Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced detection of fraudulent electronic transactions are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system uses the ongoing stream of transactions to construct and maintain a dynamically evolving merchant relationship graph. When a proposed transaction is submitted to the system, the system computes a predicted likelihood that the given account would make a transaction with these characteristics with the given merchant. The graph is used to compute transitive relatedness between merchants which may be indirectly associated with one another, as well as to compute aggregate relatedness, when there are multiple avenues of relationship between two merchants.

Abstract: Machine for the inspection and sorting of fruits, which has, connected to a control system, an inspection unit (1) and ejection means (3) which eject the fruits inspected by the inspection unit (1) which do not comply with certain conditions pre-established by the control system. The product transport means have a plurality of rotating rollers (7) which rotate the fruits they transport as they advance, providing multiple views of said fruits to the artificial vision system (4), and a final section for the fall of the fruits with a curved surface with variable decreasing radius. The present invention also consists of a method to inspect and sort fruits which makes them rotate during their transport and inspection and sets their acceleration at the discharge from the machine through a curved surface with decreasing radius.

Abstract: The reverse vending machine (RVM) receives, handles, sorts, and stores returnable items or objects. The RVM includes an item supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor unit, an upright storage chamber for such items, a safety apparatus to avoid operational hazards, a camera aided detection device for detecting at least one of a bar code on and other characteristics, e.g. contour, of an item, a simplified token system, and a drive system with a releasable power coupling for operating the sorting device and a further storage device.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus includes a part feeding device such as a bowl feeder with a perimeter track, a second track extending around the perimeter track, a vision inspection system, and an ejector device. The second track has a transparent floor and the vision inspection system includes a controller and at least one camera operably connected to the controller for looking through the transparent floor to identify defective parts. The ejector device is operably connected to the controller for ejecting bad ones of the received parts, the ejector device being located downstream of the cameras. A related method is also provided. The arrangement is very compact, and has a very small foot print, but can operate at speed up to or more than 4000 pieces per minute.

Abstract: A rotatable container holder for recyclable materials, such as plastic bottles and aluminum cans, having a container holder frame support and a container holder frame attached rotatably to the container holder frame support. The recyclable materials can be inspected, sorted, and transferred by a single user by placing a holding container with recyclables into the container holder frame and rotating the container holder frame so that the user can reach into the holding container and remove items, while allowing the recyclable materials to pour into a receiving container. A cover can also be placed on the container so that the container and container cover can be rotated from a vertical position towards a horizontal position or rotated yet further towards an inverted vertical position, allowing the recyclable materials to tumble back and forth, causing debris among the materials, or liquids within the materials, to fall through openings in the container and container cover.

Abstract: A high-speed fastener inspection system is provided to perform 100 percent inspection of various geometry features and to sort a large number of fasteners at high speed. The inspection system includes a rotary table having an outer periphery, an inner periphery, and a plurality of radial slots extending from the outer periphery to the inner periphery. When a fastener is be placed in a radial slot with the head of the fastener facing upward and the shank extending into the slot, the side view of each fastener is unobstructed. A loading mechanism, an anti-jam mechanism, and a sorting mechanism are arranged along the outer periphery of the rotary table. At least one vision inspection camera is provided for capturing the image of each fastener after each fastener is placed in a radial slot. An image analyzer is operatively connected to the vision inspection camera for analyzing the captured image and to determine whether the fastener is defective.

Abstract: To provide a mail sorting and distributing transfer system, which extends transformable time of mail fed from a mail charging line so that the mail can be timely, reliably transferred to conveyor baskets on a mail sorting line, there is a mail sorting and distributing transfer system in which transfer timing levers maintain the receipt ports of transfer baskets provided on an outer circumferential edge of a sorting and distributing turntable in a state where the receipt ports of the transfer baskets are in registry with a mail charging line during the receipt of mail and where the lever pivots so it moves the associated transfer basket. Underlying conveyor baskets on a mail sorting line are moved parallel to and in synchronization with the transfer baskets during the transfer of the mail. The lever is pivoted about an axis parallel to the axis of the mail sorting and distributing turntable.

Abstract: A return device for containers, such as bottles, cups, cans, or the like, comprises an insertion opening for receiving the container and at least one distributing means for transporting the container from the insertion opening to a selectable processing means of the return device. For a faster and easier sorting of the containers in a compact way, the distributing means comprises at least one intermediate bottom and a receiving means which is movable relative to the bottom, transports the container away from the insertion opening and is provided with a bottom opening, the intermediate bottom being movably supported in the return device and comprising at least one sorting opening which can be positioned below the bottom opening for passing the container therethrough to the selected processing means.

Abstract: An auto reject unit includes a turntable rotatable about an upright axis and held stationary in operation along the upright axis. Driven rollers are mounted upon the turntable for selectively driving an article across the turntable in a direction. A motor is disposed to rotate the turntable about the upright axis in response to a command. The rotation adjusts the direction that an article disposed on the turntable will travel off of the turntable.

Abstract: A double separator assembly used for a mail sorting system. A conveyor system facilitates movement of mail items through the double separator assembly. A substantially nonrotatable component is positioned proximate to the conveyor system. A mail driving assembly positioned proximate to the conveyor system if provided downstream from the friction component and in functional relation thereto. The mail driving assembly further includes an idler roller and a force generating device to hold the mail item against the conveyor system. Further disclosed are a mail processing system including a double separator, a mail processing method, a mail sensing assembly and method.

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

Abstract: Two data streams which are not related real-time are operated on so that the input stream can be processed real-time vis-a-vis the output stream. Both streams are clocked by the same encoder and a random tracking signal is imposed on both the input and output data streams. A reject signal on the input stream can accordingly be placed at the correct location on the output stream.

Abstract: A produce sizing transport mechanism includes an endless conveyor carrying a plurality of downwardly depending produce retaining members which define an elongated produce retaining zone below at least one portion of the endless conveyor. At least part of the produce retaining members may be movable between a first closed position in which produce is retained within the elongated produce retaining zone and a plurality of further open positions enabling produce of predetermined sizes or size ranges to be released from the produce retaining zone. The retaining members may include a produce support region located generally beneath the produce retaining zone when the produce retaining members are located in the first closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to prevent malfunctions or sorting errors when supplying coins to coin separation holes in a coin separator. The coin separator includes a coin carrier vessel with a coin supply control vessel that can successively supply a small quantity of coins, and an automatic coin release mechanism that causes the above coin carrier vessel to rotate in the reverse direction instantaneously to prevent malfunction and then rotate in the normal direction again resume normal coin separation operations. The automatic coin release mechanism operates in response to any coin that gets caught in the coin carrier vessel during the operation of coin separation that causes the operation to come to a stop.

Abstract: The invention provides a weight selecting apparatus capable of automatically performing calibration, and provides a weight selecting apparatus capable of certainly carrying objects to be inspected with a relatively simple mechanism and performing weight measurement of the objects. The objects, after being subjected to weight measurement by a first weighing unit 2, are sampled by a sampler 5, and those of the objects thus sampled are subjected to weight measurement by a second weighing unit 6. A calibration unit compares, for the same object, the measured result with that obtained by the first weighing unit 2 and discriminates whether or not a difference therebetween is within a specific error range, to perform calibration of the first weighing unit 2. Further, as a carrier 3 for carrying the objects to the weighing unit 2 one by one, there is used an intermittently rotatable carrying roller 32 having in its outer peripheral surface portion a plurality of carrying pockets 321.

Abstract: An electronic parts conveying apparatus reduces damage to electronic parts (e.g., chip-type electronic parts) and stabilizes the positions of the electronic parts during a conveying operation. The conveying apparatus has a conveying table having, on its entire outer-peripheral section, concave storage slots formed with identical pitches that store the electronic parts in series. The conveying table also has air holes, each of which passes through a respective concave storage slot. One end of the air hole terminates in an opening disposed on an inner-circumferential side surface of the concave storage slot. The other end of the air hole communicates through a selector valve with a negative air pressure source, which generates negative air pressure suction applied to suction the electronic part into the concave storage slot. The hole is also connected with a positive air pressure source, which generates air pressure to eject the electronic part from the concave storage slot.

Abstract: A utensil sorting apparatus simultaneously sorts and/or orients a plurality of utensils, such as spoons, forks, and knives. A movable conveyor is movably disposed over a template having a plurality of first aperture sized to receive therethrough only the spoons. The conveyor sequentially moves the utensils through locations, including a receiving location, and a sorting location.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and removing abnormal balls among a large number of balls, most of which are good separate balls, comprising (a) a rotatable, cylindrical, ball-holding means comprising a large number of ball-receiving cavities each receiving one ball; (b) a means for detecting part of a ball projecting from each ball-receiving cavity in a detection region substantially at a top of the cylindrical ball-holding means; (c) a ball-supplying means disposed on the cylindrical ball-holding means upstream of the detection region; (d) an abnormal ball-removing means disposed downstream of the detection region on the cylindrical ball-holding means; (e) a means for collecting good separate balls downstream of the detection region; and (f) a means for carrying out the determination of abnormal balls based on the detection information of projecting portions of the balls obtained by the projecting ball-detecting means.

Abstract: An apparatus for singling out tablets for a rotary tablet-compressing press the rotor of which has associated therewith a nozzle which, via a line and a controllable valve disposed in the line, is adapted to be connected to a pressure source in order to route a tablet into a rejects duct wherein the control signals for the valve are produced by a control device, characterized in that the line, between the orifice of the nozzle and the valve, has disposed a pressure sensor which delivers a sensor signal if the valve is opened or a predetermined minimum pressure prevails in the line and a logic evaluation circuit is provided into which the sensor signal and the control signal are input and that an error signal is produced in the evaluation circuit, which signal is evaluated by the control device if the time relation of the control signals and the sensor signals deviates from a predetermined relation.

Abstract: Capacitor characteristics measurement apparatus and packing apparatus includes a turntable (1) intermittently driven at a constant pitch to supply capacitors (C) from a parts feeder (8) to a holder section (2) of the turntable (1) in a one-by-one manner. A capacitance measurement section (4) and an IR prediction section (5) are provided to determine whether each capacitor is acceptable or defective in quality based on the measured values obtainable from these sections (4, 5). The IR prediction section (5) applies a DC voltage to a capacitor while predicting the current value at termination of chargeup by use of its initial current value in the charge region of an insulation polarization component thereof upon application of the voltage thereto.

Abstract: A system for dry separation of powders into at least two fractions including a powder to be separated and a separator including a hollow body rotating about an axis and defining a cavity having a powder engaging surface, the surface of the cavity being a surface of revolution which rotates about the axis, an upper edge of the cavity having a greater diameter than a lower edge, a system controlling the rotation of the body, at least one feeder continuously feeding dry powder into a feeding zone adjacent to the cavity surface near the lower edge, the length of the feeding zone being at least an order of magnitude less than a circumference of the cavity surface of the lower edge, at least one discharge device continuously discharging the powder from the cavity surface, the at least one discharge device including a body arranged along substantially the entire length of the generatrix of the cavity surface and located immediately in front of the feeding zone aligned with the rotation of the cavity surface, a first

Abstract: A rotating sorting device for sorting packaged goods has one or more linear supply conveyors and a plurality of removal locations arranged circularly about a central axle. One or more linear removal conveyors are positioned between the central axle and the removal locations and are arranged substantially radially. The linear removal conveyor rotates continuously about the central axle. The linear supply conveyor is positioned above or below the linear removal conveyor and has an end portion in a conveying direction of the linear supply conveyor. The end portion has an incline extending downwardly or upwardly toward the linear removal conveyor. A distribution control device controls the linear supply conveyor, the linear removal conveyor, and the removal locations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating cans or bottles from plastic bags and plastic bag parts, including a frame and a perforated drum operably rotatably attached to the frame. The drum has a circular cross section. A divider member is disposed in the interior of the drum with edges of the divider member being in close proximity to the inside of the drum. A vacuum device is connected to one side of the divider creating a lower pressure section of the drum whereby cans or bottles and plastic bags falling onto the rotating drum causes the plastic bags to attach to the exterior of the drum on the lower pressure section thereof. This allows the plastic bags to be released on the other side of the drum from the pull of the lower pressure as the drum is rotated, by having a low pressure and high pressure side of the drum.

Abstract: A sorting system includes trolleys traveling along a path between respective stations for loading and unloading items in a direction transversely of the direction of travel of the trolleys. Each station includes an inductor for generating a variable magnetic induction field which is sensed by a detecting mechanism, such as an antenna, disposed on the trolley. In response to the magnetic induction field being detected, a loading/unloading device on the trolley (e.g., an endless belt) is actuated to load or unload items.

Abstract: A check weigher for a bagging system includes a compartmentalized rotatable drum positioned immediately beneath a chute receiving bags from a conveyor system of a bagger. The rotatable drum is maintained upon a scale adapted to determine the tare weight of the bag and its contents. A receptacle is positioned on each side of the rotatable compartmentalized drum. A reversible stepping motor is connected to and is operative to drive the drum. A controller is interposed between the stepping motor and the scale. When the controller determines that the weight indicated by the scale is within an acceptable range of weights, the compartmentalized drum is rotated in a first direction, causing the bag to be deposited in a first acceptable drum, while simultaneously positioning a new compartment beneath the chute.

Abstract: A recycling system particularly useful for using, sorting and reusing large quantities of animal identification tags for use by producers, feedlots and packing plants is described. In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of unsorted, previously used and cleaned identification tags are passed through a tag aligner that aligns the tags in series. The aligned tags are fed to a tag sorter that includes a plurality of sorting bins for storing the sorted tags. A tag reader reads the identification tags and passes identification information stored on the tags to a controller. The controller analyzes the identification information from the tags and determines in which one of the sorting bins each tag should be stored. When each tag is adjacent the proper sorting bin, the controller signals the sorter to eject the tag into such bin. After sorting, the tags are redistributed to their original users for reuse.

Abstract: Capacitor characteristics measurement apparatus and packing apparatus includes a turntable (1) intermittently driven at a constant pitch to supply capacitors (C) from a parts feeder (8) to a holder section (2) of the turntable (1) in a one-by-one manner. A capacitance measurement section (4) and an IR prediction section (5) are provided to determine whether each capacitor is acceptable or defective in quality based on the measured values obtainable from these sections (4, 5). The IR prediction section (5) applies a DC voltage to a capacitor while predicting the current value at termination of chargeup by use of its initial current value in the charge region of an insulation polarization component thereof upon application of the voltage thereto.

Abstract: A recirculating device receives parts in bulk which are bunched together. The device includes a cone-shaped rotating disk which receives the parts and redistributes the parts into separate units. The parts are delivered to an inner periphery of the cone of the cone-shaped disk and then slide down the inclined slope of the cone. As the parts slide down the rotating cone, they become spaced further apart due to the increase in radius of the outer periphery of the cone as compared with the radius of the inner periphery of the cone. The separated parts may then be effectively handled by a picker-type robot utilizing a vision system or sensors to discriminate the individual parts.

Abstract: An electronic parts conveying apparatus reduces damage to electronic parts (e.g., chip-type electronic parts) and stabilizes the positions of the electronic parts during a conveying operation. The conveying apparatus has a conveying table having, on its entire outer-peripheral section, concave storage slots formed with identical pitches that store the electronic parts in series. The conveying table also has air holes, each of which passes through a respective concave storage slot. One end of the air hole terminates in an opening disposed on an inner-circumferential side surface of the concave storage slot. The other end of the air hole communicates through a selector valve with a negative air pressure source, which generates negative air pressure suction applied to suction the electronic part into the concave storage slot. The hole is also connected with a positive air pressure source, which generates air pressure to eject the electronic part from the concave storage slot.

Abstract: A roller element for a roller assembly used in an endless conveyor system for grading/sorting articles. The roller element has a faceted peripheral edge, each facet being of equal length, with approximately 12 facets per unit. Also, a quick-release roller assembly for use in a similar endless conveyor system includes a steel shaft on which roller elements are mounted. The shaft has a first opening in one end to receive a connecting pin element from a first chain and a second opening in the other end thereof which receives a connecting pin element from a second chain. Bushings are positioned in both of the shaft openings for receiving the connecting pin elements. In the one opening, a spring element is positioned between the bushing and the bottom end of the opening. The shaft has a slot in the side surface of the shaft, opening onto the first end of the shaft.

Abstract: A sorting system is disclosed, for example for mail items. In the disclosed system, a circulating storage system can receive items from an inlet, and deposit them in an appropriate output receptacle which has been allocated to items in a particular group. For example, the items can be sorted by destination, and each output receptacle can be allocated to a particular destination. In the event that the destination of an item has not output receptacle allocated thereto, the system controller can determine whether to allocate a receptacle, or whether to recirculate the item within the circulating storage system. This possibility allows items to be grouped together within the system, until there are sufficient items for a particular destination to allow them to be handled efficiently, and in particular allows the allocation of output receptacles to destinations to be controlled efficiently.

Abstract: An arrangement for handling banknotes having a banknote magazine (10) which is arranged to permit banknotes (39) to be fed into as well as out from the magazine one by one, and a memory device (44) for storing continuously updated information about the contents of the magazine (10). The banknote magazine has a controllably rotatable drum (10), containing a plurality of separate magazine compartments (11), formed by sector-like pockets, each of which extends in a generally radial direction into the drum (10) from an opening (27) located at the periphery of the drum. Through rotation of the drum (10), a selectable magazine compartment (11) can be placed with its opening (27) in front of an infeed and/or outfeed station (17, 19, 21) in order to permit an infeed of a banknote into or an outfeed of a banknote from said compartment (11) by an infeed and outfeed device (28), located within the magazine compartment (11) and serving also to hold a banknote fed into the magazine compartment (11) within the latter.

Abstract: An article processing apparatus having a plurality of input conveyors directing articles into a work station and a single turret sorting mechanism. The work station processes articles while, simultaneously, unprocessed articles are fed into the turret sorting mechanism. The output of the work station is simultaneously fed into the turret sorting mechanism. The turret control mechanism engages articles fed to it using a gripper. The turret sorting mechanism rotates the articles until, in conjunction with a control system, the articles are released onto appropriate locations on a second set of conveyors. The second set of conveyors directs the unprocessed articles to a second work station (where the unprocessed articles are processed) and the articles processed by the first work station are directed to an output station. Once processed, the articles sent to the second work station are also directed to the output station where they are collected and prepared for further processing.

Abstract: A high-speed handler for receiving a heap of randomly oriented parallel piped-shaped ceramic components, each component of the type having at least one set of metal terminations located on opposite edges thereof, presenting them in individual seats in controlled orientation for electrical parametric testing, and sorting them according to their test results, including a rotating feed wheel, mounted on a central shaft and defined by an outer rim concentric with the axis of the central shaft, the wheel inclined to the horizontal and including an upper surface on which to receive a heap of randomly oriented ceramic components, a plurality of radially-pointing, spaced-apart bosses extending upward and outward on the upper wheel surface terminating at component-sized cavities formed in the wheel adjacent the outer rim and arranged to receive therein a single ceramic component in specific orientation, a rotating carrier plate mounted planar to and spaced-apart from the feed wheel having an upwardly extending circula

Abstract: An easily adjustable grader for sizing and sorting food products, especially shellfish such as shrimp. The grader includes a series of parallel rotating rollers attached at either end to drive chains. The drive chains include adjustment levers attached rotatably at each roller position. The levers have a first arm terminating in a rolling wheel and a second arm whose end conforms to the chain. An adjustment rail is positioned above each chain along the length of the grader. The wheels of the levers ride along cam surface on the underside of the rail. Rail adjusters at each end of the rail raise and lower each end of the rail to change the spacing between the cam surface and the chain along the length of the grader. The pressure exerted by the cam surface on the lever causes the chain to kink in proportion to the distance between the cam surface and the chain, which adjusts the gap between consecutive rollers. The widths of the gaps determine the size gradations of the grader.

Abstract: An article transporting, and preferably also color and/or weight sorting, assembly and method, support the articles (.g. apples or like pieces of fruit), and effect precise rotation (e.g. within about 5°) of all apples transported thereby. This allows accurate determination of the apple's color by color sensing equipment (e.g. a color camera). The assembly comprises a support element, and two sets of cones mounted to the support by rotatable shafts, each set comprising first and second cones having a tapered exterior surface, the cones on each shaft facing each other and tapering to an imaginary substantially common midpoint. The cones support an apple essentially without the apple engaging the shaft. The cones may be of soft yieldable plastic or rubber with a first taper of about 25-35° (e.g. about 28°), and optionally one or more steps of different taper.

Abstract: An inspecting sorting machine for finished products of plastic film capacitor, includes a pneumatic pump, an automatic feeding table, a main inspecting machine, a central processing unit, a number of measuring gauges, a charging and discharging power supply and a motor transmission mechanism,the pneumatic pump is used with several pneumatic cylinders for a number of material-falling stations of the main inspecting machine to force capacitors to fall down,the automatic feeding table has at least two electromagnetic vibration type automatic feeding plates so that capacitors which are to be inspected are transported to a linear feeding unit of the inspecting main machine;the main inspecting machine includes a feeding plate with four claws, a main testing plate, a fixture plate, a full foot mechanism, a predicting mechanism, an insulation impedance testing point and a high low frequency capacity consumption testing mechanism which are all driven by the motor transmission mechanism which is mounted behind the insp

Abstract: There is provided a device for individually conveying and rotating pieces within individual cavities for each piece. The device includes a continuous conveyor equipped with a repetitive series of axially mounted brushes matingly cavitatied so as to receive the individual pieces. Rotation of the conveying brushes is effectuated by a mobile or stationary aprons which causes the brushes to rotate. Numerous materials (e.g. labels, etc.) and treating agents (e.g. cleaning, rinsing, waxing, polishing agents, etc.) may be applied to the rotating pieces which permits many diverse processing steps to be conducted upon the conveying and rotating pieces.

Abstract: A recycling system particularly useful for using, sorting and reusing large quantities of animal identification tags for use by producers, feedlots and packing plants is described. In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of unsorted, previously used and cleaned identification tags are passed through a tag aligner that aligns the tags in series. The aligned tags are fed to a tag sorter that includes a plurality of sorting bins for storing the sorted tags. A tag reader reads the identification tags and passes identification information stored on the tags to a controller. The controller analyzes the identification information from the tags and determines in which one of the sorting bins each tag should be stored. When each tag is adjacent the proper sorting bin, the controller signals the sorter to eject the tag into such bin. After sorting, the tags are redistributed to their original users for reuse.

Abstract: A drum elevator and method of elevating cigarettes, the apparatus having a series of rotatable cigarette transferring drums including a first plurality of horizontally disposed drums at a first elevation and a second plurality of vertically disposed drums extending to a second elevation, the second plurality of vertically disposed drums receiving output from the first plurality of drums, the series of drums adapted to receive a procession of cigarettes at the first elevation and to elevate the cigarettes along a transfer path to the second elevation while maintaining the cigarettes arranged substantially in the procession; a rejection station at a location along the transfer path; a controller operative to selectively actuate the rejection station; and a stack former at the second elevation, the stack former receiving output of the second plurality of vertically disposed drums.

Abstract: A flatware sorting machine including a feed bin for holding unsorted flatware, a sorting system for sorting the flatware, and a flatware pick-up and transport system for retrieving the flatware from the feed bin and transporting them to the sorting system.

Abstract: A device and method for sorting flat mailed pieces. The mailed pieces are individually transferred to conveying cells which can be conveyed one behind the other along a conveying path and are delivered to receptacles which are arranged along the conveying path. The mailed pieces are transferred by a transfer device to the conveying cells. The main planes of the mailed pieces (14) are oriented essentially vertically. The receptacles for the mailed pieces conveyed by the conveying cells are determined on the basis of a preset sequence of all possible mailing addresses, the mailing addresses of all mailed piece transferred to the conveying cells, and the association data representing the association between the individual mailed pieces and the conveying cells.

Abstract: A device including an annular rotary tray (1) surrounding a central space (4) housing a waste infeed and discharge assembly (14). An adjustable flap (10) selectively urges the waste on the rotary tray (1) towards the edge or the center thereof. A loading belt (6) delivers the waste onto the rotary tray (1). As the rotary tray (1) rotates in one direction, the adjustable flap (10) gradually urges the waste towards personnel located at the periphery of the tray or towards a discharge chute. When the rotary tray (1) is rotated in the opposite direction, said adjustable flap (10) returns uncollected waste to the central space (4) for discharge.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for sorting capsules of hard or soft gelatin, starch or another material, for faultless and faulty capsules. In the apparatus, capsules are first fed from a supply container holders in a control station, then conveyed in the capsule holders through individual control positions in the control station where they are observed using cameras. The images acquired by the cameras are evaluated to determine production faults in the capsules. The faulty capsules are finally ejected from the control station separately from faultless capsules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique mechanical method and device for sorting pieces (e.g. vegetables and fruits) of any desired size from unsorted and irregularly sized pieces. The device includes a pair of elongated cylindrical brushes, one of which is equipped with a spiraled furrow for propelling the unsorted pieces and another brush being a smooth surfaced bristled brush (an expelling brush) laterally positioned to the propelling brush so as to form a trough between the two brushes for longitudinally moving the pieces. The brushes are rotated in a common rotational direction. A contacting member, such as a pivotally mounted lever, traversing the trough and the smooth surfaced brush and laterally positioned above the trough at a predetermined distance will tangentially contact a piece of a desired sizing and guide the contacted piece along its interfacing surface.

Abstract: Device for separating a mixture of objects of flat dimension and objects of spatial dimension with a conveying device comprising at least one conveying carrier. The conveying device comprises two boundaries to which tangents proceeding in the conveying direction may be joined, and a feeding device for feeding a stream of objects to be separated to the conveying device substantially in one layer. In order to allow a reliable separation of foils and bodies of spatial dimension, it is provided that the conveying carrier is penetrable by air or that gaps for the passing through of air are provided between the conveying carriers. A surface tangent to the upper side of the conveying carrier(s) defines a line of intersection with a plane standing rectangularly to the conveying direction, which line forms an angle with the horizontal.

Abstract: A conveying system for tablet inspection is provided. The conveying system includes a hopper assembly for feeding tablets to a conveyor at a controlled rate. The conveyor includes a pair of conveyor belts surrounding a plenum that communicates with a vacuum pump. The conveyor belts are parallel to one another and are spaced a distance for efficiently supporting a tablet thereon. An uprighter is disposed between the hopper assembly and the conveyor to rotate the tablets into an upright condition supported on an edge. The tablets are stably held in the upright position by the vacuum pump and are moved rapidly in their upright condition by the rotatably driven conveyor belts. The upright orientation of the tablets permits the opposed sides of each tablet to be electro-optically inspected for defects without repositioning the tablets and without changing the direction of movement.

Abstract: A refuse-sorting device for use at the base of a building's refuse chute, for aiding in category-sorting of refuse. The device includes an open-topped container which is fitted with an openable bottom element. The container is supported for disposition under the discharge opening of a reuse chute, but for being shifted in a horizontal direction into overlying relation with any one of a plurality of upwardly open refuse bin. The device includes a first detector for detecting that refuse is falling into the container, and a second detector, for indicating that the container has completed shifting into overlying relation to a refuse bin designated for reception of the category of refuse contained in the container.

Abstract: A unit for sampling and quality controlling tobacco items, in particular cigarettes, wherein a sample item, fed by a first conveyor along a first given path, is transferred automatically by a selectively operated spoon-shaped diverter along a second path to a second conveyor tangent to the first path. The sample item is fed to a support in which it is supported in facing relation to an optical control device. The sample item is inspected in the support and the optical control device emits signals as a function of the surface characteristics of the sample item.

Abstract: A method of continuously testing and sorting large quantities of capacitor chips, including the steps of loading the chips into identical rows of aligned positions in a rotatable member, simultaneously and sequentially rotating the member to advance the chips past a plurality of testing stations and past subsequent sorting stations, each station successively aligned momentarily with each row of the aligned chips, simultaneously and sequentially conducting a plurality of sequential electrical testing to the chips as they are rotated from test station to test station and classifying them in a plurality of ranges of values at the last test station, and at each subsequent sorting station, sequentially collecting chips belonging in one of the ranges of values until all the chips are collected before the rotating member returns for reloading.