Abstract: A vial cap of plastic having a skirt portion press fit onto the neck of a vial. A transversely extending wall having a central opening is integral with the upper end portion of the skirt, and a sealing disc is positioned between the open end of the vial and the transverse wall. A plastic lid having a plastic hinge integrally connected between the lid and the skirt is provided for closing the central opening of the cap during storage. By the construction and arrangement of the plastic vial cap, the fear of aluminum toxicity is overcome and the lid prevents the accumulation of dust and other debris on the sealing disc while the vial is in storage.

Abstract: A system for counting overlapped newspapers delivered to a stacker which employs an optical sensor which is passive in nature. Accurate count is obtained by image analysis of the image presented by the edge of the newspaper flow as the image is focused on a linear CCD array. Definitive values are determined which are quantitative of the top profile, height, of the newspapers. The processing technique employed determines the rate of change of the height of the image and utilizes the rate of change data to output a newspaper count increment when the rate of change, derivative, of top profile height changes from a positive value to a negative value and the measured profile height exceeds a calibrated value thickness, and outputs two newspaper count increments when the measured profile height exceeds a second calibrated value thickness.

Abstract: A dust protection device for an image sensor includes a housing in which the image sensor is mounted. The housing includes an aperture for allowing reflected light from the object being viewed to enter the housing and impinge upon the image sensor. A trasparent film is mounted across the aperture for prefenting dust from entering the housing. The transparent film is selectively movable for providing a continuous clean surface across the aperture.

Abstract: A system for counting overlapped newspapers carried on a moving conveyor which employs an optical sensor which is passive in nature. Accurate count is obtained by image analysis of the image presented by the edge of the newspaper flow as the image is focused on a linear CCD array. Definitive values are determined which are quantitative of the top profile, height, of the newspapers. The processing technique employed determines the rate of change of the height of the image and utilizes the rate of change data to output a newspaper count increment when the rate of change, derivative, of top profile height changes from a positive value to a negative value and the measured profile height exceeds a calibrated value thickness, and outputs two newspaper count increments when the measured profile height exceeds a second calibrated value thickness.

Abstract: A beach or other surface cleaning method and apparatus is disclosed, wherein low density debris, particularly oil and tar residues, are removed for subsequent separation and disposal. The apparatus employs hydraulic principles to float the debris from the surface, propel the floated debris into a scoop, and lift the floated debris into a receiving trough for subsequent separation. Water employed to provide the hydraulic actions may be recirculated for continuous reuse.