A system for unloading and sampling bulk goods and method related thereto

Abstract

A system (1) for unloading and sampling bulk goods, comprising: − one or more upstream conveyor belts (2) receiving bulk goods; − at least one container (4) receiving a sample of the bulk goods from an upstream conveyor belt (2) and storing the sample; − a sampling device (5) collecting a sub-sample from the sample of one of the containers (4) and bringing the sub-sample to inspection; and − one or more downstream conveyor belts (6); and wherein the container (4) unloads the sample onto one or more of the downstream conveyor belts (6) upon allowance from inspection; and wherein the one or more downstream conveyor belts (6) receive the bulk goods from the one or more upstream conveyor (2) belts when the container (4) unloads the sample onto one or more of the downstream conveyor belts.

Description

[0001] A SYSTEM FOR UNLOADING AND SAMPLING BULK GOODS AND METHOD RELATED THERETO

[0002] Technical field

[0003]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to material handling devices and systems. More in particular the present disclosure relates to devices and systems for handling and automatically sampling bulk goods, for example bulk goods for human consumption.

[0004] Background

[0005]

[0002] Goods for human consumption, for example fruit and / or vegetables, for example more particularly root and / or tuber vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, turnips, beets and / or onions, are often transported in bulk from a fruit and / or vegetable producer to one or more collection centres or markets where the fruits and / or the vegetables are sorted for further distribution and processing and sale. Such collection centres often comprise mechanized means to receive and further route and dispatch the received goods for further processing. For example, the bulk goods may be provided from one or more silos to a collection centre. Alternatively, the bulk goods may be provided to a collection centre from any location where the bulk goods were stored. For example, the bulk goods may be transported from the producers to the collection centres by one or more vehicles. A vehicle is a machine designed for selfpropulsion, usually to transport people, cargo, or both, and typically refers to land vehicles such as for example human-powered vehicles, e.g. bicycles, tricycles, velomobiles, animal-powered transports, e.g. horse-drawn carriages / wagons, ox carts, dog sleds, motor vehicles, e.g. motorcycles, cars, trucks, buses, mobility scooters, and railed vehicles, trains, trams and monorails, cable transport, e.g. cable cars and elevators, watercraft, e.g. ships, boats and underwater vehicles, amphibious vehicles, e.g. screw-propelled vehicles, hovercraft, seaplanes, aircraft, e.g. airplanes, helicopters, gliders, etc. One or more vehicles may be provided with its own conveyor belt system onto which for example the potatoes are dropped and thereby be transported to a discharge port in the wall of the truck. The goods may then enter the collection centre when exiting the truck via the discharge port.

[0006]

[0003] Given the perishable nature of the bulk goods being brought to the collection centre, it is highly advantageous to be able to assess the quality of the delivered goods as soon as possible at the collection centre, preferably before a transport vehicle transporting bulk goods starts unloading its cargo or freight at the collection centre.

[0007]

[0004] A system for storing and sampling agricultural products is known for example from NL8602342. NL ‘342 discloses an apparatus for sampling a load of agricultural products to be dumped as a stream onto a conveyor belt of a collection centre. The system according to NL ‘342 is provided with a sampling tray which periodically sweeps across the conveyor belt. In the sweeping motion, the sampling tray collects a sample of the agricultural products, which agricultural products are then deposited in a buffer vessel to be shipped to a sample processing facility.

[0008] Summary

[0009]

[0005] The system according to NL ‘342 is suitable to either collect a first non-random sample without sending any bulk goods downstream, or to collect a random sample while the bulk goods are being sent downstream. This makes the user chose between a random sample and having to test a non-random sample. The present disclosure advantageously overcomes these limitations of NL ‘342, as will be made obvious by at least one of the following embodiments.

[0010]

[0006] It is an object of embodiments of the present disclosure to retrieve and test a random sample from an amount of bulk goods in for example a collection centre, in particular before the bulk goods are unloaded and conveyed for production or further distribution. More specifically, it is an object of embodiments of the present disclosure to automatically sample a representative specimen of bulk goods, more preferably before a large quantity or even the totality of the bulk goods are completely unloaded at the collection centre, thereby evaluating the quality of the sample and therefrom estimating the quality of the bulk goods. It is a further object of embodiments of the present disclosure to allow the unloading of the bulk goods in for example a collection centre when the quality of the sample and thus of the bulk goods is acceptable, and to prevent the unloading of the bulk goods in for example a collection centre when the quality of the sample and thus of the bulk goods is unacceptable.

[0011]

[0007] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the disclosure is set out by the independent claims.

[0012]

[0008] The embodiments and features described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims, if any, are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0013]

[0009] There is a need for a system and a method of providing the system which allow the extraction of a random sample for testing form a batch of bulk goods.

[0014]

[0010] This object is achieved, according to a first example aspect of the present disclosure, by a system for unloading and sampling bulk goods, wherein the system comprises: one or more upstream conveyor belts adapted to receive bulk goods from one or receiving means; at least one container adapted to receive a sample of the bulk goods from at least one of the upstream conveyor belts and further adapted to store the sample; a sampling device adapted to collect a sub-sample from the sample of at least one of the container, wherein the sampling device is further adapted to bring the subsample to inspection; and one or more downstream conveyor belts; and wherein the container is further adapted to unload the sample onto one or more of the downstream conveyor belts upon allowance from inspection; and wherein the one or more downstream conveyor belts are further adapted to receive the bulk goods from the one or more upstream conveyor belts when the container unloads the sample onto one or more of the downstream conveyor belts.

[0015]

[0011] The term bulk goods as used herein is to be understood as goods shipped loosely in large quantities and which are usually in an unpackaged and / or unpacked state. In the context of the present disclosure, these bulk goods may be, though they are not limited to, fruits and vegetables, for example root and / or tuber vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, turnips, beets and / or onions. The system according to the present disclosure is also suitable, for example with minimal or no adaptation, for other types of bulk goods like grains, shell molluscs or crustaceans. The system according to the present disclosure is also suitable for, for example, handling resources, such as for example natural resources. The system according to the present disclosure is also suitable for, for example, handling aggregates. The system according to the present disclosure is also suitable for, for example, handling bulk goods to be recycled. For example, the system according to the present disclosure is also suitable for garbage. For example, the system according to the present disclosure is also suitable for handling metals such as copper, steel, aluminium, etc. For example, the system according to the present disclosure is also suitable for handling plastics. The system according to the present disclosure is also suitable, for example with minimal or no adaptation, for any type of dry bulk goods, i.e. dry goods in bulk.

[0016]

[0012] The system according to the present disclosure permits extracting a quantity of bulk goods from a receiving means containing a large amount of the bulk goods. The one or more upstream conveyor belts advantageously allow bridging a number of downstream conveyor belts and deposit a portion of the bulk goods inside a container. This container has a, preferably, a capacity to store 0.5 to 3 cubic meters, more preferably between 1 to 2.5 cubic meters, most preferably between 1.5 and 2 cubic meters, of the bulk goods. When receiving the bulk goods from the receiving means, which receiving means may be for example a truck, reception hopper or the like, the goods may have a tendency to move and cause other goods stored the receiving means to move as well, thus promoting the mixing of goods stored at different heights to mix together e.g. goods stored above and / or adjacent to goods being removed for the receiving means may tend to tumble as the goods stored underneath are removed. This mixing of goods further enhances the possibility of retrieving a random sample from inside the receiving means. More advantageously, the sampling device permits collecting a sub-sample for inspection, which sub-sample is randomly picked from the sample already present in the container. In this way, the sub-sample sent for inspection is more likely to reflect the characteristics of the bulk goods of the receiving means, and thus achieve more accurate test results when estimating the quality of the bulk goods. In other words, the sub-sample forms a sub-sample representative of the characteristics of the totality of the bulk goods. If the tested sub-sample is approved after its inspection, the sample deposited in the container may be either stored or, more preferably, be deposited on one or more of the downstream conveyor belts. Upon approval from inspection, the upstream conveyor belts are adapted to receive the remainder of the bulk goods from the receiving means and deposit the bulk goods onto at least one of the downstream conveyor belts. The downstream conveyor belts then transport the bulk goods further downstream for example further processing.

[0017]

[0013] In the context of the present disclosure, the term quality is to be understood as a set of parameters indicative of whether a product meets a number of desired features, functions, composition, structural integrity, and / or aesthetics, etc. e.g. vegetables must be intact and free from bacteria, gears must have all teeth intact, etc. The terms upstream and downstream are used here in reference to the position occupied by a conveyor belt relative to flow of bulk goods through the system. The most upstream in this context is also understood to mean closest to a point in the system where bulk goods are first received, while most downstream being understood as the farthest point in the system to a point in the system where bulk goods are first received. In this context, a sampling device is to be understood as any device used to at least collect a fraction of the total quantity of bulk goods made available to / in the system. Such a sampling device may be automatically (e.g. robot), semi-automatically (operator-controlled robot) or manually operated (e.g. shovel, bucket, etc.), and may also comprise means of storage of the bulk goods, and / or means of locomotion / transport of the same (e.g. wheels, tracks, balancing arm, conveyor belt, etc). In this context, a sub-sample is to be understood as a fraction of a sample e.g. 25kg, preferably comprised between 10kg and 50kg, of bulk goods out of a sample of for example 1000kg of bulk goods, or for example comprised between 1000kg and 5000kg of bulk goods. In this context, the terms inspection or testing may refer to visual, mechanical and / or chemical analysis of a portion of bulk goods, such analysis may be non-destructive or destructive, and the analysis may be carried out automatically, semi-automatically and / or by way of human of judgment / interaction. When handling resources, the terms inspection or testing may refer to one or more analysis of the composition of the resources. When handling for example potatoes, the terms inspection or testing may refer to a quantification of how much - for example in percentage - ground is present around the potatoes. If the potatoes are too dirty, i.e. when the amount of ground around the potatoes is larger than a predefined threshold rendering them unacceptable for further processing, one or more new processes can be considered, for example additional cleaning, before handling all the potatoes. This way, the testing allows a more accurate and reliable evaluation of the true quantity of potatoes in the load awaiting handling. When handling for example fruit or vegetables, the terms inspection or testing may refer to a quantification of how much - for example in percentage - green leaves are attached to the fruit and vegetables. If the fruit and vegetables are too leafy, i.e. when the amount of green attached to the fruit and / or vegetables is larger than a predefined threshold rendering them unacceptable for further processing, one or more new processes can be considered, for example additional cutting off of the greens, before handling all the fruit or vegetables. This way, the testing allows a more accurate and reliable evaluation of the true quantity of greens in the load awaiting handling. When handling for example trash, the terms inspection or testing may refer to a quantification of how much - for example in percentage - other types of trash are present next to packaging made of plastic, metal or composite materials. If there is too much trash outside packaging made of plastic, metal or composite materials, one or more new processes can be considered, for example additional sorting, before handling all the trash. This way, the testing allows a more accurate and reliable evaluation of the true quantity of non-recyclable trash in the load awaiting handling.

[0018]

[0014] In the context of the present disclosure, a conveyor belt is a carrying medium consisting of two or more pulleys, with a closed loop of carrying medium that rotates about them. One or both of the pulleys are powered, moving the belt and the bulk goods on the belt forward. A conveyor belt may allow water to flow to transport the bulk goods from one location to another location. A conveyor belt is for example a flume conveyor used to create hygiene and flexibility when incorporating leafy vegetable processing lines in an existing plan. A conveyor belt is for example a water flume conveyor. A conveyor belt is for example a Redler conveyor or drag chain, mainly characterized for its great capacity for, preferably, horizontal transport over long distances of a high percentage of bulk materials, that could be: cereals, seeds, flours and definitively any grain product, allowing unloading throughout its length, adapting to different processes. A conveyor belt is for example used to convey bulk goods from almost any position, for example vertical, horizontal, or at an incline.

[0019]

[0015] The system according to the present disclosure may be automatically operated. To this end the arrival of the bulk goods may, for example, trigger the system to start delivery of the bulk goods to the system, or triggers a warning to be delivered to a responsible operator, which operator may authorize the delivery of the bulk goods to the system. These examples do not preclude the operation of the system in a manual or semiautomatic manner. In particular, the sampling of the bulk goods may be carried out, for example, by an operator, by a robot manipulator, or an operator controlling a robot manipulator. In this way, the system may be adapted to safely receive and sample a great variety of bulk goods, e.g. dangerous, heavy and / or difficult to handle bulk goods may be sampled using a robot operating either independently or under control of an operator. Other types of bulk goods may be sampled manually by an operator.

[0020]

[0016] According to a second example aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for providing a system for unloading and sampling bulk goods from one or more receiving means, the method comprising the steps of: providing one or more upstream conveyor belts adapted to receive the bulk goods from the receiving means; providing at least one container adapted to receive a sample of the bulk goods from at least one of the upstream conveyor belts and further adapted to store the sample; providing a sampling device adapted to collect a sub-sample from the sample of at least one of the containers, wherein the sampling device is further adapted to bring the sub-sample to inspection; and providing one or more downstream conveyor belts; unloading the sample from the container onto one or more of the downstream conveyor belts upon allowance from inspection; and unloading the bulk goods from the one or more upstream conveyor belts onto one or more downstream conveyor belts when the sample is unloaded from the container onto one or more of the downstream conveyor belts.

[0017] The system and method of providing the same may further encompass one or more of the following embodiments. These embodiments are to be understood to pertain to both the system and the method and are merely optional relative to the system and method as described above.

[0021]

[0018] According to example embodiments, at least one of the upstream conveyor belts may be a movable conveyor belt adapted to be movable between at least a first position and a second position; wherein, when in the first position, the movable conveyor belt may be adapted to direct the bulk goods to the container, and wherein, when in the second position, the movable conveyor belt may be adapted to direct the bulk goods to one or more of the downstream conveyor belts. The movable conveyor belt may have further positions e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, any of which positions are achievable within a range of for example 40 degrees e.g. from a horizontal plane and / or a vertical plane substantially perpendicular to one or more of the downstream conveyor belts. In this way the distal end of the movable conveyor belt may reach one of several downstream conveyor belts, each downstream conveyor belt corresponding to a position of the movable conveyor belt. The possibility to adjust and / or arrange the angle of the movable conveyor belt advantageously permits delivering the bulk goods to a container of downstream conveyor belt such that the bulk goods have a minimal shift in momentum as they meet the surface of the downstream conveyor belt or container. This further reduces the risk of damaging the bulk goods as they are delivered by the movable conveyor belt.

[0022]

[0019] The movable conveyor belts confer a higher degree of flexibility to the system while maintaining the installation of the movable conveyor belts easy when compared to conventional non-movable conveyor belts. These movable belts may comprise one or more sections which may be retracted or extended as necessary in order to reach different elements of the system, most importantly the downstream conveyor belts and the container. In this way, the movable conveyor belts permit selectively extracting a sample of bulk goods from the reception means in a first stage of unloading, and unloading the remainder of the bulk goods from the reception means and onto a downstream conveyor belt for further processing. The mobility of these movable conveyor belts may further enable the expansion of the system to include more downstream conveyor belts, each of these downstream conveyor belts having a different downstream destination. For example, at least of one of these downstream conveyor belts may be directed to a production and / or assembly facility where the bulk goods are further processed. In another non-exclusive example, at least one of the downstream conveyor belts may be directed towards a waste disposal machine and / or facility, this at least one conveyor belt being adapted to receive samples from a container and / or from a reception means whose sub-sample failed to gain approval after testing.

[0023]

[0020] According to example embodiments, when the movable conveyor belt is in the second position, the movable conveyor belt is stowed relative to at least one other of the upstream conveyor belts.

[0024]

[0021] By preference, in the stowed position, the upstream conveyor belts may be able to deliver bulk goods to a first downstream conveyor belt, which is the downstream conveyor belt located nearest to the receiving means. The upstream conveyor belts may have the at least one movable conveyor belt arranged to stow under each preceding conveyor belt. The upstream conveyor belts may have the at least one movable conveyor telescopically arranged relative to each previous conveyor belt. The upstream conveyor belts may have a combination of movable conveyor belts that are arranged to be stowed under the preceding sections as well as some telescopically arranged movable conveyor belts. By preference, the distal end of each movable conveyor belt is located at a lower height than the height of the distal end of the conveyor belt preceding it. This advantageously permits providing a stepped distal end to the upstream conveyor belts. This stepped distal end reduces the height from which the bulk goods fall from when passing from each of the upstream conveyor belts to the next, and from the distal end of the conveyor belts to the container or downstream conveyor belts. This advantageously permits reducing the possibility and severity of any damage to the bulk goods, which damage would jeopardize the quality of the bulk goods.

[0025]

[0022] According to example embodiments, the system may further comprise a container handling device adapted to tilt the container over at least one of the downstream conveyor belts.

[0023] The container handling device may be operated manually, more preferably by means of at least on actuator. This permits delivering the load of the container to the at least one of the downstream conveyor belts, and in this way move the contents for further processing by means of the at least one conveyor belt. The container handling device may comprise a support frame adapted to sustain a container support frame by means of an axis. More preferably, the axis may be located at a height that is the same or above the height of the at least one of the downstream conveyor belts. In this way, the container may be from an upright position, wherein the top opening of the container is facing up, to at least one tilted position defining an angle of at least 110 degrees relative to the upright position of the container. For example, the dimensions of a container can be 2m x 2m x 1 ,5m. This way, the container may be tilted when loading the goods without having the goods to be damaged when they are put in the container. More preferably, the container handling device is adapted to tilt the container in discrete intervals of 10 degrees, yet more preferably 5 degrees up to a maximum tilted position wherein the container defines an angle of 120 degrees, 125 degrees, 130 degrees, 140 degrees, more preferably 150 degrees relative to the upright position of the container. Most preferably, the container handling device is adapted to tilt the container along a continuous arc from the upright position up to a maximum tilted position wherein the container defines an angle of 120 degrees, 125 degrees, 130 degrees, 140 degrees, more preferably 150 degrees relative to the upright position of the container. In an embodiment, the support frame may be further equipped with wheels, of which preferably at least two of the wheels are self-propelled wheels. The wheels may be caster wheels, more preferably fixed wheels adapted to ride on at least two tracks, wherein at least part of the extension of the tracks runs parallel next to the at least one conveyor belt. In this way, the container handling device is able to more freely move within the facilities, thus greatly expanding the flexibility of the system in terms of container logistics. For example, in this way, a container may be transported to a warehouse for repairs, storage or to keep a reference sample of bulk goods. In an embodiment, the container handling device may be a robot manipulator comprising a gripper adapted to grip, move and tilt the container. Preferably, the robot manipulator may have 4 degrees of freedom, more preferably 5, 6, most preferably more than seven degrees of freedom. The robot manipulator may be further equipped with a movable base, which base may be further equipped with wheels, of which preferably at least two of the wheels may be self-propelled wheels. The wheels may be caster wheels, more preferably fixed wheels adapted to ride on at least two tracks, wherein at least part of the extension of the tracks runs parallel next to the at least one downstream conveyor belt. The use of a robot manipulator as a container handling device advantageously increases the mobility of the containers beyond just translation movements and rotation about one axis. For example, the robot manipulator is able to tilt a container over a downstream conveyor belt, wherein one of the top corners of the container is closer to the downstream conveyor belt than any of the other corners of the container. In this way a more controlled release of the bulk goods onto the downstream conveyor belt is promoted, further reducing the chance of damage to the bulk goods. A container handling device may be provided for handling a single container, preferably multiple containers, in this way saving space and reducing costs.

[0026]

[0024] According to example embodiments, the container handling device may be adapted to move the container between a stowed position and an active position; wherein, when in the stowed position, the container may be adapted to store the sample; and wherein, when in the active position, the container may be adapted to receive the bulk goods from at least one of the movable conveyor belts and the subsample from at least one of the sampling devices.

[0027]

[0025] This advantageously allows storing a container which is neither receiving nor delivering bulk goods in a more advantageous location, preferably a location which permits freeing a corridor adjacent to the downstream conveyor belts. In this way, the mobility of the container handling devices along the length of the at least one downstream conveyor belt is advantageously improved. More preferably, the containers may be stowed away under an overhanging platform supporting the sampling devices. Some containers may be transported and stowed away in a warehouse. While stowed in the warehouse, a container may be empty or still contain a sample of the bulk goods. In this way, a reference sample of a batch of bulk goods may be kept for a short (e.g. hours), medium (e.g. days) or long (e.g. weeks, months) term.

[0028]

[0026] According to example embodiments, the container may be adjacent to one of the downstream conveyor belts when the container is in an active position.

[0027] This advantageously provides a position from which the containers can be easily tilted over the downstream conveyor belts, in this way advantageously reducing the speed at which the bulk goods fall onto the at least one downstream conveyor belt. By preference, the container is tilted between 5 to 90 degrees towards the downstream conveyor belts. In this way, the bulk goods being deposited into the container are not immediately dropped from the upstream conveyor belts and onto the bottom of the container. Instead, the sloped side of the slightly tiled container advantageously promotes a sliding and / or rolling motion of the bulk goods along the sloped side instead of a long drop, thus preventing damage to the bulk goods by bringing them to a much advantageously softer stop. By preference, the container may start to tilt back to a vertical position as the bulk goods fill the container, in this way promoting a more efficient and complete filling of the container with the bulk goods. An even more favourable positioning of the container may be obtained by adjusting the height at which the container is placed adjacent to the conveyor belt, the height being adjustable e.g. 1 m to 2m. By preference, the height at which the container is placed may be adjusted by means of the container handling device, e.g. by adjusting the height of an axis on the container handling device about which the container supporting frame is adapted to pivot, adjusting the height of the container handling device and / or the container supporting frame. The possibility to adjust the height at which the container is placed may be used to good effect by, for example, raising or lowering a top edge of the container to be adjacent to a conveyor belt e.g. close to the distal end of a movable conveyor belt, close to an adjacent downstream conveyor belt. In this way, the height from which the bulk goods have to drop may be further reduced, thus reducing the risk of damaging the bulk goods.

[0029]

[0028] According to example embodiments, the sampling device may comprise:

[0030] - a sub-sample picker adapted to collect the sub-sample of the bulk goods from the container; and

[0031] - an external conveyor belt adapted to transport the sub-sample to inspection; wherein the sub-sample picker is further adapted to deliver the sub-sample to the downstream conveyor belt.

[0032]

[0029] The sub-sample picker may be a human operator. More preferably, the subsample picker may be a robot manipulator with at least 4 degrees-of-freedom, more preferably 5, 6, 7, most preferably 8 degrees-of-freedom. The robot manipulator may be equipped with a griper, shovel, spoon, bucket or other end effector suitable to gain control, transport and deposit one or more units of bulk goods. In this way, the collection of a sub-sample of bulk goods can be carried out more efficiently and without exposing a human operator to the hazards associated with this operation, thereby increasing safety. The robot manipulator may be provided with a movable base, which base may be further equipped with wheels, of which preferably at least two of the wheels may be self-propelled wheels. In this way, the robot manipulator is able to transport a collected sub-sample to a testing site. The wheels may be caster wheels, more preferably fixed wheels adapted to ride on at least two tracks, wherein at least part of the extension of the tracks runs parallel at least one downstream conveyor belt. This permits a more precise displacement and location of the robot manipulator. By preference, the robot manipulator may be further provided with optical sensors such as, but not limited to, code readers i.e. bar or QR, at least one camera, preferably a depth camera, at least one camera capable of for example hyperspectral imaging. In this way, the robot manipulator may carry a fast preliminary analysis, for example, the robot manipulator may use the hyperspectral imaging in combination with a controller comprising an artificial intelligence model to detect for example bacteria, fungi or moulds on the bulk goods which may taint the whole batch. The tainted bulk goods of the sub-sample can then be immediately rejected, and a request may be issued for sterilization of at least the upstream conveyor belts and the container, thus helping prevent outbreaks of, for example though no limited to E. coli. The sampling device may have an external conveyor belt, by means of which sub-samples may be sent for testing. This advantageously liberated the robot manipulator to collect other subsamples. By preference, the sub-samples may be deposited in crates on the external conveyor belt, which crates may have individual identification means such as QR codes, bar codes, RFID tags or the like, which identification means may be readable by a sensor, more preferably such sensor may be placed on the robot manipulator. In this way, the code of the crate may be read by the sensor on the robot manipulator when collecting a sub-sample, and an individual sub-sample identification code may be combined with the crate code may be sent to a control system. The sub-sample may also be transported for inspection by a human operator, autonomous guided vehicle, gantry device, vacuum piping, by means of a channel and gravity, carousel, or the like. In this way, a suitable way to transport a sub-sample is made available which may more closely accommodate the dimensions and material properties of the bulk goods.

[0033]

[0030] According to example embodiments, the sampling device may be adapted to be movable between the containers to collect sub-samples from one or more of the containers.

[0034]

[0031] This permits making the system substantially simpler by using fewer sampling devices to serve more than one containers. This simpler system is not only more economical but also faster to set up.

[0035]

[0032] According to example embodiments, the container handling device may be adapted to be movable along at least one of the downstream conveyor belts.

[0036] In this way, the container handling device may handle more than one container and / or movable conveyor belts. The improved mobility of the container handling device allows also easier maintenance and / or replacement of the container handling device if necessary. The trajectory of the container handling device may be programmed into a memory element of a controller adapted to drive the container handling device and / or may be determined by at least one track upon which the container handling device may be adapted ride. In this way the container handling device may follow a predictable path, which reduces or even eliminated the risk of collisions with other elements of the system or human operators, resulting is safer more efficient system.

[0037]

[0033] According to example embodiments, at least one of the downstream conveyor belts may be adapted to receive the bulk goods only from at least one of the upstream conveyor belts; and wherein at least another one of the downstream conveyor belts may be adapted to receiving the samples only from the container.

[0038]

[0034] This permits the simultaneous unloading of the remaining bulk goods from the receiving device and the bulk goods stored in the container without the bulk goods stacking up and possibly spilling over the edges of any downstream conveyor belt. Preferably, the system may be further provided with at least one further downstream conveyor belt adapted to receive bulk goods and transport the bulk goods for disposal. In this way, a sample of bulk goods from which a sub-sample was extracted and subsequently tested and rejected may easily be disposed of by dropping the bulk goods from the sample and the bulk goods from the sub-sample onto at least one of the further downstream conveyor belts, and be directed towards disposal and / or a vehicle. More preferably, the system may be equipped with at least two further downstream conveyor belts adapted to receive and coney bulk goods for disposal. Most preferably, one of these downstream conveyor belts may be adapted to receive bulk goods from the upstream conveyor belt and the second of these conveyor belts is adapted to receive bulk goods from the container. These at least two downstream conveyor belts may receive the rejected bulk goods from more than one receiving means and more than one container, in this way permitting the disposal of the rejected bulk goods while keeping the system simple. The rejected bulk goods can for example be brought to disposal and / or can be brought to another location to be loaded in a vehicle.

[0039]

[0035] According to example embodiments, the downstream conveyor belts and at least one container are located at a lower height with respect to the height of the upstream conveyor belts. By preference, the height gap between the bottom of any of the upstream conveyor belts and the top surface of any of the downstream conveyor belts may be larger than the biggest of the bulk goods, more preferably twice as large as the biggest of the bulk goods. In this way, all the bulk goods are able to pass under each upstream conveyor belt without any risk of collision.

[0040]

[0036] According to example embodiments, there is provided at least one downstream conveyor belt, by preference, there may be at least one further downstream conveyor belt provided in a position adjacent to the container, and at a lower height with respect to a height of all the other downstream conveyor belts.

[0041]

[0037] In this way, when a contained loaded with bulk goods is tilted over the lower height downstream conveyor belt, the bulk goods delivered by the container are not at risk of skipping over the conveyor belt and falling over onto other downstream conveyor belts located at a higher height. By preference, the lower surface of the higher height downstream conveyor belts may be at the same height or below the height of the upper surface of the lower height downstream conveyor belts. In this way, the lateral surfaces of the higher height downstream conveyor belts will advantageously act as a rebound surface for any of the bulk goods still retaining some momentum when landing on the lower height downstream conveyor belt. When bulk goods are being transported on a higher height downstream conveyor belt, the bulk goods must go under the upstream conveyor belts of the other lines. The bulk goods must not bump into the conveyor belts of the other lines. By having at least one lower height downstream conveyor belt positioned at a lower height than, the bulk goods can be transported without the risk of getting damaged and / or damaging other lines. The lower height downstream conveyor belts may further comprise a lateral guard plate on the side nearest to the higher height downstream conveyor belts. In this way any contact between any bulk goods leaving the container and the any moving elements of a higher height downstream conveyor belt is advantageously avoided.

[0042] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0043]

[0038] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system equipped with a retractable upstream conveyor belt adapted to receive goods from a vehicle.

[0044]

[0039] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system according to the first example embodiment while a robot manipulator carries out the collection of a subsample from the container.

[0045]

[0040] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system according to the first example embodiment wherein the movable conveyor belt is retracted to its stowed position.

[0046]

[0041] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system according to the first example embodiment while the robot manipulator deposits a sub-subsample on the external conveyor.

[0047]

[0042] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system according to the first example embodiment while the bulk goods are passed onto the downstream conveyor belts.

[0043] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system equipped with a telescopic conveyor belt adapted to receive goods from a vehicle.

[0048]

[0044] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system equipped with a retractable conveyor belt adapted to receive goods from a reception hopper.

[0049]

[0045] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system equipped with a telescopic conveyor belt adapted to receive goods from a reception hopper.

[0050]

[0046] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system wherein the robot manipulator is adapted to collect and transport the collected sub-samples for testing.

[0051]

[0047] Fig.10 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system wherein a single downstream conveyor belt is provided.

[0052]

[0048] Fig. 11 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system comprising multiple reception hoppers.

[0053]

[0049] Fig. 12 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system comprising a reception hopper and a vehicle.

[0054]

[0050] Fig. 13 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system comprising multiple vehicles.

[0055]

[0051] Fig. 14 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system wherein the container is shown in a stowed position located under the sampling device.

[0056] Detailed Description of Embodiment(s)

[0057]

[0052] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system 1 equipped with a retractable upstream conveyor belt 200 adapted to receive goods from a vehicle 300. A vehicle is a machine designed for self-propulsion, usually to transport people, cargo, or both, and typically refers to land vehicles such as for example human- powered vehicles, e.g. bicycles, tricycles, velomobiles, animal-powered transports, e.g. horse-drawn carriages / wagons, ox carts, dog sleds, motor vehicles, e.g. motorcycles, cars, trucks, buses, mobility scooters, and railed vehicles, trains, trams and monorails, cable transport, e.g. cable cars and elevators, watercraft, e.g. ships, boats and underwater vehicles, amphibious vehicles, e.g. screw-propelled vehicles, hovercraft, seaplanes, aircraft, e.g. airplanes, helicopters, gliders, etc. The rear of the cargo compartment of the vehicle 300 is shown in communication with the retractable upstream conveyor belt 200. The retractable upstream conveyor belt 200 is shown comprising movable conveyor belt 700 adapted to serve as the retractable distal section of the retractable upstream conveyor belt 200. The movable conveyor belt 700 is shown in a fully extended position bridging over downstream conveyor belts 600 and reaching into a container 400. The downstream conveyor belts 600 are a first downstream conveyor belt 601 and a second downstream conveyor belt 602 located adjacent to each other. The first downstream conveyor belt 601 is located at a higher height relative to the second downstream conveyor belt 602, the latter being located at a height substantially identical to the height of the nearest edge of the opening oof the container 400. The container 400 is shown supported by a container supporting frame 802 of a container handling device 800, the container supporting frame 802 holding the container 400 in a position tilted approximately 10 degrees about an axis located at substantially the same height as the top surface of the second downstream conveyor belt 602. With the top opening tilted towards the second downstream conveyor belt 602, the container 400 is shown in position to receive bulk goods from the vehicle 300 via the retractable upstream conveyor belt 200. The position of the movable conveyor belt 700 provides a stepped surface which gradually lowers the bulk goods until these reach the distal end of the movable conveyor belt 700 and enter the container 400 through its tilted top opening. The slanted side of the container 400 receives the bulk goods, allowing them to gently slide and / or roll towards the bottom of the container 400. A first set of tracks 801 is provided, upon which the container handling device is able to ride. A stowage rack 401 is shown accessible by the container handling device 800, which container stowage rack 401 is shown located under a platform supporting a second set of tracks 501. An external conveyor belt 1000 located adjacent to the second set of tracks 501 , both elements being part of the sampling device 500.

[0058]

[0053] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system 1 according to the first example embodiment while a robot manipulator 900 carries out the collection of a subsample from the container 400. Components having identical reference numbers than in any Fig. 1 to Fig. 2 fulfil the same function. Relative to the system as represent in Fig.1 , the container 400 now in an upright position with it opening facing upwards, in this way greatly facilitating the access of the robot manipulator 900 to the contents of the container 400. The robot manipulator 900, having travelled along the second set of tracks 501 by virtue of its movable base 901 , is now shown ready to retrieve a sub-sample from the container 400 by means of a bucket 902 installed as an end effector. The external conveyor belt 1000 is shown ready to receive the subsample collected by the robot manipulator 900.

[0059]

[0054] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system 1 according to the first example embodiment wherein the movable conveyor belt 700 is retracted to its stowed position. Components having identical reference numbers than in any Fig. 1 to Fig. 2 fulfil the same function. This figure shows the system 1 after the robot manipulator 900 has collected the sub-sample. The system 1 is now ready for the unloading of the bulk goods from the vehicle 300 and form the container 400. In the retracted position as shown, the movable conveyor belt 700) provides a very advantageous stepped distal end to the upstream retractable conveyor belt 200, and towards the first downstream conveyor belt 601. This first downstream conveyor belt 601 is in state to receive the bulk goods from the cargo compartment of the vehicle 300. The second downstream conveyor belt 602 is shown in state to receive the contents of the container 400.

[0060]

[0055] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system 1 according to the first example embodiment while the robot manipulator 900 deposits a subsubsample on the external conveyor 1000. Components having identical reference numbers than in any Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 fulfil the same function. This figure shows the example the system 1 according to the first example embodiment as the robot manipulator 900 is shown placing the collected sub-sample on the external conveyor belt 1000, and before the sub-sample is sent to be tested. In the retracted position as shown, the movable conveyor belt 700 provides a very advantageous stepped distal end to the upstream retractable conveyor belt 200, and towards the first downstream conveyor belt 601 . This first downstream conveyor belt 601 is in state to receive the bulk goods from the cargo compartment of the vehicle 300. The second downstream conveyor belt 602 is shown in state to receive the contents of the container 400.

[0061]

[0056] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system 1 according to the first example embodiment while the bulk goods are passed onto the downstream conveyor belts 600. Components having identical reference numbers than in any Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 fulfil the same function. Once the sub-sample sent for quality testing via the external conveyor belt 1000 has been approved, the container handling device 800 tilts the container 400 over the second downstream conveyor belt 602 while the upstream conveyor belt 200 transports bulk goods from the vehicle 300 to the first downstream conveyor belt 601 . This prevents spillage of goods from the sub-sample onto the first downstream conveyor belt 601 .

[0062]

[0057] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system 1 equipped with a telescopic conveyor belt 201 adapted to receive goods from a vehicle 300. Components having identical reference numbers than in any Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 fulfil the same function. The rear of the cargo compartment vehicle 300 is shown in communication with the telescopic conveyor belt 201. The telescopic conveyor belt 201 is shown comprising a first movable conveyor belt 700 and a second movable conveyor belt 701 adapted to serve as retractable distal sections of the telescopic conveyor belt 201. The telescopic conveyor belt 201 is shown in a fully extended position, the first and second movable conveyor belts 700; 701 bridging over downstream conveyor belts 600 and the second movable conveyor belt 701 reaching into a container 400. The downstream conveyor belts 600 are a first downstream conveyor belt 601 and a second downstream conveyor belt 602 located adjacent to each other. The first downstream conveyor belt 601 is located at a higher height relative to the second downstream conveyor belt 602, the latter being located at a height substantially identical to the height of the nearest edge of the opening oof the container 400. The container 400 is shown supported by a container supporting frame 802 of a container handling device 800, the container supporting frame 802 holding the container 400 in a position tilted approximately 10 degrees about an axis located at substantially the same height as the top surface of the second downstream conveyor belt 602. With the top opening tilted towards the second downstream conveyor belt 602, the container 400 is shown in position to receive bulk goods from the vehicle 300 via the retractable upstream conveyor belt 200. The position of the second movable conveyor belts 700; 701 provide a stepped surface which gradually lowers the bulk goods until these reach the distal end of the second movable conveyor belt 701 and enter the container 400 through its tilted top opening. The slanted side of the container 400 receives the bulk goods, allowing them to gently slide and / or roll towards the bottom of the container 400. A first set of tracks 801 is provided, upon which the container handling device is able to ride. A stowage rack 401 is shown accessible by the container handling device 800, which container stowage rack 401 is shown located under a platform supporting a second set of tracks 501. An external conveyor belt 1000 located adjacent to the second set of tracks 501 , both elements being part of the sampling device 500.

[0063]

[0058] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system 1 equipped with a retractable conveyor belt 200 adapted to receive goods from a reception hopper 301. The figures show an alternative embodiment to that disclosed in Fig.1 , wherein the vehicle 300 is replaced by a reception hopper 301. Components having identical reference numbers than in any Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 fulfil the same function. The rear of the reception hopper 301 is shown in communication with the retractable upstream conveyor belt 200. The retractable upstream conveyor belt 200 is shown comprising movable conveyor belt 700 adapted to serve as the retractable distal section of the retractable upstream conveyor belt 200. The movable conveyor belt 700 is shown in a fully extended position bridging over downstream conveyor belts 600 and reaching into a container 400. The downstream conveyor belts 600 are a first downstream conveyor belt 601 and a second downstream conveyor belt 602 located adjacent to each other. The first downstream conveyor belt 601 is located at a higher height relative to the second downstream conveyor belt 602, the latter being located at a height substantially identical to the height of the nearest edge of the opening oof the container 400. The container 400 is shown supported by a container supporting frame 802 of a container handling device 800, the container supporting frame 802 holding the container 400 in a position tilted approximately 10 degrees about an axis located at substantially the same height as the top surface of the second downstream conveyor belt 602. With the top opening tilted towards the second downstream conveyor belt 602, the container 400 is shown in position to receive bulk goods from the reception hopper 301 via the retractable upstream conveyor belt 200. The position of the movable conveyor belt 700 provides a stepped surface which gradually lowers the bulk goods until these reach the distal end of the movable conveyor belt 700 and enter the container 400 through its tilted top opening. The slanted side of the container 400 receives the bulk goods, allowing them to gently slide and / or roll towards the bottom of the container 400. A first set of tracks 801 is provided, upon which the container handling device is able to ride. A stowage rack 401 is shown accessible by the container handling device 800, which container stowage rack 401 is shown located under a platform supporting a second set of tracks 501. An external conveyor belt 1000 located adjacent to the second set of tracks 501 , both elements being part of the sampling device 500.

[0064]

[0059] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system 1 equipped with a telescopic conveyor belt 201 adapted to receive goods from a reception hopper 301. The figures show an alternative embodiment to that disclosed in Fig.7, wherein the vehicle 300 is replaced by a reception hopper 301. Components having identical reference numbers than in any Fig. 1 to Fig. 7 fulfil the same function. The rear of the reception hopper 301 is shown in communication with the telescopic conveyor belt 201 . The telescopic conveyor belt 201 is shown comprising a movable conveyor belt 700 adapted to serve as a retractable distal section of the telescopic conveyor belt 201. The telescopic conveyor belt 201 is shown in a fully extended position, the movable conveyor belt 700; bridging over downstream conveyor belts 600 and reaching into a container 400. The downstream conveyor belts 600 are a first downstream conveyor belt 601 and a second downstream conveyor belt 602 located adjacent to each other. The first downstream conveyor belt 601 is located at a higher height relative to the second downstream conveyor belt 602, the latter being located at a height substantially identical to the height of the nearest edge of the opening oof the container 400. The container 400 is shown supported by a container supporting frame 802 of a container handling device 800, the container supporting frame 802 holding the container 400 in a position tilted approximately 10 degrees about an axis located at substantially the same height as the top surface of the second downstream conveyor belt 602. With the top opening tilted towards the second downstream conveyor belt 602, the container 400 is shown in position to receive bulk goods from the vehicle 300 via the retractable upstream conveyor belt 200. The position of the movable conveyor belt 700 in the telescopic conveyor belt 201 provides a stepped surface which gradually lowers the bulk goods until these reach the distal end of the movable conveyor belt 700 and enter the container 400 through its tilted top opening. The slanted side of the container 400 receives the bulk goods, allowing them to gently slide and / or roll towards the bottom of the container 400. A first set of tracks 801 is provided, upon which the container handling device is able to ride. A stowage rack 401 is shown accessible by the container handling device 800, which container stowage rack 401 is shown located under a platform supporting a second set of tracks 501 . An external conveyor belt 1000 located adjacent to the second set of tracks 501 , both elements being part of the sampling device 500.

[0065]

[0060] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system 1 wherein the robot manipulator 900 is adapted to collect and transport the collected sub-samples for testing. Components having identical reference numbers than in any Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 fulfil the same function.

[0066]

[0061] Fig.10 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system 1 wherein a single downstream conveyor belt 601 is provided. Components having identical reference numbers than in any Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 fulfil the same function.

[0067]

[0062] Fig. 11 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system 1 comprising multiple reception hoppers 301. Components having identical reference numbers than in any Fig. 1 to Fig. 8 fulfil the same function.

[0068]

[0063] Fig. 12 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system 1 comprising a reception hopper 301 and a vehicle 300. Components having identical reference numbers than in any Fig. 1 to Fig. 8 fulfil the same function.

[0069]

[0064] Fig. 13 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system 1 comprising multiple vehicles 300. Components having identical reference numbers than in any of the Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 fulfil the same function. In this example embodiment, both vehicles 300 are served by different retractable conveyor belts 200 but share all other elements of the system 1 , in particular, the same container handling device 800, downstream conveyor belts and sampling device 500.

[0070]

[0065] Fig. 14 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a system 1 wherein the container 400 is shown in a stowed position located under the sampling device 500. Components having identical reference numbers than in any Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 fulfil the same function. The container 400 is shown stowed on a stowage rack 400.

[0071]

[0066] Although the present disclosure has been illustrated by reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosure is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments, and that the present disclosure may be embodied with various changes and modifications without departing from the scope thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. In other words, it is contemplated to cover any and all modifications, variations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the basic underlying principles and whose essential attributes are claimed in this patent application. It will furthermore be understood by the reader of this patent application that the words "comprising" or "comprise" do not exclude other elements or steps, that the words "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality, and that a single element, such as a computer system, a processor, or another integrated unit may fulfil the functions of several means recited in the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the respective claims concerned. The terms "first", "second", third", "a", "b", "c", and the like, when used in the description or in the claims are introduced to distinguish between similar elements or steps and are not necessarily describing a sequential or chronological order. Similarly, the terms "top", "bottom", "over", "under", and the like are introduced for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to denote relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and embodiments of the disclosure are capable of operating according to the present disclosure in other sequences, or in orientations different from the one(s) described or illustrated above.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system (1 ) for unloading and sampling bulk goods, wherein the system comprises:- one or more upstream conveyor belts (2) adapted to receive bulk goods from one or receiving means (3);- at least one container (4) adapted to receive a sample of the bulk goods from at least one of the upstream conveyor belts (2) and further adapted to store the sample;- a sampling device (5) adapted to collect a sub-sample from the sample of at least one of the containers (4), wherein the sampling device (5) is further adapted to bring the sub-sample to inspection; and- one or more downstream conveyor belts (6); and wherein the container (4) is further adapted to unload the sample onto one or more of the downstream conveyor belts (6) upon allowance from inspection; and wherein the one or more downstream conveyor belts (6) are further adapted to receive the bulk goods from the one or more upstream conveyor (2) belts when the container (4) unloads the sample onto one or more of the downstream conveyor belts (6).

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the upstream conveyor belts (2) is a movable conveyor belt (7) adapted to be movable between at least a first position and a second position; wherein, when in the first position, the movable conveyor belt (7) is adapted to direct the bulk goods to the container (4), and wherein, when in the second position, the movable conveyor belt (7) is adapted to direct the bulk goods to one or more of the downstream conveyor belts (6).

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, when the movable conveyor belt (7) is in the second position, the movable conveyor belt (7) is stowed relative to at least one other of the upstream conveyor belts (2).

4. The system according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the system further comprises a container handling device (8) adapted to tilt the container (4) over at least one of the downstream conveyor belts (6).

5. The system according to any one of the claims 2 or 3, wherein the container handling device (8) is adapted to move the container (4) between a stowed position and an active position; wherein, when in the stowed position, the container (4) is adapted to store the sample; and wherein, when in the active position, the container (4) is adapted to receive the bulk goods from at least one of the movable conveyor belts (7) and the sub-sample from at least one of the sampling devices (5).

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the container (4) is adjacent to one of the downstream conveyor belts 6 when the container (4) is in an active position.

7. The system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the sampling device comprises (5):- a sub-sample picker (9) adapted to collect the sub-sample of the bulk goods from the container (4); and- an external conveyor belt (10) adapted to transport the sub-sample to inspection; wherein the sub-sample picker (9) is further adapted to deliver the sub-sample to the downstream conveyor belt (6).

8. The system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the sampling device (5) is adapted to be movable between the containers (4) to collect sub-samples from one or more of the containers (4).

9. The system according to any one of the claims 4 to 8, wherein the container handling device (8) is adapted to be movable along at least one of the downstream conveyor belts (6).

10. The system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the downstream conveyor belts (6) is adapted to receive the bulk goods only from at least one of the upstream conveyor belts (2); and wherein at least another one of the downstream conveyor belts (6) is adapted to receive the samples only from the container (4).

11. A method for providing a system for unloading and sampling bulk goods from one or more receiving means (3), the method comprising the steps of:- providing one or more upstream conveyor belts (2) adapted to receive the bulk goods from the receiving means (3);- providing at least one container (4) adapted to receive a sample of the bulk goods from at least one of the upstream conveyor belts (2) and further adapted to store the sample;- providing a sampling device (5) adapted to collect a sub-sample from the sample of at least one of the containers (4), wherein the sampling device (5) is further adapted to bring the sub-sample to inspection; and- providing one or more downstream conveyor belts (6);- unloading the sample from the container (4) onto one or more of the downstream conveyor belts (6) upon allowance from inspection; and- unloading the bulk goods from the one or more upstream conveyor belts (2) onto one or more downstream conveyor belts (6) when the sample is unloaded from the container (4) onto one or more of the downstream conveyor belts (6).

12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the method further comprises the step of arranging the downstream conveyor belts (6) and the at least one container (4) at a lower height with respect to the height of the upstream conveyor belts (2).

13. The method according to any one of the claims 11 or 12, wherein the method further comprises the step of providing a container handling device (8) adapted to tilt the container (4) over at least one of the downstream conveyor belts (6); and wherein the method further comprises the step of moving the container (4) with the container handling device (8) between a stowed position and an active position; wherein, when in the stowed position, the container (4) is adapted to store the sample; and wherein, when in the active position, the container (4) is adapted to receive the bulk goods from at least one of the movable conveyor belts (7) and the sub-sample from at least one of the sampling devices (5).

14. The method according to any one of the claims 11 to 13, wherein the step of providing at least one downstream conveyor belt (6) corresponds to arranging at least one further downstream conveyor belt (6) in a position adjacent to the container (4),and at a lower height with respect to a height of all the other downstream conveyor belts (6).

15. The method according to any one of the claims 11 to 14, wherein the method further comprises the steps of:- providing a sub-sample picker (9) adapted to collect the bulk goods from a container (4); and- providing an external conveyor belt (10) adapted to transport the sub-sample to inspection; and wherein the method further comprises the step of allowing the sub-sample picker (9) to deliver the sub-sample to the external conveyor belt (10).

Images