Abstract: After pre-printed cards are manufactured at least a corner of each card is imaged. It is then determined whether the position and orientation of markings in the image with respect to the corner are within tolerance. If not, the card is rejected. If the markings are, or include, indicia, these indicia may be identified to allow identification of the card. This allows a determination of whether the card is in an intended order, or it allows selection of the batch into which the card is placed. It also means that cards in a given set of cards arranged in a first order can be randomized by first buffering cards in buffers and then outputting the cards to an output conveyor.

Abstract: To associate a paper insert with a carton, a first identifier (such as identifying indicia) is read from the insert and a second identifier is read from the carton blank. A determination is made whether the first identifier and the second identifier indicate the paper insert is properly matched with the carton blank. If yes, the paper insert is affixed to the carton blank and the carton blank is folded around the insert and its margins glued together to form a flat sleeve surrounding the insert. If no, the mismatch may be indicated.

Abstract: After pre-printed cards are manufactured at least a corner of each card is imaged. It is then determined whether the position and orientation of markings in the image with respect to the corner are within tolerance. If not, the card is rejected. If the markings are, or include, indicia, these indicia may be identified to allow identification of the card. This allows a determination of whether the card is in an intended order, or it allows selection of the batch into which the card is placed. It also means that cards in a given set of cards arranged in a first order can be randomized by first buffering cards in buffers and then outputting the cards to an output conveyor. In one approach, each unique card in the set is sent to a different buffer such that like cards are buffered in the same buffer. Cards are then randomly fed from the buffers to form a re-ordered set of cards such that cards in the re-ordered set of cards have an order that is random with respect to the first order.

Abstract: Cards may be singly fed along a primary lane so that a batch of cards is fed along the primary lane. One or more cards may be selectively diverted from the primary lane to a secondary lane such that only some of the batch of cards are diverted. The cards from the batch in the primary lane and the secondary lane are then affixed to a carrier so that each card of the batch is affixed to the carrier. The diversion may be achieved by a reciprocating gate between the primary lane and the secondary lane and a conveyor running on a bias between the primary lane and the secondary lane at the downstream location of the gate.

Abstract: A batch sheet feeder has an upstream first conveyor section arranged to convey sheets singly in a downstream direction to a downstream second conveyor section. The second conveyor section has an upper second conveying section and a lower second conveying section forming a gap therebetween. The gap is largest at an upstream end of the second conveyor section and diminishes in size toward a downstream end of the second conveyor section. A gate positioned proximate the downstream end of the second conveyor section selectively blocks sheets fed along the second conveyor section. In another embodiment, the sheet feeder has a sheet conveyor, sheet sensor, and visual attribute sensor. The visual attribute sensor has a field of view covering an area of the conveyor at a certain downstream location so as to sense an area of any sheet on the conveyor at this downstream location. The visual attribute sensor can compare a sensed area of a sheet at the downstream location with a stored visual attribute.

Abstract: Cards may be singly fed along a primary lane so that a batch of cards is fed along the primary lane. One or more cards may be selectively diverted from the primary lane to a secondary lane such that only some of the batch of cards are diverted. The cards from the batch in the primary lane and the secondary lane are then affixed to a carrier so that each card of the batch is affixed to the carrier. The diversion may be achieved by a reciprocating gate between the primary lane and the secondary lane and a conveyor running on a bias between the primary lane and the secondary lane at the downstream location of the gate.

Abstract: A batch sheet feeder has an upstream first conveyor section arranged to convey sheets singly in a downstream direction to a downstream second conveyor section. The second conveyor section has an upper second conveying section and a lower second conveying section forming a gap therebetween. The gap is largest at an upstream end of the second conveyor section and diminishes in size toward a downstream end of the second conveyor section. A gate positioned proximate the downstream end of the second conveyor section selectively blocks sheets fed along the second conveyor section. In another embodiment, the sheet feeder has a sheet conveyor, sheet sensor, and visual attribute sensor. The visual attribute sensor has a field of view covering an area of the conveyor at a certain downstream location so as to sense an area of any sheet on the conveyor at this downstream location. The visual attribute sensor can compare a sensed area of a sheet at the downstream location with a stored visual attribute.

Abstract: A stack of pouches (or other flexible products) is supported such that the stack declines from the horizontal. A pouch at the base of the stack can then be pulled upwardly from the base of the stack. This may be accomplished with an inclined conveyor on which the base of the stack rests. Because the basal pouch is pulled upwardly, gravity assists in ensuring that none of the other pouches in the stack follow the basal pouch. Thus, the approach assists in ensuring single pouch feeding.

Abstract: A system for collating cheques (or other sheets bearing an account number), feeds cheques in a batch of cheques. The system reads the account number of each cheque in the batch and counts the number in the batch. This is compared with corresponding information on an associated account statement. On a mis-match, action is taken (e.g., an alarm is raised).

Abstract: A shingling nip roll is added between an infeed conveyor and a reciprocating table. The nip roll slows the speed of the sheets thereby reducing bruising and buckling as sheets are ejected to the table. Further, the trailing end of a dropped sheet is overlapped by a leading end of the next upstream sheet which assists in maintaining control of the dropped sheet as it drops onto the reciprocating table.

Abstract: A system for collating cheques (or other sheets bearing an account number), feeds cheques in a batch of cheques. The system reads the account number of each cheque in the batch and counts the number in the batch. This is compared with corresponding information on an associated account statement. On a mis-match, action is taken (e.g., an alarm is raised).

Abstract: A method of immobilizing and stabilizing an active biological receptor in a polymeric film and receptor-based biosensors for determining an analyte of interest in a sample. The receptor-based biosensors include a polymeric film having a biological receptor capable of binding an analyte of interest immobilized therein according to the method of the present invention and an electrical means for determining the presence and quantity of the analyte. In particular, acetylcholine receptor and opiate receptor have been immobilized in a polymeric film made by combining the receptor, a material (e.g., bovine serum albumin, gelatin) capable of polymerizing and a polymerizing agent (e.g., glutaradehyde).

Abstract: An apparatus for the calibration and quality assurance of a multichannel spectrophotometer, particularly an ELISA spectrophotometer, comprises film selectively exposed in the presence of a color to produce a series of filters having a known first color and linearly increasing optical density. The response of the spectrophotometer is measured against the known color and linearly increasing optical density. Additional filters of at least one additional color permit checking the color response of the spectrophotometer. An algorithm determines whether the response conforms to predetermined conditions. An output is produced to provide a record of the calibration and quality assurance of the spectrophotometer. The invention has particular utility for conducting calibration and quality assurance of ELISA spectrophotometers used in clinical laboratory screening for infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis B. and the AIDS viruses.

Abstract: An electrical biosensor for analyte determination is prepared by polymerization of a mixture of a biological receptor capable of binding an analyte in a sample, a protein and a polymerizing agent such as glutaraldehyde to form a polymeric film on a transducer. The mixture preferably contains a stabilizer selected from lipids, detergents and antioxidents. The receptor may be an acetylcholine receptor and the analyte, acetylcholine. A preferred stabilizer is a combination of phosphatidyl choline and octyphenoxypolyethoxyethanol. In carrying out a determination, analyte in a sample binds to the receptor causing a change in an electrical characteristic of the film which is indicative of the presence of the analyte. The biosensor may contain a second polymeric film that is free of the receptor and which serves as a control.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming emulsions, a term used to include microemulsions. The leading edges of a plurality of sheets of an emulsion-forming liquid mixture are forced under pressure to impinge in a low-pressure turbulent zone of the liquid. The apparatus comprises a plurality of nozzles having elongated orifices to eject under pressure sheets of the emulsion-forming liquid and being arranged to effect impingement of the sheets along a common liquid jet interaction front. Inasmuch as the method and apparatus permit the formulation of emulsions without the use of any emulsifiers, there is provided a new class of emulsions, namely those essentially free of any emulsifying agents. The emulsions formed have a wide range of applications.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming emulsions, a term used to include microemulsions. The leading edges of a plurality of sheets of an emulsion-forming liquid mixture are forced under pressure to impinge in a low-pressure turbulent zone of the liquid. The apparatus comprises a plurality of nozzles having elongated orifices to eject under pressure sheets of the emulsion-forming liquid and being arranged to effect impingement of the sheets along a common liquid jet interaction front. Inasmuch as the method and apparatus permit the formulation of emulsions without the use of any emulsifiers, there is provided a new class of emulsions, namely those essentially free of any emulsifying agents. The emulsions formed have a wide range of applications.

Abstract: Devices are disclosed for use in generating an acoustical warning signal in the event of an abnormal pressure in a pneumatic tire. A spring-loaded piston is mounted for reciprocation in a cylindrical chamber along an axis perpendicular to the radius of the tire for substantially eliminating the effects of centrifugal force on the operation of the device. The piston maintains the device closed until such time as the tire pressure drops below a predetermined limit at which point a small sampling of air is released into a whistle which produces a coded acoustical signal detected by an acoustical transducer mounted on the vehicle. The transducer converts the acoustical signal into an electrical signal which is processed and used to actuate an alarm for warning the driver. Cap seals are disclosed which protect the whistle from water dirt, etc.

Abstract: A system is provided for indicating excessive wear of brake linings. The system is usable on vehicles such as automobiles, cars, trucks and busses as well as aircraft or other applications where it is desirable to detect excessive wear of brake linings during operation thereof. The system includes an acoustical signal generating device having an air inlet normally closed by the brake lining. When the lining wears away to a minimum safe thickness, the inlet is opened and ambient air flows into the generator to produce an acoustical signal. An acoustical receiver is positioned in spaced operative relation to the brake system and responds to the acoustical signal to provide a warning indication on the dashboard, for example, of the vehicle so that the operator of the vehicle will be alerted to the worn brake condition.

Abstract: A pressure-responsive signalling valve for use on pneumatic tires is adapted to generate a highly efficient acoustical signal whenever the pressure within the tire falls outside of a predetermined range. The emitted signal is detected by means of an acoustical receiver which, in turn, is coupled to an alarm typically in the form of a warning light or audio device conveniently located within the vehicle to alert the driver. The acoustical valve employs a rolling or flat seal disc diaphragm and a flat sealing arrangement providing a positive sealing action, minimal friction, low hysteresis and extremely precise pressure response characteristics.

Abstract: After pre-printed cards are manufactured at least a corner of each card is imaged. It is then determined whether the position and orientation of markings in the image with respect to the corner are within tolerance. If not, the card is rejected. If the markings are, or include, indicia, these indicia may be identified to allow identification of the card. This allows a determination of whether the card is in an intended order, or it allows selection of the batch into which the card is placed. It also means that cards in a given set of cards arranged in a first order can be randomized by first buffering cards in buffers and then outputting the cards to an output conveyor.