Abstract: A device is provided for automatically inspecting a fastener for defects prior to its installation in an assembly operation. The fastener is propelled by air or gravity along a feed line. The inspection device is connected in the feed line and has a cam member that is positionable into the fastener's path of travel for blocking it at a certain position. A television camera produces a video image of the stopped fastener, which shows the fastener's actual dimensions. A computer then compares the actual dimensions with the fastener's desired, which are prestored in the computer's memory. If the two substantially match, the fastener is known to be acceptable for installation.

Abstract: A device for sorting out metal particles from a current of conveyed material, such as grinding stock or granular material, including a retarding device in the form of a whirling chamber between a metal detector and a sorting device.

Abstract: A sorting method is disclosed in which particles suspended in a fluid are conducted in a closed duct and pass a measurement location in which particles to be selected trigger a signal by a sensing device. At a downstream fork, a pressure wave generated in response to the signal diverts the stream containing the particles from one branch to the other. An apparatus for carrying out this method is disclosed and includes a supply duct for the particle stream, a measurement duct, a measurement position in the measurement duct, a fork downstream of the measurement duct leading to a sorting branch duct and waste branch duct, and a pressure wave generator which is disposed in one of the ducts leading away from the fork.

Abstract: A conveying device (1) for granular material (2) to be transported has a conveying line (3) which is connected to a suction appliance (7). Along the conveying line (3) is an induction coil (8), which is connected to a control device (10) for a discharge flap (13). By means of the latter, metal particles (2') are separated from the material (2) via a discharge opening (23). The discharge flap (13) and the discharge opening (23) lie inside a separator container (9') of a metal separator (9) through which runs the conveying line (3). The conveying line (3) also has inside the separator container (9') an inflow opening (31) through which the air passing into the container (9') during separation of the metal particles (2') can flow back into the conveying line (3). Since the separator container (9') is directly connected to the conveying line (3), a bypass line can be dispensed with so that a simple and inexpensive line guidance is achieved.

Abstract: A ballistic projectile arrester having a regeneration and/or recovery system for the impact material, and which is particularly suitable for the recovery of projectiles fired by small arms or the like in indoor firing ranges or shooting galleries is disclosed. The projectiles are fired into a quantity of granular material which is preferably fireproof and capable of dissipating the kinetic energy of projectiles in a safe way. The granular material is supported so as to provide a sloping surface having a maximum thickness at the point of penetration of the projectiles into the granular materials. The mixture of materials and projectiles is kept circulating in such a manner that the projectiles absorbed by the granular materials can be removed and the granular materials can be continuously recycled back into the separator to replenish the materials which have been removed from the impact area.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for use in sealing gelatin capsules filled with medicinal ingredients wherein each capsule has a generally cylindrical cap and body arranged with the side wall of the body telescopically within the side wall of the cap to contain the medicament therein comprising an economical and compact wetting device for automatically conveying filled capsules from a capsule-filling machine by pneumatic pressure conveyance through one or more passageways to a wetting location where each capsule is maintained in a generally cap-upright position and metered amounts of a wetting liquid are applied to side wall portions of the body of the capsule adjacent the seam of the cap and body to pass by capillary action into the space between the overlapping cap and body side walls, and the capsules are released from wetting positions in the passageways for further pneumatic conveyance to a point of heat treatment for final sealing of the body and cap portions of the capsule to prevent their separation and

Abstract: A particle separator for sorting particles suspended in a liquid according to certain characteristics, including a method of and apparatus for detecting a change in the droplet breakoff point of a liquid jet stream which is subjected to vibrations. The vibrations produce amplitude undulations on the surface of the jet stream. The amplitude of the undulations is monitored or interrogated at a fixed point on the jet stream prior to the breakoff point. A change in amplitude of the undulations at that fixed point produces a signal voltage at a masked sense diode the value of which is proportional to the amplitude change. This signal voltage may be used (1) to alert the operator that a change has occurred in the point at which the jet stream is breaking up into droplets, (2) to automatically control the intensity of the vibrations for restoring the amplitude of undulation at that fixed point to its original state, or (3) to automatically disable the sorting portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: An impact separator has a V-shaped downwardly angled trough vibratorily mounted at its lower end and fixedly resiliently secured at its upper end which is fed at the upper portion with scallop and residual shell and a small amount of water while being vibratorily driven. The meat of the scallop descends downwardly and absorbs the impact of the vibrations while the shell portion is impacted by the walls of the V and eventually tumbles out over the top and descends to a trash tray positioned beneath the V-shaped trough. The scallop flesh travels the full length of the V-shaped trough to an exit hole for further processing including removal of the viscera. The trough is designed at its lower portion to permit a vibratory drive of between 0.100 inches and 0.300 inches. In one embodiment of the separator the vibrations are imparted orbitally.

Abstract: Slide fasteners are fed longitudinally one at a time along a path by at least one stream of air flowing along the path, and are then introduced into a clearance or gate which is narrow enough to prevent the passage of sliders so that when the slide fasteners have respective sliders, they are stopped at the gate, while when the slide fasteners have no sliders, they are allowed to pass through the gate and be further advanced by the stream of air. Thus the slide fasteners are automatically sorted or separated into two groups according to the presence of the sliders. Thereafter, the stream of air is interrupted whereupon the slide fasteners stopped at the gate are allowed to fall from the path into a container disposed below the gate. The slide fasteners thus fallen are disposed in the container in juxtaposition.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for sorting tobacco into two groups: a group of satisfactory leaves and a group of unsatisfactory leaves. Tobacco leaves, spaced so that they pass one by one along a conveyor, travel through a zone illuminated by pulsed polychromatic light and an optical sensor receiving light reflected from the tobacco leaves. In a manner which is synchronous with the pulsations of light there is measured the quantity of the light reflected by each of the leaves in the green, orange, red, and infrared areas of the spectrum. Sums are formed from the values corresponding to the reflected light in such areas of the spectrum and relations are obtained between sums corresponding to the green and orange as well as to the red and infrared ranges, of time in which the value of the reflected light in the infrared area is greater than a value preliminarily preset by the operator.

Abstract: A verifier for a chip type component placement mechanisms which has an air track conveying the component from a supply source to a placement head. The verifier is positioned in the air track and stops the chip for testing to determine whether the proper chip is presented and whether the chip is the proper electrical value. If the chip is acceptable, it is sent on down the track to the placement head, and if unacceptable, it is rejected from the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting particles comprises a nozzle or the like for producing a stream of particles, such as cells, in a liquid flow. The particles are analyzed as they are flowing to detect different parameters thereof. A hollow inner tube and a concentrically arranged hollow outer tube are located downstream of the analyzing area. Gas bubbles are generated in the inner tube to prevent particles from flowing therein and to deflect particles into the annular space between the inner and outer tubes. Gas bubble generation is coordinated with the particle analysis to selectively deflect particles having the different parameters into the annular space, whereby the deflected particles are sorted for collection. A method of sorting particles, such as cells, substantially in accordance with the above-described apparatus is another aspect of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flow-through, particle analyzer and sorter apparatus for simultaneous optical and electrical impedance measurements on a stream of particles, comprising a flow cell having a pair of channels fluidly connected by a particle sensing aperture, through which the particles pass and are analyzed; a nozzle mounted at the end of the downstream channel so as to define a flow chamber; a sheath liquid which is introduced at the bottom of the flow chamber to hydrodynamically focus the particle stream and to jet the same in a liquid jet from the nozzle; and a system for creating droplets from the liquid jet and for thereafter sorting the droplets.

Abstract: A system for sensing the size of electronic components processed within a machine for placing components on a media such as a printed circuit board. The size of a component is determined at a sensing station and the component is thereafter precisely positioned according to its size relative to a placement head. The placement head picks up the thus positioned component and places the component on the media.

Abstract: A particle separator for sorting particles suspended in a liquid according to certain characteristics, including a method of and apparatus for detecting a change in the droplet breakoff point of a liquid jet stream which is subjected to vibrations. The vibrations produce amplitude undulations on the surface of the jet stream. The amplitude of the undulations is monitored or interrogated at a fixed point on the jet stream prior to the breakoff point. A change in amplitude of the undulations at that fixed point produces a signal voltage the value of which is proportional to the amplitude change. This signal voltage may be used (1) to alert the operator that a change has occurred in the point at which the jet stream is breaking up into droplets, (2) to automatically control the intensity of the vibrations for restoring the amplitude of undulation at that fixed point to its original state, or (3) to automatically disable the sorting portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for orienting and sorting mushrooms includes an inclined plate along which the mushrooms move, a tunnel for erecting an air dam in the path of movement of the mushrooms to singulate the mushrooms, and a photoelectric mechanism for sorting the mushrooms according to size.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for distinguishing particles or regions therein to which fluorochrome-labeled antibodies or antigens, termed conjugates, are bound by the specific immune reaction of an antibody with its homologous antigen from particles or regions to which the conjugates are nonspecifically bound. The method is based on the different bleaching behavior caused by the different types of binding. Use is made of a microscope whose entire field of view is conventionally illuminated, a central laser beam serving for bleaching analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for segregating and separately recovering fractions of a mixture of low density solids and high density solids, such as mixtures of clam shells and free detached clam meat. The mixture of solids is submerged in a laminar flowing stream of liquid which has a specific gravity about the same as that of the low density solids and such that the low density solids are substantially non-buoyant in the liquid. The bottom of the laminar flowing stream of liquid is defined in part by an upper foraminous conveyor surface which is moving in the same direction as the laminar flowing stream. The mixture of solids is flowed across a turbulent zone of rising air bubbles, and low density solids are removed from the top of the liquid and high density solids are removed from the bottom of the laminar flowing stream. Advantageous apparatus embodiments are provided for conducting the method.

Abstract: A fluidic assembly for an ultra-high-speed chromosome flow sorter using a fluid drive system, a nozzle with an orifice having a small ratio of length to diameter, and mechanism for vibrating the nozzle along its axis at high frequencies. The orifice is provided with a sharp edge at its inlet, and a conical section at its outlet for a transition from a short cylindrical aperture of small length to diameter ratio to free space. Sample and sheath fluids in separate low pressure reservoirs are transferred into separate high pressure buffer reservoirs through a valve arrangement which first permit the fluids to be loaded into the buffer reservoirs under low pressure. Once loaded, the buffer reservoirs are subjected to high pressure and valves are operated to permit the buffer reservoirs to be emptied through the nozzle under high pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing a fish population. The apparatus includes an elevated tank which receives fish transferred from a pond. Fish travel from this tank and by gravity through a fish grader which separates the fish into different size ranges of fish. Displacement weighing tanks are included to enable the weight and number of fish in a selected size range to be determined.

Abstract: A novel method is disclosed for detecting and controlling the flow rate of a perturbed, droplet-forming stream in an electrostatic particle sorting apparatus. Detection apparatus is located at two points along the stream, at a first particle sensing point for sensing the presence of particles within a core portion of the stream, and at a second downstream point, preferably the stream breakpoint, for sensing light scatter and extinction characteristics which are proportional to the surface characteristics of the sheath portion of the stream. Changes in phase shift, pulse width, duty cycle, pulse area, or breakpoint location are detected by analyzing these sheath surface-related characteristics. An error signal is produced in response to such changes which drives an electromechanical fluid flow regulator to increase or decrease the fluid flow rate in a direction which tends to minimize the error signal. The flow rate is thus maintained at a reference flow rate setting.

Abstract: In order to initiate the charging of droplets at a specific point in time with respect to the formation of those droplets in an electrostatic flow sorting system, the charge phase of the system of the present invention is continuously and automatically adjusted by droplet break point monitoring. The charge phase is therefore flow rate and fluid velocity independent. The break point is monitored by a light source which is focused onto the jet stream at the droplet formation break point, or close to it, and the modulation of light caused by the scatter induced by the sheath stream portion as it passes the focused beam of light is detected via the use of a suitable electro-optical detector. From the output of the electro-optical detector, after appropriate signal conditioning, an electrical wave form is obtained which shape depends upon the shape of the fluid column passing the focus beam.

Abstract: A novel method for positioning the point of droplet formation in the jetting fluid of an electrostatic sorting device is disclosed. The formation of the uniform droplets is carried out via the application of vibrational energy inparted by a transducer to a jetting laminar flow stream. Previously sensed particles contained within the core portion of the laminar stream are subsequently sorted from the stream as part of a subsequently formed droplet. The disclosed method uses the dependency of the droplet formation point on the amplitude of the wave form applied to the transducer and the modulation of this amplitude to control the droplet formation point distance. The position of the droplet formation point is detected via the use of a light source and photodetector focused on the jetting stream at the position at which the droplet formation point is to be located, and a method for automatically maintaining the breakpoint at that position is described.

Abstract: A method for the measurement of fluid velocity and fluid flow rate is described which may be applied to a system in which fluid is caused to exit through an orifice to form a free jet. Optical as well as fluidic properties of the jetting fluids are used to determine the mean velocity of the jet between its point of exit from the orifice and at least a preselected detection point. From the mean velocity determination, the fluid flow rate may also be determined. A marker signal perturbation is applied to the jetting fluid at the orifice, and is detected downstream at a stream sensing point which is located a preselected distance from that orifice.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for automatically setting the time delay for relatively charging droplets in an electrostatic particle sorting system is disclosed. By utilizing a movable sheath sensing means for sensing the light scatter and extinction of this stream, the flow rate and distance to breakpoint are automatically measured and used to calculate and set the timing delay circuitry. This insures that droplet charging at the breakpoint will occur synchronously to produce selective relative charging of those droplets containing particles to be sorted.

Abstract: A novel method and system are disclosed for detecting the breakpoint of a perturbed flow stream. The scattering and extinction of light caused by a perturbed stream at a preselected flow stream sensing point therealong is measured to produce a real time waveform proportional thereto. The real time waveform is differentiated to produce a differentiated waveform, which is then selectively monitored to distinguish a waveform exhibiting substantially three (positive and negative) peaks per cycle, whereby such detection indicates that at least a portion of the breakpoint region of said flow stream corresponds with said flow stream sensing point. In order to align the stream sensing point with respect to a preselected point within the breakpoint region of the flow stream, the breakpoint region of the stream is caused to move with respect to the stream sensing point until the breakpoint pulse width of one of the peaks corresponds with a preselected pulse width reference.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuated agricultural product sorting apparatus employing a hopper introducing products into a fluid flow which carries them into two counter-rotating spirals mounted side by side which align and merge the products and then moves them in line into a singulator which uniformly spaces them prior to their movement through an inspection station which inspects them and signals a gating means for sorting the products according to the signals received from the inspection station.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus for a stock suspension obtained from waste paper, comprising a separation container having a free liquid surface for the separation of heavy weight particles and floating particles. Arranged after the separation container is a segregating or separator container for the separation of large surface particles floating in the stock suspension. The removal of the particles can be accomplished by rake devices provided with tines or prongs or the like. There also can be subsequently arranged removal devices containing coarse-mesh and fine-mesh sieves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting and stacking a plurality of torroidal-shaped articles by which the articles are introduced and entrained in a substantially laminar flow gas stream in which at least one collector member is removably disposed in intercepting relationship for collecting and stacking articles intercepted thereon in response to the movement of the articles past the collector member. The articles which are not intercepted are re-entrained in the gas stream and recirculated.

Abstract: A sorting device, particularly for trout and fish eggs which is of the type having an inclined wall against which the eggs are launched and caused to rebound a distance apart depending on the resilience thereof. Collecting means are provided for receiving the eggs according to their different trajectories. The device comprises a tank for receiving eggs and water having a rotating drum associated therewith having a plurality of cups on the outer surface thereof. Each cup is adapted to receive one egg therein and the cups are arranged in parallel transverse rows. The bottom of the cups is perforated so as to permit the water to be discharged therefrom. A fan is provided in order to dry the eggs in the cups through the perforated bottom thereof and a pneumatic launching device serves to launch the eggs against the inclined wall.

Abstract: The apparatus serves the purpose of separating trash from less heavy firm articles in a flow of liquid. It has a casing wherein a horizontal revolving screen is located with members which impart motion to trash. Accomodated in the casing coaxially with the revolving screen is a contrivance for the separation, feeding and discharging of trash which is attached to the revolving screen at the end thereof where the flow of liquid carrying the uncleaned firm articles enters the revolving screen. The contrivance consists of an outward cylinder and an inward cylinder. The outward cylinder is provided with ports through which the outflow of liquid and the smaller particles of trash from the revolving screen are fed. Ports provided in the inward cylinder serve to admit the greater particles of trash and discharge all the trash separated. Partitions subdivide the space between the cylinders into passages extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the contrivance.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and apparatus which allows the sorting of particles or cells in accordance with their physical and/or chemical properties such as size, DNA and/or protein content.

Abstract: An apparatus for eliminating metallic contaminations from a fibre transporting duct in spinning preparation, wherein an air stream transports fibre flocks through the duct. At a branching point of the fibre transporting duct leading to a waste duct there is pivotably arranged deflecting means operatively connected with and activated by a drive mechanism. The deflecting means are activated in response to the passage of a metallic object or other metallic contaminations through a section of the fibre transporting duct surrounded by a metal detector arranged upstream of the branching point, by means of a control device connected with a power source and the drive mechanism. Within a short time the deflecting means can be shifted from an idle or ineffectual position, where the transporting duct is open and the waste duct is maintained closed, into a working position, in which the transporting duct is closed and the waste duct is maintained open.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a separate single drop wherein a fluid stream is formed in air and an electrical charge or radiant energy is applied to the stream at a particular location in order to disturb the stream and create a single drop. The drop may be formed surrounding a particle and the drop may be charged when formed, then deflected for separate collection.

Abstract: A machine for automatically handling thin tubular rubber articles such as prophylactic devices or the like including a vacuum pickup to retrieve randomly oriented articles and deliver such articles to a pneumatic conveyor. The pneumatic conveyor includes a tube with air blowing therethrough to transfer the articles to a delivery position. An orienter is provided in the conveyor tube so that the article is delivered closed end first at the delivery position. At the delivery position a mandrel is provided which includes a support adapted to loosely support the article in position to receive a mandrel. Grippers grip the open end of the article on the support and hold it against movement with the mandrel while the mandrel is inserted into the article.