Abstract: An inspection process including the steps of: providing at least one specimen to an inspection apparatus; identifying the at least one specimen; inspecting the at least one specimen; assigning a first assessment to the at least one specimen based on the result of the inspection; saving the identification feature together with the inspection data and a first assessment to a raw data storage as a data package; providing the processed data storage to an inspector; assigning the second assessment to the data space of the processed data package; sorting the at least one specimen based on the first or second assessment.

Abstract: A packaging machine with a platform (6) on which a container (27) can be supported and sensor (23) for detecting the presence or absence of a container (27) at a position on the platform (6). A control apparatus with a memory is configured to cause the packaging machine to perform a setup operation in which relative motion between the platform (6) and sensor (23) is caused and monitored. A parameter relating to the amount of relative motion from a starting position to a position at which the sensor output changes to reflect the presence or absence of a container (27) is stored in the memory. The control apparatus is also configured to use the stored parameter to control the machine in a packaging operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to systems for characterizing force (e.g., friction, and wear). In one embodiment, a tribometer allows for wear testing of samples in a high throughput manner. A counterface is used to apply force on the surface of the sample. A carousel provides for the rapid exchange of new for old counterfaces in the tribometer test head, thereby enabling the use of a new counterface for each new wear test without the need for operator interaction.

Abstract: Provided is a method for processing electronic and electrical device component scrap, which can improve an efficiency of sorting of raw materials fed to the smelting step from electronic and electrical device component scrap, and reduce losses of valuable metals. A method for processing electronic and electrical device component scrap which includes removing powdery objects contained in electronic and electrical device component scrap prior to a step of separating non-metal objects or metal objects from the electronic and electrical device component scrap containing the metal objects and the non-metal objects, using a metal sorter including: a metal sensor, a color camera, an air valve, and a conveyor.

Abstract: A continuous manufacturing system continuously manufactures a product from a powder of a raw material. The system includes a first processing device that performs first processing on the powder of the raw material; a second processing device that performs second processing on the powder on which the first processing device has performed the first processing; and an inspection and sorting device including an inspection chamber into which powder sent from the first processing device flows. When a prescribed amount of the powder has accumulated in the inspection chamber, the inspection and sorting device inspects the powder inside the inspection chamber after blocking a path connecting the first processing device to the inspection chamber. When the inspection ends, the inspection and sorting device removes the blocking after discharging the powder from inside the inspection chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for the suspended conveyance of items includes a conveyor system which has a conveyor rail along which the items can each be conveyed suspended from an overhead adapter, and a plurality of buffer devices which are coupled to the conveyor system, which buffer devices are each designed as a circulating storage device, which buffer devices have a discharge conveyor, a separating unit arranged upstream of the discharge conveyor, an identification unit arranged downstream of the separating unit, and a diverter element arranged on the discharge line for discharging the overhead adapters, wherein the discharge conveyor is operable at a first conveying speed when no overhead adapter to be discharged has been identified, is operable at a second conveying speed when an overhead adapter to be discharged has been identified, wherein the second conveying speed is lower than the first conveying speed.

Abstract: There is provided a method and system for identifying the location of an obstruction in a pipeline comprising: sensing the magnetic field generated by a pipeline at an initial pressure from a first location along the length of the pipeline to obtain a baseline reading; altering the pressure from a first end until a maximum pressure or minimum pressure is attained; sensing the magnetic field at the maximum or minimum pressure from the first location to obtain a stress reading; and identifying the location of the obstruction as a) being between a second end and the first location when there is a deviation between the stress reading and the baseline reading at the first location or as b) being between the first end and the first location when there is an absence of a deviation between the stress reading and the baseline reading at the first location.

Abstract: A tester for a relay comprises an enclosure, a testing circuit that includes a controller, electronic switch components, a power source, indicator LEDs, a test start switch, a relay selector switch, and five electric leads each connected with one terminal of the relay. With the relay selector switch toggled to indicate the type of relay being tested, with power supplied to each lead, and with the test start switch actuated, the controller sets each lead to ground, in turn, and then count the number of other leads that are grounded as a result. The controller then illuminates the at least one indicator to indicate either the passing relay test or the failed relay test based on the counts measured. Once the leads connected to the relay coil are identified, cyclic testing of the relay can be performed.

Abstract: A paper sheet handling apparatus includes a stacking unit which allows paper sheets transported by a transport unit to be stacked therein in alignment with faces of an adjacent pair of the paper sheets being in contact with each other. A recognition unit recognizes which of a face or back of each of the paper sheets transported faces up, and how each of the paper sheets is oriented. A controller classifies the paper sheets into a plurality of types different in thickness distribution based on the result of recognition, manages the number of paper sheets of each type stacked in the stacking unit, and makes a determination whether to permit the stacking of the paper sheets in the stacking unit based on the type of the paper sheets recognized by the recognition unit, and the number of paper sheets of each type that have been stacked in the stacking unit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the light gap tightness of a piston ring, that is provided with a joint and produced so as to be non-round by clamping the open piston ring, while substantially closing the joint, by way of an accessory device in the circumferential direction, and by exerting a defined force in the region of at least one of the joint ends of the piston ring in the direction of a wall of the accessory device, wherein optical means are used to establish whether the joint region of the piston ring which is subjected to the action of the force is seated against the wall of the accessory device in a light-tight manner.

Abstract: A method of sorting a parcel of ore comprising the steps of first sorting the parcel of ore into one of at least two grades based on a characteristic of the parcel of ore, and a second sorting step wherein the parcel of ore is further sorted.

Abstract: Eddy current separation apparatus (1) for separating particles (20) from a particle stream (w), wherein the apparatus (1) comprises a separator drum (4) adapted to create a first particle fraction (21) and a second particle fraction (23), a feeding device (2) upstream of the separator drum (4) for supplying particles (20) to said separator drum (4), and a splitter element (14) provided downstream of the separator drum (4) for splitting the respective fractions (21,23), wherein the apparatus (1) further comprises a sensor device (11,111,211) arranged for detecting particles (20), at least a number and/or material properties thereof, from at least part of one of the particle fractions (21), wherein the separation apparatus (1) is configured to adjust, in use, a position and/or orientation of the splitter element (14) with respect to the separator drum (4) and/or a transporting velocity of the feeding device (2) in dependence of a signal from the sensor device (11,111,211) based on the number and/or material pro

Abstract: A method of separating a mined material that comprises assessing the grade of successive segments of the mined material, and separating each segment on the basis of grade into a category that is at or above a grade threshold or a category that is below the grade threshold. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: According to the embodiment, a sorting device has sensors, a feature extracting unit, a feature searching unit, a determining unit and a sorting unit. The sensors detect physical quantities of an object. The feature extracting unit extracts a plurality of types of feature values from the physical quantities detected. The feature searching unit specifies identification information of the object based on values of various feature values extracted, from a feature database which associates and stores the values of the various feature values and the identification information of the object. The determining unit determines sorting information of the object based on the identification information of the object specified, from a sorting database which associates and stores the identification information of the object and the sorting information. The sorting unit sorts the object based on the sorting information determined by the determining unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for separating fractions having monetary value from residual streams from a MRF are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for automatically controlling a vibratory separator, e.g., but not limited to a shale shaker for processing drilling fluid, the methods in certain aspects including: introducing material to a vibratory separator; sensing with sensor apparatus a state parameter indicative of operation of the vibratory separator; providing a signal indicative of a value of said state parameter to control apparatus; and, with the control apparatus, automatically controlling the vibratory separator based on the level of the state parameter. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Methods for automatically controlling a vibratory separator, e.g., but not limited to a shale shaker for processing drilling fluid, the methods in certain aspects including: introducing material to a vibratory separator; sensing with sensor apparatus a state parameter indicative of operation of the vibratory separator; providing a signal indicative of a value of said state parameter to control apparatus; and, with the control apparatus, automatically controlling the vibratory separator based on the level of the state parameter. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method of separating a mined material that comprises assessing the grade of successive segments of the mined material, and separating each segment on the basis of grade into a category that is at or above a grade threshold or a category that is below the grade threshold. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for classifying (704) objects (3) contained in seed lots, in which characteristics of the objects (3) are determined using at least one non-invasive process (702, 703), wherein a light-sectioning procedure (702), by means of which the objects (3) are three-dimensionally recorded and at least one spatial characteristic of the objects (3) is determined, is used as at least one non-invasive process (602, 603), and wherein characteristics which have been determined by the laser light-sectioning procedure (702) or by the laser light-sectioning procedure (702) and at least one further non-invasive process (602, 603) are used jointly for describing the objects (3) to perform the classification.

Abstract: Inventive process consisting of the inserting in any industrial PELLET production plant and at any point of the same plant of a technological system called a “control chamber” that can evaluate the biomass that will form the pellets, detecting the presence of toxic materials deriving from processing scrap and waste, with the presence of substances such as lacquers, paints, and sprays, or wood coming from trees contaminated by radioactive, toxic or other environmental factors. The “control chamber” consists of a pellet transport system, a series of sensors, optical devices, weighing and control systems that can continuously monitor, analyze and grade all the pellets. It also has a system for the selecting and storage of pellets according to the quality detected.

Abstract: A system for sorting and packaging products, chosen from the group consisting of eggs and fruit (10), the system comprising: —a sorting machine with at least one single sorting track (1) with carriers; —at least one sensor for determining at least one characteristic of each product (10); —the control being adapted to classify a said product in accordance with the at least one characteristic; —a plurality of packaging conveyors (2) for supplying and discharging packaging units, such as boxes, crates or trays, crossing the sorting track and extending above the sorting track; —wherein adjacent each packaging conveyor a transferring device (3) is provided at the level of or higher than the packaging conveyor, arranged for taking over a said product from a carrier and for placing the product from above into a packaging unit (20) on the corresponding packaging conveyor.

Abstract: Methods for automatically controlling a vibratory separator, e.g., but not limited to a shale shaker for processing drilling fluid, the methods in certain aspects including: introducing material to a vibratory separator; sensing with sensor apparatus a state parameter indicative of operation of the vibratory separator; providing a signal indicative of a value of said state parameter to control apparatus; and, with the control apparatus, automatically controlling the vibratory separator based on the level of the state parameter. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a quantity of cullet having at least two colors of glass from an input stream of recyclable material and non-recyclable material. In an embodiment, the system includes a sortation station, a screening apparatus, an air classifier, and a crushing apparatus to provide as output substantially pure cullet having at least two colors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rejecter for a product sorting system comprising at least two different co-located rejection means wherein each rejection means is independently activatable to deflect a product from a sorting stream.

Abstract: This invention has as its object an automatic process and machine for inspecting and sorting non-metallic objects.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of simply and rapidly conveying objects having no detected abnormalities, and a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for use in the conveying method and apparatus. When abnormalities on semiconductor wafers in a wafer boat are detected, abnormality positions and types of abnormalities are identified and skip positions are determined (Step S4). A withdrawal process on the wafers at the skip positions is skipped whereas an automatic withdrawal process on the wafers having no detected abnormalities is performed (Step S5). Continuously, when some of the wafers remain in the wafer boat (Yes at Step S6) and automatic withdrawable wafers exist (Yes at Step S7), an automatic withdrawal process on the automatic withdrawable wafers is performed (Step S8). Thereafter, a manual withdrawal process on the remaining wafers is performed (Step S10).

Abstract: A device for conveying flat articles, in which device the flat articles are moved in series while being at a pitch one from the next that is normally constant, includes a synchronization device for compensating for a certain amount of variation in said pitch. This device includes: means for categorizing the articles on the basis of certain physical characteristics of the articles; means for identifying a certain amount of variation in the pitch for the current article and for recording said pitch variation in a memory in correspondence with the class of the current article; and means for servocontrolling the synchronization system on the basis of said pitch variations recorded in the memory in correspondence with said classes of articles.

Abstract: A mobile system for improving the picking and preliminary processing of apples, citrus, stone fruit and the like is disclosed and claimed. The system comprises a mobile chassis upon which can be mounted picking stations, pneumatic tube transport subsystems, receiving and conveying subsystems, object scanning subsystems, cull diverter subsystems, labeling subsystems, and subsystems for relatively gently placing the objects in a predetermined location in a receiving bin. The system can also include a subsystem for gently placing diverted objects in a receiving bin.

Abstract: A cross-flow air separation system comprises a conveyor configured to project material out over an end of the conveyor generally along a trajectory path into a far receiving bin. An optical sensing system is configured to identify particular objects in the projected material. A first air ejection system is configured to generate a first airstream that ejects the identified objects from the trajectory path into a second near receiving bin. A second cross air current system is configured to generate a second airstream that reduces air resistance for the materials projected along the trajectory path. The second airstream reduces certain aeronautic phenomena that would cause some of the projected materials to unintentionally fall into the wrong receiving bin, thus creating a higher purity/less contaminated materiel stream into the near bin.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a plurality of pistons, each of the pistons comprising of a cylinder and a piston rod, a first collar for supporting the cylinders at a first end and a second collar for supporting the cylinders at a second end, for each of the cylinders, a first air inlet through the first collar into the first cylinder end and a second air inlet through the second collar into the second cylinder end, a plurality of valves, each of the valves connected to a source of compressed air, and a plurality of air hoses interconnecting each of the valves with one of the air inlets.

Abstract: A method for estimating surface moisture content of wood chips for use in a pulp and paper production process comprises measuring chip surface moisture using an infrared surface moisture sensor, and adjusting a calibration of the surface moisture measured with a model using values of a set of optical parameters representing light reflection characteristics of the wood chips, to estimate their surface moisture content.

Abstract: Fluidic structures for facilitating particle separation in curved or spiral devices are provided. The contemplated systems relate to various fluidic structures, implementations and selected fabrication techniques to realize construction of fluidic separation structures that are of a stacked and/or parallel configuration. These contemplated systems provide for efficient input of fluid to be processed, improved throughput, and, in some variations, adjustable and efficient treatment of output fluid.

Abstract: Drupaceous fruit pieces, including fruit flesh with and without pit matter adhering to the flesh as well as loose pits and pit pieces themselves, are passed through an integrated system of multiple sorting units utilizing different sorting methodologies. The sorting units include a laser-based sorting unit that sorts according to differences in light scattering, a diode-based sorting unit that sorts according to differences in light reflectance, and in certain embodiments a camera-based sorting unit that sorts according to differences in color. The system also includes an impact separator that dislodges pit material from fruit flesh from which the pit material has not been dislodged by any preceding units, most notably by pitting machinery through which the fruit has passed prior to entering the system of the invention.

Abstract: Methods for automatically controlling a vibratory separator, e.g., but not limited to a shale shaker for processing drilling fluid, the methods in certain aspects including: introducing material to a vibratory separator; sensing with sensor apparatus a state parameter indicative of operation of the vibratory separator; providing a signal indicative of a value of said state parameter to control apparatus; and, with the control apparatus, automatically controlling the vibratory separator based on the level of the state parameter. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: An apparatus for providing thermal and magnetic energy to a receptacle containing a reaction mixture and a magnetic retention member. The apparatus can also control heating of a reaction mixture, and bring about a separation of magnetic particles from the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture typically comprises polynucleotides from a biological sample that are being brought into a PCR-ready form.

Abstract: In a method of singulating pockets in a mail processing system to extract mail items from the pockets, a first guide is provided within an extraction are. A second guide carrying a predetermined number of pockets is coupled to the first guide, wherein the pockets are arranged in series on the second guide, and wherein each pocket contains at least one mail item between two lateral walls. The first guide and the second guide are moved at a predetermined constant velocity. At least one pocket located on the second guide closest to the first guide is transferred from the second guide to the first guide. Within the extraction area, an extraction device is engaged with the pocket transferred to the first guide to extract the at least one mail item from that pocket.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for estimating surface moisture content of wood chips employing a surface moisture measurement obtained from a non-contact surface moisture sensor, which measurement is calibrated with values of a set of optical parameters, such as HSL color camera signals, representing light reflection characteristics of the wood chips in order to estimate the surface moisture content thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for processing a sheet. When a medium having various patterns detected by a plurality of detecting sections for individually detecting plural kinds of features from a sheet, each detecting section detects plural kinds of features from the medium. The features detected from the medium are compared with a predetermined reference value so that the condition of the apparatus can be judged.

Abstract: An object sorting system automatically inspects a plurality of objects and sorts acceptable objects from defective objects. The system includes a feed conveyor, a barrier, a sorting camera, at least one rejection valve and a processor. The feed conveyor receives a plurality of objects and moves the objects through an inspection area, which is defined by the barrier, which is placed across and above a top surface of the feed conveyor. The barrier is configured to redirect the plurality of objects and cause the objects to rotate about an object axis such that the sorting camera can capture an image of each of the plurality of objects as the objects rotate and move through the inspection area.

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: 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 sortation and sequencing system for sorting a plurality of different items into discrete orders and putting the items into a predetermined sequence within each discrete order or group of orders. The system includes an induction station for accepting items in random succession, and a sensor at the induction station for sensing an identifying characteristic unique to each item and for generating tracking signals uniquely corresponding to the items for tracking the items through the system. A controller receives the tracking signals and generates sort command and sequence command signals which are in part responsive to the tracking signals. A sorter receives the items from the induction station and directs individual items to selected ones of a plurality of sort locations, each sort location corresponding to an individual order or group of orders, in response to sort command signals from the controller.

Abstract: A multiple station CD-ROM testing system includes a conveyance device, a first gripping device, a multiple station testing device having a number of testing stations arranged in a vertically stacked fashion, a second gripping device, a collection device, and a controlling device comprised of a single programmable logic control and a single personal computer. The conveyance device carries the CD-ROMs fed into the system forward. The first gripping device picks up the CD-ROMs on the conveyance device and positions the CD-ROMs into the testing stations of the multiple station testing device to have the CD-ROMs tested therein by means of the controlling device and removes the tested CD-ROMs out of the multiple station testing device and places them back to the conveyance device. The second gripping device picks up the tested CD-ROMs on the conveyance device and transfers the tested CD-ROMs to either a next process if the CD-ROMs pass the test or a flaw product collection device if the CD-ROMs fail the test.

Abstract: Sorting apparatus has a conveyor belt or equivalent mechanism for moving particles at a speed sufficient to generate a stream of particles in air, which particles can be graded such that selected material can be removed. The grading or sorting is conducted by a primary scanning system for analysing light reflected from particles in the stream in a plurality of wavelength ranges. Ejectors for removing particles from the stream are disposed downstream of the scanning system, and are instructed in response to signals received from the scanning system.

Abstract: An inspection system and an inspection method, the method including detecting flaws on a surface, determining the size, count, and position of flaws on the surface, providing a representation of the detected flaws by size, count, and position on a display, setting a display threshold value which is a function of a number of particles of a particular size to be displayed on the display, determining when the display threshold is breached and in response adjusting the display to cease displaying those flaws, storing at least one inspection threshold value, and determining when the inspection threshold value is breached and in response outputting an inspection interrupt signal to stop the inspection after the inspection threshold value is breached.

Abstract: Sorting apparatus has a conveyor belt or equivalent mechanism for moving particles at a speed sufficient to generate a stream of particles in air, which particles can be graded such that unacceptable material can be removed. The grading or sorting is conducted by a primary scanning system for analyzing light reflected from particles in the stream in a plurality of wavelength ranges. Ejectors for removing particles from the stream are disposed downstream of the scanning system, and are instructed in response to signals received from the scanning system. An auxiliary scanning system is also included to establish the presence of material in the stream, and in the event that a void is detected in a given region, then the analysis of that region by the primary scanning system and any corresponding activation of the ejectors is inhibited.

Abstract: The chassis (1) of the machine supports a fixed supply table and three successive transfer conveyor belts (3, 14, 19) capable of routing the blood bags towards discharge chutes mounted at the other end. Stations (4, 20) for reading the codes and labels on the blood bags are disposed respectively above the first belt (3) and the third belt (19) on either side of two label appending robots (8). The intermediate belt (14) comprises a weighing unit (16). Application to the labelling of blood bags prior to transfusion.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating foreign matter from a pneumatically conveyed stream of textile fibers has a pneumatic duct in which the textile fibers are conveyed by an air stream; a waste container; first and second coupling openings for maintaining communication between the waste container and the pneumatic duct; and a gate pivotally supported in the pneumatic duct. The gate has a first position maintaining open the pneumatic duct and obturating the first and second coupling openings for allowing the fiber material to be conveyed by the air stream through the duct by bypassing the waste container. The gate further has a second position obturating a direct passage through the pneumatic duct and maintaining open the first and second coupling openings for directing the fiber material and the air stream from the pneumatic duct into the waste container and for allowing conveying air to pass from the waste container back into the pneumatic duct.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sorting garments of different types and sizes. The garments are sorted according to different selection criteria, such as type and size, and put together in delivery groups respectively assigned to one buyer. To make such a method and such an apparatus more simple, also for a great number of buyers, the garments should be sorted in at least two steps, sorting being performed in the first step according to a first selection criterion and pre-groups being formed, and sorting being performed in the second step according to a second selection criterion and second pre-groups being formed, with intermediate groups being formed within the second pre-group and containing the garments of a specific size and a specific type respectively assigned to a specific buyer. All intermediate groups assigned to a specific buyer are subsequently combined to obtain the delivery group.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting defects in discrete articles, such as fasteners having an indexable article carrier with a plurality of article holders on the article carrier for supporting articles in a holding position so that each article in the holding position moves in a prescribed path as the article carrier is operated; structure for incrementally indexing the article carrier to position each article holder alternatively in (a) a first position in which an article can be inserted therein from a supply, and (b) a second position spaced from said first position; structure for shifting an article in a holder in the second position out of the holding position therefor into an inspecting position and for rotating an article in a holder in an inspecting position so that the complete periphery of an article to be inspected is exposed for examination is included; and eddy current scanning structure for examining the exposed part of an article while being rotated in the inspection position therefor.