Abstract: A sorting machine is disclosed for sorting objects by examining light from the objects in at least two different parts of the spectrum. The objects to be sorted are fed to a viewing zone where they are illuminated in at least two different parts of the spectrum. The objects passing through the viewing zone are viewed against at least one background which is illuminated by at least first and second lighting units which are separate from the lighting employed to illuminate the viewing zone, the first and second lighting units being respectively arranged to cause the respective background to emit light in the at least two different parts of the spectrum. A discriminator is employed for determining whether objects which have been so viewed are desired, and there is an object separator controlled by the discriminator, for effecting relative separation between desired and undesired objects.

Abstract: A method of controlling the cutting of an object comprising pressurizing a fluid; forming from said pressurized fluid a fluid jet adapted to cut the object; directing the said object-cutting jet towards the object and, when it is not desired to cut the object, preventing the object-cutting jet from reaching the object while maintaining the pressurization of the fluid.

Abstract: A camera zoom lens system comprising; means for generating and storing a first information signal representing a predetermined position of the first movable lens group, means for generating a second information signal whose value determines a relationship between the respective positions of said first and second movable lens groups, first computing means for deriving from the stored first information signal a third signal representing the position to which the second movable lens group must move so that both lens groups produce an in-focus image of the object at infinity, second computing means responsive to the first and second information signals for generating a correction signal which when combined with the third signal produces an output signal representing the position to which the second movable lens group must move so that both lens groups will produce an in-focus image of an object at a specified distance, third computing means responsive to the correction signal and the third signal for generating a

Abstract: A thermoplastics data storage member carries information which can be imaged using non-coherent light and, in addition to and distinct from that information, control data which defines a two-coordinate system for the member which controls random access to the information. A reading apparatus comprises a non-laser optical system for imaging selected areas of the information and a servo-system, including a microprocessor and transducers for reading the control data, for positioning a reading head of the optical system in desired locations relative to the storage member. The invention affords cheap optical data bases readable by apparatus not requiring a laser optical system.