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 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: Lag-determining method and apparatus which provides for determination of and an indication of when borehole cuttings from preselected depths arrive at the surface of the earth is disclosed and includes devices for inputting the value of the lag strokes and the predetermined drilling depth increments. A signal representative of the actual drilling depth is provided to a computer circuitry. Counter circuitry accumulates a count of the strokes of the positive displacement mud pump. Adder circuitry sums the lag strokes and the accumulated count of the mud pump. Comparator circuitry provides an output when the compared values of the accumulated number of strokes of the positive displacement mud pump equals the sum of the lag strokes and the strokes of the positive displacement mud pump at a predetermined depth plus the depth increment. Visual and audio indications provide notification of the arrival of borehole cuttings from preselected depths.

Abstract: A mud logging system for receiving and displaying conditions measured during the drilling of a well includes a plurality of units for receiving and processing signals from sensors responsive to the values of the conditions. A/D convertors in each of said units produce digital representations of signals received from the sensors and the digital representations are utilized with visual display means in the units for digitally displaying values of the conditions. A slave computer of the digital type is interfaced with the A/D converters and a file disk. Under control of said slave computer the digital representatives are transferred to the file disk, and a recorder also under control of the slave computer displays selected ones of the conditions. The system also includes a master computer of the digital type connected to access data on the file disk, to utilize the accessed data to provide for analysis of drilling conditions.