Abstract: There is provided, a method and apparatus for determining if the lengths of all of the leads on all four sides of a PLCC packaged devices are within a selected tolerance of each other. To do so a relatively smooth surface across which the device is to be advanced is provided with that surface having a plurality of fingers affixed thereto. Each finger protrudes from the surface by an amount equivalent to the selected tolerance, with the plurality of fingers being in number at least equivalent to the number of leads on the longest side of the device to be tested. In addition, the surface is supported at a selected angle to horizontal. As the device is advanced across the surface in the direction of, and across the space spanned by, the fingers, the devices having all of its leads within the selected tolerance are differentiated from those devices that do not have all of their leads within the selected tolerance.

Abstract: A system for coding flat objects, in particular letters, comprises a manual coding station to enable a human operator to print coded indications on flat objects that a conveyor moves before him, using a printer. An optical addressing information reader on the upstream side of the manual coding station is adapted to control the printing of coded indications appropriate to information previously marked on the objects that it is able to recognize. A switching device on the path of the conveyor on the downstream side of the optical reader is used to route the objects to the printer from the optical reader either directly or via the manual coding station, where the operator controls the printing of coded indications appropriate to information previously marked on the objects marked on the objects that he is able to recognize.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting cartridges for exposed photographic roll films to an opening station has a downwardly sloping duct whose inlet can receive the shells of successive cartridges only in a predetermined orientation. The lower end of an inserted container or cartridge comes to rest on a first gate and the gate is retracted from the duct so as to permit gravitational descent of the inserted cartridge only if the orientation of the inserted cartridge is proper. The cartridge which descends below the retracted first gate impinges upon a cylindrical bolt which tilts the cartridge approximately 90 degrees so that the axis of the shell of such tilted cartridge is substantially horizontal before the cartridge descends onto a second retractible gate and thereupon onto a third gate in the bottom of the duct. The inclination of the duct with reference to a horizontal plane is at least 45 degrees.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical orientation system for conveyed articles having a distinguishable top and bottom such as a rail tie plate or the like is disclosed comprising a sensor frame having a transverse pivot axis, a plurality of elongate sensor fingers pivotable about that axis and subject to a biasing force, a plurality of notched beam interceptors, one mounted to each sensor finger, a corresponding plurality of opto switches and a logic circuit, whereby the frame is oriented in relation to a conveyor surface so that the sensor fingers intercept and are triggered by the conveyed article. The pattern of triggered sensor fingers is transmitted through the beam interceptors and opto switches to the logic means, from where it may be used to trigger a conveyed article reorientation device.

Abstract: A length separator comprising at least one rotational member, e.g. a disc or a cylinder, having cells for lifting seeds and other particles from a lower position to a higher position, and a trough for receiving the lifted material. The rotatable member is associated with at least one sensor located in the flow of the lifted material supplied to the trough, for generating an electric signal in dependence on impingement of material particles leaving the rotatable member and falling down into the trough. The sensor is operatively connected through an electronic function unit to adjusting means for controlling the flow of material to be cleaned which is supplied to the separator, in dependence on the impingement intensity.

Abstract: An optical sorter for beans and grains, including a detector providing a signal pulse for each of the sampled objects, and a signal processor for receiving and amplifying the pulse. The signal processor measures the amplitude of the amplifier pulse and compares the amplitude value to a predetermined standard value. The pulses are counted up to a predetermined count, and the number of pulses having an amplitude value above the predetermined standard value out of the total number of counted pulses, is counted. The counted number of pulses having an amplitude above the standard value is compared to a preselected number, and the gain of the signal processor is adjusted with a negative feedback signal to adjust toward the preselected number, the counted number of pulses in the next count having an amplitude value at the predetermined standard value.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting sheets is disclosed, which comprises a feeder for setting a mixture of different kinds of sheets, the set sheets being fed one by one for sorting, a judging circuit for judging the kind of sheets being transported through the body after having been fed from the feeder, and a stacking section for stacking sorted bills according to the results of the judging circuit. The stacking section includes an upper stacker, a lower stacker, and a reject stacker, sheets of a specified kind being stacked in the upper stacker, sheets incapable of being judged being stacked in the reject stacker, and the other sheets being stacked in the lower stacker.

Abstract: A completely automated system for inspection and sorting of molded containers, such as glass bottles, as a function of mold cavity of container origin. In a first system section, finished containers are one hundred percent inspected for defects, and a cavity identification device is controlled to reject all containers from cavities associated with defective containers. The cavity identification device is also coupled to feed sampled containers from selected cavities to an automatic sampling indexer wherein the sampled containers are fed to one or more stations for testing physical container properties, such as rupture pressure, wall thickness and internal volume. The cavity identification device and the automatic sampling indexer are controlled by a hierarchy of interconnected computers which receive cavity and test information from the various sections and stations of the system and control the sampling and sorting process based upon predetermined quality standards.

Abstract: An arrangement in grading and cleaning machines with a screen (15). The screen is associated with at least one sensor (24) in the flow of material passing through the screen for generating electric signals in dependence on material particles leaving the screen as throughput and impinging on the sensor. The sensor is operatively connected to be adjusted (26) through a function circuit (25) for the control of various operations parameters of the screen (15) in dependence on the impingement intensity to achieve a throughput according to a predetermined mathematical model.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting and removing foreign material which may be found in a stream of particulate matter, such as tobacco. The tobacco is allowed to fall in a cascade past an optical detector. The turbulence of the falling motion brings a large proportion of the particles in the cascade into the field of view of the detector. When foreign material is detected, a signal is generated to activate a fluid blast directed at the portion of the cascade in which the foreign material is located.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting mail is disclosed. In the apparatus, a readout section reads out destination data on mail. A discriminating section discriminates the destination data on the basis of the result of readout by the readout section. A plurality of coding desks each include a display section for displaying the readout result by the readout section when the discriminating section fails to discriminate the destination data, and a keyboard for enabling the destination data corresponding to the contents of display by the display section to be input. The plurality of coding desks are assigned to regions or cities. A distributing section distributes the readout result by the readout section to coding desks corresponding to regions or cities as recognized from part of the address data when the discriminating section fails to discriminate the destination data.

Abstract: A mail sorting system is provided which includes a plurality of mail sorters and coding devices. These mail sorters and coding devices are selectively coupled together by a distributor so that any coding device can be coupled to any mail sorter. When a mail sorter cannot identify the zip code of a particular piece of mail, the unrecognized address image is transferred to one of the coding devices so that the correct address can be input by an operator. An assigning controller is connected to the distributor for determining which coding device should receive the unrecognized address image in accordance with the current mail processing capability of the mail sorters and coding devices in order to maximize the mail handling capability of the mail sorting system.

Abstract: An installation for assembly-line manufacture in which workpieces move in a row along a production path at a generally uniform spacing. A feed unit holds a supply of workpieces and places them one at a time in a predetermined position in the seats of an input rotary feed conveyor. An inspecting unit defines a portion of the continuous production path for the workpieces and inspects the workpieces as they pass therealong. The inspecting unit itself includes an intake rotary conveyor cooperating with the feed conveyor, an output rotary conveyor, and at least one inspecting carousel between the intake and output conveyors. A controller supervises and coordinates the operation of the other units on the workpieces as same move along the production path.

Abstract: An installation for continuous flow manufacture comprising a feeding unit, (MA) at least one working unit (MT) having a working carousel (MT14) having 10 working seats, and at least one inspecting unit having an inspecting carousel (MC12) having eight inspecting seats. The measured information, emitted by the inspecting unit are reference marked modulo (1) and modulo (8), utilized in real time for surveillance of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for the measurement of the quality parameters of granular materials includes a loader assembly which delivers precise volume samples of granular material to a meter assembly which measures the moisture content. The apparatus also includes a sieve assembly which separates the samples into fractions according to kernel size. A scale assembly weighs the fractions and feeds this information to a computer which controls the apparatus and calculates the moisture content, density and percentage of foreign material contained in the granular material.

Abstract: A kinescope envelope which rests on a fixture is positioned at a location where the envelope size is determined. The envelope is removed from the fixture and positioned at a preselected position where the panel-funnel offset is determined. The size and offset of the envelope are provided to a controller and the offset is compared to a stored designed offset to determine an offset difference. The offset difference is compared to an offset tolerance and a reject signal is provided when the offset tolerance is exceeded. The reject signal is used to place a reject mark on the envelope and to dispense an identification article onto the potentially defective fixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diagnostic device for use in a color sorting apparatus. A scanner circuit (1-6) successively selects one of a plurality of sorting channels (Q1-Qn) each having a plurality of measuring points (a1-an, b1-bn, c1-cn, d1-dn). A comparator circuit (Ma-Md, Wa-Wd, W'a-W'd, Ha-Hd, G) compares output signals measured at the measuring points and reference signals preset for the respective measuring points. An alarm (8, 9) is provided to indicate a malfunctioning sorting channel and a malfunctioning portion therein. A feeder control (7) may also be provided to interrupt the feeding of grains to a malfunctioning sorting channel.

Abstract: An improved envelope tracking and control system for a mail sorting machine of the type which reads a sorting code imprinted on each envelope and deposits the envelope in the proper sorting bin by deflecting a diverter gate associated with the bin. Each diverter mechanism has two sets of photo sensors which sense the presence of an approaching envelope. Tracking circuitry processes the sort code obtained from the envelope and transfers the processed data to the tracking circuit for the next diverter if the data does not coincide with a code that has been preassigned to the diverter. The processed data is held in a latch circuit and is passed on only if the envelope is sensed by the second set of photo sensors. If there is coincidence of the data, a one shot pulse applied to a solenoid deflects the appropriate gate for a predetermined time period that avoids possible damage to the solenoid or to the circuit components.

Abstract: The invention is apparatus which can automatically make a screen analysis of a granular material. The heart of the apparatus is a polygonal drum having graded screens on each of the faces except one. This open face serves as a door for introducing a sample into the interior of the drum and for discharging any material larger than the largest screen. A gear motor and crank arrangement serves to longitudinally shake the drum and agitate the sample. A second gear motor indexes the drum from screen to screen after a predetermined shaking time. Each screen fraction is accumulated on an electronic scale with weights being determined by differential weighing. The gear motors are timed by a microprocessor which also receives screen friction weight inputs and calculates a screen analysis.

Abstract: A metal detector system which includes an electromagnetic search coil, a gate for diverting portions of a material stream containing metal detected by the search coil to a reject container, and a coupling for isolating vibrations caused by the gate from the search coil. The metal detector system also includes control circuitry for automatically recycling the gate when an obstruction prevents the gate from returning to its normal standby position. A test circuit is provided to test the search coil by closing a conductive loop passing through the electromagnetic field of the search coil.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the sex of a chick which includes a sensor for sensing certain characteristics of the chick and for producing output values corresponding to each of the sensed characteristics, a comparator for comparing the output values with preset characteristic values and for producing affirmative signals whenever each of the output values correspond to the preset characteristic values and an indicator for indicating the sex of the chick in response to the affirmative signals.

Abstract: Sorting apparatus, e.g. for root vegetables such as potatoes, comprises a roller table conveyor which has an inspection area onto which a video camera is directed. An operator uses a hand-held probe or wand incorporating a light source and provided with a pressure-sensitive switch in its tip. The switch is actuated by touching a selected article in the inspection area. The position of the wand as indicated by light is given in the video signals fed from the camera to a control circuit to which the switch is also connected. The control circuit also receives speed indicating signals from the conveyor and it provides control signals to operate a finger bank to selectively deflect those articles indicated by a touch of the wand. Provision may be made for a plurality of wands to be used at the same time, each wand having an individually modulated light.

Abstract: A method and a system for grading and sorting articles comprising a conveyor for sequentially conveying a plurality of articles passed a coding station. The coding station identifies a first one of a plurality of articles with an electronically stored information code indicative of specific characteristics of the first article. A sequentially operable visual indicator device identifies the location of the first article moving along a predetermined portion of the conveyor line at the coding station where the information code is to be stored. The visual indicator is activated until the information code is completed and a termination signal to that effect is generated. The visual indicator then identifies the following article as being a first article in the predetermined portion.

Abstract: A system for non-destructive, non-contacting use for detecting imperfections in multi-layered supply rolls of wound plastic film comprises a laser which scans the length of the particular roll being inspected with a photo-electric detector at a fixed reference angle which picks up reflected unimpeded and scattered light plus associated indicating and/or recording equipment. Defects in the roll, particularly those related to the upper longitudinal surface thereof, cause light scattering which decreases the signal strength to the indicator or recorder, thus noting the presence of a wrinkle or the like imperfection in the film roll.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for grading large batches of fruit by sampling technique. A sample, drawn from a batch, is divided into two approximately equal portions, one portion being inspected without being weighed. The other portion is weighed and then inspected. Grade-defect material is placed into separately classified buckets and weighed one by one. Grade-defect percentages are then determined and acceptance and grading thereby determined. A weigh hopper is suspended from a load cell by a pair of wires, one at each side of the weigh hopper. A turnbuckle on each wire enables adjustment, and excessive motion of the weigh hopper is dampened. The load cell is suspended from a shock transmission member which rests on a shock-absorbing spring that is compressed when shock loads are exerted.

Abstract: A fluidic assembly for an ultra-high-speed chromosome flow sorter using a fluid drive system, a nozzle with an orifice having a small ratio of length to diameter, and mechanism for vibrating the nozzle along its axis at high frequencies. The orifice is provided with a sharp edge at its inlet, and a conical section at its outlet for a transition from a short cylindrical aperture of small length to diameter ratio to free space. Sample and sheath fluids in separate low pressure reservoirs are transferred into separate high pressure buffer reservoirs through a valve arrangement which first permit the fluids to be loaded into the buffer reservoirs under low pressure. Once loaded, the buffer reservoirs are subjected to high pressure and valves are operated to permit the buffer reservoirs to be emptied through the nozzle under high pressure.

Abstract: A parts separator for separating small parts from a mixture with larger members, comprising a vertical cylindrical separator baffle wall and a continuously rotating conical rotor mounted co-axially in the baffle; the upper surface of the rotor is radially corrugated with the outer ends of the corrugation "valleys" large enough to accept the small parts but not the larger members. A mixture deposited on the rotor at an input location moves downwardly and outwardly, so that the small parts fall into the corrugation valleys and then through an annular gap between the rotor and the baffle onto a floor at the base of the separator; the small parts are pushed along the floor and out through a small parts discharge port. The larger members ride down the corrugation peaks and come out through a different discharge port, comprising a large gap in the baffle wall. A proximity switch monitors separator operation and affords an alarm in the event of interruption; a friction clutch affords specific overload protection.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for continuously monitoring a light sensitive electronic component, forming part of a device for detecting light pulses of a specified character, the apparatus comprising a light source directing light through fiber optics at the component, the source being pulsed by a pulse generator which also sets an alarm monitor connected to operate a switch having its input taken to the component, the switch output being connected to a voltage sensor for resetting the alarm monitor if a signal received from the switch is above a predetermined minimum, the alarm monitor being adapted to activate an alarm if not reset.

Abstract: An automatic optoelectronic inspection device is located at a position downstream from a cigarette making machine and upstream from cigarette packaging machinery, and cigarettes are conveyed in groups to the inspection device where each group is inspected. The inspection device includes a plurality of photodetectors arranged so that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the position of a photodetector and the position occupied by each cigarette in a normally formed group. Each photodetector includes a light-emitting source for illuminating the end portion of a cigarette and a photoelectric transducer for sensing light reflected from the end portion of a cigarette in registration with the photodetector. The power to the light-emitting sources is controlled in such a way that the intensity of the light emanating from each light-emitting source is modulated at a high frequency.

Abstract: A novel container sorting and handling system is provided for sorting a plurality of diverse types of containers into preselected types for either reuse, reclamation or disposal depending upon the type of container. The sorting system comprises a housing having a sorting station defined therein and an infeed conveyor for sequentially and individually transporting containers to the sorting station. At the sorting station the individual containers are rotated by a roller in order to bring the UPC Code, bar code or other code on each container into alignment with an optical scanner at the sorting station. The optical scanner produces an output signal representative of the bar code and this is in turn fed to a computer which compares the signal from the optical scanner with a plurality of prestored values in the computer. As a result of this comparison, the computer generates an output signal representative of the type of container at the sorting station.

Abstract: A cigarette hopper, especially for a packing machine, has a number of flow channels (6) incorporating restraining devices to arrest cigarettes which are faulty, e.g. in size, shape or orientation, thereby preventing the formation of defective cigarette bundles. The lower ends of the channels (22) may be curved to catch non-horizontal cigarettes (C3), and may include photo-cell devices (FIG. 3) which detect and arrest inadequately filled cigarettes and which additionally serve to monitor the flow of cigarettes so that the machine operator can receive a fault warning.

Abstract: An on-line detector for peach pits and peach pit fragments and the like remaining in peach halves following a pitting operation includes a sealed housing bordered on one side by an inclined view plate disposed between a feeding belt and a take-away belt. A peach half, pit cavity down, is passed by a viewing line above the view plate. Two different wavelengths of light are directed toward the viewing line and are reflected by a passing fruit section toward an array of light sensors. One of the wavelengths of light is controlled in on-off condition by a clock, being turned on during only a portion of each clock cycle. Output from each one in the array of light sensors is sampled during the portion of each clock cycle that the one wavelength is on, and differenced with the light sensor output from that sensor when the other wavelength only is on. Differencing occurs during each clock cycle and a difference output appears only in the presence of a pit or a pit fragment.

Abstract: Self-rotating and travelling tendency of a circular tablet in its erect posture along an inclined transferring path and an impeding effect upon the tendency which occurs when the tablet is defective one having a breakage or a speckle, are advantageously utilized by the present invention for detecting flaws in tablets and for discriminating the defective tablets from normal ones.Transferring path bridging equipment in a tablet processing line, is usually composed of a parallel but spaced pair of rails having shoulders on right opposed faces thereof and upper side plates above said shoulders. The shoulders are capable of carrying the tablets thereon or therein between and having an inclination sufficient for giving the normal tablet a self-rotating and travelling tendency along the path in a given direction. The upper side plates are capable of permitting unobstructed passage of the tablet in its erect posture but make it stagnate on the path in a reclined posture.