Inspection and sorting machine

An inspection and sorting machine comprising:

• a feed system adapted to transport a plurality of fasteners in a product stream, wherein the feed system includes a lower conveyor that positions the plurality of fasteners for optical inspection of a first fastener surface and wherein the feed system includes an upper conveyor that positions the plurality of fasteners for optical inspection of a second fastener surface;
• an inspection system adapted to perform an optical inspection of each of the plurality of fasteners, the inspection system including first and second cameras and an inspection controller, the inspection controller providing an output;
• a central controller in electrical communication with the inspection controller output and adapted to classify each of the plurality of fasteners that undergo an optical inspection without a system fault;
• and
• a sorting system including:
• first and second chutes to selectively receive fasteners that undergo an optical inspection without a system fault, and
• a third chute to accept fasteners for which the optical inspection includes a system fault for recirculation through the inspection system.