| 摘要 |
<p>The present invention relates to sorting apparatuses and sorting methods. According to one aspect of the present invention, a sorting apparatus includes an intake section (42) configured to receive plural articles (38a and 38b) to be sorted; an exhaust section (44) located downstream of the intake section (42); and an air manifold (60) adjacent the intake section (42) and positioned to emit an air stream (61) in a generally downstream direction and w herein the articles (38a and 38b) move in a given direction of movement, and the emitted air stream (61) sorts at least some articles (38a) from remaining articles (38b) and directs the at least some articles (38a) in the downstream direction from the intake section (42) to the exhaust section (44). A sorting method according to one aspect of the invention includes providing a sorter (16); receiving plural articles (38a and 38b) to be sorted within the sorter (16); moving the articles (38a and 38b) along discrete courses (50, 52, 54 and 56) of travel in a given direction within the sorter (16); subjecting the articles (38a and 38b) to an air stream (61) substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the articles and in an area defined between the discrete courses (50, 52, 54 and 56) of travel to sort at least some articles (38a) from remaining articles (38b) and wherein the sorting occurs in the area defined between the discrete courses (50, 52, 54 and 56) of travel; and exhausting the at least some articles (38a).</p> |
