An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

The invention relates to a device for grouping into batches at least semi-buoyant objects belonging to the group of fruit and vegetables, comprising a plurality of accumulation channels (11), a hydraulic supply device for each accumulation channel (11), a device for supplying objects to an upstream portion of each accumulation channel, a collecting channel downstream of each accumulation channel (11), a device (14) for holding/releasing the objects in each accumulation channel Each accumulation channel (11) comprises at least one bypass passage (30) for the hydraulic stream extending from at least one inlet of the bypass passage (30) located upstream of the holding/releasing device (14) to at least one outlet of the bypass passage (30) issuing downstream of the holding/releasing device (14). A bypass valve (32) allows adjustment of said part of the diverted flow.

The invention relates to a device for grouping into batches at least semi-buoyant objects belonging to the group of fruit and vegetables, comprising a plurality of accumulation channels (11), a hydraulic supply device for each accumulation channel (11), a device for supplying objects to an upstream portion of each accumulation channel, a collecting channel downstream of each accumulation channel (11), a device (14) for holding/releasing the objects in each accumulation channel Each accumulation channel (11) comprises at least one bypass passage (30) for the hydraulic stream extending from at least one inlet of the bypass passage (30) located upstream of the holding/releasing device (14) to at least one outlet of the bypass passage (30) issuing downstream of the holding/releasing device (14). A bypass valve (32) allows adjustment of said part of the diverted flow.

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.

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.

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 method of creating batches for food items conveyed by a conveyor means, comprises measuring an image profile for a food item, processing the measured image profile for the food item, cutting the food item into a plurality of portions based on the processed measured image profile, and distinguishing the portions within the partial batch from the remaining portions. The number of portions from one or more of subsequent food items needed to complete the partial batch is such that it fulfils the pre-defined batch-criteria taken from the same or similar area of the food items from where the partial batch originates.