An efficient material recovery facility is disclosed, including: a first sorting device configured to: process a first instruction to remove a first target item from a set of items; and in response to the first instruction, perform a first sorting action to remove the first target item from the set of items, wherein the set of items excluding at least the first target item is to be transported towards a second sorting device, wherein the second sorting device is associated with a same sorting device type as the first sorting device; and wherein the second sorting device is configured to perform a second sorting action to remove a second target item from the set of items excluding at least the first target item in response to receiving a second instruction to remove the second target item.

A work cell and method for automatically separating objects disposed in 3D clusters includes dispensing the objects onto a horizontal conveying surface to form a 2D array, reforming the 2D array into a 1D stream in which the objects move in single-file in a predefined moving direction, utilizing a vision-based or other stationary sensing system to identify a selected target object in the 1D stream as the target object passes through an image capture (sensing) region, calculating trajectory data defining the target object's time-based position in the 1D stream, and then utilizing the trajectory data to control a robot arm or other object removal mechanism such that only the selected object is forcibly removed (e.g., swiped or picked-up) from the horizontal conveying surface. A continuous-loop-type conveying mechanism includes two parallel conveyor-belt-type conveying structures and associated belt-switching structures. An AI-powered vision system identifies new object shapes during preliminary learning phases.

A work cell and method for automatically separating objects disposed in 3D clusters includes dispensing the objects onto a horizontal conveying surface to form a 2D array, reforming the 2D array into a 1D stream in which the objects move in single-file in a predefined moving direction, utilizing a vision-based or other stationary sensing system to identify a selected target object in the 1D stream as the target object passes through an image capture (sensing) region, calculating trajectory data defining the target object's time-based position in the 1D stream, and then utilizing the trajectory data to control a robot arm or other object removal mechanism such that only the selected object is forcibly removed (e.g., swiped or picked-up) from the horizontal conveying surface. A continuous-loop-type conveying mechanism includes two parallel conveyor-belt-type conveying structures and associated belt-switching structures. An AI-powered vision system identifies new object shapes during preliminary learning phases.

Systems and methods for sorting recyclable items and other materials are provided. In one embodiment, a system for sorting objects comprises: at least one imaging sensor; a controller comprising a processor and memory storage, wherein the controller receives image data captured by the image sensor; and at least one pusher device coupled to the controller, wherein the at least one pusher device is configured to receive an actuation signal from the controller. The processor is configured to detect objects travelling on a conveyor device and recognize at least one target item traveling on a conveyor device by processing the image data and to determine an expected time when the at least one target item will be located within a diversion path of the pusher device. The controller selectively generates the actuation signal based on whether a sensed object detected in the image data comprise the at least one target item.

A multi-task device includes at least: a rivet support module able to contain a rivet and/or a temporary fastener support module able to contain a temporary fastener; a device for introducing a rivet or temporary fastener into the modules at at least one loading station; and a device for moving the at least one module to a work station for setting a rivet or temporary fastener in a hole provided in a structure to be worked on. The multi-task device includes a device for checking compliance of the rivet or temporary fastener depending on at least one predetermined compliance criterion, and a device for discharging, to a disposal zone, a rivet or temporary fastener identified as non-compliant by the device for checking.

Provided is a fruit quality inspecting and sorting appliance. The fruit quality inspecting and sorting appliance includes: a conveying module; a weighing module, which cooperates with the conveying module to convey weighed fruits through the conveying module; an internal quality inspection module, which cooperates with the conveying module and performs an internal quality inspection to the weighed fruits; an external quality inspection module, which cooperates with the conveying module and performs an external quality inspection to the fruits after the internal quality inspection; a sorting module, which cooperates with the conveying module, and sorts the fruits passing through the weighing module, the internal quality inspection module and the external quality inspection module; and a control module electrically connected with the conveying module, the weighing module, the internal quality inspection module, the external quality inspection module and the sorting module.

Conveying system for transporting a material flow (M) comprising a large number of individual objects (O1, O2, . . . ), characterized in that with the conveying system, by means of optical detection of individual objects (O1, O2, . . . ) in the material flow (M), for these objects (O1, O2, . . . ) respectively the location position (x(t),y(t)) thereof at several different times (t.sub.−4, t.sub.−3, . . . ) can be determined and by means of the location positions (x(t),y(t)) for these objects (O1, O2, . . . ) determined at the different times (t.sub.−4, t.sub.−3, . . . ), respectively the location (x.sub.b(t.sub.b),y.sub.b(t.sub.b)) thereof at at least one defined time (t.sub.b) after the respectively latest of the different times (t.sub.−4, t.sub.−3, . . . ) can be calculated.

Conveying system for transporting a material flow (M) comprising a large number of individual objects (O1, O2, . . . ), characterized in that with the conveying system, by means of optical detection of individual objects (O1, O2, . . . ) in the material flow (M), for these objects (O1, O2, . . . ) respectively the location position (x(t),y(t)) thereof at several different times (t.sub.−4, t.sub.−3, . . . ) can be determined and by means of the location positions (x(t),y(t)) for these objects (O1, O2, . . . ) determined at the different times (t.sub.−4, t.sub.−3, . . . ), respectively the location (x.sub.b(t.sub.b),y.sub.b(t.sub.b)) thereof at at least one defined time (t.sub.b) after the respectively latest of the different times (t.sub.−4, t.sub.−3, . . . ) can be calculated.

A resin is irradiated with an infrared ray, and a reflected ray from the resin irradiated with the infrared ray is received. In a reflection or absorption spectrum obtained by the reflected ray, a difference of a reflection intensity in a spectrum between a first wave number band of 1340 cm.sup.−1 to 1350 cm.sup.−1, inclusive, and a second wave number band of 1300 cm.sup.−1 to 1340 cm.sup.−1, inclusive, is calculated. It is determined whether or not a specific bromine-based flame retardant is contained in the resin, by using the calculated difference of reflection intensity in the spectrum.

Disclosed herein is a system to detect and characterize individual particles and cells using at least either optic or electric detection as the particle or cell flows through a microfluidic channel. The system also provides for sorting particles and cells or isolating individual particles and cells.