Abstract: An automated analyzer includes a container installation portion in which a container, such as a reagent container, has a protrusion and an openable and closable lid. A lid opening and closing mechanism opens and closes the lid and includes an arm portion having an arm and a horizontal driving portion which moves the arm in a first horizontal direction. The arm includes a protrusion contacting portion that includes a first surface having an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees when the horizontal surface is set as 0 degrees. The lid opening and closing mechanism portion opens the lid by moving the arm in the first horizontal direction, contacting the lid protrusion on the first surface of the protrusion contacting portion, and then moving the lid protrusion along a shape of the first surface in a vertical direction, until the lid is opened.

Abstract: Described is a polyethylene membrane and in particular an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene member that provides a high air permeability and is hydrophobic. The membranes have small pores and are suitable for sterilization by exposure to gamma radiation. The membranes can be made by methods that involve one or more of stretching the membrane and grafting hydrophobic monomers onto the membrane surface. A perfluorinated monomer, such as perfluoro-n-octyl acrylate, can be grafted to one or more surfaces of the membrane. The membrane have a high flow rate compared to unstretched or ungrafted membranes.

Abstract: The number of cells existing and the positions thereof in a container that contains the cells can be grasped at a glance. Provided is an analysis-result browsing device that includes: a camera that captures cells at set capturing positions; a processing unit that detects and analyzes the cells captured by the camera, for the respective capturing positions; a display unit that displays analysis results of the cells analyzed by the processing unit, together with a container map that shows a container and the plurality of capturing positions in the container; and a control unit that sets the capturing positions in the container, which contains the cells, and simultaneously displays the analysis results of the cells at at least two of the capturing positions on the container map, which is displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: According to some aspects, an image processing apparatus is provided. The image processing apparatus includes circuitry configured to receive at least two images of a biological sample and determine motion information for a plurality of regions of the at least two images. The motion information corresponds to motion of the biological sample. The circuitry is further configured to generate a graphical representation of at least two characteristic amounts. The at least two characteristic amounts correspond to a region of the plurality of regions and one characteristic amount of the at least two characteristic amounts is indicative of the motion information.

Abstract: In a method for operating a fuel system of an internal combustion engine, the fuel system has a fuel tank and a ventilation device, which has at least one vent valve, for ventilating the fuel tank. The magnitude of deformation caused by an internal pressure of the fuel tank of a deformation zone of the fuel tank is ascertained and the vent valve is opened when the magnitude of deformation exceeds a limit value.

Abstract: A method for operating an installation for handling containers, wherein the containers from a first handling unit of the installation are handled by predetermined first handling parameters and the containers from a second handling unit of the installation are handled by predetermined second handling parameters, and wherein the first handling parameters and the second handling parameters can be altered, at least in part, and depend, at least in part, on product parameters which are characteristic of the container. Product parameters of the container which are stored for controlling the first handling unit are also used for controlling the second handling unit, wherein alterations to the product parameters are taken into account in automated fashion both for controlling the first handling unit and for controlling the second handling unit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a machine for collecting and sorting waste comprising a frame (2) with a base (3) resting on the floor and a front face (5) in which an opening (7) is made, allowing access to a waste insertion zone (8), the machine further comprising, inside the frame (2), means (50) of recognizing waste, a waste sorter (40) and means (20, 23) of storing sorted waste comprising at least two containers (20), the machine comprising: an elevator (15) for transporting a waste item inserted into the insertion zone (8), towards the sorter (40) disposed vertically above the insertion zone (8), and the waste sorter (40) being arranged so as to move the transported waste vertically above a container (20), selected according to information furnished by waste recognition means (50), and in which the waste is received. The machine can also comprise means for compacting waste.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to preventing mold feeder jams in a system to package integrated circuits. An example method includes detecting if a mold compound tablet has a first alignment on a path and removing the mold compound tablet from the path if the mold compound tablet has a second alignment different from the first alignment.

Abstract: Methods for identifying defective containers that include a) providing a container having an open rim end, a closed base end, an exterior surface and an interior surface; b) directing one or more sources of electromagnetic radiation toward the exterior surface or interior surface of the container; c) positioning one or more sensors for the electromagnetic radiation opposite the exterior or interior surface not directed to in b); d) accepting the container if the amount of electromagnetic radiation detected by the one or more sensors is within a predetermined range; and e) rejecting the container if the amount of electro-magnetic radiation is not within the predetermined range. The methods can be used in devices that contain a) conveying means for moving containers; b) means for directing sources of electromagnetic radiation; c) means for detecting electromagnetic radiation; and d) means for separating containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for product separation and processing are provided where an apparatus for sorting and grouping objects includes: an attribute measurement device 20; a first conveyor 18 moving at a first rate of speed; a second conveyor 26 oriented perpendicularly to the first conveyor 18 and moving at a second rate of speed which is less than the first rate of speed; a position determination device 30; and a controller unit 22 that groups sets of objects 16 matching a target attribute based on attribute measurements and position information from a population of objects 28.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for detecting flaws in capsules containing a beneficial agent include mechanisms for delivering the capsules to a top surface of a capsule receiving plate and moving the capsules into apertures in the plate. The apertures have structure that forms a passageway that narrows from an opening in the top surface to a location below the top surface. A minimum dimension of the passageway has a predetermined size and shape that is slightly larger than the capsules such that a flaw that has deformed the capsule causes the capsule to be inhibited from passing through the apertures. The structure may also include contact points or curves of intersection that engage the capsule and cause them to rotate. Mechanisms for removing the flawed capsules utilize one or more of brushes, inclined plane elements, gas plenums, and vacuums.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for evaluating a parts carrier that is operatively associated with a material handling process. The method includes determining a plurality of parts to be processed, determining one or more types of the plurality of parts to be processed, and determining a quantity of the parts to be processed. The method also includes virtually comparing one or more parts of the plurality of parts with at least one of a length, width, or height of one or more envelopes. The method further includes selecting one of the one or more envelopes as a function of one of the percentage of the types of parts capable of being accommodated with the one or more envelopes or the percentage of the quantity of parts capable of being accommodated within the one or more envelopes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring the width of the transverse sealing web of a sealed, cut package unit in which products are packaged and which is transported further in a cyclic or continuous manner in the longitudinal direction. Two laser-optical sensors are arranged opposite one another above and below the cut package units. The measured values of the sensors, the said measured values corresponding to the distance from the package unit, are acquired at a speed-proportional clock frequency. A difference value is formed from the measured values of the two sensors which have been recorded in the same clock cycle, and an output signal is generated if the number of successive difference values which exceed or fall below a predetermined reference value falls below a predetermined critical value.

Abstract: To test closed containers, e.g. with regard to residual air volume or the quality and tightness of the closures which are attached to containers, mechanical oscillations are excited in the closure, the mechanical oscillations are analyzed, measurement values are derived from this, these measurement values are compared with pre-set values for acceptable closures and a signal is produced which states whether the measurement value corresponds to a value for an acceptable closure. To increase the reliability of the test, the oscillation properties of the closure blanks (R) are also ascertained before their attachment to the containers (B) and the range of acceptable values of the closures (V) attached to the containers (B) is chosen according to the oscillation properties of the corresponding closure blank (R). The closure blanks (R) can be classified according to their oscillation properties.

Abstract: Automated drug discovery protocols, or partially automated protocols, in which matrices with memories serve as the platform on which all manipulations are performed or serve as the repository of information that is transferred to other memories as the synthesized compounds are processed and screened. Also provided are automated drug discovery units for use in the protocols. The units provide a means for seamless data tracking and include instrumentation and vials with memories for information transfer to other memories in a unit. The units, which are provided herein, include some or all of the following: an automated or manual sorter, microvessels, which contain memories, an automated or semi-automated synthesizer, a microvessel washer/dryer, a manual or automated cleaver for removing compounds from the matrix with memory microvessels, and associated software. The memories may be any of any type, including electromagnetically encodable memories and optical memories, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The parisons (P) manufactured by an extrusion group (1,1″) are gripped between the mould and the counter-mould (S,S′) mounted, together with the associated actuating mechanisms, on a carriage (19) which, after receiving the parisons, moves into a blowing station (Z1) for the formation of the bottles which then remain suspended from the nozzles of this station. By means of a set of three self-centring closing and opening grippers (P1, P2, P3), the groups of bottles are then transferred from the said blowing station to a sprue-removal and mouth-calibrating station (Z2), to a quality control station (Z3) and then to a filling station (Z4). By means of a fourth self-centring gripper (P4) with an independent movement the filled bottles are finally transferred into an end capping station (Z5). A conveyor (59) which collects together and removes all the production waste is provided underneath the various work stations which are aligned with each other.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting fruit determines the proportion of fruit in a mixture of products containing fruit and bodies foreign to the fruit by capturing at least one initial image of a surface of the mixture to be examined. The device then assigns to each image pixel of one of two extreme grey levels according to the initial grey level of the pixel relative to a set threshold and then records the number of pixels of at least one extreme grey level to determine a area ratio between areas occupied by fruit and foreign bodies in the image. The invention has particular application to the harvesting of fruit, berries and the like produced on trees or bushes grown in rows to use the calculated proportion of fruit to adapt at least one of the functioning parameters of the machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detecting defective seams in cans having metal lids. The apparatus is mounted in cooperation with a conveyor to evaluate the cans being conveyed in a continuous operation. The apparatus includes a detecting device which has a pair of electrical contacts positioned to cooperate with a seam on the can. The electrical contacts are spaced apart a distance to contact a bulge in the seam which completes an electrical circuit between the contacts. A signal is then produced indicating a defective can, and the defective can is removed from the conveyor.

Abstract: System and method of operation thereof for inspecting glass containers handled by a glass container handling apparatus to determine a height of a bottom of at least one of the containers. The system includes a base adapted to be positioned adjacent the container handling apparatus and adapted to receive the bottom of the containers handled by the container handling apparatus. At least one of the containers is positioned on the base and a capacitive sensor on the base provides an electric field adjacent the capacitive sensor and senses a capacitance affected by the container bottom being positioned in the electric field. The capacitive sensor generates a signal representative of the sensed capacitance which is a function of the height of the container bottom relative to the base. In response to the signal from the capacitive sensor, the processor determines the height of the container bottom based on the sensed capacitance as indicated by the signal.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for non-destructively testing for a predetermined minimum release torque of container caps on containers at a torque testing station. The apparatus includes a device for clamping the containers at the torque testing station; a device for grasping the caps of the containers at the torque testing station; a device connected to the cap grasping device for applying a release torque to the container caps; and, a device including a strain gage coupled to the release torque applying device for sensing the level of release torque applied to the caps and providing a signal indicative of such level. The apparatus also includes selectively operable controls for destructively testing selected capped containers, on a sampling basis, to determine the actual release torque of the container caps on such containers.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for non-destructively testing for a predetermined minimum release torque of container caps on containers that are sequentially delivered to a torque testing station in the apparatus. The apparatus includes a device for delivering capped containers to the torque testing station; a device for clamping the containers at the torque testing station; a device for grasping the caps of the containers at the torque testing station; a device connected to the cap grasping device for applying a release torque to the container caps; and, a device including a strain gage coupled to the release torque applying device for sensing the level of release torque applied to the caps and providing a signal indicative of such level. Capped containers that pass the test are sequentially passed along for further processing (e.g., packaging and shipping) by the user, and those that fail the test are segregated in a reject area for reprocessing or destruction.

Abstract: A method for measuring a curvature of a reflective surface includes the steps of directing a pair of collimated light beams onto a substantially smooth portion of the reflective surface and measuring the separation of the light beam images reflected from the surface as a representation of the curvature of the surface. An apparatus utilizing this method includes a pair of lasers for producing respective collimated light beams, a laser mount arranged to direct the separate light beams from the lasers as substantially parallel light beams onto a substantially smooth portion of a reflective surface being measured to produce respective bright spots on the surface, receiving images of the bright spots onto a diffuse target surface, viewing these bright spot images with a sensor to produce a light intensity pattern encompassing the spots and calculating the separation of the bright spot images from the light intensity pattern as a measure of the curvature of the surface.

Abstract: Shown is an apparatus for mounting an inductive transducer in position over an intermittently moved belt carrying easy open ends for a beverage container and designed to detect whether or not the tabs for easy opening are provided on the ends. The apparatus is designed to resiliently bias the detection transducer towards the ends with a predetermined gap therebetween such that an electrical signal will result that can be used to evaluate whether a tab is in place. The apparatus includes a camming ramp designed to trigger a limit switch to turn off the system should there be multiple ends positioned below the detector. The detector mounting on a resilient support is designed to back away from any obstruction therebeneath to protect the apparatus during the detection operation. The transducer face is protected by about 1/16 inch of the plastic material.

Abstract: A unit for testing a can includes a first unit for testing a first end of a can, and an optional and substantially identical second unit for testing the second end of the same can. The first unit is connected to the second unit by a twister which rotates the can. The conveying apparatus for each unit includes an inside chain and an outside chain moving in opposite directions to make the rotate as it moves past the sensors. A can is rejected if the sensors so indicate.

Abstract: A can-orienting system in which open-topped steel-based cans in random orientations are first automatically aligned with each other by feeding them to an aligning chute to form an end-on train of cans which are fed end-on, at a controlled rate, to the edge of a first rotating magnetic pick-up wheel which picks up and carries with it the successive leading cans in the train. A second magnetic wheel, rotating oppositely to the first wheel, is preferably located above the first wheel and to the opposite side of the first wheel from the point at which the cans are fed to the first wheel. Those cans initially having their bottoms against the first wheel stay on the first wheel until they are rotated far enough to be wiped off onto a first separator plate, all with their bottoms against the plate; those cans having their open ends against the first wheel are pulled off by the second wheel and carried by it to a second separator plate, all with their bottoms against the plate.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the integrity of a sealed container closure assembly wherein the closure is secured to the container by a force applying member and the integrity is determined by converting the force used to secure the closure into a force signal and comparing the force signal to a reference signal, which is reflective of the force used during a closure operation which resulted in seal integrity. The force signal which comprises a series of electrical signals is compared to a series of corresponding reference signals or is a single signal compared to a reference signal at a plurality of points during the closure operation. An indicator is used to indicate when a preselected number of acceptable or non-acceptable comparisons are reached.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting whether the top panel of a container cap is properly depressed as capped containers are conveyed along a travel path. The apparatus is of the type comprising a floating shoe disposed over the travel path and carrying a proximity sensor. The shoe includes a reference portion arranged to be contacted by the caps to conform the shoe to the orientation of the cap. The floating shoe is mounted for lateral movement and includes guide flanges. The flanges extend generally fore-to-aft and are arranged to be contacted by the caps to shift the shoe laterally so as to position the proximity sensor over the same portions of successive caps. If caps of non-metallic material are being sensed, a metal spring member is carried by the shoe and is arranged to be contacted by the top panel of each cap and assume a spacing from the proximity sensor in accordance with the degree of depression of the top panel. The proximity sensor is directed toward the spring member to sense the latter.

Abstract: A carton inspecting and conveying apparatus is disclosed as including a lower horizontal conveyor formed by two parallel spaced plastic chain loops with retractable pawls therebetween for stopping cartons at stations along the conveyor. At one such station, jets of air are directed at each carton to open any improperly sealed flaps, open flaps being photoelectrically detected. A pneumatic ejector at a subsequent station is selectively actuated by an electronic control unit responsive to the photodetector to remove unsealed cartons from the conveyor. A pneumatic lifting head is provided to transfer cartons from the conveyor to an accumulator column in the event of a carton backup. An elevator having platforms passing between the plastic chains lifts cartons from the lower conveyor, and a rotary transfer device places them on an upper outfeed conveyor belt.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for testing the integrity of a container sealed by means of a closure comprising a resilient sealing element and a cup-like cap having a top and a depending skirt compressing the sealing element over the discharge opening in the container. The invention consists in measuring the change in thickness of the resilient sealing element resulting from compression of the sealing element on the container and comparing the change in thickness or a value determined therefrom to a predetermined standard known to indicate sufficient compression to provide an acceptable seal. Resilient sealing element thickness is measured by apparatus including a sensing head having an anvil engageable with the closure mounted on an actuator member of a dial indicator. A face of the anvil engages the top of the cap along a circular line adjacent of the corner radius at its juncture to the top of the cap.

Abstract: The depth of thread in a roll-on closure is tested by determining the radial distance between the peak and valley defining a profile of the external surface of the threaded section. Apparatus for measuring the peak includes a first sensor broad enough to span the valley. Apparatus for measuring the valley includes a sensor able to fit into the valley. The container with the closure thereon is rotated to permit the latter sensor to enter to the full depth of the thread valley in case the point at which that sensor first encounters the surface of the closure is in a shallow end of the valley or not in the valley at all. If the second sensor moves far enough relative to the first sensor and in a radial direction with respect to the closure, the apparatus will respond to such relative movement as indicating that the closure has a predetermined thread depth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the internal pressure or vacuum in a sealed container is provided which measures the amount of deflection of a flexible wall of the container as a function of the internal pressure. The apparatus provides a first electrical signal representative of the distance between a first point on the flexible wall and a first sensing means and a second electrical signal representative of the average of the distances between at least two other points of the flexible wall and second sensing means. The two signals are compared and a third signal indicative of the deflection of the flexible wall is provided.

Abstract: A packaging handling system for detecting and rejecting faulty packages and for maintaining a packaging or boxing machine in operation for a specific period of time if one or the other goes down. The system comprises a plurality of photocell sensing units to detect the imperfectly formed packages and a .[.means for rejecting.]. .Iadd.pneumatic rejection device .Iaddend.the faulty packages. An accumulator is positioned in the conveyor line between the packaging machine and the boxer and will store a limited number of packages should the cartoning machine discontinue to operate and will feed a limited number of packages on the conveyor should the packaging machine become inoperative. When the system is utilized on a boxer being fed by two packers, a distribution table is also provided in the system to divide the work from one packer to both lines should the other packer cease to function.