Abstract: A business travel tracking apparatus which includes a processor having a processor memory and a global positioning system sensor for determining vehicle position. An input device is provided which is in communication with the processor for designating each trip as either a business trip or a personal trip. A sensor is in communication with the processor for determining a commencement of the trip. An alarm is in communication with the processor. The processor activates the alarm when the trip sensor senses the commencement of a trip and deactivates the alarm when the input device indicates that a selection has been made.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing a redundant code on an elongate article are disclosed. The apparatus includes an ink unit, at least one printing head and a controller. The printing head includes two, or three, valves, controlled by the controller. As the elongate article passes through a printing station, the controller selectively actuates the valves to release ink, and thus print the code. The two valves are preferably aligned and laterally spaced from each other in order to print the same code twice on the article.

Abstract: A classifying station for classifying a piece of wood in a wood processing plant, the classifying station including an area for an operator, a conveyor for transversely conveying pieces of wood before the area, and a console for entering classification related to a piece of wood to be classified, where the classifying station includes a dynamic classification zone located in front of the area having a predetermined length. The station also includes illumination elements adapted to selectively illuminate a piece of wood to be classified when the piece of wood is in the dynamic classification zone, the illumination elements being adapted to illuminate another piece of wood when the piece of wood has been classified; and control means for controlling the illumination means and operatively associated with the console in order to associate the illuminated piece of wood with information related to classification of the piece of wood entered by the user while the piece of wood is lit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a wood chips analyser. A sample of a load of chips is weighed, and then inserted into the analyser. A sifting drum sifts out any dust present in the sample. The chips are then spread out through the use of a spreader drum and two vibrating trays, which insure that the chips are oriented horizontally. The chips are then fed to a transparent conveyor. A pair of cameras are arranged about the conveyor, one camera facing each surface of the conveyor. The output of the cameras is sent to a controller, which makes a three-dimensional representation of each chip. Once the sample have been analysed, a report is generated according to modifiable criteria. A typical report will indicate the percentage of a category of chips. This information is then used by paper mills to treat the chips accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting defects in wood which includes an inlet for loading a piece of wood in the apparatus, a scanning device for scanning and detecting defects in the piece of wood and an outlet for releasing the piece of wood from the apparatus. The inlet and outlet are each provided with at least one roller assembly which include a top and bottom roller. The roller assemblies are positioned relative to each other and the scanning device so that the piece of wood is maintained, at any time, by two points.

Abstract: A media transport system in a phototypesetter for "leading" and "reverse leading" movement of film media at minimal inertia and little friction between a supply cassette and a self-threading take-up cassette, and characterized by vacuum pockets adjustable to varied media width and controlled by sensors for the delivery and removal of media and for the transport thereof across a make-up area where said media is held taught in a focal point while being positioned and moved by encoded drive means synchronizing placement of the typeset image at the make-up area.

Abstract: A transporter for delivering cut lengths of exposed film media from a phototypesetter into a film media processor and comprising a series of spaced roller pairs motorized through slip clutches to transport and permit reverse movement of said film media, and when cut adapted to move the film media forwardly at a rate substantially greater than the throughput rate of the phototypesetter which is substantially twice that of the processor, and having a buffer storage area to receive film media delivered from the phototypesetter to be returned thereto or delivered to the film processor, there being a turn gate alternately directing the film media to the buffer storage area and in an emulsion "up" condition or to the film processor for development and delivering the same in emulsion and character "up" sheets cut at the entry thereof into the transporter.