Separating Device and Sorting Apparatus With Two-Dimensionals Array of Nozzles and Method of Sorting Objects
First Claim
1. A separating device for removing objects from an object stream, the device comprising a two dimensional array of individually actuable air jet nozzles, a group of said nozzles being selectably actuated to remove a said object from the object stream.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Sorting apparatus comprising conveying means for conveying input objects into to the apparatus, extraction means for extracting from the conveying means input objects identified as belonging to a particular object-class processing means arranged to received input data corresponding at least to the portions across the conveying means of said identified input objects and to output control signals corresponding to the input data to the extraction means to effect extraction of said identified input objects, where the extraction means comprises an array of nozzles extending in a direction (z) across the conveying means, each of which is independently operable under control of the processing means to produce an air jet in a generally upward direction (y), and is arranged to activate sub-groups of nozzles corresponding to, and in response to, said control signals, characterised in that the conveying means has a partially open surface arranged to convey input objects over the array of nozzles, in that the array of nozzles is two-dimensional and also extends in a direction (x) substantially parallel to the direction of motion of the conveying means when the apparatus is in use; and in that the input data further corresponds to the outline shapes of said identified input objects.
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Citations
29 Claims
- 1. A separating device for removing objects from an object stream, the device comprising a two dimensional array of individually actuable air jet nozzles, a group of said nozzles being selectably actuated to remove a said object from the object stream.
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11. Sorting apparatus comprising
(a) conveying means for conveying input objects input to the apparatus; -
(b) extracting means for extracting from the conveying means input objects identified as belonging to a particular object-class and removing said identified input objects to a remote location; and
(c) processing means arranged to (i) receive input data corresponding at least to the positions across the conveying means of said identified input objects; and
(ii) output control signals corresponding to the input data to the extraction means at an appropriate time to effect extraction of said identified input objects;
wherein the extraction means comprises an array of nozzles, extending in a direction (z) across the conveying means, each of which is independently operable under control of the processing means to produce an air jet in a generally upward direction (y), and is arranged to activate sub-groups of nozzles corresponding to, an in response to, said control signals;
characterised in that(d) the conveying means has a partially-open surface arranged to convey input objects over the array of nozzles;
(e) the array of nozzles is two-dimensional and also extends in a direction (x) substantially parallel to the direction of motion of the conveying means when the apparatus is in use; and
(f) the input data further corresponds to the outline shape of said identified input objects. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A method of sorting objects, the method comprising the steps of
(a) conveying an stream of input objects on conveying means; -
(b) identifying objects in the input stream which belong to a particular object-class;
(c) determining the positions across the conveying means of objects identified in step (b); and
(d) applying upwardly-directed air-jets to an identified object at an appropriate time, and at an appropriate position in a direction across the conveying means, to remove the identified object to a location corresponding to the object-class;
characterised in that the method further comprises the steps of (d) determining the outline shapes of said identified objects;
(e) applying upwardly-directed air jets to the identified object, at the time and position specified in step (d), over an area of the object corresponding to its outline shape.
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Specification