Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080294284 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COLLATING POSTAL ITEMS - For collating postal items into sets, the actual relative positions of the collated first and second postal items ( | 11-27-2008 |
20090037018 | Processing Device, Control Method for a Processing Device, Program, Processing System, and Control Method for a Processing System - A hybrid processing system improves the reliability of multifeed detection even when plural different types of media are processed together without increasing the cost or size of the hybrid processing device due to increased performance, and without incurring a drop in throughput. In addition to image data captured from the processed media by an internal image reader, the hybrid processing device | 02-05-2009 |
20090210086 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SORTING IRREGULAR OBJECTS - A system and method is provided for computerized sorting irregular objects. The method includes receiving a representative set of irregular objects comprising at least two types of user-specified qualities. The method also includes receiving at least two types of measured data for the representative set of irregular objects. The method also includes generating at least one of a PCA model or a PLS model based on at least two user-specified qualities of the irregular objects and the at least two types of measured data for the representative set of irregular objects, and sorting a second set of irregular objects based on the at least one of the PCA model or the PLS model. | 08-20-2009 |
20090265033 | AUTOMATIC STORE AND METHOD FOR STORING PLATES OF ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS - An automatic store and a method for storing plates of electronic circuits comprising a feed belt that feeds the plates of electronic circuits along a first plane (F); collection boxes positioned along at least one side of the feed belt and in which the plates of electronic circuits fed by the feed belt are grouped together according to quality classes; and one or more clearing stations disposed in cooperation with the feed belt in order to position the plates of electronic circuits in the respective collection boxes. The store comprises at least two rows of collection boxes disposed along at least one side of the feed belt, and a movement unit associated with the collection boxes to discharge the filled collection boxes and to position new collection boxes to be filled. | 10-22-2009 |
20090281653 | METHOD FOR FORMING A BACK-TO-BACK WAFER BATCH TO BE POSITIONED IN A PROCESS BOOT, AND HANDLING SYSTEM FOR FORMING THE BTB WAFER BATCH - The invention relates to a method of forming stacks of wafers to be doped one-sided, in particular solar wafers, for loading a process boat with batches of wafers, where a predetermined even number of wafers is serially provided in reception slots of a transfer carrier to be clamped in a horizontal plane with an upward facing stacking opening. For increasing the packaging density and hence for increasing the throughput of the diffusion process one half of the number of the wafers provided serially in the transfer carrier is transferred out of the transfer carrier in the form of a first wafer stack in a mounted standby position located outside of the transfer carrier, then the other half of the number of wafers serially provided in the transfer carrier is moved out of the transfer carrier in the form of a second wafer stack and the second wafer stack is swiveled in a manner that the wafers of the second wafer stack reach a position swiveled by 180° in relation to the position of the wafers of the first wafer stack in its standby position, and subsequently the second wafer stack is transferred to the standby position of the first wafer stack, aligned to it and then joined together as form fitting with the first wafer stack to a form a package-like Back-To-Back wafer batch (BTB wafer batch) by respectively abutting against each other simultaneously and congruently the sides not to be doped of the wafers of the first and the second wafer stack associated to each other, whereupon the BTB wafer batch is picked up as form fitting by a transfer gripper and loaded into the process boat. | 11-12-2009 |
20090281654 | Device for characterizing the particle size distribution of powders and its uses - The invention is a device for characterizing the particle size distribution of powders, comprising a supply member, a discharge member, a weighing member, a continuous vibration member, a screening member and, optionally, a control member, said device being characterized in that the screening member is a member that rotates about a horizontal axis and has at least four positions corresponding to two screens of different mesh size, one release space and one anti-shock plate. Another subject of the invention is the use of such a device for characterization of the particle size distribution of powders and especially their in-line characterization, that is to say characterization during their manufacturing process. | 11-12-2009 |
20090306814 | PRODUCE HANDLING EQUIPMENT WITH AIR EJECTION - Produce sorting equipment comprising: a conveyor driving a plurality of carriers spaced along the conveyor to support a single produce between adjacent carriers; at least one exit conveyor positioned above the carriers; an air distribution sprocket positioned below at least two adjacent carriers, the sprocket being rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor; the sprocket having a plurality of radial arms that terminate below the carriers; each arm including an air conduit; and means to control air flow along each air conduit; whereby as the sprocket rotates each arm passes underneath the carriers and an air blast via the conduit propels the produce supported by adjacent carriers up and off the carriers to fall onto the exit conveyor. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306815 | Enhanced Speed Sorting of Microprocessors at Wafer Test - A method and apparatus are provided for implementing optimized speed sorting of microprocessors at wafer test. A combination of speed-predicting metrics are measured early in the manufacturing process and are applied to a unique algorithm to properly sort parts into appropriate speed bins. The method significantly improves the accuracy of predicting the chip speed over conventional speed-predicting methods. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306816 | Sequential Selective Sorting Method and Installation for Implementing it - The present invention relates in general to a method for selectively sorting miscellaneous items, particularly waste, which allows various types of items to be sorted sequentially, and to a selective sorting installation suited to such a method. | 12-10-2009 |
20100010663 | BANKNOTE HANDLING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING BANKNOTE HANDLING APPARATUS - A banknote handling apparatus that can easily designate attributes of banknotes to be stacked on stacking units and a method of controlling the apparatus. The apparatus includes a control unit that controls the banknote handling apparatus, a hopper that feeds out banknotes according to an instruction of the control unit, a plurality of stacking units that stack the banknotes according to an attribute of the banknotes, a recognition unit that recognizes the attribute of the banknotes fed out from the hopper, and an operation unit that accepts a predetermined instruction. The control unit causes the hopper to feed out the banknotes, causes the recognition unit to recognize the attribute of the banknotes, and designates the attribute of the recognized banknotes as the attribute of the banknotes to be stacked on a predetermined stacking unit when an instruction of a stacking unit setting mode is accepted through the operation unit. | 01-14-2010 |
20100017017 | Machine and Method for Self-Service Cash Redemption and Cash Recycling - A cash redemption and dispensing machine ( | 01-21-2010 |
20100017018 | SORT PATTERN CREATING DEVICE, SORT PATTERN CREATING METHOD, AND SORT PATTERN CREATING SYSTEM - A sort pattern creating method for creating a sort pattern is provided, for a banknote handling apparatus | 01-21-2010 |
20100023161 | Specific Gravity Monitoring and Sorting System - Objects are sorted according to specific gravity by illuminating the objects with near-infrared light with different wavelengths. Measurement of the light absorbed by each object at the different wavelengths permits a dry matter content of the object to be determined. Specific gravity can then be determined using a predetermined correlation between dry matter content and specific gravity. A sorting mechanism responsive to determination of specific gravity by the controller separates the food objects into at least two different groups corresponding to different specific gravity | 01-28-2010 |
20100030373 | INTELLIGENT PRODUCT FEED SYSTEM AND METHOD - Intelligent product feed systems and product transport methods are presented in which an array of variable speed transport modules is positioned between an input transport mechanism and an output mechanism, with the individual module speeds being controlled by a model-based planner to transport products delivered in an uncertain fashion by the input transport mechanism to the output mechanism synchronized and oriented according to a specified product configuration. | 02-04-2010 |
20100049360 | MAIL SORTER FOR SIMULTANEOUS SORTING USING MULTIPLE ALGORITHMS - A mail sorter, method, and software product are used for sorting inbound mail pieces and outbound mail pieces. The mail sorter includes sorter modules cooperatively engaged with each other, so as to receive mail pieces that are a mixture of both inbound mail pieces and outbound mail pieces, and so as to sort both the inbound mail pieces and the outbound mail pieces. The mail sorter also includes an unsorted mail piece path that is utilized by both the inbound mail pieces and the outbound mail pieces. The outbound mail pieces are mail pieces destined for sorting at a remote postal facility prior to delivery to destination addresses, whereas the inbound mail pieces are mail pieces that are not destined for sorting at a remote postal facility prior to delivery to destination addresses. | 02-25-2010 |
20100076593 | Mail Item Sorting System with a Separating Switch to Divide the Transportation Line - A mail sorting system includes a transportation line for generating a mail stream of letters or postal items to be sorted, modules for processing the streaming mail and a delay device for reducing the speed of the mail stream from a first to a second speed. Separators divide the transportation line into two parallel lines, with the delay device being disposed in one parallel line. Mail can be transported slowly and therefore slower and simpler print modules can be used. Short transportation paths can be provided for time delay in the parallel lines, in such a way that the mail is handled carefully. | 03-25-2010 |
20100087952 | TRAY HANDLING SYSTEM AND PROCESS - A device and method for sequencing trays includes a tray receiving conveyor and a recirculating conveyor. Trays are placed on the recirculating conveyor and merged with ejected trays into a multiple of sequenced trays at one or more merge locations. The system can include more than one merge location, with one of the merge locations providing a merge of trays into a contiguous sequence of trays. | 04-08-2010 |
20100121484 | SYSTEM FOR THE AUTOMATIC SELECTIVE SEPARATION OF ROTTEN CITRUS FRUITS - The invention relates to system conceived and designed to identify pieces of fruit, especially citrus fruits, affected by any amount of rot and to determine the automatic expulsion of these pieces from the conveyor moving them through the installation. The system comprises illuminating the fruits with UV-A band light in a computer vision unit, and capturing images of the illuminated fruits by means of a camera to send them to a general control member in order to detect fluorescences associated to the rot effect. The identified fruit is automatically expelled from the conveyor in an expulsion unit, the position of the defective fruit being determined with the aid of an encoder associated to the conveyor. The general control member is a PC type computer, equipped with specific application software. | 05-13-2010 |
20100121485 | Coin processing unit - A wrapping unit for wrapping and forming a predetermined number of stacked coins into a coin-roll is arranged in a lower region of a machine body. A coin storing and feeding unit and sending unit are arranged side by side in a width direction of the machine body above the wrapping unit. Thus, the machine body is downsized in its width direction. | 05-13-2010 |
20100131094 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING HETEROGENEOUS MATERIAL - A system is provided for the identification and separation of heterogeneous material, the system comprising: a hyperspectral identification system for capturing spectra of material; a computer receiving and analyzing data from the hyperspectral identification system and selecting desired materials from the heterogeneous materials; and an ejection system, whereby the desired materials are ejected from the system. | 05-27-2010 |
20100152886 | RECIRCULATING SORTING SYSTEM - The apparatus is for sorting a range of machine-identifiable items received in random order such as meat products or cuts produced at an abattoir. In one example, the items are allocated into high, medium and low priority types (total 205 types). High priority items are allowed a smaller range of types than are low-priority items. Items are recirculated automatically for re-sorting once, twice or three times respectively into fully sorted sets of products. Preferably a freezing chamber surrounds the sorting apparatus so that the items become chilled or frozen while being sorted. | 06-17-2010 |
20100168907 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING CONTAMINATED GLASS - A method, apparatus and system for sorting contaminated glass from a stream of glass particles used light of a wavelength suited to inducing fluorescence in the contaminated glass pieces. Automatic cleaning mechanisms are included in some embodiments to facilitate removal of coatings which would prevent the contaminated particles from fluorescing. The identified particles are then automatically separated from the remaining particles. | 07-01-2010 |
20100174406 | Method of Processing Mailpieces Using Customer Codes Associated With Digital Fingerprints - In a method of processing mailpieces, Customer Applied Identifier (CAI) codes are assigned to the mailpieces by a sender of the mailpieces, and are used by the postal operator while the mailpieces are passing through a postal sorting system. Said CAI codes are recorded in memory in the sorting system in correspondence with first digital fingerprints or image signatures prior to the first pass of the mailpieces through the postal sorting system. While a current mailpiece is passing through the sorting system in a first sorting pass, an image is formed of the surface of the mailpiece that bears a postal address block, and a current fingerprint and location information for locating said mailpiece in the sorting process is derived from the image of said mailpiece. A search is made for a match between said current fingerprint and a first fingerprint recorded in memory in order to retrieve a current CAI code with which said location information is | 07-08-2010 |
20100179684 | CLASSIFYING WORKPIECES TO BE PORTIONED INTO VARIOUS END PRODUCTS TO OPTIMALLY MEET OVERALL PRODUCTION GOALS - A method is provided for classifying incoming products (e.g., chicken butterflies) to be portioned into two or more types of end products (e.g., sandwich portions, strips, nuggets, etc.) to meet production goals. The method includes generally five steps. First, information on incoming products is received. Second, for each incoming product, a parameter value (e.g., the weight of an end product to be produced from the incoming product) is calculated for each of the two or more types of end products that may be produced from the incoming product. Third, the calculated parameter values for the incoming products for the two or more types of end products, respectively, are normalized so as to meet the production goals while at the same time achieving optimum parameter values. Fourth, for each incoming product, the end product with the best (e.g., largest) normalized parameter value is selected as the end product to be produced from the incoming product. Fifth, each incoming product is portioned to produce the end product selected in the fourth step. | 07-15-2010 |
20100185319 | Device and Method for Separating Bulk Material - The invention relates to a device and method for separating bulk materials with the aid of a blow-out device provided with blow-out nozzles arranged on a fall section which is disposed downstream from a conveyor belt. The blow-out nozzles are controllable by computer-controlled evaluation means according to sensor results of radiation, which penetrates the flow of bulk material on the conveyor belt, and emitted from an x-ray source and captured in the sensor means. The x-ray radiation, which passes through the particles of the bulk material, is filtered into at least two spectra of differing energy ranges before the radiation is captured by local resolution with the aid of at least one sensor means integrated within an energy range. | 07-22-2010 |
20100198397 | SORTING DEVICE WITH A BROAD SPECTRUM LIGHT SOURCE AND ACCORDING METHOD - The invention relates to a system comprising a broadband optical light source and a sorting device and more specifically to laser sorting devices. The object of the present invention is to provide a system comprising a sorting device with a light-source offering all wavelengths for the sorting process. This is solved by using an all fiber supercontinuum light source. | 08-05-2010 |
20100204825 | ROCK ANALYSIS APPARATUS AND METHOD - The invention provides a method and apparatus for the analysis of rocks and rock fragments. A method for the analysis of a rock fragment including: feeding the rock fragment to a microwave irradiation zone of microwave energy generated by a microwave source; gauging energy absorbed by the rock fragment; and correlating rate of change of the gauged energy absorbed by the rock fragment with compositional characteristics of the rock fragment. The rock fragment analysis assembly including: a microwave energy source that generates a microwave irradiation zone; a rock fragment feed that facilitates the feeding of rock fragments into the microwave irradiation zone; at least one primary sensor located on a microwave energy source side of the microwave irradiation zone for gauging microwave energy absorbed by the rock fragments in the microwave irradiation zone; and a processing unit for correlating rate of change of the gauged energy | 08-12-2010 |
20100211213 | DOCUMENT DISPOSAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF THE SAME - A document disposal management system of an example of the invention includes: a plurality of disposal document input units to which a document to be disposed of is input; a document transport mechanism unit which transports the input document in the disposal document input units; a disposal process instructing terminal which is provided in each disposal document input unit and instructs a kind of the document to be disposed of and a process treatment thereof; and a document processing mechanism unit which deposits the document transported from the document transport mechanism unit so as to be disposed of according to an instruction of the disposal process instructing terminal. | 08-19-2010 |
20100234985 | BATCH RE-LOAD OF COIN RECYCLER - Replenishing coins in a coin store associated with a coin handling device includes feeding a batch of coins from a bulk coin store to a receptacle near the coin handling device, delivering coins from the receptacle to the coin handling device and routing at least some of those coins from the coin handling device to the coin store associated with the coin handling device. | 09-16-2010 |
20100249992 | METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR BATCHING OF OBJECTS - Method and system for batching of supplied objects in batches in such a manner that a batch fulfils predefined criteria as regards the number of objects, weight, orientation and/or type(s) of objects, wherein
| 09-30-2010 |
20100274383 | Method and Apparatus for Sorting of Items in Two Sorting Processes - A method and an apparatus sort items, in particular of flat postal items, in two sorting processes. Two classes of items are sorted on the basis of a sorting feature such that a predetermined sequence of the feature values is maintained. In a first sorting process, a sorting system sorts the items in the first class separately from the items in the second class. In the process, the sorting system determines which possible feature values are actually assumed by at least one item in the second class. The sorting system generates a sequence of item sets. These item sets and the items in the second class are jointly sorted by a sorting installation. In the second sorting process, the sorting installation generates the predetermined feature value sequence of the items of both classes. | 10-28-2010 |
20100286815 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING DIFFERENT KINDS OF ARTICLES - A method and an apparatus sort different kinds of articles, in particular flat mail items, according to a prescribed feature. At least one sequence of articles is formed such that each sequence contains a series of subsequences, all the articles in a subsequence have the same feature value, and the order of the subsequences in the sequence corresponds to the prescribed order of feature values. A plurality of insertion steps involve at least one respective article being inserted into a sequence. At least one sequence has a plurality of separating elements inserted into it. A pair of separating elements separates one subsequence from an adjacent subsequence. Each insertion step contains the steps that a pair of separating elements is ascertained which adjoins the subsequence and separates the subsequence from an adjoining subsequence, and that the article is inserted between two separating elements in the ascertained pair of separating elements. | 11-11-2010 |
20100292834 | APPLIED TO A CONTINUOUS EGG GRADER MACHINE - The present invention discloses a novel improvement applied to egg grader machines used in poultry farms and the like. Said continuous egg grader machine differs from other egg grader machines because it does not comprise the above-mentioned 90-degree curve existing in the egg circuit, i.e., the continuous egg grader machine of the present invention comprises a completely continuous linear circuit, wherein the great advantage of using the continuous egg grader machine disclosed herein is related to the gain obtained by the egg reduced speed when multiple rows of eggs are provided. | 11-18-2010 |
20100324723 | HANDLING INSTALLATION, IN PARTICULAR FOR CONTAINERS, WITH A RETROACTIVE CORRECTION CAPABILITY - A device and a method for the handling of containers with a plurality of handling units. In the case of the device according to the invention and in the case of the method according to the invention a defective state in a handling element situated downstream is recognized and as a reaction to this recognition a specified container conveyed upstream is separated out, namely preferably that container which in the further course of operation would arrive at the handling element known to be operating defectively. | 12-23-2010 |
20110004337 | PAPER SHEET HANDLING APPARATUS - A paper sheet handling apparatus | 01-06-2011 |
20110029127 | ESCORT BASED SORTING SYSTEM FOR MAIL SORTING CENTERS - An Escort-Based Sorting (EBS) mail sorting and distribution center system configured and controlled for optimum mail flow and dispatch, minimal sorting center space usage, and elimination of peripheral storage and retrieval equipment. A plurality of input stations each include a mechanism for loading mailpieces and obtaining mailpiece data. A plurality of sorting banks each having a plurality of sorting modules, each sorting module adapted for the face-to-face conveyance of mailpieces for sorting by transferring select mailpieces from a first to a second conveyance path. The sorting modules define at least one row and a plurality tiers operatively coupled by a plurality of elevators. The elevators move mailpieces to and from tiers of the respective sorting bank. A system controller, operatively coupled to the input stations, sorting banks, and elevators, creates an association between the mailpiece information and the escort device, and sorts and dispatches mailpieces according to a dispatch schedule. | 02-03-2011 |
20110046774 | DEVICE FOR PROCESSING BANK NOTES - The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing bank notes. | 02-24-2011 |
20110066280 | METHOD OF SORTING MAILPIECES IN A LOW-CAPACITY MACHINE - In a method of sorting mailpieces in a plurality of sorting passes in a postal sorting machine ( | 03-17-2011 |
20110098845 | COIN REDEMPTION MACHINE HAVING GRAVITY FEED COIN INPUT TRAY AND FOREIGN OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM - According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a coin processing system includes a coin input area that receives coins from a user, a coin processing module that counts the received coins, and a foreign object detection system that detects a foreign object within the coin processing module subsequent to counting substantially all the received coins. | 04-28-2011 |
20110112684 | SELECTIVE-SORTING HARVESTING MACHINE AND SORTING CHAIN INCLUDING ONE SUCH MACHINE - A selective-sorting berry-harvesting machine includes a supply system which supplies a computer vision system, a computer vision system including an artificial vision device for acquiring images of harvest components originating from the supply system and a processing device for analysing said images so that the harvest components can be recognised and differentiated according to pre-established criteria, and a system for selectively separating whole, ripe and healthy berries from other components of the harvest, controlled by the processing device. The supply system is configured such that the harvest can be spread out to form a single layer, harvest components can be isolated individually and the harvest components, particularly the whole, ripe and healthy berries, can be moved rectilinearly at a controlled speed so that they are conveyed individually through the computer vision system. The computer vision system is configured to individualise and locate each element to control the selective separation system. | 05-12-2011 |
20110125313 | Banknote processing apparatus, banknote sorting method, and computer readable recording medium - A banknote processing apparatus includes a banknote transport unit for individually feeding and transporting inserted banknotes, a recognition unit for recognizing banknote denominations and recognizing banknote types according to two fitness categories, a stacker for stacking the banknotes based on the recognition result, banknote bundling units each including bundling stacking units for stacking the banknotes, a bundling unit for bundling 100 banknotes stacked in the bundling stacking units to prepare a banknote bundle, and a bundle dispensing unit for dispensing the bundle to the outside of the apparatus, and a transport control unit for recognizing fit and unfit notes of specific denominations via the recognition unit, and controlling the banknote transport unit to stack fit banknotes of the specific denominations to corresponding bundling stacking units and to stack unfit banknotes of the specific denominations to corresponding bundling stacking units. | 05-26-2011 |
20110166696 | METHOD OF TREATING OBJECTS ACCORDING TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL WEIGHTS - A method of distributing objects, having a random distribution of weights, according to their weights. In the method, the presence of one of the objects is detected, the detected object is grasped by a robot, and the object grasped is weighed by a sensor. The weight measured is associated with the object and stored. The process is repeated for the objects. The weight distribution obtained from the weights measured is used in filling containers with objects so that containers are optimally filled. | 07-07-2011 |
20110231009 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING ULTRASONIC SENSOR, ULTRASONIC SENSOR, AND BANKNOTE HANDLING APPARATUS COMPRISING ULTRASONIC SENSOR - According to one embodiment, a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic sensor includes forming a first conductive layer on one side of a piezoelectric body having opposing sides; forming a second conductive layer on the other side of the piezoelectric body; forming a backing layer on the first conductive layer; forming a matching layer of a size corresponding to a size of a conveyed object to be detected on the second conductive layer; and providing at least one incision that cuts through the first conductive layer, the piezoelectric body, the second conductive layer and the matching layer, the incisions having a depth extending from the matching layer to at least the first conductive layer, to form a plurality of channels. | 09-22-2011 |
20110264261 | System and Method for Independent Verification of Circulating Bank Notes - A system and method for independently verifying a bank note processor's handling of circulating bank notes. Independent detectors are provided along the transport path of a bank note processing device. Also provided is at least one independent memory storage device for logging data from the independent detectors. As the note passes along the transport path, the independent detectors evaluate the note's fitness. The independent detector data is subsequently provided to the central bank or commercial organization for auditing of the bank note processor and for generating bank note statistics. Independent detectors may also be used on the transport path output bins to corroborate the other detectors and to verify the integrity of the sorting logic. Mirrored independent detectors allow for corroborating independent data. The invention is operable on any bank note processing device that performs at least a subset of a fitness determination on each note. | 10-27-2011 |
20110276177 | TERMINAL EQUIPMENT - To provide terminal equipment that can individually and easily set control contents of a currency identification device. Terminal equipment includes: a first connector for communicating with a currency identification device; and a storage unit that stores setting information for performing setting processing of the currency identification device, and the terminal equipment transmits the setting information stored in the storage unit to the currency identification device when communication can be performed with the currency identification device through the first connector. The terminal equipment includes a second connector for communicating with a predetermined information processing device; and a control unit that transmits the received setting information to the currency identification device when the setting information is received from the information processing device in a case where communication can be performed with the currency identification device and the information processing device through each of the first and second connectors. | 11-10-2011 |
20110288679 | METHOD FOR SEPARATING MINERAL IMPURITIES FROM CALCIUM CARBONATE-CONTAINING ROCKS BY X-RAY SORTING - The present invention relates to a method for separating mineral impurities from calcium carbonate-containing rocks by comminuting the calcium carbonate-containing rocks to a particle size in the range of from 1 mm to 250 mm, separating the calcium carbonate particles by means of a dual energy X-ray transmission sorting device. | 11-24-2011 |
20120035759 | Bag Dispensing Device, Bag Dispensing Machine Comprising Said Device, and Automated Method for Packing Bags - The invention relates to a bag dispensing device, especially for bags that have a previously lined base part that is superimposed in a lateral wall of the bag, enabling the bag supply and control process to be automated by means of the arrangement of a sorting element provided with a pair of rotating elements such that it selects, using control means, with artificial vision, the dimensionally correct bags from the bags that have some type of shape defect. The invention also relates to a bag dispensing machine provided with a dispensing device of the above-mentioned type. | 02-09-2012 |
20120059508 | ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION CONTROL SYSTEM - A process control system, more particularly, a process control system for controlling electrostatic separation for the separation of particulate materials is provided. | 03-08-2012 |
20120072012 | SHEET PROCESSING APPARATUS AND SHEET PROCESSING METHOD - According to one embodiment, sheet processing includes feature-amount extraction unit configured to extract feature amount from image obtained, standard pattern storage unit configured to prestore standard pattern group for each different soil level, standard pattern group includes standard pattern for each category, selection unit configured to select one standard pattern group from standard pattern groups, similarity calculation unit configured to calculate similarity, based on standard pattern comprised in one standard pattern group selected, and on feature amount extracted, comparison unit configured to compare similarity calculated with preset threshold, determination unit configured to determine category of sheet when similarity is equal to or greater than threshold, as result of comparison, and control unit configured to control selection unit to select one other standard pattern group which has not been selected, when similarity is smaller than threshold, as result of comparison. | 03-22-2012 |
20120116572 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SORTING EAR CORN - A system and method for sorting ear corn are provided. The system may include a transport device for transporting ear corn along a processing path and an ear corn husking stage for removing husks from the ear corn. The system may further include an ear corn sorting stage for sorting the ear corn downstream from the ear corn husking stage. The ear corn sorting stage may include one or more sensor devices for identifying and determining a location of the ear corn having at least one defined characteristic. Further, the ear corn sorting stage may include robotic devices for picking up the identified ear corn and placing the identified ear corn in an alternate location. Thereby, for example, the ear corn may be returned to the husking stage, a flawed portion of the ear corn may be removed, or the ear corn may be disposed of | 05-10-2012 |
20120165973 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING AND SORTING PARTICLES AND PROCESS FOR QUALIFYING THE SAME WITH SEED PARTICLES - A method for qualifying an automated process for inspecting and sorting particles through the production and use of seed particles is disclosed. In one embodiment, seed particles are produced by forming a conformal surface layer on a plurality of particles, thereby imparting them with at least one property whose value or range of values is the same as or about the same as a value or range of values of a corresponding property of undesirable particles. By introducing a predetermined quantity of seed particles, their detection and removal by the automated sorting system can be used to periodically calibrate and qualify the sorting system without interrupting the manufacturing operations or introducing actual undesirable particles into the process stream. The production and use of seed particles to qualify an automated sorting system is particularly well-suited for use with Ti sponge sorting operations. | 06-28-2012 |
20120179290 | DIAMOND SORTING SYSTEM - A diamond sorting system comprising a diamond source for supplying one or more diamonds to be graded by a vision system having one or more cameras arranged to take one or more images of the diamond, and a processor arranged to receive the image data and execute an algorithm on the data to grade the diamond. The sorting system further comprising a diamond collection unit arranged to receive a graded diamond from the vision system and an electromechanical diamond transporter arranged to transport a diamond to be graded from the diamond source to the vision system, and further arranged to transport a graded diamond from the vision system to the diamond collection unit. | 07-12-2012 |
20120185083 | System And Method For Processing Batches Of Documents - A method of processing documents by receiving at least a batch of documents and a separator card in a document processing device. The separator card includes a conductive material disposed on one side, and a barcode indicative of the source of the batch of documents. The documents and separator card are transported via a transport mechanism past an evaluation unit and a field-effect sensor, respectively. The document processing device evaluates each document, determines whether the document meets or fails predetermined criteria, and detects the presence of the conductive material when a separator card is transported past the sensor. The source identification information from each separator card is entered into a memory of the document processing device. Feeder operation is paused between each batch to verify that the previous batch closed successfully. Pausing feeder operation to address document anomalies before subsequent batches are processed promotes batch integrity and reduces operator confusion. | 07-19-2012 |
20120221142 | Sequential Scanning Of Multiple Wavelengths - A system is provided for identifying at least one physical characteristic of items in a stream of items moving along a path through an inspection zone, and for separating items from the stream of items based upon the at least one physical characteristic. The system includes a movable transversely scanning mirror arranged to reflect electromagnetic energy from the inspection zone onto an array of detectors. The detectors of the array are arranged to sequentially receive electromagnetic energy so that on each transverse scan of the mirror for any given sub-zone within the inspection zone the detectors of the array receive electromagnetic energy reflected from the mirror at different times. The controller is then operable to correlate input signals from the various detectors corresponding to detected levels of electromagnetic energy received at different times from each given sub-zone within the inspection zone. | 08-30-2012 |
20120277902 | Method and Apparatus for Monitoring and Optimizing Microfluidic Particle Sorting - Particle processing systems and methods utilize a sort monitoring system to monitor an operational characteristic for a particle sorting system. The operational characteristic may be related to the performance and operation of a sorter or a group of sorters in the particle sorting system. The operational characteristic may be monitored based on monitoring particles for an output of a sorter or of a group of sorters. Operational characteristics which may be monitored include sort error, sort fraction, yield, purity and recovery percentage. The sort monitoring system may evaluate the monitored operational characteristic, for example, as related to sort performance, and take an action, for example, a corrective action or a notifying action, based on the evaluation of the operational characteristic. | 11-01-2012 |
20120303157 | REJECTION OF DEFECTIVE VEGETABLE WITH SCATTERING AND REFRACTING LIGHT - A defective vegetable rejecting device, including methodology, has a transparent of semi-transparent conveyor, a set of light sources mounted offset from a centerline of the conveyor, light blocking plates mounted proximate and aligned with the light source and the conveyor, a light receiver mounted on a side of the conveyor opposite from the light source; and nozzles for rejecting a defective vegetable. | 11-29-2012 |
20130066461 | Apparatus for Analysing a Security Document - We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document. An x-ray source is adapted to illuminate at least one inspection region of the security document when located at an inspection position. An x-ray detector adapted to receive x-rays from the at least one inspection region of the document and to generate a corresponding detector response. A processor analyses the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of the document in the at least one inspection region. | 03-14-2013 |
20130073077 | SORTING MINED MATERIAL ON THE BASIS OF TWO OR MORE PROPERTIES OF THE MATERIAL - A method and an apparatus for sorting mined material is based on using a range of options for sensing multiple properties of a mined material on a fragment by fragment basis and then analysing the multiple types of data and making decisions about the classification of each fragment and then sorting the fragment based on the analysis. The multiple sensing options include the response of the fragments to electromagnetic radiation. Other sensing options may include sensors that look at the response of fragments of a mined material to an acoustic wave or a magnetic field or optical sensors that evaluate texture or other surface characteristics of fragments. | 03-21-2013 |
20130079918 | MATERIAL SORTING TECHNOLOGY - Systems for sorting materials, such as those made of metal, are described. The systems may operate by irradiating the materials with x-rays and then detecting fluoresced x-rays, transmitted x-rays, or both. Detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be performed using an x-ray fluorescence detector array. The systems may be configured to provide high throughput sorting of small pieces of materials. | 03-28-2013 |
20130090758 | Postal Sorting Machine For Mailpieces and Separators, and a Method For Sorting Mailpieces and Separators - The invention relates to a postal sorting machine ( | 04-11-2013 |
20130131860 | OFFLINE EXCEPTION PROCESSING OF MAIL - Mail processing systems and methods. A method includes scanning a plurality of mail pieces in a first processing step to produce mail piece images. The method includes producing a template based on a plurality of the mail piece images and associating a plurality of mail pieces with the template, the associated plurality of mail pieces forming a mail set. The method includes identifying quality-control problems associated with the mail set, separating the mail set from other mail during a second processing step, and separately processing the mail set from the other mail. | 05-23-2013 |
20130173050 | METHOD OF PROCESSING MAILPIECES, THE METHOD INCLUDING COMBINING THE BATCHES OF MAILPIECES - A method of processing mailpieces for sorting mailpieces into sequence in a sorting machine depending on delivery points of delivery rounds, in which method the mailpieces are grouped together into batches associated with delivery rounds and are sorted as a function of various sorting plans each associated with a respective batch of mailpieces and defining a list of delivery points of delivery rounds, which method includes the following steps, assessing the batches of mailpieces before the machine sorting to detect those that will under-use the sorting capacities; aggregating the batches of mailpieces detected as under-using the capacity so as to constitute aggregated batches of mailpieces; computing an associated sorting plan resulting from the aggregating; feeding each aggregated batch of mailpieces into the postal sorting machine and controlling the sorting of the mailpieces as a function of the sorting plan computed for said aggregated batch of mailpieces. | 07-04-2013 |
20130178975 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ARRANGING ROD-LIKE ELEMENTS - Method and system for arranging rod-like elements, in which an unordered portion of rod-like elements ( | 07-11-2013 |
20130253698 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING AND SORTING MATERIAL - An automatic sorting system identifying and sorting non-homogenous material includes a conveyor belt and an identification unit above the conveying surface for identifying material. The identification unit includes a projector projecting light downwardly onto material to be identified, which reflects light towards the identification unit. The identification unit includes a lens receiving the reflected light from the material, and a first processing unit linked to the lens for spectral analysis of reflected light captured by the lens to determine the nature of the material, and a second processing unit linked to the first processing unit for comparing spectral analysis results with data associated with different materials stored in a second processing unit database. A sorting unit links to the second processing unit and cooperates with the second end of the conveyor to sort material released from the second end depending on signals from the second processing unit. | 09-26-2013 |
20130274914 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SORTING PLASTIC, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING RECYCLABLE PLASTIC - A sorting method for plastics, including: sorting a predetermined plastic piece from a mixed plastic piece group including plastic pieces of a plurality of types; identifying the plurality of types of the plastic pieces; and calculating mixing rates of the plurality of types in the mixed plastic piece group based on a result obtained in the identifying, the identifying is performed on the mixed plastic piece group prior to the sorting, a sorting condition of the sorting is set based on an identification result obtained in the identifying, the identifying includes identifying the plurality of types of the plastic pieces with a beam. | 10-17-2013 |
20130282166 | LOADING CONTROL APPARATUS CAPABLE OF AUTOMATIC MAIL ALIGNMENT - The present invention relates to a loading control apparatus capable of aligning the mail automatically. The loading control apparatus includes a distribution unit configured to guide mail, inputted to the cargo box of an unmanned receipt apparatus, to any one of a plurality of mail capacity boxes, a gravimetry unit configured to measure the weight of the mail loaded onto the mail capacity box, and a control unit configured to determine a mail capacity box onto which the mail will be loaded based on the weight received from the gravimetry unit and control the distribution unit based on a result of the determination. In accordance with the present invention, registered ordinary mail received through the unmanned receipt apparatus is automatically aligned and loaded in order of the receipt of mail. | 10-24-2013 |
20130304254 | Scrap Metal Sorting System - An apparatus and a method for sorting scrap metal containing at least two categories of metals are provided. An x-ray beam is directed towards at least a portion of a particle of scrap metal. Backscattered x-rays, forward scattered x-rays, and transmitted x-rays from the particle are measured and input into a classifier, such as a database with a cutoff plane. The scrap metal is sorted into a first category and a second category on the scrap metal by a controller. An x-ray source for a scanning system is provided with an electron beam generator, an electromagnetic beam focusing coil, a pair of saddle shaped beam steering coils, and a target foil to create a scanning x-ray beam along a plane. | 11-14-2013 |
20130345856 | Identification of Plastic Material Composition - Identification of a material composition. The material composition is configured with a color additive that is embedded or otherwise not visible. The color additive identifies the specific material composition. A discrete section or sub-section of the material is deformed such that the embedded color additive is made visible in the optical spectrum, after which the discrete section or sub-section may be sorted for recycling. | 12-26-2013 |
20140058557 | METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR DISTINGUISHING AND SORTING SEEDS CONTAINING A GENETIC ELEMENT OF INTEREST - In various embodiments, the present invention comprises associating a marker with at least some of the seeds containing a genetic element of interest of the bulk sample, exciting the seeds using an photonic emitting device, evaluating at least some of the seeds of the bulk sample for the presence or absence of the marker, and sorting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest based on the presence or absence of the marker. In various other embodiments, the method may comprise associating a red fluorescent protein marker with at least some of the seeds containing a genetic element of interest of the bulk sample, evaluating at least some of the seeds of the bulk sample for the presence of the red fluorescent protein marker using an evaluating device, and sorting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest based on the presence of the red fluorescent protein marker. | 02-27-2014 |
20140081446 | SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY SORTING MAILPOSTAL MATTER AND METHOD THEREOF - A system for automatically sorting a mailpostal matter and a method thereof are provided. The system for automatically sorting a mailpostal matter includes a mailpostal matter supply unit configured to convey two inputted mailpostal matters by controlling a distance between the two inputted mailpostal matters to be equal to a distance between carriers when the two mailpostal matters are inputted through one inlet at the same time, a mailpostal matter inserting unit, configured to insert the two conveyed mailpostal matters into two crossbelt carriers which are continuously empty at the same time when the two mailpostal matters are conveyed from the mailpostal matter supply unit, and a crossbelt carrier configured to move the two mailpostal matters inserted from the mailpostal matter inserting unit. | 03-20-2014 |
20140121826 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SORTING TWO TYPES OF OBJECTS IN MULTIPLE SORTING PASSES - Two types of objects are sorted in multiple sorting passes, for instance flat mail items are precisely sorted into a delivery sequence. Objects of a first object type are fed to a sorting system from a first feeding device. Objects of a second object type are fed from a second feeding device. The sorting system sorts the objects in at least two successive sorting passes. A first sorting plan and a second sorting plan are used in each sorting pass except in the last sorting pass, where a sorting plan is used. Each first sorting plan assigns a sorting end location of a first sorting end-location region and each second sorting plan assigns a sorting end location of a second sorting end-location region. A sorting end location is selected for each object using a sorting plan in each sorting pass, and the object is transferred into the selected sorting end location. | 05-01-2014 |
20140142745 | SORTING SYSTEM FOR DAMAGED PRODUCT - A sorting system having a plurality of sorting assemblies where each sorting assembly has an image device that transmits an image of product to a controller that then actuates a robotic sorting device to remove damaged product through a suction tube based upon the transmitted image. | 05-22-2014 |
20140156061 | ACCUMULATION CONTROL - Zones of an accumulation conveyor are controlled using a look ahead approach. The speed and article presence conditions of downstream and upstream zones are used to assess the condition of article flow in the neighborhood of a particular zone. The respective speeds of individual zones are then selected and implemented based on the assessment. | 06-05-2014 |
20140222192 | METHOD OF MERGING NON-MACHINE-SORTABLE POSTAL ARTICLES WITH MACHINE-SORTED MAIL PIECES - A method of merging postal articles ( | 08-07-2014 |
20140236345 | SORTING INSTALLATION AND SORTING METHOD FOR JOINTLY SORTING DIFFERENT KINDS OF ARTICLES - A sorting installation and a sorting method jointly sort two kinds of flat mail items. For each article to be sorted, a value that a prescribed sorting feature assumes for the article is measured. The article is transported by a first transport device to a separating filter. An article of the first article kind is redirected in a first outward-transfer device. On the basis of the ascertained sorting feature value, one sorting output from a first set of sorting outputs is selected. The article is transferred outward to the selected sorting output from the first sorting output set. An article of the second article kind is redirected to a second transport device and transported to a second outward-transfer device. On the basis of the ascertained sorting feature value, one sorting output from a second set of sorting outputs is selected. | 08-21-2014 |
20140244027 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING RECYCLED MATERIAL - A system is provided for the identification and separation of heterogeneous material, the system comprising: a hyperspectral identification system for capturing spectra of material; a computer receiving and analyzing data from the hyperspectral identification system and selecting desired materials from the heterogeneous materials; and an ejection system, whereby the desired materials are ejected from the system. | 08-28-2014 |
20140303771 | METHOD FOR SORTING LAUNDRY ITEMS, IN PARTICULAR DIRTY LAUNDRY ITEMS - A method for storing scanned information concerning a relevant laundry item in a data storage means which is assigned to a carrier holding the laundry item. The laundry item is assigned to a storage means or an intermediate storage means with the carrier comprising its information by a conveying system. The laundry items are sorted by way of their individual information stored on the carriers, moved into corresponding storage sections of the storage means and at the same time are both sorted and formed into laundry batches. The laundry batch then includes laundry items which require a same treatment. The laundry batch can then be supplied, for example, to a continuous-batch washing machine where the laundry items of the laundry batch are washed and, where applicable, subject to further treatments in the manner predefined according to their information. The sorting of the laundry items is automated to a large extent. | 10-09-2014 |
20140303772 | SHEETS PROCESSING APPARATUS AND SHEETS PROCESSING METHOD - A sheet processing apparatus including a table to be loaded a first and a second banknote group partitioned by a header card recording the bar code number in the piling direction of the banknotes, a take-in portion to take in the banknotes of the first and second banknote groups loaded on the table and the header card, a discrimination portion to count the banknotes taken in by the take-in portion and discriminate the type hereof, a plurality of stackers to sort and stack the banknotes discriminated by the discrimination portion on the basis of the type thereof, and a sensor to detect the header card taken in by the take-in portion. The sheet processing apparatus additionally includes a controller to control so as to stop the taking-in of the second banknote group on the basis of detection of the header card by the sensor and after a lapse of a predetermined time, to start the taking-in of the second banknote group. | 10-09-2014 |
20140309768 | Sorting Device for Sorting Products - A sorting device for sorting products, comprising successive carrier units each provided with a load carrying platform having a front arcuate edge and a rear arcuate edge, the arcuate shape of the front edge of a load carrying platform matching the arcuate shape of the rear edge of a next load carrying platform located at the front side of the load carrying platform in question. Each load carrying platform is provided with a supporting surface between the front edge and the rear edge. The sorting device further comprises conveying means for conveying the load carrying platforms in a conveying direction along a conveying path and sorting means comprising an elongated pusher element for each load carrying platform for pushing a product to be sorted sideways off at least one supporting surface, using at least one pusher element, at a desired sorting location. The pusher elements each extend above at least part of said at least one load carrying platform and are designed for joint transport with the at least one load carrying platform. The sorting means further comprise two elongated passages extending transversely to the conveying direction in the respective load carrying platform, and drive means at least partially provided under the load carrying platforms for moving a pusher element sideways between two opposite extreme lateral positions at a desired sorting location. The pusher element is connected to the drive means via two connecting elements which engage a pusher element at two different longitudinal positions and which each extend through one of the two passages in the load carrying platform. The pusher element is provided asymmetrically relative to the two associated passages, at least in an extreme position thereof. | 10-16-2014 |
20140343718 | BATCH CREATION - Apparatus, method, and system for combining a plurality of items into a batch having a set number of items. Number of items are put together onto a production line to form a batch along with non-batch items which are not suitable for inclusion within the batch onto the production line. The batch is advanced on the production line as a partial batch without the non-batch item being added to it when a batch is not complete. A reminder batch is created after the non-batch items have been added to the production line and the remainder batch includes the number of items that must be added to the partial batch to make a full batch. | 11-20-2014 |
20140364996 | Method for Populating Circuit Carriers - A set of circuit carriers includes a number of N≧1 circuit carriers, each of which has an upper side, an underside opposite from the upper side, a distinctive structure, and a conductor structure on the upper side. Each of the circuit carriers is populated by: determining a first relative position between the distinctive structure and the conductor structure; picking up the circuit carrier by a pickup of a lifting and positioning unit; determining a second relative position between the lifting and positioning unit and the distinctive structure of the circuit carrier picked up by the pickup; and populating the circuit carrier with one or more components while taking the first relative position and the second relative position into account. | 12-11-2014 |
20150057794 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO COMBINE MAIL STREAMS IN A BINDING LINE - Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture to combine mail streams in a binding line are disclosed. An example method includes analyzing a mailing list including a plurality of addresses. The example methods also includes associating a primary book with a first set of the addresses and associating a secondary book with a second set of the addresses. In addition, the example method includes creating multiple primary books on a production line and depositing multiple secondary books in the production line. | 02-26-2015 |
20150066200 | COMPONENT FEEDING SYSTEM - A component feeding system includes a platform and a tray supported by the platform having a component support surface for supporting a plurality of components. An agitation unit is supported by the platform and is operatively coupled to the tray to agitate the tray to cause the components to move on the tray. A guidance system is supported by the platform and has a camera viewing the tray. A positioning system is supported by the platform and a component gripper is supported by the positioning system and moved by the positioning system relative to the tray. The component gripper is configured to pick and place components on the tray. A controller communicates with the agitation unit, the positioning system, the component gripper and the guidance system. The controller operates the agitation unit, the positioning system and the component gripper based on an image obtained by the camera. | 03-05-2015 |
20150148941 | Identification of Plastic Material Composition - Identification of a material composition. The material composition is configured with a color additive that is embedded or otherwise not visible. The color additive identifies the specific material composition. A discrete section or sub-section of the material is deformed such that the embedded color additive is made visible in the optical spectrum, after which the discrete section or sub-section may be sorted for recycling. | 05-28-2015 |
20160199884 | METHOD FOR INDUCTING AND SINGULATING ITEMS TO A SORTER | 07-14-2016 |
20170232476 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING CONTENTS OF AN AUTOMATION TRAY | 08-17-2017 |
20170238448 | COMPONENT SUPPLY DEVICE | 08-17-2017 |