A shape packing technique is introduced that can be applied in various applications such as automated print production. In an example embodiment, items that are to be placed into a target shape are sorted based on size to form item groups that include similarly sized items. Potential blocks including arrangements of one or more items are created from the sorted item groups. A placement solution is then generated by placing the potential blocks in the target shape using a recursive process that avoids redundant placement solutions until all of the potential blocks are placed or no other potential blocks are able to be placed. The placement solution can then be utilized, for example, to control a printer to print multiple images on a substrate and/or to control an automated cutting device to cut the substrate into multiple partitions according to the placement solution.

An article sorting apparatus, comprising a sorting mechanism (23) that performs sorting operation to convey an inspected articles (W) in one of a plurality of sorting directions (D1, D2 and D3); and a control unit that receives a sorting control signal (RJ) and controls operation of the sorting mechanism (23), wherein the sorting mechanism (23) includes rejection arms (31, 32) that change posture between a rejection posture that the rejection arms contact with the article (W) to change the conveyance direction to a specific sorting direction (D2 or D3) and a pass allowance posture that the rejection arms allow the article (W) to pass without contacting with the article, and air cylinders (33A, 33B) that operate the rejection arms to change the posture thereof, and an acceleration sensor (61) and a detection unit (62) and a deterioration determination circuit (46) that determine the deterioration of the movable portion (23M).

Disclosed are systems and methods for sorting material on a conveyor of a conveyor system, such as a conveyor system for material including non-ferrous metals. The conveyor system includes a conveyor belt and a separator system. The conveyor belt is adapted to convey the material. The separator system includes a separator below the conveyor belt and is configured to selectively apply a separating force onto the material on the conveyor belt such that at least one piece of the material is lifted off of the conveyor belt. A method of sorting material on a conveyor belt includes receiving the material on the conveyor belt, conveying the material with the conveyor belt, and applying the separating force onto the material with the separator such that at least one piece of the material is lifted off of the conveyor belt.

There is provided a conveyor assembly for sorting merchandise items. In one form, the conveyor assembly includes: a merchandise identification module; sortation modules each comprising a multi-directional sorting portion with two sets of rollers, a first wing including a third set of rollers, a second wing including a fourth set of rollers, and a controller configured to receive an IP address; a first, disassembled state of the sortation modules; a second, assembled state of the sortation modules; a merchandise database; and a control circuit configured to receive identifying information about an unsorted merchandise item, assign a unique IP address to each sortation module corresponding to the position of the sortation module, determine a sortation destination for the unsorted merchandise item, determine the sortation module corresponding to the sortation destination; and instruct the controller of the corresponding sortation module to divert the unsorted merchandise item to the sortation destination.

The present disclosure relates to systems, non-transitory computer-readable media, and methods for analyzing and sorting batteries according to battery classifications. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the disclosed systems scan a target battery with a plurality of sensors and analyze signals of the plurality of sensors utilizing a classifier model to determine a battery classification for the target battery. Also, in some embodiments, the disclosed systems indicate the predicted battery classification to a battery sorting mechanism for sorting the target battery. Additional mechanisms and related methods for automated classification and sorting of batteries are disclosed.

The present disclosure relates to systems, non-transitory computer-readable media, and methods for analyzing and sorting batteries according to battery classifications. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the disclosed systems scan a target battery with a plurality of sensors and analyze signals of the plurality of sensors utilizing a classifier model to determine a battery classification for the target battery. Also, in some embodiments, the disclosed systems indicate the predicted battery classification to a battery sorting mechanism for sorting the target battery. Additional mechanisms and related methods for automated classification and sorting of batteries are disclosed.

A bin exchange system is disclosed that includes a plurality of automated carriers, each of which is adapted to be remotely movable on an array of track sections, at least one input station by which bins may be introduced to the array of track sections, at least one processing station in communication with the array of track sections wherein objects may be moved between bins, and at least one output station by which bins may be removed from the array of track sections.

An automated object sorting system is provided. In various embodiments, the automated object sorting system includes an automated object extraction assembly and an automated object collection assembly. The automated object extraction assembly extracts one or more objects from an object sorting tray based on one or more attributes and/or traits of interest. The automated collection assembly selectively deposits the extracted objects in selected collection receptacles according to the particular attributes and/or traits of each respective object.

A method of detecting a fault in a waste sorting robot is provided. The waste sorting robot has a manipulator moveable within a working area and a suction gripper connected to the manipulator and arranged to selectively grip a waste object in the working area. The method comprises determining a gripping rate of suction gripper operations over a plurality of suction gripper operations in dependence of a signal received from a suction gripper sensor. The method further comprises determining one or more other operational parameters of the suction gripper over a plurality of suction gripper operations. The method also comprises detecting one or more faults with the suction gripper and/or the waste sorting robot based on the determined one or more other operational parameters and the determined gripping rate of suction gripper operations.

In order to provide a method and device that allow sorting of light-alloy aluminium scrap, the disclosure proposes a method for sorting aluminium scrap and alloys thereof wherein the aluminium scrap is fed to a measuring station, where the electrical conductivity of each aluminium part is measured, and, depending on the result of the measurement, the part is transported further on a dedicated path.