# US 8,569,644 B2 · Process and apparatus for analysing and separating grain

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- Number: US 8,569,644 B2
- Document ID: US8569644B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 12/513,207
- Filed: 2008-11-13
- Published: 2011-04-21
- Granted: 2013-10-29
- Earliest claimed: 2007-11-13
- Assignees: Minch Malt Limited
- Applicants: Michael Nierle; Peter Nallen
- Inventors: Michael Nierle; Peter Nallen
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8569644B2

## CPC

- B07C 5/3425: {of granular material, e.g. ore particles, grain (investigation moving fluids or granular solids using optical means G01N21/85)}
- G01N 21/31: Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry {(G01N21/72 takes precedence)}
- G01N 21/3563: for analysing solids; Preparation of samples therefor
- G01N 21/359: using near infrared light
- B07C: POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING (specially adapted for a specific purpose covered by another class, see the relevant place, e.g. A43D33/06, B23Q7/12)
- G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q)

## Abstract

A process and apparatus for analyzing quantities of grain in-line and separating the grain into batches on the basis of one or more grain parameter values is disclosed. The grain is separated in-line on the basis of the grain parameter value thus allowing the grain to be separated into homogeneous batches.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A process for analysing quantities of grain in-line and separating the grain into batches on the basis of one or more grain parameter values, the process comprising:
delivering an optically dense grain layer continuously past an in-line measurement area;
analysing a quantity of the grain by emitting light onto the grain layer, the light being reflected from the quantity of grain passing the in-line measurement area and detecting the light reflected from the quantity of grain to provide a spectrum of the quantity of grain;
converting the spectrum into the or each grain parameter value; and
separating the grain into batches by sorting the grain quantity on the basis of the or each grain parameter value;
wherein the grain is separated in-line on the basis of the or each grain parameter value.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein separating the grain in-line comprises the steps of:
storing one or more grain threshold values;
comparing the or each grain parameter value to the corresponding stored grain threshold value;
generating a signal based on the comparison between the or each grain parameter value and the corresponding grain threshold value;
using the signal to effect automatic delivery of the grain quantity to a predetermined location on the basis of the grain parameter value.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the optically dense grain layer is delivered at a speed of between 0.5 and 2.5 m/s.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the optically dense grain layer is delivered at a speed of between 1 and 2 m/s.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light is emitted continuously onto the optically dense grain layer.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light is emitted at a wavelength of between 200 and 2000 nm.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light is emitted at a Near Infrared (NIR) spectral region of between 780 nm and 2000 nm and an NIR spectrum is provided.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light is emitted at a wavelength of between 900 and 1500 nm.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light is detected from the quantity of grain in a time of between 15 and 70 milliseconds.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light is detected from the quantity of grain in a time of between 30 and 50 milliseconds.