Abstract: A method for the separation of limestone from a particulate limestone ore containing particles of limestone and gangue which comprises conditioning the limestone ore with at least one coupling agent selected from saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids containing from about 4 to about 22 carbon atoms, or at least one coupling agent selected from the group consisting of aliphatic amines containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, and beta amines containing from about 7 to about 21 carbon atoms, to selectively coat the limestone or the gangue in the ore to the substantial exclusion of the other in combination with providing at least one fluorescent dye to said coupling agent; radiating the conditioned ore to excite and induce fluorescence of the fluorescent dye to a degree sufficient to distinguish the coated particles from the non-coated particles and separating the fluorescing, coated particles from the non-fluorescing, non-coated particles.

Abstract: A method and system for testing and sorting a production run of sheet-like batteries includes: testing each battery to obtain a first value of electrical energy; placing machine readable indicia on each battery corresponding to the first value; retesting each battery after passage of a period of time to obtain a second value of electrical energy; machine reading the indicia and computing the rate of decay of electrical energy for each battery as a function of the difference between said first and second values per unit time; and sorting the batteries in accordance with the computed rate of decay to separate those batteries having an acceptable rate of decay from those batteries having too great a rate of decay.

Abstract: A method of treating mammal semen for use in artificial insemination is provided. Human saliva is added to the semen as an anti-coagulant. For mammals other than primates and voles, sperm-free human semen is added to the mammal semen as a cell membrane diffusion material so that a dye such as quinicrine or quinicrine mustard will be absorbed by the Y chromosome. The semen is then fed in a narrow stream through a detection chamber where it is irradiated with ultraviolet light causing the Y chromosomes to fluoresce. The stream is fed from the detection chamber through a fluidic amplifier wherein the stream is switched in response to whether the detected chromosome is fluorescent or non-fluorescent so that the fluorescent Y chromosome is directed through one outlet port and collected and the non-fluorescent X chromosome is directed through a second outlet port and collected.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting black band separator documents placed as markers between batches of documents. The apparatus is responsive to four measurements which enable it to determine when a black band document has passed. These measurements relate to changes in the intensity of light transmitted through the document, the length of a black band, length of the document, and the position of the black band on the document.

Abstract: A process for separating ore particles from gangue particles comprises the steps of (1) conditioning the particles with an agent comprising a compound having both a surface-selective functional group and a detectable moiety, to selectively coat either the ore particles or the gangue particles, to the substantial exclusion of the other; (2) detecting the coated particles; and (3) separating the detected, coated particles from the substantially uncoated particles. In one embodiment, the detectable moiety is fluorescent and detecting is performed under ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Labels with and without final item identification mark are put on the individual items in a label collocation station located upstream an item wrapping station followed by a film sealing and cutting station, a heating tunnel and a stacker. Reading means associated to the label collocation station read any identification marks on the labels and control feeding of recognition tabs onto the wrapped items from tab feeding means arranged between the sealing and cutting station and the heating tunnel. Tab detecting means arranged between the heating tunnel and the stacker control the stacker to terminate the formation of a batch of items when a tab on a wrapped item is detected.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the separation of oil shale from run of mine (ROM) oil shale containing particles of oil shale and refuse, which comprises conditioning the ROM oil shale with a coupling agent capable of selectively coating the kerogen hydrocarbons in the particulate oil shale to the substantial exclusion of coating the non-hydrocarbonaceous refuse, which coupling agent is one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, at least one carboxylic acid, preferably containing from about 5 to about 28 carbon atoms and a ketone. Combined with said coupling agent is a fluorescent dye in a quantity to make the coated particles of oil shale fluoresce upon excitation to a degree sufficient to distinguish the coated oil shale particles from the substantially non-coated refuse. Exciting (e.g.

Abstract: A method for producing a machine-readable coded marking in the surface of a workpiece comprising vaporizing sequentially the surface portions of selected ones of a series of contiguous areas of unit widths of the surface.

Abstract: A process for separating limestone ore particles from gangue particles comprises the steps of (1) conditioning the mixed particles with an agent comprising a compound having both a surface-selective functional group and a fluorescent moiety, to selectively coat either the ore particles or the gangue particles, to the substantial exclusion of the other; (2) irradiating the mixture to cause fluorescence in the coated particles; and (3) separating the fluorescing, coated particles from the substantially uncoated particles. The process may be used to separate by coating either the ore particles or the gangue particles.

Abstract: A method for applying identification markings on surfaces of moving panels and strips, preferably steel sheets and steel strips. The method is particularly applicable at high speeds, in which the surface of the moving panel or strip between an inspection station and an identification or marking station, is divided into zones of a length equivalent to the marking to be applied. Every individual zone between inspection station and identification or marking station is traced electronically, and the surface of each traced zone is oxidized and melted by a laser light source. Each zone is assigned a location in a shift register associated to an inspection station, and each inspection station is assigned several inspection tasks. A shift register is used for each inspection task. Information items originating from various inspection tasks are recorded in individual shift registers at locations assigned to an individual zone.

Abstract: A machine for sorting articles carried by clips comprises suitable systems which are responsible for disengaging and engaging the clips "on the fly" from and on fixed and moving supports, which cooperate with transfer systems to convey the articles from a work station situated upstream of the machine to a series of receiving rods each corresponding to a given address. The articles are thus directed towards the receiving rods to be engaged on them as dictated by their final destinations.

Abstract: In a counter stacker for stacking and dividing every predetermined number of printed copies including a counter disposed on a first path of convey along which said copies are successively conveyed partially superimposed one on the other at a constant pitch of superimposing, a first dividing plate disposed on said path and adapted to be inserted between said copies, the above mentioned system has an odd copies dividing and delivering mechanism including a second dividing plate located at the same position with the first dividing plate or at least at a downstream side position of the first dividing plate and a second path only for odd copies and shunting from said first path at said second dividing plate.

Abstract: A dual wavelength spectrophotometer for ampoule content inspection, in particular for ampoule leak detection wherein leaks are initially "flagged" via the dye bath immersion technique. Light transmitted through the ampoule is received by a bifurcated fiber optic cable providing via a random mix arrangement substantially identical ampoule optical signature signals. Each is directed through preselected interference filters, chosen on the one hand on the basis of the dye being used and the glass ampoule and its contents on the other hand. Associated with the filters are respective photodetectors, the output signals of which are connected to a difference amplifier stage. The output (if any) of the latter is compared to a preestablished (dye) threshold signal, which represents the minimum level (of dye) from which to effect a reject status. The ampoule contents or a particular component thereof may also be investigated in this manner.

Abstract: Document detector and collector for detecting and collecting identifiable documents from a high speed stream of documents. A plurality of documents including identifiable documents are fed along a path. A detector detects the identifiable documents. A table is mounted above the document path to receive the identifiable documents. A first vacuum wheel responsive to the detector, removes the identifiable documents and feeds the removed documents to a second vacuum wheel. The second vacuum wheel delivers the documents to the delivery table.

Abstract: Disclosed is a particle analyzer wherein uniformally charged liquid droplets, having a uniform velocity in a linear trajectory, proceed into a tubular electrode in which the electrostatic field is shaped to position particles on a center axis, and provide the particles with a rate movement along this axis that provides a sufficient time duration for evaporation of the droplets, the particles being subsequently deflected from said center axis or collected from said center axis, after evaporation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for separating finely sized materials of diverse weights comprising a housing 8 having an opening 20 through which materials may be introduced for separation, an air intake 26 through which air may be introduced, and an air outlet 34 through which an air stream may exit. Means 53 are provided for forcing air into the housing 8 through the air intake 26 and out of said housing through the air outlet 34. A series of steps 10, 12, 14 is mounted within the housing 8 over which the materials may cascade. Means are further provided for channeling air introduced into the housing 8 through the air intake 26 into at least one air stream which passes between adjacent steps of the series of steps whereby the air stream may pass through the cascading materials and entrain the lighter materials.

Abstract: An arrangement of this invention comprises a device to apply a different identification mark to each of a plurality of heads of livestock and to couple each of the identification marks to an optimization computer, each of the identification marks remaining with its associated one of the plurality of heads of livestock until the finished cuts are obtained; a scale to separately weigh each of the heads of livestock in sequence and to couple each of the resultant weights to the computer with each of the weights being correlated with the associated one of the identification marks; an automatic electronic grader to separately and automatically grade each of the heads of livestock in sequence and to couple each of the resultant grades to the computer with each of the grades being correlated with the associated one of the identification marks and the associated one of the weights; and a plurality of gate controlled sorting pens to sort the plurality of heads of livestock according to the weights and grades after pas

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for the selective conditioning, wetting and coating of particles with a selective wetting agent. The apparatus includes a horizontally extending surface capable of vibration which vibration induces uniform translatory movement along the surface to particles upon the surface. A vertically extending barrier is on the surface and extends across the surface and at right angle to the direction of movement of particles upon the surface. A means for spraying the selective wetting agent onto the particles as they move along the surface and before they reach the barrier is provided. Means for removing excess wetting agent are provided on the surface along the direction of movement of the particles after the barrier. A pool of the selective wetting agent forms behind the barrier upon the surface.

Abstract: A method of separating a mineral component from particulate ore consisting of many components, such as oxides, silicates, carbonates, sulfides etc. is disclosed. The particulate ore is conditioned with a surface-active agent capable of selectively coating one of the components of the ore to the substantial exclusion of coating the other components. A coloring agent having an affinity towards the coating of surface active agent is combined with the surface active agent, providing the coated ore particles with a distinguishable color from the non-coated ore particles. The distinguishable color-coated ore particles are separated from the non-coated ore particles.

Abstract: A method for the separation of limestone from a particulate limestone ore containing particles of limestone and gangue which comprises conditioning the limestone ore with at least one coupling agent selected from saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids containing from about 4 to about 22 carbon atoms, or at least one coupling agent selected from the group consisting of aliphatic amines containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, and beta amines containing from about 7 to about 21 carbon atoms, to selectively coat the limestone or the gangue in the ore to the substantial exclusion of the other in combination with providing at least one fluorescent dye to said coupling agent; radiating the conditioned ore to excite and induce fluorescence of the fluorescent dye to a degree sufficient to distinguish the coated particles from the non-coated particles and separating the fluorescing, coated particles from the nonfluorescing, non-coated particles.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the separation of coal from run of mine (ROM) coal containing particles of coal and refuse, which comprises conditioning the ROM coal with a coupling agent capable of selectively coating the particulate coal to the substantial exclusion of coating the refuse, which coupling agent is at least one alcohol containing from about 6 to about 22 carbon atoms. Combined with said coupling agent is a fluorescent dye in a quantity to make the coated particles of coal fluoresce upon excitation to a degree sufficient to distinguish the coated coal particles from the substantially non-coated refuse. Exciting (e.g. as with ultraviolet light) the fluorescent dye coupled to the coal particles induces fluorescence and enables separating the fluorescing, coated coal particles from substantially non-fluorescing, non-coated refuse particles.

Abstract: A method for the separation of magnesite from a particulate ore containing particles relatively rich in magnesite and particles relatively rich in dolomite and/or calcite, which comprises conditioning the ore with at least one coupling agent selected from saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids containing from about 4 to about 22 carbon atoms, to selectively coat the calcite and/or dolomite in the ore to the substantial exclusion of the magnesite, in combination with providing at least one fluorescent dye to said coupling agent; radiating the conditioned ore to excite and induce fluorescence of the fluorescent dye to a degree sufficient to distinguish the coated particles from the non-coated particles and separating the fluorescing, coated particles from the non-fluorescing, non-coated particles.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the separation of shale from run of mine (ROM) shale containing particles of shale and refuse, which comprises conditioning the ROM shale with a coupling agent capable of selectively coating the kerogen hydrocarbons in the particulate shale to the substantial exclusion of coating the non-hydrocarbonaceous refuse, which coupling agent is at least one carboxylic acid, preferably containing from about 5 to about 28 carbon atoms and a ketone. Combined with said coupling agent is a fluorescent dye in a quantity to make the coated particles of shale fluoresce upon excitation to a degree sufficient to distinguish the coated shale particles from the substantially non-coated refuse. Exciting (e.g. as with ultraviolet light) the fluorescent dye coupled to the shale particles induces fluorescence and enables separating the fluorescing, coated shale particles from substantially non-fluorescing, non-coated refuse particles.

Abstract: Articles to be mailed under bulk mail rates are stacked in accordance with their zip code. Articles with identical zip codes are bundled in numbers according to postal regulation minimum and maximum limits. When the number of articles in a zip code group is less than the postal minimum for a bundle, the zip code group is diverted for special handling. The system is capable of identifying consecutive zip code groups of articles each of which are under the postal minimum for a stack and bundling these together in the main stream as long as together the consecutive groups are over the minimum.

Abstract: An article monitoring and reject apparatus is disclosed that is particularly well suited for monitoring or inspecting glass containers and automatically rejecting defective containers. The system includes a monitoring unit having a plurality of scan diodes and associated phototransistors with each diode being individually caused to emit a plurality of light pulses and the diodes being successively energized to scan that portion of the article to be monitored. The associated phototransistor produces a plurality of electrical pulses when a defect is sensed, as indicated by light reflected from the portion of the article then being monitored, and a defect signal is produced only if a predetermined plurality of pulses are generated from each of a plurality of diodes indicative of a defect. An inspection window is established by a separate light emitter and sensor at the monitoring area and the signal produced is processed in dual paths to reject device circuitry.

Abstract: Mail is sorted by scanning zip code data, delivering the scanned mail from a delivery conveyor to a sorting conveyor and altering the speed of the sorting conveyor when there is a change in the zip code; zip code batches cannot be interrupted by missing pieces. The delivery conveyor and sorting conveyor are at right angles and both conveyors may be duplicated by a parallel conveyor, enabling large size mail to be handled.