Abstract: The application discloses a system and methods for remote access and analysis of data collected about items under inspection. The system includes a data collection station, that may include an X-ray scanner, that scans the items under inspection to obtain data about the items. The data is transmitted to one or more remote expert stations, where a remote expert analyzes the data to determine whether the item contains a potential threat, such as, for example, explosives or other contraband.

Abstract: The conveyor sorting system and method are provided. The system includes a conveyor for transporting articles along a predetermined path, and a pair of opposing chutes for receiving articles directed from the conveyor by a sorting device having a single paddle. The chutes are in communication with one another so that articles directed into either chute from the conveyor are directed to a common discharge end. In this regard, the single paddle of the present invention is operable to direct consecutively-spaced articles to opposing chutes that lead to the common discharge end.

Abstract: In the present invention, penetrating radiation (X-rays) is projected by penetrating radiation (X-ray) generating means 14 onto a tablet package 12a. The penetrating radiation (X-rays) is detected by penetrating radiation (X-ray) detecting means 16. Tablet count determining means 18 determines the number of tablets packaged in the tablet package 12a, based on the detection result supplied from the penetrating radiation (X-ray) detecting means 16. Comparing and verifying means 18 extracts from prescription data tablet count data associated with the tablets supposed to be packaged in the tablet package 12a, and verifies whether the tablets are packaged as directed by the prescription data, by comparing the tablet count data with the number of tablets determined by the tablet count determining means 18.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal quality measuring apparatus for measuring an internal quality of an object, and the apparatus has a conveying device, a detecting device, a light projecting device, a light receiving device, an analyzing device and a pseudo-object member interposing device, and the analyzing device compares light received with a pseudo-object member, with reference data preliminarily stored, and correct a result of the analysis, based thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal quality measuring apparatus for measuring an internal quality of an object, and the apparatus has a conveying device, a detecting device, a light projecting device, a light receiving device, an analyzing device and a pseudo-object member interposing device, and the analyzing device compares light received with a pseudo-object member, with reference data preliminarily stored, and correct a result of the analysis, based thereon.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for analyzing a material, such as coal and iron ore, particularly with a view to identifying contaminants, is disclosed. The method and apparatus are based on the use of multiple (particularly dual) energy x-ray analysis with x-rays at different photon energies. X-rays are transmitted through a material and the detected x-rays are processed to produce an image of the material that combines together the separated images produced by the different photon energy x-rays. The combined image has enhanced contrast which minimizes the affects of non-compositional factors that otherwise would affect identifying constituents of the material.

Abstract: A sorting system wherein particulate material is dispersed by centrifugal force in a layer on an inner surface of a rotating drum, and particles which possess at least one predetermined characteristic are removed from the layer.

Abstract: An X-ray, neutron or electron diffraction method, which is devoid of the defects of conventional diffraction apparatus using an imaging plate, which can analyzing a sample, in a non-destructive mode without contact and with a good S/N ratio, even when the sample significantly generates fluorescence or scattered X-rays.

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: 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: An automated multi-grade wastepaper recycle center and sorting system is provided. The center is a multi-acre fenced-in complex having security that allows for recycling trucks to deliver multiple grades of wastepaper for separating and sorting to one location prior to pulp processing and deinking type processes. Collection tracks leave their loads in one of four drop pits where different conveyor systems start the sorting process. A novel swivel conveyor system can remove papers from the drop pit for temporary storage on various locations on a primary segregation floor where plied papers can later be recycled into main pit area when needed. Alternatively, loads from the drop pits can be conveyed to the main pit area directly and then presorted onto different conveyor systems. One conveyor can then send wastepaper through a star-wheel sorter system that can separate desired grades of paper.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for classifying or sorting objects by projecting and irradiating an object through an irradiation zone and then examining the radiation emitted by the object to determine its class, the irradiating zone having a length in a vertical plane greater than its width where its length to width ratio is greater than 5:1.

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 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: In order to sort ore from associated mineral material, a method and apparatus of classifying an object is provided, the method including feeding the object along a feed path, irradiating the object with infra-red radiation of a first wavelength, the radiation of the first wavelength being focussed onto an irradiation zone intersecting the feed path, the irradiation zone having a length in the vertical plane substantially greater than its width in the vertical plane. The intensity of radiation emitted by the object at at least one second wavelength different from the first wavelength is examined, the second wavelength being characteristic of a first class of object or the ore to be sorted from the mineral, whereby the classification of the object may be derived.

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: Radiation monitoring systems for crates and containers, and small volumes of foodstuff and tobacco, and whole body animal monitoring system for measuring the radiation contamination levels of containers, foodstuff, tobacco or animals and in the case of animals particularly, livestock utilized for meat consumption. The containers or animals are weighed, identified and then directed through a specially constructed shielded holding area, wherein multiple radiation detectors measure the radiation level for the containers or animal in the pen. A microprocessor analyzes the data information and provides a respective output for each container or animal which in turn is compared with predetermined standards and input information. The particular reading per container or each animal monitored actuates controls to segregate the containers or animals by those having acceptable and non-acceptable levels of radiation. The non-acceptable segregated containers or animals are specially held for evacuation and for disposal.

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: 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 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: A method and apparatus for distinguishing and separating material items having different levels of absorption of penetrating electromagnetic radiation by utilizing a source of radiation for irradiating an irradiation zone extending transversely of a feed path over which the material items are fed or passed. The irradiation zone includes a plurality of transversely spaced radiation detectors for receiving the radiation beams from the radiation source. The material items passing through the irradiation zone between the radiation source and the detectors measures one or more of the transmitted beams in each item passing through the irradiation zone to produce processing signals which are analyzed by signal analyzers to produce actuated signals for actuating a separator device in order to discharge the irradiated items toward different locations depending upon the level of radiation absorption in each of the items.

Abstract: In a method of X-radiation sorting of raw materials, after the stock lumps have been spread in monolayer on the transporting surface and stabilized, they are brought into the mode of unsupported movement along the stabilized paths without rotation. The exposure of the lumps to X-radiation, the measurement of the secondary radiation from the lumps, and the selection thereof are all carried out during this unsupported movement of the lumps. An apparatus for X-radiation sorting of raw materials comprises a steeply inclined vibrating feeder (4) conjugate to a preceding slightly inclined vibrating feeder (3) with a stabilizer (5) located thereabove for stabilizing the lumps of the stock. Over a section (14) of joining the conjugate vibrating feeders (3,4), there is disposed a second stabilizer (6) compensating for the lump torques produced at the point where the lumps pass onto the vibrating feeder (4).

Abstract: In order to sort diamond-bearing ore particles conveyed on a wide belt, exciting radiation strikes the belt along an extended line. Diamonds are detected by passing the emitted radiation through a narrow band pass filter and sensing the Raman radiation with a photo-multiplier tube. Only axial-parallel rays passing through the filter reach the photo-multiplier tube. An array of side-by-side converging lenses can be used, the lenses being of rectangular shape as seen looking along the optical axis with their long axes at right angles to the line of radiation. The ore particles are in the plane of the foci of the lenses, so that radiation emitted by each particle is passed in parallel rays through the filter. In order to stop rays having an angle of incidence greater than the maximum permitted, to avoid identifying non-diamond material as diamond, a further converging lens is used to focus the rays at the plane of a telecentric stop. The stop stops rays having too great an angle of incidence.

Abstract: An automated gemstone sorting apparatus and method that handles, tests, and sorts a batch of irradiated topaz, or similar gemstones, in an efficient manner in accordance with residual radiation levels. The sorting apparatus and methods of the invention include a system of three parallel conveyors, i.e., input, accept and reject conveyors, as well as a vibrator bowl for automatically loading the gemstones in an orderly fashion onto the input conveyor. A multiplicity of isolated testing chambers is located to the side of the conveyor systems, each having a radiation detector and appropriate radiation measuring apparatus. Each of the isolated testing chambers has a single robot station associated therewith for manipulating the gemstones into and out of its respective testing chamber. Each robot station includes a pneumatic "puffer", responsive to a sensing device for directing a puff of air at a specified point on the input conveyor belt when a gemstone is sensed at the specified point.

Abstract: A method of split load mining a coal seam having a thickness less than that conventionally considered economical to mine is economically mined utilizing a cutting head having a diameter equal to the coal seam thickness. Coal in the coal seam is cut and conveyed from the mine bore to the mine mouth, and periodically the overburden is out to enlarge the bore, thereby generating non-coal (e.g. rock) cut material. The cut coal and rock are continously automatically conveyed in a common path in separate masses away from the bore mouth while the ash content or the material is automatically analyzed to determine whether conveyed material at a first location is primarily coal (e.g. less than about 50-60% ash) or primarily rock. In response to the automatic analyzing, the material is automatically diverted to a second location if coal, and to a third location if rock. An angled conveyor belt is utilized to convey the coal and rock for analysis and sorting, and the analyzer preferably is a radioisotope gauge.

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: A system for discriminating radiation-contaminated fragments on the basis of a predetermined radioactive concentration includes a detection device for detecting the radiation of the fragments, the detection device having a generally vertically-extending path of transfer of the fragments, at least one radiation detector disposed at one of the inside and outside of asid transfer path, and a transfer device for sequentially transferring the fragments in the transfer path; a convey device for conveying the fragments to said detection device; and a controller for determining the radioactive concentration of the fragments in accordance with the radiation detected by the detection device and for judging whether or not the radioactive concentration of the fragments is the predetermined radioactive concentration. The controller is also operable to control the transfer device so as to adjust the speed of transfer of the fragments in the transfer path.

Abstract: Methods of discriminating between contaminated and uncontaminated containers prior to washing is disclosed characterized by the testing of the residue of the container to determine if the residue is residue of the original product packed in the container. If the residue is not sufficiently similar to the original product, the container is rejected as contaminated.

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: 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: Particles are fed for sorting by a radial distributor having an upper surface on which the particles gradually spread arcuately and are displaced radially outwardly, by for example vibration of the distributor, to a lip of the upper surface where they define one or more curved arrays as the fall over the lip. As they fall in free flight trajectory paths the particles present a curved array one particle deep to a separating device arranged to sort the particles according to the degree they possess a particular characteristic.

Abstract: A method for discriminating between contaminated and uncontaminated containers prior to washing is disclosed characterized by the testing of the residue of the container to determine if the residue is residue of the original product packed in the container. If the residue is not sufficiently similar to the original product, the container is rejected as contaminated.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting pieces of non-ferrous scrap metal into a plurality of components, each component being a particular metal type, feeds the pieces into a vertically disposed sorting zone. The pieces fall down a steeply inclined guide member under the influence of gravity and they pass a pair of timing devices which are spaced apart along the guide member, each timing device being a light source on one side of the path of the pieces and a light detector on the other side. The timing devices provide signals representing not only timing but also size an velocity. The pieces then pass an x-ray analysis system including a source of high energy rays to induce x-ray fluorescence and a detector to detect this fluorescence. The detector provides signals indicating the metal type for each piece of scrap. The pieces then fall past a plurality of blast nozzles spaced apart along the guide member.

Abstract: A gold sorting plant in which the gold content of lumps of ore is measured by means of a neutron activation analytical technique. Separate lumps of gold ore are graded in two sizes which are presented to an irradiator such as to irradiate them uniformly. The energized lumps of ore are conveyed to an analyzer/sorter station where the intensity of .gamma.-rays having an energy of 297 KeV from each lump of ore is measured, and it is accepted or rejected for further processing. Various forms of irradiator and analyzer/sorter are described.

Abstract: An apparatus for ore sorting includes a neutron irradiator (12), and a detector assembly (14) for detecting gamma radiation emitted by irradiated lumps (21) of the ore. The irradiated lumps (21) after discharge from the irradiator (12), are divided into two channels (30) by at least one bifurcating device (28) held above a relatively high speed conveyor (26) transporting the lumps (21). Each channel (30) is subsequently divided into three streams (37, 38, 39) by diverting selected lumps (21) from the channel (30) as the lumps (21) are projected from the end of the high speed conveyor (26). The diverted lumps (21) in each stream (37, 38, 39) are allowed to fall on to a relatively low speed conveyor (50) which then presents the lumps (21) to the detector assembly (14).

Abstract: A sorter is provided for sorting unacceptable agricultural products from acceptable ones. The sorter is preferably a monochromatic one performed as the products pass in streams past an illuminated viewing station. The view station includes a plurality of optical stations, each composed of a plurality of aligned optical sensors. The optical sensors sense the reflected light from the stream of product passing the optical station and form electrical signals indicative of the sensed light. The electrical signals from the sensors in individual optical stations are sequentially sampled or multiplexed at a rate which permits the product to pass through the viewing station at an increased volume, rather than in serial fashion, increasing the productivity of the sorting operation. Unacceptable products are ejected as they are sensed. The ejected product stream is subjected to a second sort to increase sort accuracy.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for sorting radioactive waste. The apparatus comprises structure for reducing the waste to pieces of substantially uniform size and first and second radiation detecting structure. Structure is provided for conveying the pieces from the reducing structure to the first and second radiation detecting structure. Structure is provided for dispersing the pieces of waste between the first and second detecting structure so that the pieces which are collected together in clusters can separate from each other to thereby increase the likelihood of detecting radiation emanating from the pieces.

Abstract: According to the method of the invention, samples undergoing analysis for sorting are irradiated one by one in order to excite X-ray fluorescence. In order to take into account the background radiation, the quality whereof varies according to the frequency of the excited radiation, the radiation peak intensity I.sub.1 is measured, as well as the respective intensity I.sub.2 is measured at the same point of the radiation spectrum but in an essentially wider frequency range than the radiation peak. On the basis of the measured intensities I.sub.1 and I.sub.2 are defined the intensities of the X-ray fluorescence F and the background radiation T, and the ratio of these two is used as the selective criterion when sorting the analyzed samples.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for examining dry material, components of which may have a low level of radioactivity, to sort the radioactive components from the nonradioactive components.

Abstract: Selection means is provided for particles following a free flight trajectory path, those particles having a preselected characteristic, such as fluorescence under x-ray bombardment, being detected and a signal being transmitted on such detection to electrostatic charging means to locally ionize the atmosphere and thereby charge the detected particle as it passes through the locally ionized atmosphere, the charged particle being deflected from its free flight trajectory path by an electric field. Non-detected and uncharged particles continue in the free flight trajectory path. Particles may be detected in a path having lateral spread by providing detecting means and electrostatic charging means which are together responsive to particles in respective portions of the path.

Abstract: A method of eliminating errors in the radiation count of a scintillation detector in radiometric sorting caused by one or more adjacent particles. The spacing between the adjacent particles are determined, and statistically determined calibration factors are applied to the count to compensate for the adjacent particles. The calibration factors are dependent upon the spacings, the counts associated with the adjacent particles, and optionally on the shape, volume, mass and height of the adjacent particles.

Abstract: In radiometric sorting a method of compensating for the count recorded by a detector for an ore particle which is displaced from the center line of the detector. The compensation is effected by applying one of a plurality of calibration factors to the detector count. The calibration factors are statistically determined and are dependent on the measured displacement and optionally on at least one of the shape, height, volume or mass of the particle.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting ore rocks in which rocks are fed in stream past detector to measure characteristic selected as basis for sorting and into free flight trajectory from which selected individual rocks are deflected according to measure of said characteristic for those rocks. Apparatus is characterized by rock feed means comprising pair of movable elements having surfaces defining upwardly facing nip and which move downwardly at nip to grip rocks and accelerate them downwardly into free flight such that the free flight trajectory is substantially vertical.The movable elements may be a pair of horizontal rollers having resiliently deformable peripheral surfaces or a pair of flexible endless belts arranged in loops having upper parts defining the nip and, below the nip, adjacent downwardly extending runs between which the rocks are gripped and moved downwardly for some distance below the nip before being projected into vertical free flight.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for sorting pieces or particles of radioactive ore where the particles are moved one after another substantially horizontally then discharged into a gravity-accelerated trajectory which is substantially free-fall but can be controlled to follow a modified path by a low-friction slide plate. The falling particles pass a plurality of radiation detectors arranged in line along their path with increasing velocity due to gravity providing the required separation of the pieces so that each detector is subject to the radiations of essentially only one piece at a time. The size and number of detectors and the path length covered by the detectors is determined by the size of the pieces and the cut-off grade and accuracy required. All counts corresponding to a particular piece and derived successively from the plurality of detectors are accumulated since accuracy increases and percentage of probable error decreases with increased total count.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for treating titanium machining scrap to remove both magnetic and non-magnetic high density inclusions, particularly bits or pieces of tungsten carbide broken from the cutting tool or tools associated with the scrap. In the process and apparatus a major portion of the undesired high density inclusions are removed by the novel use of an air separator, particularly one having an inclined, vibrating, air-conducting deck onto which the work product is fed and through which an upward current of air is blown. One or more magnetic separators are also used in advance of a final x-ray inspection station. The overall efficiency of the process and apparatus is such that a high percentage of initial input material is converted to high quality material passing the x-ray inspection and suitable for use in making rotating aircraft parts or other parts subjected to severe service demands.

Abstract: A roller conveyer transports sheet material to accumulating hoppers provided with rotatable distributing chutes. Chute drivers are electrically connected to a unit for measuring the material thickness via a control unit. The thickness measuring unit comprises a radioisotope thickness gauge including a radiation detector and a radioactive source, positioned on opposite sides of the sheet material between two pairs of drive rollers of the conveyer. A meter measures the average value of the radiation intensity during a period of time within which a single sample of the material being sorted passes through the radiation zone. Another meter measures the instantaneous value of the radiation intensity.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating objects of a particular kind from other objects, e.g. stones etc. from potatoes during harvesting, wherein the objects fall in a stream past a detector for objects of said particular kind and, after detection of an object, a separating member positioned downstream of the detector is moved in a manner in dependence on a physical dimension of the detected object so that objects of said particular kind are directed in a first direction and other objects are directed in another direction. The physical dimension may determine a time of movement of the separating member and/or whether the separating member should be moved at all.

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

Abstract: 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.