An apparatus for classifying materials utilizing a vision system, which may implement an artificial intelligence system in order to identify or classify each of the materials, which may then be separated from a heap in a scrap yard into separate groups, such as other heaps, based on such an identification or classification. The artificial intelligence system may utilize a neural network, and be previously trained to recognize and classify certain types of materials.

A material sorting system sorts materials utilizing a vision system that implements a machine learning system in order to identify or classify each of the materials, which are then sorted into separate groups based on such an identification or classification. The material sorting system can sort material pieces containing contaminants, such as copper from steel.

A system (10) for loading different conveying tracks (2, 3, 4) of at least one in particular commercial conveyor dishwasher (1, 1′). The system (10) includes a feed conveyor belt (11) for delivering washware (9a, 9b, 9c) to loading regions of the at least one conveyor dishwasher (1, 1′). The system (10) further includes a sorting arrangement for sorting the washware (9a, 9b, 9c) delivered to the loading regions of the at least one conveyor dishwasher (1, 1′) via the feed conveyor belt (11) according to previously defined or definable washware groups. The sorting arrangement is associated with at least one loading arrangement (13a, 13b, 13c) for automatically loading the different conveying tracks of the at least one conveyor dishwasher (1, 1′) with washware (9a, 9b, 9c) of one of the previously defined or definable washware groups.

A material sorting system sorts materials utilizing a vision system that implements a machine learning system in order to identify or classify each of the materials, which are then sorted into separate groups based on such an identification or classification determining that the materials are composed of either wrought aluminum, extruded aluminum, or cast aluminum.

Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a divider is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.

Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a progressive displacement divider with amplified output for a given input is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.

Chopped fiber composite systems and methods are disclosed. Sorting systems include a conveyor, an imager, a plurality of receptacles, a pneumatic device, and controller. Molding systems include a conveyor, an imager, a mold, a pneumatic device, and a controller. The controller directs the pneumatic device to alter the freefall of chopped fiber composite pieces based on characteristics of the chopped fiber composite pieces as they drop from the conveyor and into a receptacle or a mold. Sorting and molding methods include dropping chopped fiber composite pieces, detecting characteristics of the dropping pieces, and directing the pieces based on the detected characteristics.

Chopped fiber composite systems and methods are disclosed. Sorting systems include a conveyor, an imager, a plurality of receptacles, a pneumatic device, and controller. Molding systems include a conveyor, an imager, a mold, a pneumatic device, and a controller. The controller directs the pneumatic device to alter the freefall of chopped fiber composite pieces based on characteristics of the chopped fiber composite pieces as they drop from the conveyor and into a receptacle or a mold. Sorting and molding methods include dropping chopped fiber composite pieces, detecting characteristics of the dropping pieces, and directing the pieces based on the detected characteristics.

Methods and systems for achieving higher efficiencies and capacities in sorting feed material are described herein, such as for separating desirable “good” rock or ore from undesirable “bad” rock or ore in an unsegregated, unseparated stream of feed material. In the disclosure, higher efficiencies are achieved with combinations of multiple sensor/diverter cells in stages in a cascade arrangement. The number and combination of cells in the cascade may be determined through a priori characterization of probabilities involved in sensor/rock and rock/diverter interactions, and mathematical determinations of the optimal number and combination of stages based on this probability. Further, as disclosed herein, desired sorting capacities are achieved through addition of multiple cascades in parallel until the desired sorting capacity is reached.

Methods and systems for achieving higher efficiencies and capacities in sorting feed material are described herein, such as for separating desirable “good” rock or ore from undesirable “bad” rock or ore in an unsegregated, unseparated stream of feed material. In the disclosure, higher efficiencies are achieved with combinations of multiple sensor/diverter cells in stages in a cascade arrangement. The number and combination of cells in the cascade may be determined through a priori characterization of probabilities involved in sensor/rock and rock/diverter interactions, and mathematical determinations of the optimal number and combination of stages based on this probability. Further, as disclosed herein, desired sorting capacities are achieved through addition of multiple cascades in parallel until the desired sorting capacity is reached.