Abstract
A method for sterilizing particles is disclosed. The method comprises: supplying particles to be sorted in a supply; forming the particles from the supply into a stream of the particles singulated one behind another in a row; while the particles are carried in the stream, applying a sterilizing action to at least some of the particles to sterilize the particles; wherein the particles are singulated in the stream by rotating a rotary body around an axis of the body where the rotary body defines at least one duct extending from an inner end adjacent the axis outwardly to an outer end spaced at a greater radial distance outwardly from the axis than the inner end along which the particles pass so as to be accelerated by centrifugal force generated by the rotating of the rotary body. FIG. 9 20 26 20 14 01 25 F eb 2 02 6 2 0 2 6 2 0 1 4 0 1 2 5 F e b 2 0 2 6 9/12 500 505 501 503 506 507 504 509 512 510 511 REJECT ACCEPT REJECT ACCEPT FIG. 9 20 26 20 14 01 25 F eb 2 02 6 2 0 2 6 2 0 1 4 0 1 2 5 2 0 2 6 F e b 5 0 0 5 0 4 5 0 9 5 1 2 5 1 0 5 1 1 R E J E C T A C C E P T R E J E C T A C C E P T F I G . 9