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.

An inspection and ejector unit for preforms for plastic containers in a transportation line, has at least one driver device which picks up preforms travelling from an inward conveyor device to the inspection and ejector unit, transports them further and passes on at least some of the preforms to an outward conveyor device, at least one detection device by which faulty preforms in the driver device are detected, and at least one ejection device by which preforms which are detected as faulty are removed from the driver device, and a corresponding method.

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 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 inspection and ejector unit for preforms for plastic containers in a transportation line, has at least one driver device which picks up preforms travelling from an inward conveyor device to the inspection and ejector unit, transports them further and passes on at least some of the preforms to an outward conveyor device, at least one detection device by which faulty preforms in the driver device are detected, and at least one ejection device by which preforms which are detected as faulty are removed from the driver device, and a corresponding method.

An inspection and ejector unit for preforms for plastic containers in a transportation line, has at least one driver device which picks up preforms travelling from an inward conveyor device to the inspection and ejector unit, transports them further and passes on at least some of the preforms to an outward conveyor device, at least one detection device by which faulty preforms in the driver device are detected, and at least one ejection device by which preforms which are detected as faulty are removed from the driver device, and a corresponding method.

A screw detection device is configured to detect screws and has a device base with a controlling module, a carrying mechanism, a top visual-detection mechanism and a lateral visual-detection mechanism mounted inside. A screw is fed into the device base and is carried on two guide-rail assemblies of a carrying rail of the carrying mechanism. A top visual-detection camera of the top visual-detection mechanism and a lateral visual-detection camera of the lateral visual-detection mechanism take photographs of the screw on the carrying rail. The controlling module determines whether the screw is defective based on the photographs and controls a classifying assembly to discard a defective screw. The controlling module automatically controls the carrying rail, the top visual-detection camera and the lateral visual-detection camera, letting the screw detection device meet different-size screws' detection needs. Therefore, manual adjustments are unnecessary, reducing adjusting time and reducing errors from adjusting the device.

A system for sorting materials comprising a sorting apparatus comprising a handling tool and a robotized arm for displacing the handling tool over the materials; and a vacuum apparatus creating a depression and having a tubing extending from a source for the depression to the handling tool where the tubing for the vacuum apparatus ends and where it defines a diameter. The handling tool is adapted to be displaced to a selected item among the materials and perform a contact therewith with the end of the tubing for the vacuum apparatus for either: grabbing the selected item if the selected item is larger than the diameter; or sucking up the selected item if the selected item is smaller than the diameter, wherein sucking up the selected item has the selected item travel under the effect of the vacuum apparatus.

A screw detection device is configured to detect screws and has a device base with a controlling module, a carrying mechanism, a top visual-detection mechanism and a lateral visual-detection mechanism mounted inside. A screw is fed into the device base and is carried on two guide-rail assemblies of a carrying rail of the carrying mechanism. A top visual-detection camera of the top visual-detection mechanism and a lateral visual-detection camera of the lateral visual-detection mechanism take photographs of the screw on the carrying rail. The controlling module determines whether the screw is defective based on the photographs and controls a classifying assembly to discard a defective screw. The controlling module automatically controls the carrying rail, the top visual-detection camera and the lateral visual-detection camera, letting the screw detection device meet different-size screws' detection needs. Therefore, manual adjustments are unnecessary, reducing adjusting time and reducing errors from adjusting the device.

The present disclosure generally relates to collecting, handling, and/or sorting of waste or other objects. For example, certain embodiments are generally directed to systems and methods for collecting and sorting objects such as trash, recyclables, compostables, etc. In some cases, such systems may be used at a MRF (materials recovery facility), a transfer station, a public facility, or other locations where various objects in a waste stream are to be sorted. In some cases, the system may be relatively small and compact. The waste stream may be singulated or separated into discrete objects to facilitate identification and sorting. For example, two or more discrete objects within the waste stream that are contacting one another or are proximate to one another may be separated, so as to facilitate identification and/or sorting of the objects. This may be useful, for example, for producing less contaminated streams of trash, recyclables, compostables, etc. from a waste stream.