Abstract: A system and method for nondestructive automated headspace analysis. The system includes a container conveyor that conveys a plurality of generally optically transparent sealed test containers through a pre-inspection region, an inspection region and a post-inspection region of the container conveyor, and that conveys at least one sealed reference container, through the inspection region. Also included is a zone including a laser emitter and a sensor located in the inspection region and arranged such that the laser source emits a laser beam such that it intersects with a container movement path. The conveyor alternatingly conveys test containers and reference containers through the zone.

Abstract: Coin validation apparatus may be associated with a coin freed mechanism on coin receiving machines or form part of a coin sorting apparatus to check that coins are valid coins and not counterfeit. Recently, it has become particularly convenient to use the interaction between a coin and an alternating magnetic field to gauge various parameters of the coin thereby to determine if the coin is valid. In such a method the frequency of a feedback oscillator having a tuned electrical coil in its feedback loop is monitored when a coin is present adjacent the coil, the frequency is then monitored when a phase shift or time delay network is also included in its feedback loop, two parameter signals characteristic of the effect of the coin on both the inductance and the loss factor of the coil, are derived from these maintained frequencies and the two parameter signals are compared with reference values to determine if the coin is valid.