Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively directing work objects wherein the work objects are passed along a path of travel, predetermined characteristics of the work objects are sensed and work objects having the predetermined characteristics are diverted from the path of travel successively to alternate sides of the path of travel without movement in a return direction intermediate diversion of successive work objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning work objects having a frame adopted to receive the work objects and to direct them along a course, a plurality of work members mounted on the frame in position for engagement by the work objects in the course, and a drive mechanism for rotating the work members while in engagement with the work objects to propel the work objects along the course and substantially into single file with the longitudinal axes thereof disposed in substantially coaxial alignment.

Abstract: An article sensor which defines an opening through which articles to be measured are propelled in a non-supported condition. Bounding the opening are at least two mutually perpendicular arrays of light sources and of photodetectors. The photodetectors constitute the inputs to a microprocessor controlled circuit so that the number and identity of photodetectors that are obscured by a passing article can be determined rapidly thereby enabling plural measurements of articles dimensions to be made during traversal of a single article. The microprocessor can be programmed to compute the volume of an article, the weight of an article or virtually any other characteristic of an article. A circuit for controlling and interrogating the photodetectors which permits interrogation of the photodetectors at a rate corresponding to that at which the microprocessor operates.

Abstract: An article sensor which defines an opening through which articles to be measured are propelled in a non-supported condition. Bounding the opening are at least two mutually perpendicular arrays of light sources and of photodetectors. The photodetectors constitute the inputs to a microprocessor controlled circuit so that the number and identity of photodetectors that are obscured by a passing article can be determined rapidly thereby enabling plural measurements of articles dimensions to be made during traversal of a single article. The microprocessor can be programmed to compute the volume of an article, the weight of an article or virtually any other characteristic of an article.A container filling machine which is controlled by the abovementioned microprocessor so that the aggregate weight applied to each container can be carefully measured and controlled, thereby assuring compliance with relevant fair packaging and labeling regulations without the waste attending overfilling of such containers.

Abstract: An article sensor which defines an opening through which articles to be measured are propelled in a non-supported condition. Bounding the opening are at least two mutually perpendicular arrays of light sources and of photodetectors. The photodetectors constitute the inputs to a microprocessor controlled circuit so that the number and identity of photodetectors that are obscured by a passing article can be determined rapidly thereby enabling plural measurements of articles dimensions to be made during traversal of a single article. The microprocessor can be programmed to compute the volume of an article, the weight of an article or virtually any other characteristic of an article.A container filling machine which is controlled by the abovementioned microprocessor so that the aggregate weight applied to each container can be carefully measured and controlled, thereby assuring compliance with relevant fair packaging and labeling regulations without the waste attending overfilling of such containers.