Method and apparatus for sorting heterogeneous material

Abstract

A system is provided for the identification and separation of heterogeneous material, the system comprising: a hyperspectral identification system for capturing spectra of material; a computer receiving and analyzing data from the hyperspectral identification system and selecting desired materials from the heterogeneous materials; and an ejection system, whereby the desired materials are ejected from the system.

1 . A system for the identification and sorting of heterogeneous material, the system comprising:
 a hyperspectral identification system for capturing spectra of material;   a computer receiving and analyzing data from said hyperspectral identification system and selecting materials of a first user defined category from said materials; and   an ejection system, whereby said desired materials are ejected from said system.   
   
   
       2 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said hyperspectral identification system comprises at least one hyperspectral camera disposed proximate to a material intake port. 
   
   
       3 . The system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a conveyer to deliver said heterogeneous material to said system. 
   
   
       4 . The system according to  claim 1  further comprising a receiving system, whereby said materials of a first user defined category are segregated and collected. 
   
   
       5 . The system according to  claim 1  further comprising an array of lights disposed proximate to said hyperspectral identification system. 
   
   
       6 . The system according to  claim 5  wherein said lights have a wavelength suitable for hyperspectral imaging. 
   
   
       7 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said hyperspectral identification system is configured to collect spectral and spatial information from heterogeneous material entering said system, store said spectral and spatial information as images. 
   
   
       8 . The system according to  claim 5  wherein said computer comprises software configured to compare said images to images stored in a library of images. 
   
   
       9 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said ejection system comprises a plurality of independently controlled air nozzles disposed beneath said material, and a blower hood disposed above said material, said blower hood providing a air current whereby said selected material is blown out of a discharge port. 
   
   
       10 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said heterogeneous materials comprise waste and recyclable materials. 
   
   
       11 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said computer can select a plurality of user defined materials. 
   
   
       12 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said ejection system comprises a mechanical ejector. 
   
   
       13 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said ejection system comprises a fluid jet. 
   
   
       14 . The system according to  claim 13  wherein said fluid jet is a water jet. 
   
   
       15 . A method for sorting heterogeneous material, said method comprising:
 generating hyperspectral images of said heterogeneous material;   comparing said hyperspectral images of said heterogeneous material to hyperspectral images of known materials; physically isolating selected material from said heterogeneous material.   
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 15 , further comprising illuminating said heterogeneous material to optimize said hyperspectral images. 
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 15  wherein said hyperspectral images comprise spectral and spatial data for articles within said heterogeneous material. 
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 15  wherein said heterogeneous material comprises waste material and recyclable material in combination.