Abstract: A method and system for temporarily halting an article for sensing with a fixed sensing system without altering its average speed. While halted, the article's orientation is manipulated for seeking and presenting a specific area thereon for sensing. The time available for manipulation results from accelerating each article relative to the average speed of articles prior to sensing. The sensing of the article includes visually reading a label thereon to identify the article, and inspection of the article for determining its physical condition. If desired, the physical condition of the article such as a glass bottle may also be evaluated without halting movement thereof. Once the article has been identified and inspected, the article is categorized based on the visual information obtained. Articles in certain categories are rejected from those evaluated.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the physical condition of a moving article, such as a glass bottle, in a stream of articles of manufacture which are moving at a predetermined speed. A light source illuminates a portion of the moving article to be analyzed at an illumination angle, and a camera obtains an image of the illuminated portion of the article. The camera is disposed to view the article at a viewing angle that is distinct from the illumination angle, thereby substantially reducing the amount of reflected light received by the camera. A transparent surface is interposed between the camera and the article and angled to reduce the amount of reflected light received by the camera. A computer or the like processes the image to evaluate the physical condition of the article, and categorizes the article into distinct categories based upon the physical condition of the article.

Abstract: A membrane switch includes a substrate having a plurality of first conductors formed thereon and a flexible membrane having a plurality of second conductors formed thereon. A spacer is positioned between the substrate and membrane and there are openings in the spacer in register with aligned first and second conductors. To isolate the switch membrane, there is a pressure reduction membrane overlying and in contact with the exterior of the switch membrane and an isolation membrane positioned on top of the pressure reduction membrane. Areas of the pressure reduction membrane in register with the spacer openings are formed to reduce the required force thereupon to effect movement of the switch membrane.