Abstract: Printer is provided having support base on which print media travels. Printer includes thickness detection module and processor. Thickness detection module includes pinch arm assembly with pinch arm having first and second ends, encoder, and proximate dual channel encoder sensor. First end is biased toward support base. Encoder with number of circumferentially spaced line pairs is disposed at second end. Pinch arm and encoder configured to rotate in response to engagement of pinch arm with at least print media portion. Dual channel encoder sensor configured to detect rotation direction and encoder count and output signal representing encoder count. Encoder count is number of circumferentially spaced line pairs that pass by dual channel encoder sensor as pinch arm and encoder rotate. Processor is communicatively coupled to dual channel encoder sensor and configured to receive signal and calculate print media thickness of portion from encoder count using conversion factor.

Abstract: A displacement measurement system and a sheet feed system incorporating the same are described. The displacement measurement system includes a support arm, a roller, and an optical encoder. The support arm has a first end and a second end and is configured to turn about a pivot axis on a pivot located closer to the first end than the second end so that displacement of the first end causes a greater corresponding displacement of the second end. The roller is mounted at the first end of the support arm and is configured to rotate about a roller axis substantially parallel to the pivot axis. The optical encoder has at least one component mounted at the second end of the support arm and is configured to generate signals responsive to movement of the second end of the support arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated processing of bulk mail in a continuous and automatic procedure includes an operative combination of processing stations including an input station for receiving incoming mail in bulk fashion and for separating the pieces of mail for individual delivery to the remainder of the apparatus a station for detecting irregularities in the contents of the envelopes, such as metal items, folded contents, or oversized items; a station for outsorting envelopes rejected in accordance with determinations made at the detection station; a station for opening the envelopes, preferably along multiple edges; a station for removing the contents from the opened envelopes, for subsequent processing of the contents; and a series of stations for handling and orienting the contents for subsequent delivery to a plurality of output stackers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. Mail is placed into an input bin having a conveyor that conveys the mail towards a feeder. The feeder serially feeds the envelopes by engaging the lead envelope in the stack of mail and displacing the lead envelope transverse the stack of mail. The mail is fed into a shuttle that vertically displaces the envelopes to position the envelopes for entering a justifier. The justifier justifies the top edge of the envelopes and conveys the envelopes to a cutter that severs the top edge of the envelopes. A transport conveys the envelopes from the top cutter to an extractor. The extractor opens the edge-severed mail and presents the contents of the envelopes to an operator who manually extracts the contents. The transport conveys the empty envelopes from the extractor to a verifier that verifies that all of the contents have been removed from the envelope before the envelope is discarded.

Abstract: An object, such as a pistachio nut, is sorted based on a given trait. The sorting process commences by bouncing the object off a body so that the object emits a sound. The sound emitted by the object is converted to an electrical signal which is analyzed to determine electrical characteristics that indicate the trait of the object. For example, the electrical signal can be integrated and a signal gradient produced to discriminate among signals from different classes of objects.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for sensing the feeding of individual sheets of paper in which the feeding of two or more overlapping sheets can be detected in a sheet feeding apparatus for continuously transferring sheets of paper one by one along a predetermined paper traveling path.

Abstract: An empty envelope assurance system is provided. The system includes a conveyor for conveying an opened envelope having a front face and a rear face along a path of movement. The conveyor is arranged such that any contents of the envelope rests against one of the front face or the rear face. A first sensor measures a thickness of the front face and any contents resting thereagainst, and generates a signal having a value indicative of the thickness. A second sensor measures a thickness of the rear face and any contents resting thereagainst, and generates a signal having a value indicative of the thickness. A signal processor receives the signals generated by the first sensor and the second sensor, and compares the values of the signals generated by the first sensor with the values of the signals generated by the second sensor to determine whether they correspond within a predetermined limit to determine whether the envelope contains any contents.

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: A fastener sorting apparatus is configured to mount on a fastener forming machine and to shunt bent workpieces through a wastegate of the fastener forming machine when the bent workpieces contact a detection ring. The detection ring is electrically-conductive and is coaxially aligned with a part gripper of the forming machine. The ring has an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of a series of workpieces to be sorted. Either the ring or the gripper are moved so that a workpiece held in the gripper passes through the ring. If the workpiece is bent beyond acceptable limits it will contact the ring, closing an electrical circuit. Closing of the circuit causes a workpiece diverter to shunt the workpieces through the wastegate.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatically, selectably diverting, different-weight checks being transported along a prescribed track with divert-blade means at a prescribed divert-station therealong, said checks comprising "standard" and "non-standard", heavier versions, this arrangement comprising, in combination with the foregoing:weight sense means, disposed along said track, upstream of said divert station, for sensing at least a mass characteristic of passing checks and outputting mass-indicating signals SS representative thereof; actuate means arranged to thrust said blade means across said track and associated actuate-adjust means for adjusting actuation-torque of said actuate means responsive to associated torque-adjust signals AA input thereto; and control means arranged to receive said mass-indicating signals SS, manipulating them and applying associated torque-adjust signals AA to said actuate-adjust means whereby to automatically adjust and control the torque applied to said blade means according to the sen

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the passage of superposed sheets, e.g. deposited currency notes, along a feed path includes a mechanism which has a pair of cooperating rollers (42,44) and which is arranged to generate an output voltage whose magnitude varies in response to the passage of an item (single or multiple sheet) between the rollers (42,44). Samples of this output voltage are taken during one complete revolution of one of the rollers (42,44). These samples are processed to generate a value representative of the cross-sectional area of said item. In order to take account of sheets of different sizes, a further value is generated representative of the dimension of said item parallel to its direction of feed. The value representing said cross-sectional area is divided by this further value in order to derive a value which represents the average thickness of said item and which enables a determination to be made as to whether said item is a single or multiple sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for checking an envelope for contents is provided to determine whether or not an envelope has been completely emptied. The thickness of the envelope is measured at a plurality of points along the envelope. From the measured thickness, the thickness, or an integer multiple of the thickness, of the material of the envelope is determined. The thickness of the envelope measured at the plurality of points is compared with the determined material thickness, or integer multiple of the thickness, of the envelope. On the basis of that comparison, a determination is made as to whether or not the envelope has contents therein. The apparatus and method do not rely on measuring the opacity of the envelope.

Abstract: An apparatus 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 said first value as a reference value for said first predetermined composition; determining a second value according to a thickness of a successive unit intended to have said first predetermined composition; comparing said reference value with said second value; and rejecting said successive unit when said second value is outside a tolerance range around said reference value; wherein said first and second values are calculated from a plurality of measurements taken during at least one predetermined measuring interval along each of said first unit and said successive unit, respectively, at least one limit of said at least one measuring interval being related to the passage of a transverse edge of the

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and sorting component parts of an assembly includes a single station wherein parts are continuously fed, precisely measured, sorted by measurement, and then transported. For measuring the parts a contact member is mounted for extremely precise and controlled movements by a voice coil motor. The contact member is initially referenced with respect to a datum and is then placed into contact with the part. An optical encoder senses the position of the contact member to enable a determination of the critical dimension. The contact member includes a removable portion that is shaped to measure a desired critical dimension. This may include the height, inside diameter, outside diameter, roundness, or location of a feature of the part.

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: A unique envelope handling and sorting system is attained for efficiently and reliably separating envelopes which fail to meet pre-selected criteria from envelopes meeting these criteria by providing an envelope sensing section having at least one gauging member which comprises a plurality of separate and independent roller assemblies, each of which are securely mounted to an elongated shaft which moves arcuately in response to the thickness measuring movement of the gauging member. In the preferred embodiment, the envelope handling and sorting system of this invention also incorporates means for measuring the length of each envelope and for removing all envelopes that fail to meet the preselected length requirements. In addition, the preferred system incorporates means for effectively dividing the envelope into a plurality of separate zones and enabling the user to select any desired zone for use and evaluation of the envelope thickness measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting defects in discrete articles, such as fasteners having an indexable article carrier with a plurality of article holders on the article carrier for supporting articles in a holding position so that each article in the holding position moves in a prescribed path as the article carrier is operated; structure for incrementally indexing the article carrier to position each article holder alternatively in (a) a first position in which an article can be inserted therein from a supply, and (b) a second position spaced from said first position; structure for shifting an article in a holder in the second position out of the holding position therefor into an inspecting position and for rotating an article in a holder in an inspecting position so that the complete periphery of an article to be inspected is exposed for examination is included; and eddy current scanning structure for examining the exposed part of an article while being rotated in the inspection position therefor.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the depth of a recess formed in the end of articles such as headed fasteners having a first indexable article carrier with a plurality of article holders for supporting articles so that each article moves in a prescribed path as the article carrier is operated, a second indexable carrier mounted for synchronized motion with the first carrier having a plurality of reciprocable probes aligned with the article holders for engaging a recess of the articles, structure for incrementally indexing the carriers to position the article carrier alternatively in (a) a first position in which an article can be inserted therein from a supply, and (b) a second position spaced from the first position, a positioning mechanism for assuring registration of the probe free end and a recess on an article on the carrier as the probe free end and the carrier are relatively moved to the second position, structure for sequentially deploying the reciprocable probes into engagement with the articles, and a s

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting the contents of envelopes, each of which has been opened along at least one edge and has an opposite edge which is unopened. The envelopes are successively projected with their unopened edges leading, against an adhesive surface of a travelling belt. The belt is subsequently oriented so that the envelopes are suspended therefrom and the belt is simultaneously vibrated to cause the contents of the envelopes to migrate downwardly and leave the envelopes. The contents are conveyed in an orderly fashion on a belt conveyor and formed into a stack. The empty envelopes are stripped from the belt. The adhesive surface on the belt is formed by renewable adhesive strips.

Abstract: An automatic disc gauging and sorting apparatus for gauging the thickness of the discs and sorting the discs into a series of predetermined ranges of varying thickness is provided. The apparatus includes a revolving disc sorting unit including a plurality of spaced-apart disc sorting containers arranged concentrically and in one plane. Each of the containers is designated to receive discs of a predetermined thickness range. A cassette transport assembly for transporting cassettes containing discs to be gauged and sorted to a disc pick-up position adjacent the sorting unit and for transporting empty cassettes away from the disc pick-up position is included, as well as a disc gauging unit associated with the sorting unit adjacent the disc pick-up position for gauging the thickness of the discs to be sorted.

Abstract: A foreign substance disposing device is disclosed for a money receiving and disbursing machine. The machine comprises a bill receiving section for receiving a stack of bills to be processed in. The machine, pick out rollers for picking out the bills one by one from the stack transfer rollers for transferring the stack of bills from the bill receiving section to the pick out rollers, and transfer driver for driving the transfer rollers a detecting roller is swingably provided between the bill receiving means and the pick out rollers to produce a swingable movement in response to an undulation of the surface of the stack of bills as the bills are transferred.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated processing of bulk mail in a continuous and automatic procedure includes an operative combination of processing stations including an input station for receiving incoming mail in bulk fashion and for separting the pieces of mail for individual delivery to the remainder of the apparatus; a station for detecting irregularities in the contents of the envelopes, such as metal items, folded contents, or oversized items; a station for out-sorting envelopes rejected in accordance with the determinations made at the detection station; a station for opening the envelopes, preferably along multiple edges; a station for removing the contents from the opened envelopes, for subsequent processing of the contents; and a series of stations for handling and orienting the contents for subsequent delivery to a plurality of output stackers.

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: Thickness indicator apparatus mounted adjacent to a bill path inside an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) includes a wishbone (45) having a pair of identical fingers (46) which contact bills moving in the bill path, and a metallic target (52). The wishbone is floatably mounted to the frame of the ATM such that target (52) is displaced an amount which is proportional to the thickness of the bills in contact with fingers (46). A sensor (66) senses the position of the target (52) and generates an electrical signal indicative of bill thickness.

Abstract: Slide fasteners are fed longitudinally one at a time along a path by at least one stream of air flowing along the path, and are then introduced into a clearance or gate which is narrow enough to prevent the passage of sliders so that when the slide fasteners have respective sliders, they are stopped at the gate, while when the slide fasteners have no sliders, they are allowed to pass through the gate and be further advanced by the stream of air. Thus the slide fasteners are automatically sorted or separated into two groups according to the presence of the sliders. Thereafter, the stream of air is interrupted whereupon the slide fasteners stopped at the gate are allowed to fall from the path into a container disposed below the gate. The slide fasteners thus fallen are disposed in the container in juxtaposition.

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 note checking apparatus for indicating whether normal single notes, double notes or notes having local attachments of folds are passing therethrough includes two rollers 10 and 12 between which the notes pass. The roller 10 has a fixed axis, and the roller 12 is supported by pivotably mounted arms 38 so that it is movable away from, and pivotable relative to, the roller 10 in response to notes passing between the rollers. Sensors 42 and 43 produce voltage output whose magnitude varies in dependence on the amount of movement of the ends of the roller 12 away from the roller 10. In order to enable the apparatus to distinguish between double notes and a single note having a central local attachment, there are provided biasing rolls 56 and 58 which, during the passage of single or multiple notes between the rollers 10 and 12, are arranged to apply to the roller 12 first a pivoting moment in one direction and then a pivoting moment in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for checking the contents of envelopes and sorting envelopes and other documents according to thickness. The envelopes or other documents are fed along a predetermined path, the thickness of each envelope or document is checked as it travels along the path, and any envelope or document having a thickness greater than a predetermined thickness is diverted from the path.

Abstract: A method and system for packaging insulation units comprising a receiving section that indexes each roll-set that comes off a production line, a roll breaking section that separates the roll-set into individual units and spaces each unit, a diverter section that verifies height and facing and then diverts a selected roll unit to the proper packaging material and a packaging section that receives a roll unit, orients it properly, and packages it in the proper packaging. The system allows rejection of unsuitable product and reduced handling of product by employees.

Abstract: Automatic height sensing mechanism is provided to sense the height of an individual pallet or slip sheeted pallet and automatically adjusts the stripper plate above the sensed height as the pallet is moved along a predetermined path of travel by a conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of sorting power transmission belts into groups of substantially equal length. The apparatus is entirely automatic and includes mechanism for transferring seriatim the respective belts from a supply to a measuring drive mechanism. The belt being measured is driven under tension and the length and rideout concurrently determined and fed to a computer. In the event the belt is found to be outsized but capable of being brought into the desired range by grinding the sides thereof, grinding mechanism of the apparatus is actuated to adjust the configuration suitably. The apparatus includes mechanism for discarding outsized belts which cannot be so adjusted. The apparatus includes mechanism for transferring the belts from the measuring drive system to a conveyor and associated mechanism for sorting the measured belts as a function of a signal provided by the computer.

Abstract: Apparatus for checking the profile of a sheet and comparing measured data with that data from measurement of a standard. The apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of studs on the frame providing three support locations for the sheet, a plurality of reference stops spaced along two adjacent sides of the frame and structure along opposite sides for moving a sheet into a centered position at the stops and measuring structure for measuring the profile of the sheet at a centered position. The sheet may be held at the centered position to immobilize it during measurement and the apparatus may be located along a production line including structure for moving a sheet to the frame and removing the sheet from the frame.

Abstract: A method of removing product of an unacceptable height from a product line is disclosed. In the method, a quantity of the product is arrayed in a carrier and moved to a gauging station where the array is placed between a reference plate and a corresponding array of gauging members and gauged by raising the reference plate to a predetermined height position and measuring the height of the gauging members when the gauging members are supported on the product array. The signals from the gauging station are stored and the carrier plate is moved to a rejection station where unacceptable product is selectively removed in response to the stored rejection signals from the gauging station. The carrier plate is then returned to the product line with only acceptable product still in place.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting the chimbs of cylindrical articles such as kegs or drums comprises means for rotating a keg about its cylindrical axis and sensing means arranged to engage the chimb of the keg and to sense displacement of the chimb from a predetermined position. In the preferred embodiment, a lower sensing unit 18 has two actuating arms 132 and 232 pivoted about horizontal axes. Each arm has at one end a roller (136,236) which engages the chimb 302 of a keg 300 under the resilient bias of a spring (154,254). At the other end the arm has a steel plate (138,238) moving over a proximity sensor (152,252). Deformation of chimb 302 at any point in its circumference causes the plate on one or other arm to move away from the proximity sensor which gives an appropriate signal to electrical control circuitry of the apparatus. An upper sensing unit 20 is provided so that the upper and lower chimbs of a keg can be inspected simultaneously.

Abstract: A double detect device includes first and second parallel and superposed rows of steel balls retained in a block, the first row being in contact with a steel roller whose axis is parallel to the rows of balls. An actuating rod is urged resiliently against an end ball of the second row. In operation, currency notes are fed between the roller and the first row of balls. The passage of a note through the device depresses the balls of the first row thereby urging apart the balls of the second row so as to move the rod. If two superposed notes pass through the device movement of the rod is sufficient to actuate a switch. The device can distinguish between multiple notes and a single note having a localized increase in thickness, since such single note does not move the rod sufficiently to actuate the switch.

Abstract: A device for detecting the thickness of paper sheet such as bank note used for a paper sheet transfer system comprises a thickness detection roll rotatably supported at a free end of a pivotal lever and urged against a paper sheet transfer roll, via a paper sheet when the paper sheet is transferred therebetwen. The pivotal lever is pivotally supported by a lever mounting unit, which is detachably mounted on a frame of the transfer system. The lever mounting unit is positioned in a predetermined mounting position by positioning pins and locked at that position by a fixing means including a toggle mechanism. With a change of the thickness of paper sheet being transferred the gap between an electromagnetic sensor mounted in the frame and a corresponding sensing surface of the lever is changed, and thereby the paper sheet thickness is electromagnetically detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting conical bobbin tubes for textile machines with their tip ends located to one side comprises a supply device supplying individual bobbin tubes transversely of their axes along a guide table and between two lateral guide edges. The distance of the lateral guide edges from the guide table is equal to the mean bobbin tube diameter and the mutual distance between which diminishes, seen in the direction of the bobbin tube supply, from a value greater than the bobbin tube length to a value smaller than the bobbin tube length. During their movement in the supply direction the bobbin tubes are forced to move longitudinally in the direction of their tip end, which permits sorting them with their tip end to one side.

Abstract: An electronic inspection fixture is provided which checks a dimension of objects and rejects oversized ones. The inspection fixture includes spaced conducting members set apart at a fixed distance and preferably placed one above the other at angles to the horizontal which enables objects to slide between the members by gravity. An oversized object completes a circuit between the members and causes a fluid-operated cylinder to move the upper member away from the lower one to release the object. The circuit also operates a second fluid-operated cylinder which moves a diverter member into the path of the objects to divert oversized objects from the normal path thereof. Objects which are not oversized pass between the members and past the diverter member.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting and separating out articles having pits therein after the product has been passed through a pit removing device. The apparatus includes a pair of detector wheels supported to rotate in the same plane. Each of these wheels is power driven. The adjacent peripheries are spaced apart to receive the articles such that the articles having a greater thickness due to the presence of pits are indicated by the separating force on the wheels.

Abstract: An automatic doubles and sheet thickness detector is disclosed that operates by comparing consecutive sheet materials that are delivered to a rotating drum.The consecutive sheet materials pass under two spaced apart rollers that are movably biased against the drum. If a sheet of greater thickness or a double sheet passes under one of the rollers, it will be displaced a greater distance from the drum surface than the other roller. This displacement is magnified by means of elongated pivot arms, which are attached to each roller. The magnified movement is detected by means of an optical arrangement comprising a light source, a photodetector, and a pair of mirrors. The mirrors are each secured to a distal end of a respective pivot arm. The light source casts a beam that reflects off each mirror towards the photodetector.