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 composition for photoluminescence of the chemical formula M.sub.2(1-y-z)Yb.sub.2yRem.sub.2zADO.sub.5-xF.sub.2x, a method for producing said composition, and uses of said composition are provided.

An apparatus which allows a flexible classification of poly- and/or monocrystalline silicon comprises a winnowing device configured to separate crushed material of poly- and/or monocrystalline silicon into a fine fraction and a coarse fraction. The apparatus also comprises an optoelectronic sorting device configured to separate the coarse fraction into at least two fractions.

A dual robotic sorting apparatus for identifying and sorting a product with at least two different sorting mechanisms is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the dual robotic sorting apparatus illuminates and images the product using at least one light source and imaging device, analyzes the image, and activates a specific sorting mechanism of a robotic arm to sort the product; wherein the dual sorting mechanism is a vacuum pickup tool, that picks up and places products in another location, and vacuum transport tool, that utilizes a suction tube to transport products to another location. Additionally, a plurality of robotic sorting apparatuses may be utilized. In the preferred embodiment of the dual robotic sorter, the CPU is capable of determining the most efficient method and type of pickup for each product identified for sorting.

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.

An apparatus which allows a flexible classification of poly- and/or monocrystalline silicon comprises a winnowing device configured to separate crushed material of poly- and/or monocrystalline silicon into a fine fraction and a coarse fraction. The apparatus also comprises an optoelectronic sorting device configured to separate the coarse fraction into at least two fractions.

A roadside litter collecting apparatus has a frame or chassis upon which is mounted a pneumatic litter pick-up apparatus which includes a flexible suction pipe for delivery of litter contaminated roadside material to a settlement tank. The litter contaminated roadside material is discharged from the settlement tank and is spread out on a sorting conveyor. A camera mounted above the sorting conveyor is operable to detect litter within the litter contaminated roadside material on the sorting conveyor and an associated pick-up arm is operable in response to the camera to grab litter detected by the camera and deposit the litter into a litter bin located beneath the sorting conveyor. The cleaned roadside material is returned to the roadside, and at the same time another batch of litter contaminated roadside material is discharged from the settlement tank onto the sorting conveyor to repeat the sorting process.