Detection and sorting systems

摘要

Method and apparatus for sorting objects according to the degree to which they possess a required characteristic. Objects are moved in a line on a conveyor belt past a line of detectors each responsive to the required characteristic. Each detector produces a time sequence of output signals and the signals from successive detectors are accumulated. The objects are projected from the downstream end of the conveyor belt in a free flight path past an optical scanner and a series of air blast nozzles. The scanner determines the portions and sizes of the objects and objects selected on a comparison of the detector signals and signals from the scanner are blasted with air jets from appropriate nozzles so as to be deflected from their free flight trajectory. Deflected and undeflected objects are caught in separate collection bins.