OBJECT ANALYSIS APPARATUS

摘要

Apparatus and method for analyzing batch samples of flowable objects comprising an object feeder having a metered bottom opening which opens onto a metering belt, the metered bottom opening being adjustable in accordance with the object size; the metering belt having a textured upper surface to engage frictionally the objects flowing from the feeder; and a conveyor located below and close to the metering belt, the conveyor having at least one object presentation area for containing the objects, and having a triggering device associated therewith for a radiation device and data capturing means. When a sample of objects is placed in the object feeder for analysis, the metered bottom opening is adjustable to provide a free flow of objects onto the metering belt and hence onto the conveyor for imaging. The metered bottom opening is coordinated with the speeds of the metering belt and the conveyor such that a monolayer of objects of the sample to be analyzed is arranged in at least one object presentation area and as the area moves towards the radiation device and the data capturing means, the associated triggering device sets off the radiation device and the data capturing means to enable the gathering of data for analysis.