A method and apparatus for separating particles in a stream

Abstract

Particles are sorted into paths based on a measurable parameter by forming the particles into a stream in at least one conduit carried on a body rotating about an axis, the conduit being shaped so that the particles accelerate so that the particles separating into the conduit line up one after another in the conduit. The parameter of the particles is measured one after another in the aligned stream and the particles are directed into one of a plurality of paths determined by the measurement. In one arrangement, the body comprises a disc member having a front surface facing the supply conduit and the conduit is located in a radial plane of the disc member. In one arrangement, the parameter is measured by one or more measurement devices carried on the disc or located outside the edge of the disc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for separating particles, enabling manipulation of the particles, for example, for detecting parameters of particles in a stream. The invention can, but is not necessarily, used in methods and apparatus for sorting particles after separation. The arrangements described below primarily relate to sorting seeds or grains for disease extraction based on particle-based, for example, optical evaluation; however, the invention can be applied to detecting any parameter of the particles using any evaluation method and sorting based on that parameter. Furthermore, the invention can also be used to manipulate particles during separation for coating, sterilizing, or replenishing particles in a stream. Background Technology

[0002] Optical seed sorting machines typically have three subsystems: a device for separating grains; a device for detecting the quality characteristics of grains; and a device for replacing grains with positive or negative quality characteristics.

[0003] The most common separation method in seed sorting machines is the waterfall method, in which seeds are discharged from a vibrating hopper and accelerated at a steep angle along an inclined plane by gravity. The displacement caused by gravity is quadratic with time, thus gaps appear between grains that enter the system at slightly different times. In the commercial field, the slides are typically over 1 meter long. Seeds separated by the waterfall method are discharged at random intervals and within a certain speed range. More deterministic systems use moving belts, cylinders, or plates with defined grain positions. In one variation, grains are temporarily confined within indentations on the belt or plate by gravity. In another variation, grains are confined within indentations by centrifugal force. In yet another variation, grains are adhered to a fixed position on the plate, cylinder, or belt by suction.

[0004] While optical methods are commonly used to measure grain properties, acoustic methods are also known in the literature. Optical methods can be categorized into imaging and non-imaging methods. In imaging methods, one or more cameras capture images in two to four wavelengths. Stroboscopic illumination is typically used. These methods suffer from synchronization problems between various measurements, and improvements have been proposed to aid in synchronization. Non-imaging methods measure most collective properties of grains. Examples include near-infrared spectroscopy and scattering.

[0005] Most existing technologies use compressed air to eject grains. Despite some technological advancements, compressed air ejection is inaccurate, slow to respond, and energy-inefficient. In 2008, a system was proposed that uses a mechanical lever attached to a rotating voice coil, which is more accurate and uses only 10% of the energy required by the compressed air system. However, the voice coil's cycle time is comparable to the start-up time of the compressed air ejector.

[0006] In one example, the invention described herein can be used to detect and remove infected grains from cereals. Incident light is scattered by the grains, where, unlike healthy grains, infected grains quantitatively reflect and scatter light. The amplitudes of the reflected and scattered light are measured by a detector, normalized to the grain region, and compared to thresholds obtained through data analysis of separate samples of known healthy and infected grains. In the developed method, a grain is considered “infected” when the amplitude is above the threshold, and “healthy” when the scattered light is below the threshold. The thresholds can be set such that they minimize the total amount of mycotoxins in grains considered “healthy,” and then the infected “grains” are separated from the “healthy” grains.

[0007] Although the invention has been specifically described and referenced because it relates to a method and apparatus for detecting and separating infected grains by comparing the amplitudes of scattered and reflected light, it should be understood that the principles of the invention are equally applicable to similar methods, apparatuses, machines, and structures for any type of grain separation. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these methods, apparatuses, machines, and structures for separating infected grains.

[0008] This invention is particularly applicable to Fusarium head blight, a disease that occurs in all grain-producing regions globally and infects grains such as wheat. Infection rates differ between arid and humid climates, with rates in arid regions being a few percent and in humid regions exceeding 50%. The severity of infection ranges from less than 1% FDK (fusarium-damaged grain) to 100% FDK, with most infected grains exhibiting 1% and 5% FDK levels. Mycotoxins associated with infected grains reduce their commercial value. 1% infected grain typically corresponds to parts per million of mycotoxins, currently the highest level in Canadian food, while the highest level in the European Union is 1 part per 500,000. Grains containing more than 3% FDK typically receive a significant discount. Since infected wheat has little or no commercial value, effective removal of mycotoxins has significant economic value. Wheat is categorized by maximum Fusarium infection level in the grains as follows: 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 5%. Not every type of wheat is graded; higher infection levels result in higher discounts. In Canada, wheat with more than 5% of its grains is classified as "Fusarium damage," and wheat with more than 10% is classified as "commercially salvageable," depending on market conditions, and may be sold at a significant discount or not at all. Mycotoxin levels can currently be reduced by sieving the grains (because healthy grains are larger than infected ones) or by milling during milling (removing the surface of the grain where the toxin is concentrated). Empirically, milling can reduce mycotoxin levels by half, from 2 ppm to 1 ppm, by removing the outer layer of the grain. The grains are suspended in an airflow. The denser, healthy grains sink, while the less dense grains float to the top. Empirically, sieving and gravity weighing remove approximately 40% of FDK. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, a method for separating particles is provided, comprising:

[0010] A certain amount of aggregated particles is provided in the supply conduit;

[0011] A solid that rotates about an axis;

[0012] The rotating body defines at least one conduit that extends outward from an inner end adjacent to the shaft to an outer end, the outer end being spaced a greater radial distance from the shaft than the inner end;

[0013] Aggregated particles are supplied at the inner end of the at least one pipe;

[0014] The inner ends are arranged in an array adjacent to the shaft, such that the supply conduit is used to deposit particles at the inner end of the at least one conduit, so that the particles enter the inner low-velocity end and are used to separate the particle flow in the conduit into separate conduits of the at least one conduit.

[0015] The at least one conduit is shaped and arranged such that as the particles move from the inner end to the outer end, they are accelerated, such that as the particles move toward the outer end, the particles separated into the at least one conduit are arranged one after another in the conduit.

[0016] In many cases, the method involves manipulating the separated particles while keeping them separate. This manipulation may include simply viewing or counting the separated particles. However, separation is particularly effective for processing separated particles, such as those obtained through sterilization, inoculation, or sterilization. In other cases, the manipulation may include performing particle analysis or evaluation. However, in still other cases, the particles may be used for inoculation in a separated state, where separation can be performed at high speed into a separate tubing for high-speed inoculation.

[0017] However, the system can be effective in generating high-speed, separated particle streams in a single pipe, and in many cases, multiple pipes are provided, arranged in an array around a central feed duct.

[0018] The method defined above can be used in methods for detecting at least one measurable parameter of a particulate flow, including:

[0019] Particles in a particle stream are transported in a supply conduit;

[0020] A solid that rotates about an axis;

[0021] The rotating body defines at least one conduit that extends outward from an inner end adjacent to the shaft to an outer end, the outer end being spaced a greater radial distance from the shaft than the inner end;

[0022] The inner end is arranged adjacent to the shaft such that the supply conduit is used to deposit particles at the inner end of the at least one conduit, so that the particles enter the inner end.

[0023] The at least one conduit is shaped and arranged such that as the particles move from the inner end to the outer end, they are accelerated, such that as the particles move towards the outer end, the particles separated into the conduit are arranged one after another in the conduit; and

[0024] For each of the at least one pipe, measure the at least one parameter of the particles.

[0025] In some cases, methods for sorting particles are provided such that, for each pipe, the particles are guided into one of a plurality of paths determined by measurement parameters. However, the measurements of one or more parameters can be used for other purposes, where the arrangements described herein are used to obtain the measurements of one or more parameters more efficiently, given the increased degree of separation.

[0026] Therefore, the arrangement defined above offers the advantage that the acceleration gained through the rotation of the body, along with the increased acceleration of the particles on the body, better separates each particle from the next for parameter detection. Furthermore, the increased particle velocity can be used to increase the system's throughput, as parameter detection or measurement can be performed more quickly.

[0027] In one arrangement, parameters are measured while the particles are inside the pipe. This has the advantages of clearer and more precise particle position, as it is controlled by the rotation of the main body and the position of the pipe. Given the more accurate particle position, parameter measurements can be performed more efficiently in many cases.

[0028] In this scenario, preferably, the parameter measurement is performed by a measuring device mounted on a rotating body. In this way, the measuring device is located at a specific position relative to the pipe, and consequently, relative to the particle. This simplifies the operation of the measuring device, as it can be more precisely focused on the specific position. In this case, each pipe may include one or more separate measuring devices specifically for measuring the particles flowing through that pipe. That is, each particle can be monitored by multiple sensors or measuring devices as it moves along the pipe, these sensors or measuring devices can be arranged in a row, with each sensor or measuring device detecting different parameters of the particle to better evaluate the particles to be manufactured. However, in some cases, a single sensor can provide all the necessary information.

[0029] Preferably, at least a portion of the conduit closest to the measuring device is made of a transparent material. Making a portion of the conduit transparent allows the conduit to maintain a constant shape to continue controlling the movement of the particles while measurement is performed through the transparent portion.

[0030] In one arrangement, the pipe wall or the pipe itself is segmented, with one or more gaps between the segments. One or more measuring devices are located near the gaps to measure different parameters of the particles, with the line of sight unobstructed by the pipe. In the case where the pipe itself is divided into separate segments, each segment is preferably arranged along the path of the pipe, substantially parallel to the average velocity vector of the particles at the location of that segment, to minimize disturbance to the particle flow along the pipe. Therefore, when the particles are in the gaps, any of the techniques described herein can be used to manipulate the particles.

[0031] In another arrangement, particle separation can be achieved using electrostatic force, where the particles are differentially charged according to selected parameters, and then the particles pass through a field, causing the differential charging to divert the particles to different paths. Typically, a device is provided that generates equal charges on each particle, such that particles of different masses are separated by passing these particles through a field, wherein the field acts differently on the particles based on their different masses, because each particle has a different or unique charge per unit mass.

[0032] In an alternative arrangement, parameter measurements can be performed using multiple measuring devices located in an annular region surrounding the outer end of the pipe, allowing measurements to be taken after the particles are released from the pipe. This has the advantage that the measuring devices are stationary in space, or can be stationary, with only the pipe rotating on the rotating body. However, this has the disadvantage that the specific position of the particles can vary over a large range, thus reducing the capability of a particular focusing measuring device. Therefore, the measuring devices may need to measure over a wider area to ensure accurate measurements regardless of the particle's location within that area.

[0033] Preferably, each measuring device is associated with a corresponding separation device among a plurality of separation devices, each separation device being arranged to guide a corresponding particle into one of a plurality of paths, the path being determined by parameters measured by the corresponding measuring device. That is, each particle is detected and measured by the measuring device, and this measurement is used to activate the associated separation device, which transfers the particle into one of a plurality of individual paths according to its parameters.

[0034] In a preferred arrangement, parameter measurements are performed by multiple measuring devices, where the number of devices equals the number of pipes, or each pipe may have more than one device. That is, each particle in each pipe is measured independently using a separate measuring device for each pipe. However, it should be understood that the pipes can be arranged to guide particles to the measuring devices associated with the multiple pipes, provided the particles are appropriately spaced and oriented. The measuring devices may include multiple individual measuring components, such as X-ray, UV, visible light, scattered light, infrared light, microwave, and acoustic detectors.

[0035] In one arrangement, one or more measuring devices and particle separation devices are located on the rotating body. This ensures a more specific definition of particle position, but requires the installation of operating components to rotate with the body.

[0036] In another arrangement, a row of fixed particle separation devices is provided around the rotating body, such that particles released from the outer end of the pipe are operated by a separation device, depending on the angular position of the particles released from the outer end of the pipe.

[0037] In other words, particles can pass along a trajectory from the outer end of the pipe to a row of separation devices without being guided, wherein the trajectory is determined by the angular velocity of the rotating body and the direction of the pipe at the outer end, and wherein the associated detection device is positioned relative to the separation device to act on the particles within its trajectory.

[0038] In this arrangement, a guide member can be provided at the outer end of each pipe, which is operable to change the trajectory of the particles as they are released from the rotating body.

[0039] Preferably, each separation device is associated with a guide channel into which the particles enter when they are released from the outer end, and where a corresponding detection device acts on the particles while they are in the guide channel.

[0040] In a preferred arrangement, the rotating body comprises a disc with its front surface facing the supply conduit, and the conduit lies in the radial plane of the disc and extends axially outward to the periphery of the disc. However, rotating bodies of other shapes and arrangements can be used. For example, the body can be three-dimensional, and the channel or conduit also has components extending in the Z direction along the axis of rotation. This can be used to alter the acceleration force of the particles in the conduit as they move radially outward. In a preferred arrangement, the conduit is shaped to have a first acceleration zone to accelerate the particles, thereby causing the desired separation, followed by a zone with no net acceleration. In a third section, a deceleration zone may be present to slow the particles as they approach the separation or collection system, thereby reducing the impact load during separation or when the particles stop at the collection system. These zones can be obtained using conduit shaping with two-dimensional or three-dimensional structures.

[0041] In the second zone, the pipe path is arranged so that the inertial forces are evenly balanced by friction, resulting in no net acceleration and the grain spacing remains almost constant. The advantage of the almost constant velocity zone is that more time is available for grain measurement.

[0042] In some cases, reducing particle velocity (deceleration) before or after separation or sorting may be advantageous to minimize or eliminate damage caused by high-speed impacts. The extent of the reduction is limited by the required time for the separation mechanism acting on grain n to return to the neutral position before grain n+1 arrives. The gap between grains can be reduced after measuring the jet cycle time. The purpose of deceleration is to utilize systems with particles that may be damaged during high-speed impacts. The need for deceleration must be balanced with the required degree of separation and maximum throughput for operation.

[0043] After acceleration, by adjusting the rate of radial displacement along the path of the pipe, the frictional and inertial (centrifugal and Coriolis) forces are balanced, and the velocity of the particles can be kept essentially constant to achieve the desired separation.

[0044] When the rotating body is a disc, the conduit preferably forms a channel with an open face facing the supply conduit. However, other arrangements can be used, where the disc is not necessarily a complete solid structure, but can simply be provided by those portions of a disc-shaped body that are necessary to provide the conduit or duct through which the particles pass. In one example, the structure can be provided by a hub and spoke configuration, where particles are fed into the conduit at the hub, each conduit defined by a corresponding spoke. While typically the structure includes as many conduits as possible formed into the structure to maximize the system flow rate by maximizing the number of conduits, in some cases the structure may include a very limited number of conduits, such as only two or three conduits for which high throughput is not required.

[0045] Preferably, the conduit is curved, such that the outer end is angled relative to the inner end. This shape typically follows the path of the particles because the particles are accelerated by centrifugal and Coriolis forces, allowing them to travel along the path without excessive friction against the sides of the conduit.

[0046] Preferably, the pipes are arranged side by side close to each other at the inner ends adjacent to the shaft, such that the feed conduit deposits particles in a manner that directly separates the particles to the inner end of the pipe, wherein the spacing between the pipes toward the outer ends increases as the pipes move toward the region of increasing diameter on the rotating body.

[0047] To maximize the number of pipes, at the outer end of the pipes, preferably, the pipes may include branches that separate the particle flow into individual branch pipes to increase the number of outlets relative to the number of inlets, thereby maximizing the number of outlets at the outer edge of the rotating body.

[0048] In another alternative arrangement, at the inner ends, the pipes can be stacked one after another to maximize the number of inlets and arranged in a common radial plane at the outer ends, such that all outlets are placed side by side in the radial plane at the outer edge of the rotating body.

[0049] In another alternative arrangement, each pipe supplied by a central feed conduit called the “mother pipe” may have one or more auxiliary pipes called “daughter pipes.” Each daughter pipe is supplied by either the mother pipe or another daughter pipe. The daughter pipes are substantially parallel to the mother pipe. Particles enter the second pipe from the first pipe through one or more channels in the wall of the first pipe, which exert force on the particles. Each channel in the first pipe is shaped to allow particles smaller than a threshold size to enter the second pipe. Particles larger than the threshold are retained by the first pipe. This channel acts as a size filter, such that the largest particles are delivered to the discharge end of the mother pipe, and each subsequent daughter pipe progressively delivers smaller particles. The daughter pipes may be associated with detectors and ejectors or other actions on the particles within the pipe, or they may simply be used to convey unwanted particles to a discard bin. In the case of grains, daughter pipes can be used to convey less desirable particles, such as immature seeds, broken seeds, weed seeds, and dirt.

[0050] Preferably, the axis of the rotating body is vertical, so that the disk is located in a horizontal plane. However, other orientations can be used.

[0051] Preferably, the sidewall of each pipe is inclined along the axial direction, such that the acceleration force on the particles traveling along the sidewall of each pipe is used to move the particles into a common radial plane for release from the rotating body. That is, the acceleration force tends to move the particles of the rotating body axially toward a common axial position. In this way, even if the particles enter the pipe at positions spaced apart along the axis, the shape of the pipe will bring all the particles to the same axial position.

[0052] In a preferred arrangement, each conduit is shaped such that acceleration causes particles to move against the conduit wall, wherein the wall is V-shaped to confine the particles to the bottom of the V. The wall may include a surface comprising rifling for engaging and rotating particles in the conduit. Furthermore, the wall may include one or more openings at one location, allowing smaller components to be separated from the particles by release through the openings. Each conduit may include an associated second conduit parallel to the first, into which the separated smaller components enter. This can be used in a system having a plurality of such conduits, such that particles are separated from the first conduit according to size.

[0053] In one example, each separation device includes a separation head having a leading edge arranged such that particles to be separated move toward the leading edge in the form of a flow; and an actuator for moving the leading edge between a first position on one side of the flow arranged to guide particles to a second side of the flow, and a second position on a second side of the flow arranged to guide particles to said one side of the flow.

[0054] In this example, preferably, the separating head is arranged in the radial plane of the rotating body, and the first side and the second side are arranged on the corresponding sides of the radial plane.

[0055] In this example, preferably, the separating head includes inclined guide surfaces on the first and second sides of the front edge, such that the separating head is typically wedge-shaped.

[0056] Preferably, the actuator is moved by a piezoelectric component. However, other driving forces, such as electromagnetic voice coils, can be used.

[0057] Preferably, the actuator is mounted in a tube that extends radially outward from the separating head and is located in the radial plane of the separating head.

[0058] According to another important feature of the invention, which can be used independently of other features, each separation device includes a conduit portion arranged such that particles to be separated move in a flow through the conduit portion, and an actuator for moving the discharge end of the conduit portion between at least two separation locations arranged to guide the particles to a corresponding separation collection location.

[0059] In this arrangement, preferably, the discharge end of the pipe section is moved to the first and second positions, which are spaced apart axially from each other on the rotating body. However, other movements are possible if the first and second positions allow for the desired separation into separate locations or into separate collection channels.

[0060] In this arrangement, preferably, the pipe section is mounted on the rotating body to rotate with it. However, a movable pipe section can also be used in embodiments where particles are guided into the pipe section after leaving the rotating body, and the pipe section moves to a separate position based on generated measurements.

[0061] In some cases, the actuator moves via a piezoelectric component. However, more preferably, to provide the required force and amount of movement, the actuator is more typically an electromagnetic voice coil.

[0062] According to another important feature of the invention, which can be used independently of other features, each conduit preferably includes a first section and a second section. The first section is arranged to separate each particle from the next by acceleration, and the second section is used to measure the arrangement of the first and second sections such that the particle acceleration in the first section is greater than the particle acceleration in the second section. The aim is that, in this method, the second section is arranged such that the particle acceleration in the second section is low or close to zero, so as to maintain the particles at or near a constant velocity during measurement.

[0063] According to another important feature of the invention, which can be used independently of other features, a separate section of the conduit is preferably provided in which the particles are slowed down to reduce their separation velocity, or used to collect the particles after the action is completed. In this way, the velocity of the particles can be sufficiently reduced to avoid impact damage, especially when the particles are larger seeds such as peas, beans, or berries, which are of high quality and relatively soft.

[0064] In one example, the particles can be slowed down by the shape of another section of the pipe, which is designed to slow down the particles within it. That is, the shape of this section of the pipe is configured to counteract the centrifugal force that accelerates the particles.

[0065] In another example, particles can be slowed down by an airflow located in another part, such as by an air nozzle.

[0066] According to another important feature of the invention, which can be used independently of other features, the particles can be engaged by an impact surface during guidance, the impact surface being configured to impact the particles while reducing the impact load thereon. For example, the impact surface comprises an elastic material to reduce the impact load on the particles. However, other arrangements, such as the shaping of the impact surface, can be used.

[0067] According to another important feature of the invention, which can be used independently of other features, a sealing member is provided for sealing off the entry of a supply conduit into one or more pipes. The sealing member can be used with one or more pipes separated from the supply conduit, such that when the amount of particles supplied from the supply conduit is small, only some pipes can be used.

[0068] This shut-off feature is also useful for allowing the device (with reduced capacity) to continue operating when diagnostic tests show a failure in one or more measuring devices or injectors, thus allowing the system to continue using the piping that is in normal operation.

[0069] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for sorting particles is provided, comprising:

[0070] Conveying particles to be sorted in the supply conduit;

[0071] The particles in the supply conduit are formed into a stream of particles;

[0072] Position the particle separator at the flow point to operably guide each particle into one of a plurality of paths defined by the operation of the separator;

[0073] Each of the separation devices includes:

[0074] A separation head having a leading edge typically positioned along the flow, causing particles in the flow to move toward the leading edge;

[0075] And an actuator for moving the leading edge between a first position and a second position, the first position being on a first side of the flow arranged to guide particles to a second side of the flow, and the second position being on a second side of the flow arranged to guide particles to the first side of the flow.

[0076] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for sorting particles is provided, comprising:

[0077] Conveying particles to be sorted in the supply conduit;

[0078] The particles in the supply conduit are formed into a stream of particles;

[0079] Position the particle separator at the flow point to operably guide each particle into one of a plurality of paths defined by the operation of the separator;

[0080] Each separation device includes an actuator for moving a separation component between a first position and a second position, the first position being configured to guide particles to a first path and the second position being configured to guide particles to a second path.

[0081] The actuator is moved via a piezoelectric component.

[0082] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for sorting particles is provided, comprising:

[0083] Conveying particles to be sorted in the supply conduit;

[0084] The particles in the supply conduit are formed into a stream of particles;

[0085] Position the particle separator at the flow point to operably guide each particle into one of a plurality of paths defined by the operation of the separator;

[0086] Each separation device includes a conduit portion arranged such that particles to be separated move through the conduit portion in the form of a flow, and an actuator for moving the discharge end of the conduit portion between at least two separate locations arranged to guide the particles to corresponding separate collection locations.

[0087] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for sorting particles is provided, comprising:

[0088] Conveying particles to be sorted in the supply conduit;

[0089] The particles in the supply conduit are formed into a stream of particles;

[0090] Position the particle separator at the flow point to operably guide each particle into one of a plurality of paths defined by the operation of the separator;

[0091] Each particle passes through a first part and a second part of the path. The first part is arranged to separate each particle from the next particle by acceleration, wherein the first part and the second part are arranged such that the acceleration of the particle in the first part is greater than the acceleration of the particle in the second part.

[0092] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for sorting particles is provided, comprising:

[0093] Conveying particles to be sorted in the supply conduit;

[0094] The particles in the supply conduit are formed into a stream of particles;

[0095] Positioning the particle separator at the flow point allows for the operable guidance of each particle into one of multiple paths defined by the operation of the separator; and

[0096] Each particle is slowed down to reduce its speed, thus preventing particle damage.

[0097] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for sorting particles is provided, comprising:

[0098] Conveying particles to be sorted in the supply conduit;

[0099] The particles in the supply conduit are formed into a stream of particles;

[0100] Position the particle separator at the flow point to operably guide each particle into one of a plurality of paths defined by the operation of the separator;

[0101] This includes closing off one or more streams from the supply conduit.

[0102] In all the above aspects, the operation of the separation device is based on measured values ​​of parameters of the particles measured along the path. However, the separation device can be used in other situations where no measurements are taken.

[0103] The arrangement described herein may include measuring the mass parameters of the separated particles, performing operations on the separated particles, and then measuring the mass parameters after the operations to determine the possibility of further operations. The cycle of measurement and operation may occur several times. The arrangement may also include performing operations on the separated particles, and then measuring the mass parameters after the operations to determine the possibility of further operations. The cycle of operation and measurement may occur several times. The arrangement may also include the possibility of measuring the mass parameters of the separated particles without any operational steps. The arrangement may also include the possibility of performing operations on the separated particles without measurement steps or performing operations sequentially.

[0104] Sequential operations can be separation as defined herein. Separation operations can be cascaded in multiple steps. For example, a first measurement can be used to determine which of two or more subsequent paths the particle follows. Each path can have different further operations and measurements. This cycle can be repeated multiple times to produce multiple output streams. However, other operations, such as particle coating or particle irradiation for sterilization, can be performed in the same system. Separation allows for sterilization or irradiation of all surfaces of the particle. Without separation, coatings may be uneven or bridged between adjacent particles. Separation can contribute to superior coating processes. For example, UV radiation sterilization is only effective on surfaces with a direct line of sight between the surface and the radiation source. Shaded surfaces are not sterilized, so separation is crucial for the effectiveness of the sterilization operation. Therefore, each pipeline can be associated with multiple sequential processes, some or all of which are related to separation, and some processes may be associated with other processes related to the particle. Some processes can manipulate the particle to improve measurement steps at subsequent stations along the pipeline. Between some processes, it may be necessary to decelerate and / or accelerate the particle.

[0105] Therefore, this invention can be used to control particle flow in a multi-step process and to treat each particle specifically based on measured parameters. Based on the particle characteristics measured at each detection step, multiple detection steps and multiple operations can be performed on the particles. For example, the first step could be to detect and remove foreign substances such as chaff, and the remaining material could flow further along a pipe to a second detector that measures seed quality parameters. In another example, different coatings (fertilizers, fungicides, pesticides, probiotics, etc.) can be applied to separated seeds flowing along the pipe based on measured seed parameters. In yet another example, a dose of radiation, such as electromagnetic radiation or phototherapy, can be applied to particles flowing in the pipe, and this dose can be applied according to measured particle parameters. Electromagnetic radiation can be used to bake natural products (microwave, infrared) or to control the degree of photopolymerization in beads (UV).

[0106] A second rotating body can also be used to perform a multi-step process. This second rotating body receives particles from the first rotating body. The second rotating body is, for example, an annular disk surrounding the inner disk, which can then rotate at different rates.

[0107] Sorting is typically performed to separate uneven raw materials into more homogeneous bins, where further processing can then be carried out. Conceptually, the separated particles can undergo processing steps.

[0108] When a "soft landing" is required to prevent impact damage to vulnerable particles, the particles may impact a curtain or brush with strips that can deform on a timescale comparable to the impact period. The curtain may consist of water. In one embodiment, the water curtain is formed by a box that rotates about a common axis together with the separation device. In another embodiment, the water curtain is a waterfall surrounding the separation device. These embodiments including water curtains are preferred to minimize or eliminate damage to soft fruits such as blueberries or Saskatoon. Alternative arrangements for the controlled deceleration of fragile particles such as berries include surfaces that allow the particles to rotate smoothly and gradually from the horizontal plane of the pipe in the vertical direction, such that the force of gravity resisting the upward movement of the particles reduces their velocity using the low force generated by the deceleration. This effect can also be achieved by forming a rotating liquid meniscus in a disk around the pipe, causing the particles to rotate upward out of the pipe plane in the liquid. It should be understood that, depending on their structure, many particles require controlled deceleration in or downstream of the pipe after operations such as measurement and separation are completed and before particle collection. Various methods for controlled deceleration can be provided and are described herein.

[0109] This invention is not limited to the type or size of the particles involved, and can be operated with different particles or objects to be separated.

[0110] Berries such as saskatoons and blueberries have a short shelf life due to spoilage and need to be processed promptly after harvest. Spoiled and unripe berries must be removed. This invention provides a device for faster berry sorting that reduces spoilage and provides consumers with a higher quality product.

[0111] In agriculture, crop yields are optimized by planting a specified number of seeds per unit area. Not all seeds will grow into viable plants. Additional seeds are sown to compensate for those that fail to germinate or grow into viable plants. This invention can generally be used on seeding or planting equipment to classify seeds according to measurements related to viability, thereby sowing the seeds most likely to produce viable plants, while those less likely to thrive are used for other purposes. This invention can be used to classify seeds by size to match seeding equipment. This invention can be used to count seeds so that a specified number can be sown. This invention can also be used to provide a rapid, separated stream of seeds of known quality and quantity in a seeding device. Because the number of seeds separated per second provided by this invention is far greater than that of the prior art, farmers can sow more acres per hour.

[0112] Mining operations produce ore, which is then crushed into particles of similar size and smelted. Typically, only a small fraction of the ore contains usable minerals, with the remainder discarded as slag. A significant amount of energy is wasted on melting the rock, which ultimately becomes slag. This invention provides a method to improve the energy efficiency of mining operations. The mineral composition of each ore particle varies and can be measured using various spectroscopic methods, such as X-ray, Raman, and infrared spectroscopy. Particles containing usable minerals at concentrations exceeding a threshold can be directed to the smelter, while particles containing less than the threshold concentration can be directed to a landfill. This saves on the cost of melting and discarding the particles.

[0113] This invention can be applied to sorting colloidal particles, which are typically manufactured in condensation processes, resulting in a distribution of size and shape. The permissible electronic transitions in metal colloids are sensitively dependent on the size and shape of the colloid. This invention can be used to sort colloidal particles into the same category according to size and shape or based on absorption spectra.

[0114] While the pipes described in some examples herein are typically channels with upright sides formed in a dish, pipes can also be circular, elliptical, triangular, or quadrilateral, or can be partial pipes typically C-shaped, V-shaped, or L-shaped. Pipes can also be defined by minimal two- or three-dimensional surfaces, or by surfaces defined by contact points where forces are applied to the particles. Pipes can also be closed tubes with many different cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, elliptical, triangular, or quadrilateral.

[0115] The existing technology embodiments are capable of achieving a rate of approximately 100 grains per second per channel with high precision, and approximately 200 grains per second per channel with low precision.

[0116] The arrangement described below can provide the goals of increasing grain rate, reducing equipment size, and reducing energy demand. Attached Figure Description

[0117] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0118] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of a grain sorting apparatus according to the present invention, illustrating a grain separation method.

[0119] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A vertical cross-sectional view of the device.

[0120] Figure 3A 3B and 3C show Figure 1 and Figure 2 A vertical cross-sectional view of the separation device of the apparatus.

[0121] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A partial isometric view of the shape in the groove or pipe of the device.

[0122] Figure 5 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the apparatus using the method described according to the present invention.

[0123] Figure 6 It is used for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a set of pipes in the device used to separate particles by size.

[0124] Figure 7 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the apparatus using the method described in the present invention.

[0125] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The plan view of the embodiment shows only one pipe.

[0126] Figure 9 It includes the use of Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a series of stages of a separation device.

[0127] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment, in which a separation system is used in a seeding system to separate active seeds from less active seeds, and to count the seeds so that the required number of active seeds are sown into the ground.

[0128] Figure 11 It is a kind of use Figure 1 A schematic diagram of different methods for handling particles using a separation device.

[0129] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a disc used in the method according to the present invention, and illustrates different choices of pipe shape. Detailed Implementation

[0130] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The apparatus shown in the diagram for sorting particles based on measured particle parameters includes a supply conduit 10 that conveys particles to be sorted from a feed supply 10A. The feed supply 10A supplies the particles to a rotating body 11 rotating about an axis 12 in a continuous flow via the conduit. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating body is a flat disk with its axis 12 vertically positioned such that the disk provides an upper horizontal surface onto which particles 13 from the conduit 10 are supplied in a flow. The conduit is positioned at the center of the disk so that the particles are deposited at the center of the disk's rotation, but where there is almost no outward velocity. The particle velocity at this point comes from the flow in the supply conduit 10. The velocity at a point on the disk is v = wr, where w is the angular velocity and r is the radius. If particles are deposited in areas with large velocity variations, they will bounce and the flow will be turbulent. The particles are deposited in the central region to minimize velocity variations.

[0131] A plurality of pipes 14 are provided on the upper surface of the disk forming the rotating body. Each pipe 14 extends outward from an inner end 15 adjacent to the shaft to an outer end 16, with the outer end 16 being spaced further outward from the shaft by a larger radial distance than the inner end. In this embodiment, the outer end 16 of the pipe is arranged adjacent to the edge 17 of the disk 11 but spaced inward from the edge of the disk 11. In this embodiment, each pipe 14 extends from a position immediately adjacent to the center of the disk to the periphery 17 of the disk, such that the pipes at the center are arranged side by side close to each other, while the pipes are dispersed outward, such that the pipes are spaced around the periphery 17 at the outer end 16.

[0132] Therefore, the inner ends 15 are arranged in an array adjacent to the axis, such that the supply conduit 10 is used to deposit the particles to be sorted at the inner ends 15 of the conduit, allowing the particles to enter the inner ends. Since the inner ends are adjacent at the center of the disk, the particles at the inner ends form a pile at the center, which is automatically and uniformly sorted into the opening of the conduit at its inner ends. Assuming continuous accumulation of particles at the center, the rotation of the disk will cause the particles to be uniformly sorted into individual conduits in the form of a flow, the flow being defined by the size of the opening relative to the size of the particles. At the beginning of the path along the conduit, the particles will be adjacent or overlapping. However, as the particles are accelerated by centrifugal force, they spread along the conduit by causing each particle to diffuse from the next, forming a non-overlapping line of particles. As the force increases with increasing radial distance from the axis 12, the particles will gradually accelerate, and the distance between the particles will increase along the length of the conduit. In the first section of the conduit, the grains are aligned axially with the conduit, and the grain length defines the initial center-to-center spacing, which varies due to differences in grain size. At a given radius, centrifugal acceleration is uniform, but the frictional force of the grain varies by approximately 20%. The frictional force varies with the Coriolis force = uN (u = coefficient of friction approximately 0.2–0.25, N = normal force on the pipe wall, primarily provided by the Coriolis force). As mentioned above, the pipe can be shaped to minimize both normal and frictional forces by bending the pipe along the net force line (mentioned in the preceding text). Conversely, the acceleration of the particles can be reduced by bending the pipe (bending it to a constant or even gradually decreasing radius) to increase the normal force, or by altering the texture and / or material to increase the coefficient of friction of selected pipe sections.

[0133] The length of the pipe can be selected relative to the size of the particle, such that the spacing between each particle and the next can be chosen to be proportional to the length of the particle. In the example of using the separator for seeds, the separation between each seed and the next seed can be at least equal to the length of the seed, and is typically 1.5 or 2.0 times the seed length.

[0134] Therefore, the pipes are shaped and arranged such that as the particles move from the inner end to the outer end, they are accelerated, so that as the particles move to the outer end, they align one after another in a row.

[0135] The outer ends 16 are arranged in an angularly spaced array around the periphery of the rotating body, such that the particles of a row of particles in each channel are released outward from the disk by centrifugal force from the disk's axis. All openings are located in the common radial plane of the disk. The channels can be formed as grooves cutting into the upper surface of the thicker disk, or by additional walls applied to the top surface of the disk, or by guides of two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional shapes.

[0136] An array 20 of particle separation devices 21 is arranged in a ring at the outer edge 17 of the disk, such that each separation device 21 is arranged at an angled interval around the disk.

[0137] Each separating device is operable to guide each particle into one of a plurality of paths determined by the operation of the separating device. In the example shown, the separating device is arranged to guide the particles upward or downward relative to the plane of outlet 16. Figure 2 and Figure 3A As shown, the separation device 21 can occupy the initial middle or starting position, at which point the particles are not separated along one direction or the other. Figure 3B As shown, the separating device can move upwards to guide the particles downwards into path 22 for collection within collection chamber 23. Similarly, when the separating device moves to... Figure 3C When the particle is lowered as shown, it moves upward along path 24 at the top of the separation device for collection within chamber 25. The two paths 22 and 24 are separated by guide plate 26, which ensures that the particle moves into one of chambers 23 and 25 or the other.

[0138] To control the separation device 21, a measuring system, typically designated 28, is provided. This measuring system measures one or more selected parameters of the particles as they move from one end of a conduit at the edge of the disc toward the separation device. The measuring device is mounted on a mounting ring 28A.

[0139] The measurement system can be any suitable type known in the industry, such as an optical measurement system that detects certain optical properties of particles to determine the specific parameters that need to be measured. Other measurement systems may also be used, as the type of system to be used and the parameters to be selected are not part of this invention.

[0140] In a typical example, the analysis of the grains involves the degeneration of the seed due to disease, and such seed degeneration can typically be detected optically, for example, using a system disclosed by the inventors in previous U.S. Patent 8,227,719, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference or may be referenced for further details.

[0141] Each separation device 21 is associated with a corresponding detection device 28, which may include multiple detection components operable to measure parameters of the particles and, in response to the parameters measured by the associated detection device, operate the corresponding or separation device to select path 22 or path 24.

[0142] It should be understood that, depending on the parameters to be measured, the number of paths can be modified to include more than two paths if necessary. Paths can be increased by providing a subsequent separation device 21 located downstream of the initial separation. In this way, one or two paths can be divided into two or more sub-paths, where all separation devices are controlled by a control system 29 that receives data from the measuring device 28.

[0143] Therefore, the disc 11 has a front surface 30 facing the supply conduit, and the conduit 14 is located in the radial plane of the disc and extends outward from the axis to the periphery 17 of the disc 11.

[0144] like Figure 4 As shown, the conduit 14 forms an upright wall 14A with its opening facing the supply conduit 10 and extending laterally through the disc. The wall 14A defines a V-shaped cross-section, where two sides 14B and 14C converge at a apex 14E, where a rifling 14D is provided. However, the conduit can be closed at the top surface, with only the opening 15 and the discharge end 16 open.

[0145] like Figure 1 As shown, pipe 14 is curved such that the outer end 16 is angled relative to the inner end 15. This forms the side surface 14B of each pipe, as... Figure 4 As best shown, side surface 14B is angled relative to the direction of rotation (along the counterclockwise direction shown by D). The curvature of the pipe is set to substantially follow the Coriolis force and centrifugal force, such that the particles follow along the pipe without exerting excessive pressure on either sidewall. However, the shape of the pipe is arranged such that the Coriolis force tends to drive the particles against the downstream side 14B of the pipe 14. Figure 4 As shown, the sidewall 14B is inclined, such that the force F on the particle pushes the particle against the inclined wall, driving the particle toward the apex 14E of the pipe 14. This is used to make all the particles face the apex 14E of the pipe, so that the particles emerge from the disk at the radial plane of the apex 14E of the pipe 14.

[0146] like Figure 4 As shown, the wall 14B includes rifling 14D formed as grooves or ribs extending along the sidewall, such that as the particle rolls on the surface from the upper edge of the surface to the bottom wall, the particle rotates about the longitudinal axis of the particle to tend to align the particle with the longer longitudinal axis of its wall, and also tends to rotate the particle about that longitudinal axis. Figure 4The rifling grooves or ribs shown are segments of a roughly helical path intersecting the pipe surface. The pitch adjusts the particle rotation. In this way, as the particles slide along the surface from inlet 15 to outlet 16, they move toward the apex of the surface and rotate about their axis to properly orient the particles and impart rotation. When the particles emerge from outlet 16, they are thus aligned in a common radial plane, aligned along the pipe's longitudinal axis, and have undergone some rotation with the emergence of the particles, allowing for better analysis by the detection system 28. The rotation allows different surfaces of the particles to be presented to the detection system 28 to obtain an average of the surface properties. Simultaneously, the particles are presented with a common orientation.

[0147] like Figure 1 As best shown, the pipes 14 are arranged side-by-side adjacent to each other at their inner ends 15 near the axis and the spacing increases toward the outer ends 16. At the inner ends 15, the pipes are arranged side-by-side adjacent to each other, such that the maximum number of pipes are provided through the maximum number of openings 15. In an arrangement not shown, the number of pipes can be increased, wherein the pipes include branches, such that each pipe divides into one or more branches along its length.

[0148] In another arrangement, not shown, the pipes can be stacked on top of each other at the inner ends 15 to increase the number of pipe openings at the inner ends. That is, for example, if three pipe rings are stacked on top of each other, the total number of pipes can be tripled. Then, when the space at the outer edge is available to accommodate the three pipe rings in the common plane, the pipes are arranged in a common radial plane at the outer ends, with the uppermost pipe moving downwards. In this way, the outer ends 16 of the pipes can be arranged directly side by side at or near the periphery 17 of the disc.

[0149] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, both the detection device 28 and the separation device 21 are located within the periphery 17 of the disc. In this way, the particles are guided as they travel from the outer end of the pipe to a row of separation devices.

[0150] Figure 5 Another arrangement is shown, in which the separating device 21 extends beyond the periphery 17 of the disk. In this embodiment, particles travel along a trajectory determined by the angular velocity of the disk 11 and the direction of the conduit 14 at its outer end 16. An associated detection device 28 is positioned relative to the separating device 21 to act on the particles in its trajectory. That is, the trajectory is arranged in the free space between the outer periphery 17 and the separating device 21, such that particles exiting the discharge end 16 of the conduit pass through one of the detection devices 28 based on their release position, while simultaneously moving from the detection device to the associated separating device 21, which is used for separation based on analysis performed via its associated detection device 28. Therefore, the trajectory must be consistent and ensure that detected particles move to the necessary separating device.

[0151] If necessary, a movable guide member (not shown) is provided at the outer end of each pipe to change the trajectory. The guide member forms a guide surface, which can be rigid or flexible, and changes direction in the angular direction to guide the particles to the nearest detector and associated separator as the disc and the pipe on the disc rotate and move from one detector to the next.

[0152] In another arrangement not shown, no particle trajectory is used to control the movement of particles through the required detection and associated separation devices. Each separation device 21 is associated with a guide rail into which the particles enter when they are released from the outer end 16, and the associated detection device acts on the particles in the guide rail.

[0153] In another arrangement (not shown), both the detection device and the separation device are mounted on a disc to rotate with the pipeline. In this way, the separation device is directly associated with a corresponding one in the pipeline, ensuring that particles traveling in the pipeline pass through and move directly from the associated detection device to the separation device, ensuring accurate separation without errors due to… Figure 5 Errors arise from differences in the trajectory within the arrangement. Again, the separation device is used to separate particles, depending on features detected in the path or separation by guides. In this arrangement, the path passes through openings in the disc.

[0154] like Figure 3A As best shown in 3B and 3C, each separation device includes a separation head 40 having a leading edge 41 generally located in the radial plane of the disk 11, such that particles released from the outer end 16 move toward the leading edge 41. The separation head 40 includes inclined guide surfaces 42 and 43 on the respective sides of the leading edge 41. In this way, the separation head 40 is generally wedge-shaped. The separation head is mounted on a lever 44, which is mounted inside a tube 45 such that the lever and its actuation mechanism are protected within the tube, which is located behind and protected by the separation head. An actuator 46 is provided for moving the leading edge 41 between a first position and a second position above and below a radial plane 47 defined by the path of the particles. Therefore, Figure 3A The center position and the middle position are shown in the diagram. Figure 3B In the middle, the leading edge 41 moves upward, arranged to guide the particles to one side of the radial plane below the radial plane. Figure 3CIn the position shown, the leading edge moves downward to the second side of the radial plane and is arranged to guide the particles to the first or upper side of the radial plane. This movement of the wedge-shaped head and its leading edge requires only a small movement of the leading edge 41, and separation is caused solely by the particles' own momentum sliding on the guide surfaces 42 and 43. Therefore, the separating head does not need to collide with the particles or generate lateral forces on the particles, as the head only needs to move to a position that allows the particles to generate the required separating force.

[0155] Given the lever configuration, actuator 46 only needs to produce a small distance of movement, so it can be moved via a piezoelectric component. Alternatively, it can be moved via a small electromagnetic coil. This design allows for the use of components capable of generating the necessary high-speed motion to occupy the position quickly enough. Figure 3B and 3C The actuator 46 is positioned in two locations to accommodate the high-speed movement of the particles. As shown in the figure, the actuator 46 is located outside the separation head and within the radial plane of the separation head.

[0156] Therefore, the arrangement of the present invention provides a system for separating particles, such as grains, wherein the particles are supplied in a feed zone and separated by pipes and pipe inlets, thereby forming multiple particle streams.

[0157] The flow velocity of the feed pipe 10 is determined by its narrowest waist and can be controlled to provide a suitable flow rate for the particles. The grains flow radially into the channels in the alignment zone from the central area of ​​the filling disc. The particle removal rate along the pipe is set by the selection of its size and a rotational speed equal to the feed rate provided by the feed pipe 10. This flow satisfies the continuity equation P1V1 = P2V2, where P1 and P2 are the grain number densities, and V1 and V2 are the grain velocities. The average center-to-center distance between the grains is proportional to V.

[0158] A second constraint is provided by the width of pipe 14, where the channel width is chosen to avoid grain clogging. Therefore, the channel width is preferably greater than the grain length to avoid clogging. When the channel width is greater than 1.5 times the grain length, the grain can flow without feeling congested. In this way, the number of channels multiplied by the channel width can be approximately equal to the feed pipe diameter. However, the channels do not need to start at the feed pipe diameter. Typically, a flat area with a diameter larger than the feed pipe diameter can exist before the channel begins.

[0159] Another constraint concerns the permissible velocity difference between the disc 11 near the feed pipe 10 and the feed pipe 10 itself. For wheat grains, the velocity difference between the feed pipe and the disc at the radius of the feed zone must be less than 2 m / s, preferably less than 1 m / s. The permissible velocity difference typically varies depending on the type of grains to be separated. Grains with a large variable increment v will bounce off the disc. A larger velocity can be allowed in arrangements where a lid is provided on the disc at the central feed position. A small initial velocity from the feed pipe is required to help move the grains from the feed zone to the alignment zone. If the initial velocity is too large, the grains will bounce off. The initial velocity is adjusted by the vertical spacing between the feed pipe and the disc 11. A central cone can be provided to help guide the material outward from the axis at the center.

[0160] In the alignment zone provided by the pipe, grains flow from the feed zone into the channel. Flow is promoted by centrifugal force, which is close to 1G in this zone. Initially, the grains are densely packed. As the grains gain radial velocity, the average spacing increases, and a Coriolis force (typically 1 to 3G) proportional to the radial velocity is applied to the grains. The Coriolis force causes the grains to align end-to-end along the downstream or rear sidewall of the channel or pipe. The grains experience drag due to friction from the sidewalls, which is vector-proportional to gravity and the Coriolis force. The coefficient of friction is minimized or reduced by manufacturing the disc with a smooth, wear-resistant material. Preferably, the sidewalls of the pipe are curved or inclined in the vertical direction, such that the grains move in the Z-direction into a common radial plane due to the Coriolis force along the sidewalls of the channel.

[0161] In the acceleration zone, the spacing between grains increases as they are accelerated by centrifugal force. As shown, the channel is curved, thus the Coriolis force also contributes to grain acceleration. The sidewalls of the channel are made of a smooth, rigid material to minimize friction and wear. The net force on each grain is typically much greater than 1G and increases rapidly with radial displacement. In one example, the maximum force is approximately 44G in a disk with a diameter of 220mm rotating at 400rpm. As the speed increases, aerodynamic drag on the grains becomes significant, ultimately setting the terminal velocity between 8 and 9 m / s. Higher velocities can be achieved if the ambient pressure on the disk is reduced by a vacuum pump or if the area around the disk is filled with a gas less dense than air, such as helium. Pressure differentials can be used to increase the flow rate in the feed tube, thus increasing the terminal velocity. Neglecting friction, the final velocity of a grain leaving the outer edge 17 of the disk is equal to the angular velocity of the disk multiplied by the disk radius.

[0162] Regarding the velocity of the grains passing through detector 28, it is desirable that the center distance is sufficient to allow the ejection of one grain without affecting the trajectory of subsequent grains. Using the continuity equation given above, the separation of the lengths of two wheat grains corresponds to a grain rate of approximately 80 grains per second at a grain velocity of 1 m / s.

[0163] The detection of grain characteristics is not part of this invention and will not be described in detail here. Many different sensing systems can be used with different techniques and different grain characteristics.

[0164] In one example, an optical system is used, where the sampling area is illuminated with suitable optical properties. As a particle passes through the sampling area, reflected light is received from the particle under study. The different characteristics of the reflected light at different wavelengths can be analyzed. This analysis can be performed using a spectrometer.

[0165] As described above, the grain is deflected by a mechanical lever. In one embodiment, the mechanical lever may be attached to a rotating voice coil. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical lever is driven by a piezoelectric sensor. In one embodiment, a piezoelectric stack produces a small displacement, which is amplified by the lever. In a preferred embodiment, the piezoelectric sensor is a dual piezoelectric crystal. A wedge head 40 with a apex angle of 20 to 45 degrees is mounted on the end of the dual piezoelectric crystal. More preferably, the apex angle is between 30 and 35 degrees. The grain is guided to the leading edge of the wedge head by a separating device. When a voltage is applied to the dual piezoelectric crystal, the wedge deflects from its central rest position. If the voltage sign is reversed, the deflection direction is reversed. A 40 mm long dual piezoelectric crystal can produce a displacement of approximately 2 mm. The driving speed of the dual piezoelectric crystal is significantly faster than other types of ejectors. The shorter response time at the ejector accelerates the grain rate.

[0166] refer to Figure 7 and 8 Another embodiment is shown, which includes a disc 300 driven by a motor 301. A feed conduit 302 supplies particulate material along a path 303 to a feed position 304, where specific material is deposited onto the upper surface of the disc 300. A central cone or dome portion 305 is located directly below the conduit 302 to facilitate the outward diffusion of material into a plurality of conduits 306, 307, the number of which can range from a minimum to the maximum number available within the usable area. Particularly when a large number of conduits are present, gates 308, 309 are provided, each positioned outside the inlet of the corresponding conduit to control the flow of specific material into the conduit. In this way, when the feed rate is relatively low, some conduits can be closed by operating an actuator 310 that drives the corresponding gate.

[0167] Each conduit is formed by a channel with two generally upright sidewalls 311 and 312, through which the particle passes. These sidewalls may be vertical, but are more likely to have sloping “sidewalls” as described above. Furthermore, depending on the geometry of the classified item and the rotating body, the conduit may be a tube (circular, elliptical, triangular, or quadrilateral, etc.) or a partial tube, i.e., C-shaped, L-shaped, V-shaped, or the smallest two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional shape that corresponds to the path of the force applied to the particle through the conduit.

[0168] For example Figure 8 The pipes 307 shown each include a first portion 313, a second portion 314, and a third portion 315, which lead at intervals along the length of the pipe to a discharge port 316 at the end of the pipe opposite a door 309. The first portion 313 of the pipe is shaped and arranged such that after entering through the door 309, particles are accelerated, thereby separating one particle from the next longitudinally along the length of the pipe portion.

[0169] The second pipe section 314 includes one or more sensors 317, 318, 319 at intervals along the length of the pipe section 314. The sensors can be used to measure different characteristics of particles passing through the pipe section 314, so that the control device 320 receiving signals from the sensors can guide the separation system to separate particles within the pipe.

[0170] The second conduit section 314 is shaped and arranged such that the acceleration of the particles within the second conduit section is reduced. Preferably, this arrangement results in very low or zero acceleration of the particles within the second conduit section, such that they maintain a nearly constant velocity as they pass through the sensor. This can be achieved, for example, by setting friction in the region of the second conduit to balance centrifugal acceleration. Alternatively, or in combination with friction, centrifugal acceleration can be reduced by arranging the second conduit section along a curve, wherein the radial distance of the curve from the axis of rotation is nearly constant.

[0171] The third conduit section 315 serves as a separation system, wherein the conduit section 315 pivots about a mounting pin 321 to allow the discharge end 316 to move between at least two separate positions. At the position shown at the right end of the conduit 307, the discharge outlet 316 lies in the same plane as the disc and guides particles exiting this outlet into a first channel 322 for collection as a group of particles having a first characteristic measured by a sensor. A second channel 323 is provided for receiving particles such as… Figure 8 The left end shows the particles in the second position of the pipe section 315.

[0172] Therefore, it should be noted that the conduit portion 315 moves between a first position and a second position of channels 322 and 323 via an actuator 324, which lifts the discharge end 316 upward and downward between channels 322 and 323. Typically, the actuator 324 is an electromagnetic voice coil, which provides sufficient force and motion to lift the conduit portion 315 between the two positions.

[0173] As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the third pipe portion 315 forms part of the main pipe 306 or 307 and is carried on the disc 300 to rotate with the disc 300.

[0174] The shape of the third conduit section 315, as shown in the figure, also differs from that of the first and second conduit sections, causing the particles passing through it to slow down. Therefore, the velocity of the particles exiting from the discharge end 316 is reduced relative to the velocity during the measurement phase, thereby reducing the likelihood of impact damage to the particles after they leave the discharge end. It should be noted that the desired velocity distribution through the conduit depends on the material properties. For some materials, the third conduit section can be shaped to increase velocity. Alternatively, the third conduit section can be replaced by an inclined gate, which can be rigid, but more preferably flexible and curved, to apply a lower redirecting force to the particles.

[0175] Alternatively, particles within the conduit section 314 can be slowed by airflow guided along the conduit, which tends to decelerate the movement of the particles. Similarly, this serves to slow the particles to prevent or reduce impact damage as they exit the opening 316.

[0176] Alternatively, particles within pipe section 314 can be slowed down by a water curtain such as the aforementioned waterfall or meniscus.

[0177] Alternatively, impact damage can be reduced by providing an elastic layer 326 on the surfaces of channels 322, 323, which the particles impact as they exit the discharge port 316. In one example, layer 326 is an elastic material, such as rubber. In another arrangement, impact damage can be reduced by tilting the surface on which the particles impact.

[0178] exist Figure 1 In this arrangement, separator 21 includes a cover portion 21A that forms a closed channel through which particles selected for path 24 pass. This channel may include an impact surface and / or other deceleration components. Similarly, in... Figure 1 In the process, the material exiting from the periphery 17 of the disk is collected in a collector channel 98, which contains a suitable deceleration material 99 as described herein.

[0179] All the methods mentioned related to deceleration when approaching the separation system are potential techniques that can be used to slow down particles after separation. Post-separation deceleration will be very important, depending on the specific classification.

[0180] Therefore, in this embodiment, the end of the pipe is mounted on a hinge that allows the end of the pipe to tilt upwards or downwards, causing particles leaving the pipe to deflect upwards or downwards. The end of the pipe is attached to an actuator, which can be a piezoelectric actuator, a rotary voice coil, or other suitable actuator. An advantage of this method is that the angular displacement from the end to the pipe can be varied based on grain quality characteristics to sort grains into multiple output streams using a single device.

[0181] In the ejector, the grains travel toward the ejector, which consists of a wedge-shaped head 40 mounted on the end of a piezoelectric bicrystalline wafer, which is mounted in a pipe. Figure 3A The location shown illustrates a non-powered piezoelectric bicrystalline wafer, where the grains are separated by a separator with equal probability of being deflected into the upper or lower bin. Figure 3B The position shown illustrates the location of the ejector when +100V is applied to the piezoelectric bicrystalline wafer, deflecting the grains into the lower chamber. Figure 3C The position shown illustrates the location of the ejector when -100V (voltage) is applied to the piezoelectric bicrystalline wafer, deflecting the grains into the upper chamber.

[0182] The separator system described and illustrated in this article can be used with systems that do not require specific measurements of particle parameters, as the features of the separator can be applied to other fields.

[0183] like Figure 10 As shown, a seeding system, generally designated 400, is illustrated, comprising a seeding tool bar 401 on which a series of individual seeding devices 402 are mounted. Each seeding device 402 is supplied with seeds via a delivery conduit system 403, the seeds of which originate from a separator 404 as generally described above, the seeds of which originate from a hopper 405.

[0184] Therefore, the measurement and separation system of the present invention is used in a sowing or planting apparatus 400 to classify seeds according to measurement parameters related to viability, thereby sowing seeds most likely to produce viable plants, while those less likely to thrive are used for other purposes. The invention can be used to classify seeds according to size detected by sensor 406 to match them to the sowing apparatus. Sensor 406 can be used to count the seeds, allowing a specified quantity to be sown or bagged. This arrangement also provides a rapid, separated stream of seeds of known quality and quantity within the sowing apparatus, where seeds are separated by separator 407. Because the number of seeds separated per second provided by the present invention is far greater than that of the prior art, farmers can sow more acres per hour.

[0185] As shown in 408, a portion of the pipe near the measuring device 406 is composed of a transparent material 409.

[0186] As also shown in 410, the measuring device is located near gap 411 in the pipe gap to measure different parameters of the particles, where the line of sight is not obstructed by the pipe wall. In this arrangement, the pipe section 412 is substantially parallel to the average velocity vector of the particles at the location of gap 411 to minimize disturbances to the particle flow along the pipe.

[0187] like Figure 6 As shown, a pipe is illustrated, which essentially has Figure 4 The V-shaped profile shown. That is, the pipe 14 is shaped such that acceleration causes the particles to move against the walls 14B, 14C of the pipe, wherein the walls are V-shaped to confine the particles to the bottom of the V-shape.

[0188] Wall 14 includes one or more openings 14G at its apex, allowing particles 13 to travel on walls 14B, 14C, but smaller components 13A are separated from the particles through release at the openings 14G. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 14G are generally continuous openings along the apex. Thus, each conduit includes an associated second conduit 14S parallel to conduit 14 into which the separated smaller components enter. Then there is a third conduit 14T, which again receives even smaller particles 13B. Thus, there is a set of such conduits 14, 14S, 14T such that particles are separated from the first conduit 14 according to size.

[0189] Similarly, Figure 10 As illustrated in the diagram, particle separation at separator 407 is performed using electrostatic force, wherein the particles are differentially charged according to selected parameters, and then the particles pass through field 412, causing the differential charging to cause the particles to deviate from their paths.

[0190] Figure 9 It includes the use of Figure 1A schematic diagram of a series of stages of a separation device.

[0191] As shown in the figure, the separated material, based on the initial separation and separation process denoted by 500 for particle size, is transported into paths 501 and 502. In path 501, the particles undergo a coating step 503, followed by a UV curing step 504. In path 502, the particles undergo a UV sterilization step 505, followed by an antibody application step 506.

[0192] At the end of path 501, a second size-based separation step 507 allows the accepted particles to pass through path 508. In path 508, the particles undergo UV sterilization step 509, followed by antibody application step 510. At the end of path 508, a further separation step 511 selects whether to accept particles from the path. Similarly, at the end of path 502, a further separation step 512 selects whether to accept particles from the path.

[0193] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating different operations performed on particles using the method of the present invention. That is, in these cases, the separation method is not used for sorting as described above, but for various operations such as counting, coating, sterilization, etc.

[0194] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the device's disk illustrates different choices of pipe shapes. In each pipe, the angle between the pipe and the disk radius produces different effects: acceleration, no acceleration (constant velocity), and deceleration. Specifically, in pipe 141, the particle experiences gradually increasing acceleration as it moves outward. In pipe 142, the particle experiences acceleration as it moves outward, followed by a constant velocity, and then further acceleration. In pipe 143, the particle experiences acceleration as it moves outward, followed by a constant velocity, and then deceleration. In pipe 144, the particle experiences a variable velocity distribution as it moves outward.

Claims

1. A method for sorting particles, comprising: Conveying particles to be sorted in the supply conduit; The particles are formed from the particles in the supply conduit into a stream of particles; Position the particle separation device at the flow to operably guide each particle into one of a plurality of paths; The particle separation device includes: A separation head having a leading edge disposed along the flow, such that the particles move toward the leading edge in the form of a flow; And an actuator for moving the leading edge between a first position and a second position, the first position being on a first side of the flow, the first side of the flow being arranged to guide particles to a second side of the flow, and the second position being on a second side of the flow, the second side of the flow being arranged to guide particles to the first side of the flow; The method includes rotating a body about an axis; The rotating body defines at least one conduit in which the flow is formed extending outward from an inner end adjacent to the shaft to an outer end, the outer end being spaced further outward from the shaft by a greater radial distance than the inner end. The particles are supplied at the inner end of the at least one pipe; The inner end is arranged adjacent to the shaft such that the supply conduit deposits the particles at the inner end of the at least one pipe, allowing the particles to enter the inner end and separating the particle flow in the pipe into separate pipes of the at least one pipe; The rotating body rotates about an axis at an angular velocity that generates a centrifugal force on the particles in the at least one pipe. This centrifugal force overcomes the frictional force on the particles caused by their contact with the at least one pipe. The particles are accelerated from the inner end to the outer end, causing them to separate. Each particle is separated from the next by a space through the acceleration caused by the centrifugal force in the at least one pipe, and as the particles move toward the outer end, they are arranged in a row one after another in the at least one pipe.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, By applying a frictional force to the particles relative to the sidewall of the at least one pipe, the longitudinal axes of the particles are aligned one after another along the sidewall of the at least one pipe.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator moves via a piezoelectric component.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one pipe has a segmented wall, wherein there is at least one gap between the segments of the wall or between the separate segments of the at least one pipe.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the at least one pipe includes rifling for engaging and rotating particles in the at least one pipe.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Friction on the particle relative to the sidewall of the pipe causes the particle to align with its longitudinal axis, which is aligned along the sidewall of the at least one pipe.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one pipe is located in the radial plane of the axis of the rotating body, and the separation head is disposed in the radial plane, with the first side and the second side arranged on opposite sides of the radial plane.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The separation head includes inclined guide surfaces on the first and second sides of the front edge.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The separation head is wedge-shaped.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separation head is carried on the rotating body and operates the particles in the flow on the rotating body.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The separating head and the at least one pipe are located in the radial plane of the rotating body.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The separating head has a front edge and inclined guide surfaces on a first side and a second side of the front edge, wherein the front edge of the particle separating device is held in a position facing the flow, and in response to the detection of approaching particles, the front edge is moved to a first position on the first side of the flow to guide the particles to the second side of the flow, or the front edge is moved to a second position on the second side of the flow to guide the particles to the first side of the flow.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The rotating body rotates at an angular velocity that generates centrifugal force on the particles. This centrifugal force overcomes the frictional force on the particles caused by their contact with the pipes. The particles are accelerated from the inner end to the outer end, causing them to separate. Each particle is separated from the next by a space through acceleration caused by the centrifugal force in the at least one pipe, and as the particles move toward the outer end, they are arranged in a row one after another in the at least one pipe.

14. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The surface of at least one pipe includes rifling for engaging and rotating particles in the pipe.

15. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, By applying a frictional force to the particles relative to the sidewall of the at least one pipe, the longitudinal axes of the particles are aligned one after another along the sidewall of the at least one pipe.

16. A method for separating particles, comprising: A certain amount of aggregated particles is provided in the supply conduit; A solid that rotates about an axis; The rotating body defines at least one conduit extending outward from an inner end adjacent to the shaft to an outer end, the outer end being spaced further outward from the shaft by a greater radial distance than the inner end; The aggregated particles are supplied at the inner end of the at least one pipe; The inner ends are arranged in an array adjacent to the shaft, such that the supply conduit deposits the particles at the inner end of the at least one conduit, allowing the particles to enter the inner end and separating the particle flow in the conduit into separate conduits of the at least one conduit; The rotating body rotates at an angular velocity that generates centrifugal force on the particles, which overcomes the friction on the particles caused by contact between the particles and the pipes. The particles are accelerated as they move from the inner end to the outer end, causing them to separate, thereby separating each particle from the next by a space through acceleration caused by the centrifugal force in the at least one pipe, and arranging them one after another in the pipes as they move toward the outer end.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, This includes manipulating the separated particles.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The operation is performed by one or more devices carried on the rotating body.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The operation is performed by a plurality of devices in the annular region surrounding the outer end of the at least one pipe, such that the operation is performed after the particles have been released from the at least one pipe.

20. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The at least one conduit includes a plurality of conduits arranged in an array around the axis, wherein the conduits are arranged side-by-side close to each other at their inner ends near the axis to cooperate with the supply conduit while increasing the spacing toward the outer ends.

21. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The operation includes a measuring device associated with a corresponding separation device among a plurality of separation devices, each separation device being arranged to guide a corresponding particle in the particles into one of a plurality of paths, which of the plurality of paths is determined by parameters measured by the associated measuring device.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The parameter is measured by a plurality of measuring devices, wherein the number of measuring devices is equal to the number of pipes, and each measuring device includes one or more components for separating particle parameters.

23. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The rotating body includes a disc member having a front surface facing the supply conduit, and the at least one conduit is located in a radial plane of the disc member and extends axially outward to the periphery of the disc.

24. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The at least one pipe is curved such that the outer end is angularly delayed relative to the inner end.

25. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The at least one pipe includes a branch.

26. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The at least one pipe includes a first sidewall, against which the particle abuts by a Coriolis force; wherein the first sidewall of the pipe is inclined relative to the radial plane of the axis, such that the Coriolis force causes the particle to move relative to the first sidewall in a direction perpendicular to the length of the pipe to a position abutting against a second sidewall of the pipe, wherein the particle is held within the pipe by being restrained by the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

27. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The at least one pipe includes a first section and a second section, wherein each particle is separated from the next particle by the acceleration in the first section, and the particles are decelerated in the second section.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The particles slow down as they pass through the second section of the pipe.

29. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The particles are slowed down by the liquid flow.

30. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The particles are slowed down by changing the frictional properties of a surface of the second portion of the at least one pipe.

31. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, At least a portion of the pipe is made of a transparent material.

32. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The at least one pipe has a segmented wall, wherein there is at least one gap between the segments of the wall or between the separate segments of the pipe.

33. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The surface of at least one pipe includes rifling for engaging and rotating the particles.

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