nozzle array utilizing electronically stored logistic data to stipulate specific ones of the nozzles to which vacuum pressure is to be provided such that selected ones of objects in the object sorting tray are extracted, wherein the logistic data comprises data identifying particular traits or characteristics of each object in the sorting tray and the location of each respective object within the sorting tray such that the at least one master control system commands the offloading mechanism and nozzle array to extract the selected objects based on the traits or characteristics of each respective object; wherein the transfer funnel is disposed below the indexing table and at least partly within a footprint defined by the indexing table when the object sotring tray is in the position for the array of extraction nozzles to remove, at about the same time, the one or more objects from the object sorting tray.