Abstract: An automated interrupt driven system which employs a circular buffer is used to sort materials based on differing electromagnetic radiation absorption and penetration characteristics. The system has a conveyor and a source of electromagnetic radiation which radiates materials travelling along the conveyor. A controller samples detector outputs at various times to evaluate the absorption and penetration characteristics of the materials to be sorted, based on a plurality of samples. Portions of the materials are ignored to obtain accurate readings from the detectors. Based on the detected penetration and absorption characteristics, the controller activates ejection mechanisms causing materials of different compositions to be deposited into different bins. The controller executes interrupts to cause detection, ejection, testing, and system history maintenance at required times.

Abstract: A sorting machine for separating substandard items from a continuous stream of products is disclosed wherein the ejector that removes the detected substandard items includes an ejector finger and an actuator. The ejector finger includes a flexible elongate base member fixedly attached with respect to the product stream and a contactor normally withdrawn from the product stream when standard products are in the stream and for entering the product stream to eject a detected substandard item. The actuator flexes the flexible elongate base member to move the ejector contactor so that it enters the product stream for ejecting each detected substandard item. The flexible elongate base member make the ejector more resistant to wear from environmental conditions. A flexible sorting machine ejector mounting mechanism is also disclosed which removes costly mounting mechanisms.

Abstract: First, second and third linear conveyors are arranged in alignment with each other in the stated order. Bottles to be inspected are conveyed standing on their bottoms on the first linear conveyor through an inspection station followed by an ejector for those bottles which fail to match specified characteristics of an acceptable bottle model. The second conveyor has spaced apart parallel translating conveyor belts for frictionally gripping the bottles by their bodies between them to make their mouth ends and bottoms clear for inspection. The bottle discharge end region of the first conveyor and the bottle inlet end region overlap to achieve an overall shorter machine. The second conveyor has a bottle discharge region that overlaps the bottle inlet end region of the third conveyor to achieve a shorter machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the character of a translucent container including a light source for directing a beam of light along an optical axis through a container. A first optical analyzer is provided for analyzing the color of light passing through a container. The first optical analyzer includes one or more detectors for generating signals in response to light incident thereon. A first directing means directs one or more portions of the beam of light passing through the container toward the one or more detectors. Means are provide for determining the color of the container depending upon the relative magnitudes of the signals from the one or more detectors.

Abstract: Methods of operating an automated optical inspection system to separate selected items, e.g., grape stems (124, 126, 128), grape leaves (122), or rocks from a mixture (16) of those items and raisins (120) include illuminating the mixture with illumination (37', 37") characterized by a spectral power distribution (86, 98) in the near infrared (88, 90, 100, 102), detecting reflections of wavelengths of the illumination in the near infrared, identifying the selected items based on the detected reflections, and sorting the selected items from the mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting foreign matter in a particulate material stream, particularly tobacco, including an optical scanner, in combination with a camera system with beam splitter and filters, and a computer to process signals from the camera to determine whether foreign matter is present. If foreign matter is detected, a diverter deviates the flow of the contaminated material onto a discharge conveyor.

Abstract: In an appearance examination apparatus for solid article such as capsules, tablets and the like, the solid articles are all oriented in the horizontal direction in the same manner in a plurality of feeding lines while they are transferred from a hopper to a feeding drum, a first restriction drum and a second restriction drum. The solid articles are continuously supplied to an examination drum which intermittently rotates at predetermined time intervals. The solid articles are held in predetermined positions between first and second examination rollers and are always rotated. An image pick-up device observes the entire surface of the solid articles and the inferior articles are removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated processing of bulk mail which incorporates a number of operating stations that serve to accomplish the various aspects of mail extraction, as well as the subsequent processing of extracted documents, and which are operatively associated with one another to serially process envelopes and extracted documents in continuous fashion and substantially independent of their characteristic features. To this end, the operating stations of the apparatus are configured to be as independent as possible of the characteristics of the envelopes and their contents so that envelopes and contents of varied characteristics can be effectively handled by the apparatus without requiring any significant adjustments.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for singulating inhomogeneous materials. The pieces of materials are first deposited onto a cleat conveyor which is set at an incline so that the pieces of material not residing on a cleat will fall backwards. The cleat conveyor deposits the materials onto a cross conveyor which has a cross conveyor path perpendicular to the cleat conveyor path. There is a slight drop and slide between the cleat conveyor and cross conveyor. The cross conveyor then deposits materials onto a diverter system having a diverter conveyor moving material along a path. The path is interrupted by diverters extending at obtuse angles across the path of the materials. The diverter system works the materials into a single file order and performs some spacing. The diverter conveyor then deposits the materials onto an acceleration conveyor having a velocity greater then the diverter conveyor.

Abstract: A cartridge shell plate stacking apparatus has a plurality of arms circulating along an annular cam rail. Each arm has a magnet in its distal end. The cam rail lowers the distal end of the arm in a pick-up station to cause the magnet to attract one of the cartridge shell plates successively conveyed on a bucket conveyer and hold the shell plate in the horizontal state with plush ribbons stuck on the upside surfaces. The cam rail also lowers the distal end of the arm in a piling station wherein a piling box having a cut-out formed in the top edge of a side wall is disposed. Although the distal end passes through the cut-out, the cartridge shell plate cannot pass and strikes against the side wall, thereby to drop into the piling box.

Abstract: An apparatus used for quality control in the plastics recycling industry for quality control of recycled post consumer clear plastics beverage containers by their ultraviolet black light reflected color, and sends information to a personal computer connected by analog to digital port that compiles a report by software in the P.V.C. contaminants content of a grain sized probe sample of ground P.E.T. material. The apparatus has a photomultiplier tube fitted with a filter capable of blocking the nanometer light wavelength region reflected ultraviolet black light color of P.E.T., allowing the reflected color of P.V.C. to pass through the filter to allow detection and removal of the P.V.C..

Abstract: An extraction apparatus for the automated processing of bulk mail includes a first pair of rollers forming a nip for receiving each of a plurality of envelopes, with their contents. The envelopes, which have been opened along plural contiguous edges, are then passed to a second pair of rollers following the first pair of rollers, for receiving the opened envelopes (with the contents) from the first pair of rollers. The second pair of rollers are spaced from one another and each include a suction cup for engaging faces of the opened envelope responsive to an applied vacuum, and for spreading the faces of the envelope apart. A third pair of rollers following the second pair of rollers forms a nip for receiving the contents from between the second pair of rollers, thereby removing the contents from the envelope.

Abstract: Provided are water-dissipatable, sulfo-containing polyesters and polyester-amides having copolymerized therein thermally stable near infrared flourophoric compounds. The polymers are useful in coating or ink compositions, which are in turn useful for marking articles for identification/authentication purposes. Also provided is a method for invisibly marking such articles and a method for detecting and sorting articles by utilizing the near infrared flourophoric ink or coating compositions.

Abstract: Chromosomes are characterized by fluorescent emissions from a single fluorescent dye that is excited over two different wavelengths. A mixture containing chromosomes is stained with a single dye selected from the group consisting of TOTO and YOYO and the stained chromosomes are placed in a flow cytometer. The fluorescent dye is excited sequentially by a first light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet range to excite the TOTO or YOYO to fluoresce at a first intensity and by a second light having a wavelength effective to excite the TOTO or YOYO dye to fluoresce at a second intensity. Specific chromosomes may be identified and sorted by intensity relationships between the first and second fluorescence emissions.

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: A method and device for detection and identification of liquid, solid, and gaseous foreign substances of beverages and/or beverage residues in re-usable bottles, especially in plastic bottles and other containers. Electromagnetic radiation traverses the walls of the bottles and containers at least once, and by areas of residual liquid, areas with liquid films, solid films on the inside wall and areas with contamination inside the wall are detected by the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to identify objects by radiating them with electromagnetic waves in UV to IR ranges and processing the waves incidenting from the object by means of an electronic signal processing unit, whereby the waves incidenting from the object strike at least one chip equipped with photodiodes which transmits the taken photoexcitation to a neuronal network, and after alteration of defined individual or several object features such as spatial arrangement, shape and contours, or feature changes by removing parts of the object, waves incidenting from this altered object strike the chip and the transmission of the photoexcitations received by the chip to the neuronal network continues at least so long until the neuronal network transmits at least one signal specific for the object that initiates defined sequence steps. The present invention relates further to a device for implementing the method.

Abstract: A glass cullet separator utilizes a multi-element optical sensor to detect when an opaque particle in a group primarily composed of transparent particles moving along a plane passes a first line lying in that plane, and the particular location of the particle along the first line. A signal from the optical sensor is fed to a microprocessor. After a delay equal to the time it takes for a particle to pass between the first line and a second line, which is parallel to and separated from the first line, the microprocessor causes a valve to open and emit a jet of high velocity air from a nozzle aimed toward the plane along the second line. The jet of air blows the opaque particle out of the plane where it is captured and separated from the remainder of the particles. A plurality of nozzles are located in a manifold which extends across the extent of the second line. The manifold also supports the valves and fluid conduits that interconnect the valves and the nozzles.

Abstract: An automated interrupt driven system which employs a circular buffer is used to sort materials based on differing electromagnetic radiation absorption and penetration characteristics. The system has a conveyor and a source of electromagnetic radiation which radiates materials travelling along the conveyor. A controller samples detector outputs at various times to evaluate the absorption and penetration characteristics of the materials to be sorted, based on a plurality of samples. Portions of the materials are ignored to obtain accurate readings from the detectors. Based on the detected penetration and absorption characteristics, the controller activates ejection mechanisms causing materials of different compositions to be deposited into different bins. The controller executes interrupts to cause detection, ejection, testing, and system history maintenance at required times.

Abstract: Provided are water-dissipatable, sulfo-containing polyesters and polyester-amides having copolymerized therein thermally stable near infrared flourophoric compounds. The polymers are useful in coating or ink compositions, which are in turn useful for marking articles for identification/authentication purposes. Also provided is a method for invisibly marking such articles and a method for detecting and sorting articles by utilizing the near infrared flourophoric ink or coating compositions.

Abstract: A method for controlling the processing of poultry in different production lines operating in parallel, wherein the control of the processing of a specific bird or a part thereof takes place on the basis of data derived from one or more observed contours of the bird or a part thereof. For purposes of the control the data may be supplemented by the weight of the bird or part thereof. In a device for carrying out the method the observation takes place with the aid of one or more radiation sources which transmit radiation rays to one or more radiation detectors, which radiation rays can be interrupted or weakened by the birds or parts thereof passing therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated processing of bulk mail, wherein envelopes are transferred to the apparatus in bulk fashion (from incoming mail trays or the like) for the extraction of documents contained by the envelopes, communicates with a remittance processing device, preferably both automatically and without the need for human intervention. Subsequent processing of the extracted documents within the remittance processing device then proceeds in usual fashion, completing the acquisition of information which is necessary to ready such documents for deposit into the banking system.

Abstract: A conveyor system for moving small particles of material from one location to another includes a flow diverter to divert the flow leaving a first conveyor to a second or third conveyor wherein one of the second or third conveyors is a reject conveyor to remove that material which includes foreign objects therein. The flow diverter is operated in response to a foreign object detection device which is operable in response to material moving along the first conveyor wherein the information obtained from the foreign material detecting device is received in a computer, wherein the computer actuates a piston operated air cylinder to move a perforated sheet member from one location to another so that the flow of material from the first conveyor or any part of the material leaving the first conveyor may be diverted to a reject conveyor.

Abstract: A computer input device uses an ordinary sheet material such as a card, letter or envelope to select and point to a symbol. A remote portion of the sheet material covers sensors which sense available ambient light. Uncovered sensors provide background light information. A single sensor is associated with multiple symbols and is associated with symbols in at least two specific groups of symbols. A processor is connected to a demultiplexer and a multiplexer, and the demultiplexer and multiplexer are connected to individual sensors. Biasing resistors are connected to individual sensors. The processor selects a pair of connectors from the demultiplexer and multiplexer, thus sampling a particular sensor. The output of that sensor is converted a digital signal, which is sent to the processor and stored in a random access memory.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for automatically inspecting and rejecting glass articles during the continuous manufacture thereof. In particular, an optical pyrometer is provided for measuring the top of each glass article and generating signals representative of the residual temperature thereof. A computer includes software which processes the temperature signals and generates actuating signals if the temperature does not fall within a range of predetermined temperature setpoints. Generation of such actuating signals actuates a hammer which removes each defective glass article.

Abstract: A sorting machine comprising a transparent tube (16); a material supply member (15) from which material, which is to be sorted into desired and undesired portions, may pass through the transparent tube (16); a light-detector (20) disposed externally of the transparent tube (16) for receiving light from material passing through the latter; a discriminator (21), controlled by the light-detector (20), for discriminating between the desired and undesired portions; a separator (22), controlled by the discriminator (21), for separating the material which has been passed through the transparent tube (16) into the desired and undesired portions; a cleaning member (32); and a movement effecting device (36) for moving the cleaning member (32) against the wall of the transparent tube (16) characterized in that the cleaning member (16) forms part of a cleaning-calibration member (31) which is used in the calibration of the discriminator (21); and there is an actuator (30) operable so that each one of the material supply

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distinguishing and separating material items having different levels of absorption of penetrating electromagnetic radiation by utilizing a source of radiation for irradiating an irradiation zone extending transversely of a feed path over which the material items are fed or passed. The irradiation zone includes a plurality of transversely spaced radiation detectors for receiving the radiation beams from the radiation source. The material items passing through the irradiation zone between the radiation source and the detectors measures one or more of the transmitted beams in each item passing through the irradiation zone to produce processing signals which are analyzed by signal analyzers to produce actuated signals for actuating a separator device in order to discharge the irradiated items toward different locations depending upon the level of radiation absorption in each of the items.

Abstract: A support member for supporting objects undergoing inspection, the support member having an uppermost layer whose color is highly reflective in predetermined wavelengths in the range 580 to 1000 nm, the uppermost layer being in direct contact with a further layer which further layer is disposed below the uppermost layer and which reflects at least 70% of any light falling on it having predetermined wavelengths in the range 360 nm to 870 nm.

Abstract: Meat having lean meat portions and fat meat portions is cut into relatively small segments of higher lean meat content and higher fat content. The segments are vibrated to prevent clinging between segments as they are conveyed to a segment spacing station where the segments are spaced from one another. The spaced segments are passed through the sensing zone of a sensor where an optical characteristic related to fat or lean meat content is sensed. Segments having a higher lean meat content are separated from segments of higher fat content in response to the sensed characteristic.

Abstract: In order to sort diamond-bearing ore particles conveyed on a wide belt, exciting radiation strikes the belt along an extended line. Diamonds are detected by passing the emitted radiation through a narrow band pass filter and sensing the Raman radiation with a photo-multiplier tube. Only axial-parallel rays passing through the filter reach the photo-multiplier tube. An array of side-by-side converging lenses can be used, the lenses being of rectangular shape as seen looking along the optical axis with their long axes at right angles to the line of radiation. The ore particles are in the plane of the foci of the lenses, so that radiation emitted by each particle is passed in parallel rays through the filter. In order to stop rays having an angle of incidence greater than the maximum permitted, to avoid identifying non-diamond material as diamond, a further converging lens is used to focus the rays at the plane of a telecentric stop. The stop stops rays having too great an angle of incidence.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus is disclosed which utilizes transmitted light to determine whether or not an article under inspection is defective in order to reject any article determined to be defective. A light irradiator is provided on irradiating an article being inspected with a light beam having a smaller diameter than that of an article, and a light condenser is provided for condensing the rays of light transmitted through the article while being diffused. Two light detectors respectively detect two specific kinds of light having different wavelengths from among the condensed rays of light transmitted through the article. A ratio is obtained between the intensities of the two specific kinds of light detected by the light detector and compared with a predtermined ratio in order to determine whether the article under inspection has undergone deterioration in quality.

Abstract: This invention measures the properties of individual particles in particle-suspended liquid by an optical technique or the like, causes the particle-suspended liquid to fall while separating the liquid into droplets containing the individual particles therein, and causes liquid droplets discharged from a nozzle to collide with the droplets from a direction differing from the direction of fall, in conformity with the properties of the particles discriminated by the measurement, so as to change the direction of fall of the falling droplets, thereby fractionating the particles.

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 system and method for inspecting and rejecting defective containers comprising a plurality of reflective infrared sensors, an electronic logic control and a container removal device. The system assesses the quality of the flange of the container and senses the height of the container by sensors irradiating the flange portion of the container with narrow beams of infrared light at varying heights and receiving radiation reflected from the flange portion. The acceptability of the container is determined by the quantum of reflected radiation received by the sensors. Unacceptable containers are removed by a high-speed pneumatic cylinder coupled to independently controlled, solenoid-operated air valves which govern the movement of the cylinder piston of the pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the grade of rice grains includes a grain supply unit, vibrating troughs on which the rice grains run in their longitudinal posture, flow-down troughs having slits each opening to each of the flow-down troughs, a reflected light measuring unit having its light sources and its detecting element for detecting the amount of the light reflected from the rice grains, a transmitted light measuring unit having its light sources and its detecting element for detecting the amount of the light transmitted through the rice grains at the positions of the slits, and a calculation control unit for digitally calculating the values measured at the reflected light measuring unit and the transmitted light measuring unit for evaluating the rice grains into a plurality of grades. The light sources for reflection may be of visible light and the light source for transmission may be of infrared light.

Abstract: A visual inspection system for inspecting pharmaceutical tablets. The system comprises a photoelectric detection means for detecting the light intensity within an inspection area on a tablet and for generating a detection signal which varies with that light intensity. The system also comprises a signal processing means for comparing the detection signal to a predetermined standard in order to generate a selection signal and a transducer means which is responsive to the selection signal. A separation means separates the tablets into at least two groups in accordance with the selection signal. Yet another aspect of this invention is a method for inspecting the surface of pharmaceutical tablets using the above-described vision inspection system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of pits and abnormalities in various stone fruits. The apparatus transmits a first plurality of beams of light (18) across inspection zone (14) and transmits a second plurality of beams of light (22) across inspection zone (14) in a direction opposite to beams of light (18). As a stone fruit (10) passes through inspection zone (14), a first plurality of sensors (32) and a second plurality of sensors (34) detect the variations in the intensity of the transmitted beams of light. The light transmittance and reflectance characteristics of the stone fruit are analyzed to detect the presence of a pit or internal or external abnormality.

Abstract: Methods of discriminating between contaminated and uncontaminated containers prior to washing is disclosed characterized by the testing of the residue of the container to determine if the residue is residue of the original product packed in the container. If the residue is not sufficiently similar to the original product, the container is rejected as contaminated.

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: The apparatus of the invention comprises a lighting device for illuminating a component to be inspected to form a halo of light around a periphery of the component and a system for comparing the shape of the halo of light to a known acceptable shape. A camera may be used to detect the halo and a programmed computer may be used to perform image analysis of the shape of the halo to determine if it conforms to an acceptable shape.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for using infrared radiation to distinguish between live and dead poultry eggs. The apparatus comprises a plurality of infrared sensors, means for moving a fixed array of eggs to a predetermined aligned position with respect to the infrared sensors. The apparatus records the infrared radiation emitted by each egg in the array, and calculates a threshold temperature from the individual temperatures for which 70 percent of the eggs measured in the fixed array are cooler. The apparatus includes means for removing dead eggs from the fixed array which are identified as having temperatures more than one degree Fahrenheit cooler than the threshold temperature.

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: Method and apparatus for sorting desired pieces of material from undesired material present in mixtures thereof. A piece of material from a mixture of pieces of desired and undesired materials is irradiated with a plurality of wavelengths of near-infrared radiation. The absorptions by the irradiated piece of near-infrared radiation energy is measured at a plurality of wavelengths. The measured absorptions are sequentially compared to a successive series of predetermined different absorption criteria in a predetermined order, which criteria distinguish the desired material from undesired material. If the piece fails any one criterion, it is rejected, whereas if the piece passes all criteria, it is accepted as a desired piece.

Abstract: The invention is a method of distinguishing between live and dead poultry eggs. The method comprises monitoring the individual temperatures of the selected group of eggs and then using the monitored individual egg temperatures to determine a comparative egg temperature for the selected group. The difference between each individual egg temperature and the comparative egg temperature of the selected group is determined, and dead eggs are identified on the basis of the difference between their monitored individual temperatures and the comparative egg temperature of the selected group.

Abstract: A method for discriminating between contaminated and uncontaminated containers prior to washing is disclosed characterized by the testing of the residue of the container to determine if the residue is residue of the original product packed in the container. If the residue is not sufficiently similar to the original product, the container is rejected as contaminated.

Abstract: The a system includes a visual inspection unit, a plating thickness inspection unit, and a shape inspection unit, suitably arranged in combination on the inspection line for automatic inspection of stains, flaws, glossiness or deformation in plated IC lead frames. The system can be used by an inventive method to correct errors in positional relation between a reference image and images input from an inspection camera, to obtain a comparison between a reference luminance curve and the individual luminance curves and the correlation between reflectivity and the corresponding area, and to obtain a comparison between the reference correlation and individual correlations to thereby enhance automation and precision in inspection IC lead frames.

Abstract: Methods of discriminating between contaminated and uncontaminated containers prior to washing is disclosed characterized by the testing of the residue of the container to determine if the residue is residue of the original product packed in the container. If the residue is not sufficiently similar to the original product, the container is rejected as contaminated.

Abstract: A material handling work piece orienter utilizes an array of optical sensors to sense work piece orientation and other characteristics and determines the status of the work piece preparatory to taking action on said work piece. The orienter has the flexibility to be taught numerous work piece orientations and characteristics in a short time with a selective degree of accuracy.

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: The invention is a lamp quality judgement apparatus and judgement method which judge quality by detecting the state of gas sealed in an electric lamp such as a gas-filled incandescent lamp, etc. in which gas with an Argon-Nitrogen mixture as its main component is sealed. More particularly, a lamp in which such gas is sealed is classified as a good product or as a bad product by imposing a high DC voltage or a high AC or pulsed voltage with a comparatively low frequency of 1 kHz or less across the lamp's valve and filament coil to produce discharge and emission, in the lamp, of a light in a wavelength region in the vicinity of 560 nm and judging the radiation state in this 560 nm light spectrum, i.e., the state of discharge in the lamp.