Abstract: An apparatus for counting recyclable, returnable items is provided. The apparatus includes a housing with an opening through which recyclable, returnable items ("returnables") are received for deposit into a receptacle located below the housing. As returnables are received through the opening in the housing, the returnables must strike a trap door lever before passing to the receptacle. The lever trap door is pivotally mounted to the housing and moves between an obstructing position and a non-obstructing position. The obstructing position is such that the trap door lever at obstructs and forms an air-tight seal with the opening in the housing so that returnables destined for the receptacle must strike and displace it into its non-obstructing position to allow the trap door returnable to pass. The lever is biased into its obstructing position by a lever biasing means so that after returnables have passed by the trap door lever, the trap door lever returns to its obstructing position.

Abstract: A plurality of rows are provided on a calling of sensors and each have a plurality of distance variation measuring sensors. The distance variation measuring sensors each include a light emitter and a light receiver arranged in the orthogonal direction to the direction in which human bodies pass. The number of passers is detected on the basis of the number of the distance variation measuring sensors which have detected a human body. The traveling direction of human bodies is detected on the basis of the change in the distance to the distance variation measuring human bodies measured by the sensors.

Abstract: Problems in counting and stacking fried food products such as tostadas are solved by an improved counter/stacker device in which tortilla food products ride a first moving belt through a photoelectric counting station. After being counted the product drops into a stack retainer shaped to hold the product. A series of stack retainers are arranged along the length of a flexible, intermittently moving, continuous belt. When the counting station signals that the required number of product have been counted and deposited into a stack, the flexible belt bearing the stack retainer is rapidly advanced to bring an empty stack retainer into position beneath the counting station. The stack retainers ensure that the product stacks do not shift and are stationary for a period of time, thereby facilitating manual or automatic packaging of the product.

Abstract: An axle counter which compares axle passage pulses generated in an electromagnetic rail contact with a predetermined threshold value and, when this threshold value is exceeded, feeds an axle counter pulse to presence-of-trains indicating equipment, is equipped with overwritable memories (SMA, SMI) for storing this threshold value. In response to a setup command entered manually by depressing a key or transferred from a distant control facility (STW), the memories can be overwritten with a current axle passage pulse value or a statistically determined value corresponding to an average axle passage pulse. This eliminates the need to reposition the rail contact at regular intervals and permits this repositioning to be replaced by an adaptation of the threshold value to the axle passage pulses, which change as a result of rail wear, for example.

Abstract: A gauze-counting apparatus for surgical use, includes a support frame on is mounted a receiver hopper and a recording chamber. The hopper has a minimum passage section for a single gauze in which is mounted a photoelectric cell, coplanar fashion, the beam of which is broken by the passage of each gauze. The recording chamber includes a power supply, a counter connected to the photoelectric cell, an alarm that is activated when the counter reaches a preset number, and a functioning indicator.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a counter for elastic rings, comprising a screw having a spiral groove which is slightly wider than the width of an elastic ring and is slightly deeper than the thickness of the elastic ring. The screw has an open discharge end, and a plurality of sorting rollers are loosely mounted in series on a support shaft located above and parallel to the screw and are independently capable of rotation and vertical movement. The sorting rollers contact a spiral ridge of the screw, and are arranged such that while the screw is rotated and the elastic rings are fed to the feed end thereof, the elastic rings are loosely moved into the spiral groove of the screw by the sorting rollers, and then sequentially delivered from the discharge end of the screw to a counting means.

Abstract: Apparatus for counting opaque and transparent containers has a movable conveyor which delivers such containers along a path to a discharge zone. The conveyor path is separated by dividers into adjacent lanes and such dividers are of varying height relative to the conveyor. A metering device overlies the conveyor path and is operable to preclude container stacking. A counting mechanism is associated with each of the lanes to count each container that passes the discharge zone. The counting mechanism comprises a sonic sensor having an emitter and a receiver which are angularly arranged in a plane at an angle to the path of container movement through the discharge zone, thereby avoiding linearity between adjacent sonic sensors.

Abstract: The sheets of a stream of partially overlapping sheets are counted during transport past a generator of ultrasonic waves which is operated by a control unit at a frequency such that each sheet reflects a series of successive waves. The resulting echoes are directed toward two discrete signal generators which transmit signals to an evaluating circuit by way of the control unit. The signals denote the length of intervals of propagation of waves from the source to the respective signal generators, and the circuit processes such signals to furnish information denoting the number of sheets which are conveyed past the locus of impingement of waves upon the sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting lump foodstuff includes a machine frame, a foodstuff feeding funnel fixed on the machine frame, a power-operated sheave unit mounted rotatably under the funnel, a conveyer belt unit disposed revolvably under the sheave unit, and a foodstuff collecting unit disposed under the conveyer belt unit. The sheave unit has several parallel grooves formed in the circumferential surface thereof. The conveyer belt unit includes several parallel belts which are engaged with the grooves of two power-operated pulleys. Any adjacent pair of the belts define therebetween a slot which is aligned with one of the grooves in the sheave unit. Rows of counters detect the foodstuffs which drop from the conveyer belt unit into the foodstuff collecting unit.

Abstract: The apparatus has separating elements (1) which are fastened at regular intervals to a rotating endless V-belt (21) and which, at the counting station (34), individually separate the note to be counted and temporarily keep it in the counting position. The notes bundled to form a packet rest on edge on a packet holder (35 to 38) which is displaceable transversely relative to the direction of movement of the separating elements (1). The separating elements (1) have a suction face (2) which, during the straight run past the counting station (34), sucks up an upper edge strip of the note to be counted and is made curved in such a way that the edge strip at the same time experiences torsional deformation, thereby being lifted off from the remaining packet. As a result of the spring-back force intrinsic to the notes and counted to torsional deformation, separating errors are reliably prevented in this way.

Abstract: The check positioning system includes a guide tray (12) which in turn includes a guiding edge (31). Roller assemblies (18,20,22) in combination with associated lower gripping wheels (40,42,44) and a system (16) for driving the roller assemblies (18,20,22) move the check longitudinally in both directions along the guide tray (12). A clamping apparatus (48) controls the clamping of the check. A deskewing roller (28) on each of the roller assemblies moves the check laterally as well as longitudinally when the check is not clamped. A laterally movable edge detector (14) detects the edges of the check so it can be located relative to the guide tray (12) for accurate printing/encoding of the check.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus for and method of moving textile articles such as pieces of laundry or the like comprising an enclosed passageway having two opposing open ends, and at least one bend between the two open ends; a vacuum source coupled with one of the two open ends and developing a subatmospheric pressure along the passageway and at the other open end of the passageway to draw textile articles into the other open end and through the passageway to the one open end; and a sensor located at the one bend and sensing textile articles drawn through the passageway. The sensor is coupled with an appropriate counter for accumulating a count of successive textile articles drawn through the passageway. A delay circuit is included between the sensor and the accumulator to inhibit successive detector outputs for a selectable but fixed time period, regardless of the size of the textile articles being passed and counted.

Abstract: A checkout counter includes an optical scanning system mounted therein and includes a cover member positioned in the top surface of the counter having an aperture through which the scanning system will scan a coded label on the merchandise item positioned adjacent to the aperture. A support member mounted on a rail portion of the checkout counter adjacent the cover member supports a writing pad, a keyboard, a display member and a card reader enabling a customer to conveniently observe the price of the item being scanned, and the amount of money due for the purchased items, when writing a check for the amount due, or when using a credit card or a debit charge to pay for the purchased merchandise items in response to information displayed in the display member.

Abstract: A magnetic induction counting device includes: an inductive source having a permanent magnetic member disposed therein and a structure adapted to be worn on a worker's hand during material handling and counting operations; at least two sensing members made of Hall element for detecting the magnetic field of the inductive source and producing a voltage signal; a plurality of amplifiers respectively connected to the sensing members for receiving and amplifying the voltage signal of the sensing members; a sequential processor coupled with the amplifiers for outputting a pulse signal according to a sequential and unilateral condition of the voltage signal received from the amplifiers; and a counter functionally connected to the sequential processor for performing counting and displaying operations according to the pulse signal; thereby, during material handling and counting operations, automatic counting of the materials can be conveniently carried out in accordance with the movement of the worker's hand wearing

Abstract: A counting device for fish, especially smolt, comprising a pipe that is open at both ends and is adapted for being secured at one end to a vessel containing a quantity of fish to be counted. To the pipe devices are connected for generating a water flow in the pipe, the water flow having a higher velocity at the outer portion of the pipe in a direction towards the outlet of the pipe that at the portion closed to the vessel. At the outlet of the pipe a device known per se for detecting each individual fish is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting substantially cylindrical articles comprises a rotatable elevator cylinder having a circumferential series of compartments for the articles on the inside surface of the cylindrical wall thereof. Means are provided for sensing the presence of an article in each compartment when passing a predetermined position in the rotational path of the compartments, and for sensing the arrival of each compartment to said position, as well as means for making one count in dependence on the sensing of an article in said position.

Abstract: A self-cleaning counting device for particles such as seeds includes a circular housing have a well pivotally mounted therein for receiving and holding particles from a supply hopper. A disk having a plurality of openings is mounted for rotation in the housing such that the openings move past an open side of the well. A vacuum is applied to the side of the disk opposite the well such that individual particles are partially drawn into the disk openings and are carried thereby to a counting station where the particles are counted. After counting, the vacuum is removed and the counted seeds are released to a discharge chute. When a count is completed, the well is pivotable to a cleanout position where excess uncounted particles are purged from the housing.

Abstract: A counting and batching device for items such as tablets, capsules or caplets is faster than the electronic radial feeder counters, and is more easily adjustable for different quantities, sizes and shapes of items than slat counters or disk counters. The device has a hopper with an adjustable feed gate and a first vibrator to cause items to flow from the feed gate. A V-guide sorting trough is positioned beneath the feed gate having a slot at its base to hold a single row of items, and a second vibrator funnels items into a single row moving along the slot. A moving belt receives items from the trough and transports them in a single row between stationary guides past an electronic counter to a diverter where a predetermined number of items are diverted into at least two diverter streams. Loading positions are provided under each diverter stream with provision for positioning and removing containers independently into each loading position.

Abstract: Apparatus for counting containers such as empty aluminum cans comprises a loading conveyor for feeding empty containers to a counting unit having a movable conveyor underlying spaced, parallel partitions which provide a plurality of parallel pathways along which the containers are conveyed toward a discharge zone. Upstream from the discharge zone is a metering device which overlies the containers and which precludes more than one container in any row from passing the metering device at any one time. Downstream from the metering device are counters which record the number of containers discharged from the counting unit. Containers discharged from the counting unit are conveyed to an elevated level from which they are discharged to a bin for crushing and baling.

Abstract: A compact, unitary non-contacting counting device includes a housing with contains a photoelectric sensor adapted to monitor the passage of articles and emit responsive electrical signals and a totalizer for receiving such electrical signals or a related binary output change of state indication and maintaining a count. The housing is unitary and is sealed to resist undesired entry of foreign matter. The housing is preferably generally L-shaped having a first leg containing the photoelectric sensor which is adapted to emit and receive light in a first direction and a second leg which contains the totalizer which is adapted to display the count in the direction which may be opposed to or perpendicular to the second direction. Separate power supplies may be employed for the photoelectric sensor and the totalizer. Lenses or fiber optics may be employed to improve the efficiency of transmission of light from the source to the object or target and return of the light from the object or target.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for counting articles. The apparatus comprises a sensor which is adapted to generate a signal characteristic of a tag attached to each article; and means for counting the number of signals, thereby providing a numerical count of the number of articles. The invention is especially adapted to counting articles of cloth such as garments or bedlinens which are routinely and repeatedly laundered or dry-cleaned at the same cleaning establishment.

Abstract: Counter for pills, including an inclined tray and a photoelectric counter serving a digital readout.

Abstract: A container counter for counting elongated objects such as empty beverage cans including a hopper for receiving objects to be counted, a plurality of chutes located below and communicating with the hopper for conveying objects out of the hopper, and an oscillating grid positioned above the chutes to assist objects in becoming properly oriented to pass out of the hopper and into the chutes. A sensing device is mounted on each chute to detect a passing object and emit a signal. A summer is connected to the sensing devices to sum the signals and display a total count.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for counting indeterminately spaced articles traveling in a continuous stream. Successive individual lead articles of the stream are diverted from their direction of movement in an oblique direction. A sensor located beneath the stream at the point of oblique movement detects the sequential presence and absence of articles which information is accumulated to obtain a count. For counting rod-shaped articles, such as cigarettes, the method may be embodied in a drum having a helical groove to move the rods, the drum being located above a reflective scanning sensor head.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for counting flexible sheets contained in a stack, such as a pile of banknotes.The apparatus is of the type which has a rotary sheet removing assembly including a number of suction organs to which vacuum is applied in sequence and which contact the side face of a free end of a stack of notes to deflect each note from its initial position and count it.Normally after the machine has stopped and is to be restarted the rotary assembly is moved backwards until one of the suction organs is in the appropriate place to move the next sheet. This presents problems when handling soft or warm sheets.The invention involves rotating the rotary sheet removing assembly slowly in a forward, i.e. running direction, prior to the commencement of the sheet counting operation until each organ is effectively positioned in line with the face of a stack.In the drawing (FIG.

Abstract: An electro-optical device mounted over a conveyed stream of articles for sensing the passage of each article by projecting a single spot of light onto the articles and measuring the reflectance of that spot from two different angles. The measured reflectance values are fed to an electronic comparator which produces an output signal when one reflectance value exceeds the other by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A system and apparatus employs a photo sensor moving relatively to specially configured garment hangers to register electronically the number of garment hangers and in turn the garments suspended therefrom. The light source may be fixed at a specific location and the hangers movable with respect thereto or the light source may be movable with respect to stationary hangers.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the counting of objects and in particular fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and the like, which are randomly continuously presented by a conveyor or other means to a counting area in which the objects are illuminated. An image of the counting area and illuminated objects is optically reproduced on a self-scanning photodiode array which generates a series of output analog video signals corresponding to the light intensity on each of the photodiodes. These analog signals are amplified and compared with a voltage that is approximately 60% of the peak voltage value from the array, to provide an output binary signal pulse having a digital logic value of "1", when the video signal is above the 60% value, and a value of "O" when below the 60% value.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for determining the number of moving objects which completely traverse a given path. The apparatus provides an array of light sensors which are placed adjacent the path. A scanner periodically samples the output of each sensor in the array and produces an output proportional to the ambient light in the path striking the sensor. This output is stored for comparison with future outputs so that changes in the ambient light in the path may be detected. Changes in ambient light at a particular sensor are compared with changes detected by adjacent sensors, first to prevent erroneous readouts and second to determine the direction of movement. Moving objects completely traversing the field are recorded.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting and grouping articles has a discharge end through which the articles are discharged in consecutive groups, each having a predetermined number of articles; a first conveyor carrying the articles in random distribution; a second conveyor having a plurality of parallel-arranged counting channels; a transfer arrangement for advancing the articles onto the counting channels from the first conveyor; a counter associated with each counting channel to monitor, from a zero count, the total number of articles passing the counter in the second conveyor to determine article groups having a predetermined number of articles; and a third conveyor having pusher assemblies associated with each counting channel for cyclically taking over the conveyance of the articles from the second conveyor at a location which is downstream of the counter as viewed in the conveying direction of the articles.

Abstract: Electronic control means for a paper handling and counting machine. An LED array provides a visual display of the number of paper documents counted during either normal counting or "batching" operations. The LED display is utilized to the exclusion of additional display devices for providing an indication of a jam condition in the event of a jam by "flashing" the zero decimal digit. A similar indication is artificially created upon turn-on of the machine. When operating in the "batching" mode the LED array, in addition to providing a visual display of a completed batch count, will display a partially completed batch count in a flashing manner. The "jam-type" display is also activated whenever the batch control selector switch is switched from the "count" mode position to any batching mode position.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the number of a plurality of stacked corrugated cardboards. The one end of the stack is scanned horizontally and vertically by a photoelectric sensor, consisting of an array of 64 photodiodes switched in turn by electric pulses, for example, and the outputs of the photodiodes are counted and compared so as to successively detect the flat sheets and the corrugated sheets of the stacked corrugated cardboards. A counting and or a display device are operated in accordance with the order of the results of above detecting operations of the flat sheets and the corrugated sheets.

Abstract: A sheet of pleated material is fed from a roll onto a moving belt. A guide means maintains the sheet in alignment. A light source is reflected off the pleats and the reflections from the peaks of the pleats are detected as pulses. These pulses are counted. When a predetermined number have been counted, the last pleat is marked and the counting is continued for another sequence.

Abstract: In a document-handler adapted for feeding, separating and stacking sheets and the like, control means for sensing and counting separated sheets and having a capability of counting, statistically sampling and batching and including means for anticipating jam conditions to protect the counting mechanism, as well as the sheets, from being damaged. The sensing mechanism has the capability of self-adjustment to automatically compensate for any and all conditions which affect the sensitivity of the sensing device, and further has a capability of distinguishing between separated documents and apertured or mutilated documents. In accordance with the desired operation, the electronic circuitry controls the mechanical functions to achieve the desired counting, separating, batching and statistical sampling operations.