FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to an automated electro-mechanical system
and method for conveying and ejecting object.
BACKGROUND
Grading of objects, such as any agricultural and/or non agricultural is important for fixing the market value of the products. Grading of agricultural products like various dry-fruits or any other agricultural products, is a time consuming and tedious task. Thus, a variety of grading machines are provided which enables grading of such objects. Generally, each of these grading machines include a feeding unit for feeding objects, a conveying unit, a scanning unit and an ejection unit. However, such grading machines are vey cost expensive owing to such capital intensive units/equipments such as conveying unit and ejection unit. Also, at times during conveying and ejection of objects, such as pistachio which may have shell partially opened, objects get stuck in the conveyor or the ejection unit. Also, existing grading machines move objects in only one orientation. Hence, efficient scanning and grading of objects is hampered.
Also, conventional conveying and ejecting system provides are less flexible and can handle a specific shape of objects.
There are some prior art documents referring to conveying and/or ejecting objects. Patent No. US3155102 titled “Egg cleaning equipment” discloses about egg candling and cleaning system. The system consists of conveyor with multiple supporting members. The supporting members comprise coiled spring with larger

diameter and small diameter alternatively which holds the eggs there in between. The system does not explicitly mention about automatic grading and ejecting objects. Also, the coiled springs does not act as a conveyor. Patent No. US4382501 titled “Egg orientation means” discloses about egg orientation device which includes conveyor formed by a plurality of spring sections to orient egg in spring section by invert device. The present disclosure does not explicitly mention about using spring as a conveyor and automatic grading and ejecting objects.
Patent App. No. CN106005947 titled “Fruit conveying carrying roller” discloses about conveyer rotating the fruit for grading. The carrying roller comprises a carrying shaft, a friction wheel, transmission pin shafts, conical roller bodies, compression springs and the like. The conical structure rollers rotates the object along the path and for compression, spring is used. The object is held in between the conical structure roller bodies. The system is not camera based and does not explicitly mentions about automatic grading and ejecting objects. Hence, there is a need of a simplified and flexible conveying and ejecting system that alleviate aforementioned drawbacks.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure discloses a system for conveying and ejecting objects, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system includes at least one controller, at least one channel of feeding and singulating unit, a conveying unit, at least one scanning unit, at least one processor, a plurality of grade containers and a manipulating unit. Each channel of feeding and singulating

unit feeds multiple objects in cluster and singulate each object from others. Objects moving in and from the feeding and singulating unit is controlled by the controller upon inputs received from at least one sensors provided in the feeding and singulating unit. The conveying unit is formed by arranging at least one set of a pair of rotatable flexible elements parallelly positioned in a pre-defined configuration and a first pre-defined distance is maintained between the pair of rotatable flexible elements such that singulated object from the feeding and singulating unit being supported by the pair of flexible elements. The rotatable flexible elements are rotated in opposite direction to cause movement of each singulated object received thereon. Each channel has at least one pair of rotatable flexible elements. The scanning unit scans in a three-dimensional (3D) space, each singulated object moving on the conveying unit to observe external parameter(s) and/or internal parameter(s) of each conveying object. The processor receives scanned parameter(s) of each scanned object and determine grade of each scanned object without reconstruction of images and communicate grade characteristics of each scanned object to the controller. The plurality of grade containers is positioned in vicinity of the conveying unit and after the scanning unit such that each grade container configured to receive configuration and graded object of particular grade. The manipulating unit is provided in vicinity of the grade containers for manipulating, upon the direction of the controller. At least one of the pair of rotatable flexible elements or each graded object such that each graded object fall in determined grade container.

The present disclosure discloses a method for conveying and ejecting objects by a system for conveying and ejecting objects. The method includes providing at least one controller and providing at least one channel of feeding and singulating unit.
The method also includes feeding multiple objects in each channel of each feeding and singulating unit. Fed objects are singulated in each channel of each feeding and singulating unit. Conveying each singulated object in a conveying unit, wherein each conveying unit is formed by arranging at least one set of a pair of rotatable flexible elements parallelly positioned in a pre-defined configuration and a first pre-defined distance is maintained between the pair of rotatable flexible elements such that singulated object from the feeding and singulating unit being supported by the pair of flexible elements. The rotatable flexible elements are rotated in opposite direction to cause movement of each singulated object received thereon. Each channel has at least one pair of rotatable flexible elements. The scanning unit scans in a three-dimensional space each singulated object moving on the conveying unit to observe external parameter(s) and/or internal parameter(s) of each conveying object while being conveyed. processing each scanned parameter(s) of each scanned object by a processor and determine grade of each scanned object without reconstruction of images and communicate grade characteristics of each scanned object to the controller. Providing grade containers positioned in vicinity of the conveying unit and after the scanning unit such that each grade container configured to receive configuration and graded object of particular grade. Manipulating at least one of the pair of rotatable flexible elements

or each graded object in a manipulating unit provided in vicinity of the grade containers such that each graded object fall in determined grade container.
OBJECTS
Objects of the present disclosure are listed below:
• The main object of the present disclosure is to provide an automatic system for conveying and ejecting objects in which conveying unit is a flexible and is manipulated to eject objects.
• It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system for conveying and ejecting that enables free movements of objects with continuous and proper orientation without being stuck.
• It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a system for conveying and ejecting objects that properly orients objects in various orientations so that efficient grading is performed.
• It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system for conveying and ejecting objects that is simple and cost efficient.
• It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a method for conveying and ejecting objects that enables free movements of objects on the conveying unit and simplified ejection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will best be understood from the following description of various embodiments thereof, selected for the purposes of illustration, and shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a system for conveying and ejecting
objects, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein system is
arranged has multiple conveying unit with various configurations/arrangements,
wherein a conveying unit is provided with sections;
FIG. 2 is a another perspective view of the system of FIG. 1, wherein the
conveying unit is without sections;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a system for conveying and ejeting objects in which
the conveying unit is in a linear configuration/arrangement and the conveying unit
is enclosed by a covering, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the system of the FIG. 3 in which conveying
unit is provided without a covering;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a system for conveying and ejecting objects in
which conveying unit is a combination of a linear and circular
configuration/arrangement; and
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the method of the system of FIGS. 1 to 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Now, refer in more detail to the exemplary drawings for the purposes of illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 is a system (100) for conveying and ejecting objects, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (100) includes at least one controller (10), at least one channel of feeding and singulating unit (20), a conveying unit (30), at least one scanning unit (40), at least one processor (50), a plurality of grade containers (60) and a manipulating unit (70).
In one embodiment object is any agricultural or non-agricultural or synthetically manufactured material.
The feeding and singulating unit (20) can have one channel or multiple channels in which channels can be arranged in various configurations as per the need of the invention. Each channel of feeding and singulating unit (20) feeds multiple objects in cluster and singulate each object from others. In the feeding and singulating unit (20), objects are released in a controlled manner by the controller (10) upon inputs received from at least one sensors (not illustrated in Figures) provided in the feeding and singulating unit (20).
The conveying unit (30) is formed by arranging at least one set of a pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b), wherein one pair of (30a and 30b) is

provided for one channel and one feeding and singulating unit (20). Herein, one set indicates that the pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) is a pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) in which each spring is one single element. In alternative embodiment, multiple sets of pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) denotes that in each rotatable flexible element (30a and/or 30b), is made by assembling multiple small rotatable flexible elements which are connected to each other to form a chain like arrangement of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) for conveying objects.
In yet another embodiment, the arrangement is such that each rotatable flexible element of each pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) is one spring which is divided into multiple divisions by using sections (31). The pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) is positioned parallel with each other such that a first pre-defined distance is maintained between the pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b). The pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) is arranged in a pre-defined configuration. The configuration can be a linear configuration, a circular configuration or combination of linear and circular configurations or any other like configurations. Such configurations are possible owing to flexibility of the rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b). Typically, the rotatable flexible element (30a and 30b) is a flexible spring.
Singulated object from the feeding and singulating unit (20) is supported by the pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b). Moreover, the singulated object falls in between the rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) and is supported by

the rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) from either sides. The flexible elements (30a and 30b) are rotated in opposite direction to cause movement of each singulated object received thereon. Preferably, the movement of the flexible elements (30a and 30b) is in outward/opposite directions. Each pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) is rotated by at least one driving unit (not illustrated in Figures). The driving unit can include one or more motors, speed reducers, bearings and the like. The driving unit can be any other mechanism that enables rotation of each pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) in outward/opposite directions.
During conveying of each singulated object, the conveying unit (30) also changes orientation of each singulated object and such change in orientation enables scanning of each portion of singulated object.
The scanning unit (40) scans each conveyed object at various orientations in a three-dimensional space and observes external parameter(s) and/or internal parameter(s) of each conveying object.
In one embodiment, the scanning unit (40) is a high speed scanning unit like cameras. The high speed scanning unit (40) includes an advanced programmable cameras which can be “synchronous”, “asynchronous”, “regular”, “color” or “multi-spectral” cameras, advanced X-ray cameras, advanced spectrometer. Also, multiple spectral light sources, multiple adjustable mirrors/prisms, an advanced backlighting system or any other type of supporting system for efficient scanning

can be provided. Each of the above mentioned analysis and measurement system can be high-end, high speed and super efficient.
In accordance with the present disclosure the term external parameter shall refer to extrinsic/physical characteristics of each object of interest which may include but not limited to volumetric size, shape, color, surface properties, defects, mechanical, physical injuries.
In accordance with the present disclosure the term internal parameter shall refer to intrinsic/biochemical characteristics of objects which may include but not limited to depth/thickness of shell/outer covering of object, moisture content inside object, seeded or seedless vegetables or fruits, internal defects, microbial infections/biochemical activities inside object, light scattering, emitting, refracting or deviating properties of an object.
Although the present disclosure is described by mentioning the scanning unit (40) as one or more cameras, however, the present disclosure is not limited to usage of cameras as the scanning unit (40) and other scanning device that can irradiate various radiations like X-rays or laser or combination of various technologies and/or at least one image processing unit (processor) to process the image of each object are within the scope of the present disclosure.
The processor (50) receives scanned parameter(s) of each scanned object and determine grade of each scanned object without reconstruction of images and communicate grade characteristics of each scanned object to the controller (10). The processor can be in-built with the scanning unit (40) or with the controller (10)

or can be a separate component. The processor can be in-built with the scanning unit (40) or with the controller (10) or can be a separate component.
The grade containers (60) are positioned in vicinity of the conveying unit (30) and after the scanning unit (40) such that each grade container (60) receives graded object of particular grade.
The manipulating unit (70) is provided in vicinity of the grade containers (60) for manipulating at least a portion of the pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) upon the direction of the controller (10). Moreover, when graded object reaches in vicinity of determined grade container (60), the manipulating unit (70) in vicinity of the determined grade container (60) manipulates rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) so that distance between rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) is increased to a second pre-determined distance which is greater than the size of the graded object for enabling graded object to pass between the rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) and fall in the determined grade container (60).
In one embodiment, the manipulating unit (70) is an electromagnetic unit (70a) that generates electromagnetic waves for which pull apart determined portion of the pair of the rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) for generating the second pre¬defined distance between the portion of the pair of flexible elements (30a and 30b). The second pre-defined distance is greater than the first pre-defined distance thereby permitting fall of object therebetween. The second pre-defined distance is

also greater than size of graded object thereby permitting fall of graded object therebetween. The manipulating unit (70) further includes support plates (70b) provided on either side of the pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) to prevent electromagnetic energy coming in contact with other portion of the conveying unit (30).
In another embodiment, the manipulating unit (70) is a plunger (not illustrated in Figures) that pushes graded object or a portion of pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) such that graded object fall in desired grade container (60).
In one embodiment, each rotatable flexible element (30a and 30b) is enclosed by a covering (90) for guiding and thereby directing forward movement of objects and for preventing falling of objects. The surface of the covering (90) can be plane or grooved one not limited to the invention. The thin cover can be made of plastic, silicon or metal, however the covering (90) can be made of other materials too. The covering (90) can be plane or can have groove which will not affect the object while being conveyed.
In one embodiment, at least one bearing support (80) is provided underneath each rotatable flexible element (30a and 30b) at desired intervals for providing adequate support. The bearing support (80) is mainly required when the rotatable flexible element (30a and 30b) are bent in circular or curved profile.

The present disclosure discloses a method for conveying and ejecting objects by using the system (100) for conveying and ejecting objects as illustrated in FIG. 6. The method includes providing at least one controller (10) and providing at least one channel of feeding and singulating unit (20). Feeding, multiple objects in each channel of each feeding and singulating unit (20). Thenafter, fed objects are singulated in each channel of each feeding and singulating unit (20). Conveying each singulating object in a conveying unit (30), wherein each conveying unit (30) is formed by arranging at least one set of the pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) parallelly positioned in the pre-defined configuration and the first pre-defined distance is maintained between the pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) such that singulated object from the feeding and singulating unit (20) being supported by the pair of flexible elements (30a and 30b). The pre¬defined configuration of the rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) can be linear configuration or circular configuration or combination of linear and circular configurations. Simultaneously, along with receiving singulated objects from the feeding and singulating unit (20), rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) are rotated, at a pre-defined speed, in opposite direction to cause movement of each singulated object received thereon towards the scanning unit (40). The scanning unit (40) scans in the three-dimensional space by each singulated object moving on the conveying unit (30) to observe external parameter(s) and/or internal parameter(s) of each conveying object while being conveyed. Processing each scanned parameter(s) of each scanned object by the processor (50) and determine grade of each scanned object without reconstruction of images and communicate

grade characteristics of each scanned object to the controller (10). Providing grade containers (60) positioned in vicinity of the conveying unit (30) and after the scanning unit (40) such that each grade container (60) receives graded object of particular grade. Manipulating one of the pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) or each graded object in a manipulating unit provided in vicinity of the grade containers (60) such that each graded object fall in determined grade containers (60).
In one embodiment, the rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) are manipulated by the electromagnetic unit (70a) that generates electromagnetic waves for generating the second pre-defined distance between the portion of the pair of flexible elements (30a and 30b), wherein the second pre-defined distance is greater than the first pre-defined distance thereby permitting fall of object therebetween. The manipulating unit (70) further includes support plates (70b) provided on either side of the pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) to prevent electromagnetic energy coming in contact with other portion of the conveying unit (30). The support plates (70b) are provided between the gap formed between the adjacently disposed electromagnetic unit (70a). In another embodiment, at least one support plate (70b) is inserted from the scanning unit (40) to the manipulating unit (70). Alternatively, the manipulating unit (70) is the plunger that pushes graded object or the portion of pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) such that graded object fall in determined grade container (60).

In one embodiment, further includes providing each rotatable flexible element (30a and 30b) by the covering (90) that encloses each rotatable flexible element (30a and 30b) for guiding and thereby directing forward movement of objects and for preventing falling of objects.
In one embodiment, providing the bearing support (80) underneath each rotatable flexible element (30a and 30b), at desired intervals, that provides adequate support. The bearing support (80) is mainly required when the rotatable flexible element (30a and 30b) are bent in circular or curved profile.
As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the present disclosure may easily be produced in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. The present embodiments is, therefore, to be considered as merely illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within therefore intended to be embraced therein.

WE CLAIM:
1) A system (100) for conveying and ejecting objects, said system (100) comprising:
• at least one controller (10);
• at least one channel of feeding and singulating unit (20) configured to feed multiple objects in cluster and singulate each object from others, objects moving in and from said feeding and singulating unit (20) is controlled by said controller (10) upon inputs received from at least one sensors provided in said feeding and singulating unit (20);
• a conveying unit (30) formed by arranging at least one set of a pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) parallelly positioned in a pre-defined configuration and a first pre-defined distance is maintained between said pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) such that singulated object from said feeding and singulating unit (20) being supported by said pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) , said rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) configured to be rotated in opposite direction to cause movement of each singulated object received thereon, each channel has at least one pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b);
• at least one scanning unit (40) configured to scan in a three-dimensional space, each singulated object moving on said conveying unit (30) to observe external parameter(s) and/or internal parameter(s) of each conveying object;

• at least one processor (50) configured to receive scanned parameter(s) of each scanned object and determine grade of each scanned object without reconstruction of images and communicate grade characteristics of each scanned object to said controller (10);
• a plurality of grade containers (60) positioned in vicinity of said conveying unit (30) and after said scanning unit (40) such that each grade container (60) configured to receive configuration and graded object of particular grade; and
• a manipulating unit (70) provided in vicinity of said grade containers (60) for manipulating, upon the direction of said controller (10), at least one of said pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) or each graded object such that each graded object fall in determined grade container (60).

2) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said conveying unit (30) is linearly arranged or circularly arranged or arranged in desired combination of linear and circular arrangements by arranging each set of each pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) in desired configuration.
3) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a bearing support (80) is provided underneath each rotatable flexible element (30a and 30b) at desired intervals for providing adequate support.
4) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said manipulating unit (70) is an electromagnetic unit (70a) that generates electromagnetic waves for generating a second pre-defined distance between a portion of said pair

of rotatable flexible elements, wherein said second pre-defined distance is greater than said first pre-defined distance thereby permitting fall of object therebetween,
said manipulating unit (70) further includes support plates (70b) provided in a gap formed between adjacently disposed electromagnetic unit (70a) and on either side of said pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) to prevent electromagnetic energy coming in contact with other portion of said conveying unit (30).
5) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said manipulating unit (70) is a plunger that pushes graded object or a portion of pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) such that graded object fall in desired grade container (60).
6) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) is enclosed by a covering (90) for guiding and thereby directing forward movement of objects and for preventing falling of objects.
7) A method for conveying and ejecting objects by a system (100) for conveying and ejecting objects, said method comprising:

• providing at least one controller (10);
• providing at least one channel of feeding and singulating unit (20);
• feeding multiple objects in each channel of each feeding and singulating unit (20);

• singulating fed objects in each channel of each feeding and singulating unit (20);
• conveying each singulating object in a conveying unit (30), wherein each conveying unit (30) is formed by arranging at least one set of a pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) parallelly positioned in a pre-defined configuration and a first pre-defined distance is maintained between said pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) such that singulated object from said feeding and singulating unit (20) being supported by said pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) , said rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) configured to be rotated in opposite direction to cause movement of each singulated object received thereon, each channel has at least one pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b);
• scanning in a three-dimensional space by a scanning unit (40) each singulated object moving on said conveying unit (30) to observe external parameter(s) and/or internal parameter(s) of each conveying object while being conveyed;
• processing each scanned parameter(s) of each scanned object by at least one processor (50) and determine grade of each scanned object without reconstruction of images and communicate grade characteristics of each scanned object to said controller (10);

• providing grade containers (60) positioned in vicinity of said conveying unit (30) and after said scanning unit (40) such that each grade container configured to receive configuration and graded object of particular grade; and
• manipulating at least one of said pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) or each graded object in a manipulating unit provided in vicinity of said grade containers (60) such that each graded object fall in determined grade container (60).

8) The method as claimed in claim 7, arranging said conveying unit (30) configured to be arranged linearly, circularly or combination of linearly and circularly by arranging each set of each pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) in desired configuration.
9) The method as claimed in claim 7, providing a bearing support (80) underneath each rotatable flexible element (30a and 30b) at desired intervals for providing adequate support.
10) The method as claimed in claim 7, providing said manipulating unit (70) as electromagnetic unit (70a) that generates electromagnetic waves for generating a second pre-defined distance between a portion of said pair of rotatable flexible elements, wherein said second pre-defined distance is greater than said first pre-defined distance thereby permitting fall of object therebetween,
said manipulating unit (70) further includes support plates (70b) provided a gap formed between adjacently disposed electromagnetic unit (70a) and on

either side of said pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) to prevent electromagnetic energy coming in contact with other portion of said conveying unit (30).
11) The method as claimed in claim 7, providing said manipulating unit (70) as a plunger that pushes graded object or a portion of pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) such that graded object fall in desired grade container (60).
12) The method as claimed in claim 7, enclosing said pair of rotatable flexible elements (30a and 30b) by a covering (90) for guiding and thereby directing forward movement of objects and for preventing falling of objects.