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Headwall Delivering Machine Vision Systems to Bratney Companies
Fitchburg, MA; November 23, 2015 - Headwall Photonics will be supplying its high-resolution Hyperspec® imaging sensors to Bratney Companies of Des Moines, IA, the leading provider of processing systems for nuts and specialty crops. These hyperspectral imaging instruments will be used as an integral part of Bratney's patented line of advanced machine vision systems that add a higher degree of sorting and grading precision for high-value nuts and whole food products, while greatly reducing the need for human hand-sorting labor. Headwall's Hyperspec® system controls the operation of the sensor hardware and monitors the flow of product along the conveyor line, then drives the action of the robotic ejection devices, allowing the Bratney picking and sorting equipment to easily manage the spectral data in a variety ways which are determined by the grade and quality requirements of the food processor.
In describing the collaboration, Headwall CEO David Bannon noted, "This is a targeted spectral imaging solution addressing a critical quality assessment need within the food-processing industry. When it comes to high-value nuts, seeds and specialty crops and grains, the ability to determine overall quality based on chemical and shape characteristics is a key attribute of Bratney's pick and sort technology. This capability offers tangible benefits for both processors and consumers." |
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"We are extremely pleased to be introducing Headwall's Hyperspec® imaging sensors throughout our operations," said Peter Bratney, CEO of Bratney Companies. "Our customers know us for innovative solutions across the inspection, grading and separation of high-value food products and we see this advanced imaging technology as a clear differentiator, as Headwall is a market leader in the field of advanced machine vision. This technology allows us to detect defects and infractions both visible and invisible to the human eye. Therefore, separations which are far beyond the capabilities of traditional human sorters are now possible, which is a tremendous benefit to our customers."
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About Bratney Companies Bratney Companies brings its customers in the seed, grain, feed, nut and specialty industries the finest in cleaning, packaging, separation, material handling and storage equipment. Our 50-plus years of experience in food-grade handling has led us to handle many edible products such as almonds, popcorn, edible beans, nuts, spices, hops, barley, and other valuable products. The attention to sanitary designs and gentle handling that reduce contamination and degradation has led many clients to rely on Bratney Companies' expertise in designing, building or renovating their production facilities. From the proprietary process equipment we provide to our highly skilled and trusted construction and millwright crews, we bring the true professionalism and attention to food grade design that is expected in our demanding business.
Mrs. Ann Stutler Bratney Companies T. +1 515-270-2417 |
With many years as an instrument supplier to the US Department of Defense and such civilian organizations such as NASA, the Treasury Department, and the Environmental Protection Agency, Headwall has customized multispectral and hyperspectral technology for high performance, real-time commercial and industrial applications.