Abstract: A method for rapidly and accurately dispensing a predetermined number of discrete items, the method comprising: operating a conveyor to transport multiple items towards an imaging device, wherein the items are arranged in a single layer and at least some of the items are transported in parallel; operating the imaging device to continuously capture images of an area immediately below an end of the conveyor, so that items falling off the conveyor are recorded in the images while in trajectory; processing the images in real time, to continuously determine the number of falling items; stopping the conveyor before the number of falling items has reached the predetermined number, while continuing to determine the number of falling items until items cease to fall off the conveyor innertially; and automatically dispensing an additional amount of items, to complete the predetermined number of items.

Abstract: A method for rapidly and accurately dispensing a predetermined number of discrete items, the method comprising: operating a conveyor to transport multiple items towards an imaging device, wherein the items are arranged in a single layer and at least some of the items are transported in parallel; operating the imaging device to continuously capture images of an area immediately below an end of the conveyor, so that items falling off the conveyor are recorded in the images while in trajectory; processing the images in real time, to continuously determine the number of falling items; stopping the conveyor before the number of falling items has reached the predetermined number, while continuing to determine the number of falling items until items cease to fall off the conveyor innertially; and automatically dispensing an additional amount of items, to complete the predetermined number of items.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for measuring the mass and calculating the weight of individual objects to be held thereby, comprising forceps having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion being adapted to grasp and hold a selected object, means associated with the forceps for initiating vibration of the same while the object is held thereby and means for measuring the oscillating frequency of the forceps while the object is held thereby, and for utilizing the measured higher oscillating frequency of the empty forceps to compute the mass and the weight of the selected object.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for measuring the mass and calculating the weight of individual objects to be held thereby, comprising forceps having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion being adapted to grasp and hold a selected object, means associated with the forceps for initiating vibration of the same while the object is held thereby and means for measuring the oscillating frequency of the forceps while the object is held thereby, and for utilizing the measured higher oscillating frequency of the empty forceps to compute the mass and the weight of the selected object.