Abstract: Rice and other grains are inspected by a video camera system, and the data are processed to determined grain measurements, whether each grain is broken, and to obtain measures such as the percent broken by weight of a sample of rice. The apparatus takes a sample of grains or a stream of grains, and conveys it into view of a video camera. The grains in the camera's view are illuminated by an illumination system. After the grain images have been acquired by the camera and electronics, the grains are then removed from the camera's viewing area to an output stream or hopper, and uninspected grains may be conveyed into the camera's view to continue the process. The image data is processed to identify individual grains and then to perform measurements on them.

Abstract: A sensor that utilizes strips of piezoelectric material to noninvasively measure the surface force/displacement resulting from a blood pressure wave traveling through an artery and transmitted through the arterial wall and overlying tissue, while canceling noise artifact signals is disclosed. Piezoelectric elements create an electrical signal when pressure is applied to their surface. In the preferred embodiment, the sensor is constructed so that there are three sensing elements--a signal sensing element in the center and one noise sensing element on each side of the center element. The center element is placed over an individuals artery, e.g., the radial artery in a persons wrist. When positioned this way, the two noise sensing elements are positioned on each side of the artery.The center element generates a signal that is a function of the pressure wave in the artery, whereas this signal is highly attenuated in the noise sensing elements.

Abstract: The optical continuity of a fiber optic conduit is tested by terminating the fiber optic conduit with an element having a wavelength-dependent coefficient of reflectivity, coupling to the fiber optic conduit light of a first wavelength band, detecting light in the first wavelength band reflected back through the fiber optic conduit, coupling to the fiber optic conduit light of a second wavelength band, and detecting light in the second wavelength band reflected back through the fiber optic conduit. A relative comparison is formed of light in the first wavelength band reflected back through the fiber optic conduit and light in the second wavelength band reflected back through the fiber optic conduit. Reliable continuity testing of a fiber optic conduit including multiple in-line connectors is thereby made possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ordnance ignition systems and methods having significantly improved safety and reliability characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, laser energy is used to fire both deflagrating initiators and deflagration-to-detonation devices via fiber optic cable assemblies (FOCA). Relative to known explosive transfer assemblies, FOCAs are lighter, more reliable, less costly, and can be easily and thoroughly tested nondestructively. Although the laser initiated devices (LID) contain moderately sensitive pyrotechnics, their electrical isolation renders them immune from inadvertent initiation by electromagnetic and abnormal optical environments.

Abstract: Color sorting system and method which are particularly suitable for sorting fruits and vegetables. The objects to be sorted are scanned with a color video camera, and the signals from the camera are digitized and utilized to address a look up table. The look up table is preloaded to provide reject data at those addresses for colors to be rejected. Several techniques for loading the look up table are disclosed. Then, on an online basis, the successive images address the look up table and the reject data is analyzed to drive appropriate reject apparatus. In one embodiment, the data from the look up table is applied to a spatial filter, and objects are rejected only if they have a certain number or sequence of unacceptable colors.