Abstract: A method for providing a common framework for area of interest (AOI) specification and access. The method includes providing a first set of instructions which generates an area of interest (AOI) defined by a first geometric shape and defining the first geometric shape by one or more coordinates. The one or more coordinates are then converted to a second set of coordinates for use with a second set of instructions. The second set of coordinates is defined by a new AOI which includes information associated with the first set of instructions and which is interpreted by the second set of instructions.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and removing abnormal balls among a large number of balls, most of which are good separate balls, comprising (a) a rotatable, cylindrical, ball-holding means comprising a large number of ball-receiving cavities each receiving one ball; (b) a means for detecting part of a ball projecting from each ball-receiving cavity in a detection region substantially at a top of the cylindrical ball-holding means; (c) a ball-supplying means disposed on the cylindrical ball-holding means upstream of the detection region; (d) an abnormal ball-removing means disposed downstream of the detection region on the cylindrical ball-holding means; (e) a means for collecting good separate balls downstream of the detection region; and (f) a means for carrying out the determination of abnormal balls based on the detection information of projecting portions of the balls obtained by the projecting ball-detecting means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used to detect metallized containers or other objects in closed packages traveling in a conveyor stream. The apparatus includes a pair of coil units mounted in association with a packaging conveyor such that the closed packages will pass therebetween. Appropriate field generation circuitry are connected to the coil units for producing a magnetic field. When the metallized containers pass through the magnetic field, the impedance across the coils will vary. The varying impedance is measured continuously, thus giving an indication as to whether the metallized object has been detected. If the package is nonconforming, steps can be taken to automatically remove it from the conveyor stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for displaying text information in different sort orders. The method comprises the steps of selecting one of a plurality of sort order criteria; sorting a plurality of string objects based on the selected sort order; and displaying the string objects in selected sort order. The string objects may further be divided into groups, and the string objects of the selected group are displayed in a manner that is different from the manner of displaying the string objects of other groups or the cursor is move to the location of string objects of the selected group. The user may use different sort orders and groups to find out the desired record.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting an operator in sorting mail includes a wireless headset equipped with a microphone, and a workstation that includes a processing unit, voice-recognition and voice-synthesis circuitry, and a database. In operation, addressee information spoken into the microphone is transmitted to the workstation where it is used to search the database. Destination information from a matching database record is then output to the operator on one or more of a display terminal, headset speakers, and heads-up display fixed to the headset. The convenience and enhanced capability provided by this system streamlines operator productivity and sorting volume.

Abstract: A currency counting and discrimination device for receiving a stack of currency bills, rapidly counting and discriminating the bills in the stack, and then re-stacking the bills. The device comprises an input receptacle for receiving a stack of currency bills to be discriminated, a discriminating unit for discriminating the denomination of the currency bills, and one or more output receptacles for receiving the currency bills after being discriminated by the discriminating unit. The device further comprises a transport mechanism for transporting the currency bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle past a sensor of the discriminating unit and to the one or more output receptacles. One or more counters keep track of the value of bills that are discriminated.

Abstract: A card handling device having either a vertical stack of compartments or a carousel of compartments is used to receive individual cards from a card supply. The compartments may be moved relative to the card supply, preferably in two different directions, such as up and down or clockwise and counterclockwise. The card handling may include shuffling, sorting, validation, and other playing card processes.

Abstract: The method of the present invention relates generally to a method for sorting mailpieces using a mail sorting apparatus. In one embodiment of the present invention, instructions are provided to the mail sorting apparatus in a machine readable format such as barcode. The instructions are printed on a form that can be fed into the mail sorting apparatus in the same manner that a mailpiece is fed into the mail sorting apparatus. The form is run through the feed path of the mail sorting apparatus. The barcode is read using a scanner. A signal on the form indicates that the mailpiece is a form, and that information contained in the barcode is an instruction. The instruction may be, for example, an instruction to 1) halt may be implemented through use or reprogramming of application software may be presented by using the form. The method provides for sorting of mailpieces with less stopping of the sorting apparatus to provide new instructions.

Abstract: In an article delivery system, articles each having sorting information are handled, and the articles are arranged in proper delivery order through a plurality of arrangement paths so as to help the delivery of the articles. This system includes a sorting information procuring device for procuring the sorting information of each article, an article information storage device which is connected to the sorting information procuring device, and collects and stores the sorting information, a database for providing the order of arrangement of the sorting information, an information processing device for arranging the sorting information in the order, provided by the database, while including information for distinguishing the arrangement paths from each other, and delivery order forming device having a communication device for transmitting the sorting information arranged by the information processing device.

Abstract: A collation and/or sorting apparatus for groups of articles is exemplified by a sorting and/or shuffling device for playing cards. The apparatus comprises a sensor (15) to identify articles for collation and/or sorting, feeding means to feed cards from a stack (11) past the sensor (15) to a delivery means (14) adapted to deliver cards individually to a preselected one of a storing means (24) in an indexable magazine (20). A microprocessor (16) coupled to the feed means (14), delivery means (18), sensor (15) and magazine (20) determines according to a preprogrammed routine whether cards identified by sensor (15) are collated in the magazine (20) as an ordered deck of cards or a randomly ordered or “shuffled” deck.

Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring sheets from which cards with a monetary value and/or identity cards are punched, where the cards are arranged in rows on the sheets. The device is configured such that the number of cameras used is independent of the number of rows of cards. The device has a table on which at least two sheets can be laid. A camera can be moved along and across the table, and a conveyor device travels along the table above the camera.

Abstract: A conveyor sorter includes a shuttle moving transversely to the conveyor direction to place in the path of articles either a pass-through conveyor or a diverting conveyor. The shuttle is mounted on a reversible belt drive and preferably has two diverting conveyors, one on either side of the pass-through conveyor. Multiple shuttles can be installed in series along the main conveyor to allow sorting to many destinations. Large packages can be sorted at high speed, and the shuttle can be replaced easily to reduce down time when repairs are needed.

Abstract: A system for recycling post-industrial-use plastic waste based on coloring an object, which will become post-industrial-use plastic waste, a user-specified color, said color correlated with a system for identifying plastic based on the resin content of the object. Said object, in the user-specified color, provided to the end user to protect a part shipped by a parts manufacturer, with sorting of the objects into homogenous resin groups being done by the end user based on color.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of sorting and transferring components, such as computer chips. The method comprises sorting a plurality of components into a plurality of separate groups, wherein each component in a common group has a common property, and depositing each of the groups of components into separate receptacles. The receptacles are then marked and one a plurality of bins for receiving components transferred from the marked receptacle is also marked. The group of components from the marked receptacle is then transferred to the marked bin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sorting system configured to sort a plurality of components, such as computer chips. The handler comprises a component handler configured to sort a plurality of components into groups; a plurality of receptacles on the component handler, each of the receptacles adapted to receive one of the sorted groups of components; at least one indicator associated with at least one of the receptacles, the at least one indicator being activated when the associated receptacle is filled to a selected amount with components; a plurality of bins, each of the bins being associated with one of the receptacles on the component handler; and at least one indicator on at least one of the bins, wherein the at least one indicator on the bin is activated when the receptacle associated with that bin is filled to a selected amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for processing shipping articles provided with shipping addresses. The apparatus comprises a device for transporting the shipping articles along a transport path. A device is disposed in the transport path for automatically reading the shipping addresses. An assessment device automatically assesses the read shipping addresses. The individual shipping articles are selectively deposited into cells of an intermediate storage device disposed in the transport path following the reading of the shipping address. A detection device detects an association between each cell and the shipping article deposited therein and in response to an assessment of the shipping address by the assessment device, produces a first removal signal for removing the shipping article from the cell and conveying the shipping article back to the transport path.

Abstract: A currency counting and discrimination device for receiving a stack of currency bills, rapidly counting and discriminating the bills in the stack, and then re-stacking the bills. The device comprises an input receptacle for receiving a stack of currency bills to be discriminated, a discriminating unit for discriminating the denomination of the currency bills, and one or more output receptacles for receiving the currency bills after being discriminated by the discriminating unit. The device further comprises a transport mechanism for transporting the currency bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle past a sensor of the discriminating unit and to the one or more output receptacles. One or more counters keep track of the value of bills that are discriminated.

Abstract: A system for processing and encoding mail including a bin configured to hold mail and a transport coupled to said bin to receive mail therefrom. The transport displays multiple moving pieces of mail to an operator. The system includes a data entry device operable to enter data from mail moving on the transport and a coding device to receive mail from the conveyor. A controller is operatively coupled to the transport, data entry device, and coding device. The controller includes an address signal corresponding to at least a portion of an address of a mail piece entered with the data entry device by the operator, a routing code signal determined in accordance with the address signal, a performance signal corresponding to data entry capability of the operator, and a transport speed signal corresponding to speed of the transport.

Abstract: The video coding system picks up the whole image of postal matter, inputs the picked image to a character/code & image reader to read a user code on the postal matter, prints bar code information corresponding to the read result on the postal matter, and sorts the postal matter according to the bar code information. In this system, a display device displays the whole image of postal matter from which the user code cannot be read, and user code candidate characters, together with a user code input area for inputting the user code, an image of a specific user code location, and images of a plurality of user code candidate areas. An operator inputs the user code, which the character/code & image reader failed to read, in the user code input area while visually checking the displayed whole image and the images of the user code candidate areas. The input user code is stored in a memory.

Abstract: A carrier device can receive cartridges each containing a film from a lateral direction and send them reliably, efficiently and continuously to a photoprinting machine in a straight line, while holding them in position with an arm. Cartridges are supplied one by one into the carrier device from a cartridge housing device located at the side of the carrier device. A cartridge set in a carriage or the carrier device is retained in position by the arms and transferred to the printing machine by driving the carriage with a motor of a driving unit along a guide path. The carriage has a cartridge retaining mechanism and an arm locking mechanism.

Abstract: A modular mail processing method and control system for sorting pieces of incoming, internal, and outgoing mail including a plurality of sorting bins which correspond to either mail stops or zip codes depending on which sort plan is selected. The modular mail processing method and control system permitting mixed pieces of mail of various sizes to be sorted. Additionally, an internal mail envelope, which has address regions consisting of blocks, may be utilized in connection with the modular mail processing method and control system in order to allow accurate detection of handwritten addresses.

Abstract: A novel mail carrier sorting case arrangement facilitates the sorting of mail according to current conditions. Compartments formed in a case by vertical dividers are provided for each delivery address. Flags reflecting special current delivery situations with respect to particular addresses are temporarily placed across the entrances to corresponding compartments which must be noted by the sorting mail carrier when inserting the mail. The flags are obstructions which will be noticed physically if not visually, and may be readily deflected. The flags are formed of a strip of flexible material mounted on one end on a spring clip readily attachable to and removable from a divider. A flag has one bending point about which the free end of the strip moves inward facilitating the easy insertion of a single piece of mail into the compartment. The strips may be color coded to indicate broad categories of special situations, and may bear readily mounted and removed information cards which carry detailed instructions.

Abstract: Interactive encoding and decoding of machine readable dataforms provides more efficient encoding avoiding trial and error dataform production and more accurate decoding avoiding inaccurate reading of dataforms. While data is entered (12) and encoded (14) an image of the resulting dataform, such as a data code matrix or two-dimensional bar code, is displayed (16) and continuously updated as the dataform (20) fills with entered data. Using the display (16) and an input unit (12) such as a keyboard, digitizer or scanner, data can be edited to add, modify or delete data while observing the resulting dataform (20). On completion, the final dataform code signals are provided for further use (24) or a copy of the dataform (20) is provided by printing, for example. During decoding, an image of the dataform (20) as captured by a reader (32), such as a laser scanner, CCD matrix or CMOS camera, is displayed (34).

Abstract: A document or package sorting workstation (10), ergonomically designed to maximize manual or machine-assisted sorting efficiencies and throughput, while minimizing or eliminating opportunities for losses or mis-sorts and improved methods for sorting documents and packages. The workstation (10) is made of an upper workstation (32) which is an inclined chute (14) with dividers (12) placed parallel to flow of documents or packages, and front stop (29); a lower workstation (28) having a support frame and receptacle for bag holder (24); a bag holder (24) having supporting frames and a glider (22); an accessory holder (30); and a loading shelf (16).

Abstract: A large-volume container has a receptacle, which is closed by a suspended cover, and an unloading catch, which is secured to the receptacle beneath its filling opening and which is formed as a collar-like hollow profile having a wall with an aperture, through which a radially expandable case of an identification unit is inserted into the cavity of the hollow profile.

Abstract: An automatic blister system includes an inspection station into which blisters are delivered in seriatim. After inspection the blisters are removed from the inspection station. A transport assembly conveys the blister through the inspection station. A sensor or detector is mounted in the inspection station directed at the path of travel of the blisters. In addition, a high speed camera is in the inspection station which is actuated by the sensor for capturing a picture of the blister. The characteristics of the blister in the picture are then monitored.

Abstract: A modular mail processing method and control system that includes a plurality of induction transport modules and a stacker/transport module. The system maintains a real time statistics concerning the mail flowing through the system. The modularity of the system increases its flexibility in adapting to sorting either incoming or outgoing mail. In addition, a variety of readers and printers can be employed in the system to meet the needs of a particular customer.

Abstract: A method and system for providing validated labels that are attached to mail trays immediately upon mail being processed by a mailer and placed in a tray. Mail lists and programs for sanitizing the mail list and sorting the mail to achieve postal discounts are stored in a mailer's processor. A printer is controlled to print addresses on documents, such as letters, that are forwarded to an inserter. A mail list stored in the processor indicates where the mail is to be sent, the class of mail, level of sortation and the contents of the mail. Tray contents are computed and appropriate labels are prepared by a label printer under its control. By making the tray label printing an intricate part of the mail processing system, as opposed to being an adjunct to it, the providing of the labels becomes more efficient, reliable and economical.

Abstract: In a screening machine with a three-dimensional screening motion, a screen carrier for at least one screen plate is provided. The screen carrier is movable relative to a housing from which it is supported by springs. The screen carrier is driven by an electromagnetic drive device. The amplitude of oscillation of the screen carrier should be accurately readable, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, made adjustable for comparative tests. For this purpose, between the housing and the screen carrier an inductive displacement pickup for determining the amplitude of oscillation of the screen carrier is provided. This pickup is connected to a control unit which represents the determined amplitude of oscillation on an optical display and/or controls the electromagnet drive device to obtain a predetermined amplitude of oscillation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for segregating elongate cylindrical rods of undesirable alloy composition from rods having a desired alloy composition is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rod segregation table having an upper rod transport side for individually moving rods transversely in substantially parallel spaced relation across the table. A thermoelectric tester is positioned at an intermediate rod test position under the upper rod transport side of the table and includes two spaced electrodes maintained at different temperatures and being adapted and arranged to engage a rod as it is moved into the rod test position. A signal representative of the thermoelectrically induced voltage in the rod between the electrodes is generated and compared to a predetermined value. An offset drive signal is generated when the signal representative of the induced thermoelectric voltage is different from the predetermined value.

Abstract: A system for identification, separation and compacting of empty beverage cans including a first device for distinguishing between cans to be accepted and not accepted and rejecting non-acceptable cans, and for detecting at least one dimension of a can to be compacted, and for determining a can redemption value based on such detection, and a second device for compacting the can through interaction of a three arm device, a first arm contacting a mid-portion of the can and compressing that mid portion, and second and third arms acting on end regions on either side of the mid-portion to compress the remaining portions of the can. The arm device is retracted and the compacted can is removed after the compressing action is completed by the arm device.

Abstract: A method and means for measuring a characteristic, in particular one associated with particle size, of any of the feed, underflow or overflow streams of a hydrocyclone is provided. Information as to the flowrate and density of the feed stream as well as the angle of flare or other related variable associated with the shape of the underflow stream are fed to processing means which applies a formula or algorithm, which is usually empirically derived, to such information to provide a value of the required characteristic. The characteristic may be related to particle size, particle size distribution in any of the streams or the liquid content or the flowrates of solids or liquids in the underflow or overflow. Measurement apparatus comprising a dedicated hydrocyclone is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically processing a supply of cartons, in flattened form and of different types, in accordance with a selectable number of plural, different and separately identifiable carton types. Unsorted cartons are removed in successive layers from stacks thereof and transported in serial succession along a transport path. Sorting modules are disposed along the transport path, each including respectively associated routing and stacking devices individually predesignated to receive and stack a given, identifiable carton type. A system controller tracks the progress of each carton, simultaneously for plural cartons, along the transport path and when a match of the carton type with a predesignated stacking device is determined, actuates the associated routing device to route a carton of a matching type from the transport path and to the associated stacking device for stacking.

Abstract: A device and a method for controlling a sorter. The device comprises a central control unit, an interface unit connected between a control unit of the copy machine and the central control unit, an one third rotation sensor for controlling operation of transfer wheels, a home position sensor for sensing home positions of bin trays and outputting a sensed signal to the central control unit, and a bin motor driving circuit adapted for controlling normal and reversed rotations of a bin motor.

Abstract: A buffer system for the temporary separate storage of flat articles such as letters for sorting, video coding or other postal processing, uses a buffer which acts as a mechanical RAM and contains a number of storage pockets for separate storage of articles. A conveyance system is provided by elastic clamping on an endless conveyor. The conveyance system is separately controllable in the storage pockets as a letter catchment, retainment and ejection device. Buffers are situated along a branching feed section. Letter logging signals are transmitted for every letter conveyed along the feed section and run in parallel with the branched feed section. These signals in all cases include a letter identification code assigned when the letter is fed into the system. At that stage an application control continuously makes a selection of letters which are eligible for discharge from the system. The system can readily be equipped either as a sorting system or as a video coding system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of controlling the operation of a hydro-cyclone or a circuit embodying same. The method involves the measurement of a variable associated with the shape of the slurry underflow emanating from the hydro-cyclone outlet. The variable is generally the cone angle or, in effect, the radius or diameter of the conical shaped stream of slurry flowing from the outlet at a selected position below the outlet and this diameter can be measured using an arm or arms which operatively rides on the outer boundary of the slurry underflow stream.

Abstract: A material separator for separating non-magnetic components from magnetic components in a material is provided. The material separator has a support frame, a magnetic roller, an idler roller and a conveyor belt. The idler roller is rotatably mounted on an inclined slideway so that tension on the conveyor belt is maintained by the weight of the idler axle and idler roller. The inclined slideways may be provided by pivot arms and adjusting elements are provided to adjust the angles of inclination to the horizontal, thereby allowing adjustability of the belt tension. Detectors monitor the tracking path of the belt so that an adjustment to the angle of inclination of one of the slideways automatically corrects deviations from the tracking path. The magnetic separator is preferably a modular unit mountable in framework having an upstream feed assembly and a downstream collection assembly, either in single or multi-stage separator apparatus.

Abstract: A measuring device for contactless control of a design of structural elements composed of an electrically conductive material comprises at least one coil through which an alternating current flows and whose measuring voltage is influenced by a structural element, and electronic evaluating unit arranged to compare the measuring voltage of the coil influenced by the structural element with a nominal value, the coil being formed as a cylindrical coil.

Abstract: A measuring device for contactless determination of condition of screw shaped structural elements comprises two oppositely located coils supplied with an alternating current spaced from one another so that an electrically conductive structural element passes therebetween, and transporting elements formed so that the structural element is guided on an edge so that a distance between the structural element and at least one of the coils remains constant during a measuring process.

Abstract: An improved material separation system and method utilizing control particles of generally known physical characteristics as tracer particles through the separation process. The control particles are generally the same or similar to the materials being separated and are coated with or bonded to a fluorescing dye. The control particles are mixed with the material to be separated prior to separation. The mixture is imposed with a energy source which excites the fluorescent dye causing fluorescing emission. The fluorescing emission is detected at the output of the separation of the mixture to determine if the separation is operating efficiently and as desired.

Abstract: A material handling system which is particularly suitable for sorting mail is disclosed. The system involves tagging each piece or item with an item code linked to the electronic image of the item. After tagging, the items can be stored in trays, containers, or other temporary storage locations. The video image obtained from the items are then processed. In processing mail, the address is converted, e.g., to a destination code. The results of the processing (e.g., the destination code) are stored in an electronic random access memory along with the item code of the piece. The item is then scanned to read the item code, and the destination code is applied to the item.

Abstract: A cleaning system is provided for separating desired material from undesirable material in a mixture of particulate materials. The system includes an inlet for receiving the mixture of materials and an outlet for discharging the desired materials. At least one screen is provided for separating undersized material from oversized material within the mixture, and at least one vacuum air-lift is provided for separating the lighter material from the heavier material within the mixture. A first sensor is mounted below the discharge end of the screen for sensing the quantity of undersized material separated by the screen and a second sensor is mounted in the air-lift for sensing the quantity of lighter materials separated by the air-lift. The signals generated by the sensors can be received by a processing unit which adjusts the extent of separation by the screen and by the air-lift to achieve the desired efficiency of the cleaning system.

Abstract: In a mail-handling machine for processing mixed mail, a flap-stripper for opening the flap of an unsealed envelope is mounted for rotation to intercept and detect a mis-sealed envelope to avoid jamming the machine.

Abstract: A cigarette ends tester includes a conveyor for conveying cigarettes sideways past a source of light arranged to direct light substantially axially into the ends of successive cigarettes in such a way that the paper wrapper around the end of each cigarette is illuminated if there is insufficient tobacco in the end, and a detecting device for monitoring the consequent external illumination of the end of the cigarette. The test signal for each cigarette is evaluated against a reference signal derived from satisfactory cigarettes tested previously during a predetermined time interval, thus compensating for variable factors affecting the test signal, such as ageing or dirt on the light emitting or detecting devices.

Abstract: The specification discloses an operation stand provided to a sheet-fed press.This operation stand has stopper means set up at the end portions of a table surface of the operation stand and adapted to restrict the positions of the longitudinal and lateral edges of paper, a suction means adapted to apply vacuum to said paper through numerous suction holes provided in the table, so as to bring the paper into close contact with and fix the same to the table surface, a detecting means adapted to scan the paper with a detector with reference to guide shafts extending under the table surface in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the paper and detect the positions of the longitudinal and lateral edges of the paper, an arithmetic means for calculating the size of the paper on the basis of the information on the positions of the edges thereof from the detecting means, and a display means for digitally displaying the size of the paper calculated by the arithmetic means.

Abstract: A semi-automatic mail sortation system. The system includes an input for input of information to a processor, and a display and sorting system controlled by the processor. The sortation system also includes a data base of names and associated mail drops accessed through the processor. In operation a mail piece is presented to an operator who inputs the first few letters of the addressee's name and the processor accesses the data base to display a set of records consistent with the input. The operator then selects a record and the processor controls the sorting system to sort the mail piece in accordance with the mail drop in the selected record. If the addressee's name is not displayed at first the operator may use conventional display controls to search further in the data base.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for non-destructively testing for a predetermined minimum release torque of container caps on containers at a torque testing station. The apparatus includes a device for clamping the containers at the torque testing station; a device for grasping the caps of the containers at the torque testing station; a device connected to the cap grasping device for applying a release torque to the container caps; and, a device including a strain gage coupled to the release torque applying device for sensing the level of release torque applied to the caps and providing a signal indicative of such level. The apparatus also includes selectively operable controls for destructively testing selected capped containers, on a sampling basis, to determine the actual release torque of the container caps on such containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting semiconductor, or other types of, wafers is disclosed. The apparatus uses a robot arm to move wafers from an incoming location to an inspection location, and then to an outgoing location. The robot arm may be supported on a floating platform to prevent mechanical chafing and resulting contamination. The robot arm is constructed to have a free end which moves laterally, but not vertically. The arm may be retractable to reduce wobble when the wafer is being inspected. A wafer in the inspection position is inspected by scanning with an objective lens coupled to an associated optical system. If desired, an automatic discrimination system can be coupled to the optical system to permit discrimination between acceptable and non-acceptable wafers. The objective lens may face upwardly and the wafer downwardly to urge contaminants to fall from the wafer.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for non-destructively testing for a predetermined minimum release torque of container caps on containers that are sequentially delivered to a torque testing station in the apparatus. The apparatus includes a device for delivering capped containers to the torque testing station; a device for clamping the containers at the torque testing station; a device for grasping the caps of the containers at the torque testing station; a device connected to the cap grasping device for applying a release torque to the container caps; and, a device including a strain gage coupled to the release torque applying device for sensing the level of release torque applied to the caps and providing a signal indicative of such level. Capped containers that pass the test are sequentially passed along for further processing (e.g., packaging and shipping) by the user, and those that fail the test are segregated in a reject area for reprocessing or destruction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for regenerating a sheet-like recording medium comprising a means for feeding a printed sheet-like recording medium, a regenerating treatment means having a step for eliminating image formed on said recording medium, a means for discriminating and separating the recording medium whether the treated recording medium is reusable or not and a means for storing the separated reusable recording medium.