Apparatus and method using collimated laser beams and linear arrays of detectors for sizing and sorting articles

An apparatus and a method for sizing and sorting articles in an article stream. A scanning station includes a plurality of laser line beam generators and a linear array including a plurality of photo detectors. A first group of generators and detectors is horizontally oriented, and second group is vertically oriented. The area between the generators and the detectors defines an exposure window through which the articles are passed. Each line beam generator has a respective cylindrical lens for collimating its output across the exposure window. The output information is sampled, digitized, stored, and analyzed. Computer-based determinations are made regarding the size, configuration, and weight of the articles. Articles determined to have predetermined physical characteristics are selectively removed from the article stream, and directed to diverting conveyors carrying articles having like characteristics.