Patent ID: 7041926
Filing Date: 2006-05-09
Classification: B07C

Abstract:
1. A method for separating objects, comprising, for each object, the steps of: dropping the object through a predefined path; determining when the object passes through a predefined point in the predefined path; spraying the object with a fluid selected for enhancing the ability to detect selected characteristics of the object; determining selected characteristics of the object; determining whether the characteristics of the object match at least one of at least a first criteria and a second criteria; upon a determination that the characteristics of the object match at least the first criteria, activating a first diverter gate to divert the object from the predefined path to a first bin; upon a determination that the characteristics of the object match at least the second criteria, activating a second diverter gate to divert the object from the predefined path to a second bin; and upon a determination that the characteristics of the object do not match at least one of at least a first criteria and a second criteria, permitting the object to follow the predefined path to a third bin.