Abstract: Systems for producing pressware are provided. In one or more embodiments, a system can include an upper moveable platen, a lower moveable platen, a stationary platen, a punch platen, and one or more forming die assemblies. The upper moveable platen and the punch platen can be disposed above the stationary platen and the lower moveable platen can be disposed below the stationary platen. The upper moveable platen, the punch platen, and the lower moveable platen can be configured to move toward and away from the stationary platen. Each forming die assembly can include a set of upper and lower forming dies. The upper and lower forming dies can be coupled to the upper and lower moveable platens, respectively, and configured to press substrates to form pressware products within passageways extending through the stationary platen.

Abstract: In the method of handling mail items, while a mail item is on its first pass through the machine, the method consists in forming a digital image of the surface of the mail item, in deriving, from the image, a digital fingerprint characterizing the mail item, and in recording said digital fingerprint in a memory in correspondence with the bar code printed on the mail item. While the mail item is on its second pass through the machine, the method consists in reading the printed bar code that is printed on the mail item, and, if it has not been possible to extract completely the information contained in the printed code read off the mail item, in using said correspondence in the memory between the printed code that is printed on the mail item and the digital fingerprint that characterizes the mail item to continue machine-sorting the mail item, thereby contributing to reducing the error rate.

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 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 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: 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 mailing system includes a mail output system for sequentially delivering mail pieces to an accumulator, the accumulator assembling stacks of mail in response to zip code break signals from the mail output system and the count of mail pieces currently on a stack. The stacks are delivered to a bundler for holding together groups of mail directed to a common zip code destination.

Abstract: An automatic sorting and stamping apparatus includes a supply section to which a stack of mail items including standard-size items and nonstandard-size items is placed. The supplied mail items are transferred to a sorting and stamping section along a transfer path extending through a plurality of processing units while being applied with desired processes thereby. The transfer path is constructed by a plurality of conveyors whose operations are controlled by a control section. The control section stores various control values for determining the operations of the conveyors. One of the control values, which is suitable for processing the mail items of the supplied stack, is selected in accordance with the ratio of nonstandard-size items to all mail items forming the supplied stack. The conveyors are driven, based on the selected control value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for randomly selecting and automatically testing surface mount passive electronic components. A detachable hopper is utilized to contain a plurality of randomly oriented electronic components which are agitated pneumatically and urged by vibration and gravity into a uniform orientation within a groove in an inclined track plate. A seal plate acts in conjunction with the groove within the track plate to form an elongate throat passage which is periodically cleared to prevent clogging by pulsating pneumatic pressure. A component detection circuit is utilized to detect the presence of an electronic component at a predetermined testing position and a pair of movable conductive probes are then urged into contact with the component to permit testing. In response to a successful test the component under test is then ejected pneumatically back into the detachable hopper.

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. A deflecting finger with a small idler roller pushes down on the envelope before it reaches the flap-stripper.

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 read-out device for a radiation image storage panel comprising a read-out means for photoelectrically reading out radiation image information recorded and stored in the panel containing a stimulable phosphor, a panel-conveying means for conveying the panel to the read-out means and a panel-receiving means for receiving the panel from the outside and conveying it to the panel-conveying means in a housing is disclosed. The read-out device is provided with a detecting means for detecting extraneous materials deposited on the surface of the panel to be fed to the panel-receiving means.

Abstract: A comprehensive container inspection system includes axial container examining features, side wall inspection features and a controllable diverter for routing the containers to one of at least two sorting paths. Each stage of the inspection system is adapted to process moving containers, a continuous line of moving containers being processed and controllably diverted without stoppages. In an axial inspection area, containers are carried through rim, energy absorption and base inspection areas by means of side rollers bridging a gap in endless belt conveyor sections. In a side wall inspection area, containers are continuously rolled before a video detector operable to record and analyze images including at least three of the rolling bottles.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting and sorting drills oriented in the same direction in a hopper assembly. The hopper assembly feeds the drills, one at a time, and places them in a predetermined ready location. A camera, part of the inspection assembly, mounted directly over the predetermined ready location, takes preliminary measurements and alerts the system controller that a drill is available for a high resolution second inspection for wear and then for sorting. A robot assembly then picks up the drill from the ready location and orients it in front of two high resolution cameras, also part of the inspection assembly, for a visual inspection for wear. A control assembly then analyzes the results of the inspection and determines the drill size and whether or not it needs to be re-ground. The robot assembly then sorts the drill into an appropriate predetermined bin within a bin assembly as a function of size and wear. The process is then repeated.

Abstract: The print carriers which bear security-paper prints arranged in longitudinal and transverse rows and on which misprints are marked are numbered in such a way that all security-paper prints arranged in succession in a longitudinal row, but excluding misprints, receive a consecutive numerical sequence. Each longitudinal row contains security-paper prints of a specific numerical series. The print carriers are then cut into strips transversely relatively to the longitudinal rows. Approximately every 100 strips are stacked, in the order in which they occur, into a strip stack (T), in which all the security-paper prints arranged vertically on top of one another, if appropriate mixed with misprints, have a consecutive numerical sequence of a particular series. The strip stacks (T) are cut into security-paper bundles (U) which are sorted according to numerical series by means of a distributor station (10, 11a, 11b) and are fed to as many separate buffer stores (12A to 12F) as there are numerical series.

Abstract: Document processor equipment for processing documents requiring operator intervention for the purpose of functions like key entry and encoding of data associated with certain ones of the documents includes an improved system for transporting and presenting documents to the operator for such intervention. A document view station has split parallel transport paths for routing documents requiring operator intervention to the front path near the operator with documents not requiring operator intervention being routed to and along a rear path, the respective routing being effected by a diverter automatically controlled in response to information read from the documents. A preview station and document hold station are respectively provided upstream and downstream from the document view station.

Abstract: In a machine having automatic article transport individual identical articles are conveyed along a conveyor path (21) past various processing stations. A clock (12) is associated with the conveyor path. Furthermore, a characteristic detection apparatus (13) is provided which delivers information corresponding to the characteristics of the articles (16) which are moving past to a characteristic shift register (11), which is pulsed by the clock (1). An article sorting apparatus (14) is arranged spaced from the characteristic detection apparatus and is controlled by the associated storage (11') of the characteristic shift register. A further presence shift register (15) is arranged parallel to the characteristic shift register (11) and the information contained in the presence shift register (15) is compared with the output of a presence detection apparatus (17) and can be used to stop the machine in the event that a deviation is detected (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A method of detecting and sorting pieces of insulating materials admixed in small pieces of conductive materials, which comprises detecting and amplifying the surface potentials of the conductive materials and the insulating materials by a surface potentiometer on the basis of a time differentiation method, inputting the signal to a comparator, and sensing the presence of the insulating materials. This method is utilized to detect and sort plastics admixed in pulp and papermaking materials or cereals.

Abstract: Each of sorting mechanisms on a sorter drum comprises a substantially trapezoidal slit defined in a cylindrical wall of the sorter drum and providing a substantially trapezoidal tongue displaced radially outwardly from the cylinderical wall, and a substantially trapezoidal guide body having a holder plate held against the trapezoidal tongue and a pair of slide webs bent from and extending along opposite side edges of the holder plate and fitted in the slit, the holder plate and the slide webs having edges projecting radially outwardly from the cylindrical wall and defining an opening in the cylindrical wall. A detector for detecting pieces sorted out is mounted on each collector guide extending around the sorter drum. An electric control circuit is responsive to a signal from the detector for automatically stopping a motor which rotates the sorter drum.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diagnostic device for use in a color sorting apparatus. A scanner circuit (1-6) successively selects one of a plurality of sorting channels (Q1-Qn) each having a plurality of measuring points (a1-an, b1-bn, c1-cn, d1-dn). A comparator circuit (Ma-Md, Wa-Wd, W'a-W'd, Ha-Hd, G) compares output signals measured at the measuring points and reference signals preset for the respective measuring points. An alarm (8, 9) is provided to indicate a malfunctioning sorting channel and a malfunctioning portion therein. A feeder control (7) may also be provided to interrupt the feeding of grains to a malfunctioning sorting channel.

Abstract: An improved rejector for selectively transferring articles from a conveyor or conveyor-like device, to a delivery region such as a second conveyor based upon one or more signals which may be associated with any of the articles to be so transferred. The system utilizes a further conveyor-like device running substantially parallel to the conveyor carrying the articles to be transferred, the conveyor-like device having a plurality of pusher members substantially transverse to the direction of motion of the conveyor-like device, and slideable by a guide between a normally withdrawn position and an extended position passing over the conveyor carrying the articles to be transferred so as to transfer an article therefrom to the delivery device.

Abstract: An automatic bank note transaction apparatus comprises a discriminator for discriminating fit notes from unfit notes among the bank notes conveyed by a conveyance path, and identifying the denomination of the fit notes, sorting gates for sorting the bank notes according to the result of discrimination by a discriminator, and distributing the fit notes by denomination, temporary collecting sections for temporarily collecting the bank notes sorted by the sorting gates, storage chambers for storing bank notes of each denomination judged to be fit, a return path for returning the bank notes collected in the temporary collecting sections to a return outlet of a housing, and shutters located between the temporary collecting sections and the storage chambers for guiding the temporarily collected bank notes into the storage chambers when a user approves depositing or into the return path when the user disapproves depositing.

Abstract: A bill and coin changer in which a circuit employing a programmed microcomputer controls the bill-validating and coin-dispensing procedures and searches for faults in the operation of the sensors and electromechanical components of the changer. During bill validation, a bill is moved at a predetermined speed along a path past a plurality of sensors, and rejection signals are generated if a particular sensor is actuated for other than a predetermined permissible duration or generates a predetermined output within a test period delimited by the delayed output of the other sensors. In response to a rejection signal, the bill is returned to the customer and a diagnostic hexadecimal rejection code character is displayed indicating the condition prompting rejection. Jammed objects are extricated from the bill transport by alternatingly actuating the transport to move the object in one direction and then in the other upon sensing a jammed condition.

Abstract: The thin sheet sorting apparatus includes a supply device for supplying, one after one, the thin sheets to be sorted. A detecting device classifies the thin sheets into one of normal sheets, improper sheets and damaged sheets. A sorting device directs the improper sheets to a first conveying passageway, and the damaged sheets and the normal sheets to a second conveying passageway, respectively. A counting circuit counts the number of thin sheets guided to the first and second conveying passageways. The supply device supplies the thin sheets in discrete units each containing a predetermined number and the counting circuit counts the number of the sheets sorted for each predetermined number, thus confirming the predetermined number.

Abstract: A method of removing product of an unacceptable height from a product line is disclosed. In the method, a quantity of the product is arrayed in a carrier and moved to a gauging station where the array is placed between a reference plate and a corresponding array of gauging members and gauged by raising the reference plate to a predetermined height position and measuring the height of the gauging members when the gauging members are supported on the product array. The signals from the gauging station are stored and the carrier plate is moved to a rejection station where unacceptable product is selectively removed in response to the stored rejection signals from the gauging station. The carrier plate is then returned to the product line with only acceptable product still in place.

Abstract: An article or can sorting apparatus for separating articles having a recycle value from articles having no recycle value is defined by an annular article supporting surface positioned at about 45 degrees to horizontal, a cylindrical wall positioned in relation to the surface to define an article processing chamber, a feed hopper into which a plurality of the articles are deposited for feeding into the chamber, and an article conveying disc or wheel positioned in parallel relation to the surface and having a plurality of outwardly extending article pusher arms for separating the articles, such as discarded beverage cans, from the plurality of articles and conveying the articles one at a time about the annular surface to a material discriminator and a weight scale and toward an accept door or a reject door. The material discriminator or metal detector, the scale, and the accept and reject doors form segments of the article conveying surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing paper sheets, in which one lot of paper sheets are set in a supply section and supplied one after another to an inspection station which makes optical, magnetic and mechanical inspections for sorting the sheets into at least three categories of sheets, i.e. valid, damaged, uncountable, and directs the valid sheets to a collection receptacle and the damaged and uncountable sheets to another collection receptacle. Each collection receptacle is provided with a counter and the sum of the counters is compared with the number of sheets in one lot. If the comparison results are correct, a subsequent lot is fed from the supply section to be processed. Once an uncountable sheet has been inspected, the counter of the collection receptacle receiving the damaged and uncountable sheets is inhibited and the total number of sheets contained in this collection receptacle must be input by an operator through a keyboard to perform the comparison step.

Abstract: A feeder mechanism for controlling delivery of fruits to a processing apparatus such as a juice extractor and wherein the delivered fruits must be of a size equal to or less than a predetermined size, and in particular where the fruits from the feeder are to be delivered to a hopper of the rotary type having magazines or other restrictive passages through which the fruits must pass en route to the processing apparatus, the feeder mechanism being arranged to provide a gating roll for limiting the maximum size of fruit admitted from a supply source to a feed path which contains an adjustable discharge opening for limiting the minimum size of fruit to be fed to the processing apparatus and also discharge unwanted foreign objects, the feed path at its delivery end having a feed roll for moving fruits which are within the predetermined maximum and minimum size limitations from the feed path to a delivery path, and in the case of delivery to a hopper having a control for sensing the fruit level in the hopper, and b

Abstract: An apparatus for processing paper sheets, in which one lot of paper sheets are set in a supplying section and supplied one after another to a detecting section for sorting these paper sheets into fit paper sheets and unfit paper sheets. The unfit paper sheets collected are manually counted by the operator, and their number is inputted as key-in-data. The inputted number of unfit paper sheets is added to the automatically counted number of fit paper sheets, and the resultant sum is checked up with a preset paper sheet number of one lot. The processed fit paper sheets are received in a temporary collecting section until completion of the checkup of the paper sheet number of one lot.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for continuously monitoring a light sensitive electronic component, forming part of a device for detecting light pulses of a specified character, the apparatus comprising a light source directing light through fiber optics at the component, the source being pulsed by a pulse generator which also sets an alarm monitor connected to operate a switch having its input taken to the component, the switch output being connected to a voltage sensor for resetting the alarm monitor if a signal received from the switch is above a predetermined minimum, the alarm monitor being adapted to activate an alarm if not reset.

Abstract: A station for testing electrical components is provided with spaced pairs of cooperative lead-engageable contacts, these pairs being yieldingly openable to arrest a lead arriving therebetween for the test. At least one contact of each pair has an abrading edge which may be shaped to penetrate transversely any wire oxidation of the lead to obtain accurate electrical measurement though requiring only low contact force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically sorting packets of thin sheet articles such as securities, bank notes and the like which are bound in a stack by a band. A series of modular units are provided in which the band and the stack are mechanically separated, each sheet of the stack is conveyed independent of the band, each sheet is tested and directed to a target location dependent upon the results of the test. The transport of sheets having predetermined characteristics is coordinated with the transport of the band.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus for documents requiring secure handling, such as banknotes. The documents are fed one at a time along a main flow-line in which they are sensed to determine whether they are in a fit condition or in an unfit condition. If unfit, they are routed into a secondary flow-line leading to a shredder, the secondary flow-line including further checking structure to ensure that documents classed as unfit in the main flow-line are present in the secondary flow-line at the appropriate time and are guided to the shredder.

Abstract: To enable a high-speed machine to process (for instance interconnect and reel) only acceptable, predeterminedly ordered electronic components after appropriate test, velocity changing mechanism actuatable by a continuously operable conveyor of the machine is provided to shift components to and from a testing unit and relative to their respective successive locations along the conveyor. Only failure of a component to qualify at the test unit automatically stops the conveyor, and that enables an operator to take corrective action by satisfactory completion of a test on a replacement component which then is preferably manually located in its proper sequence on the conveyor prior to re-starting of the machine. Accordingly, except for the usually uncommon short interval when an attendant may need to make substitution for an unsatisfactory component which has been detected, the invention enables rapid processing of assuredly reliable components and their intended sequence is verified.