Adaptable sorter unit for existing processing lines
An adaptable sorter unit includes an attachment mechanism, a sorting device that is capable of deflecting a sample, a data port that is capable of receiving information, and a power port that is connectable to a power source. The attachment mechanism, the sorting device, the data port, and the power port are physically connected together. The adaptable sorter unit also includes a memory circuit and a processor circuit configured to read information received via the data port and control the sorting device. The sorting device is a vacuum system, a mechanical pedal system, or an air jet system. The attachment mechanism is a mounting bracket, a mounting bracket receptacle, a weldable material, a clamp, a bolt, or a screw. The attachment mechanism connects the adaptable sorter unit to a processing line such that the adaptable sorter unit is capable of deflecting a sample traveling along the processing line.
1. An adaptable sorter unit, comprising:
an attachment mechanism;
a sorting device that is capable of deflecting a sample;
a data port that is capable of receiving information; and
a power port that is connectable to a power source, wherein the attachment mechanism, the sorting device, the data port, and the power port are physically connected together, wherein the attachment mechanism is: a mounting bracket, a mounting bracket receptacle, a weldable material, a clamp, an adhesive, a magnet, a latch, a lock, a locating pin, a rail, a slide, locking pin, a bolt, or a screw, wherein the processing line is a conveyor, and wherein the adaptable sorter unit is located above the conveyor.
2. The adaptable sorter unit of claim 1 , further comprising:
a memory circuit; and
a processor circuit adapted to:
read information received via the data port; and
control the sorting device.
3. The adaptable sorter unit of claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism connects the adaptable sorter unit to a processing line such that the adaptable sorter unit is capable of deflecting a sample traveling along the processing line.
4. The adaptable sorter unit of claim 1 , wherein the adaptable sorter unit communicates with an optical inspection device via the data port.
5. The adaptable sorter unit of claim 4 , wherein the data port is a wired communication port or a wireless communication port.
6. The adaptable sorter unit of claim 4 , wherein the adaptable sorter unit selects a mode of operation based at least in part on the communication received from the optical inspection device.
7. The adaptable sorter unit of claim 1 , wherein the adaptable sorter unit receives sample characterization data or sorter configuration data via the data port.
8. The adaptable sorter unit of claim 1 , wherein the sorting device is vacuum system.
9. The adaptable sorter unit of claim 1 , wherein the sorting device is a mechanical pedal system.
10. The adaptable sorter unit of claim 1 , wherein the sorting device is an air jet system.
11. The adaptable sorter unit of claim 1 , wherein the information received via the data port is a sorting instruction.
12. The adaptable sorter unit of claim 1 , wherein the information received via the data port is a sample characteristic data.
13. The adaptable sorter unit of claim 1 , wherein the information received via the data port is a percentage of samples to be deflected.
14. An adaptable sorter unit, comprising:
an attachment mechanism;
a sorting device that is capable of deflecting a sample;
a data port that is capable of receiving information; and
a power port that is connectable to a power source, wherein the attachment mechanism, the sorting device, the data port, and the power port are physically connected together, wherein the attachment mechanism is: a mounting bracket, a mounting bracket receptacle, a weldable material, a clamp, an adhesive, a magnet, a latch, a lock, a locating pin, a rail, a slide, locking pin, a bolt, or a screw, wherein the processing line is a conveyor, and wherein the adaptable sorter unit is located proximate to the end of the conveyor.
15. An adaptable sorter unit, comprising:
an attachment mechanism;
a sorting device that is capable of deflecting a sample;
a data port that is capable of receiving information; and
a power port that is connectable to a power source, wherein the attachment mechanism, the sorting device, the data port, and the power port are physically connected together, wherein the attachment mechanism is: a mounting bracket, a mounting bracket receptacle, a weldable material, a clamp, an adhesive, a magnet, a latch, a lock, a locating pin, a rail, a slide, locking pin, a bolt, or a screw, wherein the processing line is a chute, and wherein the adaptable sorter unit is located above the chute.
16. An adaptable sorter unit, comprising:
an attachment mechanism;
a sorting device that is capable of deflecting a sample;
a data port that is capable of receiving information; and
a power port that is connectable to a power source, wherein the attachment mechanism, the sorting device, the data port, and the power port are physically connected together, wherein the attachment mechanism is: a mounting bracket, a mounting bracket receptacle, a weldable material, a clamp, an adhesive, a magnet, a latch, a lock, a locating pin, a rail, a slide, locking pin, a bolt, or a screw, wherein the processing line is a chute, and wherein the adaptable sorter unit is located proximate to the end of the chute.