Belt Speed Research Articles

Non-ideal behavior of a treadmill depends on gait phase, speed, and weight

Noticeable differences exist between treadmill and overground walking; kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation patterns differ between the two. Many previous studies have attributed the differences to changes in visual information, air resistance, and psychological effects such as fear. In this study, we demonstrate that no treadmill serves as an inertial frame of reference. Considering the linear momentum principle, the finite sampling rate of the controller, and the limited power of the treadmill motor, we predict that 1) the error of the treadmill speed periodically varies depending on the locomotion phase and 2) this non-ideal behavior becomes more evident as the locomotion speed or the weight of the walker increases. Experimental observation confirmed our predictions by quantifying the variation of the actual treadmill belt speed and the ground reaction force in the anterior–posterior direction for different locomotion speeds and subject weights. These results emphasize a need for design criteria like the minimum sampling rate and the minimum motor power that treadmill locomotion studies should consider.

Efficiency of industrial-scale radio frequency treatments to control Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius) in rough, brown, and milled rice

Many disinfestation processes developed in pilot-scale radio frequency (RF) systems reveal that RF treatment is a promising non-chemical method to control insects in postharvest agricultural products. The purpose of this research was to determine efficiency of RF treatment for disinfesting rice in industrial applications. A free-running oscillator 27.12 MHz, 15 kW RF system was used to conduct the industrial-scale and continuous treatment, and estimate the corresponding throughput, heating efficiency and electrical cost for controlling adult lesser grain borer , Rhyzopertha dominica , in rough, brown, and milled rice. The maximum throughputs for this RF system were obtained by heating three, three, and two layers of rough, brown, and milled rice to 54 °C under electrode gaps of 195, 235, and 180 mm, with conveyor belt speeds set to 10.9, 10.3, and 12.4 m h −1 , respectively. The 100% mortality of adult R. dominica was obtained when the temperature of samples reached 54 °C with holding for 11 min. Quality of treated rice was not affected by the RF treatments since no significant difference ( P > 0.05) was observed in physical and nutritive quality attributes between control and RF treated rice except for moisture content for rough rice and water activity for brown rice. The average heating efficiency and throughput of the RF system for rough, brown, and milled rice were 59.9, 62.5, and 54.5%, and 313.6, 594.8, and 476.2 kg h −1 , resulting in the electrical costs of US$ 2.68, 2.53, and 3.13 per 1000 kg, respectively. This research demonstrated potential RF industrial applications for rice processors to adopt effective non-chemical disinfestation methods. • Industrial-scale RF treatments were developed for disinfesting rice. • Sample temperature of 54 °C for holding 11 min resulted in 100% mortality. • Quality of treated rice was not significantly affected by RF treatments. • Heating efficiency, throughput and electrical cost of RF systems were determined.

Application of open source FEM and DEM simulations for dynamic belt deflection modelling

Belt deflection due to the belt weight and bulk solid loads is essential not only for reducing the flexure resistance but also for extending the service life of belt conveyors. Current theoretical analysis and numerical modelling have failed to fully consider the interaction between a belt and bulk solid and therefore are not suitable to investigate belt deflection under dynamic conditions. The aim of this study was to develop a numerical model for predicting dynamic belt deflection by coupling the Finite Element Method (FEM) and Discrete Element Method (DEM). The open source software Code_Aster (FEM) and LIGGGHTS (DEM) were used for the coupling through an interface programmed in Python.Simulation results in terms of the longitudinal and transverse belt deflection were discussed and compared to the results obtained from the experimental measurements. Influences on the dynamic belt deflection were analysed by varying the operating conditions including the belt speed and tension. Furthermore, the belt pressure distribution attributed to the bulk solids was investigated based on the developed coupled model. Good agreements between the modelling and experiments were observed, indicating the validation of the coupled FEM and DEM model.

Random Response of Spring–Damper–Mass–Belt System with Coulomb Friction

Purpose A randomly excited spring–damper–mass system placed on a uniformly moving belt is investigated with the consideration of the Coulomb friction between the system and the belt. The system response is analytically studied. The physical essence of friction and the influences of the belt speed, the friction amplitude and the excitation intensity on the random responses are discussed in detail.

Handrail Holding During Treadmill Walking Reduces Locomotor Learning in Able-Bodied Persons.

Treadmills used for gait training in clinical rehabilitation and experimental settings are commonly fitted with handrails to assist or support persons in locomotor tasks. However, the effects of balance support through handrail holding on locomotor learning are unknown. Locomotor learning can be studied on split-belt treadmills, where participants walk on two parallel belts with asymmetric left and right belt speeds, to which they adapt their stepping pattern within a few minutes. The aim of this study was to determine how handrail holding affects the walking pattern during split-belt adaptation and after-effects in able-bodied persons. Fifty healthy young participants in five experimental groups were instructed to hold handrails, swing arms freely throughout the experiment or hold handrails during adaptation and swing arms freely during after-effects. Step length asymmetry and double support asymmetry were measured to assess the spatiotemporal walking pattern. The results showed that holding handrails during split-belt adaptation reduces magnitude of initial perturbation of step length asymmetry and reduces after-effects in step length asymmetry upon return to symmetric belt speeds. The findings of this study imply that balance support during gait training reduces locomotor learning, which should be considered in daily clinical gait practice and future research on locomotor learning.

블로우 사출성형품 디버링을 위한 열풍 방식 공정 자동화 설계

The blowing process is advantageous in that it is possible to quickly produce complex shapes of products at a low cost. However, there is a problem that burrs are generated during the process of forming the two metal molds in contact with each other. In this paper, we propose a deburring system using non-contact hot air and perform optimization research for effective deburring. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of high-density polyethylene was carried out to confirm the melting point of about 130℃. Based on the DSC experimental data, it was confirmed whether the hot air was deburred between 130℃ and 500℃. As a result, it was confirmed that the deburring was effective at about 500℃. The temperature of the hot air was fixed at about 500℃ and the feeding speed of the conveyor belt was experimented. As a result, effective deburring was possible when the feeding speed was 4 m/s ~ 5 m/s.

Investigation of the influence of image acquisition condition on the image repeatability for online measurement of cane bagasse quality using multispectral image

On-line measurement of cane bagasse is needed for its utilization. This study aims to investigate effect of the measurement condition of multispectral image for on-line systems. Two main factors (belt speeds and installation angles of light source) influencing the on-line image collection were studied. Four and two levels of the belt speeds (5, 10, 15, and 20 cm/s) and the installation angles (30 and 45°) were specified in this work, respectively. The effect of these two factors on image repeatability was analyzed by ANOVA using a significant level of 5%. The result showed that belt speeds and angles of light source did not influence image repeatability. However, we found that light source angle of 30 degree gave higher precision than 45 degrees

Testosterone administration increases synaptic density in the gyrus dentatus of old mice independently of physical exercise.

Testosterone and physical exercise administration have been shown to affect hippocampal morphology in adult rodents. In aged animals, similar data are only available after physical exercise. In this work we used ultrastructural quantitative morphometry to investigate the effect of testosterone administration on the hippocampal synapses of old mice, either alone or in combination with aerobic physical exercise. The inner molecular layer of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (IMLDG) and the molecular stratum of Ammon's horn 1 neurons (SMCA1) were investigated in 27-month-old male Balb/c mice randomly allocated to one of four experimental conditions (five mice each): sedentary control (C), testosterone administration (10 mg/kg once a week, TA), treadmill training (30 min a day, five days a week for 4 weeks at belt speed 8 m/min, 0% incline, TT) and testosterone administration plus treadmill training (TTTA). At the end of a four-week period, hippocampi were excised, fixed, and processed by ethanol phosphotungstic acid procedure to contrast synapses. The following variables were measured in electron micrographs: number of synapses/μm3 of tissue (Nv), total area of contact zones/μm3 of tissue (Sv), average area of the synaptic contact zone (S), and percentage of perforated synapses (%PS). ANOVA showed a statistically significant main effect of experimental condition for Nv and Sv in IMLDG, and for Sv in SMCA1 (p ≤ 0.003). The S and %PS were similar within group in ANOVA. Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase of Sv vs. C in SMCA1 and IMLDG after TT and TA, respectively. In IMLDG, Nv was significantly increased vs. C and TT after both TA and TTTA. Overall, results showed that testosterone increases synaptic density in IMLDG of old mice independently of physical exercise or changes in synaptic size. Instead, synaptic density in SMCA1 was only sensitive to physical exercise. These findings show that exogenous testosterone administration exerts a positive effect of on synapses in selected areas of the old mouse hippocampus.

Short-term sleep fragmentation enhances anxiety-related behavior: The role of hormonal alterations.

IntroductionThe neuroendocrine background of acute sleep fragmentation in obstructive sleep apnea and sleep fragmentation involvement in psychiatric comorbidities, common in these patients, are still largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of short-term experimental sleep fragmentation on anxiety -like behavior and hormonal status in rats.MethodsMale rats were adapted to treadmill (ON and OFF mode with belt speed set on 0.02m/s and 0.00m/s) and randomized to: 1) treadmill control (TC, only OFF mode); 2) motion, activity control (AC, 10min ON and 30min OFF mode) and 3) sleep fragmentation (SF, 30s ON and 90s OFF mode) group. Six hours later, the animals were tested in the open field, elevated plus maze and light/dark test (n = 8/group). Testosterone, estradiol, progesterone and corticosterone were determined in separate animal cohort immediately upon sleep fragmentation (n = 6/group).ResultsSF rats showed decreased rearings number, decreased time spent in the central area and increased thigmotaxic index compared to TC and AC rats in the open field test. Similarly, increased anxiety upon sleep fragmentation was observed in the elevated plus maze and the light/dark test. Significantly lower testosterone, estradiol and progesterone levels were determined in SF in comparison to AC and TC groups, while there was no significant difference in the levels of corticosterone.ConclusionShort term sleep fragmentation enhances anxiety-related behavior in rats, which could be partly mediated by the observed hormonal changes presented in the current study in form of testosterone, estradiol and progesterone depletion.

Impact energy dissipation study in a simulated ship loading process

Degradation of the iron ore during handling and transportation results predominantly from impact from drops, such as the ship loading process. The lump ore degradation is directly related to the particle energy dissipation during impacting with wall or particles. In this work, graphical processing units (GPU) and message passing interface (MPI)-based discrete element method (DEM) is developed for the large-scale iron ore ship loading process to analysis the particle impact and energy dissipation. The effect of particle properties such as size distribution and shape, belt speed and dropping height on energy dissipation are studied. The results illustrate that Young's modulus has little effect on the energy dissipation under the same loading condition. Degradation varies with particle size, with coarser particles suffering a greater energy dissipation than finer ones. Particles with a size distribution provide a significant cushion effect on particle degradation, as demonstrated by an obvious smaller value in energy dissipation. This is explained by the inter-particle contact during the dynamic loading process. Belt speed has negligible effect on impact energy dissipation within the range considered. Dropping height, as expected, is the most significant factors affecting the impact energy dissipation. When the dropping height reduces from 10 m to 5 m, the dissipated energy by particle-particle impacts reduces more than half. Vogel and Peukert [1] particle breakage model is used to study the individual particle breakage probability under specific material properties. For the same energy input, smaller particles have lower breakage probability, indicating that larger particles are easier to break than smaller ones.

Control of the Belt Speed At an Uneven Loading of the Conveyor

Development of algorithms for controlling the speed of the conveyor belt, based on the distributed model of the transport system, containing partial differential equations. To calculate the parameters of a conveyor line with a variable speed of material motion, an instrument of math­ematical physics is used. Comparative analysis of conveyor transport system models is performed. Application of partial differential equations for simulating transport systems of conveyor type, which are complex dynamic distributed systems, is substantiated. A non­dimen­sional model of a conveyor system in instantaneous approximation with the use of partial­derivative equations is presented. A sys­tem of characteristic equations is recorded and a solution is developed which defines the value of material flow and material den­sity at an arbitrary point of time for the given point of the transportation route. An expression is obtained which defines the value of material delay in the transport system depending on the velocity defect law for conveyor belt movement. Transition period time is determined during which the output material flow is defined by the linear density of material disposition along the transportation route. Dependence for the material linear density and material flow for the steady-state condition are defined. The performance criterion of control of flow parameters of the conveyor system is recorded and a solution of the problem of optimal control of con­veyor belt speed providing the relay control mode with the minimum power consumption for material movement is found. An example of control algorithm development is given. PDE­models of transport systems of conveyor type and energy-­saving algorithms for controlling such systems have been improved. The proposed method for calculating the parameters of the conveyor line, which is a dynamic distributed system, can be used to design systems for optimal control of flow parameters of transport systems of conveyor type.

Development of Automatic Accumulating Equipment for Roller-Type Onion Pot-Seeding Machine

In this study, an automatic accumulating equipment for a roller-type onion pot-seeding machine was developed. The developed accumulating equipment accumulates the pot trays that complete the seeding in multiple stages using a conveyor belt and elevator plate, and can be easily attached to the existing roller-type onion pot-seeding machines as it is fabricated as a module. The components were selected to meet the conditions required for the accumulating equipment. A factorial experiment was performed by setting the transport speed of the conveyor belt and the one-time operating time of the actuator as test factors. Through the experiment, appropriate operating conditions to minimize the seed bounce rate in the accumulating process were derived. If the developed accumulating equipment is applied to a roller-type onion pot-seeding machine, the labor force and labor load required for seeding will be reduced.

Modelling bulk solid flow interactions in transfer chutes: Shearing flow

In the field of handling, storage and transportation, chutes are used to transfer bulk solids between conveyors. In these systems, traditional analysis methods based on the principle of continuum mechanics approximate an accelerated stream that incorporates physical bulk solid properties obtained from standardised tests. Due to difficulties in physically observing the flow within the transfer structure, verification of the method at full scale is scarcely reported. In contrast, Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) allows flow visualization through a transfer chute and enables qualitative and quantitative analysis provided accurate simulation parameters are selected.This paper presents application of the two methods in a real life high throughput installation using a case study comprising of a stacker chute system transferring coal from one incoming conveyor to one outgoing (boom) conveyor. The flow analysed is representative of transfer configurations characterised by a re-directed fast moving, high volume stream in restricted space, where the mode of flow is governed by internal (shear) properties of the bulk solid material. For the study, the velocity of the coal stream on the outgoing conveyor at loading is significantly lower compared to both the incoming and outgoing conveyor belt speeds. In the study presented, application of the traditional and a modified continuum method approach is compared to DEM simulations and site observations. A sensitivity analysis of modelling parameters is also provided.

Driving while impaired by alcohol: An analysis of drink-drivers involved in UK collisions

Objective: Drink-driving represents a critical issue on international organizations’ agendas as one of the key behavioral risk factors in road traffic safety, alongside speed and nonuse of motorcycle helmets, seat belts, and child restraints. Changing road user behaviors regarding these 5 factors is a critical component in reducing road traffic injuries and casualties. The objective of this study is the identification of drivers who are more likely to contribute to crashes in the UK while impaired by alcohol to design targeted drink drive compliance campaigns.Method: To profile drivers with the factor “impaired by alcohol” assigned in collisions, an extensive data set is used, including all reported injury collisions between 2011 and 2015 in the UK (police records), merged with the Experian Mosaic Database. A multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression is conducted, utilizing the hierarchical nature of the data (drivers within Mosaic types).Results: Using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis, the finding is that some driver profiles are more likely to contribute to crashes and are assigned the contributory factor “impaired by alcohol.” Drink-related crashes are more common in some circumstances or for some crash-involved driver groups than others. For instance, alcohol-related crashes are more likely to occur on single carriageways and among males and 25- to 35-year-olds. Drink-drive-related crashes are found to be strongly associated with dark lighting conditions and, more specifically, with late night hours (the interval between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. accounts for a third of the drink-drive-related collisions). Using the Experian Mosaic Database which divides the UK population into 66 types based on demographic, lifestyle, and behavior characteristics, the finding is that, among crash-involved drivers, some Mosaic types are significantly more likely (e.g., pocket pensions, dependent greys, streetwise singles) and others are significantly less likely (e.g., crowded kaleidoscope, cultural comfort, penthouse chic) to contribute to a drink-related crash.Conclusions: The outcome is a more nuanced understanding of drivers contributing to drink-related crashes in the UK. The study concludes by discussing the implications for governments and other interested bodies for better targeting and delivery of public education campaigns and interventions.

Dynamic structure of variability in joint angles and center of mass position during user-driven treadmill walking

BackgroundOverground locomotion exhibits greater movement variability and less dynamic stability compared to typical fixed-speed treadmill walking. To minimize the differences between treadmill and overground locomotion, researchers are developing user-driven treadmill systems that adjust the speed of the treadmill belts in real-time based on how fast the subject is trying to walk. Research questionDoes dynamic structure of variability, quantified by the Lyapunov exponent (LyE), of joint angles and center of mass (COM) position differ between a fixed-speed treadmill (FTM) and user-driven treadmill (UTM) for healthy subjects? MethodsEleven healthy, adult subjects walked on a user-driven treadmill that updated its speed in real-time based on the subjects’ propulsive forces, location, step length, and step time, and at a matched speed on a typical, fixed-speed treadmill for 1-minute. The LyE for flexion/extension joint angles and center of mass position were calculated. ResultsSubjects exhibited higher LyE values of joint angles on the UTM compared to the FTM indicating that walking on the UTM may be more similar to overground locomotion. No change in COM LyE was observed between treadmill conditions indicating that subjects’ balance was not significantly altered by this new training paradigm. SignificanceThe user-driven treadmill may be a more valuable rehabilitation tool for improving gait than fixed-speed treadmill training, as it may increase the effectiveness of transitioning learned behaviors to overground compared to fixed-speed treadmills.

Error-augmentation gait training to improve gait symmetry in patients with non-traumatic lower limb amputation: A proof-of-concept study.

Asymmetrical stepping patterns are chronic gait impairment for individuals with non-traumatic lower limb amputation. Persistent gait asymmetries contribute to poor gait efficiency, decreased physical function, and development of secondary orthopedic conditions. Evaluate the feasibility and preliminary responsiveness of a treadmill-based, error-augmentation gait training protocol to improve gait symmetry in patients with non-traumatic transtibial amputation. Single group, pre- and post-test. The error-augmentation gait training protocol involved walking on a split-belt treadmill with asymmetrical belt speeds for five 3-min sets. Spatiotemporal gait characteristics during overground walking at self-selected and fast walking speeds were assessed prior to, immediately after, and 20 min following the error-augmentation gait training protocol. Outcomes included practicality, implementation feasibility, safety, participant acceptability, and change in gait asymmetry. All four participants completed the error-augmentation gait training protocol as prescribed, without adverse events, and found the intervention to be acceptable. Step length and stance time asymmetry during overground walking changed immediately following the error-augmentation gait training protocol with inconsistent changes retained after a 20 min washout period. A single session of error-augmentation gait training is a feasible and safe intervention to modify gait asymmetry in patients with non-traumatic transtibial amputation. Additional study with larger sample sizes and repeated error-augmentation gait training dosing are warranted. Gait training using error-augmentation on a split-belt treadmill may modify step length and stance time asymmetry for patients with non-traumatic transtibial amputation, but additional research is needed regarding short- and long-term efficacy. Additional training sessions may be needed to sustain initial changes achieved from a single session.

Practice Structure and Locomotor Learning After Stroke.

The optimal characteristics of learning to promote recovery of walking have yet to be defined for the poststroke population. We examined characteristics of task practice that limit or promote learning of a novel locomotor pattern. Thirty-two persons with chronic hemiparesis were randomized to 2 conditions (constant and variable practice) and participated in two 15-minute sessions of split-belt treadmill walking. On day 1, subjects in the constant condition walked on the split-belt treadmill at a constant 2:1 speed ratio, while subjects in the variable condition walked on the split-belt treadmill at 3 different speed ratios. On day 2, both groups participated in 15 minutes of split-belt treadmill walking at the 2:1 speed ratio. Step length and limb phase symmetry metrics were measured to assess within-session learning (ie, adaptation) on day 1 and the ability to retain this new pattern of walking (ie, retention) on day 2. The amount of adaptation on day 1 did not differ depending upon practice structure (constant and variable) for step length or limb phase (a)symmetry. The magnitude of reduction in asymmetry from day 1 to day 2 did not differ between groups for step and limb phase (a)symmetry. The results suggest that variable practice utilizing alternating belt speed ratios does not influence the ability of those with chronic stroke to adapt and retain a novel locomotor pattern. The effects of other forms of variable practice within other locomotor learning paradigms should be explored in those with chronic hemiparesis after stroke.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A257).

On (Non) Applicability of a Mode-Truncation of a Damped Traveling String

This study investigates a linear homogeneous initial-boundary value problem for a traveling string under linear viscous damping. The string is assumed to be traveling with constant speed, while it is fixed at both ends. Physically, this problem represents the vertical (lateral) vibrations of damped axially moving materials. The axial belt speed is taken to be positive, constant and small in comparison with a wave speed, and the damping is also considered relatively small. A two timescale perturbation method together with the characteristic coordinate’s method will be employed to establish the approximate analytic solutions. The damped amplitude-response of the system will be computed under specific initial conditions. The obtained results are compared with the finite difference numerical technique for justification. It turned out that the introduced damping has a significant effect on the amplitude-response. Additionally, it is proven that the mode-truncation is applicable for the damped axially traveling string system on a timescale of order ε -1

The study of the effect of processing parameters of amaranth grains before grinding on the properties of the obtained flour

Preparation for the production of grain raw materials includes its pre-treatment at elevated temperatures, which provides improved absorption of grain nutrients. One of the varieties of grain heat treatment is its micronization, the essence of which lies in the rapid intensive heating of the grain by infrared rays (IR). IR heating has a significant effect on the carbohydrate complex: starch dextrinization occurs, denatures the protein, resulting in changes in the fractional composition of the protein complex: the proportion of water-soluble and salt-soluble proteins decreases and the content of alkaline-soluble proteins increases, the lipid and vitamin composition of the grain remain unchanged, and the proportion anti-nutritional substances of the grain. The task of using IR processing for amaranth grain is to obtain high-quality, functional food with desired properties. Heat treatment of amaranth grains using the infrared method was carried out on a UTZ4 installation. When passing through the chamber with amaranth grain, physical changes occur: it increases in volume, the structural frame of the grain is destroyed. With increasing temperature under the influence of infrared radiation, moisture turns into steam, the pressure increases sharply, which leads to a decrease in the strength of grain raw materials and contributes to a reduction in energy consumption during its further grinding. A number of combinations of the infrared flux density and the duration of the presence of various thickness of amaranth grains in the heat treatment zone were tested. Good results were obtained when the speed of the conveyor belt of the installation was 0.042 m/s and the power of the lamps was 69.2 kW/m2. The effect of micronization parameters of amaranth grains on the properties of flour obtained from it was studied. It was established that heat treatment by the infrared method of amaranth grains allows to obtain flour with improved structural and mechanical properties.

ELECTRONIC VISION AND USES IN AUTOMATIC HANDLING OF AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS

Sorting machines of fruits are mostly used in the industries. The process of sorting started by detecting the color of the fruits to indicate its classification based on the color of the fruit. In this work, a fruit sorting machine has been designed and built for small scale industries needing low cost compared to those now being used, which are expensive. This quest focuses on sorting the different types of fruits such as apples, tomatoes, and navel orange which are green and red. The fruits are put on a small belt and then entered through a box with a controlled lighting Red- Green- Blue color sensor. The controlled lighting is in a closed space with a servo motor which rotates 130 degree and returns to zero position. Attached to it, a gate pushes the fruit to the line of correct color and RGB color sensor to make scanning, integrated with Red and non-Red (Green) Light Emitting Diode (RGB LED), to detect the color of the fruit. Study also includes productivity, efficiency and costs were determined. Results revealed the following - The productivity is arranged from low to high as follows: tomatoes (27.3: 61.2 kg/h), apples (34.1: 76.5 kg/h), and navel orange (68.1: 153 kg/h). - The efficiency of sorting was as follows: tomatoes was 96 % at the lowest belt speed and increased to 100 % at the mean belt speed 0.8 m/s then decreased to 94 % at the highest speed, apples was 95 % at the lowest belt speed and increased to 100 % at the mean belt speed 0.8 m/s then decreased to 91.25 % at the highest speed, and navel orange was 95 % at the lowest belt speed and increased to 100 % at the mean belt speed 0.8 m/s then decreased to 80 % at the highest speed. - The most suitable belt speed was 0.8 m/s with very small delay time of servo motor which gives the highest efficiency of sorting within free flowing conditions. The sorting process cost by using the developed machine was less than the manual process in case of navel orange, tomatoes and apples. Using the developed sorting machine reduced the cost of fruits sorting to 1: 2.23 as compared with manual method in navel orange, and to 1 : 1.12 for apples, but it was more expensive sorting tomatoes by the developed machine compared with manual sorting of 12%.