TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a device, system and method for singulating objects. In particular, the invention is suitable for granular food elements such as nuts, toppings, and the like.

PRIOR ART

The invention relates to a device for singulating objects, and in particular to a device for placing brittle food elements at high speed.

In the manufacture of food, including confectionery, yoghurt, desserts, appetisers and the like, there is a need for the supply of pieces of food elements. A system for supplying a certain number of discrete or granular food elements is therefore desirable. For confectionery, this includes food elements to be covered in chocolate, or to finish confectionery with fruit, vegetables, nuts or other foods. It is economically important that this process can be performed at high speed. It is useful to be able to place large quantities of confectionery product pieces in a hopper without having to align and sort the product pieces in advance.

WO 2003/074362 describes a device for quickly supplying the confectionary pieces from the hopper into the cavities of a series of moulds. Such systems give good results for pieces of confectionery that are hard and strong, such as candied nuts.

However, many food elements are not mechanically strong. Confectionery product pieces can be made of soft, brittle material, for example, a multi-layer wafer laminate held together with fat-based praline filling, biscuits, marzipan, chocolate, fruit pieces or other types of food elements. Such brittle food elements give rise to problems during manufacturing. In particular, such product pieces are fragile and can fall apart during the manufacturing process. The difficulties in handling brittle product pieces are increased when the surfaces of the product pieces are not smooth. Examples include trapezoidal or cuboidal product pieces. The difficulties are further enhanced where it is desired to make small 'bite-sized' confectionery products, i.e., confectionery product where the whole product can be eaten in one bite. Small pieces are especially prone to getting stuck in existing systems. Small pieces can also lose their shape during production. It is difficult to deliver large numbers of breakable, brittle and/or friable, angular product pieces in the correct orientation sufficiently quickly for economically viable manufacture. The need is especially acute when it is necessary to fill mould cavities with brittle pieces that substantially fill the cavity, so that any overlapping of pieces over the cavity edge is likely to cause blockages or a poor-quality product. The same problem has been identified in finishing confectionery with granular food elements. Here, a certain number of food elements are often desired, such as, for example, one piece of fruit.

A multi-channel vibrating table is known from EP 0 524 571. Such a system delivers product along a number of adjacent troughs that can vibrate separately to cause the product to move along the vibrating trough. The inventors have arranged that moulds are moved along the ends of the troughs and that the system is monitored to dispense product into cavities in the moulds. A problem with this arrangement is the difficulty of singulating different granulates. For example, the vibrating table must be shut down and readjusted for use with another granulate. In particular, granulated material of different shapes and sizes cannot simply be swapped. As a result, the arrangement is only economical if the same, well-defined product is always singulated. This is not the case with many foods, such as pralines or confectionery, yoghurt with different flavours, desserts or fruit mixes.

A device for placing food elements product pieces in filling cavities, and in particular devices for placing brittle product pieces in filling cavities at high speed is known from EP 1 483 153. A problem with this device is that it only supplies food elements to a filling cavity, and is not suitable for supplying, for example, finishing toppings on top of confectionery. Furthermore, this device is not well suited for use with fruit, which often ends up bruised in the filling cavities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for singulating objects, the device comprising: (i) a dosing trough, the dosing trough being connected to (ii) a vibrating mechanism, the vibrating mechanism being suitable for vibrating the dosing trough, (iii) a buffer trough, the buffer trough being suitable for supplying objects to the dosing trough; and (iv) a clamping mechanism suitable for reversibly clamping the buffer trough to the dosing trough.

Here, granular food elements can be supplied in bulk to the buffer trough, which selectively transfers smaller amounts of food elements to the dosing trough, which is responsible for the singulation and dosing of the granular food elements. The buffer trough will only vibrate, and thus transfer food elements to the dosing trough, when this is necessary. The clamping mechanism allows the buffer trough to be operated without stopping the dosing trough.

Although the device is only suitable for simultaneously dividing one type of granular material, the device can be emptied and cleaned quickly. Furthermore, the device can be easily adjusted for use with another granular material. The device can therefore be used for a very wide range of granular material. As a result, the device can be used for the singulation of various granular materials and in the production of various products and product series, at a high speed.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a system for applying singulated objects, such as food granulates, the system comprising: (a) a discharge trough, along which discharge trough (b) one or more devices for singulating objects according to the first aspect of the invention.

The system consisting of one or more devices can advantageously divide or singulate different granulates simultaneously. For example, parts can be divided into a specific amount, granular layer structures can be provided and so on. Each device will be responsible for one type of granulate. The system should therefore comprise at least one device according to the first aspect for each kind or type of granulate.

This allows the supply of objects, such as intermediate products, such as food on which or in which the objects are to be applied. On the other hand, moulds can also be supplied in which the objects are placed. In this regard, one or more devices can be arranged, for example for providing a series of different granular food elements. It is also not necessary that every product consists of the same composition. By properly adjusting the speed of singulation, products can comprise, for example, a collection of 5 granulates from 8 possible granulates. As a result, various products can be produced easily, continuously and quickly. This is particularly advantageous with pralines, where different flavours and finishes are desired, but is also advantageous for small producers who do not continuously make the same products.

In the third aspect, the invention relates to a method for singulating objects, the method comprising:

supplying a series of objects to be singulated in a buffer trough;

causing a dosing trough to vibrate to singulate objects in the dosing trough and move toward an outfeed end of the dosing trough; and

selectively dropping at least a portion of the objects in the buffer trough on the dosing trough by reversibly clamping the buffer trough to the dosing trough.

This method is suitable for the reliable placement of a wide range of granulates of different shapes and sizes. This is advantageous for processing various products using the same method.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a device for singulating objects according to the present invention.

Figure 2A shows a schematic perspective view of a system for applying singulated objects according to the present invention.

Figure 2B shows a schematic front view of a system for applying singulated objects according to the present invention.

Figures 3A to 3C show a front view of a tilting mechanism of a receptacle according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention relates to a device, system and method for singulating objects. In particular, the invention is suitable for granular food elements such as nuts, toppings, and the like.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by the skilled person in the technical field of the invention. For a better assessment of the description of the invention, the following terms are explained explicitly. In this document, 'a' and 'the' refer to both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly implies otherwise. For example, 'a segment ^' means one or more than segments.

The terms 'comprise', 'comprising', 'consist of ^' , 'consisting of, 'provided with ^' , 'include ^' , 'including ^' , 'contain ^' , 'containing ^' , 'encompass ^' , 'encompassing ^' are synonyms and are inclusive or open terms indicating the presence of what follows and which do not exclude or prevent the presence of other components, features, elements, members, steps known from or described in the prior art.

Quoting numerical intervals by endpoints comprises all integers, fractions and/or real numbers between the endpoints, these endpoints included. In a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for singulating objects, the device comprising: (i) a dosing trough, the dosing trough being connected to (ii) a vibrating mechanism, the vibrating mechanism being suitable for vibrating the dosing trough, (iii) a buffer trough, the buffer trough being suitable for supplying objects to the dosing trough; and (iv) a clamping mechanism suitable for reversibly clamping the buffer trough to the dosing trough.

The objects to be singulated are preferably granulates. In this text, 'granulates ^' refers to grains and granular powder. The device according to the first aspect can singulate a very wide range of granulates of different shapes and sizes. However, only one type of granulate, of a similar shape and size, can be singulated at a time. Large differences in shape or size lead to a negative effect on the distribution by the device according to claim 1. The granulates that can be singulated with a device according to the first aspect include fruit, whether or not cut into pieces, such as strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, red currants, apple, pear, pineapple pieces, cherry, etc. The fruit or the pieces of fruit may or may not be fresh, dried, sugared, etc. Granulates also include a variety of toppings, spices, nuts, seeds, and other foods such as sugar, salt, peppers, chocolate such as sprinkles, aniseed, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, walnuts, and the like. It is therefore possible with a system according to the second aspect to first provide a topping layer, for example a layer of nuts, and then apply a few different pieces of fruit as a finish on top of that, for example, one strawberry, one blackberry and one blueberry provided on top of the layer of nuts. The granulates are not limited to food. Minerals and crystals can also be singulated or divided without problems, such as sand, gravel, stones and boulders, whether or not cut, coloured or processed. Within the polymer industry, the invention can be used for accurate dosing of master batches and additives, such as dyes, plasticisers, fire retardants, UV protectors, among others. The invention can also be used to divide, dose or measure polymer granules during processing or polymerisation. The invention can be used for formulating, dosing or weighing a ration of concentrates and supplements for animals. The invention can be used for formulating, dosing or weighing fertiliser. For example, the distribution of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, magnesium and trace elements such as metals iron, zinc, copper, etc. can be fine-tuned. The invention can also be used to singulate or dose pills, such as for medical conditions or supplements. The supply of objects to be singulated and the discharge of singulated objects can be controlled independently of each other. A certain amount (group or bulk) of objects can be supplied at intervals. The objects can also be supplied continuously. The singulated granulates can be discharged continuously or be discharged in groups or in bulk. In all the above cases, the operation of the vibrating mechanism and the dosing trough need not be interrupted. This allows the device to be controlled more easily, in particular in an assembly with other devices, such as on a production line.

Preferably, the clamping mechanism is a pneumatic clamp. An advantage of a pneumatic clamp is that it can clamp the buffer trough quickly and reversibly onto the dosing trough. Supplementing the dosing trough by means of the buffer trough, by activating the clamping mechanism and clamping the buffer trough to the dosing trough, can be advantageous without interrupting the vibrating mechanism. In another embodiment, the clamping mechanism is an electrical clamp, hydraulic clamp or electro-mechanical clamp.

The dosing trough has an infeed end and an outfeed end. The infeed end is supplied by the buffer trough. Objects are transported to the outfeed end by vibrating motion, where they are delivered in a desired position and desired quantity.

In an embodiment, the vibration mechanism consists of a shaft drive and an eccentric. The eccentric converts the rotating shaft drive into a linear, vibrating movement. In a further preferred embodiment, the eccentric has an amplitude of 0.05 to 20 mm, preferably the eccentric has an amplitude of 0.1 to 10 mm, even more preferably the eccentric has an amplitude of 0.5 to 5 mm, even more preferably the eccentric has an amplitude of 1 to 3 mm, most preferably the eccentric has an amplitude of 1.5 to 2.5 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the vibratory frequency of the vibrating trough is controlled by the angular velocity of the shaft drive. In a preferred embodiment, the shaft drive has an angular velocity of 200 to 4000 revolutions per minute, preferably the shaft drive has an angular velocity of 300 to 3000 revolutions per minute, most preferably the shaft drive has 500 to 2000 revolutions per minute.

In a preferred embodiment, the dosing trough is placed more or less horizontally in use. This prevents the rolling or tilting of objects, so that the singulating can continue in a more controlled manner. It is desirable in this regard not only to carry out the vibrating movement horizontally, but also a component in the same direction as the dosing trough. For example, the speed at which different granulates and objects move across the dosing trough and the buffer trough can be adjusted more precisely and easily, which means a more reliable positioning of granulates.

This can be accomplished by a horizontal dosing trough and buffer trough, and an eccentric positioned at an angle to the dosing trough. The angle between the dosing trough and the eccentric is defined as angle a. Preferably angle a is between 5° and 40°, even more preferably angle a is between 5° and 35°, even more preferably angle a is between 5° and 30°, even more preferably angle a is between 5° and 25°, even more preferably angle a is between 5° and 20°, even more preferably angle a is between 10° and 20°, most preferably about 15°.

The buffer trough is preferably parallel to the dosing trough. Even more preferably, when in use, both the dosing trough and the buffer trough are arranged horizontally. This is advantageous since the buffer trough will only transfer objects or granulates into the dosing trough with a vibrating movement. This makes controlling and checking the device easier. Furthermore, this leads to a control which is less dependent on differences in, among other things, the shape and size of granulates, so that adjustment of the device for use with various granulates is easier. In a preferred embodiment, the infeed end of the dosing trough is larger than the outfeed end of the dosing trough. In a more preferred embodiment, the infeed end of the dosing trough has a width Wi and the outfeed end of the dosing trough has a width Wo, where Wi is smaller than W _o . In a further preferred embodiment, the ratio of the width along the outfeed end W _o to the ratio of the width along the infeed end Wi is at least 1.1. This can be written as W _o > 1.1 Wi. Preferably W _o > 1.3 Wi, even more preferably W _o > 1.5 Wi, even more preferably W _o > 1.7 Wi, even more preferably W _o > 1.9 Wi, even more preferably W _o > 2.0 Wi, most preferably W _o > 2.5 Wi. In another preferred embodiment, the ratio of the width along the outfeed end Wo to the ratio of the width along the infeed end Wi is 10 at most. This can be written as Wo < 10.0 Wi. Preferably W _o < 9.0 Wi, even more preferably W _o < 8.0 Wi, even more preferably W _o < 7.0 Wi, even more preferably W _o < 6.0 Wi, most preferably W _o < 5.0 Wi. In another preferred embodiment, the ratio of the width along the outfeed end Wo to the ratio of the width along the infeed end Wi is between 1.1 and 10, preferably between 1.5 and 5, even more preferably between 1.7 and 4, most preferably between 2.0 and 3.0. This means the narrowing the dosing trough. This is advantageous along the infeed side for collecting the granulates from the buffer trough. This also makes it possible to buffer a small amount of granulates in the dosing trough. The narrow infeed end is advantageous for ensuring good, accurate singulation and positioning of the granulates.

In an embodiment, the trough element has a substantially concave cross-section, so that objects falling therein can fall out of the trough element as little as possible undesirably under the influence of the vibrations. Moreover, depending on the shape and dimensions of the objects, the concave shape can ensure that the objects are aligned one by one in the trough element in the longitudinal direction.

In a more preferred embodiment, this concave shape is a V, U or W shape. This means that the cross section of the dosing trough is V, U or W shaped. In another preferred embodiment, this V, U or W shape is asymmetrical. This can be advantageous for aligning granulates of different sizes.

In another preferred embodiment, the shape of the dosing trough and the buffer trough is adapted to the granulate for which the device is dimensioned. The dosing trough and/or the buffer trough can consist of a profile with a fixed cross-section. On the other hand, the dosing trough and/or buffer trough can also consist of a profile with a variable cross-section. The cross-section can thus advantageously shrink and/or narrow and/or change its shape. The cross-section can be U-shaped, V- shaped or W-shaped, among others. The cross-section can also comprise two side walls with a bearing surface between them. This bearing surface can be concave or convex. The side walls can be arranged vertically or inclined. This bearing surface can be adapted to the granulate and its shape. For example, it is advantageous to provide chips with a sufficiently wide and convex bearing surface. It is also possible to provide obstacles on the vibrating trough that favour the granulates in a particular location, direction or orientation. The running speed for irregular granulates over a vibrating trough depends on the shape of the vibrating trough and the orientation of the granulate. It is therefore advantageous for obtaining a good singulation or distribution to favour one specific orientation on the vibrating trough. The shape of the vibrating trough is preferably adapted to the product to be distributed.

In a preferred embodiment, the cross-section of the dosing trough has two legs, which converge at an angle b in a ridge. We define the length of the legs at the infeed end as U and the length of the legs at the outfeed end L _o . Preferably, L _i is greater than U. This is of course accompanied by a narrowing of the width of the dosing trough. However, it is further advantageous here that the ridge has a uniform shape throughout the dosing trough. This prevents the granulated material from getting stuck and favours an equal displacement over the dosing trough.

If granulated material is piled up and does not come loose as a result of the vibrating movement, it will end up next to this dosing trough when the legs of the dosing trough are shortened. Although granulated material here falls next to the dosing trough, the accumulation or delivery of several granules is prevented. The granules falling next to the arrangement can be fed back to the buffer trough.

In a preferred embodiment, the device is provided with an outfeed detector near the outfeed end for detecting an object passing along it and issuing an outfeed signal. On the basis of the outfeed signal, a possible transport system and/or a packaging device can be controlled so that the correct number of objects can be transported, delivered and/or packaged. This transport system can for instance be a discharge trough, as in the second aspect of the invention. This discharge trough is a vibrating trough suitable for the transport of singulated granulates. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this discharge trough is a vibrating trough suitable for discharging finished and intermediate products provided with at least one singulated granulate. In a preferred embodiment, the device is provided with an infeed detector near the infeed end for detecting one or more objects at the infeed end and issuing an infeed signal. The clamping mechanism can be controlled on the basis of the infeed signal, so that the dosing trough can be topped up with a series of objects or granulates from the buffer trough. This control technique makes it easy to utilise the device for a wide range of shapes and sizes of granulates, which is advantageous in particular for various products and small alternating product series. Supplementing the vibrating trough on request is also advantageous to prevent overfilling of the vibrating trough. This reduces the chance that granulate falls next to the vibrating trough. Even if a collection and return system is available for granulate that falls next to the vibrating trough, this is advantageous to prevent damage to the granulate.

In a preferred embodiment, the device is provided with a buffer detector near the buffer trough for detecting one or more objects in the buffer trough and for issuing a buffer signal. Using the buffer signal, the supply of objects or granulates to the buffer trough can be controlled.

In a preferred embodiment, the shaft drive comprises a servo motor or a stepper motor, preferably a servo motor. A stepper motor is advantageous because it can be started and stopped very dynamically. A servo motor can achieve high speeds, so that the vibration behaviour can be tightly controlled.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a system for applying singulated objects, such as food granulates, the system comprising: (a) a discharge trough, along which discharge trough (b) one or more devices for singulating objects according to the first aspect of the invention.

The discharge trough is a vibrating trough that allows the singulated objects to be removed. This discharge trough also allows the supply of intermediate products. In particular, these intermediate products comprise food such as confectionery or dairy products to which granular toppings or finish is applied. A discharge trough, on the other hand, allows the filling of moulds. For example, the system can first be used to place a praline filling in a series of moulds, with which chocolate pralines are then made. These can be finished with toppings at a later stage, such as a piece of fruit or nuts. Both steps can be performed by the same system, despite the large differences in granular material being singulated, and the location where they are delivered. The system must consist of a series of devices according to the first aspect; each device dividing only one granulate at a time. The device can singulate or divide only one granulate at a time. However, the system consisting of several devices in series can divide different granulates simultaneously. In addition, each device can advantageously switch quickly and easily to a different granulate. For this, the device must be emptied first. This diversity is very desirable with producers with a diverse product range as well as small producers.

In a preferred embodiment, the system is further provided with (c) a series of receptacles disposed below the discharge trough, suitable for receiving objects falling from or adjacent to the discharge trough.

Preferably, these receptacles are arranged such that they also receive objects that fall next to the dosing trough and the buffer trough. By collecting granular material that is not positioned correctly, less or no material will be lost. This saves on material costs. Furthermore, one of the problems of using different shapes and sizes of granulates is that, due to a less optimally controlled system, they more often end up outside the system or just cause blockages.

The combination of the preferred singulating device with the receptacles allows granulates of widely varying shape and size to be positioned without separately optimising this process. Blockages and undesired groupings of granulates are avoided by the shape of the dosing trough but can partly end up next to the dosing trough. These can be collected by the receptacles and recycled into the buffer trough or used at a later stage. In a further preferred embodiment, the system further comprises (d) a return system for the receptacles, suitable for returning objects to the buffer troughs of the series of devices (b).

The return system of receptacles allows granular material that is not in a correct position to be automatically returned to the buffer troughs, so that all objects and granulates are optimally used. A return system with buffer trays preferably allows each buffer trough to be individually provided with granulates. This is advantageous for using a range of devices with different granulates, as well as supplying granulates at different rates. Each device will here divide a kind of granulate. However, the buffer and return system can work for any of these devices. This gives the system more flexibility for producing various products. In a still further preferred embodiment, the system is further provided with (e) a supply trough, which supply trough is suitable for supplying objects to the receptacles. The replenishment of the buffer troughs can thus be carried out advantageously using the receptacles and the return system. The receptacles can also be used as a secondary buffer volume, in which an amount of granulate is temporarily stored.

The buffer trays are suitable for individual replenishment of the buffer troughs. The return system allows granulate that falls next to the conveyor belt and/or vibrator to be supplied as new granulate. A buffer trough that needs to be refilled can be filled individually and separately. In this way, with a single supply trough, each buffer trough can be supplied individually. It is therefore economically feasible to provide different supply troughs for different objects or granulates. These can still be distributed over the buffer troughs thanks to the return system.

In an embodiment, the system comprises:

a device provided with an outfeed detector near the outfeed end for detecting an object passing along it and issuing an outfeed signal,

a control unit coupled to the detector and the transport system for controlling the transport system depending on the detection signal.

This makes it possible to ensure that one or more objects or granulates are always positioned as required.

In an embodiment, the system comprises:

a device provided with a buffer detector near the buffer trough for detecting one or more objects in the buffer trough and issuing a buffer signal, and

a control unit coupled to the detector and the return system for controlling the return system depending on the buffer signal.

This allows the buffer troughs to be topped up automatically where necessary. In an embodiment, the system comprises: a device provided with a receptacle detector near the return system for detecting one or more objects in the buffer trough and issuing a receptacle signal,

a control unit coupled to the detector and the supply trough for controlling the supply trough depending on the receptacle signal.

This allows the receptacles to be topped up automatically, where necessary. These, in turn, will top up the buffer troughs where necessary, individually.

In this way, the system can be stably controlled without individual control and optimisation for any kind of granulate. As a result, the system can be used for a wide range of granulates. It is also possible to use the system for different granulates simultaneously, to a large extent independent of the shape, size and structure of these granulates.

In the third aspect, the invention relates to a method for singulating objects, the method comprising:

- supplying a series of objects to be singulated in a buffer trough;

- causing a dosing trough to vibrate to singulate objects in the dosing trough and move toward an outfeed end of the dosing trough; and

- selectively dropping at least, a portion of the objects in the buffer trough on the dosing trough by reversibly clamping the buffer trough to the dosing trough.

In an embodiment of the method, a series of objects to be singulated are supplied step by step. This is advantageous since few actions or movements are required. A large number of objects can only be supplied when necessary.

In an embodiment of the method, the singulated objects are continuously discharged. This is advantageous since a constant, predictable flow of singulated objects can be easily processed automatically. This saves working hours.

A preferred embodiment of the method comprises detecting the number of objects in the buffer trough and issuing a buffer signal. Selective clamping of the buffer trough to the dosing trough is controlled on the basis of the buffer signal. This simple control system can be used for a wide range of diverse products without any adjustments. As a result, a large number of objects to be singulated can be supplied, which will be singula ted consistently as desired without the process having to be precisely controlled or optimised for various granulates.

In what follows, the invention is described by way of non-limiting examples illustrating the invention, and which are not intended to and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES EXAMPLE 1 : Device for singulating objects

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a device for singulating objects according to the present invention. The device consists of a dosing trough 10, which is connected to an eccentric 40 with a shaft for the dosing trough 11. This eccentric 40 converts a rotary movement, driven by the shaft drive 30, into a vibrating movement of the shaft for the dosing trough 11. The dosing trough 10 has an outfeed end 12 and an infeed end 13. The dosing trough has a V, U or W-shaped cross section, which has a narrowing and lowering 14 between the infeed end and the outfeed end.

A buffer trough 20 is located above the infeed end 13 of the dosing trough 10. This buffer trough is connected to a clamping mechanism 50 by means of a shaft for the buffer trough 21. The clamping mechanism 50 is a pneumatic clamp suitable for clamping the shaft for the buffer trough 21 to the shaft for the dosing trough 11, whereby both vibrating troughs vibrate simultaneously.

The device is designed in such a way that the vibrating troughs, being the dosing trough and the buffer trough, are parallel. When using the device, these vibrating troughs preferably lie horizontally. The axes of these vibrating troughs are also parallel to each other. The axis of the vibrating trough makes an angle of 15° with the vibrating trough. The spanning angle y is then 165°.

The device is provided above the buffer trough with a detector 60, which checks if the buffer trough is filled with objects to be singulated. This detector is connected to the clamp mechanism actuator 50. The detector detects granulate in the detection zone 61. EXAMPLE 2: System for applying singulated objects

Figure 2A shows a schematic perspective view of a system for applying singulated objects according to the present invention. Figure 2B shows a schematic front view of a system for applying singulated objects according to the present invention.

The system consists of a series of devices for singulating objects 1 arranged along a discharge trough 70. The discharge trough is suitable for feeding directly as well as for placing moulds, filling moulds and the like in which the singulated objects are desired. A series of receptacles 80 are provided under the discharge trough. These collect residues that fall from the buffer trough, the dosing trough or the discharge trough.

Thanks to the return system 90, these receptacles 80 can supplement the buffer troughs 20 of the series of devices 1. The return system 90 is provided with an upward lift 96 and a downward lift 95, which are connected to a span 93. A supply trough is provided near the upward lift 96. This supply trough is suitable for supplying new objects to be singulated into the system, in bulk. The receptacles with the return system can distribute these over the buffer troughs, where necessary.

The return system is provided with a tilting mechanism consisting of two legs 91, 92, each of which translates, to supplement the buffer troughs 20. This is designed to allow the buffer troughs to be replenished in a more controlled manner, so that a receptacle can be partially emptied into a buffer trough. Overfilling or underfilling a buffer trough is of course undesirable here. Falling objects next to the buffer trough in the dosing trough or near the discharge trough is also not desirable.

Figures 3A to 3C show a front view of a tilting mechanism of a receptacle according to the present invention.

The tilt mechanism has a hinged leg 91 and a fixed leg 92. These legs are each bearing-mounted separately with the span 93 in a translating manner. By translating these legs 91, 92 evenly, the angle of a receptacle is preserved. The receptacle 90 tilts by moving the legs 91, 92 apart. The tilting of the receptacle can thus be precisely adjusted. The shape of the receptacle is provided in such a way that it favours tilting and pouring objects in one buffer trough at a time.