Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sorting particulate solids material. The material is subjected to a microwave field and absorbs energy to an extent depending upon the dielectric properties of the individual particles. The absorbed energy heats the particles, and pyrodetectors detect the heat radiation. Detector output signals control pressurized air jets to remove particles from the waste material which are detected to be colder than the remainder of the bulk.

Abstract: Process for rendering a plastic identifiable by adding 5 to 10,000 ppb of a fluorescent marker to the plastic during or after is manufacture.

Abstract: In order to provide an accurate sort into many different classes, objects are dropped through a viewing zone and viewed in the same instant by a number of viewers. Each viewer provides electronic signals representative of three basic shape features, namely blockiness, symmetry and convex hull deviance, together with a total count of edge-breakthroughs. For each basic shape feature, the maximum, minimum and mean are obtained for all the viewers, except the minimum convex hull deviance signal. These signals, together with the edge-breakthrough count, are each subjected to a linear transformation to provide a normalized shape parameter which is then assigned a value of 0 to 15 for each class being sorted on the basis of the expected occurrence of that parameter in that class. Each pair of secondary shape parameters so determined is used to derive from a respective table a decision value. The shape class of the object is ascertained on the basis of a majority vote for all the shape decision values.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (2) for assessing the stiffness of a sheet (4), such as a currency note, by measuring the extent and rate of movement of the trailing edge of the sheet (4) away from a feed path for the sheet. Such movement is part of a straightening movement of the sheet (4) upon disengagement of the trailing edge from constraining means (34) when a leading portion of the sheet (4) is in a bent condition.

Abstract: A sorter is described that optically differentiates acceptable objects from unacceptable objects. The sorter illuminates the objects as they move in a stream through a viewing zone with both visible and infrared light. The detecting system and circuit provides electric signals proportional to the light transmitted or reflected by the objects to a microcomputer system which in turn activates a rejection mechanism if unacceptable objects are viewed. The microcomputer system determines what objects are unacceptable by comparing signals for objects being viewed with stored signals for acceptable objects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for millimeter wave flow cytometry of a cell stream hydrodynamically focused in a zone of interaction with a millimeter wave source and complex ratiometric receiver. The cell stream is characterized by complex power wave scattering parameters as a function of frequency, scattering angle and polarization. These parameters train a signal processor to sort specimen cells into one of a plurality of predetermined reference groups in accordance with a minimum number of normal cell types and functional states.

Abstract: A gravity conveyor (12) delivers drill bits (10) to carrier tubes (24) which are on an endless conveyor. An optical micrometer (22) or the like identifies the drill bits (10), as to shank type, maximum diameter, overall length, helix angle, back taper, number of margins, etc., and produces an identification signal which is directed to a control computer (B). An identified drill bit (10) is delivered into a given carrier tube (24). The computer (B) controls the endless conveyor (EC) to move the conveyor tube (24) into a position adjacent a dedicated receptacle (30) for the identified drill bit (10) which is one of a large number of dedicated receptacles (30) which are arranged in series alongside the path traversed by the endless conveyor (EC).

Abstract: The concentrations of residual heavy metal contaminants in the particulate material in a slurry produced in a particulate material washing process are monitored on-line and can be used to control the washing process. In alternative embodiments of the invention, x-rays, thermal neutrons or laser beams are directed at the slurry as it flows through a flow cell to induce emission of secondary x-rays, gamma rays or light, respectively, characteristic of the heavy metal contaminants and constituents representative of the solids contents of the slurry. These characteristic energies are measured and used to determine the concentration in ppm of the residual heavy metal contaminants in the particulate material within the slurry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and apparatus for detecting unwanted material in the form of string or woven fabric in a flow of wanted fiber flocks or in a wanted fiber fleece. To this end, the flock flow is guided through a wave field which detects the presence of unwanted material in the flock flow so that the unwanted material can be separated out in a separator facility. The wave field can be an optical or acoustic wave field. The result obtained can, in addition to the separation of the unwanted material, be displayed in display means and/or recorded.

Abstract: In the method, particles (16) are classified by locating them in a resonance cavity (10) and applying a swept range of microwave radiation to the cavity. The transmitted signals are detected and analyzed. The particle is then assigned to a classification in accordance with changes in the dielectric characteristics of the cavity as a result of the presence of the particle. The radiation is polarized and is applied in at least two mutually orthogonal directions. With the particle located at the center of the cavity, where the E-field is a maximum, and with signals propagating in at least two mutually orthogonal direction, account is taken of dimensional and orientational inaccuracies from particle to particle.

Abstract: A fluidic sorting device for the separation of two or more visually diffet materials or materials which react differently to an externally applied force. These materials are suspended in a fluid. The device comprises a fluidic logic element to which a machine vision apparatus is connected. The machine vision apparatus may be programmed to identify specific particulate materials. The machine vision apparatus captures an image of a particle or material, interprets the image, then makes subsequent value judgements, and decides as to whether the particle is to be separated out. The decision of the machine vision apparatus controls a fluidic logic element which facilitates the separation of the particles or materials. The machine vision apparatus may, optionally, comprise a counter. The novelty of the invention lies with the combination of fluidics with a machine vision apparatus.

Abstract: A system for discriminating radiation-contaminated fragments on the basis of a predetermined radioactive concentration includes a detection device for detecting the radiation of the fragments, the detection device having a generally vertically-extending path of transfer of the fragments, at least one radiation detector disposed at one of the inside and outside of asid transfer path, and a transfer device for sequentially transferring the fragments in the transfer path; a convey device for conveying the fragments to said detection device; and a controller for determining the radioactive concentration of the fragments in accordance with the radiation detected by the detection device and for judging whether or not the radioactive concentration of the fragments is the predetermined radioactive concentration. The controller is also operable to control the transfer device so as to adjust the speed of transfer of the fragments in the transfer path.

Abstract: A cigarette making machine includes one or more conveyor bands (12,14,28) or other parts of non-metallic material from which pieces can break off and become entrained in the tobacco, including means (30,42) for detecting such pieces in the tobacco by directing a radiation beam towards the tobacco, and including means 40 for ejecting tobacco or finished cigarettes including such detected pieces, the parts in question being made of a material, or having a material incorporated in then or coated on them, which is either opaque or partially opaque to the detection beam, or which produces a detectable secondary emission detected by the detecting means.

Abstract: Sheet-feeding apparatus in which documents having distinguishable sides are momentarily halted by transversely spaced rollers to examine the sheets for proper orientation. A high-speed gating roller directs properly oriented sheets along the normal feed path. Upon detecting an improperly oriented sheet, the gating roller is driven in a reverse direction to drive the sheet into an inversion pocket where it is inverted before being returned to the normal path. The feed members along the inversion path are driven at a greater speed than sheets along the normal path to return the inverted sheet to it proper position in the document stream.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for removing individual covers from a continuous flow of covers, each consisting of a middle portion and a peripheral edge extending around it asymmetrically in relation to the main plane, the main planes of which covers extend perpendicularly to the conveying direction, while the nominal orientations of the covers in the conveying direction are all the same and the said individual covers are oppositely oriented in relation to the nominal orientation, the device includes a conveyor for transporting the covers in a continuous flow, a detector placed adjacent to the conveyor for distinguishing an oppositely oriented cover and an ejector for removing from the flow a detected oppositely oriented cover.

Abstract: A rapid succession of objects such as sweets are sorted according to shape by being fed through a viewing zone, flash illuminated in the viewing zone, and viewed by a number of fixed electronic viewers spaced in one plane around the viewing zone through just under 180.degree., the edges of the images produced by the viewers being examined for approximation to a spherical shape, approximation to symmetry and reentrants, and one of a number of air jet nozzles being thereby automatically energised to direct the object into an appropriate bin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating particles by means of a contra-flow centrifuge, wherein a monitor system is used to analyze or control the separation process. The monitor system used impinges a monochromatic light beam on a sample of the separated particles, and measures the light scattering not only in the beam-forward direction, but also in the beam-reverse and beam-lateral directions. This reduces the processing time and increases the reliabiity of output data.

Abstract: Particles are subjected to incident microwave radiation which induces a certain phase shift in the transmitted or reflected radiation. The transmitted or reflected radiation is detected and a measure of the phase shift is obtained from such detection. The particles are then sorted according to the phase shift which they induce in the incident radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading information marks comprising a strobe light activating or reflecting information marks manually placed on objects or wood products. A camera is used for reading the marks. One or more detectors are used to recognize marks and color. A central processing unit is used to process, solve and interpret character and color recognition. A photo-electric eye or a signal from a control device is used to time the strobe and detector. The information contained in the marks is fed directly to the control system and may be used to generate reports.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting the appearance of a semiconductor device has an imaging device which forms an image of the outside of a semiconductor device. An image analyzer analyzes the image and determines whether the semiconductor device is good or bad. A semiconductor device to be inspected is removed from a first conveyor on the periphery of a turntable by a vacuum chuck which is mounted on the turntable, and the semiconductor device is transported to in front of the imaging device by a turntable. If the semiconductor device is determined to be good, the turntable transports the semiconductor device to a second conveyor on the periphery of the turntable, and the vacuum chuck deposits the semiconductor device on the second conveyor. If the semiconductor device is determined to be bad, the turntable transports the semiconductor device to a discard receiving mechanism on the periphery of the turntable, and the vacuum chuck deposits the semiconductor device on the discard receiving mechanism.

Abstract: A system for detecting a splice in a single facial tissue in a stack of facial tissues wherein a detector agent is applied at the location of the splice, the facial tissue is folded so that the detector agent is located at least one side edge thereof, and detecting the existence of the detector agent at the side edge to actuate a reject mechanism.

Abstract: Univeral conveying apparatus and method for automated inspection and classification of a variety of natural or man made product classes, having various geometrical configurations, e.g. spheroidal, spherical, cylindrical, parallelepiped, disc and plate shaped objects, or massive and hollow amophous objects. Incorporating a plurality of sensors interfaced to a plurality of microcomputers, measuring different product features, while predetermined combinations thereof are used for separating the objects or products, into a plurality of categories. Part of the sensors are stationary, while another part thereof are located and rotating on revolving inverter wheels. The stationary and rotating sensor groups are interfaced respectively to one or more stationary or rotating microcomputers, attached to the inverter wheels. The revolving and stationary microcomputers are electrically interconnected via slip rings, on the shafts on the inverter wheels.

Abstract: In an apparatus for recognizing the positions, adjustable in a specific number of steps, of at least two code marks, relative to a fixed third code mark the code marks are moved relative to a read station including a specific number of code readers. The code readers are connected to a multiplexer system controlled by an address counter which interrogates the code readers sequentially and emits the results serially. The multiplexer system output is connected with a buffer memory unit to store and deliver the particular results. The output of the buffer memory unit is connected to the input of a priority encoder, the output of which is fed the binary code address of the sequentially highest input indicative of the presence of a code mark at the code readers. The priority encoder outputs are fed to two end buffer memories of which the inputs are in parallel.

Abstract: An apparatus for compiling and processing a plurality of differently printed groups of sheets into collated sets is disclosed, and wherein each of the printed sheets has an indicium thereon at a predetermined location and with the predetermined location on the printed sheets for each group being different from the location of the indicium on the other group of sheets. Feeder structure is provided for sequentially depositing a sheet from each of the groups onto predetermined spaced locations of an advancing conveyor and sensors are mounted along the path of the feeder structure for detecting whether an indicium is present at the proper predetermined location on each of the withdrawn sheets, and such that the sensors are adapted to identify an improperly collated sheet as well as a missing sheet.

Abstract: A process for treating radioactive contaminated soils to remove radioactive metal oxide contaminants therefrom comprises creating a suspension of particles of the soil in a column of water, alternately forcing fresh water in the column upwardly to force ligher soil particles upwardly in the column and allowing heavier particles to gravitationally settle in the bottom of the water column. The heavy particles comprising radioactive metal oxides are collected and handled for radioactive waste material storage. The aqueous slurry of lighter soil particles is directed to a separator for removing substantial amounts of water after which the particles are directed to a conveyor and spread out to a substantially uniform thickness and detected for any radioactivity. Portions of material in which radioactive particles are detected ar diverted and the uncontaminated soil material is recovered.

Abstract: Objects to be inspected are transferred successively in one direction on a conveyor and irradiated by a light source and photosensed by a single optical image sensor only, such as a video camera. The optical image sensor is so arranged that it simultaneously photosenses a plurality of the successively transferred inspected objects, and the conveyor is so constructed that during the period in which the objects pass through the visual field of the optical image sensor, the objects are rotated so that their entire round inspected surfaces are all respectively photosensed by the optical image sensor.

Abstract: A glass sorting apparatus for the removal of non-glass components from a mixture includes a slide on which the parts are moved in a discrete fashion such that they can be individually identified when moving over a slide window through which light is passed and the slide has a gate arranged downstream of the window which gate is momentarily opened when a non-glass part is identified by the light such that the non-glass part is discharged through the gate so as to be separated from the mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering flowable particulates wherein the particulates are fed at a uniform speed through an array of radiation beams, the interruptions of these beams are used to compute a value representing the total amount of particulates present in the array of beams and this value is totalized with time. This totalized value is used for monitoring the flow of particulates.

Abstract: Textile articles are inspected for size, defects by forming an image e.g. in a video camera, capturing data representing at least salient features of the image, comparing the data automatically with reference data, and effecting a selection process in accordance with the result of the comparison. Articles e.g. socks, presented as a succession of imperfectly matched items, can be sorted for size e.g. into categories of leg and foot length.

Abstract: An automatic control device for a boundary plate of a grain separator for separating a grain mixture into different grains. The grain separator has a separator plate provided with a roughened surface and mounted at inclinations in both of longitudinal and lateral directions with respect to the horizontal plane. A lateral movement is imparted to the different grains on the separator plate by a lateral oscillation given to the separator plate or by a lateral jet of air jetted from a numerous small aperture formed in the separator plate, so that the flow fluxes of different grains are deflected away from each other due to the difference in the physical properties such as specific weight and/or friction coefficient, so that the mixture of different grains are separated.

Abstract: An apparatus including a source for producing a concentrated light beam, such as a laser, a background element spaced from the source against which the light beam is directed, and a transport arrangement for moving translucent bodies, such as French cut potatoes, through the light beam. When light from the source impinges upon a pure translucent body, the light is scattered or diffused within the body around the point of impingement so as to illuminate a surface area of the body larger than the cross-sectional area of the light beam, but light from the source impinging upon an impurity in the translucent body is scattered or diffused to a lesser extent. The background element is formed of a material which causes light from the source which impinges on it to be diffused within the material in a manner similar to the diffusion of the light in the translucent bodies.

Abstract: A system for learning a characterization of an object and thereafter identifying the presence and orientation of the object is capable of controlling a robotic system for grasping the object. In an off-line learning mode, a television camera produces a video signal from the object and a preprocessor develops a segmented line outline of the object in digital form. A computer is programmed to generate a mathematical "rubber band" or convex hull around the object outline formed from segmented lines and to store the x-y coordinates of the lines. The centroid of the hull is calculated and an R(.0.) function as the radius from the centroid to the hull with the maxima thereof is calculated for characterizing the orientation of the object. A truncated Fourier series of the R(.0.) function is generated and the coefficients stored. In an on-line characterization mode, the apparatus generates a characterization of an unknown object and compares it with the learned and stored values of R(.0.) and Fourier coefficients.

Abstract: Apparatus (and method) for parts sorting and the like wherein parts and the like are transported into an interaction region and irradiated with wave energy which interacts with the parts and the like to provide wave energy that emits from the interaction region. The positions of the parts and the like as they move through the interaction region are detected at spaced locations along the path of travel therethrough. The wave energy that emits from the interaction region is sensed to derive a characteristic of the parts and the like at each of the spaced locations to provide signals from which the characteristic can be determined. The signals are analyzed for each spaced location to derive data representative of the characteristic which serves as the basis for sorting.

Abstract: Device for disposing of elongated core instrumentation probes from nuclear reactors, the device having a guide for the probes to be disposed of, shears for cutting the elongated probes into sections and a shroud for receiving the sections, including a shielded storage container, the guide including a switch for bypassing the shroud, and means for controlling the switch together with the shears for directing relatively long probe sections having a relatively low radiation level into the shroud, and for cutting probe parts having a relatively high radiation level into manifold shorter sections and guiding the manifold shorter sections of the probes having the relatively high radiation level into the storage container.

Abstract: The apparatus measures the transmission of light in successive falling objects. A beam is projected, wide enough to bathe all the facing surface of the object. An integrating sphere is on the other side of the object and its inlet and outlet apertures provide cut-offs so that only a hollow cone of flux scattered from the object is trapped in the integrating sphere, this flux being measured by a detector. The detector is connected to a micro-processor whose output is a measure of the clarity of the object. When the object is not in the beam, the beam falls on a detector so that the reduction in flux sensed by the detector is a measure of the projected area of the object. The micro-processor divides the signal from the detector by the reduction in flux, thereby making the output substantially independent of the size of the object.

Abstract: According to the method of the invention, samples undergoing analysis for sorting are irradiated one by one in order to excite X-ray fluorescence. In order to take into account the background radiation, the quality whereof varies according to the frequency of the excited radiation, the radiation peak intensity I.sub.1 is measured, as well as the respective intensity I.sub.2 is measured at the same point of the radiation spectrum but in an essentially wider frequency range than the radiation peak. On the basis of the measured intensities I.sub.1 and I.sub.2 are defined the intensities of the X-ray fluorescence F and the background radiation T, and the ratio of these two is used as the selective criterion when sorting the analyzed samples.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for examining dry material, components of which may have a low level of radioactivity, to sort the radioactive components from the nonradioactive components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recognizing and sorting articles. The apparatus includes at least one reading station having an optoelectronic sensor for forming an image pattern of each article, an evaluation device connected to the optoelectronic sensor and a transporting device which transports the articles underneath the optoelectronic sensor. The transporting device includes an endless transporting belt having a conveying surface with transversely disposed ribs for subdividing the surface into a plurality of sections.

Abstract: A method of ore sorting includes distinguishing ore objects or ore containing objects by the light reflected from a laser beam arranged to scan across each of the objects to be sorted. Where the surface of the object is transmitting to the light a halo is produced by certain objects caused by internal scattered reflections of the light. By monitoring the occurrence or degree of occurrences of halos clean distinction of respective objects can be made. In a particular application, the identification of the presence of quartz pebbles in rock specimens can be used for detecting and sorting gold containing objects.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting a characteristic in particulate material wherein a stream of the material is caused to move past a plurality of detectors, each of which is responsive to the characteristic, the detectors being so arranged in relation to the material stream that the combined response of the detectors for a given particle possessing the characteristic is substantially independent of the position of the particle relative to the detectors as it passes the detectors.

Abstract: A system for sorting parts wherein a part to be sorted is irradiated with wave energy of a single frequency (or very narrow band of frequencies) which interacts with the part. Wave energy emanating from the part is sensed at many spatially separated places to generate an electric signal representative of a characteristic of the amplitude and phase of the detected wave energy at each place. The electric signal so generated is compared with a pre-established signal and any differences therebetween are determined to establish whether the part is within acceptable limits in terms of geometric characteristics, e.g., size, material characteristics and orientation. The part is then acted upon on the basis of the comparison.

Abstract: A method of sorting comprising viewing objects to be sorted to determine whether any of them, at least in part, reflects, transmits or emits light in a predetermined part or parts of the spectrum to an undesired extent or in an undesired ratio, the objects being viewed while passing across a background which is also viewed and whose reflectance, transmission or emission of light in the said part or parts of the spectrum has a predetermined relationship with that of the average of the objects, effecting relative separation between any undesired objects which have been viewed and the remaining objects, periodically effecting an examination as to whether the said predetermined relationship exists and, if it does not, effecting an adjustment of the reflectance, transmission or emission of light by the background and/or adjusting the incident radiation onto the objects in the said part or parts of the spectrum so as to tend to restore the said predetermined relationship.

Abstract: An apparatus for sequentially stitching groups of sheets includes a reject assembly which directs groups of sheets containing either more or less than a predetermined number of sheets to a receiving station without being stitched. If a desired number of sheets is in a group, the group will move through the reject station to a stitching station and then through a folding apparatus at one of two discharge stations. The reject assembly includes a ramp which is movable between a retracted position aligned with a main support surface and an extended position projecting upwardly from the main support surface to a reject conveyor. A main conveyor pushes a group of sheets containing more or less than a predetermined number of sheets up the ramp to a reject conveyor which conducts the groups of sheets to a receiving station.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the separation of a mixture of particles containing differing concentrations of a selected component into three fractions of similar concentration of the selected component. The process comprises conditioning the mixture of particles with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic surface-active agent to selectively coat each of the particles relative to the concentration of the selected component in each particle. In combination with the surface-active agent there is provided a fluorescent dye which either adheres to the coated or non-coated particles. The mixture of conditioned particles is then irradiated to excite and induce fluorescence of the fluorescent dye to a degree sufficient to distinguish among the intensities of fluorescence of the fluorescent dye on the various particles. The particles are separated into concentrate, middling and tailing fractions based upon distinguishing among the intensities of fluorescence.

Abstract: A method for the separation of magnesium-bearing ore particles containing an exposed magnesian-rich mineral on the surface from the lean ore particles containing a lesser surface area of the exposed magnesian mineral which comprises conditioning the ore with a coupling agent of hydroxyquinoline; irradiating the conditioned ore to excite and induce fluorescence; and separating the magnesian-rich mineral from the lean ore particles by detecting the difference of the fluorescence intensity.

Abstract: A method of determining the grade of a radioactive ore particle wherein a grade measurement of the particle e.g. the ratio of its radioactivity to its mass is corrected by means of predetermined calibration factors which are dependent on one or more of the shape, size, density or mass of the particle.

Abstract: In radiometric sorting a method of compensating for the count recorded by a detector for an ore particle which is displaced from the center line of the detector. The compensation is effected by applying one of a plurality of calibration factors to the detector count. The calibration factors are statistically determined and are dependent on the measured displacement and optionally on at least one of the shape, height, volume or mass of the particle.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for and a method of sorting ore having a radio-active component. The method includes the steps of passing a stream of ore particles through a ring detector to detect ore in the stream having a radio-active emission intensity above a predetermined level and then sorting this ore from the remainder of the ore in the stream. Preferably the invention includes the step of determining the mass of each ore particle and correlating the mass and radio-active emission measurements of the particle to determine its grade.

Abstract: A method for increasing resistance to treeing in a polymeric layer comprising an insulating layer on a metal conductor. Pellets of an organic polymeric material also containing an organo silane treeing inhibitor are exposed to ultraviolet radiation, and pellets having portions fluorescing above a predetermined threshold level are separated from the remainder. The remaining pellets are blended together and applied to a metal conductor to form a coating on the conductor. In a preferred embodiment, the organic polymeric material is high molecular weight polyethylene, and the ultraviolet radiation has a wavelength of about 3000 to 4000 A.

Abstract: Inspection apparatus comprising a transparent or translucent tubular member having at least a frusto-conical portion, illuminating elements disposed externally of the tubular member for producing an illuminated zone within the frusto-conical portion, and a viewing arrangement disposed externally of the tubular member and arranged to view objects passing through the illuminated zone in the frusto-conical portion so as to respond to the value of a property of said objects, the tubular member reflecting substantially no light from the illuminated zone onto the viewing arrangement.