Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for multispectral measuring of products, such as vegetables and fruit, a sorting system provided therewith and a method therefor. A measuring device according to the invention comprises a frame provided with transport means for transporting the products, a camera system provided with at least one light source and at least one camera for recording an image at a frequency or frequency spectrum, and a controller operatively connected to the camera system for controlling the camera system, wherein the controller is provided with a data processing system and detection system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inspection system having a background positioned adjacent an inspection zone; and an image capturing device configured to receive background electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from the background and from the inspection zone, the inspection zone being configured and arranged to receive material for transport into the inspection zone; wherein the background has a background property defined by a background emission, a background absorbance, and a background reflectance, the background property being matched in EMR to a material EMR of material to be transported into the inspection zone, the material having a material property defined by a material emission, a material absorbance, and a material reflectance; and wherein the image capturing device is configured to detect a foreign object within material when transported into the inspection zone by deducting the background EMR from the material EMR.

Abstract: A memory device including: a first core of memory bitcells; a second core of memory bitcells; pre-decoding circuitry shared by the first core and the second core; and a row decoder coupled to the pre-decoding circuitry, the first core, and the second core, the row decoder including a first set-reset (SR) latch coupled to a first wordline of the first core and a second SR latch coupled to a second wordline of the second core.

Abstract: An optical unit for an optical sorter can simplify the assembling operation and the installing operation of the optical sorter through unifying components of an optical section of the optical sorter for sorting objects to be sorted such as a granular object or a sheet object. The optical unit includes an optical detection means for detecting the object to be sorted, an ejector means for ejecting the object to be sorted, a discrimination means for processing detection signal from the optical detection means to make a quality discrimination of the sorted objects, and an ejector driving means for driving the ejector means based on the quality discrimination of the discrimination means. The optical detection means, the ejector means, the discrimination means, and the ejector driving means are integrated into a housing to unify them to provide the optical unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for measuring products, such as fruits including vegetables and fruit, sorting system provided therewith, and method therefor. The measuring device according to the invention comprises: —a frame provided with a number of movable fruit carriers on which or between which products can be placed for carrying and with which the products can be moved in a transport direction; and a sensor configured to perform a measurement or series of measurements on the products on or between the fruit carriers, wherein at least parts of the sensor are configured to enable the sensor to perform measurements over a measuring path, and wherein the measuring path is arranged at an angle to the transport direction so that a measurement can be performed over a distance over the product.

Abstract: A lens assembly with an integrated light source includes a light source configured to emit light to an object to be measured, a lens configured to receive light diffused and reflected from inside the object, a through hole formed at a center of the lens, in which the light source is arranged, and an internal light shielding unit arranged between the light source and an inner wall of the through hole, wherein a front portion of the internal light shielding unit protrudes from a surface of the lens toward the object.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for detecting foam in a specimen container. The method includes the following steps: transporting a specimen container into a locator well; centering the specimen container in the locator well; rotating the specimen container around a vertical axis in the locator well; imaging the specimen container during the rotation; analyzing an image of the specimen container captured during the rotation; and detecting foam in the specimen container based on the analysis of the image. An apparatus configured to perform the steps is also provided. The method and apparatus may be used in conjunction with a system for automatically determining whether a sample is positive for microorganism growth.

Abstract: For sorting silkworm chrysalises, a feed mechanism positions silkworm chrysalises on a delivery mechanism. The delivery mechanism receives and carries the silkworm chrysalises from the feed mechanism. A detection mechanism detects a female silkworm chrysalis based on an optical wavelength emitted by the female silkworm chrysalis. A sorting mechanism that sorts the silkworm chrysalises, putting female silkworm chrysalises into a female collecting box, and male silkworm chrysalises into male collecting box.

Abstract: An optical computing device utilizes an Integrated Computational Element (“ICE”) core to correct calibration transfer errors in the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to system conceived and designed to identify pieces of fruit, especially citrus fruits, affected by any amount of rot and to determine the automatic expulsion of these pieces from the conveyor moving them through the installation. The system comprises illuminating the fruits with UV-A band light in a computer vision unit, and capturing images of the illuminated fruits by means of a camera to send them to a general control member in order to detect fluorescences associated to the rot effect. The identified fruit is automatically expelled from the conveyor in an expulsion unit, the position of the defective fruit being determined with the aid of an encoder associated to the conveyor. The general control member is a PC type computer, equipped with specific application software.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for sorting foreign matter from a flow, the method comprising the steps of: identifying objects within a flow; for each identified object, determining reflectance intensities at at least two different wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths; and for each identified object, comparing the reflectance intensities at the at least two different wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths to a reference intensity profile, wherein the identified object is characterized as foreign matter when the reflectance intensities at the at least two different wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths fall within a predetermined region of the reference intensity profile.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the use of differences in x-ray linear absorption coefficients to process ore and remove elements with higher atomic number from elements with lower atomic numbers. Use of this dry method at the mine reduces pollution and transportation costs. One example of said invention is the ejection of inclusions with sulfur, silicates, mercury, arsenic and radioactive elements from coal. This reduces the amount and toxicity of coal ash. It also reduces air emissions and the energy required to clean stack gases from coal combustion. Removal of said ejected elements improves thermal efficiency and reduces the pollution and carbon footprint for electrical production.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a measurement in an in-line system for detecting presence of an out-of-parameter part is provided. The method includes conveying a tubular member to a detection system comprising a laser sensor arranged and configured to direct a beam of light onto an upper end surface of the tubular member for obtaining a measurement. The laser sensor is offset from a center of the tubular member such that the beam of light is directed onto an outer side of the upper end surface. The beam of light is directed onto the upper end surface at the outer side of the tubular member and the beam of light moves from a front quadrant of the upper end surface to a rearward quadrant of the upper end surface.

Abstract: A printing system is provided that dynamically adjusts the method of printing an image based on the lightness or darkness of the medium upon which the image will be printed. The reflectivity of the medium upon which an image is to be printed is determined, and the way in which the image will be printed is adjusted based on the determined reflectivity of the medium. For lighter colored mediums, on which sufficient contrast will be provided, the image can be printed directly onto the medium. For darker colored mediums, on which the ink used to print the image will not provide enough contrast with respect to the medium to produce a reliably readable image, the method of printing the image is modified to ensure that sufficient contrast is always provided to produce a reliably readable image.

Abstract: A printing system is provided that dynamically adjusts the method of printing an image based on the lightness or darkness of the medium upon which the image will be printed. The reflectivity of the medium upon which an image is to be printed is determined, and the way in which the image will be printed is adjusted based on the determined reflectivity of the medium. For lighter colored mediums, on which sufficient contrast will be provided, the image can be printed directly onto the medium. For darker colored mediums, on which the ink used to print the image will not provide enough contrast with respect to the medium to produce a reliably readable image, the method of printing the image is modified to ensure that sufficient contrast is always provided to produce a reliably readable image.

Abstract: A system for sorting a mixed stream of different colored cullet into separate groups of same colored cullet comprises a light emitting source for transmitting light, such as white light, through a cullet, and a camera having a plurality of pixels for receiving light transmitted through the cullet or detecting the absence of light blocked by an opaque contaminant, the camera providing at least one value from the light received, wherein the cutlet moves along a designated path based on the at least one value. The camera collects the received light at a desired sampling interval and a circuit converts the values into digital representation values. The circuit calculates a non-linear function from the digital representation values. An electrostatic or fluid driving actuator directs the cullet along a deflected path based on a value of the non-linear function. A vibratory feeder provides the cullet onto a conveyer belt having an exit roller of a desired diameter.

Abstract: An illumination device for use with a product inspection machine inspecting products according to at least one characteristic. The invention also pertains to an illumination device for use in sorting machines that optically sort or separate nonstandard fungible objects from standard objects as they pass a viewing station by viewing such objects illuminated by at least one wavelength. The invention includes a plurality of arrays of semiconductor light sources impinging on passing product and at least one array of semiconductor light sources of wavelength and intensity equal to the plurality of arrays impinging on a background surface for detection and comparison.

Abstract: In an ingredient analysis method and an ingredient analysis apparatus in accordance with the present invention, high-frequency power is supplied from a power source 4 while helium gas is supplied to an atmospheric pressure plasma source 2 disposed near a substance to be analyzed, whereby plasma 5 is generated, and the substance to be analyzed is exposed to the plasma 5 and emits light. The light is guided to a filter 7 and a photodiode 8 via an optical fiber 6 and subjected to photoelectrical conversion. The signal obtained by the photoelectrical conversion is sent to a controller 9. The controller 9 judges whether a specific element is present or not in the substance to be analyzed.

Abstract: A method for separating objects, such as stones, wherein each object is dropped through a predefined path, such as a drop tube. Then, for each object, the time when the object passes through a predefined point in the path is determined, as are selected characteristics, such as the color, of the object. The characteristics of the object are matched, if possible, to various criteria and, depending on the criteria to which the object is matched, a diverter gate is activated to divert the object from the predefined path to an appropriate collection bin.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring the presence of an analyte in a closed vial wherein a sample contained within the closed vial is conveyed to an analyzer. The analyzer determines a value of a spectral property dependent on analyte concentration at a position within a headspace formed above the sample within the vial. An indicator is used to compare the measured value of the spectral property with a predetermined limit criteria to determine the presence or absence of the analyte. Vials wherein the presence of the analyte is detected are indicated as product vials whereas vials wherein the absence of the analyte is detected are indicated as rejected vials. The rejected vials are conveyed by a transferrer to a rejected vial station. A first portion of the product vials are conveyed by a sampler to a sample collection station. A second portion of the product vials are conveyed to a labeler.

Abstract: A color-based sorting apparatus comprising, a material supplying device provided so as to discharge and supply the grains stored therein, a color detecting device detecting a color of each of the grains passing through a setting region, a sorting processing section operating to change a transference path for defective grains, a control device, which determines whether each of the grains to be sorted is defective or not based on a detection signal from the color detecting device, and when it is determined that one of the grains is defective, the control device activating the sorting processing section, and a feeding roll disposed between the material supplying device and the color detecting device and rotating around an axial line thereof to cause the grains to be sorted, which are supplied from said material supplying device aligned in an axial direction, to freely fall down toward the color detecting device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining an attribute of an article during the transfer of the article by an article-feeding machine during the transfer of the article from one location to another location.

Abstract: A system for sorting a mixed stream of different colored cullet into separate groups of same colored cullet comprises a light emitting source for transmitting light, such as white light, through a cullet, and a camera having a plurality of pixels for receiving light transmitted through the cullet or detecting the absence of light blocked by an opaque contaminant, the camera providing at least one value from the light received, wherein the cullet moves along a designated path based on the at least one value. The camera collects the received light at a desired sampling interval and a circuit converts the values into digital representation values. The circuit calculates a non-linear function from the digital representation values. An electrostatic or fluid driving actuator directs the cullet along a deflected path based on a value of the non-linear function. A vibratory feeder provides the cullet onto a conveyer belt having an exit roller of a desired diameter.

Abstract: An article sorting apparatus and method is disclosed and which conveys a mixture of articles on a conveyor belt and through an inspection zone, and which includes at least one illumination source emitting red, green, and infrared radiation for illuminating the articles in the inspection zone; a detector system for sensing the red, green, and infrared radiation reflected from the articles in the inspection zone, and which generates red data, green data, and infrared data; a processor receiving the red data, green data, and infrared data and which generates article sorting data; and a sorter responsive to the sorting data for separating the articles into acceptable articles and unacceptable articles.

Abstract: A reciprocating rod of the ejector is borne in a non-sliding state by permanent magnets on the reciprocating rod and permanent magnets surrounding the reciprocating rod. The reciprocating rod linearly projects out and retracts by the reciprocating components which cause the reciprocating rod to reciprocate by the driving signals from the driver circuit. A slanted surface is provided at the foremost end of the reciprocating rod. When the granular objects to be ejected flow-in continuously, the projecting-out action takes place correspondingly with the leading granular object to be ejected and, after the following granular object(s) to be ejected has been ejected, the retracting action takes place.

Abstract: A scanner system analyses data plotted in a scatter plot in accordance with user-specified criteria or statistical measures from the data population, to produce a scatter plot that displays in the plotted data the boundaries for the selection of out-lyer points and/or otherwise visually denotes in the plotted data which points are the out-lyer points. The scanner system analyzes the underlying data based on user-specified differential expression ratios, or based on criteria associated with the statistics of the data population, to produce out-lyer boundaries that are represented by diverging lines. Alternatively, the system may analyze the underlying data based on absolute expression levels, to produce boundaries that are represented in the plot by lines that meet at an identity line of slope 1.

Abstract: A method for determining the wood/bark ratio from a flow of wood material, in which the flow is illuminated in a non-flashing manner, scanned along a transverse line with a video camera with at least three channels, the line image corresponding to the line is digitalized into pixels each of which comprise intensity information, the intensity classes corresponding to the wood and the bark are determined in each channel and the pixels belonging to each class are calculated with the help of their intensity-information, and the wood/bark ratio is determined by the number of pixels situated in the different intensity classes. The dynamics of each channel are at least 10, most preferably 12 bit.

Abstract: A color sorting apparatus is provided, which defines a sorting area through which the products to be sorted pass. The apparatus includes: a background formed by a liquid crystal display (LCD) located adjacent to the sorting area; an optical sensor located across the sorting area from the background; and a processor coupled to the optical sensor. The optical sensor senses the radiation output from the background and the radiation reflected from and/or transmitted through the products passing through the sorting area, and generates a radiation signal indicative of the sensed radiation. The processor receives the radiation signal from the optical sensor, determines whether the received signal falls outside a predefined range of acceptable signals, and if so, identifies a portion of the products corresponding to the signal outside the predefined range. The apparatus may further include a feedback system to compensate for color/intensity drifting in the background during sorting operation.

Abstract: An optical paper sorter that uses diffuse reflectance to identify a sheet of paper as either white or non-white. An illuminating fiber optic bundle carries light from a tungsten halogen lamp onto a sheet of paper. A receiving trifurcated fiber optic bundle collects light that is diffusely reflected from the sheet of paper. The light in each branch of the receiving fiber bundle is incident upon a detector after passing through a color filter positioned between the end of the fiber bundle and the detector. At each detector a specific isolated color (blue, green or red) in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum is incident, causing a photo electric voltage to be produced that is proportional to the intensity of the isolated component. A processor uses the mean and standard deviation of relative reflectances that are obtained based on the three voltage signals to determine if the paper is predominantly white or non-white.

Abstract: A sorter is provided for sorting unacceptable agricultural products or foreign objects from acceptable ones. Preferably, the sorter is a monochromatic one performed as the products pass in streams past an illuminated viewing station. The view station includes a plurality of aligned optical sensors. The optical sensors sense the reflected light from the stream of product passing the optical station and form electrical signals indicative of the sensed light. The electrical signals are then processed and the product is accepted or rejected based on its optical characteristics. The sorter may illuminate the product stream with a source capable of generating a visible light spectra or with a source capable of generating a near-infrared spectra. Each illumination source having specific mounting sockets in the sorter. Additionally, the sorter is capable of operating a near-IR source at a significantly reduced voltage whereby the working life of the source is greatly extended.

Abstract: A chip sorting apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an article transport mechanism, a light source positioned to direct light across surfaces of transported articles, and a detector positioned to detect light reflected from such surfaces and emit signals each indicative of a spectrum of light reflected by one such article as such articles are transported. A signal analyzer compares detector signals with stored data representative of the colors of articles of a set of articles being sorted. The analyzer emits article identifying signals reflective of such comparison. The apparatus also includes a sorter which is responsive to such identifying signals and directs identified articles from the transport mechanism into appropriate ones of a set of collection stations. A method of sorting a set of articles according to color is also disclosed.

Abstract: A grain sorting method and a device is provided which serves to continuously and quickly detect the appearance quality of the grains. The grain sorting device includes a feeding mechanism and a scattering mechanism where the grains are separately scattered over the surface of a conveying belt. The conveying belt serves to transfer the grains to a photographing section where they are photographed and inspected by an electric coupling device. Various parameters of the grains are calculated and the inspected results are compared with data stored in a computer. The grains are then sorted into different classifications and respectively collected by a discharging device.

Abstract: Scrap containing copper is discriminated from iron scrap after being pulverized by imaging iron scrap using a color TV camera, treating RGB signals processed by each of the points in the image as a color vector, and discriminating scrap containing copper from iron scrap when the saturation value of the color vector is larger than a predetermined value and the hue angle of the color vector lies within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A multiple channel gravity-fed slide for a sorting machine is disclosed wherein the heights of the divider ribs between channels are at least high enough to define the channels and keep normally sized products flowing within the respective channels. At least some of the dividers or ribs have a tall height for supporting a product guide or keeper to provide some singulation and order to the products in the respective channels while allowing oversized and misshapen items to overlap into adjacent channels, thereby minimizing jamming of one or more channels.

Abstract: An agricultural implement (for example, a spray device) differentiates living plants growing in a field from background materials (such as soil) by detecting a change in slope of a reflectance characteristic of objects in a field of view. By using a change in slope of the reflectance characteristic, a small percentage of living plant material in the field of view can be detected and the agricultural implement need not be calibrated to a particular background material. In some embodiments, if the change in slope is determined to exceed a predetermined threshold amount, then it is determined that a weed likely exists in the field of view and a solenoid-operated spray valve is opened at the appropriate time to spray the entire area (including the weed) that was in the field of view with herbicide.

Abstract: A reagent for analyzing cells in urine and a method for analyzing cells in urine with the use of the reagent are provided. The present invention discloses a reagent for analyzing cells in urine which comprises solution(s) containing a fluorescent dye, an osmolarity compensating agent and a buffer, as well as a method for analyzing cells in urine which comprises diluting a urine sample and staining cells therein with the reagent, irradiating the cells with light in the violet or blue wavelength region by using a flow cytometer and measuring the forward or side scattered light and fluorescence from the cells.

Abstract: A method of selecting low-pressure mercury discharge lamps comprising a luminescent layer, the luminescent layer being excited and the low-pressure mercury discharge lamps being selected in dependence on the emission spectrum of the visible light emitted by the luminescent layer. The luminescent layer is excited by a light source arranged outside the low-pressure mercury discharge lamp and which generates ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength above 300 nm. This makes it possible to use the presence of a blue-luminescent substance in the luminescent layer as a selection criterion for both leaky and intact low-pressure mercury discharge lamps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the optical sorting of bulk material in a colour-sorting machine while it is conveyed over a transport belt and moves past an observation head with a light source and a product signal receiver arranged in the vicinity of the light source, whereby the reflected light of the image points of the examination material is broken down into several spectral ranges by various colour filters of detection elements lying next to one another of a line of the receiver and the examination material is sorted on the basis of the colour values (measured value of the intensity in the colour in question).

Abstract: To detect a foaming contaminant in a moving container, an image of the moving container and any contents thereof is produced. Thereafter, image processing techniques are used to determine levels of low and high frequency spatial variations in intensity in the image. The levels of low and high frequency spatial variations in intensity are then compared to determine the presence of a foaming contaminant.

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: In a bichromatic sorting machine, a polygon pattern of trip level boundaries is established for a master channel programmable memory that is representative of orthogonally plotting detected products in each of two reflectivity spectral bands. The rate of products passing through the master channel that is rejected as being non-acceptable by producing a reflectivity value outside of the polygon pattern compared to total products sorted is used as the basis for normalizing all channel results. When the actual rate in the master channel varies from the desired rate, the boundaries of its polygon are concentrically adjusted back to the desired rate, thereby also adjusting the similar polygon patterns for each of the other or slave channels. Multiple machines can also be normalized to the same rate in similar fashion. The master channel or the master machine can be selectable, a concept that is also applicable to monochromatic sorting machines, as well.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for selectively eliminating weeds in agriculture operations. To provide selective elimination, at least two light (radiation) emitters, powered by an internal power source, are modulated to switch on and off at very high speeds. Each emitter emits radiation of a different emitter wavelength. The on/off modulation of one emitter is phase shifted by approximately 90.degree. with respect to the modulation of the other emitter. The pair of emitters are focused on a particular spot on the ground. The light beams, provided by the emitters, are reflected off a plant or the soil and are intercepted by a photodetector. Because plants have a characteristic spectral reflectance in regions of the electromagnetic spectrum which can be discriminated from the spectral reflectance of the background earth, the relative amplitudes of the reflected radiation at the two emitter wavelengths varies depending on whether the radiation is reflected off a plant or the soil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the selective on-line identification and distinguishing of pollutants and contents in bottles/containers in filling systems in the beverage or drinks industry using the absorption, reflection and scattering of electromagnetic waves from the UV to the microwave range, characterized in that characteristic value pairs/ranges of wavelength and amplitude are used for identification and distinguishing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting bulk material, such as scrap glass, which consists of individual glass parts. Glass scraps are serially fed into a chute and illuminated by a white light source. An optical detector comprising two optical sensors measures optical frequency transmittance data from individual glass scraps, at two frequencies. The two transmittance measurements are logarithmized and a quotient is formed to eliminate the transmittance effect due to glass thickness. The scraps are then classified by a classifier on the basis of the measuring data in accordance with empirically determined classification parameters. The parts are then sorted by a compressed air jet in accordance with the classification. The classification parameters are previously determined by providing a sample of the glass of one color. The measuring data of that sample is determined and optimal classification parameters are then determined on the basis of the measuring data in occurring in the sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for analyzing cells in urine. A constricted zone through which various cells contained in a urine specimen flow in single file is irradiated with light having a light beam width in the direction of cell flow of between 1 .mu.m to 20 .mu.m. Scattered light and fluorescent light emitted by the cells is converted into scattered-light intensity data and fluorescent light intensity data. Preferably, the individual cells have been stained with a stain such that DNA will specifically emit fluorescence. Cell diameter data and peak-count data are also generated from the detected scattered light. Cell judgement values are stored in a memory device, and the cells in the urine specimen are classified based upon the cell judgement values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for analyzing cells in urine. A constricted zone through which various cells contained in a urine specimen flow in single file is irradiated with light having a light beam width in the direction of cell flow of between 1 .mu.m to 20 .mu.m. Scattered light and fluorescent light emitted by the cells is converted into scattered-light intensity data and fluorescent light intensity data. Preferably, the individual cells have been stained with a stain such that DNA will specifically emit fluorescence. Cell diameter data is also generated from the detected scattered light. Cell judgment values are stored in a memory device, and the cells in the urine specimen are classified based upon the cell judgment values.

Abstract: A dynamic trip level setting apparatus is described for changing the comparison ratio with which products are optically sorted using first and second reflectance color values. The reflectance ratio for each image sorted is supplied to a RAM to update the RAM's memory. The dynamic values in the RAM are periodically employed to update a color sensitivity factor supplied to a battery-backed RAM. The battery-backed RAM value is employed in a logic device employing an algorithm and produces a variable output against which the ratio of "breaker" products (neither above a first color acceptance level nor below a second color reject level) is compared to produce a reject signal when the comparison results in an output indicating reject is appropriate.

Abstract: An object to be inspected is, for example, a medical capsule having differently colored surface areas. A beam splitter divides light reflected by the surface of the object into two parts. Each of the divided parts of the light is passed through an optical filter whose transmission wavelength range is set according to the colors of the object, to adjust the quantity of transmitted light from a high-brightness part of the object surface and the quantity of transmitted light from a low-brightness part of the object surface to a reference level. Image pick-up elements pick up images of the object surface according to the divided parts of the light and provide image signals. One of the image signals is selected and provided outside. Unlike a prior art that adjusts levels of signals by amplifying the signals according to brightness of an inspected object, the method and apparatus of the invention do not involve amplification.

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: 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.