Abstract: Apparatus for three-way sorting of particles in a singulated particle stream is characterized by a viewing assembly including a first and a second classifying section each respectively classifying each particle passing therethrough according to first and second predetermined physical characteristics, such as opaqueness and color, and generating an appropriate classification signal representative thereof. The classification signals so generated are transmitted through an appropriate signal delay circuit to actuator circuits which actuate ejector elements. Actuation of the appropriate ejector in response to a classification signal directs certain of the particles exhibiting the first and the second physical characteristics out of the singulated stream and into respective collection receptacles while others of the particles are permitted to pass unimpeded to a separate collection area.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus wherein a plurality of first and second electrical color signals from a predetermined number of viewer elements are sampled by a time multiplexer, classified on the basis of the ratio of the color signals sampled from each viewer, and demultiplexed to actuate an ejector associated with each viewer if a comparison of the ratio classification signal with predetermined references indicates an unacceptably colored product or foreign object is characterized by circuitry for testing the digital logic elements associated with the sorting apparatus, and for sampling and displaying signal outputs from predetermined test points within the sorter circuitry at predetermined multiplex times.

Abstract: A method for halftone reproduction of continuous tone images, in black and white or color, wherein improved tonal density characteristics are achieved, is disclosed. By plotting a first set of dot fields upon a recording medium, such as photographic film, and then plotting successive sets of dot fields upon the same reocording medium with some dots of the successive sets being superimposed upon some of the dots of the first set, an increased number of different tonal densities is made possible.

Abstract: A flowmeter system of the type employing a modification circuit responds to a pulse producing volumetric flow transducer and to a signal converter connected to a temperature sensitive transducer for providing a compensated metered output of a corrected series of output pulses relating to a selected reference base or standard temperature for the fluid. The signal converter is connected to the remotely located probe through a connecting circuit and functions to provide an analog output representing the difference between the sensed fluid temperature and the reference or standard temperature while providing dynamic lead length compensation for the connecting circuit. A constant current source is precisely regulated and also selectively adjustable to provide a dual slope approximation of the temperature deviation range with respect to the corresponding probe resistance deviation range at the signal converter output.

Abstract: An improved seismic array is provided which has the capability to supply data to adjacent recording stations simultaneously. The seismic array has a plurality of seismic detector connection points, and a seismic detector is located at each seismic detector connection point. Dual weighting of the output of each seismic detector in thearray is achieved by connecting dual resistors to the output of each seismic detector. Two pairs of wires are also provided in the array, and one pair of wires interconnects one weighted output of each seismic detector to the first end of the array. The second pair of wires interconnects the second weighted output to the second end of the array. An amplifier is provided for use at either or both ends of the array, and a feedback network, including a resistor, is associated with the amplifier.

Abstract: A seismic exploration method is described in which a vibratory source transmits into the earth a series of discrete wave packets of different center frequencies, at least some of which are not uniformly spaced in frequency. Some of the center frequencies may, for example, be related to each other as a geometric progression. Each wave packet that is transmitted into the earth preferably has a modulation envelope according to a sinusoidal modulating wave that eliminates transient effects due to termination of the wave packet and minimizes the number of discrete wave packets required to define a given frequency band width. The received waves are recorded and later summed with a zero phase relationship relative to a common reference time. The composite record is similar to that obtained from an explosive source.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting a random stream of articles moving along a wide path in a product flow according to their color. When an article having an unacceptable color is detected, a signal is generated to activate an ejector to remove the unacceptable article from the product flow. Apparatus according to the present invention is especially suitable for use in the field, in combination with harvesting apparatus, for sorting ripe produce such as tomatoes from unripe produce and other unwanted articles, all of which conveniently may be delivered to the apparatus randomly disposed on a conveyor belt. As the articles are discharged from the conveyor belt, they are viewed by a bichromatic color sensing system which generates one or more reject signals in response to each unacceptably colored article. The reject signals activate corresponding ejectors at the proper time to divert the unacceptable articles from the product flow.