Abstract: A glass cullet separation apparatus according to the present invention includes a hopper (1), a rotary feeder (6), an inclined guide plate (14), a conveying belt (17), and a foreign glass discrimination device (37). The discriminated device can radiate a laser beam onto a surface of a cullet passing over a slit of the conveying belt (17) for emission therefrom and for discriminating a "yes or no" foreign glass determination by analyzing a spectrum of the emission. Also, included is a color discrimination device (41), a foreign glass discrimination trigger sensor (33), a color discrimination trigger sensor (40), and air nozzles (44) for ejecting the cullet at each predetermined positions which correspond to the cullet of the foreign glass and the cullet of each color. A non-contact type photoelectric sensor (45) is provided for sensing the cullet passing the air nozzle (44).

Abstract: A method to sort plastic articles, such as bottles, for recycling utilizes a first sensing area where the bottle is irradiated with circularly polarized light. The circularly polarized light changes polarization on passing through the bottle. The changed circularly polarized light is then detected by personnel wearing glasses having filters oriented to block circularly polarized light of a first handedness and produce light characteristic of the composition of the bottle. The bottle is then sorted for recycling by the personnel based upon the composition of the bottle. The method of the invention may be used as described above or in conjunction with a UV light source to identify bottles made from polyethelene napthalene.

Abstract: The present invention sorts imperfect grains from perfect grains using a chute having a grain separating section, a cross section to orientate the grains, and a grain stabilizing section; a laser with a laser line transmitted through the grains; a photo detect or and processor to receive and analyze the light transmitted through the grains to determine which grains are imperfect; and a separator to separate the perfect and imperfect grains.

Abstract: A device for detecting bone fragments in deboned poultry carried on a conveyor belt of flexible clear plastic material. Fluorescent lights are positioned under the conveyor. A second conveyor positioned above the first conveyor is made up of a linked series of rigid clear plastic slats which bear down on the deboned poultry passing over the light table in order to reduce the thickness to allow the light to show through and reveal bone fragments. A video camera positioned inside the conveyor and looking down on the flattened poultry parts is used to identify bone fragments. In another embodiment, the inspection may done by operators. In either embodiment filters, desirably rose colored, are used to enhance the visibility of the bone fragments. Computer image recognition may additionally be used to identify and reject parts with bone fragments.

Abstract: The topographic surface features of a translucent object, such as a citrus fruit with a peel, are scanned and evaluated to permit the classification thereof according to its surface features. In the case of citrus fruit, the coarseness or pebbliness, puff and crease, ridge and valley, cuts, punctures, scrapes and splits, clear rot or sour rot of the peel is optically identified through digital analysis of the pixel scans and sorted based upon the peel surface quality. The object is classified by separating the scanned image of the fruit from the background image and removing the background image. A statistical evaluation of the image of the object as a whole, including both hemispheres of the object, is made to determine if there is any surface feature variation which might qualify as a defect or be a suitable basis upon which a classification judgment can be made.

Abstract: To sort materials, in particular plastic parts, the items are carried at known conveying speed past a material recognition system which uses non-contact scanning, for example NIR spectroscopy, of each item to determine its material type and delivers a signal that identifies the type of material, which signal is used in sorting the items according to material type. To ensure that the determination of material type is done at a spot on the item that is not disturbed by a label, metal stamp or the like, the items are also conveyed past an imaging system which takes pictures of the items from which, using electronic image-processing techniques, features of colour and/or shape of the items are determined, from which in turn position data are derived about spots on the item at which an undisturbed determination of material type is possible. With the aid of these position data the determination of material type is then confined to such undisturbed spots.

Abstract: Method to determine the purity of treated used glass, whereby the sample quantity is taken from the treated used glass and arranged in one layer and is sent trickling down a free-falling path, the foreign bodies according to non-ferrous metals and opaque foreign materials being blown out and weighed after a separate identification, and the ratios of non-ferrous metal additions to the whole sample quantity and of the opaque foreign materials to the whole sample quantity respectively being determined. In order to be able to carry out such a method in a particularly simple manner, it is provided that the foreign materials are continuously weighed together, and depending on which kind of foreign materials--non-ferrous metals or opaque foreign materials--has been identified, the increase in weight is attributed to this identified group.

Abstract: A technique for sorting different materials using x-ray radiation employs a conveyor for conveying a non-singulated stream of material items along a feed path and a transmission/detection arrangement. The transmission/detection arrangement transmits x-ray radiation to material items in the feed path, detects x-ray radiation received from different portions of each material item, and generates signals corresponding to radiation received from different portions of each material item. A circuit averages at least a portion of the signals to produce an averaged signal and analyses the averaged signal to determine at least one physical property of each material item based on analysis of the averaged signal. A sorting assembly sorts the material items based on the analysis of the averaged signal.

Abstract: To detect damage in the bottom region of a plastic bottle a picture of the bottom region is taken by means of a camera. The resulting image is then tested for brightness pixel by pixel in a predetermined inspection area. Large deviations of the test curve from the average value are indicative of a damaged bottle. The process is meaningful, and it can be carried out on existing bottle inspection machines.

Abstract: A droplet-deflection flow sorter images a series of droplets, analyzes the image to determine droplet spacing, and alters flow velocity to achieve a desired spacing. Cells in a suspension are forced by gas pressure into a narrow conduit to serialize them and then out a nozzle that includes a "window" that allows cells of interest to be characterized. Droplets breaking off from the exiting jet are imaged by a video system including a strobed light source and a video camera. Droplet spacing is determined by locating the centers of gravity of the droplets. The centers of gravity are located by processing the droplet images to produce line segments corresponding to volumetric droplet slices, with the relative volumes of the slices being proportional to the squares of the line segment lengths. This approach determines droplet center positions and thus spacing more accurately than non-imaging methods, especially with aspherical droplets and droplets with satellites.

Abstract: To test a bottle for contamination, the bottom of the bottle is laterally illuminated with a measuring light beam from a source. This measuring light beam is deflected, as if in a waveguide, in the ring of residual liquids at the bottom of the bottle. Light reemerging from the residual liquid is imaged on a detector by an imaging lens. The detector measures the spectral composition of the deflected light and compares this with theoretical values which should be yielded by the liquid with which the bottle was last filled. If deviations from the theoretical values are excessive, the bottle is rejected. The process described provides a simple way of determining whether a multi-trip bottle has contained an extraneous liquid.

Abstract: A sorting system (10) propels a stream of randomly arranged PET and PVC articles (12, 14) through an inspection zone (20) including a first light polarizer/analyzer combination (24, 26), an article-detecting gap (G), and a second light polarizer/analyzer combination (28, 30). The first and second polarizer/analyzer combinations are oriented to extinguish normally incident light in the absence of articles in the inspection zone and are offset 45 degrees relative to each other such that at least one polarizer/analyzer combination detects a principal axis of birefringence of PET articles. The gap is employed to detect the presence of an article in the inspection zone. A video camera (22) includes first, second, and third CCD arrays (58, 60, 62) positioned to receive respective light rays (48, 64, 50) from the first light polarizer/analyzer combination, the gap, and the second light polarizer/analyzer combination and to generate first, second, and third video signals representative of the light each receives.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for sorting plastic items is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of transmitting polychromatic light from a source through each individual item; detecting the quantity of light of a first color passing through each individual item with a detector opposed to the source as a stream of the items is successively directed past the source and the detector; detecting the quantity of light of a second color passing through each individual item with the detector, wherein the second color is different from the first color; and selectively removing individual items from the stream, the removal being based upon a comparison of the quantity of light of the first color detected and the quantity of light of the second color detected.

Abstract: In order to provide secure and simple detection of diamonds when prospecting, a rock sample is reduced to powder particles which are automatically checked to see if they contain diamond particles (30) by processing an image of X-radiation transmitted through a layer of the particles. The image may be processed by comparing it with a further image of visible light transmitted by the layer of particles.

Abstract: The timber (2) passes in a direction of movement (3) between successive clamping roller pairs (27, 26), between which a test roller (48) imposes a flexible bending f.sub.D on the timber (2). The imposed flexible bending f.sub.D is maintained at least approximately constant by controlling a setting drive (70) by means of a computer (83). Any possible natural curvature of the timber (2) is measured by measuring elements (80, 81) and is taken into account. The thickness (d) of the timber is also measured without contact by measuring elements (81, 82). The restoring force is measured by a force measuring device (68) and the position of the test roller (48) transversely to the direction of movement (3) is measured by a distance transducer (77).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the presence material irregularities and holes in thin walled opaque objects such as can ends having a generally centrally disposed integral rivet formed therein. A radiation source is focused so that a substantial portion of emitted radiation is concentrated on the portion of a can end in which the rivet is formed.

Abstract: A document processing system comprising a sensor array for sensing the size and position of a document; a movable magnetic scanner for scanning the document for coded information thereon; an imager for obtaining digitized image data of the document; a movable printing device for printing information on a document; a reversible document transport for conveying a document relative to the sensor array, the magnetic scanner, the imager, and the printing device; and a control unit connected to the sensor array, the magnetic scanner, the printing device and the document transport, the control unit controlling the movement of the document by the document transport between the sensor array, the magnetic scanner, the imager and the printing device, and further controlling movement of the magnetic scanner and the printer relative to the document transport.

Abstract: An automated interrupt driven system which employs a circular buffer is used to sort materials based on differing electromagnetic radiation absorption and penetration characteristics. The system has a conveyor and a source of electromagnetic radiation which radiates materials travelling along the conveyor. A controller samples detector outputs at various times to evaluate the absorption and penetration characteristics of the materials to be sorted, based on a plurality of samples. Portions of the materials are ignored to obtain accurate readings from the detectors. Based on the detected penetration and absorption characteristics, the controller activates ejection mechanisms causing materials of different compositions to be deposited into different bins. The controller executes interrupts to cause detection, ejection, testing, and system history maintenance at required times.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the character of a translucent container including a light source for directing a beam of light along an optical axis through a container. A first optical analyzer is provided for analyzing the color of light passing through a container. The first optical analyzer includes one or more detectors for generating signals in response to light incident thereon. A first directing means directs one or more portions of the beam of light passing through the container toward the one or more detectors. Means are provide for determining the color of the container depending upon the relative magnitudes of the signals from the one or more detectors.

Abstract: A pulse color sorter which permits removal of internally and externally moldy pulse having afuratoxine as decomposition product is disclosed. The pulse color sorter comprises a first detector which provides a first and a second detection signal according to dispersed and transmitted light having two different wavelengths (for instance 700 and 1,100 nm) with different contents of information due to the separation of wavelengths, a second detector which provides a third detection signal according to reflected light, and a controller which calculates division of the first and second detection signals from the first detector, compares the resultant value calculated to a first predetermined threshold value while also compares the third signal from the second detector to a second threshold value, and outputs an eject signal if either of the compared signals is beyond the corresponding threshold value. According to the eject signal, corresponding defective pulse is forcibly ejected.

Abstract: Masses of differently optically transmissive materials, such as plastic bottles of different composition or color, are separated using the different transmissivity to separate masses in a moving stream.

Abstract: A device for the identification of an object possibly to select that object among other objects, including an insert incorporated to the object exhibiting shape parameters constituting a code for the identification of the object and detectable by a detection device such as a beam of X-rays or of ultrasound signals or a magnetic field and an emitter of the detection device after the interaction with the insert, wherein the insert exhibits a spherical shape having several concentric spherical elements made from materials having a transparency to the detection device different from one element to another one and increasing from the center to the periphery of the insert, the shape parameters consisting of the diameters of the elements, the invention being usable in the field of the mounting of automotive vehicles for example.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting foreign matter in a particulate material stream, particularly tobacco, including an optical scanner, in combination with a camera system with beam splitter and filters, and a computer to process signals from the camera to determine whether foreign matter is present. If foreign matter is detected, a diverter deviates the flow of the contaminated material onto a discharge conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated processing of bulk mail which incorporates a number of operating stations that serve to accomplish the various aspects of mail extraction, as well as the subsequent processing of extracted documents, and which are operatively associated with one another to serially process envelopes and extracted documents in continuous fashion and substantially independent of their characteristic features. To this end, the operating stations of the apparatus are configured to be as independent as possible of the characteristics of the envelopes and their contents so that envelopes and contents of varied characteristics can be effectively handled by the apparatus without requiring any significant adjustments.

Abstract: A method for determining the purity of treated used glass, in which the sample quantity is taken from the treated used glass stream and the foreign bodies still contained therein, separated according to non-ferrous metals and opaque foreign materials such as ceramic and porcelain particles and stones, are sorted out, weighed and put in relation to the weight of the whole sample. In order to be able to analyze a sample in a simple manner, it is provided that the sample is piled in one layer and allowed to trickle over a free-falling path and that foreign bodies made from non-ferrous metals are blown out and thereafter opaque foreign bodies are blown out and collected in containers separate from the non-ferrous metals.

Abstract: A plastic container sorter (10) moves labeled plastic containers (14, 20, 48, 54, 58) of various colors and transparencies through an inspection zone (18). A pair of line-scanning color cameras (22, 24) capture respective transmittance and reflectance images of the containers and generate raw transmittance and reflectance image data. The raw container data are digitized, normalized, and binarized to provide accurate transmittance and reflectance container RGB image data and binarized image data for differentiating container image data from background data. Container sorting entails eroding (120) the binarized transmittance image and merging (122) the eroded image with the transmittance image data to yield a transmittance image. The eroded transmittance image is analyzed (124, 126) to determine whether the container is opaque. If the container is opaque, color analysis proceeds by analyzing the reflectance image data.

Abstract: A glass cullet separator utilizes a multi-element optical sensor to detect when an opaque particle in a group primarily composed of transparent particles moving along a plane passes a first line lying in that plane, and the particular location of the particle along the first line. A signal from the optical sensor is fed to a microprocessor. After a delay equal to the time it takes for a particle to pass between the first line and a second line, which is parallel to and separated from the first line, the microprocessor causes a valve to open and emit a jet of high velocity air from a nozzle aimed toward the plane along the second line. The jet of air blows the opaque particle out of the plane where it is captured and separated from the remainder of the particles. A plurality of nozzles are located in a manifold which extends across the extent of the second line. The manifold also supports the valves and fluid conduits that interconnect the valves and the nozzles.

Abstract: A method of sorting plastic items by measuring the effect an item has on light directed at a stream of items from a light source, then selectively removing items from the stream based on a comparison of the light measured and the light emitted from the detector is provided. The invention also includes an apparatus for separating plastic items which comprises a light source, a detector for measuring the effect an individual item has on light emitted from the detector, and sortation means for selectively removing items from the stream based on a comparison of the light emitted by the light source and that measured at the detector. A method for separating single plastic bottles from engaged interlocked bottle clusters comprising directing an air jet at an item sufficiently forceful to displace a single bottle to a collection means but insufficiently forceful to displace an interlocked bottle cluster is also provided.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus according to the present invention includes a conveyor belt having a solid translucent sheet segment for carrying a stream randomly-arranged articles, ones of which are translucent and others of which are opaque. Preferably, the translucent articles are pieces of post-consumer plastic products (e.g., beverage containers) and the opaque articles are foreign matter, such as aluminum or polypropylene container tops or caps of the beverage containers. The conveyor belt carries multiple articles simultaneously through an inspection zone. A background light source is positioned in the inspection zone opposite the translucent sheet segment from the articles to direct light through the translucent sheet segment toward the articles. A video camera is positioned to receive light from the background light source transmitted through the translucent sheet segment and translucent ones of the articles.

Abstract: Electromagnetic radiation is projected through various types of plastics materials such as plastic containers. The readings from the electromagnetic radiation transmitters are received by a sensor array. Plural readings are taken from each plastic bottle as it passes under the sensor. The measurements from the sensor array output are then fed into a computer. The materials are then separated into three classes. The first class contains polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene teraphalate (PET) containers. The second class contains polypropylene (PP) and natural (primarily milk containers) high density polythylene (HDPE) containers. The third class contains opaque materials such as rigid, mixed color high density polythylene (HDPE) containers, opaque polyvinyl chloride (PVC) containers, opaque polystyrene (PS) containers, and opaque polypropylene (PP) containers. The groups of plastics contained in each of the classes are then separated out using the same or other detection means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting plastic bottles for recycling wherein if it is first determined that a bottle is clear, the bottle will be ejected. If the bottle is not determined as being clear, the apparatus or method next determines if the bottle is colored. If the bottle is colored, the bottle will be ejected. The above method may also be accomplished by use of a truth table which analyzes the characteristics of a bottle. Also provided is a detector for detecting the presence of chlorine in a plastic bottle by means of X-ray fluorescence. A sorter device sorts the bottles into small diameter and large diameter bottles.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated processing of bulk mail, wherein envelopes are transferred to the apparatus in bulk fashion (from incoming mail trays or the like) for the extraction of documents contained by the envelopes, communicates with a remittance processing device, preferably both automatically and without the need for human intervention. Subsequent processing of the extracted documents within the remittance processing device then proceeds in usual fashion, completing the acquisition of information which is necessary to ready such documents for deposit into the banking system.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus is disclosed which utilizes transmitted light to determine whether or not an article under inspection is defective in order to reject any article determined to be defective. A light irradiator is provided on irradiating an article being inspected with a light beam having a smaller diameter than that of an article, and a light condenser is provided for condensing the rays of light transmitted through the article while being diffused. Two light detectors respectively detect two specific kinds of light having different wavelengths from among the condensed rays of light transmitted through the article. A ratio is obtained between the intensities of the two specific kinds of light detected by the light detector and compared with a predtermined ratio in order to determine whether the article under inspection has undergone deterioration in quality.

Abstract: A method of sorting a mixed group of plastic articles, such as PET and PVC containers, involves individually subjecting each article to a beam of electromagnetic radiation, and detecting a change in the intensity of the beam. The measured intensity varies in a manner indicative of the crystallinity of the plastic from which the article is made, and hence identifies the type of plastic the article is made of. Each article is then sent to one of a plurality of destinations, such as recycling collection bins, according to the type of plastic. The method is particularly useful in separating PET and PVC used in containers, since these plastics are very difficult to sort by conventional methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the grade of rice grains includes a grain supply unit, vibrating troughs on which the rice grains run in their longitudinal posture, flow-down troughs having slits each opening to each of the flow-down troughs, a reflected light measuring unit having its light sources and its detecting element for detecting the amount of the light reflected from the rice grains, a transmitted light measuring unit having its light sources and its detecting element for detecting the amount of the light transmitted through the rice grains at the positions of the slits, and a calculation control unit for digitally calculating the values measured at the reflected light measuring unit and the transmitted light measuring unit for evaluating the rice grains into a plurality of grades. The light sources for reflection may be of visible light and the light source for transmission may be of infrared light.

Abstract: An automatic selection apparatus for sheet material can automatically distinguish whether sheet materials such as sheets of paper are good or bad. While the sheet materials are carried one by one in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction in the manufacturing process or working process of the sheet materials with a leading edge thereof being held by a gripper, an optical type defect detection device detects a defect in the sheet material. Accordingly, vibration of the sheet material is avoided and the defect can be accurately detected. A controller receives a signal from the defect detection device and drives a switching device which opens and closes the gripper at a defective sheet discharged portion or a good sheet stacked portion.

Abstract: The density of a trimmed stream of tobacco particles on a radiation-permeable conveyor is ascertained by directing a first beam of infrared light against the trimmed stream so that the light must pass through the stream and through the conveyor prior to reaching a detector which transmits to an evaluating circuit signals denoting the density of the trimmed stream. Such signals are corrected, when necessary, by signals which are generated by a second detector serving to monitor the intensity of infrared light which has passed only through the conveyor, and the corrected signals are used to regulate the operation of a trimming device which converts an untrimmed stream into the trimmed stream.

Abstract: Fish sex discrimination equipment and method comprising an automatic supplying unit, a light projection and reception detection unit, a discrimination control unit, a discharge unit, and a first conveyor and a second conveyor, and also comprising the steps of automatically supplying fish to be discriminated, transmitting light to a genital gland area of the fish, scanning the light, discriminating the sex of the fish based on the quantity of light tramsmitted, for example, a mean value or integrated value, and discharging the fish through the first or second conveyor which corresponds to the sex of the fish.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically inspecting containers at an increased rate is characterized by simultaneous inspection of adjacent containers by a plurality of photosensors. Containers are moved in series order along a prescribed path through an inspection area. Exterior surfaces of containers are illuminated; openings in the container bodies permit light to be transmitted to a photosensor through a viewing window in an opaque disk which shields unwanted light from the sensor. Photosensors are arranged to receive light in parallel overlapping paths. Optical units including lens and optic fiber bundles direct light from successively tested containers to different sensing paths. In an alternative embodiment, the disk has a split window configuration permitting successively tested containers to be detected by alternate sensors.

Abstract: Moving cigarettes are inspected, particularly in the passages (10, 30) between the vanes (12, 32) in a cigarette packing machine hopper, by an optical ends inspector (74, 76) which is switched by a position detector (84, 86) responding to passage of individual cigarettes. Faulty cigarettes are arrested by a suction aperture (26) or an arrestor are (122, 222) and subsequently rejected from the passage, either in an axial direction or sideways through an opening (116, 244) in the vane. The position detector (84, 86) may activate the suction or arm for arresting the faulty cigarette.

Abstract: Fish sorting apparatus comprises a lighted viewing conveyor belt arranged to receive fish seriatim and a video camera mounted above the viewing belt and directed downwardly for receiving images of fish on the belt. A second, sorting, conveyor belt is arranged to receive fish from the viewing belt, and a divider wall above the sorting conveyor belt, which extends parallel to the sorting conveyor belt axis, divides a rear exit portion thereof into separate channels. A movable deflector is mounted in front of the divider wall for deflecting fish on the sorting conveyor belt into one of the channels, this deflector being moved in response to signals from an electronic circuit connected to the video camera so that the fish are deflected into one or other of the channels according to the image received on the video camera.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high speed asynchronous fruit sorter, particularly suitable for pit scanning of cherries in order to segregate cherries containing pits from pitted cherries.

Abstract: Univeral conveying apparatus and method for automated inspection and classification of a variety of natural or man made product classes, having various geometrical configurations, e.g. spheroidal, spherical, cylindrical, parallelepiped, disc and plate shaped objects, or massive and hollow amophous objects. Incorporating a plurality of sensors interfaced to a plurality of microcomputers, measuring different product features, while predetermined combinations thereof are used for separating the objects or products, into a plurality of categories. Part of the sensors are stationary, while another part thereof are located and rotating on revolving inverter wheels. The stationary and rotating sensor groups are interfaced respectively to one or more stationary or rotating microcomputers, attached to the inverter wheels. The revolving and stationary microcomputers are electrically interconnected via slip rings, on the shafts on the inverter wheels.

Abstract: A method of checking eggs for flaws and blemishes, such as blood, dirt, cracks, a leak or aberrant form, in which the eggs, while located on a conveyor roller track, pass an inspection station, where the unwanted eggs are determined as such, with the information of the respective eggs being stored in a tracking memory (shift register), after which the unwanted eggs are discharged separately, whereby more in particular for a fast detection of flaws and blemishes, the eggs for for a short period be lifted off either of two bearing rollers of the conveyor roller track, and brought into contact with other rollers being driven at high peripheral speed, during which period the egg is sensed by a detector, which transmits the result of the sensing to the memory.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatically eliminating a group of articles to be treated of which at least one is missing or defective in this group, this apparatus comprising essentially a detecting cell located above the articles or containers transported by a conveyor, a magazine for storing these containers located near the detecting cell, and pushers arranged vertically under the magazine and under the containers transported by the conveyor.

Abstract: A granule inspection apparatus comprising a pair of transparent rotating body installed in parallel at prescribed spacing, a granule falling passage being formed between mutually opposing surfaces of the rotating bodies, granules are fallen through this passage, falling granules are lighted by the reflection light source arranged on the side of one transparent rotating body and by the transmission light source arranged on the side of the other transparent rotating body, an image sensor is picked up the images of the lighted granules, presence of defectives is detected from image signals, a selector is driven to select non-defectives from defectives.

Abstract: A scroll strip conveyor system comprises a conveyor belt for carrying a series of relatively flat scroll strips thereon in a flat, edge-to-edge spaced apart condition. An inspection station is located along the conveyor for inspecting the scroll strips to identify rejects. An ejector is provided for ejecting the rejects from the conveyor belt. A hopper feed apparatus is located at a terminal end of the conveyor belt for receiving the scroll strips therefrom one by one in an edge-to-edge condition and for redirecting the scroll strips into a parallel surface-to-surface spaced apart condition to be stacked in flat, surface-to-surface abutting condition in a hopper.

Abstract: A controller controlling the dispensing of paper currency including a microprocessor for controlling motors which feed a predetermined mix of paper currency from each dispensing device to a common acceleration device which advances bills to an output stacker. Each individual dispensing device dispenses the proper number of bills to the acceleration device. Apparatus multiplexes the control signals to the stepper motor. After the bills have been dispensed, the stepper motor is halted, and a home positioning sensor determines if the stepper motor has been halted in the proper position. Sensors provided at spaced intervals along the common acceleration device determine if bills have reached the acceleration device. The dispensing operation is repeated if bills do not reach the sensor. The sensors perform the dual function of sensing advancement of a bill and detecting overlapping or multiple fed bills. The adaptive technique compensates for changes in the sensor such as component aging and dust accumulation.

Abstract: A pit detection apparatus (10) and method for detecting the presence of pits or pit fragments (12) in fruit (14) as the fruit (14) passes through a zone of inspection (16) includes a scanning beam generator (17) for sweeping a transmission scanning beam (28) across the inspection zone (16). The inspection zone (16) is located intermediate the beam generator (17) and an array (38) of transmission sensors (40). The sensors (40) generate transmission sensor signals indicative of received light intensity from the beam (28). A second sizing beam generator (50) and associated array (60) of sensors (62) generate sizing signals representative of te optical path length through which the transmission scanning beam (28) travels within the fruit (14). The transmission sensor and sizing signals are applied to an analysis circuit (44) wherein the signals are analyzed to determine the presence or absence of pits or pit fragments (12).

Abstract: A system for automatically detecting sidewall and dimensional defects in a transparent container includes a laser scanning system positioned astride a conveyor in a production line. In an upstream inspection zone a laser beam vertically scans a portion of the side wall of the container. Photosensors positioned in a detection chamber detect the specific effect which any defect has upon the laser beam by determining the location of light passing through the container and comparing its intensity against pre-set thresholds. A flaw signal is generated when a threshold is exceeded. The number of flaw signals is counted and when the count equals a pre-set value a reject signal is generated to eject the defective container from the conveyor. If a container is not rejected, it passes through a rotator assembly which rotates the container precisely 90.degree..