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Method and apparatus for classifying and recovering the main components of used batteries

  • US 6,337,450 B1
  • Filed: 12/08/1999
  • Issued: 01/08/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/08/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of sorting batteries, comprising:

  • continuously conveying a plurality of kinds of batteries;

    successively aligning the batteries to be sorted;

    successively applying a weak non-saturating magnetostatic field of between 0.01 T (Teslas) and 0.3 T and at least an alternating magnetic field having a plurality of different frequencies to the batteries to be sorted in order to induce an eddy current in each of the batteries;

    detecting an induced magnetic field created by the eddy current induced in said each of the batteries in order to measure strength and phase-shift of the detected induced magnetic field with respect to the plurality of different frequencies; and

    determining a classification and size of said each of the batteries based on a previously obtained relationship of battery classification and size relative to the measured strength and phase-shift of the induced magnetic field generated by the plurality of different frequencies.

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