Patent Publication Number: US-11648587-B2

Title: Automated object-sorting apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/153,802, filed Feb. 25, 2021, entitled “AUTOMATED OBJECT-SORTING APPARATUS,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The field of the disclosure relates generally to sorting objects and, more particularly, to an apparatus for automatically sorting a mixture of objects into batches, with each batch corresponding to a standard size of the object. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are applications in which it is necessary to sort a mixture of differently sized objects into batches, with each batch containing objects of a standard size. One such application arises in the context of reloading of spent ammunition casings. The spent casings are typically obtained (e.g., collected from the floor of a shooting range) in lots that include a plurality of different sizes (i.e., different calibers) mixed together. An ammunition cartridge reloader must separate the mixture of spent casings into caliber-specific batches, in order to efficiently reload the spent casings to produce live cartridges for each caliber. However, manual sorting of the many different calibers of spent cases is labor- and time-intensive. 
     One known method of sorting a mixture of sizes of spent casings is to use pans with a grating on the bottom. A width of the grating apertures for each pan is sized to pass any object smaller than a corresponding caliber of casing, thus retaining a given caliber of casing in each pan. However, the pans must be manually shaken until the smaller objects align with and fall through a grating aperture, which requires significant time and manual effort. In addition, adding more than a few spent casings to the pan typically causes the apertures to become blocked or clogged, necessitating frequent pauses to empty the pan and add a few more spent casing from the mixture. Moreover, to empty a pan after sorting, the pan must be manually positioned over a receptacle and inverted, which can result in a spill as the weight of the retained casings shifts in the pan and causes the user to lose alignment with the receptacle. 
     Some known systems attempt to mechanize the sorting of spent casings. For example, the spent casings are fed single-file along a track and, as the width of a slot in the bottom of the track increases along the track length, spent casings of a correspondingly larger caliber drop through the slot at corresponding locations. However, such track-based systems require an exceedingly large footprint to accommodate not only the necessary plurality of slot-width sections along the track, but also the feeding apparatus that must be used to supply spent casings one-at-a-time to each track. Moreover, the single-file sorting process requires significant amount of time to process a large number of spent casings. 
     Accordingly, an apparatus that automatically sorts a mixture of differently sized objects into batches of uniform standard-sized objects, without requiring the significant manual effort, time delays, and/or large footprint of known systems, would find utility. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an object-sorting apparatus is provided. The object-sorting apparatus includes a housing that extends from a top end to a bottom end, at least one vibration element, and a plurality of stages arranged in a vertical sequence in the housing between the top end and the bottom end. At least one of the stages includes a sorting base that at least partially defines a floor of the at least one stage. The sorting base is coupled to the at least one vibration element, and the sorting base is configured to receive thereon a mixture of objects having different sizes. The different sizes include a target size associated with the at least one stage. The at least one stage also includes a plurality of apertures defined in and extending through the sorting base and into flow communication with a next lower one of the plurality of stages. The apertures of the at least one stage are sized to receive therethrough, from the mixture, objects having a size smaller than the target size associated with the at least one stage. 
     Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure. Further features may also be incorporated in the above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For instance, various features discussed below in relation to any of the illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure may be incorporated into any of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure, alone or in any combination. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an example embodiment of an object-sorting apparatus. 
         FIG.  2    is an elevation view of an example first object that may be among a mixture of objects for sorting by the object-sorting apparatus of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is an elevation view of an example second object that may be among a mixture of objects for sorting by the object-sorting apparatus of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective, partial cutaway view of an example embodiment of a stage for use with the apparatus of  FIG.  1   , including an example embodiment of a sorting base. 
         FIG.  5    is a sectional view of the sorting base of  FIG.  4   , taken along lines  5 - 5  shown in  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective, partial cutaway view of the stage of  FIG.  4   , including another example embodiment of a sorting base. 
         FIG.  7    is a sectional view of the sorting base of  FIG.  6   , taken along lines  7 - 7  shown in  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the object-sorting apparatus of  FIG.  1   , illustrating an example embodiment of a stage in an opened orientation. 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of the object-sorting apparatus of  FIG.  8   , illustrating an example embodiment of a stage in an emptying orientation. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of an example embodiment of an inlet system coupled to a top stage of the apparatus of  FIG.  1   . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The examples described herein include an object-sorting apparatus configured to sort a mixture of objects having different sizes. The examples include a plurality of stages arranged in a vertical sequence between a top end and a bottom end of a housing. At least one of the stages includes a sorting base that at least partially defines a floor of the at least one stage. Apertures are defined in and extend through the sorting base and into flow communication with a next lower stage. The apertures are sized to receive therethrough, from the mixture, objects having a size smaller than a target size associated with the at least one stage. The at least one stage is coupled to a vibration element that improves a sorting efficiency of the sorting base. 
     In certain examples, the at least one stage includes a receptacle configured for selective movement between a collecting position inside the housing and an opened position at least partially outside the housing. Moreover, in some such embodiments, the receptacle is further configured for selective movement between the opened position and an emptying position, in which gravity causes any objects collected in the receptacle to fall out of the receptacle. In some such embodiments, the at least one stage includes a drawer slide mechanism, configured to guide movement of the receptacle between the collecting position and the opened position, and/or a pivot mechanism, configured to guide movement of the receptacle between the opened position and the emptying position. 
     Moreover, in some examples, the object-sorting apparatus includes a control interface operable to adjust, for example, a magnitude, a frequency, and/or a duration of vibration of the vibration element. The control interface may include physical controls accessible on the housing and/or may be in wireless communication with an application executing on an external computing device. in some such examples, the control interface is programmable to apply a plurality of different vibration profiles to the sorting base in a sequence, improving a sorting efficiency of the sorting base relative to conventional apparatus and methods for sorting objects. 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an example embodiment of an object-sorting apparatus  100 .  FIG.  2    is an elevation view of an example first object  202  that may be among a mixture of objects  200  for sorting by object-sorting apparatus  100 , and  FIG.  3    is an elevation view of an example second object  302  that may be among the mixture of objects  200  for sorting by object-sorting apparatus  100   
     Object-sorting apparatus  100  includes a housing  108  that extends from a top end  101  to a bottom end  103 , and a plurality of stages  102  arranged in housing  108  in a vertical sequence between top end  101  and bottom end  103 . Object-sorting apparatus  100  is configured to automatically sort the mixture of objects  200  of different standard sizes into batches of same-sized objects  200 . More specifically, at least one stage  102  is configured to capture a batch of objects  200  having a predetermined, standard target size from the mixture and pass smaller-sized objects  200  through to the next lower stage  102 . 
     In the example embodiment, each stage  102  includes a sorting base  104  that at least partially defines a floor of the stage  102 . A plurality of apertures  106  are defined in sorting base  104 . More specifically, apertures  106  extend through sorting base  104  and into flow communication with the next lower stage  102 , which is located directly underneath sorting base  104 . Apertures  106  of each stage  102  are sized to receive therethrough objects  200  having a size smaller than the target size for the stage, thus causing sorting base  104  to retain thereon objects  200  having a size equal to (or larger than) the target size. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , in some embodiments, objects  200  are generally elongated in shape and have a major (i.e., longest) dimension  204  and a minor (i.e., shortest) dimension  206 . In order for each stage  102  to retain only objects  200  having a target size (or larger), apertures  106  for the stage  102  must correspondingly have a minor dimension  116  (shown in  FIGS.  5  and  7   ) sized to pass through objects  200  having minor dimension  206  less than the minor dimension  206  of the target object  200 , but to stop or block objects  200  having minor dimension  206  equal to (or greater than) the minor dimension  206  of the target object  200 . 
     For example, objects  202  are rimmed spent casings, and minor dimension  206  is defined by a diameter of a rim  208  of the spent casing. In some embodiments, objects  202  may include spent casings from 0.38 special ammunition rounds, typically having minor dimension  206  of 0.440 inches. 
     For another example, objects  302  are straight-walled or rimless spent casings, and minor dimension  206  is defined by a diameter of a body  310  of the spent casing. In some embodiments, objects  302  may include spent casings from 9 millimeter ammunition rounds, typically having minor dimension  206  of 0.392 inches, from .40 caliber ammunition rounds, typically having minor dimension  206  of 0.424 inches, and/or from .45 caliber ACP ammunition rounds, typically having minor dimension  206  of 0.480 inches. 
     Alternatively, objects  200  include any suitable type and/or size of objects that are sortable based on a minor dimension  206 . 
     Object-sorting apparatus  100  is configured to receive the mixture of objects  200  at a first or top stage  102  adjacent to top end  101 . For example, the mixture of objects  200  is manually poured or otherwise conveyed onto sorting base  104  of top stage  102 . The stages  102  are arranged vertically from top stage  102  to a last or bottom stage  102 , adjacent to bottom end  103 , in order of decreasing size of apertures  106 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, object-sorting apparatus  100  includes five stages  102 , corresponding to an expected composition of four standard sizes of objects  200  within the mixture of objects  200 . The top or first stage  102  is selected to have apertures  106  slightly smaller than a largest of the four standard sizes, the next lower or second stage is selected to have apertures  106  slightly smaller than a second largest of the four standard sizes, the next lower or third stage is selected to have apertures  106  slightly smaller than a third largest of the four standard sizes, and the penultimate or fourth stage is selected to have apertures  106  slightly smaller than a smallest of the four standard sizes. 
     In one non-limiting example, the mixture of objects  200  includes spent casings from 9 millimeter ammunition rounds, .40 caliber ammunition rounds, 0.38 special ammunition rounds, and .45 caliber ACP ammunition rounds. Accordingly, apertures  106  for the first stage  102  have minor dimension  116  of 0.445 inches to pass through all objects except the spent .45 caliber ACP casings, apertures  106  for the second stage  102  have minor dimension  116  of 0.430 inches to pass through all remaining objects except the spent 0.38 special casings, apertures  106  for the third stage  102  have minor dimension  116  of 0.410 inches to pass through all remaining objects except the spent .40 caliber casings, and apertures  106  for the fourth stage  102  have minor dimension  116  of 0.380 inches to pass through all remaining objects (e.g., spent .22 caliber casings, detritus) except the spent 9 millimeter casings. 
     Alternatively, object-sorting apparatus  100  includes any suitable number of stages  102  corresponding to any expected composition of standard sizes of objects  200 . 
     The vertical arrangement of stages  102  in order of decreasing size of apertures  106  enables object-sorting apparatus  100  to receive and efficiently sort a mixture of several sizes of objects  200  into single-size batches with a greatly reduced footprint, as compared to at least some known automated object-sorting apparatuses. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom (in the illustrated example, fifth) stage  102  has an aperture size of zero, and is configured to retain all remaining, smaller objects (e.g., spent .22 caliber casings which typically are not saved for reloading, or other detritus) for later removal and disposal. In other words, the bottom stage may be viewed as a waste receptacle, and may have a substantially closed floor (not shown). Alternatively, the bottom stage  102  may have any suitable configuration that enables object-sorting apparatus  100  to function as described herein. For example, bottom stage  102  may include apertures  106  sized to retain a smallest target size of objects  200  and pass smaller detritus to a cabinet floor (not shown) of object-sorting apparatus  100 . 
       FIG.  4    is a perspective view of an example embodiment of stage  102 , including an example embodiment of sorting base  104  and illustrating one housing wall  130  in partial cutaway view. In the example embodiment, each stage  102  includes retention walls  120 . Retention walls  120  extend upward from edges of sorting base  104  and cooperate with sorting base  104  to define a receptacle  110  for objects  200  that are too large to pass through apertures  106  of sorting base  104 . In the example embodiment, sorting base  104  has a rectangular perimeter and retention walls  120  are four in number, each extending orthogonally upward from a corresponding edge of the rectangle. Alternatively, sorting base  104  has any suitable shape and/or retention walls  120  have any suitable number and/or orientation that enables object-sorting apparatus  100  to function as described herein. For example, sorting base  104  has a circular shape (not shown) and retention walls  120  extend orthogonally upward from a perimeter of the circular shape to define a generally circular cross-sectional profile. 
       FIG.  5    is a sectional view of the sorting base  104  shown in  FIG.  4   , taken along lines  5 - 5  shown in  FIG.  4   . With reference to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , in some embodiments, sorting base  104  includes a deck  112  and depressions  114  depending therefrom. In the example embodiment, deck  112  is generally planar. Alternatively, deck  112  has any suitable configuration that enables sorting base  104  to function as described herein. Each depression  114  includes a corresponding aperture  106  defined in and extending through a bottom thereof. As discussed above, each aperture  106  includes a minor (i.e., shortest) dimension  116  sized to receive therethrough objects  200  having minor dimension  206  less than the minor dimension  206  of the target object  200  for stage  102 , but to stop or block objects  200  having minor dimension  206  equal to (or greater than) the minor dimension  206  of the target object  200 . In the example embodiment, apertures  106  are elongated and have a major dimension (not numbered) slightly smaller than major dimension  204  of the target size of object  200  for the stage  102 , to accommodate capture and positioning of objects  200  within the surrounding depression  114 . Alternatively, apertures  106  have any suitable shape and/or major dimension that enables sorting base  104  to function as described herein. 
     In certain embodiments, depressions  114  facilitate guiding objects  200  towards, and/or aligning objects  200  with, apertures  106 , thereby improving a sorting efficiency of sorting base  104  relative to conventional object-sorting methods. In the example embodiment, each depression  114  is cup-shaped. Moreover, in certain embodiments, a size of depressions  114  varies with each stage  102 , and the size may selected to facilitate capture, and feeding towards apertures  106 , of objects  200  having a size smaller than the target size for the associated stage  102 . Alternatively, depressions  114  have any suitable size and shape that enables sorting base  104  to function as described herein. 
     In other embodiments, sorting base  104  does not include depressions  114 . For example,  FIG.  6    is a perspective view of stage  102 , including another example embodiment of sorting base  104  and illustrating one housing wall  130  in partial cutaway view.  FIG.  7    is a sectional view of the sorting base  104  shown in  FIG.  6   , taken along lines  7 - 7  shown in  FIG.  6   . With reference to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , in some embodiments, sorting base  104  includes deck  112  being generally planar, and apertures  106  are defined in and extend through deck  112 . Again, each aperture  106  includes minor (i.e., shortest) dimension  116  sized to receive therethrough objects  200  having minor dimension  206  less than the minor dimension  206  of the target object  200  for stage  102 , but to stop or block objects  200  having minor dimension  206  equal to (or greater than) the minor dimension  206  of the target object  200 . In the example embodiment, apertures  106  are arranged in an elongated grating  118  and have a major dimension (not numbered) much larger than minor dimension  116 . Alternatively, apertures  106  have any suitable shape and/or major dimension that enables sorting base  104  to function as described herein. In certain embodiments, improvements to sorting efficiency, reduction of footprint of the apparatus, and reduction of manual effort, relative to conventional object-sorting methods, are realized by embodiments described herein even in the absence of depressions  114 . 
     Although sorting base  104  with and without depressions  114  are illustrated separately, in some embodiments, at least one stage  102  of object-sorting apparatus  100  includes sorting base  104  with depressions  114 , while another stage  102  of object-sorting apparatus  100  includes sorting base  104  without depressions  114 . 
     In the example embodiment, each stage  102  further includes housing walls  130  positioned adjacent to retention walls  120 . Housing walls  130  are configured to cooperate with housing walls  130  of other stages  102  to form housing  108  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) of object-sorting apparatus  100 . In some embodiments, housing walls  130  are spaced apart from retention walls  120  sufficiently to accommodate hardware therebetween for mounting sorting base  104  and/or retention walls  120  to housing walls  130 , and/or for vibrating sorting base  104  relative to housing walls  130 , as will be described below. Alternatively, housing walls  130  have any suitable spacing with respect to retention walls  120  that enables object-sorting apparatus  100  to function as described herein. 
     In some embodiments, sorting base  104  and retention walls  120 , and receptacle  110  defined thereby, are configured for selective movement between a collecting position inside housing  108  (as shown in  FIG.  1   ) and an opened position at least partially outside housing  108  (as shown for a middle stage  102  in  FIG.  8   ). In some such embodiments, when receptacle  110  is in the opened position, all of retention walls  120  are positioned outside housing  108 . Alternatively, fewer than all retention walls  120  are positioned outside housing  108  when receptacle  110  is in the opened position. 
     Housing walls  130  define an opening  136  (shown in  FIG.  8   ) configured to accommodate translation of receptacle  110  therethrough between the collecting position and the opened position. In some embodiments, housing walls  130  include a first set of housing walls  132 , each oriented in a face-to-face relationship with a corresponding one of retention walls  120  when receptacle  110  is in the collecting position, and a pass-through housing wall  134  that defines opening  136 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, housing walls include a first set of three housing walls  132  around three sides of a rectangular-shaped sorting base  104 , and pass-through housing wall  134  on a fourth side. Alternatively, housing walls  130  have any suitable configuration that enables object-sorting apparatus  100  to function as described herein. 
     In some embodiments, stage  102  further includes a drawer face  138  configured to move with receptacle  110  between the collecting position and the opened position. In some such embodiments, drawer face  138  is configured to at least partially close opening  136  when receptacle  110  is in the collecting position, for example to prevent objects  200  from escaping from receptacle  110  during sorting. Additionally or alternatively, drawer face  138  is configured to provide a grip for manual pulling of receptacle  110  from the collecting position to the opened position. For example, drawer face  138  may include a knob  140  affixed thereto for pulling receptacle  110  out from housing  108 . Alternatively, drawer face  138  has any suitable configuration that enables object-sorting apparatus  100  to function as described herein. 
     In other embodiments, stage  102  does not include drawer face  138 . For example, one of retention walls  120  is sized and oriented to close opening  136  when receptacle  110  is in the collecting position. 
     Object-sorting apparatus  100  further includes at least one vibration element  150  coupled, either directly or indirectly, to sorting base  104 . The at least one vibration element  150  is selectively operable to drive vibration of sorting base  104  to resettle and/or rearrange objects  200  on sorting base  104 . In some operational circumstances, the driven resettlement and/or rearrangement of objects  200  causes more frequent re-alignment of objects  200  with respect to apertures  106  and, consequently, more frequent transition of objects  200  having a size smaller than the target size for the stage through apertures  106  to the next lower stage  102 , as compared to a manually shaken or non-vibrated sorting pan. Accordingly, vibration element  150  improves a sorting efficiency of stage  102 . Moreover, in the example embodiment, vibration element  150  requires no manual effort to perform sorting, apart from an initial activation of a control. 
     In some embodiments, vibration element  150  is controllable to apply a plurality of different vibration profiles to sorting base  104  in a sequence. A “vibration profile” includes at least one of a vibration magnitude and a vibration frequency. In some operational circumstances, application of a plurality of different vibration profiles in sequence improves a sorting efficiency of object-sorting apparatus  100  relative to conventional object-sorting methods. For example, a first vibration profile having a relatively lower magnitude is tuned to facilitate quicker movement through apertures  106  of objects  200  that are smaller than the target size and already captured in depressions  114  or grating  118 . A second vibration profile having a relatively higher magnitude is tuned to facilitate displacement of objects  200  that are of (or larger than) the target size from depressions  114  or grating  118 , thereby “unblocking” the associated apertures  106  and enabling smaller objects  200  to migrate into the previously blocked depressions  114  or grating  118 . After the second vibration profile is applied for a short time period, the first vibration profile is applied again to facilitate movement of the newly captured smaller objects through apertures  106 , and the cycle is repeated. Alternatively, vibration element  150  applies any suitable sequence of one or more vibration profiles that enables object-sorting apparatus  100  to function as described herein. 
     In some embodiments, object-sorting apparatus  100  includes a control interface  152  configured to selectively activate vibration element  150 . In some such embodiments, control interface  152  is further operable to adjust a magnitude, frequency, and/or duration of vibration of vibration element  150 , and/or to report a status and/or operating parameters of vibration element  150 . In the example embodiment, control interface  152  includes manually operable physical controls accessible on housing  108 , such as switches and/or dials, to input settings for parameters such as those discussed above. Additionally or alternatively, control interface  152  is configured to wirelessly receive, for example from an application executing on a smart phone or other external computing device (not shown), instructions and parameters for operating vibration element  150 . 
     In some embodiments, control interface  152  is programmable to apply a plurality of different vibration profiles to sorting base  104  in a sequence. A “vibration profile” includes at least one of a vibration magnitude and a vibration frequency. For example, one or more vibration profiles may be pre-programmed and/or defined via input through control interface  152 , and may be stored by a memory device on-board control interface  152  or on a remote computing device (not shown) in communication with control interface  152 . In some operational circumstances, application of a plurality of different vibration profiles in sequence improves a sorting efficiency of object-sorting apparatus  100  relative to conventional object-sorting methods. For example, a first vibration profile having a relatively lower magnitude is tuned to facilitate quicker movement through apertures  106  of objects  200  that are smaller than the target size and already captured in depressions  114  or grating  118 . A second vibration profile having a relatively higher magnitude is tuned to facilitate displacement of objects  200  that are of (or larger than) the target size from depressions  114  or grating  118 , thereby “unblocking” the associated apertures  106  and enabling smaller objects  200  to migrate into the previously blocked depressions  114  or grating  118 . After the second vibration profile is applied for a short time period, the first vibration profile is applied again to facilitate movement of the newly captured smaller objects through apertures  106 , and the cycle is repeated. Alternatively, vibration element  150  is configured to apply any suitable one or more vibration profiles that enables object-sorting apparatus  100  to function as described herein. 
     In certain embodiments, multiple stages  102  each include a respective vibration element  150 . In some circumstances, each stage  102  having a respective vibration element  150  improves sorting efficiency as compared to the use of a single vibration source (or manual shaking) across multiple stages  102 , which single source may result in an attenuation of the vibratory effect on some stages  102 . Additionally or alternatively, in some circumstances, an optimal (with respect to sorting efficiency) vibratory magnitude and/or frequency of sorting base  104 , or optimal profile of magnitudes and/or frequencies, varies in response to a composition of the initial mixture of objects  200  and/or the target size of objects  200  for the associated stage  102 . In some embodiments, the respective vibration element  150  for each of the multiple stages  102  is independently tuned, for example to have a vibration magnitude, frequency, or duration different from the vibration element  150  of another stage  102 , in response to the mixture composition and/or the target size of the associated stage  102 , facilitating an improved sorting efficiency of the sorting base  104  for the corresponding stage  102 . In some such embodiments, damping materials and/or damping devices (not shown) are installed between stages  102  to facilitate isolating each stage  102  from the effects of the vibration elements  150  of other stages  102 . Alternatively, object-sorting apparatus  100  includes more or fewer vibration elements  150 , such as a single vibration element  150  for all stages within housing  108 . 
     In the example embodiment, vibration element  150  for each stage  102  is positioned between one of retention walls  120  and the adjacent one of housing walls  130 , in vibratory contact with the retention wall  120 . In turn, the retention wall  120  is mounted on sorting base  104  and configured to impart the vibratory motion to sorting base  104  and to objects  200  residing in receptacle  110 . Alternatively, vibration element  150  is positioned in any suitable location on object-sorting apparatus  100  that enables object-sorting apparatus  100  to function as described herein. 
     In some embodiments, stages  102  are configured for modular stacking to enable a rapid, in-the-field arrangement of object-sorting apparatus  100  as needed to include any desired number of stages  102  and corresponding target sizes for objects  200 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, housing walls  130  include tabs  160  along an upper edge and configured to register with slots  162  defined along a lower edge of housing walls  130  of the stage  102  above, and tabs  160  and slots  162  cooperate to couple adjacent stages  102  together. It should be appreciated that the location of tabs  160  along the upper edge and slots  162  along the lower edge may be reversed. Alternatively, stages  102  are configured in any suitable fashion for modular stacking and arrangement. In other embodiments, stages  102  are not configured for modular stacking. For example, housing  108  is an equipment rack, housing walls  130  include integrally formed panels that each extend vertically across multiple stages  102 , and sorting base  104  and retention walls  120  of each stage  102  are installed in a corresponding slot of the equipment rack. 
       FIG.  8    is a perspective view of object-sorting apparatus  100 , illustrating stage  102  in an opened orientation, that is, having receptacle  110  in the opened position.  FIG.  9    is another perspective view of object-sorting apparatus  100 , illustrating stage  102  in an emptying orientation, that is, with receptacle  110  in an emptying position. In some embodiments, removal of collected objects  200  from one of stages  102  is accomplished by first moving receptacle  110  from the collecting position to the opened position as shown in  FIG.  8   , and then by moving receptacle  110  from the opened position to the emptying position as shown in  FIG.  9   . 
     In certain embodiments, object-sorting apparatus  100  includes extended feet  192  positioned at bottom end  103 . Extended feet  192  are configured to provide additional stability for object-sorting apparatus  100  against tipping, particularly as stages  102  are moved to the opened orientation and/or the emptying orientation. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, extended feet  192  are four in number and positioned at respective bottom corners of object-sorting apparatus  100 . In some embodiments, extended feet  192  are selectively extendable and retractable. Alternatively, extended feet  192  have any suitable number and/or configuration, or object-sorting apparatus  100  does not include extended feet  192 . 
     In some embodiments, stage  102  includes a drawer slide mechanism  170  configured to guide movement of receptacle  110  between the collecting position and the opened position. For example, drawer slide mechanism  170  includes outer members  172  affixed to interior surfaces of opposing housing walls  130 , and inner members  174  affixed to opposing retention walls  120 . Outer members  172  and inner members  174  slidably cooperate to enable translation of receptacle  110  back and forth between the collecting position and the opened position. Drawer slide mechanism  170  is further configured to accommodate vibratory motion transmitted from Alternatively, stage  102  is configured to enable movement of receptacle  110  between the collecting position and the opened position in any suitable fashion that enables object-sorting apparatus  100  to function as described herein. 
     In some embodiments, as noted above, receptacle  110  is configured for selective movement between the opened position and the emptying position. The emptying position is defined as receptacle  110  being in a position in which gravity causes any objects  200  in receptacle  110  to fall out of receptacle  110 . For example, receptacle  110  in the emptying position is at least partially inverted relative to the collecting position, such that objects  200  supported by sorting base  104  (when receptacle  110  is in the collecting position) are caused by the force of gravity to fall out of receptacle  110  towards the ground. In some such embodiments, stage  102  includes a pivot mechanism  180  configured to guide movement of receptacle  110  between the opened position and the emptying position. For example, pivot mechanism  180  includes a base frame  182  affixed to inner members  174 , and at least one piano hinge  184  coupled between base frame  182  and a side edge of sorting base  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, base frame  182  is a rectangular frame configured to support a perimeter of sorting base  104  when receptacle  110  is in the collecting position and the opened position. Base frame  182  is sufficiently thin to provide an opening  186  that extends underneath all of apertures  106  when receptacle  110  is in the collecting position, such that base frame  182  does not obstruct objects  200  passing through apertures  106 . Alternatively, base frame  182  has any suitable structure that enables stage  102  to function as described herein. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one piano hinge  184  includes two piano hinges  184 . Alternatively, the at least one piano hinge  184  includes any suitable number of piano hinges  184  that enables stage  102  to function as described herein. Further in the illustrated embodiment, a first leaf (not visible) of the at least one piano hinge  184  is coupled to a top side of base frame  182  and a second leaf (not visible) is coupled to a bottom side of sorting base  104  along the side edge of sorting base  104 . In other words, when receptacle  110  is in the collecting position and the opened position, the first and second leaves are in face-to-face relationship and the hinge knuckles (not numbered) are exterior to the adjacent retention wall  120 . Accordingly, receptacle  110  is rotatable about the at least one piano hinge  184  between the opened position and the emptying position. Alternatively, stage  102  is configured to enable movement of receptacle  110  between the opened position and the emptying position in any suitable fashion that enables object-sorting apparatus  100  to function as described herein. 
     In some operational circumstances, drawer slide mechanism  170  and pivot mechanism  180  facilitate ease and repeatability of emptying collected objects  200  from receptacle  110 . More specifically, drawer slide mechanism  170  and pivot mechanism  180  constrain movement of receptacle  110  to a repeatable emptying position relative to housing  108 , such that a respective collection bin (not shown) may be repeatably placed in a same location  188 , for example on the floor or ground, to receive objects  200  emptied from each stage  102 . The same location  188  reduces a footprint needed for operation of object-sorting apparatus  100  as compared to conventional variable-width slot apparatuses, which require multiple collection bins to be simultaneously placed along an extended track. Additionally or alternatively, drawer slide mechanism  170  and pivot mechanism  180  improve an efficiency and reduce an amount of manual effort needed to empty receptacle  110  as compared to known sorting pan methods. More specifically, drawer slide mechanism  170  and pivot mechanism  180  provide stability to receptacle  110  and constrain movement of receptacle  110  to one degree of freedom during emptying, thus greatly reducing an amount of manual effort and time required to align, and maintain in position, receptacle  110  during emptying into the collection bin (not shown). 
     In some embodiments, receptacle  110  is configured to provide a grip for manual rotation of receptacle  110  from the opened position to the emptying position. For example, the retention wall  120  opposite the at least one piano hinge  184  may include a cutout  190  defined therein for gripping and pulling receptacle  110  upward and sideways away from base frame  182 . Alternatively, receptacle  110  has any suitable configuration that enables object-sorting apparatus  100  to function as described herein. 
       FIG.  10    is a perspective view of an example embodiment of an inlet system  400  coupled to top stage  102  of object-sorting apparatus  100 . In some embodiments, inlet system  400  includes a funnel  402  coupled to an upper portion of housing walls  130  of top stage  102 . Funnel  402  is shaped and oriented to guide objects  200 , such as a mix of objects  200  to be sorted, poured or released from above top stage  102  into receptacle  110  of top stage  102 . 
     In the example embodiment, funnel  402  includes funnel walls  404  that extend upward from, and are inclined outward from, housing walls  130 . Alternatively, funnel  402  has any suitable configuration that enables object-sorting apparatus  100  to function as described herein. For example, funnel walls  404  are illustrated as extending a relatively short distance outside a profile of top stage  102  for clarity of illustration, however, funnel walls  404  may extend taller and/or further beyond the profile of top stage  102  in some embodiments. 
     In the example embodiment, funnel walls  404  each include a lower lip  406  that extends inward beyond a top edge of the corresponding housing wall  130  and the adjacent retention wall  120 . In certain embodiments, the extension of lower lip  406  facilitates preventing objects  200  poured into funnel  402  from becoming lodged in the interstices between retention walls  120  and housing walls  130 . Alternatively, lower lip  406  does not extend inward beyond the top edge of the corresponding housing wall  130  and/or the adjacent retention wall  120   
     In some embodiments, inlet system  400  further includes a source tray  410  configured for positioning above top stage  102 . Source tray  410  is configured to release the mix of objects  200  to be sorted into top stage  102 , such as via funnel  402 , or alternatively directly into top stage  102  in embodiments which do not include funnel  402 . For example, source tray  410  may previously have been filled with the mix of objects  200  by an object-collecting apparatus (not shown). 
     In the example embodiment, source tray  410  includes tray walls  412  that extend vertically upward from a top portion of a corresponding one of funnel walls  404 . Alternatively, tray walls  412  have any suitable configuration that enables inlet system  400  to function as described herein. Further in the example embodiment, a lower portion of tray walls  412  is sized and shaped to seat securely on a top portion of funnel walls  404  (or alternatively, on a top portion of top stage  102 ) to facilitate positioning of source tray  410  on, and removal of source tray  410  from, a position above top stage  102 . Alternatively, source tray  410  is configured for positioning above top stage  102  in any suitable fashion that enables inlet system  400  to function as described herein. 
     In certain embodiments, source tray  410  includes a tray floor  414  that is bi-directionally slidable with respect to tray walls  412 . More specifically, tray floor  414  is slidable between a first position, in which tray floor  414  blocks flow communication between source tray  410  and top stage  102 , and a second position, in which a portion of tray floor  414  is outside a profile of tray walls  412 , enabling flow communication between source tray  410  and top stage  102 . In other words, moving tray floor  414  from the first position to the second position allows objects  200  within source tray  410  to fall through to top stage  102  to begin the automated sorting process. 
     In the example embodiment, source tray  410  includes a slotted opening  416  defined along a bottom of a first tray wall  422  of tray walls  412 , and the portion of tray floor  414  moves through slotted opening  416  as tray floor  414  is moved between the first position and the second position. Alternatively, source tray  410  is configured to accommodate the bi-directional sliding movement of tray floor  414  in any suitable fashion that enables inlet system  400  to function as described herein. 
     In the example embodiment, tray floor  414  includes a cutout  424  defined therein for gripping and pulling tray floor  414  from the first position towards the second position, and tray floor  414  is sized such that cutout  424  is accessible outside first tray wall  422  when tray floor  414  is in the first position. Additionally or alternatively, inlet system  400  includes any other suitable features to facilitate movement of tray floor  414  between the first position and the second position. 
     In some embodiments, source tray  410  includes grooves  420  configured to slidably receive a pair of opposing edges  418  of tray floor  414  to enable sliding of tray floor  414  with respect to tray walls  412 . For example, grooves  420  are defined along a bottom of each of a pair of tray walls  412  that are orthogonal to first tray wall  422 . Alternatively, source tray  410  is configured to enable sliding of tray floor  414  with respect to tray walls  412  in any suitable fashion that enables inlet system  400  to function as described herein. 
     In some operational circumstances, tray floor  414  being slidably positionable with respect to tray walls  412  facilitates reducing a manual effort required for, and/or pouring errors associated with, introducing the mix of objects  200  into funnel  402  or, alternatively, directly into top stage  102 . More specifically, source tray  410  filled with the mix of objects  200  may simply be seated atop funnel  402  or, alternatively, directly atop top stage  102 , and after source tray  410  is seated, tray floor  414  may be moved from the first position to the second position to quickly and accurately release objects  200  towards top stage  102  under the force of gravity. Thus, for example, source tray  410  avoids manual effort and spills associated with tipping and/or holding in position a bucket of objects  200  during pouring into a conventional object sorting apparatus. 
     Examples of an automated object-sorting apparatus are described above in detail. The apparatus is not limited to the specific examples described herein, but rather, components of the apparatus may be used independently and separately from other components and environmental elements described herein. For example, the apparatus described herein may be used to sort any category of objects having a suitable range of sizes for sorting s described herein. 
     When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The use of terms indicating a particular orientation (e.g., “top”, “bottom”, “side”, etc.) is for convenience of description and does not require any particular orientation of the item described. 
     As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawing[s] shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.