Simco/ramic Corporation

Kenneth J McGarvey

Jeffrey M Moser

Norman L Betts

Arthur W Coolidge

Clarence S Jones

Dennis Cavin, Deceased

A system and method for sorting items (16) computes the geometric center ('centroid') (156) of any item containing a defect (26) or multiple defects, and directs an ejection air blast at the centroid of the defective item rather than at the location of the defect. Video data from a scanning camera (24) are transmitted to an 'item processor' (32A') and a 'defect processor' (32). The item processor builds in memory (108) an image of every acceptable or defective item while the defect processor builds a 'defect list' (170) of defect coordinate locations detected only on defective items. The defect processor transmits the defect list to the item processor where the defect list is compared with the stored image of the item. For each item containing at least one defect, the item processor computes a defective item centroid that is added to a defective items list (174) for use by a defect removal process that actuates air blasts directed toward the centers of defective items. Air blasts directed toward the centroids of defective items maximize their deflection and minimize item spinning and thereby improve item rejection efficiency and reduce the inadvertent bumping of adjacent acceptable items toward the rejection conveyor. If multiple defects are detected on a single item, a single air blast is directed at the centroid of the defective item.

Center shot sorting system and method

Color sorting system and method which are particularly suitable for sorting fruits and vegetables. The objects to be sorted are scanned with a color video camera, and the signals from the camera are digitized and utilized to address a look up table. The look up table is preloaded to provide reject data at those addresses for colors to be rejected. Several techniques for loading the look up table are disclosed. Then, on an online basis, the successive images address the look up table and the reject data is analyzed to drive appropriate reject apparatus. In one embodiment, the data from the look up table is applied to a spatial filter, and objects are rejected only if they have a certain number or sequence of unacceptable colors.

Growing community of inventors

Central Point, OR, United States of America

Kenneth J McGarvey