Device to selectively sort flexible objects from a mixed solid waste stream

Abstract

A system for sorting a mixed object stream is disclosed. The system includes a conveyance with a first moving outer surface constructed to move the mixed object stream. A sensor may be positioned adjacent to the first moving outer surface such that it detects the composition of the mixed object stream. A suction device controlled by the sensor is fluidly connected to a suction manifold. A perforated conveyance includes a second moving outer surface with perforations that are in fluid connection with the suction manifold. The suction manifold creates a suction region along the second moving outer surface and adjacent to the first moving outer surface. The sensor controls the magnitude of suction within the suction region to selectively pull the flexible objects from the first moving outer surface and convey those objects to an ejection target zone.

Description

[0001] DEVICE TO SELECTIVELY SORT FLEXIBLE OBJECTS

[0002] FROM A MIXED SOLID WASTE STREAM

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0004]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. 63 / 575513 filed on April 5, 2024 entitled DEVICE TO SELECTIVELY SORT FLEXIBLE OBJECTS FROM A MIXED SOLID WASTE STREAM the contents of which are incorporated herein.

[0005] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0002] The present invention relates generally to machines used to sort materials and mixed recyclable materials.

[0007] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0008]

[0003] Optical sorters using near infrared (NIR) spectrography are common for sorting of waste plastics by resins. Optical sorters use a method to accelerate material, usually a speed conveyor belt, a sensor method, usually an NIR spectrograph, and an effective method, usually ejection with bursts of compressed air, to sort waste plastics from a heterogeneous stream.

[0009]

[0004] There is growing interest in the sorting and recovery of flexible and film plastic items from mixed solid waste (MSW) streams for the chemical recycling of polyolefin resins. MSW streams are typically 8% to 12% flexible plastics, and these plastics are almost never recovered by current recycling systems, making such recovery of flexible plastics financially advantageous. However, there are several issues when sorting material stream with a high composition of flexible plastics.

[0005] Film and flexible plastics behave poorly when on a speed belt and while airborne. For an optical sorter to eject an item, the item must remain in the same position relative to the speed belt between the detection zone and the ejection zone. For NIR sorters, this gap is typically 10” to 20” depending on object size, belt speed, and the decision speed of the sorter. For visual classification using neural network classifiers, this gap is typically 20” to 60” as the visual classifier is slower than the NIR spectrometer. Film and flexible plastics tend to “parachute” and then tumble and roll on any conveyor belt moving over 300 feet per minute (FPM), and typical sorters will move between 500 FPM and 1000 FPM. When the film or flexible items tumbles, its relative position on the conveyor belt changes, and the optical sorter will miss 50% or more of flexible items due to tumbling when unassisted.

[0010]

[0006] An optical sorter sorting flexible items may be enhanced by using an air assist method, wherein a laminar flow of air at the same speed and direction as the speed belt is produced directly over the speed belt. In this case, when a flexible item begins to tumble, the laminar air flow will continue to move it forward in the same position relative to the speed belt, allowing for control between detection and ejection.

[0011]

[0007] However, such control ends when ejected out of the laminar air flow by the burst of compressed air. For rigid items and flexible paper items this is typically not an issue. However, for flexible plastic items the distance between the ejection zone and the ejection target zone is large enough that substantial amounts of the flexible plastic changes trajectories while airborne prior to the ejection target zone thus missing the ejection target zone. In practice, 15% or more of flexible plastics will divert from the ejection target zone prior to reaching it, reducing sorting efficiency.

[0012]

[0008] In addition, flexible plastics are light weight, and sorting of flexible plastics often demands 1000 to 2000 picks per minute (PPM) to be economically viable. At this level of ejection rate, air tends to build up within the ejection target zone, creating air pressure back toward the ejection zone, reducing sort efficiency of airborne flexible plastics.

[0013]

[0009] MSW streams also tend to have substantial moisture, and ejection of plastics from these streams causes considerable splatter which then must be cleaned. Flexible plastics also tend to wrap on the live rollers placed between the ejection zone and the pass zone, further increasing maintenance in these streams.

[0014]

[0010] Attempts have been made to solve these issues by adding suction to the ejection target zone. However, in practice this tends to produce lateral eddies within the ejection zone because of differences in ejection rates across the ejection bar. This moves flexible items sideways relative to the speed belt, reducing sort efficiency.

[0015]

[0011] Other attempts have been made to add suction hoses to mechanical robot arms and suck flexible plastics off the belt. However, there is a minimum diameter of tube needed to suck typical flexible plastics items through it. Such tubes are generally placed on about a 24” pitch, decreasing the resolution of the ejection method, with 4 suction arms across a 100” wide conveyor belt, and prohibit the suction of large items such as shrink wrap and agricultural film. If the suction tube was made smaller such that they could fit on a smaller pitch, increasing pick resolution and pick rate, the size of prohibited items would decrease relative to the decrease in tube diameter. Such robot arm mounted tubes have a maximum pick rate of about 45 PPM, and with 4 working together the total pick rate of 180 PPM falls well short of the target of 1000 to 2000 PPM.

[0016]

[0012] A better method for the sorting of flexible plastics is needed.

[0017] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018]

[0013] A system for sorting a mixed object stream is disclosed. The system includes a conveyance with a first moving outer surface constructed to move the mixed object stream. A sensor may be positioned adjacent to the first moving outer surface such that it detects the composition of the mixed object stream. A suction device controlled by the sensor is fluidly connected to a suction manifold. A perforated conveyance includes a second moving outer surface with perforations that are in fluid connection with the suction manifold. The suction manifold creates a suction region along the second moving outer surface and adjacent to the first moving outer surface. The sensor controls the magnitude of suction within the suction region to selectively pull the flexible objects from the first moving outer surface and convey those objects to an ejection target zone. The perforated conveyance may be linear such as a continuous belt or radial such as a drum.

[0019]

[0014] A separator may separate the first sorting region from the second sorting region. Also, at least a portion of the second moving outer surface may be inclined relative to the first moving outer surface. The position of the second moving outer surface relative to the first moving outer surface may be adjustable. The second moving outer surface may be positioned above at least a portion of the first moving outer surface.

[0020]

[0015] The sensor may be selected from a group consisting of: a NIR spectrometer, an x ray fluorescent sensor, a laser induced breakdown spectrometry sensor, and a Raman spectroscopy sensor.

[0021]

[0016] The suction region may include a selective suction region and a continuous suction region. A processor may be connected to the sensor and to an array of suction ports. Each in the array may be independently actuated by the processor and the array defines a selective suction region. A linear actuator may be connected to the array and it may drive the array closer to the first moving outer surface. The second moving outer surface may ride along guide wheels connected to the linear actuator. The processor may control the linear actuator.

[0017] A pressurized jet may be positioned adjacent to the first moving outer surface to blow a stream of pressurize air of sufficient magnitude to propel the flexible objects off the first moving outer surface towards the second moving outer surface. The pressurize jet may be controlled by the processor.

[0022]

[0018] Additional aspects, alternatives and variations as would be apparent to persons of skill in the art are also disclosed herein and are specifically contemplated as included as part of the invention. The invention is set forth only in the claims as allowed by the patent office in this or related applications, and the following summary descriptions of certain examples are not in any way to limit, define or otherwise establish the scope of legal protection.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]

[0019] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following figures. The components within the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed on clearly illustrating example aspects of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views and / or embodiments. Furthermore, various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure. It will be understood that certain components and details may not appear in the figures to assist in more clearly describing the invention.

[0025]

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for sorting flexible objects and rigid objects from a mixed object stream.

[0026]

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of the system for sorting flexible objects and rigid objects from a mixed object stream.

[0027]

[0022] FIG. 3A illustrates the operation of the system for sorting flexible objects and rigid objects from a mixed object stream, where the suction region has a selective suction region and a continuous suction region.

[0028]

[0023] FIGS 3B-3G illustrate the suction port array connected to a linear actuator, within the selective suction region.

[0029]

[0024] FIG. 4A illustrates the operation of the system for sorting flexible objects and rigid objects from a mixed object stream, where a pressurized jet propels flexible objects off the first moving outer surface towards the second moving outer surface.

[0025] FIG. 4B illustrates the operation of the system for sorting flexible objects, semi-rigid objects and rigid objects from a mixed object stream, where a pressurized jet propels flexible objects off the first moving outer surface towards the second moving outer surface.

[0030]

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a system for sorting flexible objects and rigid objects from a mixed object stream, where the perforated conveyance is inclined.

[0031]

[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates the operation of the system for sorting flexible objects and rigid objects from a mixed object stream, where the perforated conveyance is radial.

[0032]

[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates the operation of the system for sorting flexible objects and rigid objects from a mixed object stream, where the perforated conveyance is radial.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034]

[0029] Reference is made herein to some specific examples of the present invention, including any best modes contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention. Examples of these specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying figures. While the invention is described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the described or illustrated embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0035]

[0030] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Example embodiments of the present invention may be implemented without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, process operations well known to persons of skill in the art have not been described in detail in order not to obscure unnecessarily the present invention. Various techniques and mechanisms of the present invention will sometimes be described in singular form for clarity. However, it should be noted that some embodiments include multiple iterations of a technique or multiple mechanisms unless noted otherwise. Similarly, various steps of the methods shown and described herein are not necessarily performed in the order indicated, or performed at all in certain embodiments. Accordingly, some implementations of the methods discussed herein may include more or fewer steps than those shown or described. Further, the techniques and mechanisms of the present invention will sometimes describe a connection, relationship or communication between two or more entities. It should be noted that a connection or relationship between entities does not necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded connection, as a variety of other entities or processes may reside or occur between any two entities. Consequently, an indicated connection does not necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded connection unless otherwise noted.

[0036]

[0031] The following list of example features corresponds with the attached figures and is provided for ease of reference, where like reference numerals designate corresponding features throughout the specification and figures:

[0037]

[0032] Sorting System 5

[0038]

[0033] Sorting System 5 A

[0039]

[0034] Conveyance (Speed Belt) 10

[0040]

[0035] First Moving Outer Surface 12

[0041]

[0036] Sensor 15

[0042]

[0037] Perforated Suction Conveyance (Linear) 20

[0043]

[0038] Perforated Suction Conveyance (Radial) 20A

[0044]

[0039] Separation Adjustment 22

[0045]

[0040] Suction Manifold 25

[0046]

[0041] Second Outer Moving Surface (Perforated) 26

[0047]

[0042] Suction Region 28

[0048]

[0043] Separator 30

[0049]

[0044] Separator Bins 30A, 30B, 30C

[0050]

[0045] Mixed (Heterogenous) Object Stream 35

[0051]

[0046] Rigid Objects 40

[0052]

[0047] Semi-Rigid Objects 41

[0053]

[0048] First Sorting Region 42

[0054]

[0049] Flexible Objects 45

[0055]

[0050] Ejection Target Zone 46

[0056]

[0051] Second Sorting Region 47

[0057]

[0052] Third Sorting Region 48

[0058]

[0053] Processor 50

[0059]

[0054] Suction Port Array (Individually Activatable) 55

[0060]

[0055] Linear Actuator 56

[0061]

[0056] Belt Guide Wheel 57

[0062]

[0057] Linear Actuator Movement 58

[0058] Selective Suction Region 60

[0063]

[0059] Continuous Suction Region 65

[0064]

[0060] Suction Device 70

[0065]

[0061] Pressurized Jet 75

[0066]

[0062] Cover / Guide 80

[0067]

[0063] Now turning to the figures, a system for the handling of flexible objects during a sorting process is illustrated. Specifically, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a system 5 for sorting flexible objects 45 and rigid objects 40 from a mixed object stream 35. The system 5 includes a conveyance 10 with a first moving outer surface 12 constructed to move the mixed object stream 35. A sensor 15 may be positioned adjacent to the first moving outer surface 12 such that it can detect the composition of the mixed object stream 35. A suction device 70 is controlled by the sensor and fluidly connected to a suction manifold 25. A perforated conveyance 20 includes a second moving outer surface 26 with perforations that are in fluid connection with the suction manifold 25. The suction manifold 25 creates a suction region 28 along the second moving outer surface 26 and adjacent to the first moving outer surface 12. The sensor 15 controls the magnitude of suction within the suction region 28 to selectively pull the flexible objects 45 from the first moving outer surface 12 and adhere the flexible objects 45 to the second moving outer surface 26. The rigid objects 40 unload from the conveyance 10 into a first sorting region 42 positioned immediately downstream of the conveyance 10. The flexible objects 45 are carried by the second moving outer surface 26 past the first sorting region 42 and unloaded into a second sorting region 47 positioned downstream of the first sorting region 42. A separator 30 may separate the first sorting region 42 from the second sorting region 47.

[0068]

[0064] Referencing FIG. 3 A, the system 5 may also include a processor 50 connected to the sensor 15 and an array of suction ports 55. Each port in the array 55 can be independently actuated by the processor 55, such that the array 55 defines a selective suction region 60. A continuous suction region 65 may be positioned downstream of the selective suction region 60 (both the selective 60 and continuous 65 suction regions form the suction region 28). In operation, the sensor 15 reads a heterogenous mixed object stream 35, and when a flexible object 45 is within the selective suction region 60, the array is actuated to lift the flexible object 45 away from the first moving outer surface 12. As the flexible object 45 is sucked toward the perforated suction conveyance 20, it will adhere to the second outer moving surface 26 through suction by conforming to the surface 26 and then be conveyed by the perforated suction conveyance 20 toward an ejection target zone. As the flexible object 45 item is conveyed forward, different subsection of the suction manifold may be activated such that there is continuous suction on the flexible object 45. When the flexible object 45 item reaches the ejection target zone 46, the suction is then removed and the flexible object 45 falls into the second sorting region 47. Meanwhile, rigid objects 40 do not adhere to the perforated surface and fall into the first sorting region 42.

[0069]

[0065] FIGS 3B-3G illustrate the suction port array 55 connected to a linear actuator, within the selective suction region 60. As shown in FIG. 3B, each suction port within the array 55 is connected to a linear actuator 56 that drives the suction port 55 towards the first moving outer surface 12. This allows the system to pick up flexible objects 45 more effectively from the heterogenous mixed object stream 35. The suction port 55 may have a guide wheel 57 along which the second moving outer surface 26 may ride. As the suction port 55 is driven down (see figure 3C), the guide wheel 57 pushes the second moving outer surface 26 (i.e., perforated belt) down allowing the second moving outer surface 26 to freely move without binding. When the sensor 15 detects a flexible object 45, the processor 50 may direct the linear actuator 56 to drive the suction ports 55 closer to expose the flexible object 45 more effectively to suction. In FIG. 3C, the first suction port 55 has been driven down to intercept the flexible object 45. In FIGS. 3D-3G, the linear actuator 56 is controlled to maintain a solid suction grip on the flexible object 45, as the second moving outer surface (i.e., perforated belt) conveys the flexible object out of the elective suction region 60 into the continuous suction region 65. Preferably the linear actuator 56 is constructed to drive the suction ports 55 a distance of 1 inch to 5 inches.

[0070]

[0066] Referencing FIG. 4A, the system 5 may also include a processor 50 connected to the sensor 15 and a pressurized jet 75. The jet 75 may be positioned adjacent to the first moving outer surface 12 and constructed to blow a stream of pressurize air of sufficient magnitude to propel the flexible object 45 off the first moving outer surface 12 towards the second moving outer surface 26. The suction region 28 adheres the flexible object 45 to the second moving outer surface 26. When the flexible object 45 reaches the ejection target zone 46, the suction is then removed and the flexible object 45 falls into the second sorting region 47. Meanwhile, rigid objects 40 do not adhere to the perforated surface and fall into the first sorting region 42. While one pressurized jet 75 is shown in FIG. 4A, multiple pressurized jets may be used.

[0067] FIG. 4B is similar to FIG. 4A, except that the separator is comprised of separator bins 30A, 30B and 30C, for rigid objects, semi-rigid objects and flexible objects, respectively. These bins further correspond to the first sorting region 42, the second sorting region 47 and the third sorting region 48. The suction manifold 25 creates a suction region 28 along the second moving outer surface 26 and adjacent to the first moving outer surface 12. The first moving outer surface 12 unloads the mixture of objects off its end and the pressurized jet 75 selectively blows a stream of pressurize air of sufficient magnitude to propel the flexible objects 45 and the semi-rigid objects 41 towards the second moving outer surface 26 based off of control from the sensor 15. The suction region 28 selectively pulls the flexible objects 45 and semi-rigid objects 41 from the first moving outer surface 12 and adheres the flexible objects 45 to the second moving outer surface 26. The rigid objects 40 then unload from the conveyance 10 into a first sorting region 42 positioned immediately downstream of the conveyance 10. The semi-rigid objects 41 are lifted over the first sorting region 42 by the pressurized jet 75 but bounce from the second moving surface 26 and drop into a third sorting region 48 positioned downstream of the first sorting region 42. Finally, the flexible objects 45 are carried by the second moving outer surface 26 past the first sorting region 42 and the third sorting region 48 and unload from the perforated conveyance 20, 20A into a second sorting region 47 positioned downstream of the third sorting region 48. It should be noted that “rigid” and “semi-rigid” are descriptions used to distinguish the materials from each other and from the flexible material, but could each have a variety of properties.

[0071]

[0068] FIG. 5 illustrates the system 5 where a portion of the second moving outer surface 26 is inclined relative to the first moving outer surface 12.

[0072]

[0069] In FIG. 6, the perforated belt 20 is replaced by a perforated drum 20A. A suction manifold 25 is arranged inside of the perforated drum 20A and the drum 20A and suction manifold 25 function in the same manner as described above.

[0073]

[0070] In FIG. 7, the perforated drum 20A (with a suction manifold 25 and a second moving surface 25) is arranged after the separator 30. The first moving outer surface 12 unloads the mixture of objects off its end, with the rigid objects 40 falling into separator bin 30A (first sorting region 42). The pressurized jet 75 selectively blows a stream of pressurize air of sufficient magnitude to propel the flexible objects 45 and the semi-rigid objects 41 over separator 30, towards the second moving outer surface 26 of perforated drum 20A. The semi-rigid objects 41 fall after the separator 30 into sorting bin 30B (third sorting region) positioned downstream of the first sorting region 42. Finally, the flexible objects 45 adhere to the second moving outer surface 26 and unload from the perforated drum 20A into a sorting bin 30C (second sorting region) positioned downstream of the third sorting region 48. Cover / guide 80 may be used to contain the objects and direct them over the separator 30.

[0074]

[0071] The sensor 15 may be, but is not limited to, a near infrared (NIR) spectrometer, visual classifiers, x ray fluorescent sensors, laser induced breakdown spectrometry sensors, and Raman spectroscopy sensors.

[0075]

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the system 5, the perforated suction conveyance 20 is arranged parallel to the conveyance 10, such that the second outer mover surface 26 is travelling relatively the same direction and speed as the first moving outer surface 12 on the conveyance. The second outer mover surface 26 may travel perpendicular to the direction of the first moving outer surface 12 on the conveyance, but with a greater potential for contamination by dragging items.

[0076]

[0073] In a preferred embodiment of the system 5, the position of the second moving outer surface 26 relative to the first moving outer surface 12 is adjustable 22.

[0077]

[0074] This system has several advantages over traditional ejection methods. First, the target item maintains continuous contact with a control surface while it is being conveyed to the ejection target zone. This drastically reduces the tendency of airborne flexible items to take unpredictable trajectories. Second, the system will naturally reject rigids items as they are not able to sufficiently conform to the suction surface, allowing the targeted output stream of flexible materials to have a lower contamination rate of rigid items. Third, this system does not use compressed air ejection or live rollers, reducing machine cleaning and maintenance requirements. Fourth, this system maintains the high pick rate and tight effector pitch of traditional ejection methods, as each suction manifold subsection may be 1” in diameter or smaller, allowing the device to maintain economical production rates.

[0078]

[0075] In general, the perforated surface may be closer to the ejection nozzles than a typical ejection target zone. This maintains many of the benefits listed above, such as better trajectory control of flexible items and automatic rejection of rigid items, while allowing the use of more traditional methods within the optical sorter. This has a further advantage of being easy to retrofit within existing optical sorters targeting flexible materials.

[0076] While this patent document contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this patent document in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system (5, 5A) for sorting flexible objects (45) and rigid objects (40) from a mixed object stream (35), the system comprising: a conveyance (10) comprised of a first moving outer surface (12) constructed to move the mixed object stream (35); a sensor (15) positioned adjacent to the first moving outer surface (12) and constructed to detect the composition of the mixed object stream (35); a suction device (70) controlled by the sensor (15); a suction manifold (25) fluidly connected to the suction device (70); a perforated conveyance (20, 20A) comprised of a second moving outer surface (26) with perforations that are in fluid connection with the suction manifold (25); wherein the suction manifold (25) is constructed to create a suction region (28) along the second moving outer surface (26) and adjacent to the first moving outer surface (12); the sensor (15) controls the magnitude of suction within the suction region (28) to selectively pull the flexible objects (45) from the first moving outer surface (12) and adhere the flexible objects (45) to the second moving outer surface (26); the rigid objects (40) unload from the conveyance (10) into a first sorting region (42) positioned immediately downstream of the conveyance (10); the flexible objects (45) are carried by the second moving outer surface (26) past the first sorting region (42) and unload from the perforated conveyance (20, 20A) into a second sorting region (47) positioned downstream of the first sorting region (42).

2. The system (5, 5 A) of claim 1, further comprised of a separator (30) that separates the first sorting region (42) from the second sorting region (47).

3. The system (5, 5 A) of claims 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the second moving outer surface (26) is inclined relative to the first moving outer surface (12).

4. The system (5, 5 A) of claim 1, wherein the position of the second moving outer surface (26) relative to the first moving outer surface (12) is adjustable (22).

5. The system (5, 5A) of a claim 1, wherein the second moving outer surface (26) is positioned above at least a portion of the first moving outer surface (12).

6. The system (5, 5 A) of claim 1, wherein the suction region (28) comprises a selective suction region (60), the system further comprising: a processor (50) connected to the sensor (1 ); and an array of suction ports (55), each in the array (55) constructed to be independently actuated by the processor (50), the array (55) defines a selective suction region (60).

7. The system (5) of claim 6, further comprising: a linear actuator (56) connected to the array of suction ports (55) and constructed to drive the array (55) closer to the first moving outer surface.

8. The system (5) of claim 7, further comprising: guide wheels 57 connected to the linear actuator (56) along which the second moving outer surface (26) may ride.

9. The system (5, 5A) of claim 6, wherein: the suction region (28) comprises a continuous suction region (65) downstream of the selective suction region (60).

10. The system (5, 5 A) of claim 1, the system further comprising: pressurized jet (75) positioned adjacent to the first moving outer surface (12) and constructed to blow a stream of pressurize air of sufficient magnitude topropel the flexible objects (45) off the first moving outer surface (12) towards the second moving outer surface (26); a processor (50) connected to the sensor (15) and constructed to actuate the pressurized jet (75).

11. The system (5) of claim 1, wherein the perforated conveyance (20) is linear.

12. The system (5 A) of claim 1, wherein the perforated conveyance (20) is radial.

13. The system (5) of claim 1, wherein the perforated conveyance (20) is a continuous belt.

14. The system (5 A) of claim 1, wherein the perforated conveyance (20) is a drum.

15. The system (5A) of claim 1, wherein the sensor (15) is selected from a group consisting of: a NIR spectrometer, an x ray fluorescent sensor, a laser induced breakdown spectrometry sensor, and a Raman spectroscopy sensor.

16. A system (5, 5A) for sorting flexible objects (45), semi-rigid objects (41), and rigid objects (40) from a mixed object stream (35), the system comprising: a conveyance (10) comprised of a first moving outer surface (12) constructed to move the mixed object stream (35); a sensor (15) positioned adjacent to the first moving outer surface (12) and constructed to detect the composition of the mixed object stream (35); a suction manifold (25) fluidly connected to a suction device (70); a perforated conveyance (20, 20A) comprised of a second moving outer surface (26) with perforations that are in fluid connection with the suction manifold (25); pressurized jet (75) positioned adjacent to the first moving outer surface (12); a processor (50) connected to the sensor (15) and constructed to actuate the pressurized jet (75); wherein:the suction manifold (25) is constructed to create a suction region (28) along the second moving outer surface (26) and adjacent to the first moving outer surface (12); the pressurized jet constructed to blow a stream of pressurize air of sufficient magnitude to propel the flexible objects (45) and the semirigid objects (41) off the first moving outer surface (12) towards the second moving outer surface (26); the suction region (28) to selectively pull the flexible objects (45) and semi-rigid objects (41) from the first moving outer surface (12) and adhere the flexible objects (45) to the second moving outer surface (26); the rigid objects (40) unload from the conveyance (10) into a first sorting region (42) positioned immediately downstream of the conveyance (10); the semi-rigid objects (41) are lifted over the first sorting region (42) and drop into a third sorting region (48) positioned downstream of the first sorting region (42); and the flexible objects (45) are carried by the second moving outer surface (26) past the first sorting region (42) and the third sorting region (48) and unload from the perforated conveyance (20, 20A) into a second sorting region (47) positioned downstream of the third sorting region (48).

17. The system (5) of claim 16, wherein the perforated conveyance (20) is linear.

18. The system (5A) of claim 16, wherein the perforated conveyance (20) is radial.

19. A system (5 A) for sorting flexible objects (45), semi-rigid objects (41), and rigid objects (40) from a mixed object stream (35), the system comprising: a conveyance (10) comprised of a first moving outer surface (12) constructed to move the mixed object stream (35);a sensor (15) positioned adjacent to the first moving outer surface (12) and constructed to detect the composition of the mixed object stream (35); a suction manifold (25) fluidly connected to a suction device (70); pressurized jet (75) positioned adjacent to the first moving outer surface (12); a separator (30) located downstream of the conveyance (10); a perforated drum (20A) positioned downstream of the separator (30) comprised of a second moving outer surface (26) with perforations that are in fluid connection with the suction manifold (25); a processor (50) connected to the sensor (15) and constructed to actuate the pressurized jet (75); wherein: the suction manifold (25) is constructed to create a suction region (28) along the second moving outer surface (26); the rigid objects (40) unload from the conveyance (10) into a first sorting region (42) positioned immediately downstream of the conveyance (10); the pressurized jet constructed to blow a stream of pressurize air of sufficient magnitude to propel the flexible objects (45) and the semirigid objects (41) off the first moving outer surface (12) over the separator (30); the semi-rigid objects (41) drop into a third sorting region (48) positioned downstream of the first sorting region (42); the perforated drum (20A) selectively pulls the flexible objects (45) and adhere the flexible objects (45) to the second moving outer surface (26); and the flexible objects (45) are carried by the second moving outer surface (26) past the third sorting region (48) and unloaded from the perforated conveyance (20A) into a second sorting region (47) positioned downstream of the third sorting region (48).

Images