Abstract: An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

Abstract: A medical dispensing device which includes a catheter, an applicator tip at a distal end of the catheter, the catheter and the applicator tip defining a lumen having a longitudinal axis and a distal opening, a plunger in the lumen and movable along the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of elements in the lumen proximal to the distal opening and distal to the plunger, the plurality of elements stacked along the longitudinal axis for dispersement of one element at a time through the distal opening via a force applied by the plunger.

Abstract: A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The storage, retrieval and processing system includes a plurality of storage bins providing storage of a plurality of objects, where the plurality of storage bins is in communication with a retrieval conveyance system, a programmable motion device in communication with the retrieval conveyance system for receiving the storage bins from the plurality of bins, where the programmable motion device includes an end effector for grasping and moving a selected object out of a selected storage bin, and a movable carriage for receiving the selected object from the end effector of the programmable motion device, and for carrying the selected object to one of a plurality of destination bins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (2) for inspecting the surface quality of automotive parts (38) having smooth surfaces (44) utilizes a light source (4) and diffusing surface (6) contained in an opaque enclosure (8). The diffusing surface has a convex shape and is arranged relative to the light source to direct a gradient of light through the aperture (10) in the form of a beam. An object to be inspected is placed in the beam at a low angle relative to the inspection apparatus. All extraneous light is controlled and the beam is reflected off the object to an observer. The gradient in the reflective beam exposes any defects on the surface that are located on the beam and the location of the defects is noted. The inspection system and method can be used to inspect objects having surfaces that range from being highly reflective to lowly reflective. The curvature and location of the diffusing surface within the enclousre is adjustable. The size and location of the aperture is also adjustable.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprising an array having a central axis and a predetermined number of light responsive elements positioned in the array, with each light responsive element producing an output in response to light impinging thereon and an optical system including a lens for directing light from an image of a predetermined size onto a first number of said light responsive elements which said first number is less than said predetermined number. The apparatus also includes a selection unit for selecting a said first number of said light responsive elements which are positioned with regard to said central axis, means for receiving the outputs of said selected first number of light responsive members and also for producing a stream of data therefrom; and a switch unit for adjustably selecting the particular said first number of light responsive elements upon which light from said image impinges.

Abstract: The chopping cylinder has knives that extend longitudinally of the axis of rotation of the cylinder and which are twisted in such a way that their longitudinal cutting edges wind generally helically around the periphery of the cylinder so that a scissor-like shearing cut is obtained as the knives move past a cooperating shearbar. Special crop flow directors are bolted to the inner faces of the knives between supporting spiders for the knives so as to intercept the crop flow headed toward the interior of the cylinder following severance and to maintain the same adjacent the outer periphery of the cylinder during the movement of the crop material around and with the cylinder to a point of discharge. Special mounting hardware permits the individual directors to be attached directly to the knives in a manner to increase the efficiency and performance of the cylinder.