Abstract: A device for generating, detecting, and characterizing a raster image of the contour of an object, wherein a narrow concentrated light beam (1) is emitted towards a light beam deflector means (3) causing said light beam (1) to sweep repeatedly across a plane (19) through which the object is guilded, and where the light beams not screened by said object are received, and are opto-electrically transformed into electrical signals, e.g. pulse trains which are characteristic of the incremental portions of a raster image of said object, said signals being processed to yield a characteristic expression of the contour of said object. A retro-reflector (5;32) is placed in such a manner that light beams (10) not screened by said object are reflected back across said plane (19) at a second angle of scattering which is equal to or larger than said first angle of scattering, and a detector (11) receives the reflected light beams (10) and transforms them into said signals, preferably for forming a successive pulse train.

Abstract: A method for the identification of metal cans for beverages or the like, at least one area of identification (7; 8) being provided extending around the entire circumference of the can (1) and not being interrupted by a possible other decoration or the like on said can, which area of identification (7; 8) is formed by a number of alternating contrasting stripes (9-13) the mutual width (.tau..sub.1, .tau..sub.2, .tau..sub.3) of which is measured by at least one detector (19-25; 20, 20"; 23; 32'), an identification value (K), e.g. a deposit value, which is characteristic of said can being calculated by the aid of a calculating circuit (33). The measurement may be carried out while said can passes the detector or is briefly at rest. The can is provided with two areas of identification (7;8) at the upper and lower end portions, respectively, of said can (1). The areas of identification (7;8) are provided on said can simultaneously with any other decoration or the like (3, 4, 5, ).

Abstract: A method for contour recognition of completely or partly transparent objects (2), e.g. containers like glass or plastic bottles, the object being advanced through an illumination and detector station (3-13; 3, 4, 20, 21) and there being illuminated on at least part of its circumference. The light reflected by the object (2) is viewed by a detector (4,3) against a background that is dark relative to the object, and the viewed image is recorded and converted to pulse signals that are processed to yield a numerical code characteristic of the object. During recording distinct signals are generated which are characteristic of the width (b.sub.n) of the object relative its corresponding height (h.sub.n) for a number of levels (n). The signals are then processed in a threshold circuit (24) and a pulse generating circuit (25) for the generation of the pulse signals (P), for each height (h.sub.

Abstract: A cutting device for a continuous paper web (4), said web being advanced from a paper web supply (8) by the aid of at least one advancing means (11, 14, 15) to a feed-out location (17) where the cutting may take place, a deflector (16) being provided downstream of said advancing means (11, 14, 15) and changing the direction of movement of said web (4), so that the web is advanced toward the feed-out location (17). A stationary knife (18) is provided downstream of said deflector (16), the edge of said knife (18) being arranged so as to face away from said feed-out location (17) and toward said deflector (16) and the edge of said knife forming an acute angle with said deflector means (16). Said deflector is a sheet shaped to be bendable toward the base of said knife, the edge of said knife (18) not contacting and cutting said paper web until the free end (4') of the web is pulled, e.g. by hand (19), in a direction forming an angle with said deflector (16) and, thus, bending it.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for identification and separation of metal boxes or cans, said can (1) being placed in a motor controlled cradle (7), and said cradle with the can being rotated in a first direction (a) to a first position with a first, preferably low stepping frequency, and then being rotated or influenced for rotation (b) back in a second and opposite direction (starting point position) with a second, preferably high stepping frequency, the time of said return movement simultaneously being measured as a function of the moment of inertia caused by said can and wherein said can as a function of the measurement of time and possibly of additional measurement of the can length and metal type is thrown out (A;B) of the cradle (7) either because said cradle is rotated further in said second direction (c) or because said cradle is rotated back (d) in the first direction and past said first position. Before the can is placed in said cradle it may be scanned inductively (3) and/or capacitively (21).

Abstract: A method, a device and a transducer for dimensional measurement of objects by means of ultrasonics, where the objects are carried past at least an ultrasonic measuring device consisting of a combined transmitter/receiver or separate transmitter/receiver. The reflected ultrasonic signals are used to determine characteristic three-dimensional dimensions of the objects. Said device or devices are arranged either such that the ultrasonic beam or beams therefrom are provided with a reciprocating movement which substantially crosses the direction of movement of the objects or by letting the ultrasonic beam or beams therefrom be stationary. The delay of the reflected signals is used to form a three dimensional image of the object by means of a computer, said image being compared with known images for identification. The ultra sonic measuring device has a narrow, substantially rotation-symmetric radiation diagram.