A separating device of an optical testing unit for testing rotationally symmetrical test objects includes two corresponding pocket wheels, each having a plurality of pockets distributed uniformly over a circumference. The pocket wheels rotate synchronously in opposite directions about parallel axes in response to a drive. A continuous conveyor transports the test objects on a transporting plane. Depending on the geometry of the test objects, the distances between the respective pocket wheels and between the pocket wheels and the transporting plane are determined so that the test objects, which are fed via and accumulating section, are moved between the pocket wheels while being guided by two pockets of the two pocket wheels and are released by the two pockets downstream of an engagement section. Once released the test objects are accelerated to a higher transporting speed in an accelerating section of the continuous conveyor and are separated as a result.

A separating device of an optical testing unit for testing rotationally symmetrical test objects includes two corresponding pocket wheels, each having a plurality of pockets distributed uniformly over a circumference. The pocket wheels rotate synchronously in opposite directions about parallel axes in response to a drive. A continuous conveyor transports the test objects on a transporting plane. Depending on the geometry of the test objects, the distances between the respective pocket wheels and between the pocket wheels and the transporting plane are determined so that the test objects, which are fed via and accumulating section, are moved between the pocket wheels while being guided by two pockets of the two pocket wheels and are released by the two pockets downstream of an engagement section. Once released the test objects are accelerated to a higher transporting speed in an accelerating section of the continuous conveyor and are separated as a result.

A stand-alone inspection apparatus inspects documents printed on a cut sheet, and includes: a sheet feeder capable of setting the documents in a sorted state; a sorting detector that detects the sorted state of the documents; an image reader that reads an image of the documents; an inspection part that inspects the documents on the basis of the read image; and a sheet ejector that ejects the inspected documents, wherein in a case where the documents in the sorted state are set in the sheet feeder, the sheet ejector ejects the documents in a state equivalent to the sorted state detected by the sorting detector.

A stand-alone inspection apparatus inspects documents printed on a cut sheet, and includes: a sheet feeder capable of setting the documents in a sorted state; a sorting detector that detects the sorted state of the documents; an image reader that reads an image of the documents; an inspection part that inspects the documents on the basis of the read image; and a sheet ejector that ejects the inspected documents, wherein in a case where the documents in the sorted state are set in the sheet feeder, the sheet ejector ejects the documents in a state equivalent to the sorted state detected by the sorting detector.

This invention discloses an automatic magnetic core sorting system based on machine vision, which comprises an image acquisition and detection mechanism, a digital conversion module, an image processing module, and a workpiece sorting mechanism. The digital conversion module communicates with the image acquisition and detection mechanism. The image processing module receives the digital signals of images of each workpiece taken from various angles and compares the digital signals with a preset value. Afterwards, the results of comparison are sent to the central control module which judges and controls the operations of the workpiece sorting mechanism according to the results sent from the image processing module. This invention adopts the machine vision-based automatic identification technology to automatically identify color and appearance defects of magnetic sheets on conveyor line. With advantages of real-time and accurate detection with high precision, it greatly improves the efficiency and the degree of automation of production.

This invention discloses an automatic magnetic core sorting system based on machine vision, which comprises an image acquisition and detection mechanism, a digital conversion module, an image processing module, and a workpiece sorting mechanism. The digital conversion module communicates with the image acquisition and detection mechanism. The image processing module receives the digital signals of images of each workpiece taken from various angles and compares the digital signals with a preset value. Afterwards, the results of comparison are sent to the central control module which judges and controls the operations of the workpiece sorting mechanism according to the results sent from the image processing module. This invention adopts the machine vision-based automatic identification technology to automatically identify color and appearance defects of magnetic sheets on conveyor line. With advantages of real-time and accurate detection with high precision, it greatly improves the efficiency and the degree of automation of production.

A separation apparatus is disclosed, comprising: a layerizer arranged to bring a group of particles in a layer on a transport surface with a constant spatial relation of the particles relative to each other in the layer; an identifier arranged to identify particles in the group of particles that have a specific property; a separator arranged to separate the particles in the group based on a difference in affinity between the particles and the separator; an affinity modifier arranged to modify said affinity for identified particles relative to non-identified particles in the group. The layerizer comprises a recirculating transport surface on which the particles of the layer are carried. The transport surface is arranged to move along a transport trajectory as a rigid plane. Further, a method for separation of particles from a group of particles is disclosed.

A vibratory conveyor includes a feed tray, an electromagnetic linear actuator and a movable drive train interconnecting the feed tray and the electromagnetic linear actuator such that the electromagnetic linear actuator will move the feed tray during energization of the electromagnetic linear actuator. A sensor assembly is positioned to detect movement of the electromagnetic linear actuator. A controller connected to receive an output of the sensor assembly and connected to control energization of electromagnetic linear actuator, wherein the controller is configured to adjust energization of the electromagnetic linear actuator based upon the output of the sensor assembly. A vibratory conveyor in which the movable drive train includes at least one parallel spring element therealong is also disclosed.

A unit sorting system comprising: a net table for receiving units and a unit lifter for depositing said units on the net table; the net table having a first and second zone; wherein the unit lifter is arranged to engage a batch of units and then deposit a first half of the batch to the first zone and deposit a first half of the batch to the second zone.

A unit sorting system comprising: a net table for receiving units and a unit lifter for depositing said units on the net table; the net table having a first and second zone; wherein the unit lifter is arranged to engage a batch of units and then deposit a first half of the batch to the first zone and deposit a first half of the batch to the second zone.