Abstract: A method for producing a toothed workpiece gear, wherein the workpiece gear is clamped or fastened to a workpiece spindle, and a cutting tool having cutting teeth is clamped or fastened to a tool spindle. The tool spindle and the workpiece spindle are rotationally driven at a coupling ratio of the angles of rotation thereof having a periodic non-linearity or an axial distance from each other that changes periodically. The cutting teeth machine forms left and right tooth flanks of the teeth of the workpiece gear using left and right cutting edges in a chip-removing manner. A radial run-out error or a pitch error of the cutting tool is determined. The flank line shape errors of the right and left tooth flank resulting from the radial run-out error or the pitch error are reduced by the periodic non-linearity of the coupling ratio or the periodic change in the axial distance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring shuffled playing cards. A shuffled card ID is associated with the one or more shuffled decks of playing cards. Each card delivered by a card feeder from the one or more shuffled decks of playing cards is inspected. It is determined whether there is a defect in the arrangement of the one or more shuffled decks of playing cards. Upon a condition that a shuffled deck of playing cards is determined to be defective, at least one of discarding the defective shuffled deck of playing cards or preventing a recurrence of a defect found within the defective shuffled deck of playing cards.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring shuffled playing cards. A shuffled card ID is associated with the one or more shuffled decks of playing cards. Each card delivered by a card feeder from the one or more shuffled decks of playing cards is inspected. It is determined whether there is a defect in the arrangement of the one or more shuffled decks of playing cards. Upon a condition that a shuffled deck of playing cards is determined to be defective, at least one of discarding the defective shuffled deck of playing cards or preventing a recurrence of a defect found within the defective shuffled deck of playing cards.

Abstract: The system for uniquely identifying subjects from a target population operates to acquire, process and analyze images to create data which contains indicia sufficient to uniquely identify an individual in a population of interest. This system implements an automated, image-based process that captures data indicative of a selected set of external characteristics for subjects that are members of a target population of a predetermined species.

Abstract: A wire sorting system identifies and sorts wire from mixed electronic waste solely by the shape of the wire. A digital image of a stream of articles is created, and the image data may be processed using a Gabor filter technique to identify elongated narrow objects such as wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the filling of a capsule with a medicament, a corresponding filing method and the corresponding devices. According to the monitoring method, after at least part of the capsule is filled with a given filling mass of given closed shape of medicament, in a first step, at least the filling mass located in the part of the capsule after filling is recorded with a digital image, in a second step, the shape of the filling mass located in the part of the capsule is determined from the digital image and, in a third step, the shape analysed to give an analysis of the filling in comparison with given shapes.

Abstract: The system for uniquely identifying subjects from a target population operates to acquire, process and analyze images to create data which contains indicia sufficient to uniquely identify an individual in a population of interest. This system implements an automated, image-based process that captures data indicative of a selected set of external characteristics for subjects that are members of a target population of a predetermined species.

Abstract: The system for uniquely identifying subjects from a target population operates to acquire, process and analyze images to create data which contains indicia sufficient to uniquely identify an individual in a population of interest. This system implements an automated, image-based process that captures data indicative of a selected set of external characteristics for subjects that are members of a target population of a predetermined species. The captured data is then processed to create a database record which is associated with the selected subject and which can be used to uniquely identify the selected subject. The subject identification process is repeatable, so any subject can be accurately mapped to their associated database record, which database record can be updated to reflect changes in the subject.

Abstract: The system for uniquely identifying subjects from a target population operates to acquire, process and analyze images to create data which contains indicia sufficient to uniquely identify an individual in a population of interest. This system implements an automated, image-based process that captures data indicative of a selected set of external characteristics for subjects that are members of a target population of a predetermined species. The captured data is then processed to create a database record which is associated with the selected subject and which can be used to uniquely identify the selected subject. The subject identification process is repeatable, so any subject can be accurately mapped to their associated database record, which database record can be updated to reflect changes in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method therefor of sorting and unloading various pieces cut from sheet blanks which have different dimensions in a sheet metal fabricating environment. To achieve this end, prior to the production run, the various program routines whose operations for effecting the cutting of the sheet blanks are retrieved and the data relevant to the to be cut pieces are grouped and analyzed so that pieces of different dimensions cut in accordance with the different program routines are respectively allocated to the corresponding sorting addresses for unloading. Accordingly, different pieces with the same dimension cut from different program routines during the same production run are unloaded to the same location of the unloader area. Optimization of the unloading process and optimal utilization of the available loading space are thereby achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method therefor of sorting and unloading various pieces cut from sheet blanks which have different dimensions in a sheet metal fabricating environment. To achieve this end, prior to the production run, the various program routines whose operations for effecting the cutting of the sheet blanks are retrieved and the data relevant to the to be cut pieces are grouped and analyzed so that pieces of different dimensions cut in accordance with the different program routines are respectively allocated to the corresponding sorting addresses for unloading. Accordingly, different pieces with the same dimension cut from different program routines during the same production run are unloaded to the same location of the unloader area. Optimization of the unloading process and optimal utilization of the available loading space are thereby achieved.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method for identifying different, elongated metallic objects according to position and/or shape and/or type. In this method, by means of a conveyor, an object lying singly in a predetermined or a random position on conveyor is guided in terms of its conveyor direction evenly and at a constant speed over at least one inductive scanner, the induction voltage which varies temporally while object is passed over inductive scanner, is measured.

Abstract: A user-friendly process and fail safe system instantaneously identifies, locates, and help retrieve products and their contents in drawers, shelves, rooms, offices, stores, warehouses, etc. The efficient process and economical system is particularly useful to quickly and accurately identify, locate and help retrieve: computer discs, compact discs, software diskettes, video tapes, audio tapes, and their cases; books; files; boxes, cartons, storage bins, and other containers. In the reliable process and low power system, an electrically conductive label is placed on each product. Each label is easily coded to uniquely specify the product or its contents and storage location. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other visual, audible or mechanical signaling devices are positioned in proximity to the stored products and are in electrical contact with the labels on the products, as well as with a central processing unit (CPU) or other equipment used to specify and select the product.

Abstract: A needle sorting device comprises an infeed device which singulates and randomly deposits surgical needles upon a first conveyor for transmission to a processing station. Upon transit, one or more cameras to obtain an image of the deposited needles. The image is digitized and the digital signals are transmitted to a control system computer which evaluates the position and orientation for randomly positioned needles and processes the information to obtain data for communication to one or more robot assemblies having grippers. Utilizing the position and orientation data, the robot assembly grippers removes selected needles from the first conveyor and transfers each needle to an engagement device located upon a second precision conveyor. This second precision conveyor is provided with additional devices to further orient the needle transferred thereto. Each oriented needle is conveyed by the second conveyor to an automatic swaging station where sutures are automatically attached.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for sorting needle blanks. Generally, the apparatus includes a needle transferring assembly which receives needle blanks at a needle loading position and sequentially transfers the needle blanks to a needle identifying position and to a needle sorting position. An imaging assembly has a focus aligned with the needle identifying position so as to identify whether an end face of the needle blank has a solid or hollow cross-section. A needle blank sorting assembly is provided to operate when the needle blanks are transferred to the needle sorting position. The needle blank sorting assembly responds to the imaging assembly so as to sort the needle blanks with the hollow cross-section from the needle blanks with the solid cross-section.

Abstract: A carton glue monitoring system includes a conveyor moving a plurality of cartons in a first direction. An encoder provides pulses at a rate proportional to conveyor line speed. A glue applicator applies a glue strip having a fluorescent material added thereto to the cartons on the conveyor. A glue check station includes a UV source for illuminating the fluorescent material in the glue and a UV sensor for sensing the fluorescent material. The glue station further includes a glue skip detector and an excess glue detector for generating a glue flag and for holding the glue flag until the carton exits the glue station. A glue shift register includes Y registers and is connected to the UV sensor and the encoder for shifting the glue flag in the Y registers. Y is proportional to the encoder rate and a distance between the rejection marking device and the glue station exit minus the carton length.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the capacitance of tablets of varying shapes and sizes by conveying the tablets along a curved path which includes a zone of travel between the plates of a capacitive sensing device. The tablets are conveyed in a relatively fixed orientation by constructing a guide channel including a fixedly-positioned curved guide spaced away from a rotatable disk, and wherein a resilient clamp is provided above the guide channel so as to compress the tablet against the rotatable disk during its path of travel.

Abstract: The image of a body which is located in a measuring zone is projected by a mirror into a camera having an optoelectric transducer, for instance a row of photodiodes. The stripe pattern is thrown onto the upper side of the body by a light beam which is inclined with respect to the projecting direction, said stripe pattern being imaged together with said body. The shape of the body in the vertical projection is detected by the camera and an associated electronic system, and the elevation of the body is deduced from the position of the stripe pattern thereon. Three dimensions, i.e. the actual size of the body, are thus determined. A sorting device can be controlled according to the detected size.

Abstract: A method for verifying any of a plurality of predetermined compositions of multilayered units composed of stacked sheetlike parts passed in spaced succession by a checkpoint, including the steps of determining a first value according to a thickness of a first unit of a first predetermined composition; storing the first value as a reference value for the first predetermined composition; determining a second value according to a thickness of a successive unit intended to have the first predetermined composition; comparing the reference value with the second value; and rejecting the successive unit when the second value is outside a tolerance range around the reference value; wherein the first and second values are calculated from a plurality of measurements taken during at least one predetermined measuring interval along each of the first unit and the successive unit, respectively, at least one limit of the at least one measuring interval being related to the passage of a transverse edge of the respective unit

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

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

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting surface flaws in cylindrical articles having central longitudinal axes, including a guide assembly for guiding the cylindrical articles along a displacement path having a central longitudinal axis extending coaxially of the central longitudinal axes of the articles and a detection coil assembly positioned in annular relationship with the displacement path for producing a signal representative of the surface geometry of a cylindrical article which traverses the displacement path.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting objects in succession through a measuring head. A common drive shaft provides synchronised movement of transfer apparatus, gripper apparatus and indexing apparatus. The transfer apparatus receives objects from a supply and carries the objects to the measuring head. The gripper apparatus receives the objects from the transfer apparatus and carries the objects through the measuring head. The indexing apparatus receives objects from the gripper means and conveys the objects to an outlet.

Abstract: To qualify the heights of inwardly projecting nuclear fuel rod-positioning stops formed in the sidewall of tubular ferrules 12 utilized in fuel bundle spacers, an automated gauging apparatus, seen in FIG. 6, is provided to handle successive ferrules on an automated basis. The apparatus includes an orienting station 32 for longitudinally reorienting each ferrule, if necessary, and angularly orienting each ferrule in a pickup position. A mechanism 68 picks each ferrule from its pickup position and places it on an arbor 84 with the rod-positioning stop surfaces bearing against arbor reference surfaces. A plurality of eddy current probes 96 (FIG. 8) are positioned to measure the proximity of ferrule peripheral surface sites adjacent the stops and thus provide output gauging signals indicative of the heights of the various stops.

Abstract: Drill bits (16) are delivered in a mixed, bulk form, in a random orientation, into an alignment unit (30). Aligned drill bits (16) move from the alignment conveyor (30) into the upper end of a singulator (36). Singulated drill bits (16) are delivered by the singulator (36) into a singulated drill bit conveyor (38, 49). Identifying means (202,236,240) identify each drill bit (16) as it travels and in conjunction with computers "A" and "B", cause a reversal of end-to-end orientation, if necessary, and movement of a deposit conveyor (52), and placement of each identified drill bit (16) into a dedicated receiving receptacle (54). The components of the system are arranged to take a small amount of floor space and provide good utilization of floor space.

Abstract: An installation for processing of photograph envelopes intended to equip a large photography processing laboratory. The installation includes a picking station, a bar code reading station, a thickness detection station, a station for recognition of shapes and characters, a manual input and introduction station, a marking station, and finally a station for feeding a traditional sorting machine.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a spherical object is rotated on its equatorial axis (b-b) and its polar axis (a-a) adjacent a sensor (s) for detecting defects is described. The roller shaft (128) has spherical projections (129 and 130) and spaced apart parallel spindles or shafts (127) with a ball support (131) which provides centering of the spherical object or ball (B) regardless of the diameter. Preferably multiple test cage assemblies (12) are used for balls of various sizes to insure stability of the ball during testing. The apparatus is particularly used for testing of ballbearings for defects.

Abstract: There is provided, a method and apparatus for determining if the lengths of all of the leads on all four sides of a PLCC packaged devices are within a selected tolerance of each other. To do so a relatively smooth surface across which the device is to be advanced is provided with that surface having a plurality of fingers affixed thereto. Each finger protrudes from the surface by an amount equivalent to the selected tolerance, with the plurality of fingers being in number at least equivalent to the number of leads on the longest side of the device to be tested. In addition, the surface is supported at a selected angle to horizontal. As the device is advanced across the surface in the direction of, and across the space spanned by, the fingers, the devices having all of its leads within the selected tolerance are differentiated from those devices that do not have all of their leads within the selected tolerance.

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: A card-like article inspection device has an inclined table for placing articles thereon in an upright and aligned state, a camera for detecting the foremost article, and an article feed frame for transferring the article having been inspected along one side of the table in its upright posture. The articles having been inspected are pushed separately into two placing portions of the table. Thus, the articles can be classified into a group of non-defective articles or into a group of defective articles.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical orientation system for conveyed articles having a distinguishable top and bottom such as a rail tie plate or the like is disclosed comprising a sensor frame having a transverse pivot axis, a plurality of elongate sensor fingers pivotable about that axis and subject to a biasing force, a plurality of notched beam interceptors, one mounted to each sensor finger, a corresponding plurality of opto switches and a logic circuit, whereby the frame is oriented in relation to a conveyor surface so that the sensor fingers intercept and are triggered by the conveyed article. The pattern of triggered sensor fingers is transmitted through the beam interceptors and opto switches to the logic means, from where it may be used to trigger a conveyed article reorientation device.

Abstract: A micro-controller system for recognizing and identifying same or dissimilar parts being transferred along the track of a parts feeder, such as a bowl feeder, as well as checking the part orientation, and sorting the oriented parts in a predetermined repetitive sequence. Part recognition and sequencing is programmable upon user demand. Part recognition includes a part silhouette recognizer comprised of a set of light sensors coupled to an apertured grid located in a part feeding track. The silhouette image of each part to be sorted is first digitized and stored in the memory of the micro-controller in a position associated with an identifying part number. Also, the sequence of the various parts is stored in the memory of the micro-controller.

Abstract: A device for measuring the offset between the funnel and panel of a kinescope includes a pivotable member which engages the reference pads on the funnel. The pivotable member is mounted on a slidable mount which is biased to an extended position. When the reference pads are engaged, the mount slides whereby all kinescope sizes can be measured. The pivotable member supports a gage which measures the offset and provides a reject signal when the offset exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A kinescope envelope which rests on a fixture is positioned at a location where the envelope size is determined. The envelope is removed from the fixture and positioned at a preselected position where the panel-funnel offset is determined. The size and offset of the envelope are provided to a controller and the offset is compared to a stored designed offset to determine an offset difference. The offset difference is compared to an offset tolerance and a reject signal is provided when the offset tolerance is exceeded. The reject signal is used to place a reject mark on the envelope and to dispense an identification article onto the potentially defective fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for automatically feeding and measuring circular discs (12) includes a gauging station (15). The latter includes a pair of opposed capacitive displacement measuring probes (27 and 28). The probes are connected to a thickness measuring test set (66), adapted to provide a capacitance-derived measurement of the thickness of each advancing disc (12) at either one or a plurality of spaced measurement points (142) extending across the major surfaces thereof. Precise control must be maintained over the speed at which each disc is passed between the capacitive probes (27, 28) in a non-contacting manner. This is accomplished through the use of a controllably driven drive wheel (98), and a cooperative arcuate feed channel section (74), which includes an outer arcuate sidewall ramp insert (92).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for restraightening depending bent metal end skirts of cylindrical containers, such as beer kegs, wherein the containers moving in a path of travel for processing are automatically interrogated by sensing heads which engage the rims of the normally circular end skirts of the containers to detect the presence or absence of a bent portion thereof. Containers having detected bent skirt portions are directed from the main processing path to a skirt straightening station where the ends of the container are supported in retaining rings of upper and lower straightening heads while arcuately spaced pry levers, or paws, located centrally in each retaining ring move radially outward from a central nested position to engage inwardly bent skirt portions of the container to lift and push the same outwardly into a circular configuration. The container is rotated in the rings between engagements by the paws to bring all portions of the skirts into position for straightening.

Abstract: A dome depth detector for a drawn and ironed container having a domed end wall includes a frame that has a first rotatable means supported thereon for guiding the containers along a path, a guide surface on one side of the path on the frame, and a rotatable member on the opposite side of the path which has means engageable with the domed end wall for sensing the depth of the domed end wall and indicating a shallow dome below a preselected minimum. The detector also has a container for counting the number of containers moving along said path.

Abstract: In an article elevating apparatus, articles such as cigarette cartons, are picked up at a loading station by inclined roller carriers moving in an upward vertical direction. During upward movement the articles are held on the roller carriers by sliding engagement of the downward end of the articles against a vertical rail. The articles roll off of the carriers at a discharge station defined by the upper end of the rail.

Abstract: Drills (35), vertically oriented in a row/column array in a drill block (31), are moved in the column direction across a slot (49) located at a loading station (41). As the drills in each partially or fully occupied row reach the slot and drop, drill block movement halts. Thereafter a vertically oriented turn-over tube (51) is moved in the row direction beneath the slot (49). When an occupied drill position is reached, the drill drops into the turn-over tube, tube row movement temporarily halts, and the tube is rotated. The drill slides out of the turn-over tube (51) and down the channel (59) of a measuring station (43) until it hits a movable stop (61). After drill diameter is measured by a pneumatically positioned LVDT (87) and overall drill length is measured by a pneumatically positioned linear potentiometer (69)/proximity detector (PX3) combination, the stop (61) is withdrawn and the drill enters a clamp (95), which grips the adapter shank of the drill.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting items according to size wherein the items are dropped between a pair of opposed sorting discs having facing sides with the spacing between the sides varying radially of the discs, with withdrawing elements being interposed at various radial locations between the facing sides of the discs for separately receiving the items in accordance with the size thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for automatically checking envelopes for objects which would interere with an automatic postal mail sorting operation. The envelopes are moved between inflated rollers and changes in the roller pressures caused by objectionable objects in the envelopes are detected to control an envelope diversion gate.

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: In accordance with the present invention, methods and machinery are provided for automatically inspecting shaped, lined closures and rejecting those which fail to meet pre-established criteria for shape and seal. Specifically, shaped closures having concave interior portions and resilient sealing liners are supplied to an inspection station comprising one or more female inspection nests for receiving individual closures and one or more respective male inspection heads for insertion into the concave portions of respective closures. The inspection heads are provided with exterior shapes approximating the interiors of ideal closures so that penetration into the closure indicates the conformity of the closure to the ideal. Preferably, the inspection head is connected to a source of pressurized fluid for testing both the depth of penetration and the adequacy of the sealing ring.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting bulged and sunken sidewalls and incorrect widths on paneled containers.Containers to be inspected are moved along a conveyor. Two groups of three LVDT's (generally opposite from one another) are utilized to measure the distance between each of three points on the container sidewall and a reference line. The measurements are fed to a circuit which determines the deviation of one of the three points from a line passing through the remaining two points. The amount of deviation is utilized to determine whether or not the sidewall is bulged or sunken. Measurements from each pair of opposing LVDT's are fed to a circuit which determines the width of the container at three different heights. The width values are compared to predetermined limits in order to determine if the container width is acceptable.The timing of measurements is controlled by the use of photocell sensors, which detect the passage of a container past particular reference points.

Abstract: A conveyor moves a series of cartridges containing undeveloped film and sender-identified mailers in correlated side-by-side relation from a loading station past a cartridge sensing station, a dual labeling station, and a plurality of discharge stations. Information sensed from each cartridge is stored in a memory and later controls the off-loading of the correlated cartridges and mailers at an appropriate one of the discharge stations from which the cartridges go their separate ways for film processing. Prior to off-loading, the side-by-side cartridge and mailer receive separate labels preprinted with correlating indicia enabling the developed film and the mailer to be correctly reunited for return to the sender.

Abstract: An electro-optical inspection system for a binary patterned web which automatically determines registration and the quality of subjects of inspection by comparison with a master pattern stored in the memory of a computer and then passes or rejects individual subjects of inspection depending on the outcome of the comparison effected.