Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to a device comprising a product status synchronization device. Examples of the product status synchronization device comprise a plurality of input ports and an encoder input, each of the input ports coupled to one of a plurality of registers and configured to receive a signal indicative of a status assigned to a product by one of a plurality of process stations, and to register the status assigned to the product into the one of the plurality of registers coupled to the input port, wherein one or more of the plurality of process stations are located at different distances from a predetermined location along a processing line and are configured to asynchronously process one or more products moving through the processing line.

Abstract: A material sorting system sorts materials utilizing multiple stages of classification and sorting, including a vision system that implements a machine learning system in order to identify or classify each of the materials, and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy to perform a subsequent classification and sorting of the remaining materials.

Abstract: The application provides a gemstone testing apparatus for testing a specimen. The gemstone testing apparatus includes a handheld casing, a plurality of light sources, a test probe, a photodetector, a processor unit, and a display unit. The test probe is placed at one end of the handheld casing. A first end of the test probe is placed outside the handheld casing. The plurality of light sources is provided for emitting light rays towards an area that is in the vicinity of the first end. The first end is adapted for receiving light rays from the specimen and for transmitting the light rays to a second end of the test probe. The photodetector is arranged to measure an intensity of the light rays from the second end. The processor unit is provided for determining a material of the specimen in accordance to a measurement of the intensity of the light rays.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for detecting leaded pieces of glass in a single-layer material flow of objects composed predominantly of waste glass, with the objects being irradiated with substantially monochromatic UV light (3) and the fluorescent light resulting therefrom being detected. It is provided therein that the object is additionally irradiated with visible or infrared light (4); the transmission light of the visible or infrared light (4) is detected after the passage through the object; and an object is defined as containing lead if both the fluorescent light for at least one predetermined wavelength range corresponding to the fluorescence of leaded glasses is present in a predetermined intensity range and also transmission light in a predetermined intensity range with an intensity of larger zero.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the use of differences in x-ray linear absorption coefficients to process ore and remove elements with higher atomic number from elements with lower atomic numbers. Use of this dry method at the mine reduces pollution and transportation costs. One example of said invention is the ejection of inclusions with sulfur, silicates, mercury, arsenic and radioactive elements from coal. This reduces the amount and toxicity of coal ash. It also reduces air emissions and the energy required to clean stack gases from coal combustion. Removal of said ejected elements improves thermal efficiency and reduces the pollution and carbon footprint for electrical production.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for detecting leaded pieces of glass in a single-layer material flow of objects composed predominantly of waste glass, with the objects being irradiated with substantially monochromatic UV light (3) and the fluorescent light resulting therefrom being detected. It is provided therein that the object is additionally irradiated with visible or infrared light (4); the transmission light of the visible or infrared light (4) is detected after the passage through the object; and an object is defined as containing lead if both the fluorescent light for at least one predetermined wavelength range corresponding to the fluorescence of leaded glasses is present in a predetermined intensity range and also transmission light in a predetermined intensity range with an intensity of larger zero.

Abstract: A cost efficient and reliable method for online sorting of special glass which works independent of the color of glass and the shape of the material. The scrap glass stream to be detected is thereby irradiated by UV absorption or transmission values of the scrap glass stream, more specifically of the material-specific UV absorption edges and “UV-cutoff” frequencies, with reference values obtained before from standardized material laboratory inspections. If special glass is being detected, blowing nozzles disposed downstream of a detector unit divert the special glass toward a predetermined location where it is deposited. There can also be a system which includes a radiation source, a detection unit, an evaluation and control unit and a removal apparatus.

Abstract: Chip sorting devices include a rotatable disc having a plurality of wells for receiving chips therein, a plurality of channels for holding stacks of chips, at least one ejector for ejecting chips from the wells of the disc into the channels, and at least one removal lever associated with at least one of the channels. The removal lever has an arm configured to extend adjacent at least a portion of a stack of chips when the stack of chips is in a channel. Other chip sorting devices include a plurality of wells for receiving chips therein, a plurality of channels for holding stacks of chips, at least one ejector for ejecting chips from the wells of the disc into the channels, and at least one spring member configured to bias the ejector to a position.

Abstract: Use of more exotic laying patterns in connection with establishing paving stones of concrete blocks for e.g. paving on yards, are not widely used for cost reasons, as the automated laying machines laying the said paving stones in large surfaces at a time require the stones to be delivered in palletised formats which are handled by machine. The only way in which the said stereotype formats can be laid by machine is, if the paving stones are supplied manually, patterned layers on pallets. There is thus indicated a method for automatic sorting of paving stones (2) of different size from bulk condition to e.g. patterned laid palletisable layers in a standard out format, as the stones (2) after being guided into a row (3) are registered by size by a vision based system and guided into arraying lanes (34) from where these may selectively be dispensed in the preferred laying patterns in the said out formats (22).

Abstract: Apparatus for classifying objects in an input waste stream comprises a hyperspectral sensor, means for moving objects in the input waste stream relative to the sensor and through a sensing region thereof, and processing means for classifying objects in the input waste stream on the basis of signals output from the hyperspectral sensor to the processing means. The apparatus allows classification of objects composed of one of a wide range of materials and also provides for discrimination of objects comprising different grades of the same material.

Abstract: An optical illumination and monitoring subsystem controls the operation of a flow cytometer having a carrier fluid that flows along a channel coupled to a droplet generator, which controls a point at which droplets break off from the carrier fluid, and a droplet sorter that is operative to cause selected droplets to be sorted along one or more droplet travel paths. The subsystem is operative to illuminate a respective droplet monitoring location along each of one or more droplet travel paths with a respective beam of light, such as that sourced from a common laser. In response to backscatter reflection from a droplet passing through the respective beam of light at a respective droplet monitoring location, the amplitude of the beam of light is increased. Then the droplet is monitored for the presence of a particle therein exhibiting detectable fluorescence as a result of the increase in the amplitude of the respective beam of light.

Abstract: An optical paper sorting system uses diffuse reflectance to identify a sheet of paper, conveyed on a conveyor, as either white or groundwood grade. A light source illuminates a sheet of paper and an optical collection system collects and filters the light diffusely reflected from the sheet of paper. The reflected light strikes a detector which produces a photoelectric current proportional to the intensity of the filtered light in a specific region in the electromagnetic spectrum, preferably ultraviolet. The signal from the detector may be digitized and processed by a computer which classifies the sheet as either white or groundwood, and activates an ejection device to produce an air blast for diverting whichever grade is selected for ejection.

Abstract: A method of analysing products arranges above a conveyer line three successive analysing stations having, in the first station, two cameras arranged in such a way that their optical axes form a V centred on the products and has a vertex angle in the range between 90° and 130°, and in the other two stations, a camera arranged plumb with the conveyer line. Moreover, the products are driven in rotation during their transport along the analysing stations, in such a way that the cameras each take a number of photographs of complementary faces of the surface of the products, and there are selected from among the photographs taken, by a comparison between the calculated theoretical diameter of a product and a predetermined average diameter, the photographs to be retained so as to obtain a complete analysis of the total surface of the product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting defects in the cover sheets used to manufacture diapers is disclosed. A linear sensor is used to detect defects in the cover sheet web before it is combined with the absorbent material to form a diaper. When a defect is detected, the manufactured diaper containing the defective cover sheet is ejected from the line after a delay which is dependent on the speed of the process.

Abstract: A color-based sorting apparatus comprising, a material supplying device provided so as to discharge and supply the grains stored therein, a color detecting device detecting a color of each of the grains passing through a setting region, a sorting processing section operating to change a transference path for defective grains, a control device, which determines whether each of the grains to be sorted is defective or not based on a detection signal from the color detecting device, and when it is determined that one of the grains is defective, the control device activating the sorting processing section, and a feeding roll disposed between the material supplying device and the color detecting device and rotating around an axial line thereof to cause the grains to be sorted, which are supplied from said material supplying device aligned in an axial direction, to freely fall down toward the color detecting device.

Abstract: A marking system for use with a multi-spectral imager for use in high throughput sortation of articles having distorted or irregular surfaces is disclosed. Specific uses include, but are not limited to, document sorting, garment and textile rental operations, laundry operations, and mail and package sorting and identification. Methods and apparatus are provided to remotely identify items via information that is wavelength-encoded within an applied mark, as well as a mark reading/decoding scheme. In the preferred embodiment the marks are multi-dimensional. In one preferred embodiment the marks are used to realize multi-dimensional wavelength-enabled coding schemes. The marks can be overlayed one upon another and/or they can contain one or more key regions having at least one predetermined spectral characteristic for providing information related at least to reading and/or decoding the marks.

Abstract: A method of sorting sorting objects within a bulk of objects from a heterogeneous population is provided. The bulk of objects to be sorted has an inherent variation, and at least one class, having less variation than the originally inherent variation of the bulk, is separated from the bulk. This lesser variation represents a quality of composition with reference to any organic material of the objects within the bulk.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.

Abstract: A device for detecting, isolating and exterminating hazardous microbiological agents contained inside delicate objects such as envelopes and packages commonly used in worldwide mail and transport systems which may be safely used in houses, is very economic and which can be easily produced.

Abstract: Method and device for detecting dirt on eggs is provided which comprises exposing the eggs to ultraviolet light, capturing images of the exposed eggs resulting in images formed of pixels, and determining within the images, surface areas of dirt by correlating data of contrast and data of position of the pixels. Such a method enables selecting and subsequently removing eggs which contain dirt surface areas of a predetermined size. Further, such a method and device may be applied advantageously for both white and brown eggs in egg sorting machines.

Abstract: A high accuracy rapid system for sorting a plurality of waste products by polymer type. The invention involves the application of Raman spectroscopy and complex identification techniques to identify and sort post-consumer plastics for recycling. The invention reads information unique to the molecular structure of the materials to be sorted to identify their chemical compositions and uses rapid high volume sorting techniques to sort them into product streams at commercially viable throughput rates. The system employs a laser diode (20) for irradiating the material sample (10), a spectrograph (50) is used to determine the Raman spectrum of the material sample (10) and a microprocessor based controller (70) is employed to identify the polymer type of the material sample (10).

Abstract: Methods for classifying plants by remote sensing and image analysis technology are presented. These methods are useful for evaluating plants and for selecting plants for a plant breeding program which has as its goal to selectively alter phenotype. The methods combine the newer techniques of remote sensing technology to obtain indirect correlates of the traits of interest, with classical pedigree breeding strategies. Thermal and infrared reflectance measures of plant canopies are examples of energy values measured by remote sensing, used to indirectly predict the selected traits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for classifying materials utilizing a computerized touch sensitive screen or other computerized pointing device for operator identification and electronic marking of spatial coordinates of materials to be extracted. An operator positioned at a computerized touch sensitive screen views electronic images of the mixture of materials to be sorted as they are conveyed past a sensor array which transmits sequences of images of the mixture either directly or through a computer to the touch sensitive display screen. The operator manually "touches" objects displayed on the screen to be extracted from the mixture thereby registering the spatial coordinates of the objects within the computer. The computer then tracks the registered objects as they are conveyed and directs automated devices including mechanical means such as air jets, robotic arms, or other mechanical diverters to extract the registered objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for canceling postage on individual mailpieces of a stack of mixed mail includes an apparatus for separating individual mailpieces from the stack of mixed mail; structure for feeding the separated individual mailpieces along a feed path; a mechanism, positioned along the feed path, for detecting the presence of stamps on individual mailpieces; a printing mechanism having a plurality of digital printheads; a control, in communication with the detecting mechanism, for operating the printing mechanism to print a cancellation mark over stamps on individual mailpieces in response to detection by the detecting mechanism of the presence of stamps on individual mailpieces; and apparatus for determining the number of rows of stamps on individual mailpieces and for selectively energizing only the individual ones of the plurality of digital printheads needed to ensure that the cancellation mark is printed over each of the sensed number of rows of stamps on individual mailpieces.

Abstract: Measuring the limpness of a note is necessary to separate a worn note out of circulation. Several methods are disclosed which can be used either alone or in combination to test for limpness. One method measures the note's ability to reflect light or transmit the light. Another method measures the response of the note to an acoustic wave. Another method measures the note's deflection to a pressure or force. Yet another method measures the dielectric value of the note when placed between the plates of a capacitor. A final method involves measuring the thermal conductivity of the note. In each case, a limp note will produce distinguishable results from a stiff note.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of selecting low-pressure mercury discharge lamps each provided with a discharge vessel which supports a luminescent layer on an inner surface, by which method the luminescent layer is excited and the low-pressure mercury discharge lamps are selected in dependence on the emission spectrum of the light radiated by the luminescent layer. The invention also relates to a device for selecting low-pressure mercury discharge lamps which are each provided with a discharge vessel supporting a luminescent layer on an inner surface, which device is provided with an excitation source for exciting the luminescent layers of the low-pressure mercury discharge lamps to be selected and with detection means for detecting the light radiated by the low-pressure mercury discharge lamps to be selected.

Abstract: A method for visualization of a lubricant coating on a surface of an article includes dissolving a fluorescent agent into a lubricant. The method then includes applying the fluorescenated lubricant to coat a surface of the article. The coated article is then irradiated with an electromagnetic radiation capable of inducing a fluorescent emission in the fluorescent agent and the fluorescent emission is observed to detect the coverage of the lubricant on the surface of the article.

Abstract: In order to provide a simple, safe and compact apparatus for distinguishing natural, colorless, or near-colorless diamond from synthetic diamond, the apparatus is equipped with a chamber in which a flash lamp irradiates a stationary diamond with irradiation which has a substantial component of ultra-violet light below 250 nm or 255 nm. The intensity of phosphorescence emitted by the diamond after irradiation by the lamp is measured by a photomultiplier tube which sends a signal to a microprocessor. There is a visual display of the elapsed time for the phosphorescence intensity to decrease to a threshold value. The diamond is classified as probably natural if it has no phosphorescence or a short phosphorescence time.

Abstract: A process to distinguish plumbing parts, either individually or as combined into a plumbing product, in which one of two types of coatings have been applied to the parts, with the parts being visually indistinguishable by the type of coating. The parts are illuminated with a non-visible light operating at a frequency which will be absorbed by only one type of coating. The parts may be coated with an essentially organic coating or an essentially inorganic coating. Only one of these coatings will absorb the non-visible light and such absorption will be displayed so as to distinguish between parts having the different types of coatings.

Abstract: A method of selecting low-pressure mercury discharge lamps comprising a luminescent layer, the luminescent layer being excited and the low-pressure mercury discharge lamps being selected in dependence on the emission spectrum of the visible light emitted by the luminescent layer. The luminescent layer is excited by a light source arranged outside the low-pressure mercury discharge lamp and which generates ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength above 300 nm. This makes it possible to use the presence of a blue-luminescent substance in the luminescent layer as a selection criterion for both leaky and intact low-pressure mercury discharge lamps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to sort waste mixtures by irradiating the waste objects with electromagnetic and/or acoustic waves, by picking up the waves emanating from each irradiated waste object in a signal processor to identify it, and by transmitting signals from the signal processor to a separator which sorts out the identified waste object.

Abstract: A direct jet monitor illuminates the jet of a flow cytometer in a monitor wavelength band which is substantially separate from the substance wavelength band. When a laser is used to cause fluorescence of the substance, it may be appropriate to use an infrared source to illuminate the jet and thus optically monitor the conditions within the jet through a CCD camera or the like. This optical monitoring may be provided to some type of controller or feedback system which automatically changes either the horizontal location of the jet, the point at which droplet separation occurs, or some other condition within the jet in order to maintain optimum conditions. The direct jet monitor may be operated simultaneously with the substance property sensing and analysis system so that continuous monitoring may be achieved without interfering with the substance data gathering and may be configured so as to allow the front of the analysis or free fall area to be unobstructed during processing.

Abstract: Acoustic or electromagnetic wave energy (UV-, visible or infrared, preferably electromagnetic, particularly UV- or visible) is applied to randomly-shaped or plane materials or mixtures of such materials, whereby the materials are irradiated and the structures of the materials, particularly the surface structures of the materials, are determined by identification of the waves which arrive from the irradiated materials at a receiver-sensor, equipped with a data logger, and comparison of the thus-received data with the data of the data logger. A sorting device for sorting out thus-identified materials is operated with the aid of signals arriving from the receiver-sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus used for quality control in the plastics recycling industry for quality control of recycled post consumer clear plastics beverage containers by their ultraviolet black light reflected color, and sends information to a personal computer connected by analog to digital port that compiles a report by software in the P.V.C. contaminants content of a grain sized probe sample of ground P.E.T. material. The apparatus has a photomultiplier tube fitted with a filter capable of blocking the nanometer light wavelength region reflected ultraviolet black light color of P.E.T., allowing the reflected color of P.V.C. to pass through the filter to allow detection and removal of the P.V.C..

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a sorting apparatus according to the present invention includes a conveyor belt for carrying a stream randomly-arranged articles, at least some of which are post-consumer plastic articles made of PVC and others of which are made of PET. The conveyor belt carries the articles to an irradiation area where they are irradiated with ultraviolet light that induces the post-consumer articles of PVC to emit phosphorescent light that persists after the irradiation ends. The conveyor belt then carries the articles to an inspection zone that is isolated from the ultraviolet light. A video camera is positioned to receive phosphorescent light emitted from post-consumer articles made of PVC. Other articles commonly in the stream of post-consumer plastic articles (e.g., PET) do not emit phosphorescent light and are, therefore, distinguishable from the PVC articles.

Abstract: Chromosomes are characterized by fluorescent emissions from a single fluorescent dye that is excited over two different wavelengths. A mixture containing chromosomes is stained with a single dye selected from the group consisting of TOTO and YOYO and the stained chromosomes are placed in a flow cytometer. The fluorescent dye is excited sequentially by a first light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet range to excite the TOTO or YOYO to fluoresce at a first intensity and by a second light having a wavelength effective to excite the TOTO or YOYO dye to fluoresce at a second intensity. Specific chromosomes may be identified and sorted by intensity relationships between the first and second fluorescence emissions.

Abstract: The concentrations of residual heavy metal contaminants in the particulate material in a slurry produced in a particulate material washing process are monitored on-line and can be used to control the washing process. In alternative embodiments of the invention, x-rays, thermal neutrons or laser beams are directed at the slurry as it flows through a flow cell to induce emission of secondary x-rays, gamma rays or light, respectively, characteristic of the heavy metal contaminants and constituents representative of the solids contents of the slurry. These characteristic energies are measured and used to determine the concentration in ppm of the residual heavy metal contaminants in the particulate material within the slurry.

Abstract: A method and device for detection and identification of liquid, solid, and gaseous foreign substances of beverages and/or beverage residues in re-usable bottles, especially in plastic bottles and other containers. Electromagnetic radiation traverses the walls of the bottles and containers at least once, and by areas of residual liquid, areas with liquid films, solid films on the inside wall and areas with contamination inside the wall are detected by the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to identify objects by radiating them with electromagnetic waves in UV to IR ranges and processing the waves incidenting from the object by means of an electronic signal processing unit, whereby the waves incidenting from the object strike at least one chip equipped with photodiodes which transmits the taken photoexcitation to a neuronal network, and after alteration of defined individual or several object features such as spatial arrangement, shape and contours, or feature changes by removing parts of the object, waves incidenting from this altered object strike the chip and the transmission of the photoexcitations received by the chip to the neuronal network continues at least so long until the neuronal network transmits at least one signal specific for the object that initiates defined sequence steps. The present invention relates further to a device for implementing the method.

Abstract: A carton glue monitoring system includes a conveyor moving a plurality of cartons in a first direction. An encoder provides pulses at a rate proportional to conveyor line speed. A glue applicator applies a glue strip having a fluorescent material added thereto to the cartons on the conveyor. A glue check station includes a UV source for illuminating the fluorescent material in the glue and a UV sensor for sensing the fluorescent material. The glue station further includes a glue skip detector and an excess glue detector for generating a glue flag and for holding the glue flag until the carton exits the glue station. A glue shift register includes Y registers and is connected to the UV sensor and the encoder for shifting the glue flag in the Y registers. Y is proportional to the encoder rate and a distance between the rejection marking device and the glue station exit minus the carton length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inspecting a heat-resistant multilayer container made of synthetic resin characterized by projecting a light to an upper end portion of a mouth portion of a heat-resistant multilayer container manufactured by the blow formation of a parison made of a main resin and a heat-resistant resin, receiving light passing the upper end portion of the mouth portion, extracting and detecting a light having a specific wavelength, outputting the light as an electrical signal and evaluating the quality of the heat-resistant multilayer container in accordance with the outputted signal value, relates to an apparatus for inspecting a heat-resistant multilayer container made of synthetic resin characterized by comprising a lighting device (121, 221) for emitting a light, a light projecting device (122, 222) connected to the lighting device (121, 221) and adapted to transfer and project the light to an upper end portion of the mouth portion, a light receiving device (124, 224) located

Abstract: A method for telecamera-checking of products (1) wrapped with transparent material, in particular packets of cigarettes, in which a product (1) wrapped with transparent material is illuminated by an ultraviolet lamp (6) and is scanned by a telecamera (4), which feeds an image of the product (1) into an image processor (5) to verify the soundness of the wrapped product (1) by processing the image in accordance with a determined programme.

Abstract: A cigarette making machine includes one or more conveyor bands (12,14,28) or other parts of non-metallic material from which pieces can break off and become entrained in the tobacco, including means (30,42) for detecting such pieces in the tobacco by directing a radiation beam towards the tobacco, and including means 40 for ejecting tobacco or finished cigarettes including such detected pieces, the parts in question being made of a material, or having a material incorporated in then or coated on them, which is either opaque or partially opaque to the detection beam, or which produces a detectable secondary emission detected by the detecting means.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading information marks comprising a strobe light activating or reflecting information marks manually placed on objects or wood products. A camera is used for reading the marks. One or more detectors are used to recognize marks and color. A central processing unit is used to process, solve and interpret character and color recognition. A photo-electric eye or a signal from a control device is used to time the strobe and detector. The information contained in the marks is fed directly to the control system and may be used to generate reports.

Abstract: An optical inspection system for using laser-induced luminescence to detect the quality of organic materials, such as peanuts. The inspection system comprises an excitation means for illuminating a specimen to cause it to produce fluorescent radiation. The spectral representation of the fluorescence produced by the specimen is compared to a reference spectrum to obtain an indication of the physical characteristics of the specimen. In a preferred embodiment, the system identifies and removes peanuts contaminated with aflatoxin from a stream of peanuts by determining fluorescence at a predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a container for the presence of adhesive in desired locations includes providing an ultraviolet light source which impinges ultraviolet light on the locations where adhesive is desired and sensors which receive fluorescent light from the adhesives and thereby determine which locations have the desired adhesives. The sensors emit signals which may be employed to directly or indirectly cause rejection of any container not having adhesive at the desired locations. It is preferred to use long wavelength ultraviolet light on the order of about 325 nm to 375 nm. The apparatus provides a container supporting member, an ultaviolet light source in overlying relationship with the container and sensors which receive light fluorescing in the adhesives at the desired locations.

Abstract: A mail processing apparatus feeds mail articles one by one, along a transport path. A stamp detecting device is disposed along the path to detect a stamp on the mail article. The stamp detecting device includes a light source for radiating ultraviolet light towards both sides of the mail article in the transport path, and converters for converting the luminescences excited by the ultraviolet light on both sides of the mail article. Two signal levels are detected and compared for determining where the stamp is located. This way, a stamp does not appear to be on both sides of a very thin article.

Abstract: A method of treating mammal semen for use in artificial insemination is provided. Human saliva is added to the semen as an anti-coagulant. For mammals other than primates and voles, sperm-free human semen is added to the mammal semen as a cell membrane diffusion material so that a dye such as quinicrine or quinicrine mustard will be absorbed by the Y chromosome. The semen is then fed in a narrow stream through a detection chamber where it is irradiated with ultraviolet light causing the Y chromosomes to fluoresce. The stream is fed from the detection chamber through a fluidic amplifier wherein the stream is switched in response to whether the detected chromosome is fluorescent or non-fluorescent so that the fluorescent Y chromosome is directed through one outlet port and collected and the non-fluorescent X chromosome is directed through a second outlet port and collected.

Abstract: A method for increasing resistance to treeing in a polymeric layer comprising an insulating layer on a metal conductor. Pellets of an organic polymeric material also containing an organo silane treeing inhibitor are exposed to ultraviolet radiation, and pellets having portions fluorescing above a predetermined threshold level are separated from the remainder. The remaining pellets are blended together and applied to a metal conductor to form a coating on the conductor. In a preferred embodiment, the organic polymeric material is high molecular weight polyethylene, and the ultraviolet radiation has a wavelength of about 3000 to 4000 A.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for classifying materials utilizing a computerized touch sensitive screen or other computerized pointing device for operator identification and electronic marking of spatial coordinates of materials to be extracted. An operator positioned at a computerized touch sensitive screen views electronic images of the mixture of materials to be sorted as they are conveyed past a sensor array which transmits sequences of images of the mixture either directly or through a computer to the touch sensitive display screen. The operator manually “touches” objects displayed on the screen to be extracted from the mixture thereby registering the spatial coordinates of the objects within the computer. The computer then tracks the registered objects as they are conveyed and directs automated devices including mechanical means such as air jets, robotic arms, or other mechanical diverters to extract the registered objects.