THE COMPANY AND ITS HISTORY
The “Sticktight” Problem — Inspection Masters, LLC was formed in 2001 to commercialize the PS-10,000, an in-shell pecan “sticktight” sorter that was developed by Roger Holt, I.M.’s current COO, for a pecan grower in Tularosa, N M. Sticktights are in-shell pecans from which the outer hull failed to separate during mechanical de-hulling.
At that time, separation of sticktights was being performed either by
- Visual inspection and hand picking by multiple workers at a moving belt, or
- An infrared diode based sorter manufactured by a company that has since abandoned the optical sorting equipment business.
The PS-10,000 Difference — Instead of diode detectors, the PS-10,000 uses a high speed digital camera to capture infrared images of pecans passing by at 10,000 pounds per hour. Custom software evaluates the images to detect sticktights, which were ejected by air jets. Sorting accuracy is 95%+. Sorting labor is typically reduced from a dozen or more to just a few inspectors. Click here for a closer look at the PS-10,000 and here to see video clips of it in action.
From 2004 through 2009, IM sold more than 80 PS-10,000 sorters to pecan growers from Arizona to Georgia. These PS-10,000s have sorted many hundreds of millions of pounds of in-shell pecans over the years. All PS-10,000s installed to date are still in service, except those that have been replaced by more advanced I.M. equipment.
The Next Generation — After extensive field trials in 2009, I.M. introduced the PS-6,000 and PS-12,000, in 2010. Both are a dramatic advance over the PS-10,000. They share an advanced color imaging system rather than the infrared system in the PS-10,000. Now, not only are 95% of sticktights sorted out, 90% of small sticks are sorted out also. Both utilize a vibratory feed system that is simpler and more maintenance-free than the belt feed system in the PS-10,000. Click here to see product details on the PS-6,000, and here for the PS-12,000.
In spite of these advances, the PS-12,000 is less expensive than the PS-10,000, while delivering 20% more throughput. The PS-6,000 is a further 25% less expensive, and thus is affordable to the small and mid-size grower. As a result, I.M. sold and installed almost 50% more in-shell pecan sorters in 2010 than in any previous year.
The Next Tree Crop Application — In 2010, I.M. also sold and installed its first WS-14,000, a variant on the PS-12,000 designed for the in-shell walnut market. This is the first of what is expected to be many applications for I.M. technology in other tree nut markets.
Dual Spectrum Imaging™ — In 2011, I.M. is introducing Dual Spectrum Imaging™ to its pecan sorters. By incorporating simultaneous infrared and color imaging, the new PS-6,000-DS and PS-12,000-DS sorters are able to achieve the highest levels of sorting accuracy, thus further reducing the need for manual picking at the end of the cleaning line. For a closer look at our Dual Spectrum Imaging™ technology, click here.
I.M. Today — I.M. operates from an 8,500 sq. ft. facility in Las Cruces, NM, the heart of the southwest pecan growing region. Here, we continue to develop and manufacture advanced optical sorting systems, not just for pecans, but for the entire in-shell tree nut industry. Our customers are served by representatives across the southern tier of the U.S.. Or, you can contact us directly with any questions about our products and how they may fit your application.
THE PEOPLE
We are a small group dedicated to the development of our technology in the service of our customers. Click on any name below to send an email.
Hal Newman, President, CEO — Hal joined I.M. as an owner and employee in 2009. He has had a long career in rapidly developing companies in a variety of fields. He serves as I.M.’s managing partner, and business development and finance manager.
Roger Holt, Vice President, COO — Roger is the founder and an owner of I.M.. As I.M.’s chief technologist, he is the principal developer of the company’s digital imaging sorting systems. He also manages manufacturing and service operations.
Veronica “Ronni” Lucero, Customer Service/Office Manager — Ronni handles administrative functions and ensures that I.M. customers get the prompt response they require.
Phil Crosby, PE, Design and Development Engineer — Phil is principally responsible for the physical and mechanical design of I.M. sorters.
Mike Melton, Operations and Service Supervisor — Mike handles procurement, scheduling, and assembly for I.M. products. He also services customers’ sorters and provides on phone technical assistance as needed.