Sorter devices, and related ejectors for sorter devices

Abstract

A sorter device includes an infeed system configured to produce a stream of a bulk product, an emitting device configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at the stream of the bulk product, an optical sensor configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected from the stream of the bulk product, and an ejector configured to introduce pulses of air at the stream of bulk product to selectively remove undesired components from the stream of the bulk product. The ejector includes a body comprising at least an upper surface and a lower surface, and channels individually extending from the lower surface, through the body, and to a nozzle at the upper surface. Related ejectors and sorter devices are also disclosed.

Description

TITLESORTER DEVICES, AND RELATED EJECTORS FOR SORTER DEVICESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] N / AFIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to sorter devices for bulk product, and ejectors for the sorter devices. In particular, the disclosure relates to ejectors and nozzles of the ejectors for the sorter devices, and to related sorter devices.BACKGROUND

[0003] Automatic sorter devices are conventionally utilized to sort bulk products. In particular, sorter devices are typically utilized to separate specific pieces (e.g., grains) from a bulk product in order to be sorted and / or to be discarded. Sorter devices generally include a conveyor system to create a stream of the bulk product. Bulk products can include nuts, grain, seeds, or plastic pieces. The sorter device typically includes optical detection systems arranged for acquiring and analyzing images of a stream of the bulk product. The detection systems are typically configured to provide the image data to a controller, which, based on information determined from the acquired images, sends control signals to an expulsion device to remove selected pieces (e.g., grains) from the bulk product. Expulsion devices often include air nozzles for producing air jets.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] One or more embodiments include a sorter device including an infeed system configured to produce a stream of a bulk product, an emitting device configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at the stream of the bulk product, an optical sensor configured todetect electromagnetic radiation reflected from the stream of the bulk product, and an ejector configured to introduce pulses of air at the stream of bulk product to selectively remove undesired components from the stream of the bulk product. The ejector includes a body comprising at least an upper surface and a lower surface, and channels individually extending from the lower surface, through the body, and to a nozzle at the upper surface.

[0005] Groups of the channels may be arranged in a substantially circular pattern proximate the lower surface of the ejector.

[0006] The ejector includes nozzles that are arranged in a substantially linear pattern along the upper surface.

[0007] A longitudinal axis of at least one of the channels may be oriented at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of another one of the channels.

[0008] In some embodiments, an outlet of each nozzle is recessed from a front surface of the body.

[0009] A diameter of an outlet of each of the channels may be within a range of from about 4 mm to about 6 mm.

[0010] In some embodiments, each nozzle includes a tapered surface and opposing tapered side surfaces. The tapered side surfaces may be oriented at an angle with respect to one another.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, each nozzle includes a tapered surface oriented at an angle with respect to the upper surface.

[0012] The upper surface may be oriented at an angle with respect to the lower surface.

[0013] In some embodiments, each channel may extend substantially perpendicularly from the lower surface.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, each nozzle includes opposing tapered side surfaces and a lower tapered surface. A distance between the opposing tapered side surfaces proximate a front surface of the ejector may be greater than a diameter of an outlet of the channel in fluid communication with the nozzle.

[0015] One or more embodiments include ejector for a sorter device. The ejector includes a body comprising a front surface, a lower surface, an upper surface, and a back surface,channels extending through the body from the lower surface to the upper surface, and a nozzle manifold proximate an interface between the front surface and the upper surface, the nozzle manifold including a plurality of nozzles. Each nozzle includes an opening at the upper surface and in fluid communication with one of the channels at the upper surface, and opposing sidewalls extending from the opening and to the front surface.

[0016] In some embodiments, the channels are substantially parallel to one another. In other embodiments, at least one channel includes a longitudinal axis that is oriented at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of at least another one of the channels.

[0017] The openings may be recessed from the front surface.

[0018] In some embodiments, the lower surface defines groups of inlets to the channels, and each group of inlets is arranged in a circular pattern of inlets. A diameter of the circular pattern of inlets may be less than a distance between furthermost nozzles in fluid communication with the channels of the group of inlets.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, an upper surface of each channel is lower than an uppermost surface of the upper surface.

[0020] In one or more embodiments a sorter device includes an infeed system configure to provide a stream of bulk product within the sorter device, and an ejector spaced from the stream of bulk product. The ejector is configured to selectively remove undesired components from the stream of bulk product. The ejector includes a lower surface in fluid communication with an air source, an upper surface opposite the lower surface, channels extending through a body of the ejector from the lower surface to the upper surface, and nozzles at the upper surface in fluid communication with the channels, the nozzles oriented at an angle with respect to the lower surface.

[0021] In some embodiments, each channel is in fluid communication with a groove at the upper surface, the groove fluidly connecting the channel with one of the nozzles.

[0022] A surface of the nozzles may be substantially parallel to the upper surface.

[0023] In some embodiments, the nozzles are recessed from a front surface of the ejector.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming what are regarded as embodiments of the present disclosure, various features and advantages may be more readily ascertained from the following description of example embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic representation of a sorter device, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 2A through FIG. 2H are simplified perspective views (FIG. 2A through FIG. 2C and FIG. 2F through FIG. 2H) and partial cutaway perspective views (FIG. 2D and FIG. 2E) of an ejector of the sorter device of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0027] FIG. 3A through FIG. 31 are simplified perspective views (FIG. 3A through FIG. 3C and FIG. 3G through FIG. 31) and partial cutaway perspective views (FIG. 3D through FIG. 3F) of another ejector of the sorter device, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The illustrations presented herein are not actual views of any agricultural machine or portion thereof, but are merely idealized representations to describe example embodiments of the present disclosure. Additionally, elements common between figures may retain the same numerical designation.

[0029] The following description provides specific details of embodiments. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without employing many such specific details. Indeed, the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with conventional techniques employed in the industry. In addition, the description provided below does not include all elements to form a complete structure or assembly. Only those process acts and structures necessary to understand the embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below. Additional conventional acts and structures may be used. The drawings accompanying the application are for illustrative purposes only, and are thus not drawn to scale.

[0030] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "characterized by," and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, but also include the more restrictive terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" and grammatical equivalents thereof.

[0031] As used herein, the term "may" with respect to a material, structure, feature, or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use in implementation of an embodiment of the disclosure, and such term is used in preference to the more restrictive term "is" so as to avoid any implication that other, compatible materials, structures, features, and methods usable in combination therewith should or must be excluded.

[0032] As used herein, the term "configured" refers to a size, shape, material composition, and arrangement of one or more of at least one structure and at least one apparatus facilitating operation of one or more of the structure and the apparatus in a predetermined way.

[0033] As used herein, the singular forms following "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] As used herein, any relational term, such as "first," "second," etc., is used for clarity and convenience in understanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings, and does not connote or depend on any specific preference or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] As used herein, spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "bottom," "above," "upper," "top," "front," "rear," "left," "right," and the like, may be used for ease of description to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Unless otherwise specified, the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the materials in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0037] As used herein, the term "substantially" in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example, depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially met, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least 90.0% met, at least 95.0% met, at least 99.0% met, or even at least 99.9% met.

[0038] As used herein, the term "about" used in reference to a given parameter is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the given parameter, as well as variations resulting from manufacturing tolerances, etc.).

[0039] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range.

[0040] As used herein, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," and "lateral" is in reference to a major plane of a structure and are not necessarily defined by earth's gravitational field. A "horizontal" or "lateral" direction is a direction that is substantially parallel to the major plane of the structure, while a "vertical" direction is a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the major plane of the structure. The major plane of the structure is defined by a surface of the structure having a relatively large area compared to other surfaces of the structure. With reference to the drawings, a "horizontal" or "lateral" direction may be perpendicular to an indicated "Z" axis, and may be parallel to an indicated "X" axis and / or parallel to an indicated "Y" axis; and a "vertical" direction may be parallel to an indicated "Z" axis, may be perpendicular to an indicated "X" axis, and may be perpendicular to an indicated "Y" axis.

[0041] As used herein, the term "intensity" when used in reference to light, refers to one or more of a radiometric quantity measured in watts per steradian (W / sr), a photometric quantity measured in lumens per steradian (Im / sr), or candela (cd), or a radiometric quantity, measured in watts per square meter (W / m2).

[0042] Embodiments include a sorter devices configured to sort a bulk product (e.g., grain, seeds, rice, plastic). The sorter device includes an ejector in operable communication with a system controller configured to provide control signals to the ejector to selectively introduce pulses of air (e.g., air jets) to a stream of the bulk product to selectively remove undesired components from the stream of the bulk product and to sort the bulk product.

[0043] The ejector includes a plurality of nozzles arranged in a nozzle assembly. Each of the nozzles is in fluid communication with channels that are, in turn, in fluid communication with an air source. In some embodiments, each channel is individually in fluid communication with a solenoid configured to provide a pulse of air to the channel and, therefore, to the nozzle. The solenoids may be in operable communication with the system controller. The nozzles may be configured to selectively introduce a pulse of air to a desired portion of the stream of the bulk product. The channels may extend substantially linearly through the body of the ejector and terminate at an upper surface of the ejector. The upper surface of the ejector may be oriented at an angle with respect to a lower surface of the ejector. In some embodiments, the nozzles are oriented at an angle (e.g., a taper) with respect to the lower surface of the ejector and with respect to the stream of bulk product. In some embodiments, the nozzles are oriented at an angle within a range of from about 15° to about 90° with respect to the stream. The ejector, including the channels extending through the body thereof, as well as the orientation of the ejector and the nozzles, may facilitate improved removal of undesired components from the stream compared to conventional ejectors.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a sorter device 102 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The sorter device 102 may include a support frame 104 supporting an infeed system 106, at least one detection system 108, at least one ejector 110, and a plurality of collection bins 112. Furthermore, the sorter device 102 may include a system controller 114 to which the infeed system 106, the at least one detection system 108, and the at least one ejector 110 are operably coupled. As is described in greater detail below, the sorter device 102 may be utilized to sort bulk product (e.g., granular product) such as, for example, nuts, seeds, grain, plastic pieces, etc. The sorter device 102 may sort the pieces of the bulk product 116 (referred to hereinafter as "grains") based on one or more of the quality, size, shape, color, type, chemical characteristics, ormaterials of the grains. In particular, the sorter device 102 may sort the grains of the bulk product 116 according to preselected sorting criteria. As a non-limiting example, the sorter device 102 may be utilized to sort grain based on the quality of the grain, which, in some instances, may be determined by a color of the grain. As another non-limiting example, the sorter device 102 may be utilized to sort bulk plastic pieces based on plastic type.

[0045] The infeed system 106 of the sorter device 102 may include a hopper 118 and a chute and / or belt 120. The hopper 118 may define a pathway to the chute and / or belt 120, and in some embodiments, the hopper 118 may include one or more vibrators (e.g., a vibrator feeder), augers, or other feeders to feed the bulk product 116 from the hopper 118 to the chute and / or belt 120. The chute and / or belt 120 may be sized, shaped, and oriented to cause the bulk product 116 to descend due to gravity and / or a conveyor belt in order to pass in front of the at least one detection system 108. For instance, the chute and / or belt 120 may be configured to produce a stream 122 of the bulk product 116 to pass in front of the at least one detection system 108 according to a selected velocity (e.g., speed).

[0046] The at least one detection system 108 may include a plurality of emitting devices 124, one or more background elements 126, one or more optical sensors 128, a plurality of intensity sensors 130, a plurality of current sensors 132, and a plurality of reference elements 134. The plurality of emitting devices 124 may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at the stream 122 of the bulk product 116 as the stream 122 passes in front of the at least one detection system 108. For example, the plurality of emitting devices 124 may include one or more light-emitting-diodes (LEDs) for emitting light. In some embodiments, the plurality of emitting devices 124 may emit one or more of visible light, short-wave infrared light (SWIR light), near infrared light (NIR light), infrared (IR) light, or ultra-violet (UV) light. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of emitting devices 124 is configured to emit light within a specific (e.g., selected) spectral band of the electromagnetic spectrum. In some embodiments, the plurality of emitting devices 124 includes at least four emitting devices. In one or more embodiments, at least one of the at least four emitting devices is configured to emit a first type of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., UV light), and at least one of the at least four emitting devices is configured to emit a second type of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., NIR light).

[0047] The one or more optical sensors 128 may include one or more of a charged- coupled device (CCD) camera, an IR camera, a UV camera, CMOS camera, SWIR camera, InGaAs camera, or an RGB camera. During use and operation, the one or more optical sensors 128 may be oriented and configured to detect (e.g., capture) light reflected from the stream 122 of the bulk product 116 due to the plurality of emitting devices 124. For instance, the field of view of the one or more optical sensors 128 may include at least a portion of the stream 122 of bulk product 116. In one or more embodiments, the at least one detection system 108 may further include one or more optical filters for filtering (e.g., narrowing) the reflected light being detected (e.g., captured) by the one or more optical sensors 128. In some embodiments, the one or more optical filters may narrow the reflected light into specific (e.g., selected) wavelengths that may accentuate sorting criteria (e.g., criteria distinguishing grades or types of bulk products).

[0048] As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the sorter device 102 includes a monochromatic sorter device and the at least one detection system 108 includes a single optical filter between the stream 122 of the bulk product 116 and a respective optical sensor 128. The single optical filter may produce, for example, a light / dark separation. As another non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the sorter device 102 includes a bi-chromatic sorter device, the at least one detection system 108 includes two optical filters between the stream 122 of bulk product 116 and a respective optical sensor 128. For example, the at least one detection system 108 may include any two conventional optical filters.

[0049] As noted above, the at least one detection system 108 may include one or more background elements 126, and the one or more background elements 126 may be disposed and oriented behind the stream 122 relative to the one or more optical sensors 128. The background elements 126 provide better detection and imaging of the individual grains of the bulk product 116. For example, the one or more background elements 126 may include any known background elements. The background elements 126 may provide better detection and imaging of the individual grains of the bulk product 116. The one or more background elements 126 may include any known background elements used in sorter devices.

[0050] The plurality of intensity sensors 130 may be oriented relative to the plurality of emitting devices 124 such that the plurality of intensity sensors 130 may be utilized to measurean intensity of the light emitted by the plurality of emitting devices 124. For instance, in some embodiments, the plurality of intensity sensors 130 may be disposed between the plurality of emitting devices 124 and the stream 122 of bulk product 116. In additional embodiments, the plurality of intensity sensors 130 may be disposed anywhere within the sorter device 102 such that the plurality of intensity sensors 130 are exposed to the light emitted by the plurality of emitting devices 124. In some embodiments, each intensity sensor 130 may be associated with a respective emitting device 124. In one or more embodiments, the intensity sensors 130 may include one or more photodiodes, photoresistors, phototransistors, or photovoltaic light sensors.

[0051] Furthermore, each of the intensity sensors 130 may be configured to measure an at least substantially instantaneous intensity of light experienced by the respective intensity sensor 130. In some embodiments, the plurality of intensity sensors 130 may be configured to measure at least two intensity values of the light experienced by the intensity sensor 130. For example, the plurality of intensity sensors 130 may be configured to measure at least SWIR intensity and visible light intensity. While SWIR light and visible light are listed as examples, the disclosure is not so limited. Rather, the plurality of intensity sensors 130 may be configured to measure an intensity of one or more of IR light, NIR light, SWIR light, UV light, or visible light.

[0052] Referring still to FIG. 1, the plurality of current sensors 132 may be operably coupled to the plurality of emitting devices 124. For instance, each of the plurality of current sensors 132 may be operably coupled to a respective emitting device 124 of the plurality of emitting devices 124. Each current sensor 132 of the plurality of current sensors 132 may be configured to measure a current being supplied to a respective emitting device 124. For example, each current sensor 132 of the plurality of current sensors 132 may be configured to measure a current being supplied to a respective emitting device 124 over a specified period of time. In some embodiments, the specified period of time may be 500 nanoseconds (ns), 1.0 microsecond (pis), 5.0 microseconds (pis), or 10.0 microseconds (pis). Furthermore, as is described in greater detail below, the current being supplied to an emitting device 124 over the specified period of time can be correlated to an emitted light intensity. In some embodiments, current values can be measured for one or more of IR light, NIR light, SWIR light, UV light, or visible light. In one or more embodiments, the measured current values may be correlated to light intensities measuredvia the intensity sensors 130. For instance, the current being supplied to a respective emitting device 124 can be measured at a same time that the instantaneous intensity of light is being measured by an intensity sensor 130.

[0053] As noted above, the at least one detection system 108 may include a plurality of reference elements 134. The each reference element 134 may be disposed within a field of view of at least one optical sensor 128. In some embodiments, each reference element 134 may have an at least substantially constant color and / or may exhibit an at least substantially constant color. As a non-limiting example, each of the reference elements 134 may include a colored piston within a clear cylinder where a center of the colored piston (e.g., a reference area) is protected from contamination (e.g., dust and discoloration) via one or more gaskets. In additional embodiments, the reference element 134 may include a planar surface that is as wide as or wider (e.g., in a direction in and out of the page in the view of FIG. 1) than the chute and / or belt 120 that can be pneumatically and / or electrically extend and retracted. In yet further embodiments, the reference element 134 may include an element attached to a cleaning apparatus (e.g., a brush). In yet further embodiments, the reference element 134 may be the commodity itself or elements inserted into the commodity. The sorter device 102 may utilize the plurality of reference elements 134 as a reference point for light perceived by the at least one detection system 108. Furthermore, the sorter device 102 may intermittently analyze colors of the reference elements 134 being perceived by the optical sensors 128 and utilize the perceived colors to adjust light being emitted by the emitting devices 124 and / or settings of the optical sensors 128.

[0054] In further embodiments, the at least one detection system 108 may not include a plurality of reference elements 134. Rather, in such embodiments, the at least one optical sensor 128 may be oriented to directly receive the light emitted by the plurality of emitting devices 124. In other words, the at least one optical sensor 128 may be oriented to directly receive the light emitted by the plurality of emitting devices 124 and light reflected from the stream 122 of the bulk product 116 due to the plurality of emitting devices 124. In additional embodiments, the at least one optical sensor 128 may be oriented to directly receive the light emitted by the plurality of emitting devices 124, light reflected from the stream 122 of the bulkproduct 116 due to the plurality of emitting devices 124, and / or light passing through the stream 122 of the bulk product 116 due to the plurality of emitting devices 124 (e.g., to measure a quantity of transparency or a color of transparency).

[0055] As is described briefly above, each of the infeed system 106, the at least one detection system 108, and the at least one ejector 110 may be operably coupled to and at least partially operated by the system controller 114. For example, the system controller 114 may provide control signals to the infeed system 106 to cause the infeed system 106 to feed the bulk product 116 to the chute and / or belt 120 of the sorter device 102 and to cause the chute and / or belt 120 of the sorter device 102 to generate a stream of the bulk product 116. Furthermore, the system controller 114 may provide control signals to the plurality of emitting devices 124 and the optical sensors 128 to control operation of the plurality of emitting devices 124 and the optical sensors 128. Furthermore, the system controller 114 may receive image data from the plurality of optical sensors 128, analyze the image data, and generate control signals for the at least one ejector 110 based at least partially on the analysis of the image data. For example, based on the analyzed image data, the system controller 114 may provide control signals to the ejector 110 to substantially remove undesired portions of the bulk product 116 from the stream 122. Moreover, the system controller 114 may receive data from and provide control signals to the plurality of intensity sensors 130 and plurality of current sensors 132. Additionally, the system controller 114 may provide control signals to the reference elements 134 in embodiments where the reference elements 134 require operation (e.g., piston and cylinder). Furthermore, the system controller 114 may generate image data to display to an operator. For instance, the image data may be utilized by an operator to assist in programming the sorter device 102.

[0056] FIG. 2A through FIG. 2H are simplified perspective views (FIG. 2A through FIG. 2C and FIG. 2F through FIG. 2H) and partial cutaway perspective views (FIG. 2D and FIG. 2E) illustrating different portions of an ejector 200, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The ejector 200 may correspond to the ejector 110. The ejector 200 may also be referred to herein as a "nozzle assembly." The ejector 200 may be configured to direct one or more pressurized streams of air (e.g., air jets) to the stream 122 as the stream 122 passes across(e.g., in front of) the ejector 200 to separate (e.g., remove) portions of the stream 122 falling outside of desired properties.

[0057] With collective reference to FIG. 2A through FIG. 2H, the ejector 200 may be configured to be mounted (e.g., removably mounted) within the sorter device 102. In some embodiments, the ejector 200 includes a body 202 through which a plurality of channels 222 extend, the channels 222 individually configured to provide air to a corresponding nozzle 220 of a plurality of nozzles 220 of a nozzle manifold 224.

[0058] The body 202 includes lower surface 204 configured to interface with a corresponding surface of the sorter device 102 to fasten the ejector 200 to the sorter device 102. For example, the lower surface 204 may be defined by a substantially flat (e.g., planar) surface configured to interface with the corresponding surface of the sorter device 102. The body 202 further includes and is defined by an upper surface 206 (e.g., opposite the lower surface 204), side surfaces 208, a front surface 210, and a back surface 212. The side surfaces 208, the front surface 210, and the back surface 212 may individually vertically extend between the lower surface 204 and the upper surface 206.

[0059] In some embodiments, the upper surface 206 includes a major surface that is oriented at an angle 0 (FIG. 2A) with respect to a major surface of the lower surface 204. In other words, the upper surface 206 may not be parallel to the lower surface 204. One end of the upper surface 206 (e.g., the front end of the upper surface 206) may terminate at the nozzle manifold 224. In some embodiments, the nozzle manifold 224 is located more distal from the lower surface 204 than other portions of the upper surface 206. In some such embodiments, the nozzle manifold 224 and the nozzles 220 may be the vertically uppermost portion of the ejector 200. In some embodiments, the nozzle manifold 224 is located at an intersection of the upper surface 206 and the front surface 210.

[0060] The angle 0 between the upper surface 206 and the lower surface 204 may be within a range of about 10° to about 45°, such as from about 10° to about 15°, from about 15° to about 30°, or from about 30° to about 45°.

[0061] With reference to FIG. 2A through FIG. 2D, the lower surface 204 may include one or more mounting apertures 214 (mounting holes) configured to receive one or morefasteners (e.g., nuts, bolts) for fastening the ejector 200 to the support frame 104 or another structure within the sorter device 102. The mounting apertures 214 may include partial apertures, such as proximate the front surface 210 to facilitate sliding the ejector 200 into position within the sorter device 102 prior to fastening the ejector 200 to the sorter device 102. In some embodiments, the front surface 210 and the back surface 212 each include mounting apertures 214 configured for fastening the ejector 200 to the support frame 104.

[0062] The nozzles 220 of the nozzle manifold 224 may individually be configured to direct a stream (e.g., a pulse) of air (e.g., compressed air) to the stream 122 at desired times during sorting of the bulk product 116 of the stream 122. In some embodiments, the nozzles 220 are substantially evenly spaced from one another along a length (e.g., in the Y-direction) of the ejector 200, such as along a length (e.g., in the Y-direction) of the upper surface 206 at the interface with the front surface 210 and the upper surface 206. In other words, in some embodiments, each of the nozzles 220 may be spaced from a horizontally neighboring (e.g., in the Y-direction) nozzle 220 about the same distance.

[0063] Each nozzle 220 may individually define an outlet 226 (e.g., an opening, as best seen in FIG. 2C and FIG. 2F through FIG. 2H). Air may be provided to the nozzles 220 through the outlet 226, where the nozzles 220 direct a stream of air to a desired location within the volume of the sorter device 102 and the stream 122 of the bulk product 116. The outlets 226 are individually in fluid communication with a corresponding channel 228 that extends from inlets 230 (FIG. 2B) at the lower surface 204, through the body 202, and to the outlets 226 at the upper surface 206.

[0064] The inlets 230 at the lower surface 204 are configured to be in fluid communication with an air source for providing the air to the channels 228 and the nozzles 220. In other words, each channel 228 extends through the body 202 from an inlet 230 to an outlet 226 at the nozzle 220. The inlets 230 may be located and defined within the lower surface 204.

[0065] When installed in the sorter device 102, the lower surface 204 is in fluid communication with and fluidly sealed to an air source configured to individually provide air to the inlets 230. In some embodiments, the sorter device 102 includes an air manifold substantially corresponding to the pattern of the inlets 230.

[0066] In some embodiments, the channels 228 are substantially linear and do not include any bends or angles. The channels 228 may extend through the body 202 in a substantially linear manner. In other words, the channels 228 may individually extend through the body 202 such that they include a single longitudinal axis and do not include a portion having a longitudinal axis offset (e.g., oriented at an angle) with respect to a longitudinal axis of another portion of the channel 228. In some embodiments, an angle between the longitudinal axis of each of the channels 228 and the lower surface 204 may be greater than the angle between the upper surface 206 and the lower surface 204. In some embodiments, the angle between the longitudinal axis of each of the channels 228 and the lower surface 204 depends on a distance between the inlet 230 and the outlet 228 of the respective channel 228. In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis of each of the channels 228 of a group of channels 228 (e.g., patterned in a substantially circular pattern) is oriented at a different angle from the lower surface 204 (and, therefore, from the upper surface 206) than the other channels 228 of the group. In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis of at least some of the channels 228 of a group of channels 228 is oriented at a different angle than at least other channels 228 of the group of channels 228 with respect to the lower surface 204 (and, therefore, with respect to the upper surface 206).

[0067] With collective reference to FIG. 2B, FIG. 2E, and FIG. 2F, groups 232 of the inlets 230 may be arranged in a pattern within the lower surface 204. In some embodiments, the inlets 230 of each group 232 are arranged in substantially circular pattern. The pattern of the groups of the channels 228 may correspond to the pattern of the groups 232 of the inlets 230. While FIG. 2B illustrates that the inlets 230 are arranged in groups 232 having a circular pattern, the disclosure is not so limited, and in other embodiments, the inlets 230 of each group 232 may be arranged in an oval pattern, a triangular pattern, a square pattern, a rectangular pattern, or another pattern.

[0068] A number of inlets 230 for each of the groups 232 may be within a range of from about 6 to about 12, such as from about 6 to about 9, or from about 9 to about 12. However, the groups 232 may include more or less inlets 230than that described above. In some embodiments, each of the groups 232 is substantially the same as the other groups 232 and includes the samenumber of inlets 230 as the other groups 232. In other embodiments, at least some of the groups 232 include a different number of inlets 230 than at least some other of the groups 232.

[0069] In some embodiments, circumferentially neighboring inlets 230 of a group 232 of inlets 230 are spaced from one another by substantially the same distance. Circumferentially neighboring inlets 230 may be spaced from one another at an angle within a range of from about 30° to about 60°, such as from about 30° to about 40°, from about 40° to about 50°, or from about 50° to about 60°. In some embodiments, the circumferentially neighboring inlets 230 are spaced from each other by about 40° (e.g., the groups 232 include nine inlets 230). However, the disclosure is not so limited, and the angle between circumferentially neighboring inlets 230 may be different than those described.

[0070] With reference to FIG. 2F, the channels 228 (illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 2F) may be arranged in a substantially circular pattern at and proximate the lower surface 204 and arranged in a substantially linear pattern at and proximate the upper surface 206 at the nozzle manifold 224. In other words, the channels 228 may extend from a substantially non-linear pattern at the lower surface 204 to a substantially linear pattern at the upper surface 206 at the nozzle manifold 224.

[0071] In some embodiments, each channel 228 neighboring (e.g., circumferentially neighboring) an additional channel 228 at or proximate the lower surface 204 may terminate at an outlet 226 and nozzle 220 that neighbors the outlet 226 and nozzle 220 of the additional channel 228. In some embodiments, each channel 228 is neighbored by two channels 228 at or proximate the lower surface 204 and is neighbored by nozzles 220 and outlets 226 of at least one of the two channels 228 at or proximate the upper surface 206.

[0072] In some embodiments, a horizontal distance (e.g., in the Y-direction) Di (FIG. 2F) between a first nozzle 220 at a first end of a group of nozzles 220 corresponding to the channels 228 of a group 232 of inlets 230 may be greater than a largest distance D2 (FIG. 2B, FIG. 2F) between the inlets 230 of the group 232 of inlets 230. In other words, a largest distance (e.g. a diameter) of the pattern of the groups 232 of inlets 230 may be less than the distance Di between the furthermost nozzles associated with the channels 228 of the inlets 230 of the group 232. In some embodiments, a ratio of the distance Di to the distance D2 may be within a range of fromabout 1.5:1.0 to about 2.0:1.0, such as from about 1.5:1.0 to about 1.75:1.0, or from about 1.75:1.0 to about 2.0:1.0. However, the disclosure is not so limited, and the ratio of the distance Di to the distance D2 may be different than that described.

[0073] When the ejector 200 is mounted to the sorter device 102, the channels 228 (e.g., a longitudinal axis of the channels 228) and the nozzles 220 may be oriented at an angle with respect to the direction of the stream 122, such as substantially perpendicular, or at an angle within a range of from about 15° to about 90°. However, the disclosure is not so limited, and the angle between the channels 228 and the stream 122 may be different than those described.

[0074] FIG. 2H is a simplified perspective view illustrating the upper surface 206, the front surface 210, and the nozzle manifold 224 from the front surface 210 of the ejector 200. In some embodiments, the outlet 226 of each of the nozzles 220 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. A diameter D3 of the outlet 226 of each nozzle 220 may be substantially the same.

[0075] The diameter D3 of each outlet 226 may be within a range of from about 2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm, from about 4 mm to about 6 mm, from about 6 mm to about 8 mm, or from about 8 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter is about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the nozzle 220 and the diameter D3 thereof are sized, shaped, and configured such that a width (e.g., in the Y-direction) of a jet of air is about 5 mm (e.g., in the Y-direction) at about 10 mm (e.g., in the X-direction) from the outlet 226.

[0076] With collective reference to FIG. 2G and FIG. 2H, the nozzles 220 may individually include a tapered surface 234 extending from the outlets 226 to the front surface 210. The nozzles 220 may each further include tapered side surfaces 236 configured to direct air from the outlets 226 to the stream 122.

[0077] The tapered surface 234 may be oriented at an angle a with respect to the lower surface 204. The tapered surface 234 may not be substantially parallel to either of the upper surface 206 or the lower surface 204. In some embodiments, the angle a between the tapered surface 234 and the lower surface 204 may be greater (e.g., steeper) than the angle 0 between the upper surface 206 and the lower surface 204. For example, The angle a between the tapered surface 234 and the lower surface 204 may be within a range of about 10° to about 60°, such asfrom about 10° to about 15°, from about 15° to about 30°, or from about 30° to about 60°. However, the disclosure is not so limited, and the angle a may be different than that described.

[0078] With reference to FIG. 2H, an angle P between the tapered side surfaces 236 may determine a distance D4 between the tapered side surfaces 236 at the intersection of the front surface 210 and the tapered side surface 236. The distance D4 may also be referred to herein as the width of the nozzle 220. The angle P may be within a range of from about 5° to about 35°, such as from about 5° to about 10°, from about 10° to about 20°, or from about 20° to about 35°.

[0079] The distance D4 (FIG. 2H) between the tapered side surfaces 236 at the intersection of the front surface 210 and the tapered side surface 236 may be greater than the diameter (D3) of the outlets 226. The distance D4 may be based, at least in part, on the angle P and a length Li (FIG. 2H) of the nozzle 220 between the outlet 226 and the interface of the front surface 210 and the tapered surface 234. The distance D4 may be within a range of from about 5 mm to about 15 mm, such as from about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or from about 10 mm to about 15 mm. In some embodiments, the distance D4 is about 10 mm. However, the disclosure is not so limited, and the distance D4 may be different than those described.

[0080] In some embodiments, an upper portion of the nozzles 220 may be exposed. For example, the nozzles 220 each be defined by their respective tapered side surface 236, tapered surface 234, and the outlet 226. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the body 202 does not include surfaces extending from an upper portion of the outlets 226 to the front surface 210 (e.g., the outlets 226 may not include an upper surface corresponding to the tapered surface 234). In some such embodiments, the outlets 226 of the nozzles 220 may be recessed from the front surface 210 of the ejector 200. The shape of the nozzles 220 including the tapered surface 234, the tapered side surfaces 236, and the recessed outlets 226 may facilitate directing the air to the desired locations at the stream 122 and at the desired velocity and force.

[0081] In use and operation, and as noted above, the system controller 114 may receive image data from the plurality of optical sensors 128, analyze the image data, and generate control signals for the at least one ejector 110 (ejector 200) based at least partially on the analysis of the image data. For example, the system controller 114 may generate one or more controlsignals configured to cause at least some of the nozzles 220 to direct a stream of air (e.g., a pulse of air, a jet of air) at the stream 122 to remove one or more identified objects (e.g., kernels, grains, seeds) from the bulk product 116 of the stream 122. For example, the system controller 114 may be configured to cause some of the nozzles 220 to direct a stream of air at the stream 122 while air is not provided to other nozzles 220 of the same ejector 200 and / or to cause the nozzles 220 to direct a stream of air at the stream 122 at different times and for different durations, based at least partially on the analysis of the image data.

[0082] Although the ejector 200 of FIG. 2A through FIG. 2H has been described and illustrated as having a particular configuration, the disclosure is not so limited. FIG. 3A through FIG. 31 are simplified partial perspective views (FIG. 3A th rough FIG. 3C and FIG. 3G through FIG. 31) and partial cutaway perspective views (FIG. 3D through FIG. 3F) of an ejector 300, in accordance with additional embodiments of the disclosure. The ejector 300 may correspond to the ejector 110. Components of the ejector 300 that are the same as or substantially the same as corresponding components of the ejector 200 may retain the same numerical designation, except that reference numerals 2XX are replaced with 3XX. For example, unless described otherwise, the body 302 of the ejector 300 may be substantially similar to the body 202 of the ejector 200 (e.g., may include the lower surface 304, the upper surface 306, the side surfaces 308, the front surface 310, and the back surface 312).

[0083] As described above with reference to the ejector 200, the ejector 300 may be configured to be mounted (e.g., removably mounted) within the sorter device 102. The ejector 300 includes a body 302 through which a plurality of channels 322 extend, the channels 322 individually configured to provide air to a corresponding nozzle 320 of a plurality of nozzles 320 of a nozzle manifold 324.

[0084] The upper surface 306 may be oriented at an angle with respect to the lower surface 304, as described above with reference to the upper surface 206 of the ejector 200. A front end of the upper surface 306 may terminate at the nozzle manifold 324 at an interface of the upper surface 306 and the front surface 310. Since the upper surface 306 is angled with respect to the lower surface 304, the nozzle manifold 324 may be located more distal from (e.g., farther than) the lower surface 304 than other portions of the upper surface 306.

[0085] The nozzles 320 of the nozzle manifold 324 may individually be configured to direct a stream (e.g., a pulse) of air (e.g., compressed air) to the stream 122 at desired times during sorting of bulk product 116 of the stream 122. In some embodiments, the nozzles 320 are substantially evenly spaced from one another along a length (e.g., in the Y-direction) of the ejector 300, such as along a length (e.g., in the Y-direction) of the upper surface 306 at the interface with the front surface 310 and the upper surface 306. In other words, in some embodiments, each of the nozzles 320 may be spaced from a horizontally neighboring (e.g., in the Y-direction) nozzle 320 about the same distance.

[0086] With reference to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3H, and FIG. 31, each nozzle 320 may individually include opposing sidewalls 336 extending from a groove 340 that is, in turn, in fluid communication with outlets 326 of channels 320 that extend from inlets 330 at the lower surface 304 to the outlets 326 at the upper surface 306. In some embodiments, the opposing sidewalls 336 are substantially parallel to one another. In some embodiments, the opposing sidewalls 336 are substantially parallel to the side surfaces 308.

[0087] The nozzles 320 may further include a lower surface 334 extending from lower portions of the opposing sidewalls 336. The lower surface 334 may be substantially parallel to the upper surface 306 and may be vertically offset from the upper surface 306 a distance corresponding to a height H of the opposing sidewalls 336. The height H may be within a range of from about 5 mm to about 15 mm, such as from about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or from about 10 mm to about 15 mm.

[0088] In some embodiments, the nozzles 320, defined by the lower surface 334 and the opposing sidewalls 336 may exhibit a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape (e.g., in the YZ plane).

[0089] With reference to FIG. 3H, a distance Ds between the opposing sidewalls 336 may be substantially the same as the distance D4 between the tapered side surfaces 236 at the intersection of the front surface 210 and the tapered side surface 236 of FIG. 2H.

[0090] As described above with respect to the nozzles 220, the nozzles 320 are configured to direct a stream of air at the stream 122 of the bulk product 116 within the sorter device 102. As best seen in FIG. 3G and FIG. 31, each nozzle 320 is in fluid communication with acorresponding channel 328 by means of a groove 340. The channels 328 may individually extend from an inlet 330 at the lower surface 304, through the body 302, and to the outlets 326 at the upper surface 306.

[0091] Each groove 340 may be in fluid communication with an outlet 326 and with a nozzle 320. An outlet of the groove 340 may be located at the nozzle 230. Each of the grooves 340 may at least partially be defined by opposing sidewalls 342 vertically extending from a lower surface 344 of the groove 340. The lower surface 344 may be substantially parallel to the upper surface 306. In some embodiments, a height of the opposing sidewalls from the lower surface 344 may be substantially the same as the height H of the opposing sidewalls 336 of the nozzles 320. In some embodiments, the grooves 340 are formed and defined within an upper portion of the upper surface 306. In some such embodiments, the nozzles 320 and the ejector 300 may comprise a so-called "lidless" ejector.

[0092] In some embodiments, a length L2 (FIG. 3H) of the nozzles 320 from the outlet of the grooves 340 to the interface of the nozzle 320 at the front surface 310 and the upper surface 306 may be with a range of about 1.5 times to about 2.5 times the distance Ds, such as from about 1.5 times to about 2.0 times, or from about 2.0 times to about 2.5 times the distance Ds.

[0093] With reference to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3C, FIG. 3E, and FIG. 3G, the grooves 340 may be defined within the upper surface 306 of the ejector 300. In some embodiments, the grooves 340 may not be substantially parallel to one another. In addition, at least some of the grooves 340 may be substantially linear, and at least others of the grooves 340 may not be substantially linear. For example, at least some of the grooves 340 may include a first portion having a longitudinal axis that is oriented at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of a second portion of the groove 340. In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis of the grooves 340 may not be substantially parallel to the side surface 308.

[0094] As best seen in FIG. 3D and FIG. 3G, the channels 328 may vertically extend from the lower surface 304 to the upper surface 306. Each of the channels 328 may be substantially parallel to one another within the body 302. At the upper surface 306, the channels 328 may terminate at the outlets 326 at the grooves 340.

[0095] As described above with reference to the groups 232 of inlets 230, the ejector 300 includes groups 332 of inlets 330 arranged within the lower surface 304. In some embodiments, the inlets 330 of each group 332 are arranged in substantially circular pattern. The groups 332 of inlets 330 may be substantially the same as the groups 232 of inlets 230 described above with reference to the ejector 200.

[0096] The channels 328 may exhibit substantially the same pattern as the groups 332 of inlets 330. In addition, in some embodiments, the channels 328 may exhibit substantially the same dimensions as the pattern of the groups 332 of inlets 330. In some embodiments, a diameter of the pattern of channels 328 proximate the upper surface 306 may be substantially the same as a diameter of the groups 332 of inlets 330 at the lower surface 304.

[0097] The nozzles 220, 320 described herein may provide advantages compared to conventional nozzles of conventional ejectors. For example, the nozzles 220, 320 may more accurately provide a pulse of air to the stream 122 to more effectively remove undesired components from the stream 122 without unintentionally removing desired components of the stream 122.

[0098] All references cited herein are incorporated herein in their entireties. If there is a conflict between definitions herein and in an incorporated reference, the definition herein shall control.

[0099] While the present disclosure has been described herein with respect to certain illustrated embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that it is not so limited. Rather, many additions, deletions, and modifications to the illustrated embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as hereinafter claimed, including legal equivalents thereof. In addition, features from one embodiment may be combined with features of another embodiment while still being encompassed within the scope as contemplated by the inventors. Further, embodiments of the disclosure have utility with different and various machine types and configurations.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A sorter device, comprising: an infeed system configured to produce a stream of a bulk product; an emitting device configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at the stream of the bulk product; an optical sensor configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected from the stream of the bulk product; and an ejector configured to introduce pulses of air at the stream of bulk product to selectively remove undesired components from the stream of the bulk product, the ejector comprising: a body comprising at least an upper surface and a lower surface; and channels individually extending from the lower surface, through the body, and to a nozzle at the upper surface.

2. The sorter device of claim 1, wherein the ejector comprises groups of the channels arranged in a substantially circular pattern proximate the lower surface.

3. The sorter device of claim 1, wherein the ejector comprises nozzles are arranged in a substantially linear pattern along the upper surface.

4. The sorter device of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of at least one of the channels is oriented at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of another one of the channels.

5. The sorter device of claim 1, wherein an outlet of each nozzle is recessed from a front surface of the body.

6. The sorter device of claim 1, wherein a diameter of an outlet of each of the channels is within a range of from about 4 mm to about 6 mm.

7. The sorter device of claim 1, wherein each nozzle comprises a tapered surface and opposing tapered side surfaces.

8. The sorter device of claim 7, wherein the tapered side surfaces are oriented at an angle with respect to one another.

9. The sorter device of claim 1, wherein each nozzle comprises a tapered surface oriented at an angle with respect to the upper surface.

10. The sorter device of claim 1, wherein the upper surface is oriented at an angle with respect to the lower surface.

11. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein each channel extends substantially perpendicularly from the lower surface.

12. An ejector for a sorter device, the ejector comprising: a body comprising a front surface, a lower surface, an upper surface, and a back surface; channels extending through the body from the lower surface to the upper surface; and a nozzle manifold proximate an interface between the front surface and the upper surface, the nozzle manifold comprising a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle comprising: an opening at the upper surface and in fluid communication with one of the channels at the upper surface; and opposing sidewalls extending from the opening and to the front surface.

13. The ejector of claim 12, wherein the channels are substantially parallel to one another.

14. The ejector of claim 12, wherein the openings are recessed from the front surface.

15. The ejector of claim 12, wherein the lower surface defines groups of inlets to the channels, each group of inlets arranged in a circular pattern of inlets.

16. The ejector of claim 15, wherein a diameter of the circular pattern of inlets is less than a distance between furthermost nozzles in fluid communication with the channels of the group of inlets.

17. The ejector of claim 12, wherein an upper surface of each channel is lower than an uppermost surface of the upper surface.

18. A sorter device, comprising: an infeed system configure to provide a stream of bulk product within the sorter device; an ejector spaced from the stream of bulk product, the ejector configured to selectively remove undesired components from the stream of bulk product and comprising: a lower surface in fluid communication with an air source; an upper surface opposite the lower surface; channels extending through a body of the ejector from the lower surface to the upper surface; and nozzles at the upper surface in fluid communication with the channels, the nozzles oriented at an angle with respect to the lower surface.

19. The sorter device of claim 18, wherein each channel is in fluid communication with a groove at the upper surface, the groove fluidly connecting the channel with one of the nozzles.

20. The sorter device of claim 18, wherein a surface of the nozzles is substantially parallel to the upper surface.

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