In one example embodiment, a robotic vacuum sorting system comprises: a suction gripper mechanism mounted to a sorting robot; a vacuum system coupled to the suction gripper mechanism; robot control logic and electronics coupled to the sorting robot and the vacuum system; and an imaging device coupled to the robot control logic and electronics. In response to an image signal from the imaging device, the robot control logic and electronics outputs robot control signals to control the sorting robot, and outputs one or more airflow control signals to the vacuum system to execute a capture action on a target object using the suction gripper. During the capture action, the robot control logic and electronics outputs control signals such that the vacuum system pulls a vacuum at the gripping port of the suction gripper mechanism as the suction gripper mechanism is applied to capture and hold the target object.

An inspection apparatus for testing of objects synchronizes a spark test wheel having probe fingers with a transportation unit on which spaced objects to be spark tested are placed. The probe fingers are arranged conically when the transportation unit is a turret.

A LIBS measurement system is described herein that provides an orifice, aperture or opening in a substantially V-shaped chute or sleeve that allows access to the material to be analyzed from the underside of the chute. The laser beam is aimed through the hole and return light (signal) is collected through the hole by a photodetector assembly. A diverter device, which is located at an output end of the chute, diverts certain particles away from the chute upon receipt of an actuation signal.

An item sorting system is described. The item sorting system includes at least one bin that holds items to be sorted and a light source that illuminates the items stored in the at least one bin. In implementations, the at least one bin includes walls that direct light, received from the light source via a first surface, for emission via a second surface facing an interior of the at least one bin. The item sorting system further includes a recognition device that identifies the items for use in sorting the items. The item sorting system further includes an end effector that manipulates the items during sorting. In some implementations, the end effector includes tips that apply a gentle vacuum force to individually manipulate items in a manner that allows for efficient sorting without damaging the items.

A method of and an apparatus for picking up cut gemstones which have been orientated table down is provided. A vacuum wand has a generally cylindrical body with a central bore culminating in a nozzle through which a vacuum may be applied. The wand comprises a retractable outer sleeve configured to slide axially over the nozzle, and a biasing mechanism for biasing the sleeve towards a position in which it extends beyond the nozzle.

The present invention relates to a lighting system for analyzing pellet and a foreign matter sorting apparatus comprising same. The lighting system for analyzing pellet comprises: a casing (100) which has an inner space and a through-hole (110) formed in the upper surface, and in which objects to be sorted (P), including a plurality of pellets, move across the inner upper portion and the inner lower portion; an upper lighting assembly (200) which includes a plurality of first light sources (210) each irradiating first illumination light, and a first light source holder (220) which fixes the first light sources (210) so that a row direction light source array, in which some of the first light sources (210) are arranged in the lengthwise direction of a virtual curved surface, is arranged in parallel along the arc direction of the virtual curved surface, wherein the virtual curved surface, of which the arc direction is the vertical direction, is convex toward the objects to be sorted (P), and the upper lighting assembly (200) is arranged on the inner upper portion of the casing 100 and irradiates the first illumination light toward the upper and side portions of the objects to be sorted (P); and a lower lighting assembly (300) comprising a plurality of second light sources (310) each irradiating second illumination light, and a second light source holder (320) which fixes the plurality of second light sources (310), wherein the lower lighting assembly (300) is arranged on the inner lower portion of the casing (100) and irradiates the second illumination light toward the lower and side portions of the objects to be sorted (P).

This disclosure includes systems and methods that may be used in forest residue processing. Some systems use or include: a filter configured to filter elements based on element size, a separator configured to separate elements based on element areal density, a separator configured to separate elements based on element density, and/or a sorter configured to sort elements based on element wood fiber content.

A tablet inspection apparatus includes a supply unit including a rotary plate inclinedly disposed, and a transfer plate having a downwardly inclined surface, inclined outwardly on the same level as top dead center of the rotary plate while rotating with the rotary plate around the rotary plate, a first rotary unit inclinedly disposed with respect to the supply unit, and formed such that suction force is applied in a certain section in a circumferential direction, and a second rotary unit installed on one side of the first rotary unit, and formed such that suction force is applied in a certain section in a circumferential direction.

The present invention relates to a device and method for sowing seeds. The invention relates more particularly to a device and method for sowing seeds as part of a plant. The system according to the invention comprises a separating device for separating a single seed relative to a remainder of the plurality of seeds, an optical recognition system (9) for recognizing the separated seed, a robot arm device (4) for picking up the separated seed and for sowing the picked-up seed, arid a control unit for controlling the separating device, the optical recognition system (9) and the robot arm device (4). With this system it is possible to sow seeds in a more accurate and less error-prone manner.

The present invention relates to a device and method for sowing seeds. The invention relates more particularly to a device and method for sowing seeds as part of a plant breeding process. The system according to the invention comprises a separating device for separating a single seed relative to a remainder of the plurality of seeds, an optical recognition system for recognizing the separated seed, a robot arm device for picking up the separated seed and for sowing the picked-up seed, and a control unit for controlling the separating device, the optical recognition system and the robot arm device. With this system it is possible to sow seeds in a more accurate and less error-prone manner.