Abstract: A method or system of determining integrity of a closed container comprising at least one gas. The determination is based on applying a mechanical force to at least one side of the container and transmitting a light signal across at least a portion of an outside surface of at least one side of the container using an optical sensor. The optical sensor is sensitive to the at least one gas inside the container. Detecting a transmitted light signal and determining, based on the detected light signal, if the at least one gas inside the container has been detected outside of the container.

Abstract: A system and method for conveying agricultural material in a harvester. One harvester includes a rotor which rotates to separate a plant into a first agricultural material and a second agricultural material. A grate is disposed vertically below the rotor and further separates the first and second agricultural materials from one another. A first conveyor receives the first and second agricultural material directly from a trailing end of the rotor and a trailing end of the grate.

Abstract: Method for measuring the hardness of agricultural products includes: implementing a test program suitable for identifying and selecting one or more indices (S3, S4) which can be measured with a non-destructive test on a respective product/fruit, correlated with the hardness (Du) of the same product/fruit, measured by a respective penetration test; and calculating the coefficients that define the straight line representative of the linear correlation between said indices and the hardness for the respective product. The method is implemented with the operations of: applying on the product a dynamic force, preferably of impulsive type; detecting the mechanical reaction through at least a piezoelectric transducer capable of generating an electric signal based on the application or transmission of said dynamic force through the respective kiwi fruit; and analyzing said electric signal relative to the fruit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sorting mined material is based on using a range of options for sensing multiple properties of a mined material on a fragment by fragment basis and then analyzing the multiple types of data and making decisions about the classification of each fragment and then sorting the fragment based on the analysis. The multiple sensing options include the response of the fragments to electromagnetic radiation. Other sensing options may include sensors that look at the response of fragments of a mined material to an acoustic wave or a magnetic field or optical sensors that evaluate texture or other surface characteristics of fragments.

Abstract: A specimen sorter includes a separating device to remove a specimen from a container, a detection device to identify the specimen as a target specimen or a non-target specimen, and a dispensing device to dispense the specimen. The dispensing device includes a dispensing nozzle to contact a vibration member to form liquid droplets at a front end of the dispensing nozzle and to dispense the liquid droplets, a first container to collect the liquid droplets dispensed from the dispensing nozzle that contain the target specimen, and a second container to collect the liquid droplets dispensed from the dispensing nozzle that contain the non-target specimen.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a limpness detecting device includes a transmitting unit to irradiate an acoustic wave towards a conveyed sheet to excite a Lamb wave, a first receiving unit to detect a leaky wave of the Lamb wave emitted from a front surface of the sheet, a second receiving unit to detect a leaky wave of the Lamb wave emitted from a back surface of the sheet, a comparison data calculating unit to calculate comparison data based on the signal detected by the first receiving unit and the signal detected by the second receiving unit, and an intactness judgment unit to compare the comparison data calculated by the comparison data calculating unit with a preset standard value and judge whether the sheet is an intact bill or not, based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an erasing apparatus includes: a recording medium sorting apparatus including a first conveyance guide having a curvature radius smaller than curvature radiuses of all curved surfaces present in a downstream direction in a recording medium conveying path, a second conveyance guide forming the recording medium conveying path in conjunction with the first conveyance guide and set to be capable of opening and closing the recording medium conveying path, and a displacing device configured to open and close the second conveyance guide; and a control unit. If the control unit determines that a jam occurs in the recording medium sorting apparatus, the control unit opens the second conveyance guide to collect a recording medium that causes the jam.

Abstract: The invention relates to the high speed non-destructive sorting of small food items for softness. The food item is conveyed on a series of belts designed to accurately drop the food item onto a flexible surface at an oblique angle. Accelerometers mounted under the flexible surface generate impact waveforms, which are computer analysed to both detect the item landing position and enable comparison with an operator-selected softness threshold level. Within a few milliseconds of the food item contacting the flexible surface it continues to drop past a rejection point. If determined by analysis to be soft, it is ejected to a waste conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the stiffness of mail pieces includes a bar or similar deflector for contacting a mail piece conveyed past the bar by a conveyor system, and vibrates when in contact with a passing mail piece, either due to the impact of the mail piece or by the action of a device which causes the deflector to vibrate before the mail piece hits it. A sensor measures a parameter indicative of change in the vibrations of the deflector and generates a signal indicative of the measured parameter. A processor, e.g. programmable controller or circuit, receives the signal from the sensor and determines a stiffness value for the mail piece based on decay in vibrations of the deflector caused by contact with the mail piece.

Abstract: A method of determining the content of a desired component in a stream of material including two or more types of component, includes causing or permitting a stream of a plurality of particles of material to impact a sensor member located in a path of the material thereby inducing vibration of the sensor member, analyzing vibrations of the sensor member and from the analysis determining whether individual impacts caused by the stream are one of any two or more types selected from three possible impact types, and performing an operation based on the result of the analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the stiffness of mail pieces includes a bar or similar deflector for contacting a mail piece conveyed past the bar by a conveyor system, and vibrates when in contact with a passing mail piece, either due to the impact of the mail piece or by the action of a device which causes the deflector to vibrate before the mail piece hits it. A sensor measures a parameter indicative of change in the vibrations of the deflector and generates a signal indicative of the measured parameter. A processor, e.g. programmable controller or circuit, receives the signal from the sensor and determines a stiffness value for the mail piece based on decay in vibrations of the deflector caused by contact with the mail piece.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating particles from a medium includes a capillary defining a flow path therein that is in fluid communication with a medium source. The medium source includes engineered acoustic contrast capture particle having a predetermined acoustic contrast. The apparatus includes a vibration generator that is operable to produce at least one acoustic field within the flow path. The acoustic field produces a force potential minima for positive acoustic contrast particles and a force potential minima for negative acoustic contrast particles in the flow path and drives the engineered acoustic contrast capture particles to either the force potential minima for positive acoustic contrast particles or the force potential minima for negative acoustic contrast particles.

Abstract: A method is provided for preventing flat mail pieces having excessive thickness or stiffness from entering a mail processing machine wherein flat mail pieces are held on opposite sides and conveyed by paired conveyor belts around one or more curves, including one curve which is the sharpest curve in the mail processing machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting sealed packages having volumetric dimensions includes a frame having an inlet and an outlet side, conveyor means for conveying packages along a path of transport from the inlet side through said frame towards said outlet side, and first inspection means disposed adjacent to said conveyor means and pivotally connected to said frame, such that upon being contacted by a package located on said conveyor means said first inspection means are pivoted around at least a first pivoting point. The first inspection means includes first counteracting means for applying a first load on said package urging said first inspection means against said package to be tested, and means for generating a first indication of the volumetric dimensions of said package.

Abstract: A method and work station (SV) for checking the integrity of packages (2), in particular single-dose packages uses a first pressing device (4) for applying a reference force to one or a group of packages (2) for a predetermined time interval (Dt). The value of the force transmitted by the package (2) is detected using one or more load cells (6) positioned opposite to the first pressing device (4) with respect to the package (2). The load cells detect the force transmitted through the package. Packages are rejected when the value of the force transmitted by the package (2) is lower than a critical force value (f*) which is a value of the force transmitted to the load cells by a good package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for determining characteristics of products of generally unequal size, e.g. apples, which are conveyed on product carriers, such as rollers of a conveying apparatus, and pass the system, the system comprising a detection device, arranged at some distance from the products, having a transmitter section and a receiver section, as well as a signal processing unit for processing signals to and from the system, including the signals of the receiver section for determining the characteristics, the system further comprising: a sensor which, prior to the passage of a product, scans the size of each passing product and produces a corresponding scanning signal, and a displacement device, for positioning, in accordance with each scanning signal, at least the receiver section of the detection device at a well-defined distance during the passage of each product.

Abstract: A method and relative working station (SV) for checking the integrity of packages (2), in particular single-dose packages, includes basically the following operation steps:

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for discriminating the kind of a sheet material, comprising: a substrate having a recessed portion; a press member situated so that a sheet material can be deflected using the recessed portion; a support member that is deformed as the sheet material situated to cover the recessed portion is pressed by the press member and thereby deflected; and a sensor for detecting the deformation amount of the support member, wherein the kind of the sheet material is discriminated on the basis of detecting the deformation amount of the support member by the sensor.

Abstract: An object, such as a pistachio nut, is sorted based on a given trait. The sorting process commences by bouncing the object off a body so that the object emits a sound. The sound emitted by the object is converted to an electrical signal which is analyzed to determine electrical characteristics that indicate the trait of the object. For example, the electrical signal can be integrated and a signal gradient produced to discriminate among signals from different classes of objects.

Abstract: A method for measuring the ripeness and the texture of a fruit, the method comprising a step for applying a vibration having sequentially hanging frequencies to a fruit to be measured, a step for measuring the intensity of the vibration applied to the fruit and the intensity of the vibration of the fruit, a step for measuring the weight of the fruit, a step for finding the transfer functional characteristic of the fruit by performing frequency analysis based on the intensity of the vibration applied to the fruit and the intensity of the vibration of the fruit, and computing the secondary resonance frequency f0 (i.e.

Abstract: A method for sorting integrated circuit chips. At least one physical defect is detected in the semiconductor chips. The semiconductor chips are sorted based upon the physical defect.

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: 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: 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: A firmness measuring method and device for non-destructive testing of objects (such as fruits) is disclosed. The device comprises the following components: a means to affect the size and/or shape of the object(s) through application of a compressive force (such as increased liquid, fluid, or mechanical pressure); or an expansive force (such as decreased liquid, fluid, or mechanical pressure); a means to measure or infer the volumetric change of the object(s) caused by application of the force; and/or measurement of surface deformation; an analyzer to utilize the volume change and/or amount of deformation of the surface caused by the applied force to infer the firmness of the object(s); a controller to coordinate the application of force, the measurement of object(s) response and the inference of firmness or firmness. Inference of firmness may also use additional information on the object(s) such as harvest date, manufacture date, weight, variety, chemical concentration, or water content.

Abstract: To determine whether stress cracks are present in the bottom area of a plastic bottle which make it unfit for further use, the bottle bottom is scanned in the potential crack region by the measuring beam of a laser distance-measuring instrument. From its output signal, the prevalence and depth of the cracks can be identified sufficiently to enable a decision to be made on the removal of the bottle from circulation.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention for discriminating mail in a paper envelope from mail in a plastics envelope makes use of a pneumatic technique. In particular, the apparatus comprises a pneumatic system suitable for deforming the envelope to be inspected by applying suction and for measuring variation in pressure associated with said deformation, whereby the inspected envelope is detected as being a paper envelope or as being a plastics envelope. This pneumatic detector may be associated with a detector operating by means of an optical effect for the purpose of controlling a labelling device in equipment for processing flat articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to non-destructive measurement of the firmness of fruits and vegetables, particularly to methods and equipment for measuring the firmness of such edible objects in order to establish their ripeness or maturity stage, not only after they have been harvested or stored, but also during the growing process.

Abstract: A machine for squeeze testing glass containers comprising a test station, including a fixed pad having a curved container engaging surface and an opposed wheel selectively spaced from the surface, rotating at a predetermined surface speed and in the direction required to roll a container delivered to the station along the curved surface until it is released therefrom. A conveyor delivers containers to the test station and carrys released containers away from the test station. A roller is rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel and defines with the wheel a path through which released containers will pass. The roller is biased forward to a selected location whereat the distance between the roller and the wheel is less than the outer diameter of a released container, and the roller is rotated at a surface speed selected to reduce the rotation of a released container, which passes between the wheel and the roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the stiffness of a sheet, such as a currency note, includes first cooperating rollers (36, 38) and second cooperating rollers (28, 32) arranged to urge the sheet along a feed path (48) The first rollers (36, 38) engage frictionally with the sheet and are caused to rotate with a greater peripheral speed than the second rollers (28, 32). As a result, there is a tendency for the first rollers (36, 38) to cause that portion of the sheet between the first and second rollers (36, 38; 28, 32) to buckle, this tendency being resisted if the sheet has a required degree of stiffness. First and second sensors (66, 68) are disposed on opposite sides of said feed path (48) for sensing a deflection of said portion of said sheet away from the feed path (48) by at least a predetermined amount, brought about by buckling of the sheet due to the sheet being insufficiently stiff.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (2) for assessing the stiffness of a sheet (4), such as a currency note, by measuring the extent and rate of movement of the trailing edge of the sheet (4) away from a feed path for the sheet. Such movement is part of a straightening movement of the sheet (4) upon disengagement of the trailing edge from constraining means (34) when a leading portion of the sheet (4) is in a bent condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for determining the integrity of coated fuel particles via acoustic characterization. Particle supply means (4) drops the nuclear fuel particles (2) individually onto the face (6) of a transducer (8). The generated signal which is indicative of the integrity of the coating on the dropped particle is analyzed with analyzing means (26, 28, 30) for discriminating between a flawed and an unflawed particle.

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to ascertaining the condition (i.e. texture, maturity and extent of damage (if any)) of an agricultural commodity by: (a) inputting band-limited vibrations (i.e. limited to a specific frequency band); (b) sensing vibrational characteristics (e.g. energy, resonance, absorption frequency characteristics) resulting from the input vibrations, and; (c) analyzing the vibrational characteristics.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for separating hard objects, such as stones, from a stream of wood in an apparatus for conveying or manipulating logs or blocks of wood including a conveyor section. The device includes a transducer disposed in a location suited for the detection of vibration. The transducer registers acoustic vibrations and is connected to a control unit by means of which hard objects conveyed along with the wood stream can be detected on the basis of the vibration signals they generate. The control unit is also used to control an exit gear incorporated in the conveyor section, so that hard objects which are detected will fall down from the stream of wood passing through the apparatus. The invention eliminates the need to build water-operated stone catchers as conventionally used for the removal of stones.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for separating hard objects, such as stones, from a stream of wood in an apparatus for conveying or manipulating logs or blocks of wood including a conveyor section. The device includes a transducer disposed in a location suited for the detection of vibration. The transducer registers acoustic vibrations and is connected to a control unit by means of which hard objects conveyed along with the wood stream can be detected on the basis of the vibration signals they generate. The control unit is also used to control an exit gear incorporated in the conveyor section, so that hard objects which are detected will fall down from the stream of wood passing through the apparatus. The invention eliminates the need to build water-operated stone catchers as conventionally used for the removal of stones.

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: An apparatus for determining the internal pressure of a filled can by measuring the reaction force of a filled can body when the can is passed between back-up and measuring rolls which are spaced apart from each other by 2 mm or more than the average diameter of the axially central portion of the can body. At least one of the rolls has a crown-like outer periphery which has an arcuate sectional profile having a radius of 60 mm or above taken in a plane containing the roll axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for discriminating and sorting out defective plastic bottle crates from sound bottle crates comprising driving means for urging an indenter or contact tip provided at the tip of a vibrating rod of an ultrasonic hardness tester into steady contact in indented state with a bottle crate, detecting means for detecting resonant frequency of said vibrating rod which is varied by the urging of said indenter or contact tip into steady contact with said bottle crate, and means for distinguishing and sorting out defective bottle crates from sound bottle crates in response to the resonant frequency detected by the detecting means.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing for leaks in flexible packages containing a product such as potato crisps and some air comprises three probing stations. Packages are transferred from station to station by suction cup heads carried on a reciprocable beam. Probes incorporating weights are applied by gravity at each probing station under control of a support plate and cause air to be squeezed out of packages which have substantial leaks. Probe position sensing equipment detects when probes have dropped down and uses this information as an indication of a leak. The specification also describes apparatus for transferring packages to the leak testing apparatus.

Abstract: An improved shell sorter is disclosed. One improvement resides in the incorporation of a bandpass filter with a center frequency selected on the basis of the signals produced by a transducer in response to the impact of shell fragments or other components of the material to be rejected against a target plate, instead of a high pass filter which passes signals above a given frequency which possibly represent not only components of the material to be rejected, but other components of the material which may not be desired to be rejected. The use of a bandpass filter provides higher selectivity and precision of operation with respect to the rejection of shell fragments. Another improvement resides in the use of a differential or window comparator circuit for discriminating shell fragments from nut meats which for some reason, such as dryness, cause the transducer to produce a signal having a frequency characteristic which is typically representative of shell fragments.

Abstract: A novel particle sorting system based on vibrations induced by impact against a strike plate is disclosed, wherein two strike plates in succession are used, the first to absorb kinetic energy from certain particles on a preferential basis due to particle composition, and the second to absorb the residual kinetic energy for analysis. Vibrations arising in the second strike plate due to particle impact which meet preset criteria corresponding to undesired particles are used to actuate an ejection system which sends an impulse to the offending particle, deflecting it from its otherwise undisturbed trajectory. Also disclosed is an analyzing circuit which combines two or more waveform features of the vibration signal in an algorithm such as a ratio, to provide an unusually high sensitivity for discrimination among the particles.

Abstract: A process for determining the soundness, and the soundness-dependent germinative ability of sowing seeds is based on detecting the characteristic difference between the acoustic excitation response functions of right and damaged seeds. The seeds are excited by their impinging on a hard surface and produce an acoustic signal and by examining the response functions a comparison is performed to decide whether the seeds are right or damaged. Apparatus for carrying out the process includes a feed tank (1), a seed feeding mechanism, a sensing chamber (4) and a vibration sensor (5) for detecting acoustic signals within the chamber (4), the output of the vibration sensor (5) being connected to a signal processing unit (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the compressability of golf balls and sorting them in accordance with predetermined compression ratings. The apparatus includes a golf ball movement path having a rotary anvil on one side thereof for driving the golf balls one at a time through a restricted gap between the anvil and a deflectably biased lever. The gap is sized to be smaller than the diameter of the golf balls so that they will deflect the lever an amount determined by their individual compressability. The amount of lever deflection is sensed and transmitted to an electric circuit which operates a golf ball sorting device that directs the golf balls to different outlets in accordance with their sensed compressability.

Abstract: A device for sorting packagings such as cans having overall dimensions within a pre-determined range as regards length and diameter, comprising a first sorting stage, including a pivoted supporting member for carrying the packagings and a frame with an opening through which the supporting member is movable to the second stage. The second stage includes pressing members cooperating with the supporting member to effect axial compression of the packagings carried by the supporting member. The opening of the frame is of a size which limits the dimension in at least one direction of the packagings passing through the opening. The second stage is provided with a second opening through which compressed packagings pass whereby the second opening maximizes the axial length of the compressed packagings which pass through the second opening and are thereby sorted out.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the quality of cigarettes in a packing machine, which may be mounted on an input hopper of a packing machine of cyclic type in order to monitor the quality of the cigarettes of a stack moving in steps along each output channel of the hopper and to carry out the removal of defective cigarettes, comprising, with respect to each channel, a sensor element and an associate ejector element, whose respective operating cycles take place, with respect to each cigarette, within a same cycle of this machine.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting and intercepting an irregular product in a product flow are disclosed. The product flow is conveyed along a path from a first, product feed station past other product handling stations. Product flow is singulated and aligned at a guide station. The product then is delivered along a product flow axis and in a single file manner to an inspection station where the product, which may be processed, pitted fruit, is graded for firmness and where extraneous matter, such as fruit pits or portions of pits, is detected. Detection involves probing or otherwise impaling each individual product in the flow with a plurality of spaced, pin-like projections. An irregular product resists such probing and produces a pressure differential between the projections and the conveyor belt by which the irregular product is detected. After inspection, detected irregular products are discharged from the product flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distinguishing and separating both stones and soil clods from field crops, in which a sensor (5) is simultaneously responsive to both impact and influence on a sensor-generated magnetic field and generates output signals characteristic of field crops, stones and clods. The output signals are fed to electronic circuitry (12) that distinguishes output signals produced by mechanical impact of stones and those produced by passage of clods through the magnetic field from signals generated by crops. An ejector cylinder (15) and ejector (16) separates stones and clods from crops upon receipt of a signal from the electronic circuitry.

Abstract: An inspection method for fastener sliders with automatic lock means in which at the final step in the assembly operation of said slider, the pull tab of said slider is applied a downward biasing force thereto by a predetermined constant stroke of a dial gauge and the quality of the slider is determined by electrical detection signals which detect whether or not the balance between the resilient pressure provided by the dial gauge and the repulsion force of the pull tab falls within a predetermined range.An inspection apparatus for fastener sliders with automatic lock means comprising an intermittent transfer member holding and transferring said slider, a dial gauge supported on a reciprocal mechanism for moving upwardly and downwardly by a predetermined constant stroke, a resilient biasing rod disposed on said reciprocal mechanism adjacent to said dial gauge and a detecting mechanism for electrically detecting whether or not the rotation of the pointer of the dial gauge falls within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing medicinal tablets for thickness, diameter and hardness wherein there is a support for receiving and supporting tablets for testing one at a time, a gauge movable relative to the support to measure the thickness, a gauge movable relative to the support to both measure the thickness and breaking strength, a sweeper movable relative to the support to clear the crushed tablets therefrom and control circuitry including a computer for controlling the sequence of operations and recording the values measured.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the sequential combined measurement of height (or thickness) and compression strength of successive tablet specimens. The apparatus comprises a specimen-fed chute for depositing the specimens on a conveyor for oriented transport to a measuring station where the tablet height and then its compressive strength are determined. The conveyor is provided with cleansing means for removing the tablet remnants from the compression measurement.