Metal scrap sorting system
US6545240B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 15, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 15, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB07C2501/0054
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for sorting randomly positioned, irregularly shaped scrap metal particles on a moving conveyor employs laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), and includes an image detector for locating the particles as they path through a predefined viewing area, a position detector for detecting movement of the conveyor, a laser system for providing laser pulses, a scanner assembly for directing the pulses to selected locations within a target area, a light collector, a light distribution and spectral analyzer for isolating and measuring at least one selected band from the collected light, a separator, and suitable logic for identifying the particles, monitoring their position, monitoring the output of the laser and, operating the scanner assembly to direct the pulses to the identified particle. The spectral data is then analyzed, each particle is categorized, and thereafter sorted.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.