Method and apparatus for singulating particles in stream

Abstract

To provide a method for singulating particles so that an action can be carried out on the particles such as for detecting parameters of particles in the stream.SOLUTION: Particles are sorted into paths based on a measurable parameter by forming them into a stream in at least one duct carried on a body rotating around an axis where the duct is shaped so that the particles are accelerated to cause the particles separated into the duct to be aligned one after another in a row in the duct. The parameter of the particles is measured in the aligned stream one after the other and the particles are directed into one of a plurality of paths as determined by the measurement. The body comprises a disk member having a front face facing a supply conduit and the duct lies in a radial plane of the disk member. In one arrangement the measurement of the parameter is carried out by one or more measurement devices either carried on the disk or outside the edge of the disk.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for individualizing particles so as to be able to perform operations such as detecting parameters of particles in a stream on the particles. The present invention can be used, although not necessarily, in methods and apparatuses for sorting particles after individualization. The configurations described hereinafter are mainly directed to sorting seeds or grains based on the optical evaluation of particles to extract, for example, diseased seeds; however, the present invention is also applicable to the use of any evaluation method for detecting any parameter of a particle and sorting based on that parameter. Further, the present invention can be used to perform operations on particles, for example, when the particles are individualized for coating, sterilizing, or capturing particles in a stream.

Background Art

[0002] Optical seed sorters generally have the following three subsystems: means for individualizing or separating grains; means for detecting quality characteristics of grains; and means for discharging grains having positive or negative quality characteristics.

[0003] The most common singulation method in seed sorters is the waterfall method where seeds are discharged from a vibrating hopper and accelerated by gravity along an inclined plane with a steep slope. The displacement due to gravity is quadratic with time and thus a gap occurs between grains entering the system at slightly different times. In the commercial art, the slides are typically longer than 1 m. Seeds singulated by the waterfall method are discharged at arbitrary intervals and have a range of velocities. In more deterministic systems, moving belts, cylinders, or plates with defined grain positions are used. In one type, the grains are temporarily retained by gravity in depressions on the belt or plate. In another variation, the grains are retained in depressions by centrifugal force. In yet another variation, the grains are attracted by suction to fixed positions on a plate, cylinder, or belt.

[0004] Grain characteristics are typically measured optically, although acoustic methods are also known in the literature. Optical methods can be classified as imaging and non-imaging. In imaging methods, one or more cameras capture images in two to four wavelength bands. Stroboscopic illumination is typically used. These methods have problems with synchronization between various measurements and improvements have been proposed to assist with synchronization. Non-imaging methods measure the collective properties of most of the grains. Examples include near-infrared spectra and scattering.

[0005] Most prior art uses compressed air to eject the grains. Despite some technological advancements, compressed air ejection is inaccurate, has a slow response rate, and is not energy efficient. In 2008, a system was proposed that uses a mechanical lever attached to a more accurate rotary voice coil and uses only 10% of the energy used by a compressed air system. However, the cycle time of the voice coil is equivalent to the startup time of a compressed air ejector.

[0006] In one example, the invention herein can be used to detect and remove infected grains from a grain mass. Incident light is scattered by the grains, and infected grains reflect and scatter the light quantitatively differently than healthy grains. The amplitude of the reflected and scattered light is measured by a detector, normalized to the grain area, and compared to a threshold value derived from statistical analysis of separate samples of known healthy and infected grains. In a method such as developed, if the amplitude exceeds the threshold, the grain is considered "infected", and if the scattered light falls below the threshold, the grain is considered "healthy". The threshold can be set to minimize the total amount of mycotoxins in the grains considered "healthy". Thereafter, the "infected" grains are separated from the "healthy" grains.

[0007] The invention is described and referred to as being particularly related to a method and apparatus for implementing a method of detecting and separating infected grains by comparing the amplitudes of scattered and reflected light, but it will be understood that the principles of the invention are equally applicable to similar methods, devices, machines, and structures related to the separation of any type of particle. Thus, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to such methods, devices, machines, and structures for separating infected grains.

[0008] The present invention is applicable, inter alia, to Fusarium head blight which infects grains such as wheat, and which is endemic to all grain-producing regions of the world. The infection rate varies from a few percent in dry climate regions to over 50% in humid climate regions. The severity of the infection ranges from less than 1% FDK (Fusarium damaged kernels) to 100% FDK, with values between 1% and 5% FDK being most common. Mycotoxins associated with infected kernels reduce the commodity value. Grains with 1% infection usually correspond to 1 ppm of mycotoxin, which is the current Canadian maximum for food, while the EU maximum is 1 / 2 ppm. Grains with over 3% FDK are usually discounted steeply. Since infected wheat has little or no commodity value, effective removal of mycotoxins has considerable economic value. Wheat is graded in classes of maximum Fusarium infected kernels of 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 5%, with larger discounts for higher infections, although not all classes exist for each type of wheat. In Canada, those over 5% are graded as "fusarium damage" and those over 10% as "commercial salvage", which may be sold at very large discounts or not at all depending on market conditions. The mycotoxin content can be reduced either by sieving the grains to separate healthy grains which are larger than the infected ones, or by abrasion during milling (removing the grain surface where the toxin is concentrated). Roughly speaking, in milling, removing the outer layer of the grain halves the mycotoxin to 2 ppm (to 1 ppm). Gravity tables are also used to separate grains by density. The grains are floated in an air stream. The denser healthy grains sink and the less dense grains float to the top. Empirically, sieving and gravity tables remove about 40% of the FDK. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to the present invention, The step of feeding a mass of particles into a supply conduit; The step of rotating a rotator about an axis, wherein the rotator defines at least one duct extending outwardly from an inner end adjacent to the axis to an outer end spaced from the axis at a radial distance greater than that of the inner end, The step of supplying a mass of particles to an inner end of the at least one duct, wherein the inner end is configured in an array adjacent to the axis such that the supply conduit acts to deposit particles at the inner end of the at least one duct to allow particles to enter the inner low velocity end and to separate the stream of particles in the conduit into separate ducts of the at least one duct; A method for consolidating particles is provided, including: The at least one duct is formed and configured such that particles are accelerated as they pass from the inner end to the outer end, causing the particles separated into the at least one duct in the duct to be aligned in a row one after another as they move toward the outer end.

[0010] In many cases, the method includes performing an operation on the consolidated particles while the particles continue to be consolidated. The operation may include simply viewing or counting the consolidated particles. However, consolidation is particularly effective with respect to processing the consolidated particles, such as seeding, coating, sowing, sterilizing, etc. In other cases, the operation may include performing an analysis or evaluation of the particles. However, in other cases, the particles may be used in a consolidated state, such as in seeding where consolidation can be performed at high speed into separate ducts for high speed seeding operations.

[0011] While a system can be effective for a single duct to produce a high speed stream of consolidated particles, in many cases, a plurality of ducts configured in an array are provided around a central supply conduit.

[0012] The method defined above can be used in a method for detecting at least one measurable parameter of a stream of particles, comprising the following steps: Conveying the particles in the stream of particles in a supply conduit; Rotating a rotator about an axis, wherein the rotator defines at least one duct extending outwardly from an inner end adjacent to the axis to an outer end spaced from the axis at a radial distance greater than the inner end, and the inner end is configured adjacent to the axis such that the supply conduit acts to deposit particles at the inner end of the at least one duct for entry of the particles into the inner end; forming and configuring the at least one duct such that the particles are accelerated as they pass from the inner end to the outer end, and successively aligning the particles separated into the duct in a row as the particles move towards the outer end in the duct; and, measuring the at least one parameter of the particles for each of the at least one duct.

[0013] Optionally, the method is provided for sorting the particles such that for each of the ducts the particles are directed into one of a plurality of paths as determined by the measured value of the parameter. However, the measured value(s) of the parameter(s) that can be obtained more effectively from the perspective of increasing the degree of singulation of the particles using the configuration herein can be used for other purposes.

[0014] Thus, the configuration defined above can provide the advantage that the increase in speed obtained by rotation of the body in addition to the increase in acceleration of the particles on the body better separates each particle from adjacent particles for parameter detection. In addition, increasing the speed of the particles can be used to increase the processing capacity of the system because the detection or measurement of the parameter can be performed faster.

[0015] In one configuration, the measurement of the parameter is performed while the particle is in the duct. This has the advantage that the position of the particle is controlled by the rotation of the body and the position of the duct, so it is clearer and more apparent. From the perspective of a more accurate position of the particle, in many cases, the measurement of the parameter can be effectively performed.

[0016] In this case, preferably, the measurement of the parameter is performed by a measurement device mounted on the rotating body. In this way, the measurement device is installed at a specific position with respect to the duct and thus with respect to the particle. This allows the operation of the measurement device to be more accurately focused and simplified with respect to a specific position. In this case, each duct may include one or more separate measurement devices for measuring the particles flowing through that duct. That is, each particle can pass through a number of sensors or measurement devices, which may be aligned in a row as it moves along the duct, where each detects different parameters of the particle to enable a better evaluation of the particle. However, in some cases, a single sensor may be able to provide all the necessary information.

[0017] Preferably, at least a part of the duct adjacent to the measurement device is made of a transparent material. By making a part of the duct transparent, it is possible to perform the measurement through the transparent section while the duct remains in a fixed shape and continues to control the movement of the particle.

[0018] In one configuration, the duct wall or the duct itself is segmented by one or more gaps between segments. One or more measurement devices are installed adjacent to the gap to measure various parameters of the particles, where the field of view is not blocked by the duct wall. When the duct itself is divided into separate segments, each segment is configured along a path of the duct that is substantially parallel to the average velocity vector of the particles at the location of the segment to minimize perturbations in the flow of particles along the duct. Thus, the particles can be manipulated while in the gap using any of the techniques described herein.

[0019] In another configuration, the separation of the particles can be performed using electrostatic forces such that the particles are differentially charged according to a selected parameter and then passed through an electric field, resulting in the differential charging converting the particles to different paths. Typically, a configuration is provided that produces an equal charge on each particle, so that each particle has a different or unique charge per unit mass, and the particles of different masses are separated by passing the particles through an electrolyte that acts differentially on the particles based on their different masses.

[0020] In an alternative configuration, the measurement of the parameters can be performed by a plurality of measurement devices installed in an annular zone surrounding the outer end of the duct such that the measurement is performed after the particles are released from the duct. This has the advantage that the measurement devices can be stationary or stationary in space using only the duct on a rotating body. This has the disadvantage that the specific position of the particles can vary over a wider range, and thus the ability of the measurement device to be specifically focused is reduced. Thus, the measurement device may need to perform measurements over a wide area to accurately perform the measurements at all locations where there are particles in that area.

[0021] Preferably, each measurement device is associated with one of a plurality of separation devices, each configured to direct each particle into one of a plurality of paths as determined by the measurement of parameters by the associated measurement device. That is, each particle is detected and measured by the measurement device, and the measured value is used to operate the associated separation device that converts the particle into one of a plurality of separate paths according to the parameter.

[0022] In a preferred configuration, the measurement of the parameters is performed by a plurality of measurement devices, where the number of devices may be equal to the number of ducts or there may be two or more devices per duct. That is, each particle in each duct is measured independently using a separate measurement device for each of the ducts. However, it will be understood that if the particles are properly spaced and directed from adjacent particles, the ducts can be configured to direct the particles to the measurement devices associated with the plurality of ducts. The measurement device may include a plurality of separate measurement components, such as an X-ray detector, a UV detector, a visible light detector, a scattering detector, an infrared detector, a microwave detector, and an acoustic detector.

[0023] In one configuration, both the measurement device(s) and the particle separation device are mounted on a rotating body. This ensures that the position of the particle is more specifically defined, but requires that the operating components be installed to rotate with the body.

[0024] In another configuration, a series of stationary particle separation devices configured around the rotating body are provided, such that the particles emitted from the outer end of the duct are operated on by one of the separation devices according to the angular position of the emission of the particles from the outer end of the duct.

[0025] That is, the particles may not be induced to pass from the outer end of the duct to the array of separation devices along a trajectory determined by the angular velocity of the rotating body and the direction of the duct at the outer end, where the associated detection device is installed relative to the separation device to act on the particles in its trajectory.

[0026] In this configuration, a guide member at the outer end of each duct may be provided that is operable to vary the trajectory as the particles are released from the rotating body.

[0027] Each separation device is preferably associated with a guide channel into which the particles enter when the particles are released from the outer end and the associated detection device acts on the particles while the particles are in the guide channel.

[0028] In a preferred configuration, the rotating body includes a disk having a front face facing the supply conduit, the duct is in the radial plane of the disk and extends outwardly from the axis to the outer peripheral portion of the disk. However, other shapes and configurations of the rotating body may also be used. For example, the rotating body may be three-dimensional and the channels or ducts may also have components that extend in the Z direction along the axis of rotation. This can be used to vary the accelerating force on the particles in the duct since the particles move radially outward. In a preferred configuration, the shaping of the duct is such that there is a first acceleration zone that accelerates the particles to cause the required separation, followed by a zone with no net acceleration. The third section may have a deceleration zone that slows the particles as they approach the separation system or collection system or as they come to rest in the collection system to reduce the impact load during separation. These zones can be obtained using the shape of the duct in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional structure.

[0029] In the second zone, the duct path is configured such that the inertial forces are on average balanced by friction, and thus there is no net acceleration and the grain spacing remains approximately constant. The advantage of the zone of approximately constant velocity is that there is a longer time for grain measurement to be carried out.

[0030] In some cases, it may be convenient to reduce (decelerate) the particle velocity before separation or sorting or after the operation has been carried out in order to minimize or eliminate damage from high-speed collisions. The magnitude of the reduction is limited by the requirement that the separating mechanism acting on grain n requires time to return to the neutral position before grain n+1 arrives. The gap between the grains can be reduced after measurement until the time between discharge cycles. The purpose of deceleration is to use the system with particles that may be damaged by high-speed collisions. The need for deceleration must be balanced with the need for the degree of consolidation required for the operation and the need for maximum throughput.

[0031] The velocity of the particles can be held approximately constant after acceleration in order to obtain the required consolidation by adjusting the rate of radial displacement along the duct path to balance the frictional forces with the inertial forces (centrifugal and Coriolis forces).

[0032] When the rotating body is a disk, the duct preferably forms a channel having an open face facing the supply duct. However, although not necessarily so, other configurations can be used that, while the disk is a complete one-piece structure, are provided by those portions of the disk-shaped body necessary simply to provide ducts or conduits through which particles pass. In one example, the structure can be provided by a hub-and-spoke type construction in which particles are supplied at the hub to each of the ducts defined by each of the spokes. Typically, the structure includes as many ducts as can be formed into the structure to maximize the flow rate of the system by maximizing the number of ducts, while in some cases, the structure may include a very limited number of ducts, for example, only one or two ducts, if high throughput is not required.

[0033] Preferably, the duct is curved such that the outer end is angularly retarded with respect to the inner end. This shape typically follows closely the path of the particles such that the particles are accelerated under centrifugal and Coriolis forces so that they can travel along the path without significant friction against the sides of the duct.

[0034] Preferably, the ducts are configured to be closely juxtaposed at the inner end adjacent to the axis, such that particles are deposited by the supply duct in such a way that the particles are directly separated into the inner ends of the ducts, and the ducts increase in spacing towards the outer ends as they move towards the region of larger diameter of the rotating body.

[0035] To maximize the number of ducts, at the outer ends of the ducts, preferably, the ducts include a branch that separates the particle stream into separate branch ducts, increasing the number of outlets in proportion to the number of inlets, and in that way, the number of outlets at the outer edge of the rotating body can be maximized.

[0036] In another optional configuration, the ducts can be stacked on top of each other at the inner end so as to maximize the number of inlets, and are configured in a common radial plane at the outer end such that all of the outlets are arranged in the radial plane of the outer edge of the rotating body.

[0037] In another optional configuration, each duct supplied by a central supply duct, referred to as the "parent duct", may have one or more auxiliary ducts, referred to as "child ducts". Each child duct is supplied by either the parent duct or another child duct. The child ducts are substantially parallel to the parent duct. Particles pass from the first duct to the second duct through one or more flow paths in the wall of the first duct that exert a force on the particles. Each flow path in the first duct is formed to allow particles smaller than a threshold dimension to pass into the second duct. Particles larger than the threshold are retained by the first duct. The flow paths function as size filters such that the discharge end of the parent duct sends the largest particles and each successive child duct sends progressively smaller particles. The child ducts may be associated with detectors and ejectors, or with other actions on the particles therein, or may simply send unwanted particles to a waste bin. In the case of cereal grains, the child ducts may be used to send less desirable particles such as immature seeds, cracked seeds, weed seeds, and mud.

[0038] Preferably, the axis of the rotating body is vertical such that the disc lies in a horizontal plane. However, other orientations can also be used.

[0039] Due to the accelerating force of the particles, the side walls of each duct against which the particles impinge are preferably inclined in the direction along the axis so as to act to move the particles towards a common radial plane for ejection from the rotating body. That is, the accelerating force tends to move the particles in the axial direction of the rotating body towards a common axial position. In this way, even if the particles enter ducts at axially spaced positions, the shape of the ducts causes all of the particles to be moved to the same axial position.

[0040] In a preferred configuration, each duct is formed such that particles move relative to the duct wall by acceleration, where the wall is V-shaped and retains the particles at the base of the V-shape. The wall may include a surface that engages the particles in the duct and includes rifling for rotation. Additionally, the wall can include one or more openings at a location such that elements smaller than the particles are separated from the particles by discharge through the openings. Each duct may include a related second duct parallel to the duct into which the separated smaller elements enter. This can be used in a system with many such ducts so that the particles are separated by size from the start.

[0041] In one example, each separation device includes a separation head having a tip configured such that particles to be separated move towards the tip in a stream, and an actuator for moving the tip between a first position relative to one side of the stream configured to direct particles to a second side of the stream and a second position relative to the second side of the stream configured to direct particles to the one side of the stream.

[0042] In this example, it is preferred that the separation head is configured in the radial plane of a rotating body and the first and second sides are configured relative to respective sides of the radial plane.

[0043] In this example, it is preferred that the separation head includes inclined guide surfaces with respect to the first and second sides of the tip such that it is generally wedge-shaped.

[0044] The actuator is preferably moved by a piezoelectric member. However, other driving forces, such as an electromagnetic voice coil, can also be used.

[0045] The actuator preferably extends radially outward from the separation head and is mounted in a tube in the radial plane of the separation head.

[0046] According to another important feature of the present invention that can be used independently of other features, each separation device includes a duct portion through which the particles to be separated are configured to move through the duct portion in the stream, and an actuator for moving the discharge end of the duct portion between at least two separate positions configured to direct the particles to corresponding separate collection positions.

[0047] In this configuration, preferably, the discharge end of the duct portion is moved to the first and second positions spaced axially of the rotating body. However, other movements are also possible if the first and second positions allow the necessary separation to separate positions or separate collection channels.

[0048] In this configuration, preferably, the duct portion is mounted on a rotating body for co-rotation. However, a movable duct portion can also be used in an embodiment where the particles are directed to the duct portion after exiting the rotating body, where the duct portion is moved to separate positions depending on the resulting measurements.

[0049] In some cases, the actuator is driven by a piezoelectric member. However, more preferably, the actuator is more typically an electromagnetic voice coil to provide the required amount of force and movement.

[0050] According to another important feature of the present invention that can be used independently of other features, each duct preferably includes a first portion configured to separate the particles from adjacent particles by acceleration, and a second portion for measurement, where the first and second portions are configured such that the acceleration of the particles in the first portion is greater than the acceleration in the second portion. In this method, it is intended that the second portion be configured such that the acceleration of the particles in the second portion is small or close to zero, maintaining the particles at or near a constant speed during measurement.

[0051] According to another important feature of the present invention that can be used independently of other features, preferably, in order to separate the particles or to collect the particles after the operation is completed, a further portion of the duct is provided to decelerate the particles so as to reduce their speed. In this way, in particular, when the particles are large seeds such as peas or kidney beans having a high mass and relatively soft, or liquid fruits, it is possible to sufficiently reduce the speed of the particles in order to avoid damage due to collision.

[0052] In one example, the particles can be decelerated by the shape of a further portion of the duct that acts to decelerate the particles in the duct. That is, the shape of the duct portion is configured to oppose the centrifugal force that accelerates the particles.

[0053] In another example, the particles can be decelerated by a stream of air in a further portion, such as by an air nozzle or the like.

[0054] According to another important feature of the present invention that can be used independently of other features, when the particles are directed, they can be engaged by a collision surface configured to collide with the particles while reducing the collision load on the particles. For example, the collision surface includes an elastic material to reduce the collision load of the particles. However, other configurations, such as the shape of the collision surface, can be used.

[0055] According to another important feature of the present invention that can be used independently of other features, a blocking member is provided to block the passage from the supply duct to one or more of the ducts. This can be used in situations where one or more of the ducts are blocked from the supply duct, and as a result, only some of the ducts can be made available for use when the supply of particles from the supply duct is low.

[0056] Also, this blockage feature is beneficial for enabling continuous operation of the unit (at reduced capacity) when one or more malfunctions of the measurement device or ejector are indicated by a diagnostic test, and as a result, allows the system to continue using the properly functioning ducts.

[0057] According to one aspect of the present invention: transporting particles scheduled to be sorted in a supply conduit; forming the particles from the supply conduit into a stream of particles in a row; installing a particle separation device operable to direct each particle into one of a plurality of paths, as determined by operation of the separation device, at the stream; comprising, where each separation device: a separation head having a tip generally along the stream such that particles in the stream move towards the tip; an actuator for moving the tip between a first position relative to a first side of the stream configured to direct particles to a second side of the stream and a second position relative to the second side of the stream configured to direct particles to the first side of the stream; A method for sorting particles is provided that includes.

[0058] According to one aspect of the present invention: transporting particles scheduled to be sorted in a supply conduit; forming the particles from the supply conduit into a stream of particles in a row; installing a particle separation device operable to direct each particle into one of a plurality of paths, as determined by operation of the separation device, in the stream; comprising where each separation device includes an actuator for moving a separation component between a first position configured to direct particles to a first path and a second position configured to direct particles to a second path. Here, a method for sorting particles is provided, wherein the actuator is moved by a piezoelectric member.

[0059] According to one aspect of the present invention: transporting the particles to be sorted in a supply conduit; forming the particles from the supply conduit into a stream of particles in a row; installing in the stream a particle separation device operable to direct each particle into one of a plurality of paths as determined by operation of the separation device; comprising wherein each separation device includes a duct portion configured such that the particles to be separated move through the duct portion in the stream, and an actuator for moving the discharge end of the duct portion between at least two separate positions configured to direct the particles to corresponding separate collection positions, a method for sorting particles is provided.

[0060] According to one aspect of the present invention: transporting the particles to be sorted in a supply conduit; forming the particles from the supply conduit into a stream of particles in a row; installing in the stream a particle separation device operable to direct each particle into one of a plurality of paths as determined by operation of the separation device; comprising wherein each particle passes through a first portion and a second portion of a path configured to separate the particles from adjacent particles by acceleration, where the first and second portions are configured such that the acceleration of the particles in the first portion is greater than the acceleration in the second portion, a method for sorting particles is provided.

[0061] According to one aspect of the present invention: transporting the particles to be sorted in a supply conduit; forming the particles from the supply conduit into a stream of particles in a row; Installing a particle separation device in a stream that is operable to direct each particle to one of a plurality of paths, as determined by the operation of the separation device; Decelerating each particle to reduce its speed for the purpose of preventing damage to the particle; A method for sorting particles is provided, including the above.

[0062] According to one aspect of the present invention: Conveying the particles to be sorted through a supply conduit; Forming the particles from the supply conduit into a plurality of separate streams of particles in a row; Installing a particle separation device in a stream that is operable to direct each particle to one of a plurality of paths, as determined by the operation of the separation device; Including blocking the passage of one or more of the streams from the supply conduit; A method for sorting particles is provided, including the above.

[0063] In all of the above aspects, the operation of the separation device is based on the measurement of particle parameters measured in the path. However, the separation device can also be used in other states where no measurement occurs.

[0064] In the configuration of this specification, it may include measuring the quality parameters of the individualized particles, performing operations on the individualized particles, and then measuring the quality parameters after the operation to determine further operations. The cycle of measurement and operation can occur several times. The configuration of this specification may also include performing operations on the individualized particles and then measuring the quality parameters after the operation to determine further operations. The cycle of operation and measurement can occur several times. The configuration of this specification may also include measuring the quality parameters of the individualized particles without involving an operation process. The configuration of this specification may include performing an operation or a series of operations on the individualized particles without involving a measurement process.

[0065] That is, some of the continuous operations may be separations as defined herein. The separation operation may be performed stepwise in multiple steps. For example, a first measurement may be used to determine which of two or more subsequent paths a particle enters. Each path may have another further operation and measurement value. The cycle may be repeated multiple times to generate a plurality of output streams. However, other processes can be performed in the same system, such as radiation irradiation of particles for coating or sterilization of particles. By aggregation, all particle surfaces are accessible for coating or radiation irradiation. Without aggregation, the coating may be non-uniform or there may be a bridge between adjacent particles due to the coating. Aggregation can facilitate a high-quality coating process. For example, sterilization by ultraviolet light is effective only on a surface having a straight line of sight between the surface and the radiation source. Since the shielded surface is not sterilized, aggregation is essential for the effectiveness of the sterilization process. Thus, each duct may be associated with a plurality of consecutive processes, some or all of which are related to separation and some may be related to other processes of the particles. Some of the processes may act on the particles to improve the measurement process at the next location along the duct. It may be necessary to decelerate and / or accelerate the particles between some of the processes.

[0066] Therefore, the present invention may be used to control the flow of particles in a multi-step process and customize the treatment of each particle based on the measured parameters. Based on the particle characteristics measured in each detection step, there may be a plurality of detection steps and a plurality of operations performed on the particles. For example, the first step may be for detecting and removing foreign matter such as husks, and the remaining material may flow further down the duct to a second detector that measures the seed quality parameters. In another example, the singulated seeds flowing along the duct may be subjected to various coatings (fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides, probiotics, etc.) based on the measured seed parameters. In yet another example, a dose of radiation such as electromagnetic radiation or photon treatment may be applied to the particles flowing in the duct, and this dose may be applied according to the measured particle parameters. The electromagnetic radiation may be used for burning natural products (microwaves, infrared) or for controlling the degree of photopolymerization in beads (UV).

[0067] The multi-step process can also be carried out using a second rotator that initially receives the particles, such as an annular disk surrounding an internal disk, which can rotate at different speeds.

[0068] Sorting is typically performed to separate heterogeneous feed materials into more homogeneous containers, and then further processing can be performed on the more homogeneous feed materials. Conceptually, the processing steps can be performed on the singulated particles.

[0069] When "soft landing" to prevent damage due to collisions with fragile particles is desired, the particles can collide with a curtain or brush by means of a deformable strip on a time scale corresponding to the collision period. The curtain may consist of water. In one embodiment, a water meniscus is formed by a receptacle rotating around the common axis of the consolidation device. In another embodiment, the water curtain is a waterfall surrounding the consolidation device. These embodiments including a water curtain are preferred for minimizing or eliminating damage to small fruit trees such as blueberries or Saskatoon berries. An alternative configuration for controlling the deceleration of fragile particles such as liquid fruits includes a surface that smoothly and gradually rotates the particles vertically from the horizontal plane of the duct, such that gravity acting on the upward moving particles reduces their velocity from the deceleration to one with a small force. This effect can also be obtained by forming a rotating liquid meniscus in a disk surrounding the duct such that the particles rotate upward from the plane of the duct in the liquid. It will be appreciated that many particles depending on their structure will require deceleration control either in the duct or downstream of the duct after operations such as measurement and separation are completed and before the particles are collected. Various methods for controlling deceleration can be provided as described herein.

[0070] The present invention is not limited to the type or size of the particles involved and can operate with various particles or objects intended to be separated.

[0071] Soft fruits such as Saskatoon berries and blueberries have a short shelf life due to spoilage and need to be processed immediately after harvest. Spoiled and unripe soft fruits are sorted. The present invention provides means for sorting soft fruits faster, thereby reducing spoilage and presenting higher quality products to consumers.

[0072] In agriculture, the yield is optimized by planting a defined number of seeds per unit area. Not all seeds will produce viable plants. Extra seeds are planted to compensate for seeds that do not germinate or produce vigorous plants. Typically, the present invention can be used in seeding or planting devices to sort seeds according to measured parameters related to viability such that seeds that will likely produce viable plants are planted and seeds with a lower probability of germination are used for other purposes. The present invention can be used to sort seeds according to size for compatibility with planting devices. The present invention can be used to count seeds such that a defined number can be planted as a result. The present invention can also be used to provide a rapid stream of singulated seeds of known quality and number in a planting device. The number of singulated seeds per second provided by the present invention is much greater than the prior art, so farmers can seed more arable land per hour.

[0073] Mining operations produce ore, which is crushed to produce particles of similar size and then dissolved. Typically, only a small portion of the ore is the useful mineral and the rest is removed as slag. There is a significant energy investment to melt the rock that will ultimately become slag. The present invention provides a means to improve the energy efficiency of mining operations. The minerals present in each ore particle vary and can be measured by various spectroscopy methods such as X-ray, Raman spectroscopy, and infrared. Particles containing more than a threshold concentration of the useful mineral can be directed to a dissolver furnace and particles containing less than the threshold concentration of the useful mineral can be directed to a refuse pile. The cost of melting the removed particles is saved.

[0074] The present invention can be applied to the sorting of colloidal particles, which typically occur in a condensation process and result in a size and shape distribution. The possible electronic transitions in metal colloids are highly dependent on the size and shape of the colloids. The present invention can be used to sort colloidal particles into homogeneous classes based on size and shape, or based on the absorption spectrum.

[0075] The ducts, as described in some examples herein, are typically channels with upright sides formed in a disk, while the ducts can also be circular, elliptical, triangular, quadrilateral, etc., or generally a partial tube in a V-shape, L-shape, or C-shape. The ducts can also be defined by a minimum two-dimensional or three-dimensional surface, or by a surface defined by a contact point that transmits a force to the particles. The ducts can also be an enclosed tube with various cross-sectional shapes such as circular, elliptical, triangular, or quadrilateral.

[0076] In an embodiment of the present technology, a speed of approximately 100 grains per channel per second can be achieved with good accuracy, and approximately 200 grains per second with poor accuracy.

[0077] In the configuration described hereinafter, it is possible to provide things for increasing the grain speed, reducing the size of the device, and decreasing the energy requirement.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0078] An embodiment of the present invention is described together with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0079] An apparatus for sorting particles based on measurable parameters of the particles shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a supply conduit (10) for conveying the particles to be sorted from a supply replenishment material (10A), whereby the particles are replenished in a continuous stream to provide the particles to a rotator (11) that is rotatable about an axis (12) by passing them through the conduit. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotator is a flat disk with a vertically configured axis (12), and as a result, the disk provides an upper horizontal plane from which the particles (13) are replenished from the conduit (10) within the stream. The conduit is configured at the center of the disk, and as a result, the particles accumulate onto the center of the position where the disk is rotating but has little outward velocity. The grain velocity at this point is due to the flow in the supply conduit (10). If w is the angular velocity and r is the radius, the velocity of a point on the disk is v = wr. If the grains accumulate in a region where the velocity change is too drastic, the grains bounce and the flow becomes disordered. The grains accumulate at the central part to minimize the velocity change.

[0080] On the upper surface of the disk forming the rotator, each of a plurality of ducts (14) extending outwardly is provided from an inner end (15) adjacent to the axis to an outer end (16) spaced at a radial distance greater than that of the inner end extending outward from the axis. In the present embodiment, the outer end (16) of the duct is configured adjacent to the end (17) of the disk (11) but is spaced inward therefrom. In the present embodiment, each duct (14) extends from a position close to the center to the outer peripheral portion (17) of the disk, and as a result, at its center, the ducts are configured adjacent to each other and the ducts branch outwardly, and as a result, at the outer end (16), they are spaced apart around the outer peripheral portion (17).

[0081] Accordingly, the inner end (15) is configured in an array adjacent to the axis such that the supply conduit (10) acts to deposit the particles to be sorted on the inner end (15) of the duct through which the particles intended to be sorted into the inner end enter. Since the inner end is adjacent and close to the center of the disc, the particles in place form a pile at that center, and the pile is automatically and uniformly sorted into the openings of the ducts at the inner end. Assuming that particles continuously deposit at that center, the rotation of the disc will act to uniformly sort the particles into the individual ducts of the stream defined by the dimensions of the openings proportional to the dimensions of the particles. At the beginning of the path along the duct, the particles will be adjacent or overlapping. However, the flow path of the particles along the duct will act to disperse each of the particles from the adjacent particles so as to form a non-overlapping line of particles while the particles are being accelerated by the centrifugal force. As the force increases with the increasing radial distance from the axis (12), the particles will be gradually accelerated, and thus the distance between the particles will increase along the length of the duct. The grains are axially aligned using the duct in the first part of the duct, and their grain length defines an initial center-to-center distance with some variation due to differences in the size of the grains. The centrifugal acceleration is constant at a given radius, but the frictional force of the grains of the grain varies by about 20%. The frictional force corresponds to the Coriolis force = uN (u = coefficient of friction, approximately 0.2 - 0.25, N = the normal resistance of the duct wall mainly provided by the Coriolis force). As described above, the duct can be formed to minimize the normal resistance and friction by curving the duct along the line of the resultant force (mentioned in the first half of the text). Conversely, the acceleration of the particles can be reduced by curving the duct to increase the normal forces, curving the duct until the radius is constant or further reduced, or increasing the coefficient of friction of the selected part of the duct by changing the texture and / or material.

[0082] Selecting the length of the duct in proportion to the size of the particles can be done such that the spacing between each particle and the particle behind it is selected to be a fraction of the length of the particle. In one example, when the separator is used for seeds, the separation between each seed and the next seed can be at least equal to the length of the seed and typically 1.5 or 2.0 times the length of the seed.

[0083] Thus, the duct is formed and configured to accelerate the particles as they pass from the inner end to the outer end, and to align the particles successively in a row as the particles move toward the outer end.

[0084] The outer end (16) is configured in an array angularly spaced on the outer peripheral portion of the rotating body, such that as a result, the particles in the row of particles in each duct are discharged from the disk outwardly away from the axis of the disk by centrifugal force. All of the openings are in a common radial plane of the disk. The duct can be formed as either a groove cut into the upper surface of the thicker disk, or a groove by an additional wall applied to the upper surface of the disk, or a two-dimensional guide and / or a three-dimensional guide.

[0085] An array (20) of particle separation devices (21) is configured in an annulus at the outer end (17) of the disk such that the individual separation devices (21) are configured at angularly spaced positions around the disk.

[0086] Each separation device is operable to direct each particle to one of a plurality of paths as determined by the operation of the separation device. In the example shown, the separation device is configured to direct the particles either upward or downward with respect to the plane of the outlet (16). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A, the separation device (21) can take an initial intermediate or starting position where the particles are not separated either in one direction or the other. As shown in FIG. 3B, the separation device can be moved upward to direct the particles downward to a path (22) for collection in the collection chamber (23). Similarly, when the separation device is moved to a lowered position as shown in FIG. 3C, the particles are moved upward over the top of the separation device along a path (24) for collection within the chamber (25). The two paths (22 and 24) are separated by a guide plate (26) that ensures that the particles move to either one of the chambers (23 and 25).

[0087] To control the separation device (21), a measurement system, typically indicated at 28, is provided, which includes a measurement device mounted on a mounting ring (28A) for measuring selected parameter(s) of the particles as they move from the end of the duct at the end of the disk towards the separation device.

[0088] The measurement system can be any suitable type of system known in the industry, for example, an optical measurement system that detects specific optical properties of the particles to measure the particular parameter(s) that are to be measured. Since the type of system used and the parameter(s) selected are not part of the present invention, other measurement systems can also be used.

[0089] Typically, the analysis of the particles relates to the presence or absence of seed deterioration due to disease, which can in most cases be detected optically, for example using the aforementioned system, and is disclosed in the applicant's prior U.S. Patent No. 8,227,719, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference or may be referred to for further details.

[0090] Each separation device (21) is associated with a respective detection device (28) and is operable to measure particle parameters and may include a plurality of detection components responsive to the parameters measured by the associated detection device, and each of those devices, or separation devices, is operated to select a path (22) or path (24).

[0091] It will be appreciated that depending on the parameter being measured, the number of paths can be changed, if necessary, to include more than two paths. Such a selection to increase the number of paths can be effected by providing a further separation device (21) located downstream of the first separation. Thus, one or both paths can be split into two or more auxiliary paths and all of the separation devices are controlled by a control system (29) that receives data from the measurement device (28).

[0092] Accordingly, the disc has a front face (30) facing the supply conduit, the conduit (14) being in the radial plane of the disc (11) and extending outwardly from the axis to the outer periphery (17) of the disc (11).

[0093] As shown in FIG. 4, the duct (14) forms a vertical wall portion (14A) facing the supply conduit (10) and having an open face that traverses the disc. The wall (14A) defines a V-shaped cross-section by two side faces (14B and 14C) that meet at a top end (14E) provided on a helical strip (14D). However, the upper surface of the duct may be closed and only the opening (15) and discharge end (16) may be open.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 1, the duct (14) is curved such that the outer end (16) is angularly retarded with respect to the inner end (15). This results in the formation of the side surface (14B) of each duct as most shown in FIG. 4, which is angularly retarded compared to the direction of rotation in the counterclockwise direction as indicated by D. This warp of the duct is configured to substantially follow the Coriolis force and the centrifugal force, and as a result, the particles move along the duct without excessive pressure being applied to either side wall of the duct. However, the shape of the duct is configured such that the Coriolis force tends to press the particles against the downstream side (14B) of the duct (14). As shown in FIG. 4, the side wall (14B) is tilted such that the force F on the particles presses the particles against its inclined wall and presses the particles towards the top end (14E) of the duct (14). This acts to move all of the particles towards the top end (14E) of the duct, and thus the particles emerge from the disc in the radial plane of the top end (14E) of the duct (14).

[0095] As shown in FIG. 4, the wall (14B) includes helical stripes (14D) formed as grooves or ribs running along the side walls. As a result, when particles roll across the surface from the upper end of the surface to its bottom wall, the particles rotate about the longitudinal axis of the particle, and as a result, there is a tendency to align the particles in the longitudinal direction of those longer axes of the wall and also a tendency to spin the particles about this longitudinal axis. The grooves or ribs of the helical stripes shown in FIG. 4 are segments of a generally helical path that intersect the duct surface. The helical pitch adjusts the spin of the particles. Thus, as the particles slide along the surface from the inlet (15) to the outlet (16), the particles move towards the top of the surface and rotate about their axes to properly orient and spin or rotate the particles. Thus, when the particles emerge from the discharge portion (16), these particles are aligned in a common radial plane and aligned with their longitudinal axes along the duct and aligned with some spin so as to be presented for better analysis of the particles by the detection system (28). The rotation allows various surfaces of the particles to be presented to the detection system (28) in order to obtain an average of the surface characteristics. At the same time, the particles are presented in a common orientation.

[0096] As best shown in FIG. 1, the ducts (14) are closely arranged adjacent to the inner ends (15) adjacent to the axis and the spacing increases towards the outer ends (16). At the inner ends (15), the ducts are closely arranged such that the maximum number of ducts are provided by the maximum number of openings (15). The number of ducts can be increased in a configuration not shown that includes branches such that each duct divides into one or more branches along its length.

[0097] In another configuration not shown, the ducts can be stacked on top of the inner end (15) in order to maximize the number of duct openings at the inner end. That is, for example, when three ducts are stacked, the total number of ducts can be increased threefold. Then, when space for accommodating three ducts in a common plane becomes available at the outer end, the ducts are configured in a common radial plane at the outer end by moving the topmost duct downward. In this way, the outer ends (16) of the ducts can be configured directly alongside or adjacent to the outer peripheral portion (17) of the disk.

[0098] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, both the detection device (28) and the separation device (21) are installed within the outer peripheral portion (17) of the disk. In this way, the particles are induced to pass from the outer ends of the ducts to the array of separation devices.

[0099] In FIG. 5, an alternative configuration is shown where the separation device (21) extends beyond the extent of the outer peripheral portion (17) of the disk. In this embodiment, the particles travel along a trajectory determined by the angular velocity of the disk (11) and the direction of the ducts (14) at the outer end (16). Here, the associated detection device (28) is installed relative to the separation device (21) that acts on the particles in that trajectory. That is, the trajectory is configured in the free space between the outer outer peripheral portion (17) and the separation device (21), and as a result, the particles exiting the discharge end (16) of the ducts pass through one of the detection devices (28) depending on their position of release and from that detection device, the particles move to the associated separation device (21) that acts to separate them depending on the analysis performed by its associated detection device (28). Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the trajectory is consistent and that the detected particles move to the required separation device.

[0100] If necessary, a movable guide member (not shown) is provided at the outer end of each duct for changing the trajectory, where the guide member forms a guide surface that can be rigid or flexible, and the guide surface changes the angular orientation so as to direct particles to the nearest detector and the associated separator as the disc and the duct thereon rotate and move from one detector to the next.

[0101] In another configuration not shown, instead of using the particle trajectory to control the movement of particles passing through the required detection and associated separation devices, each separation device (21) is associated with a guide channel into which the particles enter when the particles are released from the outer end (16) and the associated detection device (28) acts on the particles in the guide channel.

[0102] In another configuration not shown, both the detection and separation devices are mounted on the disc so as to rotate with the duct. In this way, the separation device is directly associated with each one of the ducts to ensure that the particles pass through the associated detection device and proceed through the duct and directly from the detection device to the separation device, so as to ensure that there is no risk of errors due to differences in the trajectories of the configuration of FIG. 5. Also, the separation devices act to separate the particles into paths or to separate the particles by means of a guide according to their detection characteristics. In this configuration, the path is through the opening of the disc.

[0103] As best shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, each separation device includes a separation head (40) having a tip (41) that is normally present in the radial plane of the disk (11) such that particles released from the outer end (16) move toward the tip (41). The separation head (40) includes inclined guide surfaces (42 and 43) on respective sides of the tip (41). Thus, the separation head (40) is generally wedge-shaped. The separation head is mounted relative to a lever (44) mounted inside a tube (45), such that the lever and the actuation mechanism for the lever are protected inside the tube located rearwardly and by the separation head. An actuator (46) is provided to move the tip (41) between a first position above the radial plane (47) and a second position below the radial plane, defined by the path of the particles (13). Thus, in FIG. 3A, a central and neutral position is shown. In FIG. 3B, the tip (41) has moved upward such that the tip (41) is configured to direct particles to the side of the radial plane below the radial plane. At the position shown in FIG. 3C, the tip has been moved downward relative to the second side of the radial plane and is configured to direct particles to the first or upper side of the radial plane. This movement of the wedge-shaped head and its tip requires only a slight movement of the tip (41) and separates the particles simply by using the momentum of the particles themselves to slide the particles on the guide surfaces (42 and 43). Thus, the separation head need only move the particles to the position where the necessary separating force is generated and need not move so as to collide with the particles or generate a lateral force on the particles.

[0104] Considering the provision of a lever, the actuator (46) need only move a short distance and can thus be moved by a piezoelectric member. Alternatively, its movement can be effected by a small electromagnetic coil. This design allows the use of components that can produce the required high-speed operation to take the two positions of FIGS. 3B and 3C quickly enough to accommodate the high-speed movement of the particles. As shown, the actuator (46) is installed outside the separation head and lies in the radial plane of the separation head.

[0105] Accordingly, the configuration of the present invention provides a system for separating particles, such as grains, where the particles are provided in a supply zone and separated by ducts and duct inlets so as to form a plurality of streams of particles.

[0106] The flow rate of the supply pipe (10) is determined by its narrowest body and can be controlled to provide an appropriate flow rate of particles. The grains fill the central zone at the center of the disc and stream radially into the channels in the alignment zone. The removal rate of the particles along the duct is constituted by the choice of dimensions and a rotational speed equal to the supply rate provided by the supply duct (10). The flow satisfies the continuity equation P1V1 = P2V2, where P1 and P2 are the number densities of the grains and V1 and V2 are the grain velocities. The average center-to-center separation between grains is proportional to V.

[0107] A second constraint is provided by the width of the duct (14), where the width of the channel is chosen to avoid clogging of the grains. Accordingly, the channel width is preferably greater than the grain length to avoid clogging. When the channel width is 1.5 times greater than the grain length, the grains can flow without constriction. Thus, the number of channels × the width of the channels may be approximately equal to the diameter of the supply pipe. However, the channels need not start at the diameter of the supply pipe. Generally, there may be a flat zone with a diameter larger than that of the supply pipe before the channels start.

[0108] Further constraints relate to the acceptable difference in velocity between the disk (11) adjacent to the supply duct (10) and the supply duct (10) itself. The difference in velocity between the supply duct and the disk at the radius of the supply zone must be less than 2 m / s and preferably less than 1 m / s with respect to the wheat grains. The acceptable difference in velocity generally varies depending on the type of particles to be agglomerated. Grains with a large delta v bounce upwards from the disk. Higher velocities can be tolerated in configurations where the cover is provided on the disk at the central supply position. A slow initial velocity from the supply tube is desirable to assist the movement of the grains from the supply zone to the alignment zone. If the initial velocity is too high, the grains bounce. The initial velocity is adjusted by the vertical separation between the supply tube and the disk (11). A central cone may be provided to assist in directing the material away from the axis, outwards from its center.

[0109] In the alignment zone provided by the duct, the grains flow from the supply zone into the channels. The flow is facilitated by a centrifugal force close to 1G in this zone. Initially, the grains are densely packed. As the grains acquire a radial velocity, the average separation increases and a Coriolis force proportional to the radial velocity, typically 1 - 3G, acts on the grains. The Coriolis force aligns the grains end-to-end along the downstream or trailing sidewall of the channel or duct. The grains experience a resistance force due to the friction of the sidewall, which is proportional to the vector sum of the gravitational and Coriolis forces. The coefficient of friction is minimized or reduced by making the disk of a smooth wear-resistant material. The sidewalls of the duct are preferably curved or tilted vertically so that the grains move into a common radial plane in the Z direction due to the Coriolis force along the sidewalls of the channel.

[0110] In the acceleration zone, the spacing between the grains increases as the grains are accelerated by centrifugal force. As shown, the duct is curved such that the Coriolis force also contributes to the acceleration of the grains. The side walls of the channel are made of a smooth hard material to minimize friction and wear. The resultant force on each grain is typically much greater than 1G and increases rapidly with radial displacement. In one example, for a 220 mm diameter disc spinning at 400 rpm, the maximum force is approximately 44G. The air resistance on the grains becomes significant as the speed increases and the terminal velocity is ultimately set at 8 m / s - 9 m / s. Higher speeds can be achieved if the ambient pressure is reduced at the disc by a vacuum pump or if the area surrounding the disc is filled with a gas less dense than air such as helium. The pressure difference can be used to increase the flow rate in the supply pipe but simultaneously increases the terminal velocity. Ignoring friction, the terminal velocity of the grains exiting the outer peripheral end (17) of the disc is equal to the angular velocity of the disc × the radius of the disc.

[0111] With respect to the velocity of the grains passing through the detector (28), it is desirable to have a centre to centre separation sufficient to allow the ejection of one grain without affecting the trajectory of the subsequent grain. From the continuity equation given above, the distance between the lengths of two wheat grains corresponds to a grain velocity of approximately 80 grains per second for a grain velocity of 1 m / s.

[0112] The detection of grain characteristics is not included in the present invention and is therefore not described in detail. Various detection systems can be used, using various techniques and various characteristics of the particles.

[0113] In one example, an optical system is used and the sampling area is illuminated by appropriate optical features. As the particles travel through the sampling area, reflected light is received from the particles under inspection. The reflected light is analysed at various wavelengths for various features. The analysis can be performed by a spectrometer.

[0114] As described above, the grain is reoriented by a mechanical lever. In one embodiment, the mechanical lever may be attached to a rotary voice coil. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical lever is driven by a piezoelectric transducer. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric stack generates a small displacement that is amplified by the lever ratio. In a preferred embodiment, the piezoelectric transducer is a bimorph. A wedge-shaped head (40) having an apex angle of 20-45 degrees is mounted relative to the end of the bimorph. More preferably, the apex angle is 30-35 degrees. The grain is directed by the singulation device towards the tip of the wedge-shaped head. When a voltage is applied to the bimorph, the wedge deflects away from its central rest position. When the sign of the voltage is reversed, the direction of deflection is reversed. A 40 mm long bimorph can produce a displacement of about 2 mm. The bimorph can be driven significantly faster than other types of ejectors. The shorter response time of the ejector allows for a faster grain velocity.

[0115] Turning to FIGS. 7 and 8, a further embodiment is shown that includes a disk (300) driven by a motor (301). A supply conduit (302) supplies particulate material along a path (303) to a supply position (304), and a particular substance is dropped onto the upper surface of the disk (300). A central cone or dome portion (305) is installed directly below the conduit (302) to assist in spreading the substance outwardly into a plurality of ducts (306, 307), where the number of ducts can of course be varied from a minimum of 1 to the maximum number obtainable within the available area. In particular, when there are a large number of ducts, each of the ducts has a gate (308, 309) positioned off the inlet to the respective duct to control the flow of the particular substance into the ducts. Thus, when the amount of the replenishing substance is relatively small, some of the ducts can be closed by operating an actuator (310) that drives each of the respective gates.

[0116] Each duct is formed by a channel with generally upright two side walls (311 and 312) through which particles pass in between. These may be vertical, but are likely to have the "tilted" side walls as described above. Also, depending on the item to be sorted and the geometric shape of the rotating body, this duct can be a tube (circular, elliptical, triangular, quadrilateral, etc.) or a partially tube, i.e., a C-shaped, L-shaped, V-shaped, or the minimum two-dimensional shape and / or three-dimensional shape following the path along which force is exerted on the particles by the duct.

[0117] Each duct, such as the duct (307) shown in FIG. 8, includes a first portion (313), a second portion (314), and a third portion (315) at positions spaced along the length of the duct leading from the gate (309) to the discharge opening (316) at the end of the opposite duct. The first portion (313) of the duct causes acceleration of the particles after entry from the gate (309) and is formed and configured to separate each particle from adjacent particles along the major axis direction of the length of the duct portion.

[0118] The second duct portion (314) includes one or more sensors (317, 318, 319) at positions spaced along the length of the duct portion (314). The sensors can be used to measure various characteristics of the particles passing through the duct portion (314), and as a result, a control device (320) receiving signals from the sensors can direct a separation system for separating the particles within the duct.

[0119] The second duct portion (314) is formed and configured to reduce the acceleration of the particles within the second duct portion. The configuration is preferably such that the acceleration of the particles is very low or zero in the second duct portion so that the particles maintain a substantially constant velocity from end to end of the second duct portion as they pass through the sensors. This can be achieved, for example, by setting friction in the second duct region to balance the centripetal acceleration. Alternatively or in combination with friction, the centripetal acceleration can be reduced by configuring the second duct portion along a curve at a substantially constant radial distance from the axis of rotation.

[0120] The third duct portion (315) acts as a separation system, where the duct portion (315) pivots about a mounting pin (321) so as to move the discharge end (316) between at least two separate positions. At the position shown on the right end of the duct (307), the discharge opening (316) is in the same plane as the disk, and the particles are directed from this discharge opening into a first channel (322) for collection as a set of particles having a first characteristic measured by a sensor. The second channel (323) is provided to receive particles at a second position of the duct portion (315) as shown at the left end of FIG. 8 with respect to the duct (306).

[0121] It is noted that the duct portion (315) is moved between a first position of the channel (322) and a second position of the channel (323) by an actuator (324) that moves the discharge end (316) up and down between the channel (322) and the channel (323). Typically, the actuator (324) is an electromagnetic voice coil that provides sufficient force and movement to move the duct portion (315) between the two positions.

[0122] As shown, in this embodiment, the third duct portion (315) forms part of the main duct (306 or 307) and is mounted on a disk (300) for rotation therewith.

[0123] The third duct portion (315), as shown, is also formed differently from the first and second duct portions in a manner that decelerates the particles passing therethrough. Thus, when the particles emerge from the discharge end (316), they have a reduced velocity compared to the velocity during the measurement stage so as to reduce the potential for damage due to collisions after the particles exit the discharge end. It should be noted that the desired velocity profile across the duct depends on the material properties. For some materials, the third duct portion may be formed to result in an increase in velocity. As an alternative, the third duct portion can be replaced with an inclined gate, which may be rigid but is preferably flexible and curved to apply smaller redirecting forces to the particles.

[0124] In addition or alternatively, the particles within the duct portion (314) can be decelerated by an air flow directed along the duct that tends to slow the movement of the particles. This air flow is also used to decelerate the particles as they exit the opening (316) to prevent or reduce damage due to collisions.

[0125] In addition or alternatively, the particles within the duct portion (314) can be decelerated by a water curtain such as a waterfall or meniscus as described above.

[0126] In addition or alternatively, damage due to collisions can be reduced by providing an elastic layer (326) on the surfaces of the channels (322 and 323) that the particles collide with as they exit the discharge opening (316). In one embodiment, the elastic layer (326) is an elastic material such as rubber. In another configuration, damage due to collisions can be reduced by inclining the surface that the particles collide with.

[0127] In the configuration of FIG. 1, the separator (21) includes a cover portion (21A) that forms a closed channel through which the particles selected for the path (24) pass. This channel may include a collision surface and / or other components that act to decelerate. Also in FIG. 1, the material exiting the outer peripheral portion (17) of the disk is collected in a collection channel (98) that includes a suitable decelerating material (99) as described herein.

[0128] All of the mentioned methods regarding deceleration while working on the separation system are potential techniques that could be used to decelerate the particles after separation. The deceleration after separation will be very important depending on what is being sorted.

[0129] Thus, in this embodiment, the end of the duct is attached to a hinge that can tilt the end of the duct either up or down, and as a result, the direction of the outlet of the duct can be changed either up or down. The end of the duct is attached to an actuator that can be a piezoelectric actuator, a rotary voice coil, or other suitable actuator. The advantage of this method is that with a single device, the angular displacement of the end of the duct can be changed based on the quality characteristics of the grains to sort the grains into multiple output streams.

[0130] In the ejector, the grains proceed towards an ejector consisting of a wedge-shaped head (40) that is attached to the end of a piezoelectric bimorph mounted on a tube. The position shown in FIG. 3A shows the piezoelectric bimorph without power supply where the probability that the grains are redirected into the upper or lower receptacle separated by a divider is equal. The position shown in FIG. 3B shows the position of the ejector when +100V is applied to the piezoelectric bimorph and the grains are redirected into the lower receptacle. The position shown in FIG. 3C shows the position of the ejector when -100V is applied to the piezoelectric bimorph and the grains are redirected into the upper receptacle.

[0131] The separator system as described and illustrated herein can be used with systems where there are no specific measurements of particle parameters because the characteristics of its separation device can be used in other fields as well.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 10, a seeding system generally designated (400) is shown which includes a seeding toolbar (401) on which a series of individual planting devices (402) are mounted. Each planter (402) is supplied with seeds by a transfer duct system (403), and the transfer duct system (403) is supplied with seeds from a separator (404). As generally described above, the hopper (405) supplies seeds to the separator.

[0133] Accordingly, the measuring and separating system of the present invention is used in a seeding or planting apparatus (400) to sort seeds according to measured parameters related to viability so that seeds that will produce viable plants are planted and seeds with a lower probability of growth are used for other purposes. The present invention can be used to sort seeds according to size as detected by a sensor (406) for compatibility with the planting apparatus. The sensor (406) can be used to count seeds so that a defined number can be planted or packaged. Its configuration also results in a rapid stream of singulated seeds separated by a separator (407) of known quality and number in the planting device. The number of singulated seeds per second provided by the present invention is much higher than in the prior art, so farmers can seed more arable land per hour.

[0134] As shown at (408), a portion of the duct adjacent to the measuring device (406) is constructed of a transparent material (409).

[0135] Also, as shown in (410), the measurement device is installed adjacent to the gap (411) of the duct gap to measure various parameters of the particles, where the field of view is not blocked by the duct walls. In this configuration, the duct portion (412) is substantially parallel to the average velocity vector of the particles at the position of the gap (411) in order to minimize the perturbation of the particle flow along the duct.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 6, one duct having basically the V-shaped contour shown in FIG. 4 is shown. That is, the duct (14) is formed such that the particles move relative to the duct walls (14B, 14C) by acceleration, where the walls are V-shaped and retain the particles at the base of the V-shape.

[0137] The wall (14) includes one or more openings (14G) at its apex such that the particles (13) run on the walls (14B, 14C), but the smaller elements (13A) than the particles are separated from the particles by release through the openings (14G). In the illustrated embodiment, the openings (14G) generally take the form of a continuous series of openings along the apex. Thus, each duct includes a related second duct (14S) parallel to the duct (14) into which the separated smaller elements enter. Subsequently, a third duct (14T) follows to capture even smaller particles (13B) again. Thus, there is a stack of such ducts (14, 14S, 14T) such that the particles are separated by size from the first duct (14).

[0138] Also, as schematically shown in FIG. 10, the separation of the particles in the separator (407) is performed using electrostatic forces such that the particles are differentially charged according to selected parameters and then pass through an electric field (412), as a result of which the differential charging causes the particles to be diverted along different paths.

[0139] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a method including a series of steps of using the separation device of FIG. 1.

[0140] As shown, the first unification and separation process indicated by 5(00) transfers the substances to be separated in the paths (501 and 502) based on particle size. In path (501), the particles are subject to a coating process (503) and a subsequent UV curing process (504). In path (502), the particles are subject to a UV sterilization process (505) and a subsequent antibody application process (506).

[0141] At the end of path (501), a second separation process (507) based on size allows the received particles to pass into path (508). In path (508), the particles are subject to a UV sterilization process (509) and a subsequent antibody application process (510). At the end of path (508), a further separation process (511) selects the particles for the acceptance or rejection path. Similarly, at the end of path (502), a further separation process (512) selects the particles for the acceptance or rejection path.

[0142] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of various actions on particles using the method of the present invention. That is, in each case, the unification method is not used for sorting as described above, but instead is used for various operations such as aggregation, coating, sterilization, etc.

[0143] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the disc of the device of Figure 1 showing various options regarding duct shape. In each duct, the angle of the duct with respect to the radius of the disc results in different effects of acceleration, no acceleration (constant speed), and deceleration. That is, in duct (141), the particles increase in acceleration as they move outward. In duct (142), the particles accelerate as they move outward, then become constant speed, and then accelerate further. In duct (143), the particles accelerate as they move outward, then become constant speed, and then decelerate. In duct (144), the particles receive a variable speed profile as they move outward.

Claims

1. 1. A method for singulating particles, the method comprising: feeding the mass of particles into a feed conduit; rotating a rotor about an axis, the rotor defining at least one duct extending outwardly from an inner end adjacent the axis to an outer end spaced outwardly from the axis a greater radial distance than the inner end; feeding a load of particles into an inner end of the at least one duct arranged in an array adjacent an axis such that a supply conduit acts to deposit particles at the inner end of the at least one duct for entry into an inner, low velocity end and for separating a stream of particles in the conduit into separate ones of the at least one duct; Including, the at least one duct is shaped and configured such that particles are accelerated as they pass from the inner end to the outer end, and particles separated into the at least one duct are aligned one after the other in the duct as they move toward the outer end; A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising performing an operation on the singulated particles.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the operations are performed by one or more devices mounted on a rotating body.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the operations are performed by a plurality of devices installed in an annular zone surrounding an outer end of the at least one duct such that the operations are performed after the particles are released from the at least one duct.

5. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one duct comprises a plurality of ducts arranged in an array about an axis, the ducts being closely spaced at an inner end adjacent the axis for cooperating with the supply conduit and spaced apart increasingly towards an outer end.

6. 6. A method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the operation includes a measurement device associated with each one of the plurality of separation devices, each configured to direct a respective particle into one of a plurality of paths as determined by measurement of a parameter by the associated measurement device.

7. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the measurement of the parameters is performed by a number of measuring devices equal to the number of ducts, where each measuring device comprises one or more components for separate parameters of the particles.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rotating body comprises a disc member having a front surface facing the supply conduit, and the at least one duct lies in a radial plane of the disc member and extends outwardly from the axis to an outer periphery of the disc.

9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one duct is curved such that its outer end is angularly retarded compared to its inner end.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one duct comprises a branch.

11. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one duct includes a side wall against which the particles are forced by the acceleration, the side wall being configured to act to move the particles into a common radial plane for ejection from the rotating body by the acceleration of the particles.

12. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least one duct comprises a first portion configured for separating each of the particles from adjacent particles by acceleration and a second portion for measuring, wherein the first and second portions are configured such that the particles are decelerated in order to reduce the velocity of the particles.

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the particles are decelerated by the shape of a further portion of the duct which acts to decelerate the particles in the duct.

14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the particles are decelerated by a stream of fluid.

15. The method of claim 12 , wherein the particles are decelerated by changing the frictional characteristics of a surface of the at least one duct.

16. The method of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the particles are decelerated by an impact surface configured to reduce impact loads on the particles.

17. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, including a blocking member for blocking passage from the supply conduit to one or more of the ducts.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein at least a portion of the duct is made of a transparent material.

19. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the at least one duct has walls separated by at least one gap between segments of the wall or between separate segments of the duct.

20. A method according to any one of claims 1-19, wherein a surface of the at least one duct includes rifling for engaging and rotating particles in the duct.

21. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the at least one duct comprises one or more openings at certain locations such that elements smaller than particles are separated from the particles by being discharged through the openings.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one duct has an associated second duct generally parallel thereto into which separate smaller elements enter.

23. 23. The method of any one of claims 1-22, wherein the at least one duct is shaped to move particles against a wall of the duct by acceleration, where the wall is V-shaped and traps the particles at the base of the V.

24. 24. The method of any one of claims 1-23, wherein the at least one separation device is provided comprising: a separation head having a tip configured for particles to be separated to move in the stream towards the tip; and an actuator for moving the tip between a first position on one side of the stream configured to direct the particles towards a second side of the stream and a second position on the second side of the stream configured to direct the particles towards the one side of the stream.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the separation head is configured in a radial plane of the rotating body, and the first and second sides are configured on respective sides of the radial plane.

26. 26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein the separation head includes angled guide surfaces on first and second sides of the tip.

27. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the separating head is generally wedge shaped.

28. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the actuator is moved by a piezoelectric member.

29. 29. The method of any one of claims 1-28, wherein each duct comprises a duct portion and an actuator for moving a discharge end of the duct portion between at least two separate positions configured to direct particles to corresponding separate collection locations.

30. conveying particles to be sorted in a supply conduit; forming the particles from the supply conduit into a linear stream of particles; providing a particle separation device in the stream operable to direct each particle into one of a plurality of paths; 1. A method for separating particles, comprising: Wherein each separation device: a separation head having a tip that lies generally along the stream such that particles in the stream move toward the tip; an actuator for moving the tip between a first position on a first side of the stream configured to direct the particles to a second side of the stream and a second position on the second side of the stream configured to direct the particles to the first side of the stream; A method comprising:

31. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the separation head includes angled guide surfaces on first and second sides of the tip.

32. 32. The method of claim 30 or 31, wherein the separating head is generally wedge-shaped.

33. A method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the actuator is moved by a piezoelectric member.

34. conveying particles to be sorted in a supply conduit; forming the particles from the supply conduit into a linear stream of particles; providing a particle separation device in the stream operable to direct each particle into one of a plurality of paths; 1. A method for sorting particles, comprising: wherein each separation device includes an actuator for moving a separating element between a first position configured to direct particles to a first path and a second position configured to direct particles to a second path; Wherein the actuator is moved by a piezoelectric member. A method comprising:

35. conveying particles to be sorted in a supply conduit; forming the particles from the supply conduit into a linear stream of particles; providing a particle separation device in the stream operable to direct each particle into one of a plurality of paths as determined by operation of the separation device; 1. A method for sorting particles, comprising: wherein each separation device includes a duct section such that particles to be separated are configured to move in a stream through the duct section, and an actuator for moving a discharge end of the duct section between at least two separate positions configured to direct the particles to corresponding separate collection locations. A method comprising:

36. conveying particles to be sorted in a supply conduit; forming the particles from the supply conduit into a linear stream of particles; providing a particle separation device in the stream operable to direct each particle into one of a plurality of paths as determined by operation of the separation device; 1. A method for sorting particles, comprising: wherein each particle passes through a first portion and a second portion of a path configured to separate each of the particles from adjacent particles by acceleration, wherein the first and second portions are configured such that the acceleration of the particle in the first portion is greater than the acceleration in the second portion. A method comprising:

37. conveying particles to be sorted in a supply conduit; forming the particles from the supply conduit into a linear stream of particles; providing a particle separation device in the stream operable to direct each particle into one of a plurality of paths for collection as determined by operation of the separation device; controlling the deceleration of each particle to prevent damage to the particle; 1. A method for sorting particles, comprising:

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