Patent ID: 6639665
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: A22B,A22C,G01N

Abstract:
Apparatus for detecting ingesta or fecal contamination on food items which are processed on a conveyor system, comprising:a light sealed enclosure which excludes exterior ambient light from an interior thereof, said interior of said enclosure being adapted to surround at least a portion of said conveyor system; at least one light source disposed in said enclosure, for illuminating each successive food item on said conveyor system with light having a predetermined spectral content; and at least one sensor which senses light reflected from said food items in a plurality of frequency bands, and which outputs signals indicative of reflected light intensity in each of said frequency bands wherein, said enclosure has an entrance and an exit by which said conveyor passes through said interior; and each of said entrance and said exit has a fixed structural configuration that defines a transport oath for said conveyor into and out of said interior, which fixed structural configuration excludes exterior ambient light from said interior.