Patent ID: 6855901
Filing Date: 2005-02-15
Classification: B07C,G07F,Y02W

Abstract:
1. An apparatus that makes use of spectral information to distinguish recyclable materials containing barrier polymers from recyclable materials not containing barrier polymers, the apparatus comprising: a mid infrared (MIR) light source; means for projecting MIR light from the light source onto materials to be analyzed; means for dispersing the MIR light that has one or both reflected from and passed through the materials into various wavelengths; first means for measuring an analytical intensity of the MIR light within a first wavelength range including at least one wavelength indicative of compositional differences between the materials; second means for measuring a reference intensity of the MIR light within a second wavelength range including at least one wavelength not responsive to compositional differences between the materials; means for acquiring and comparing measurements from the first and second means for measuring in order to make determinations of materials types; and a logic system for determining an amount of materials containing barrier polymers.