Process and device for sorting dry fruits, in particular nuts

摘要

The process and the corresponding device use a video camera 3, which records nuts moved past it and transmits this image information to a computer 4. In correspondence with the nuts to be separated, that is those differently coloured or differently shaped, the computer produces a signal for a suction array, which is provided with a number of suction nozzles 8, 9 which, in correspondence with the image previously recorded by the video camera and transformed in the computer, are downwardly movable to the sorting belt in order that they can remove by suction a previously identified nut to be separated. The suction array is provided with a multiplicity of suction nozzles arranged in one or more rows at right angles to the direction of motion of the nuts, said suction nozzles being connected via a separator 12 to a ventilator 13 as a generator of reduced pressure. The nuts deposited in the separator are fed to a separate collection point. IMAGE