Abstract: The invention generally relates to a novel method of sorting seed by providing a first seed population with a fluorescent indicator and a second seed population visually identical to the first seed population under standard operating conditions. The seed populations are combined to provide a combined seed population. A lamp having an output corresponding to the activation wavelength of the fluorescent indicator and a color sorting system are paired to count or separate the seed populations, as desired.

Abstract: A cigarette packer (1) incorporates a station at which cigarettes (2) are formed into groups (12) and from which the groups (12) are advanced by a first conveyor (13) along a first feed path (P) toward a wrapping station (16). A first inspection device (24) located along the first feed path (P) detects initially whether or not there are any defective cigarettes (2) in each group (12), and a second inspection device (45) located along a second conveyor (30) then identifies the single defective cigarettes (2) detected by the first device (24); the second inspection device (45) operates in conjunction with a rejection unit (46) by which defective cigarettes (2) are removed from the second conveyor (30).

Abstract: A method for verification of the presence of a living embryo in an incubating poultry egg. The method comprises the steps of: causing at least two electrodes to make conductive contact with the outside surface of the shell of an egg; amplifying any of the analog signals received via two of the at least two electrodes; analyzing the signals after amplification, using a program in a microprocessor, to establish whether the signals originated in the cardiac activity of the embryo; and providing information confirming or negating the presence of a living embryo in the egg. The invention also provides a corresponding system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system of IC transporting process for IC test device and the method thereof, and in particular, an IC transporting system having a plurality of buffering regions provided at the front end and rear end of the test region of the IC chip. The system comprises an empty tray treating region, feeding region, main buffering region, test region, and distribution region. The present invention makes use of time-differential of transporting IC chip loading trays between the distribution region and the main buffering region to maintain the testing process of IC chips. Thus, the present invention provides a high and efficient productivity.

Abstract: Method and device for detecting dirt on eggs is provided which comprises exposing the eggs to ultraviolet light, capturing images of the exposed eggs resulting in images formed of pixels, and determining within the images, surface areas of dirt by correlating data of contrast and data of position of the pixels. Such a method enables selecting and subsequently removing eggs which contain dirt surface areas of a predetermined size. Further, such a method and device may be applied advantageously for both white and brown eggs in egg sorting machines.

Abstract: A method and system for sorting IC-components into pre-definable classes of criteria simultaneously remove a plurality of the IC-components from receiving portions of a tray using a plurality of gripping devices. Each of the gripping devices having an access area that is separate from access areas associated with the other gripping devices. The tray is moved in steps past the gripping devices. Each of the gripping devices is controlled to remove from the receiving portions of the tray only the IC-components belonging to one class of criteria assigned to the access area of the respective gripping device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for fabricating devices so that several devices at a time can be tested and sorted. The devices are placed in a carrier so that each device occupies a discrete position. The carrier includes an identification marker, and each device is identified by its position in the carrier. The carrier is sent to multiple assembly and/or testing stations, and data for each device is collected and stored in a central data base according to its position in the carrier. Each device may then be sorted according to the collected data and its position in the carrier.

Abstract: One or more concentric rings of component seats are rotatable about the rings' center. The seats are uniformly angularly spaced and the rings are incrementally rotated, the increment of rotation being the angular space between adjacent seats. The rings are inclined at an angle and a stream of components is poured onto the rings as they are rotating. Stationary fences adjacent to outboard sides of the seats, confine unseated components to tumble randomly, due to gravity, over empty seats passing through arcs of the rings' rotation paths. The random tumbling results in seated components. In the paths of the rotating rings are electrical contactors for coupling the components to a tester. Preferably there are five contactor stations to permit five different kinds of tests to be performed simultaneously. Tested components pass beneath an ejection manifold which defines a plurality of ejection holes which register with a set of seats each time the ring is rotated an increment.

Abstract: A handler/sorter for articles such as the trays of integrated circuit chips is provided with an unstacking elevator system, an inspection station, a sorting station for repopulating the tray with non-defective integrated circuit chips, and an output station. The output station has a stacking elevator which is essentially the mirror image of the unstacking elevator at the input station, reducing the number of different parts. The elevators employ pneumatic or linear motor drives which gently place the trays on the conveyor shuttles, without rattling the integrated circuit chips. In an optical inspection embodiment, a focussing elevator is provided at the inspection station. The focussing elevator operates in response to focus control signals issued by a scanning camera system. Transportation between the respective stations is provided by a pair of conveyor shuttles which employ linear motors.

Abstract: The automatic sorting device allows nuclear-fuel pellets to be distributed into correct, acceptable or scrapped pellets.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sorting garments of different types and sizes. The garments are sorted according to different selection criteria, such as type and size, and put together in delivery groups respectively assigned to one buyer. To make such a method and such an apparatus more simple, also for a great number of buyers, the garments should be sorted in at least two steps, sorting being performed in the first step according to a first selection criterion and pre-groups being formed, and sorting being performed in the second step according to a second selection criterion and second pre-groups being formed, with intermediate groups being formed within the second pre-group and containing the garments of a specific size and a specific type respectively assigned to a specific buyer. All intermediate groups assigned to a specific buyer are subsequently combined to obtain the delivery group.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically loading and unloading sleeves for an IC tester and then selectively reloading the sleeves after testing, which is controlled by a conventional microprocessor using sensor input and which automatically transports the IC chip containing sleeves randomly contained in a hopper to a sorter section in a correct posture by means of a timing belt having sleeve holders, to feed the chips in the sorter section, to the tester by a first transfer block, and then automatically transfer empty sleeves from an ejector section having a cam plate and an ejector through a dropping section having a pair of guide rails to an unloader section having a second transfer block, a sleeve holder, a sensor and a pushing plate, thereby permitting the sleeves to be refilled with the tester and sorted IC chips and stored in a storage box.

Abstract: The present invention represents a further extension of the automation of the various steps of the wood gluing process. This invention automatically selects and transmits to further work stations appropriately sized pieces of stock which, when glued together (utilizing various of the apparatus shown in the art for gluing such strips together), saves time in the formation of the end products. Information concerning the operation of the invention is recorded by customer number or other code to provide a permanent record of the results of the invention's operation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically recovering product from a partially-filled multiple cavity package, such as a "blister" package, are disclosed. Automatic product recovery is necessary for reducing the cost associated with the partial filling of blister packages when mass producing products, such as pharmaceuticals, that are packaged together in units. A preferred embodiments of the invention comptises a feeler and an associated photoelectric switching device disposed so that the penetration of the feeler into an unfilled cavity causes the photoelectric switching device to actuate. The actuation of the photoelectric device triggers means for recovering product from the package. The recovering means comprises air jets for dislodging the product from the package, a holding vessel, and a vacuum for transferring the product into the holding vessel. If timed recovery is desired, a microprocessor circuit for automatically triggering the recovering means at a predetermined time, is also provided.

Abstract: A bundle processing apparatus includes a receiving conveyor for receiving a plurality of bundles, each bundle including a number of packs and each pack including a plurality of paper sheets, a removing conveyor for removing bundles from the receiving conveyor, a counter for counting the number of packs included in each bundle removed by the removing conveyor, a length detector for detecting the length of each bundle, a stacking device for stacking a bundle when the number of packs counted by the counter is equal to a predetermined number and the length detected by the length detector is equal to a predetermined length, a device for rejecting a bundle when the number of packs counted by the counter is not equal to the predetermined number or the length detected by the detector is not equal to the predetermined length, and a storage device having a storage box for storing the stacked bundles.

Abstract: The present invention represents a further extension of the automation of the various steps of the wood gluing process. This invention automatically selects and transmits to further work stations appropriately sized pieces of stock which, when glued together (utilizing various of the apparatus shown in the art for gluing such strips together), saves time in the formation of the end products.

Abstract: A capsule-inspection apparatus includes a base and a capsule-receiving tray slidable on the base to cause all of the capsules cradled in pockets formed in the tray to be turned simultaneously about their longitudinal axes to enhance visual inspection of substantially the entire exterior surface of the cradled capsules. An inspection mask is positionable on the tray to permit a user visually to inspect the coating dip line of coated caplets cradled in the tray quickly and easily to determine if the coating dip line is located substantially in the middle of the caplet to ensure that the caplet coating causes the caplet to resemble a two-piece capsule.

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

Abstract: A stream of neighboring stacks of superimposed cigarette packs wherein the stacks can consist of or contain defective packs is advanced intermittently along a horizontal path. Stacks which contain or consist of defective packs are removed by the pockets of an indexible turret which is located in a vertical plane extending at right angles to the path of the stream. The defective pack or packs of a removed stack are expelled from the respective pocket in a first angular position of the pocket in which the latter is remote from the path for the stream, and the partially or completely emptied pocket is then indexed to a second position to receive one or more satisfactory packs which were expelled from previously removed stacks of defective and satisfactory packs before the thus filled pocket is returned into the path for the stream to fill a gap which has developed as a result of removal of a stack.

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

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for assembling wrapped stick confections from a multi-lane packaging machine into groups with the stick ends of the wrapped stick confections overlapping. The packaging apparatus comprises endless type first and second conveyors each having product pushers at uniformly spaced locations therealong for advancing stick confections crosswise of their length from a loading station sequentially past a weighing station and an ejecting station to a stacking station. Mechanism is provided at the loading station for feeding wrapped stick confections from the multi-lane wrapping machine into the pockets on first and second conveyors with the stick ends in juxtaposition.

Abstract: A device for transferring and verifying batches of cigarettes, placed transversely with respect to the direction in which they move forward and in superposed layers. Miniaturized reflection photocells in a number identical to the number of layers composing the cigarette batches are provided for checking cigarette ends. As each batch passes, each of the elements emits a signal in response to the performed check. These signals, converted into logical form by a first circuit block, pass into a second circuit block which, synchronized with cyclic signals indicative of the checking elements examining the central areas of the ends of the cigarettes, constitutes means for operating an ejector device.

Abstract: A method of removing product of an unacceptable height from a product line is disclosed. In the method, a quantity of the product is arrayed in a carrier and moved to a gauging station where the array is placed between a reference plate and a corresponding array of gauging members and gauged by raising the reference plate to a predetermined height position and measuring the height of the gauging members when the gauging members are supported on the product array. The signals from the gauging station are stored and the carrier plate is moved to a rejection station where unacceptable product is selectively removed in response to the stored rejection signals from the gauging station. The carrier plate is then returned to the product line with only acceptable product still in place.

Abstract: A continuous series of vials carried by their caps on reciprocable vacuum chucks on a turret move continuously (a) through a gross visual inspection station while slowly rotated and under side, top, and back lighting, and with each vial in an intense beam of light from below which moves with the vial; (b) then, while raised into stabilizing cups, across a spinner belt which rotates the cups and vials at high speed; and (c) then, while stopped with their contents rotating, through a particulate visual inspection station with similar lighting for observation of foreign matter suspended in the contents. Inspectors have unrestricted view of each entire vial, except only for the top of the cap, in a continuous series for comparison or pattern inspection and can, with a finger, tap defective vials off the chucks to a reject conveyor for reinspection.

Abstract: System of testing and sorting according to tested ranges of values of miniature electronic capacitor and resistor units. A planar carrier with rows and files of openings, loaded with such units, is disposed in an oblique plane to retain the units in place. The carrier is moved in a stepped manner past an electrical testing station and past a series of sorting stations. At the testing station, a file of probes is brought into electrical contact with one end of a set of electronic units in each file. A metal ply laminated in the carrier contacts the other end of the set of electronic units. A bridge network makes measurements by connecting to the file of probes and to the metal ply. A receptacle is disposed at each sorting station. As each file of electronic units passes the receptacles, the units are selectively deposited in the receptacles, by air jets, according to tested ranges of values.

Abstract: Potatoes carried on a roller table conveyor are presented in transverse rows at an inspection area illuminated by a lamp from a first direction and observed by a line imaging camera along a second direction arranged by a mirror to be approximately at right angles to the first direction. The camera scans repeatedly across each row and provides an output detection signal representing the reflected radiation. The camera observes a sharply illuminated boundary of the potatoes against a dark background a micro-computer processes the detection signal to provide an information signal representative of the length of a potato along the direction of its row. Size grading, for example, may be effected by directing potatoes along different routes by deflecting fingers controlled in dependence upon the information signal. An operator may observe potatoes in the inspection area by means of a television camera and monitor, and may indicate by a lightpen a potato to be rejected by the subsequent deflecting fingers.

Abstract: An automatic optoelectronic inspection device is located at a position downstream from a cigarette making machine and upstream from cigarette packaging machinery, and cigarettes are conveyed in groups to the inspection device where each group is inspected. The inspection device includes a plurality of photodetectors arranged so that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the position of a photodetector and the position occupied by each cigarette in a normally formed group. Each photodetector includes a light-emitting source for illuminating the end portion of a cigarette and a photoelectric transducer for sensing light reflected from the end portion of a cigarette in registration with the photodetector. The power to the light-emitting sources is controlled in such a way that the intensity of the light emanating from each light-emitting source is modulated at a high frequency.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, methods and machinery are provided for automatically inspecting shaped, lined closures and rejecting those which fail to meet pre-established criteria for shape and seal. Specifically, shaped closures having concave interior portions and resilient sealing liners are supplied to an inspection station comprising one or more female inspection nests for receiving individual closures and one or more respective male inspection heads for insertion into the concave portions of respective closures. The inspection heads are provided with exterior shapes approximating the interiors of ideal closures so that penetration into the closure indicates the conformity of the closure to the ideal. Preferably, the inspection head is connected to a source of pressurized fluid for testing both the depth of penetration and the adequacy of the sealing ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and handling empty beverage containers. The empty containers may be received either individually or in cartons upon a moving conveyor. An alignment mechanism separates the containers and moves them to one side of the conveyor. A switch arrangement senses cartons, so that the system can process cartons of empty containers in a different manner than individual empty containers. The containers, whether individually or in cartons, pass through an illumination station wherein they interrupt illumination falling upon a row of photocells. Output signals from the photocells are transmitted to identification circuitry together with clock signals generated in synchronism with the movement of the conveyor. The identification circuitry generates registration signals, which are used to compute value of the containers being received. A paddle mechanism shifts the cartons to a separating station, which forwards properly filled cartons to a storage area.

Abstract: An electronic fruit grading machine includes an endless chain having positioning rollers or bars which rotate and on which the fruit coming from a hopper is positioned in rows. The grading machine includes an electronic apparatus capable of detecting surface marks or defects in the fruit which is situated on the bars. The fruit is arranged in transverse rows and is displaced at a certain speed under a standard television camera. The feed of the fruit from the hopper to the endless chain is carried out by a cylindrical drum acting as a feeding device. On the surface of the cylindrical drum are rows of holes, and adjacent each hole is provided a wedge, one face of which follows the prolongation of a radius of the cylindrical drum and is arranged for the expulsion of extra fruit adhered to the periphery of the cylindrical drum.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting firm whole fruits and vegetables from those which are soft and broken by sliding or rolling the specimens to be sorted down an inclined plane to impart momentum and velocity and then dropping them on a rearwardly moving conveyer belt. The firm whole specimens will have achieved sufficient forward velocity on the inclined plane to overcome the rearward motion of the conveyer belt while the soft broken specimens will be carried rearwardly with the belt.