Separation, identification and sorting of e.g. washing into e.g. coloreds and whites, employs recognition and classification systems in conjunction with automatic manipulation

摘要

The equipment recognizes and classifies individual items. They are picked up by a grip (14) from the heap. Markings, labels or characteristics of the goods are recognized, identifying them. A conveyor (20) takes them to a unit sorting them in accordance with the identification. An Independent claim is included for corresponding equipment. Preferred features: The location of the grip is changed from one gripping cycle to the next. Grip and/or goods are moved relatively from cycle to cycle, or the goods undergo continuous motion. Should an attempt at grasping be fruitless, the gripping location is changed on the next cycle. Grip and/or items undergo translation and/or rotary motion. Labelling is by means of a transponder returning stored information to the recognition unit. Should one grasp pick up several goods or be fruitless, this is detected by the recognition unit. Should several items be picked up, on detection they are released back to the heap. The recognition unit identifies, classifies and/or records the items in terms of quantity. Each item is held by a separate conveying grip (18) of the conveyor unit (20). The grip is a mechanical- or suction unit. Several grips may be included in the transport unit. Grips can swing from a transfer position into a transport position.