Abstract: One objective of the present invention is to optimize a sorting process (20) that, by novel means (240), reduces the number of comparisons required to sort delivered items (10, 230) whether said items are physical tokens, electronic data or other symbolic representations of whatever is sorted. Said novel means (240) include: initializing values (220), recording values (250), comparing items found closest to evolving centroids (310, 320), restricting evolving fields for comparison within limits (330), setting pointers indicating the sorted order of items (360), detecting delivered items and those remaining within limits (60, 260), noting value changes (30, 250), and appropriate recursions (270, 280, 350, 370). A second objective of the present invention is to provide computer software means for said process (20) whereby said novel means (240) can be operably coupled with an apparatus to find items (40) and place them in ordered queues (50) as items (70).

Abstract: A new technology is established by the present invention to assist in the development of more reliable human method for the inspection of pharmaceutical and critical products. The present invention provides the industry with a standardized illumination environment in which the illumination conditions remain constant over extended periods of time. Furthermore, the invention provides the environment in an ergonomic package that is easily adjusted to match physical requirements of individual users without the use of any special tools. The optimized manual inspection environment implements the state of the art control techniques to maintain a constant luminous intensity within an expanded inspection volume. The large inspection volume minimizes the effects of variation in product positions while inspectors perform the operations.

Abstract: Essential prerequisites for any injectable product are its sterility, its freedom from pathogens and its freedom from visible particle contamination . . . . These requirements must be satisfied prior to the release of an injectable product batch for sale and use. A major difficulty in responding to these assay requirements is the need for a size sensitivity difference of 100 or greater in determining the presence of viable pathogenic organisms and of non-viable random particle contaminants. The wide dynamic testing range cannot be satisfied in current art with a single non-destructive testing station. The present invention uses a special agitation procedure to generate separate liquid volumes containing the small viable and larger non-viable particle contaminants. This separation makes possible the introduction of sensing systems that have been optimized for each size range and that can operate in parallel without interference.

Abstract: The generation of a desired non-linear resonance in the toroidal flow of liquid in a cylindrical injectable product is described. The resulting liquid flow pattern generated with an approximately smooth meniscus is down at the walls, across to the center of rotation, up on the center of rotation, across the meniscus to complete the pattern. The controlled flow pattern results in a predictable location for particle of varying mass and hydraulic shape. This predictability of location transforms the problem of particle detection from a chance occurrence to a deterministic task. The deterministic location of particle position is a contributor to the demonstrated capability to measure the size of visible particle range in a range from 33 ?m to 1,000 ?m with a median deviation of 1% and a maximum deviation from NIST dimensional accuracy of 3%.

Abstract: A method for the substantially complete detection and measurement of all surface imperfections, within a predetermined size range, contained on the surface of a machined metal component comprising the steps of: a) the accurate positioning of a sample so to expose substantially all of the surface imperfections to be viewed by a high resolution sensor; b) uniformly illuminating the surface of the sample with light; and c) detecting at least one of light scatter, light reflection and light extinction caused by said surface imperfections, with detectors having a depth of focus and field of view of detection over the entire visible surface of the sample. Wherein the detectors are positioned, relative to the sample whereby the optical path and field of view allows the sensor sufficient focus to view substantially all of the samples' surface.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the inspection of machining tools used in computational numerical control (CNC) machining centers. The invention will observe a machining tool immediately after use to determine if it has been damaged. The invention is based on a machine vision technology that uses one or more image sensors to acquire, locate and compare the tool to a good model. The inspection equipment is designed for implementation in the CNC automatic tool changing system and will alert the operator that tool has been damaged before the next operation. This immediate response of the invention will contain defect components and prevent damage to subsequent components. With the addition of an infrared image sensor the invention is capable of detecting worn or dull tools that may damage a component due to excessive heating.

Abstract: A method for the substantially complete detection and measurement of all particles, within a predetermined size, range, contained in an injectable solution comprising the steps of: a) rotation of the container causes substantially all of the particles in the injectable solution in the container to be set in motion; b) uniformly illuminating the background around the container with light; and c) detecting at least one of light scatter, light reflection and light extinction caused by said particles, with detectors having a depth of focus of detection in a specified volume of the container. Wherein the detectors are positioned, relative to the container whereby the optical path and field of view allows the sensor sufficient focus to view substantially all of the bottom interior surface of the container and substantially all of the solution volume within the container.

Abstract: One objective of the present invention is to optimize a sorting process (20) that, by novel means (240), reduces the number of comparisons required to sort delivered items (10, 230) whether said items are physical tokens, electronic data or other symbolic representations of whatever is sorted. Said novel means (240) include: initializing values (220), recording values (250), comparing items found closest to evolving centroids (310, 320), restricting evolving fields for comparison within limits (330), setting pointers indicating the sorted order of items (360), detecting delivered items and those remaining within limits (60, 260), noting value changes (30, 250), and appropriate recursions (270, 280, 350, 370). A second objective of the present invention is to provide computer software means for said process (20) whereby said novel means (240) can be operably coupled with an apparatus to find items (40) and place them in ordered queues (50) as items (70).