Sorter removes core from cut iceberg and romaine lettuce.
Press Release Summary:
Optyx® with Raptor allows processors of iceberg and romaine lettuce to cut un-cored head with conventional cutting technology and use Optyx to remove core, eliminating need for manual coring and outer leaf removal. Using color cameras, sorter analyzes size and shape as well as subtle color differences. With its Raptor laser set to inspect within IR light spectrum, unit detects/removes core as well as foreign material based on differences in objects' optical properties.
Original Press Release:
Key Technology Introduces Optyx® with Raptor for Fresh-Cut Core Removal
January 15, 2008 - Key Technology introduces Optyx® with Raptor designed specifically for removing core from cut iceberg and romaine lettuce, along with leaf defects and foreign material. By eliminating manual coring, the sorter extends product shelf life, increases yields, and reduces labor costs. Featuring the most powerful infrared laser in the food industry in combination with Key's proprietary color cameras, Optyx with Raptor for core removal maximizes product quality and food safety, while reducing costs.
Key's Optyx with Raptor allows processors of iceberg and romaine to cut the un-cored head with conventional cutting technology and use the Optyx to remove the core, thereby eliminating the need for manual coring and outer leaf removal. In addition to reducing labor costs and improving yields, the shelf life of the cut lettuce is significantly improved by not removing core in the field.
Field-tested, this new fresh-cut core removal sorting application offers processors a payback of only four to 16 months based on labor cost reductions and yield improvements. Optyx with Raptor for core removal delivers additional value to brand owners and contract packers by assuring the highest final product quality, which protects the brand and the co-packing relationship.
Optyx with Raptor for core removal combines infrared laser technology with proprietary tri-chromatic color cameras. With its color cameras, the sorter analyzes size and shape as well as millions of subtle color differences. With its Raptor laser set to inspect within the infrared light spectrum, the sorter reliably detects and removes core as well as foreign material based on differences in the objects' optical properties.
As product passes through the sorter, it is launched off the end of the Optyx belt for in-air viewing by the sensors. Using Key's proprietary image processing technology, the sorter quickly analyses the images, comparing each object to previously defined accept/reject standards. When core, defective product, or foreign material is identified, the system activates the close-coupled high-speed ejector system, which is made up of a series of air jets spaced 6 mm apart that span the width of the system. While the objects are still air-borne, the air jets pinpoint the object to reject and remove it from the product stream.
The self-contained Optyx slips easily into the processing line - connect to air, power, and water, and start sorting. Optyx features a flat belt with air-tensioning for consistent tracking and minimal maintenance. The quick-release feature and easy-access cantilever design make belt replacement fast and simple.
Precision-engineered product handling chutes specifically designed for leafy greens and a unique clean-in-place (CIP) system enhance sorter performance and sanitation by improving product presentation and reducing product build-up.
The patented, icon-based graphical user interface (GUI) is easy to learn and use, reducing operator training and simplifying optimum operation. Product settings can be stored and retrieved for fast product changeover. The GUI can reside locally on the sorter and can be accessed remotely via network or Internet, enhancing the flexibility in the operating environment and easing access for remote factory troubleshooting and application assistance. Sophisticated real-time and on-demand diagnostics help minimize and avoid costly downtime, and detect conditions that could compromise inspection.
About Key Technology, Inc.
Key Technology, an ISO-9001 certified company, is a leading designer and manufacturer of process automation systems, integrated electro-optical inspection and sorting systems, and processing systems. Key® systems help processors to improve quality, increase yield, and reduce cost. With worldwide sales representation, the company maintains demonstration and testing facilities at its headquarters and manufacturing divisions in Walla Walla, Washington, USA, and at Key Technology BV in Beusichem, the Netherlands. The company's common stock trades on the Global Market tier of The NASDAQ
Stock MarketSM under the symbol: KTEC.
Reader Inquiries To:
Anita Funk,
Corporate Communications Manager
Key Technology, Inc.
150 Avery Street
Walla Walla,
WA 99362
USA
Tel: 509 529 2161
Fax: 509 527 1331
Email: afunk@key.net
URL: www.key.net
