Abstract: A system for sorting randomly oriented objects of various sizes based upon the size of the object includes a transport for conveying a series of objects from an input location to one of a plurality of output locations. An image system is disposed along the transport for capturing the image of each object to be sorted. An image processor detects the minimum and maximum linear dimension of each object based upon the captured image. The image processor further determines the shape of each object based upon the captured image. The minimum or maximum linear dimension is selected based upon the shape of the object. The object is categorized by size based upon the selected minimum or maximum dimension. Structure is provided for selectively routing the object based upon the categorized object size to one of the plurality of output locations.

Abstract: A system for counting overlapped newspapers delivered to a stacker which employs an optical sensor which is passive in nature. Accurate count is obtained by image analysis of the image presented by the edge of the newspaper flow as the image is focused on a linear CCD array. Definitive values are determined which are quantitative of the top profile, height, of the newspapers. The processing technique employed determines the rate of change of the height of the image and utilizes the rate of change data to output a newspaper count increment when the rate of change, derivative, of top profile height changes from a positive value to a negative value and the measured profile height exceeds a calibrated value thickness, and outputs two newspaper count increments when the measured profile height exceeds a second calibrated value thickness.

Abstract: A dust protection device for an image sensor includes a housing in which the image sensor is mounted. The housing includes an aperture for allowing reflected light from the object being viewed to enter the housing and impinge upon the image sensor. A trasparent film is mounted across the aperture for prefenting dust from entering the housing. The transparent film is selectively movable for providing a continuous clean surface across the aperture.

Abstract: A system for counting overlapped newspapers carried on a moving conveyor which employs an optical sensor which is passive in nature. Accurate count is obtained by image analysis of the image presented by the edge of the newspaper flow as the image is focused on a linear CCD array. Definitive values are determined which are quantitative of the top profile, height, of the newspapers. The processing technique employed determines the rate of change of the height of the image and utilizes the rate of change data to output a newspaper count increment when the rate of change, derivative, of top profile height changes from a positive value to a negative value and the measured profile height exceeds a calibrated value thickness, and outputs two newspaper count increments when the measured profile height exceeds a second calibrated value thickness.

Abstract: A transducer is described which converts a mechanical motion input to variation in the light attenuation characteristic of a fiber optic cable by mounting the cable on and transverse of the pivot axis of mutually pivotable planar mounting surface members with the cable being severed at the mounting surface members pivot axis so as to effect a hinging action of abuttable cable severed ends with attendant light leakage in response to the mechanical motion input being coupled to at least one of the cable mounting surface members.

Abstract: A chemically activated rotary actuator mechanism is described which reacts to exposure to hydrocarbons such as gasoline and oil to cause a rotor to forcibly rotate from a rest or static position. Spring members load the rotor with compressive forces which act through the rotational axis of the rotor to cause the mechanism to be inherently unstable in the static position. The rotor is rotatably mounted in a body member and constrained from rotation with respect to the body member by means of shear pins which degrade when exposed to hydrocarbons. Rotation of the rotor shaft is utilized in generating an alarm.

Abstract: A mud logging system for receiving and displaying conditions measured during the drilling of a well includes a plurality of units for receiving and processing signals from sensors responsive to the values of the conditions. A/D convertors in each of said units produce digital representations of signals received from the sensors and the digital representations are utilized with visual display means in the units for digitally displaying values of the conditions. A slave computer of the digital type is interfaced with the A/D converters and a file disk. Under control of said slave computer the digital representatives are transferred to the file disk, and a recorder also under control of the slave computer displays selected ones of the conditions. The system also includes a master computer of the digital type connected to access data on the file disk, to utilize the accessed data to provide for analysis of drilling conditions.

Abstract: A beach or other surface cleaning method and apparatus is disclosed, wherein low density debris, particularly oil and tar residues, are removed for subsequent separation and disposal. The apparatus employs hydraulic principles to float the debris from the surface, propel the floated debris into a scoop, and lift the floated debris into a receiving trough for subsequent separation. Water employed to provide the hydraulic actions may be recirculated for continuous reuse.

Abstract: A communications control system applicable to an existing master antenna television (MATV) system normally installed in a building, or CATV systems that use special entertainment feature inputs including movies and/or sporting events and special services on a controlled pay or non-pay basis, as desired. The system employs one-way intelligence transmission from TV set locations to a central processor receiver and opposite direction program transmission in a selective control monitored mode with minimal additional equipment requirements over those of a basic TV cable system.