An object processing system is disclosed that includes a plurality of track sections, and a plurality of remotely actuatable carriers for controlled movement along at least portions of the plurality of track sections, wherein each of the remotely controllable carriers is adapted to support and transport an object processing bin.

A food processing system and a method for processing and batching food items conveyed by a conveyor means where the batches fulfil at least one target criteria including at least one weight target, including a first weight determining means for determining the weight of incoming food items, a batching system, a food item separation device positioned downstream in relation to the first weight determining means and upstream in relation to the batching system, and a control system for controlling the batching system and the food item separation device. The controlling including, repeatedly: monitoring the weight of the incoming food items, determining, based on the weight of the incoming food items, a prospect indicator indicating the prospect to meet the target criteria for the batches such that each batch fulfils the at least one target criteria, and comparing if the prospect indicator fulfils a pre-defined criteria.

In a sorting method and a sorting device, articles are sorted and identified in multiple stages and are discharged from the sorting lines in a manner backed up in multiple sorting lines.

In a sorting method and a sorting device, articles are sorted and identified in multiple stages and are discharged from the sorting lines in a manner backed up in multiple sorting lines.

An automated continuous or near-continuous system for sorting and combining varying density payloads comprises a buffer area including a work surface having a plurality of holes for storing a plurality of cups with weighed payloads, a shuttle, and scale system configured for weighing and near continuously or continuously delivering the plurality of cups with the payloads, to the buffer area, at least one robot provided within the buffer area, wherein the at least one robot is configured for picking a cup carrying a payload, from either one of the shuttle and scale system and the work surface, and transporting the payload from the cup into an accumulator. The at least one robot is configured for delivering one or more of the payloads into the accumulator to achieve a predetermined Target Weight Range (TWR).

An automated continuous or near-continuous system for sorting and combining varying density payloads comprises a buffer area including a work surface having a plurality of holes for storing a plurality of cups with weighed payloads, a shuttle, and scale system configured for weighing and near continuously or continuously delivering the plurality of cups with the payloads, to the buffer area, at least one robot provided within the buffer area, wherein the at least one robot is configured for picking a cup carrying a payload, from either one of the shuttle and scale system and the work surface, and transporting the payload from the cup into an accumulator. The at least one robot is configured for delivering one or more of the payloads into the accumulator to achieve a predetermined Target Weight Range (TWR).

A device for off-line detection of circumferential appearance quality of cigarettes includes a mechanical system, a vision system and a control system, where the mechanical system includes a hopper, a feed roller, an auto-rotating roller, an upper chute and a lower chute. A method for off-line detection of circumferential appearance quality of cigarettes by using the above device is further provided. The present disclosure can achieve detection without omission to obtain accurate and quantifiable detection results, and has high processing efficiency.

A device for off-line detection of circumferential appearance quality of cigarettes includes a mechanical system, a vision system and a control system, where the mechanical system includes a hopper, a feed roller, an auto-rotating roller, an upper chute and a lower chute. A method for off-line detection of circumferential appearance quality of cigarettes by using the above device is further provided. The present disclosure can achieve detection without omission to obtain accurate and quantifiable detection results, and has high processing efficiency.

A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort destinations. The items are fed into the apparatus at an input station having a scanning station. The scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item. The items are then loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles are individually driven to sort destinations. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered. A re-induction conveyor may be provided for receiving select items from the vehicles and conveying the items back to the input station for re-processing. Additionally, a controller is provided to control the movement of the vehicles based on a characteristic each item being delivered by each vehicle.

A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort destinations. The items are fed into the apparatus at an input station having a scanning station. The scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item. The items are then loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles are individually driven to sort destinations. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered. A re-induction conveyor may be provided for receiving select items from the vehicles and conveying the items back to the input station for re-processing. Additionally, a controller is provided to control the movement of the vehicles based on a characteristic each item being delivered by each vehicle.