Abstract: In an article delivery system, articles each having sorting information are handled, and the articles are arranged in proper delivery order through a plurality of arrangement paths so as to help the delivery of the articles. This system includes a sorting information procuring device for procuring the sorting information of each article, an article information storage device which is connected to the sorting information procuring device, and collects and stores the sorting information, a database for providing the order of arrangement of the sorting information, an information processing device for arranging the sorting information in the order, provided by the database, while including information for distinguishing the arrangement paths from each other, and delivery order forming device having a communication device for transmitting the sorting information arranged by the information processing device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting documents. The documents are scanned to determine a characteristic of each document and then sorted in response to the scanned characteristic. In particular, a method is provided for multi-pass processing of documents. In accordance with one method, each document is assigned a logical sort number corresponding to the recipient of the document. The documents are then sorted in sequential order according to the logical sort numbers. A method is also provided that compares data scanned during a pass with data obtained during a previous pass to determine the recipient of the document. In addition a method is provided for marking the documents and sorting the documents so that the markings provide indicators of pre-defined groups of documents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loading/unloading control apparatus of a semiconductor device and a control method thereof in which a time for loading/unloading a semiconductor device can be saved when a produced semiconductor device is loaded and unloaded to be tested. The present invention provides a loading/unloading control method of a semiconductor device including the steps of: determining whether a semiconductor device for being sorted to an unloading buffer exists by a microprocessor; determining whether a sorting tray has been prepared when the semiconductor device exists to be sorted to the unloading buffer; requiring the sorting tray to be replaced by the microprocessor when the sorting tray has not been prepared; and feeding the semiconductor device served at the unloading buffer to the sorting buffer by a X-Y axis picker during the replacing of sorting tray.

Abstract: The invention relates to the distribution of mail items with information on the surface of the mail items. Distribution occurs successively by means of various sorting machines. Sorting in particular is carried out in a succession of operations for the last point of distribution. According to the invention, distribution points are determined once the mail items have been received in the first sorting machine and the thicknesses of the mail items are measured by optical scanning of the mail item surfaces. Mail item thicknesses allocated to the distribution points are registered, stored and statistically prepared if required. Optimized sort programs are then calculated for sorting machines assigned to the various distribution points based on information regarding thickness, and the mail items are distributed accordingly.

Abstract: The method of the present invention relates generally to a method for sorting mailpieces using a mail sorting apparatus. In one embodiment of the present invention, instructions are provided to the mail sorting apparatus in a machine readable format such as barcode. The instructions are printed on a form that can be fed into the mail sorting apparatus in the same manner that a mailpiece is fed into the mail sorting apparatus. The form is run through the feed path of the mail sorting apparatus. The barcode is read using a scanner. A signal on the form indicates that the mailpiece is a form, and that information contained in the barcode is an instruction. The instruction may be, for example, an instruction to 1) halt may be implemented through use or reprogramming of application software may be presented by using the form. The method provides for sorting of mailpieces with less stopping of the sorting apparatus to provide new instructions.

Abstract: In an article delivery system, articles each having sorting information are handled, and the articles are arranged in proper delivery order through a plurality of arrangement paths so as to help the delivery of the articles. This system includes a sorting information procuring device for procuring the sorting information of each article, an article information storage device which is connected to the sorting information procuring device, and collects and stores the sorting information, a database for providing the order of arrangement of the sorting information, an information processing device for arranging the sorting information in the order, provided by the database, while including information for distinguishing the arrangement paths from each other, and delivery order forming device having a communication device for transmitting the sorting information arranged by the information processing device.

Abstract: A system for sorting objects includes an upstream and a downstream conveyor positioned to sequentially receive and convey an object along a first path, and a sorting conveyor belt positioned transversely in a gap between the upstream and downstream conveyors. The sorting conveyor is tilted with respect to the plane of the other conveyors, and carries flexible projections that lift one edge of the object and push it The operation of the sorting belt reduces static friction between the object and the main conveyors as the object is pushed. The system also includes a measuring device operatively linked to provide dimensions and position information about the object to a sorting conveyor controller.

Abstract: A cherry sizing process and apparatus in which cherries are sized in stages, with each stage including substantially parallel rollers and with each stage having a gap different than the other stages. Preferably, the larger size cherries are removed before the final sizing stage. In addition, the larger cherries are preferably removed as an overs product, i.e., as the cherries which do not pass through the gap between rollers at the stage at which the larger cherries are removed. The different gap settings can be set based upon recommended ranges which have been determined based upon the recognition that a particular gap will have a predictable removal efficiency for each of various cherry sizes. In addition, the gap can be selected utilizing a simulator which determines the result of each sizing stage based upon statistical information concerning the size distribution of cherries to be sized and the removal efficiencies of each stage for each cherry size.

Abstract: A flow cytometer capable of utilizing an imaging system to determine various properties of the flow cytometer. Importantly, the imaging allows for determination of a drop delay time. Other characteristics that can be determined include at least the width of the stream, pressure of the stream, effect of charged droplets on other droplets, trajectory of the stream, resonant frequency, wavelengths, change in position of droplet break-off point, and others. An automatic warning system can be used to alert an operator of an anomaly during setup or during normal operation. Furthermore, a mechanical interrupter can be used to shield a sort result from contamination by an incorrectly functioning stream. The cytometer also allows for the disablement of the sort, particularly the charging and deflection systems. In addition, a more accurate system for detecting the speed of the stream can be used. The imaging system can allow for the removal of background noise and the monitoring of a change in a stream characteristic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a roller bar screen and to the generation of certain parameters for optimal adaptation to the bulk material being processed and as a prerequisite for process optimization. Construction measures—essentially equipping the rollers with variable speed drive mechanisms—are taken in a first preparatory step. Selected control variables and limit values related to the average characteristics to be expected of the bulk material are generated in a single operation by means of a regulation and process control system. The optimum number of revolutions for each individual roller in particular is predetermined in dependence on the process. The rollers can be grouped together.

Abstract: Device and process for the manufacture of hollow plastic objects to screen out defective plastic preforms that are to be molded into their desired shape in a molding station before they reach the molding station, the conveyor track leading into the molding station comprising a screening area through which the preforms are conveyed in such a way that they are loosely supported on only one side, wherein screening apparatuses are provided in the screening area to screen out defective plastic preforms in response to signals from an inspection station.

Abstract: An apparatus is used to determine whether a container moving along a conveyor is suitable for storing water. The apparatus includes a sampler that obtains a sample from the interior of the container as the container moves along the conveyor. A PID is connected to the sampler to receive the sample and produce a signal corresponding to contents of the sample. A controller is connected to the PID and receives and analyzes the signal to determine whether the container is suitable for storing water. The apparatus may include a vacuum source connected to the PID that produces a reduced pressure for drawing the sample through the PID. A flow restrictor may be positioned between the sampler and PID. The flow restrictor may provide variable resistance to set a desired clearance time through the PID and sensitivity of the PID.

Abstract: A semiconductor device testing system is provided efficiently utilizes a plurality of semiconductor device testing apparatus. More particularly, a host computer controls a plurality of semiconductor device testing apparatuses and a dedicated classifying machine. A storage information memory stores storage information of each semiconductor device such as a number assigned to each tested semiconductor device such as a number assigned to each tested semiconductor device, the test results of each semiconductor device, and is provided in the host computer. Without sorting the tested devices or with the sorting operation of the tested devices into only two categories in a handler part of each testing apparatus, the tested devices are transferred from the test tray to a general-purpose tray, and during this transfer operation, the storage information of each device is stored in the storage information memory.

Abstract: A device for eliminating defective flat objects, which are being conveyed individually and at a distance from each other, preferably tubular segments or sack workpieces during the production of sacks, and for forming stacks of flawless objects, said device comprising a twin belt conveyor, which conveys the objects and comprises groups of continuous belts that are spaced apart and cycle parallel to each other; comprising a system for scanning the objects; and comprising a shunt, which eliminates the objects that are recognized to be defective. Behind the discharge end of the twin belt conveyor there is a stack shaft with an intermediate stacker plate, and before the discharge end there is a rake-shaped deflecting element, which forms the shunt and can be moved between the bottom conveying run of the twin belt conveyor and which guides the objects, recognized to be defective, into a place of deposit, arranged above the stack shaft.

Abstract: A crop harvesting machine comprises two or more separate storage compartments (5a,5b) and a mechanism (6) for diverting harvested crop between the storage compartments as the machine moves across a field. The machine may also include a GPS positioning system and a control system (1) for controlling the diverter (6) on the basis of the machine's position and a map of harvesting instructions. The machine may in addition or alternatively include sensors (8) to analyse properties of the crop as it is harvested, enabling the control system (1) to control the diverter (6) accordingly.

Abstract: computer controlled separator device is disclosed. The computer control system monitors the operation of the separator device and makes any adjustments necessary to maintain optimal operation. An operator may input values representing desired operating parameters and/or desired product characteristics of the separator device. Alternatively, these values may be programmed into the computer control system in accordance with optimal product or system standards. The computer control system monitors the operation of the separator device and makes any adjustments necessary to maintain operation in accordance with the selected or programmed values. Specifically, the computer control system may monitor incoming and outgoing product characteristics, i.e. particle weight, particle density, or particle size; and/or operating parameters, i.e. air flow, vibration speed, side tilt, end raise, feed rate, divider knife position and cutout gate position.

Abstract: A multiple station CD-ROM testing system includes a conveyance device, a first gripping device, a multiple station testing device having a number of testing stations arranged in a vertically stacked fashion, a second gripping device, a collection device, and a controlling device comprised of a single programmable logic control and a single personal computer. The conveyance device carries the CD-ROMs fed into the system forward. The first gripping device picks up the CD-ROMs on the conveyance device and positions the CD-ROMs into the testing stations of the multiple station testing device to have the CD-ROMs tested therein by means of the controlling device and removes the tested CD-ROMs out of the multiple station testing device and places them back to the conveyance device. The second gripping device picks up the tested CD-ROMs on the conveyance device and transfers the tested CD-ROMs to either a next process if the CD-ROMs pass the test or a flaw product collection device if the CD-ROMs fail the test.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing between microorganisms having different attributes comprises the steps of: encapsulating one or more cells within a polymeric bead; incubating the cell(s) within the bead in a growth-supporting medium for a time period sufficient for multiplication of viable cells within the bead; then non-invasively physically examining the bead or the adjacent vicinity of the bead for physical characteristics associated with the differing attributes of cells within the bead. Various forms of apparatus for carrying out the process are descried.

Abstract: In a method for detecting and picking up dies from a wafer, when a defective die is detected inside a predetermined reversing range defined on the wafer, the die detection and pick-up movement is shifted one pitch to the next row of dies so as to detect the first die of the next row. If the first die of the next row is not a defective die, the die detection and pick-up movement proceeds toward the edge of the wafer in the X direction and successively detects and picks up dies on that row. Then, when a defective die is detected on that row, the direction of the die detection and pick-up movement is reversed without picking up the defective die, so that the die located immediately at the inner side of the first die of that row is detected and picked up, and non-defective dies on that row are successively detected and picked up.

Abstract: A mixture of air and paper stock made from recycled paper from which the ink particles have been chemically released is injected into a cylindrical processing vessel. Added surfactants create a foam from the air as it rises through the stock and cause the ink particles to adhere to the air bubbles, resulting in a foam containing a concentrated fraction of the ink particles with some included fibers. The foam rises to the top of the vessel, and carries with it ink particles. Additional air injection ports can be used to increase the amount of foam generated and the amount of ink removed. Flow of stock and foam from the vessel can be controlled by adjusting valves on the stock and foam outlets. Flotation sensors allow the foam head to be maintained at the stock level by controlling the rate foam is withdrawn through the foam outlets.

Abstract: A screening apparatus including a testing chamber and a control console for environmental screening and vibrational testing of manufactured products placed inside the testing chamber. The control console is used to control and monitor the operation of the screening apparatus. The control console is supported on an articulated arm so that the control console can be optimally positioned. The articulated arm also protects the control console from the thermal and vibrational stimuli applied to the product being tested. The system wiring between the testing chamber and the control console can be enclosed in or attached to the articulated arm so that the wires do not impede the mobility of the articulated arm and do not pose a hazard to people working near the screening apparatus. Optional rigid bars can be placed with the walls of the testing chamber to increase the resonance frequency of the testing chamber to further protect the control console from the vibrational stimuli applied to the product being tested.

Abstract: In a test system, test fixtures that hold modules are controlled to enable an operator to separate modules that pass a test from modules that fail. When a module under test is properly loaded in a test fixture, a test fixture controller instructs a tester to start a test procedure. For a semiautomatic test fixture, a test start command is automatically supplied to the tester when the test fixture is closed around the module under test. The test fixture controller automatically interprets the test results provided by the tester. The module that passes the test is automatically released from the test fixture. If the module fails, the test fixture controller keeps it locked in the test fixture. The module is released only when an operator presses a failure acknowledgement button on a control box.

Abstract: The automation of a keg filling process is enhanced by classifying the abnormalities detected during a multi-stage treatment and filling process, the abnormalities being classified as either container-related or treatment step-related. Kegs for which an abnormality has been detected are ejected from the production line and are automatically routed either to a repair station or reintroduced into the production line as a function of the classification of the abnormality.

Abstract: A conveyor line conveys plural containers. A first sampler means moves the containers to a position at which a leaking liquid inspection apparatus is provided. A second sampler moves the containers to a position at which the entering air inspection apparatus is provided. A first stopper interrupts the containers at a position of the first sampler. A second stopper interrupts the vessels at a position of the second sampler. A third stopper is provided on the upstream side of the first and second stopper.

Abstract: A computer controlled separator device is disclosed. The computer control system monitors the operation of the separator device and makes any adjustments necessary to maintain optimal operation. An operator may input values representing desired operating parameters and/or desired product characteristics of the separator device. Alternatively, these values may be programmed into the computer control system in accordance with optimal product or system standards. The computer control system monitors the operation of the separator device and makes any adjustments necessary to maintain operation in accordance with the selected or programmed values. Specifically, the computer control system may monitor incoming and outgoing product characteristics, i.e. particle weight, particle density, or particle size; and/or operating parameters, i.e. air flow, vibration speed, side tlit, end raise, feed rate, divider knife position and cutout gate position.

Abstract: A buffered stacking system for selectively diverting horizontally disposed documents from a generally horizontal main conveying path, stacking the documents in a horizontal orientation and dropping the documents into replaceable receiving receptacles is provided. The system has a primary horizontal conveyor belt with a lower horizontal reach defining a horizontal primary conveying path. A plurality of sorting stations are located serially along and below the primary conveying path. Each of the sorting stations has at least one diverter arm disposed along the conveying path. The diverter arms are selectively movable from a generally horizontal position which allows passage of the documents along the conveying path to an inclined position to divert the document into the corresponding sorting station. The diverter arms divert the document in a downwardly inclined direction into a stacking station.

Abstract: A method for scanning and sorting documents which employs data not found on the document to make the sorting decision. Provision is also made for correcting misread information with the most probable correct data so that the scanning and sorting process may continue uninterrupted. In one form, the method comprises the steps of: (a) reading first data from a document by optical character recognition; (b) accessing second data which contains a list of valid first data; (c) determining if said data contains an error based on said second data; (d) accessing third data if said first data contains an error, said third data containing a probable correction of said first data; (e) changing said first data to equate with said third data; (f) retrieving fourth data from a data file based upon said first; (g) sorting said document based upon said fourth data.

Abstract: Plates, especially glass sheets, are fed for sorting to a putting-up machine wherein a glass sheet is set upright against a wall in front of which the glass sheet is held in a determined position by an air flow provided by a blower. One glass sheet at a time is withdrawn from this position and pulled into a sorting carriage by nippers. The sorting carriage is then displaced in front of a compartment carriage and the glass sheets contained in the sorting carriage are pushed out by the nippers and inserted into the corresponding compartment of a compartment carriage. The installation has a simple construction, works particularly efficiently and takes optimally care of the glass sheets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously sorting living cells from a mixture of many unlike cells to obtain separate populations of like cells. The invention comprises cell and fluid intake ports, a cell deflection chamber, and a series of output vacuum pumps attached to a like number of collection reservoirs. The cell intake section is a two-stage system that first mixes the incoming cells with a deionized, buffered, processing medium then sheathes the output stream with a centering carrier fluid. An expansion chamber contains one or more electrodes connected to one or more RF generators that act upon the passing cells so that they are fanned out within the expansion chamber according to their size, physical construction, chemical composition and electronic properties. Vacuum pumps draw the fluids through the system and deposit the sorted cells in separate reservoirs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating objects from object mixtures, and to a facility for implementing the method, whereby the object mixture is supplied to a vibrating apparatus, on which the object mixture with simultaneous object separation is moved towards a conveying device which receives the separated objects separated from each other, whereby objects not being sufficiently separated for separate supply to the conveying device due to insufficient separation on the vibrating apparatus are fed to another conveying device which enables to return the objects to the vibrating apparatus.

Abstract: A system for injecting liquid into containers moving through an inspection station at variable speeds without spilling liquid over the outside of, or between, the containers for inspecting the containers for the presence of certain substances such as potential contaminants, such as ammonium salts or amine salts in glass or plastic bottles. The movements of each container is tracked with sensors upstream of a high speed injector, and one or more nozzles is timed to inject liquid in a narrow, high velocity stream only while the top opening of a container is under the nozzle(s). The liquid is employed to enhance liberation of vapors from within the containers for detection of the contaminants in the containers.

Abstract: A sorter for separating a plurality of documents into two groups on the basis of characteristics which distinguish the documents of one group from the documents of the other group in which a cabinet has an input tray from which documents are fed one by one along a path past a sensor and between a pair of belts having divergent path portions between which a diverter responsive to the sensor is disposed and is adapted to divert documents alternatively to the nip between an upper pinch roller and one of the belts in its divergent path portion to cause the document to be deposited in an upper output tray by an upper stacker or to the nip between a lower pinch roller and the other belt in its divergent path portion to cause the document to be deposited in a lower output tray by a lower stacker in which the upper output tray and the upper stacker and the pinch rollers are mounted for movement as a unit between an operative position and an inoperative position at which the diverter is accessible with a magnetic coup

Abstract: A system for sampling air contained in an appliance shipping container includes a gas analyzer sealably interconnected with a probe by a flexible conduit. Disposed on the lower portion of a side wall of the appliance shipping container is an opening sealably covered by a film patch. A conveyor line arrangement positions the shipping container such that the film patch is disposed adjacent the probe. When the appliance shipping container is detected to be suitably positioned adjacent the probe, an electro-solenoid interconnected with the probe is activated causing the probe to puncture the reflective film patch and permitting an air sample to be drawn from the appliance shipping container into the gas analyzer. If the presence of a vaporized refrigerant is detected, a controller shunts the appliance shipping container to a site for repair of the appliance.

Abstract: A converyor sorting system wherein articles to be sorted are loaded on letter towable trays adapted to be moved past a plurality of unloading or receiving stations at which the articles are selectively unloaded. A control system is provided which includes a plurality of decentralized control units, with the control system being based upon the utilization of trays or the like having identification codes adapted to be detected in unloading stations so as to cause of actuation of the tilting off of the articles for the identified unloading station. Control units are provided to receive the load of the specific tray, the identity of which is detected by the loading of the tray.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment for identifying returned bottles, cans, plastic bottles or other packages (10) and for sorting them on the basis of an identification code, in which method a compensation corresponding to the package is given on the basis of the identification of the returnable package (10). The returnable package (10) is transferred to a measuring station of an identification device (2), at which measuring station is generated a signal corresponding to the shape of the returnable package (10) for the central unit (3) of the device, which compares the measured signal or signals with the preprogrammed signals stored in a memory (8) of the central unit (3) and identifying the shape of different packages. When the package shape corresponds to the shape stored in the memory (8) and programmed therein, a sorter (11) located after the measuring point is activated for transfer-ring the package (10) to its own storage storage station (A.sub.1, A.sub.2, A.sub.3 . . .

Abstract: A sludge drying system using exhaust air from a furnace in a direct heat, rotary drum dryer to simultaneously dry and pelletize the sludge. The dried sludge particles exiting the dryer is entrained in the exhaust air. The sludge particles are separated from the exhaust air and then classified according to size. The under sized particles are recycled back to a mixer for mixing with incoming wet sludge. The oversized particles are conveyed to a crusher or mill for reducing the oversized particles down to the desired product size. The medium-sized particles can be selectively directed to be recycled with the undersized particles or collected as product. The exhaust air is treated in a treatment section, and then divided into two exhaust air streams or portions. A first portion of the exhaust air is discharged into the environment, while the second, larger portion of the exhaust air is recycled back to the furnace to be used to dry the sludge in the drier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grading items such as roots and tubers in which a succession of items are conveyed one after the other in a U-shaped channel of a conveyor. As each item passes a measuring station a grading characteristic of the item is measured and compared with a predetermined value. The items are transferred from the conveyor to addressing stations based on the compared grading characteristics of the items. The grading characteristics of each item is measured by measuring the orthogonal projection of each item onto the conveyor, and the conveyor is formed by successive transverse conveyor elements, each item having an orthogonal projection extending over at least three adjacent conveyor elements. The items are transferred from the conveyor by displacing the at least three conveyor elements either to lift the item off the conveyor or to allow the items to drop below the conveyor. The conveyor can be a linear conveyor or a loop conveyor.

Abstract: A process and a device for the sorting of bottles, in which unsorted bottles received in crates and identified according to type are removed from the crates at least partly and are then inserted again into different crates according to type without intermediate storage. Due to this, crates with only one type of bottles can be produced in a small space with low cost expenditure and smooth-running bottle transport.

Abstract: The instant invention provides an apparatus and method for reliably separating a selected sheet from a spaced array of sheets transported on a conveyor. The invention continuously maintains vacuum on the conveyors, and uses selectively activated jets directed at the underside of the sheets to divert them for separating. The invention positively controls the destination of discrete, flexible sheets, such as photographic film, by continuously engaging the sheets with another conveyor during separating, sorting, shuffling or the like, as they travel in an array along a conveyor. Positive control of the sheets permits reliable, high speed separating of lightweight, flexible sheets.

Abstract: An automatic rotary sorter system for sorting objects from a source stream into a plurality of destination streams which are spaced apart both horizontally and vertically. The automatic rotary sorter system of the present invention includes an object source conveyor, a rotating distribution assembly, and an object receiving assembly. The rotating distribution assembly of the automatic rotary sorter system is provided with an upright drive shaft and several receiving and discharging wings. The object receiving assembly of the automatic rotary sorter system is provided with a plurality of transverse conveyors. The object source conveyor provides the stream of sortable objects for sorting by the automatic rotary sorter system. Sorting within the automatic rotary sorter system is achieved through the transfer of one sortable object at a time from the object source conveyor to a selected transverse conveyor by the receiving and discharging wings of the rotating distribution assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying and sorting produce, in particular fruit, provided with a mechanism to discharge the produce is described. The apparatus includes a pair of conveyor lines located on either side of an endless drive chain. Each conveyor line includes a plurality of rollers. The rollers are spaced apart such that one item of produce can be held between each pair of rollers. The discharge mechanism includes a plurality of ejectors wherein one ejector is located between two rollers, a plurality of pivot axes, and a plurality of linking members designed to connect together the plurality of pivot axes while allowing the axes to mutually move angularly and longitudinally. This apparatus is especially suited to sorting fruits according to their quality.

Abstract: Business form components are stacked to separate them into different jobs, and after stacking are synchronously conveyed together to a pressure sealer, or similar device, for sealing the components together into a business form or are conveyed to subsequent operations such as secondary stacking into larger stacks. Each component moves from an aligner/feeder to a stacker, moving up an incline of a continuously running conveyor belt so that each successive component passes underneath any previous components in a stack. When a movable stop against which the components are held rotates out of the way, a top roller near the trailing ends of the components pinches them against a bottom roller so that the components move together away from the stacker in register with each other.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for measuring the amount, i.e., mass, of a volatile liquid which comprises passing the mass over a heat loss measuring device, calculating the amount of heat loss accompanying the vaporization of the mass and correlating the heat loss to measurement of heat loss of known liquid aerosol mass made with the same device.

Abstract: A device for counting, inspecting, sorting, and stacking planar food products such as tortillas. The tortillas are sandwiched between a pair of conveyor belts moving at the same speed to a discharge location between a pair of rollers around which the respective conveyor belts extend. The speed of the tortillas causes them to be flung from between the rollers onto a discharge tray. A counter determines when a predetermined number of tortillas have been discharged onto the discharge tray. The counter then triggers an actuator to remove the tray from beneath the stack of tortillas, thereby allowing them to fall onto a discharge conveyor belt. The discharge conveyor belt is then moved an incremental distance. The tortillas passing through the device are scanned in order to detect defective tortillas.

Abstract: A system for identification, separation and compacting of empty beverage cans including a first device for distinguishing between cans to be accepted and not accepted and rejecting non-acceptable cans, and for detecting at least one dimension of a can to be compacted, and for determining a can redemption value based on such detection, and a second device for compacting the can through interaction of a three arm device, a first arm contacting a mid-portion of the can and compressing that mid portion, and second and third arms acting on end regions on either side of the mid-portion to compress the remaining portions of the can. The arm device is retracted and the compacted can is removed after the compressing action is completed by the arm device.

Abstract: A method and means for measuring a characteristic, in particular one associated with particle size, of any of the feed, underflow or overflow streams of a hydrocyclone is provided. Information as to the flowrate and density of the feed stream as well as the angle of flare or other related variable associated with the shape of the underflow stream are fed to processing means which applies a formula or algorithm, which is usually empirically derived, to such information to provide a value of the required characteristic. The characteristic may be related to particle size, particle size distribution in any of the streams or the liquid content or the flowrates of solids or liquids in the underflow or overflow. Measurement apparatus comprising a dedicated hydrocyclone is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting material conveyed in a product stream and across a substantially level single layer on a conveyor, wherein the conveyor passes beneath an examination device which determines the presence and transverse location of any undesired material; a number of movable conduits are positioned transversely across the conveyor downstream from the examination device, and are arranged in staggered rows to transversely encompass the entire product stream on the conveyor; the suction device and movable conduits are respectively controlled by the examination device, to cause each conduit to selectively move toward the conveyor and remove undesired material from the conveyor as it passes beneath the suction device, and to move away from the conveyor when no undesired material is positioned beneath the suction device; a valve in the common suction line connected to all conduits stabilizes suction pressure during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A machine for sorting graphic and/or printing products in which the products are fed one after the other, comprising a framework, a conveyor for receiving individual products one after the other sensors for identifying each of the individual products on the receiving conveyor a central computer, a control console for the entry of predetermined data, selectively actuated elements for unloading the products from the receiving conveyor and at least one conveyor for discharging the unloaded products, wherein the receiving conveyor consists of a sliding surface and is disposed on the framework inclined at an angle of between 10.degree. and 90.degree.

Abstract: The system includes a variable speed motor (13) which controls the operation of a disk screen (14) which is part of a gyratory screen/disk screening system for wood chips and the like. Wood chips are fed at a variable rate to a storage bin (34), which includes a level sensor (36). The level sensor (36) controls the operation of a star feeder (42) to maintain the level of providing a varying amount of input material to the upstream end of the gyratory screen (12). The speed of the motor (46) driving the star feeder valve (42) is used to develop a control signal for the disk screen motor (13), to ensure a uniform flow rate off the disk screen.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for regenerating a sheet-like recording medium comprising a means for feeding a printed sheet-like recording medium, a regenerating treatment means having a step for eliminating image formed on said recording medium, a means for discriminating and separating the recording medium whether the treated recording medium is reusable or not and a means for storing the separated reusable recording medium.