Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting superimposed sheets of paper in a sheet fed printing press utilizes cooperating upper and lower transmitter and receiver pairs that are positioned above and below the sheet transport path. Voltages that are representative of the positions of the upper and lower surfaces of the sheet are compared to nominal values. If the actual values significantly exeed the nominal values, a superimposed sheet condition exists and appropriate corrective action can be taken.

Abstract: The presence of residual yarn on textile bobbins is recognized by a device capable of optically sensing and distinguishing yarn from a supporting bobbin or tube, which device is movable lengthwise along the bobbin or tube to perform a sensing operation. The sensing device includes a light source, a transmitter lens for focusing the light rays onto the surface of the bobbin, and a photooptic detector having a receiver lens for receiving the light rays reflected off the bobbin surface. The transmitter and receiver lenses have respective optical axes which, during sensing movement, are oriented to intersect one another at the bobbin surface, are oriented relative to the bobbin such that a line bisecting the axes deviates from a line intersecting the vertex of the axes perpendicular to the bobbin surface by at least ten degrees (10.degree.), and also lie in a common plane oriented at an angle of at least about ninety degrees (90.degree.) relative to the path of movement of the sensing device.

Abstract: A typical printing device has a document feeder, a printer, and a document transport mechanism for transporting documents from the document feeder to the printer. In accordance with the invention, there is provided a thickness measurer which measures the thickness of a document prior to the transport of the document to the printer, a controller which receives the thickness information and which provides a gap-adjustment signal, and an adjuster which receives the gap-adjustment signal and adjusts the gap accordingly.

Abstract: The simultaneous monitoring of possibly uncrimped metal reinforcing clips on the mounting arms of a plastic housing or of a warped housing by photoelectric means and the determination of the presence or absence of the clips by electromagnetic switches in combination provide a significant improvement in the assembly and mounting of housing components to frame members.

Abstract: A singulated stream of products comprised of both single and overlapping products is transported through a scanning zone along a transport path. Each single or overlapping product defines a shadow on the transport path that is analyzed to determine the presence of product multiples in the product shadow by measuring the width and length of the product shadow. If the length of the product shadow exceeds by more than a predetermined amount the average length of previously measured shadows having a similar width, the shadow likely contains two or more overlapping products. As the product shadow moves through the scanning zone, each product included therein is scanned for affixed bar codes by a plurality of bar code scanners. If two different bar codes or two identical bar codes from mutually exclusive scanners are recorded for a single product shadow, then the shadow likely contains two or more overlapping products.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for an optical reader which provides adjustment of the reader along two axes. The apparatus comprises a support member having a slotted section defined by first and second arms projecting from each end of the support member and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. There is a plate member adjacent and operatively coupled to the support member for clamping the support member to the support shaft, whereby the support member can be adjustably positioned in the first direction. A travelling nut is slidably positioned in the slotted section, and has an aperture in which the optical reader is held. The travelling nut includes a threaded hole engaged by a threaded portion of a thumb screw. The thumb screw extends through apertures in the first and second arms and into the slotted section for adjusting the position of the travelling nut in the second direction.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus is disclosed which utilizes transmitted light to determine whether or not an article under inspection is defective in order to reject any article determined to be defective. A light irradiator is provided on irradiating an article being inspected with a light beam having a smaller diameter than that of an article, and a light condenser is provided for condensing the rays of light transmitted through the article while being diffused. Two light detectors respectively detect two specific kinds of light having different wavelengths from among the condensed rays of light transmitted through the article. A ratio is obtained between the intensities of the two specific kinds of light detected by the light detector and compared with a predtermined ratio in order to determine whether the article under inspection has undergone deterioration in quality.

Abstract: A bale opener includes a tower arranged for horizontal travel in a travelling direction along a stationarily supported fiber bale series; a detaching assembly mounted on the tower and projecting laterally therefrom to extend above an upper surface of the bale series; an opening device forming part of the detaching assembly for removing fiber tufts from the upper surface in an oblique plane during travel of the bale opener tower; at least two surface level sensors mounted on the detaching assembly for determining a height level of the upper suface at different locations during the horizontal travel of the bale opener; a path sensor for determining coordinates of the different locations; and a control device for determining the inclination of the upper surface from the height levels of the upper surface at the different locations. The surface level sensors and the path sensor are connected to the control device.

Abstract: A sheet overlapping detecting method includes the following steps. A predetermined level value V.sub.os is set as the level of a light emission signal. On the basis of a value V.sub.ik of a light reception signal obtained upon light reception based on light emission corresponding to a light emission signal having a predetermined level value V.sub.os, an optimum value V.sub.od corresponding to the input value V.sub.k is calculated in accordance with a prestored V.sub.ik -V.sub.od characteristic table. The calculated optimum value V.sub.od is set as the level of the light emission signal to drive the light-emitting device. On the basis of a value V.sub.ik of a corresponding light reception signal, a change value V.sub.1-2 corresponding to the input value V.sub.ik is calculated in accordance with a prestored V.sub.ik -V.sub.1-2 chararcteristic table. A determination level V.sub.L is calculated in accordance with the following equation:V.sub.L =V.sub.1 -(V.sub.1-2)1/2where V.sub.

Abstract: In an inserter including a support member rigidly extending transversely over a paper path in the inserter, a self adjusting document scanning apparatus includes a scanner having a scan head and structure for mounting the scanner to the support member. The mounting structure is operatively coupled to the support member so as to allow position adjustments of the scanner in the transverse direction. The mounting structure also provides a fixed reference for the upward movement of the scanner. There is linkage for coupling the scanner to the mounting structure. The linkage holds the scanner stationary in longitudinal and transverse directions and allows downward-upward movement of the scanner. Paper guides are operatively coupled to the scanner for maintaining a fixed distance between the scan head and a sheet of paper being scanned.

Abstract: The invention is preferably used for detecting the positions of articles made to advance on a belt conveyor or the like. The device comprises a radiation emitter located so that its radiation is propagated through the conveyor belt. The detection is preferably effected by a pair of detectors arranged adjacent each other so as to generate a signal which indicates that two articles are spaced apart only when both of the detectors are struck simultaneously by the radiation generated by the emitter.

Abstract: A cleaning device capable of cleaning the surface of components, the cleaning device comprising: a cleaning member for cleaning the surface of the component which needs to be prevented from contamination; an arm made of a shape memory alloy and holding the cleaning member and also storing therein a first shape which can cause the cleaning member to be positioned on the surface of the component and a second shape which can cause the cleaning member to be retracted from the surface of the component; and shape transforming arrangement provided for the arm and transforming the shape between the first shape and the second shape.

Abstract: A computer-controlled system and method for separating and sorting plastic items is provided. The computer-controlled system first comprises a first component for separating, singulating and orientating the plastic items, a second component for identifying the composition of the plastic material, a third component for identifying the color of the plastic material, and a fourth component responsive to the first and second component for distributing the plastic material to a specific collection vessel. The method of the present invention comprises a first step of separating, singulating and orientating the plastic items. The second step of the method of the present invention is to determine the composition of the plastic item. The third step of the method of the present invention is to determine the color of each plastic item. The fourth step of the method of the present invention is to discharge each plastic item to an appropriate collection vessel based on the plastic item's color and composition.

Abstract: Sagger loading apparatus, for loading unfired ceramic sparking plug bodies (3) into a sagger (37), includes a clamp (8) for removing the bodies from a conveyor (2) and depositing the bodies on pins (14) in an array, which form an intermediate store. A gripper assembly having four inwardly and outwardly movable walls (22) grips the bodies on the pins and removes them and moves them simultaneously into the sagger, where the walls of the gripper are moved apart to leave the sparking plug bodies in the sagger, ready for firing.

Abstract: A lead scanning apparatus for scanning the lead to lead integrity of electronic devices having an axial length and leads extending from the sides thereof. The apparatus includes track means for moving individual devices axially along a path to a scanning station on the path. Stop pins stop each of said devices at predetermined locations on the path where a clamp rail assists in positioning the device in a scanning orientation. The scanning unit is movably positioned at the station for movement axially along the length of the device to generate signals upon intersection of leads extending from both sides of the device. Actual signals from the scanner are compared with predetermined signals to determine the existence and spacing of each lead with respect to a predetermined pattern. A signal based on the comparison for each device is generated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process which comprises providing an imaging apparatus equipped with a path for moving receiver sheets through the apparatus and having infrared sensors situated along said path, incorporating into the imaging apparatus a substantially transparent receiver sheet having coated on at least a portion thereof an infrared absorbing material contained in a polymeric binder, passing the substantially transparent receiver sheet along the path, wherein the infrared sensors detect the presence of the infrared absorbing material on the substantially transparent receiver sheet, and generating an image on the substantially transparent receiver sheet. This process enables the use of substantially transparent receiver sheets in imaging apparatuses employing optical sensors or detectors for locating and/or positioning receiver sheets in the apparatus without the need for opaque strips on the transparencies or separate opaque sheets attached to the transparencies.

Abstract: The method and apparatus optically scan the size of a yarn package of a spinning bobbin with a plurality of light transmitters and light receivers and derive defined control processes in accordance with the ascertained size. Bobbins with yarn packages are moved in a given direction of motion at a predetermined speed between a plurality of paired and mutually opposite light transmitters and light receivers disposed one above the other with respect to the given direction of motion for placing at least some of the light receivers into a shadow. At least one of the light transmitters and light receivers are switched on and off in cycles at a predetermined rhythm, order and duration. A signal is delivered to a computer from each of the light receivers placed into a shadow in each cycle by the bobbin. The volume of the applicable bobbin is calculated with the computer from a given time required for scanning one bobbin and from the signals from the shadowed light receivers delivered during the given time.

Abstract: A ray having an optical axis approximately parallel with a surface of a yarn layer is irradiated against a surface of a package, and a light receiving element for receiving light reflected on an abnormal yarn on the surface of the yarn layer is provided at a position at which the reflected light is maximum to detect an abnormal yarn.

Abstract: A bulk stream detector for a conduit (4, 5) feeding granular, hygroscopic material to be filled into spacer frames (3) for insulating glass from a storage container to a filling head (1) comprises a punctiform light source (8, 9) connected to the conduit (4, 5), this light source emitting a light beam (11) traversing the conduit. A sensor (10) responding to the light (11) emitted by the light source (8, 9) is arranged in opposition to the light source (8, 9). The sensor (10), under the effect of the light impinging thereon from the light source (8, 9), transmits a signal to a control unit (12, 13) which latter, in turn, transmits a signal if, during a preselected period of time after the last signal transmitted by the sensor (10), no signal has been received from the sensor (10).

Abstract: In an inserter, a skew and misalignment detector for measuring skew misalignment of inserts that are conveyed on and along a conveyor comprises a plurality of photosensors disposed above the insert-conveying path in transverse relation thereto and a plurality of retroreflective targets disposed beneath the insert-conveying path in transverse relation thereto and directed toward the photosensors. Inserts obstruct the targets while being conveyed thereover. The photosensor signals are sampled in synchronism with the insert-conveying motion. The obtained signals are evaluated in relation to pre-established skew rejection threshold criteria in dependence on insert conveying speed. Inserts are diverted when the skew detector arrangement provides measures of skew and misalignment of inserts that exceed rejection threshold criteria.

Abstract: In a web break detecting device for web processing machines, more particularly web fed rotary printing presses, comprising at least one sensing means adapted for cooperation with the web and preferable in the form of a single path photoelectric detector whose beam is normally interrupted by the web and which is adapted to produce a signal if the position of the web should be displaced, in order to achieve a particularly high degree of reliability and very short response times, each sensing means, which is arranged adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the web, is provided with a deflecting means, by means of which a deflecting thrust may be produced permanently acting adjacent to the part of the associated longitudinal edge of the web, and which during normal operation is overridden by the web tension, such thrust causing the longitudinal edge of the web to moved out of the plane of the web during trouble-free operation, when the web tension fails, in relation to the sensing means.

Abstract: Disclosed are Power Encoder means for imprinting MICR characters on checks, with optical check-sensing means disposed along a check-transport path, including optical skew-sensor means.

Abstract: An automatic selection apparatus for sheet material can automatically distinguish whether sheet materials such as sheets of paper are good or bad. While the sheet materials are carried one by one in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction in the manufacturing process or working process of the sheet materials with a leading edge thereof being held by a gripper, an optical type defect detection device detects a defect in the sheet material. Accordingly, vibration of the sheet material is avoided and the defect can be accurately detected. A controller receives a signal from the defect detection device and drives a switching device which opens and closes the gripper at a defective sheet discharged portion or a good sheet stacked portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting overlapped paper sheet feed in a paper sheet feed path. The apparatus includes a photosensor and a load resistor located in the paper sheet feed path for detecting a voltage representing a light transmittivity of paper sheet(s) fed through the paper sheet feed path.

Abstract: The density of a trimmed stream of tobacco particles on a radiation-permeable conveyor is ascertained by directing a first beam of infrared light against the trimmed stream so that the light must pass through the stream and through the conveyor prior to reaching a detector which transmits to an evaluating circuit signals denoting the density of the trimmed stream. Such signals are corrected, when necessary, by signals which are generated by a second detector serving to monitor the intensity of infrared light which has passed only through the conveyor, and the corrected signals are used to regulate the operation of a trimming device which converts an untrimmed stream into the trimmed stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the thickness of a coating on an elongate strip of material which moves along a predetermined path from a first location to a second location. The apparatus includes a measuring device, at least a portion thereof being mounted on a shuttle for movement parallel with the elongate strip. The shuttle is mounted on a support frame for movement back and forth along the frame. The shuttle is further provided with a target-spotting device. A drive extends between the shuttle and the support frame for reciprocating the shuttle along the frame.

Abstract: A method of detecting an opaque foreign article from among transparent bodies which assures a distinct difference between detection signals originating from a transparent body and an opaque foreign article and a high S/N ratio in such detection signals and is improved in accuracy in detecting operation. The method comprises the steps of scanning, while an object for the detection which may be one of transparent bodies or an opaque foreign article existing in such transparent bodies is being moved, the object for the detection by a beam of linearly polarized light, and detecting reflected light from the object for the detection upon each scanning using an optical sensor such as a charge coupled device camera by way of a polarizing filter.

Abstract: A check Sorter-Imager-Processor with two (or more) imaging sites, each lit by a beam through a fibre-optic array, with a lens focusing the beam on each array such that a shift in lens-focus reduces output light from the array, the two sites being thus "matched" in light-intensity by merely focus-adjusting these lenses.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for checking the connection of first ends of electric conductors in the corresponding terminals of a connector having a rear face for introducing the ends of the conductors and a front face, each of the terminals being formed of a bore passing from one side to the other of the connector. This system further comprises, according to the invention, first illuminator for illuminating obliquely the front face of said connector, and electronic device for observing and displaying the front face, so that the variations of contrast on the front face of the connector make it possible to determine whether a particular conductor end is fitted into the appropriate terminal of the connector and whether the position of the conductor end is correct.

Abstract: A circuit operated in response to deposit of a coin through a trigger switch to selectively operate one of a plurality of signal generators. When coins are deposited through said coin trigger switch, blocking light from a light source to a light detection means, an associated signal driver activates a selected tone signal generator.

Abstract: A sheet detecting device has a pair of first and second reflection type photosensors in both sides of upper and lower guide members of a sheet carrying path. A reflector member is disposed in the lower guide member facing to the first reflection type photosensor and a comparator for comparing the output signal of the first reflection type photosensor with a predetermined reference value which is used when an image receiving sheet is not fed in the sheet detecting device. The difference between the reflectances of the right side and wrong side of the sheet fed in the sheet detecting device is detected by the first and second reflection type photosensors, so that information of the image receiving sheet is obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of pits and abnormalities in various stone fruits. The apparatus transmits a first plurality of beams of light (18) across inspection zone (14) and transmits a second plurality of beams of light (22) across inspection zone (14) in a direction opposite to beams of light (18). As a stone fruit (10) passes through inspection zone (14), a first plurality of sensors (32) and a second plurality of sensors (34) detect the variations in the intensity of the transmitted beams of light. The light transmittance and reflectance characteristics of the stone fruit are analyzed to detect the presence of a pit or internal or external abnormality.

Abstract: An optical sensor in a sheet transport system for detecting a sheet along a paper path. The sensor includes a light beam disposed in an interference relationship with a paper path, the light beam providing a plurality of crossings of the paper path and including a light emitter, a light detector disposed at the end of the light beam path, the light detector responsive to light projected along the light beam path to provide a signal, the signal providing an indication of the presence or absence of a sheet in the light beam path, and an optical fiber providing a portion of the light beam path for redirecting the light beam across the paper path. The light beam is projected at an angle with respect to the paper path, the angle being at least 10 degrees from the perpendicular to the paper path.

Abstract: A light-transmittance meter (10) employs a housing (12) that forms a slot (16) in which the edge of a window pane (14) can be received. A microswitch (24) detects initial insertion of the window (14) into the slot (16) and causes a sample-and-hold circuit (32) to store a value representing the output that a photodiode (20) produces in response to light received from a light-emitting diode 18 before the window pane (14) is interposed between them. A ratio meter (36) then receives the output of the photodiode (20) when the window (14) has been interposed between the LED (18) and the photodiode (20), and it generates a display (22) of the ratio of that value to the initial, reference value determined before the window 14 was completely inserted.

Abstract: A document sensing apparatus includes a phototransistor (12) for generating a first or second voltage depending on whether or not, respectively, a document is present at a sensing location, and a capacitor (36) for providing a second voltage whose peak value is determined by said second value. A voltage comparator (30, 38, 40) compares said first and second voltages and provides an output signal indicative of the presence of a document at the sensing location if said first voltage is less than a predetermined fraction of said second voltage. A microprocessor (44) controls the operation of a circuit (71-1) which provides, as necessary, a charging current to said capacitor (36) so that, while a document is present at the sensing location, said second voltage is prevented from falling by a significant amount, thereby preventing problems occurring if a document remains at the sensing location for a prolonged period due to a feeding irregularity.

Abstract: A candling system for a mail extraction device incorporates a light source in the form of a light emitting diode and a cooperating photo-transistor detector which operate in the infrared range, to increase the system's immunity to environmental variations, and a linearization circuit for increasing the differentials in voltage which are developed between adjacent density levels (relative to the number of sheets involved), to permit the system to better monitor (distinguish between) envelopes containing an increased number of documents with improved accuracy and efficiency.

Abstract: A coin diameter discriminating device includes a plurality of optical sensors, a measuring section, and a calculating section, and a discriminating section. The plurality of optical sensors are arranged along the coin path so as to be separated from each other in a direction to cross a coin rolling direction and to oppose different positions of a coin which rolls downs. The measuring section measures a detection time of the coin on the basis of outputs from the optical sensors. The calculating section calculates a ratio of the detection times of two specific optical sensors which are supplied from the measuring section. The discriminating section discriminates a diameter of the inserted coin on the basis of a calculation result from the calculating section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing and further processing eggs. According to the invention the eggs upon being supplied are first tested automatically for such major damage as open breaks and/or such dirt as blood stains. Further, each egg is scanned with a beam of light directed at the egg shell and the size of the aperture in the shell or any dirt is measured by a multiple transducer, viz. by counting the number of bright and dark pixels, respectively, and thus establishing the size of the damage or dirt, whereafter through comparison with set values it is automatically determined in what category of damage or contamination the egg in question is to be classified. The invention also relates to apparatus for carrying out this method.

Abstract: A method for examining food products for undesired ingredients by means of laser irradiation. A laser beam scans the food products according to a predetermined pattern. Variations in the intensity of the laser beam passing through the food products indicate the presence of undesired ingredients. This method is carried out by an apparatus which comprises two parabolic mirrors, a laser emitting a laser beam so as to originate from the focus of one of the mirrors and a detection means positioned in the focus of the other mirror. The food products are moved between the mirrors by conveyor belts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-destructive internal and external inspection of produce, including the detection of pits in various stone fruits. The apparatus transmits a first plurality of beams of light (20) across inspection zone (14) and transmits a second plurality of beams of light (30) across inspection zone (14) in a direction transverse to beams of light (20), thus forming an X-Y plane. As article of produce (10) passes through inspection zone (14) along the Z-axis, a first plurality of sensors (24) and a second plurality of sensors (34) detect the variations in the intensity of the beams of light and the data is processed to produce a three-dimensional "picture" of the article of produce. Size, symmetry, external defects, and internal structure are determined as a result of processing the data collected. The apparatus and method can be used for detecting pits or surface defects, and for sorting or rejecting articles of produce based on size, symmetry, external defects or internal structure.

Abstract: A device for photoelectrically sensing the color of a target object includes two more light sources having different characteristic ranges of chromaticity and at least one photosensitive element which receives light from the light sources after it has reflected off of the target object. A logic circuit serves to serially energize the light sources and receive resultant sample signals from the photosensitive elements. The logic circuit then generates a resultant signal as a function of the various sample signals and compares the resultant signal with a predetermined reference standard. If the difference therebetween exceeds a tolerance limit, the control circuit will output a reject signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are Power Encoder means for imprinting MICR characters on checks, with optical check-sensing means disposed along a check-transport path, including optical skew-sensor means including a pair of area-photo-sensor means, one on each side of the check whereby the differential output thereof indicates "degree of skew".

Abstract: A laser beam emitted from a semiconductor laser is radiated and scanned on a bundle of paper materials which is being conveyed, and the laser beam reflected by the bundle is received by a plurality of photocells to be converted to electrical signals. A signal synthesizer synthesizes the electrical signals output from the photocells. A binary circuit binarizes the synthesized signal to generate a boundary signal corresponding to a boundary between packs included in the bundle. A CPU detects the number of packs included in the bundle on the basis of the number of boundary signals.

Abstract: A comparing device for comparing major landmarks and the orientation of a master object to like characteristics of test objects includes a plurality of master sensors arranged in a predetermined pattern corresponding to a desired orientation and/or landmarks of a fixed master object for producing an output representative of the orientation of the fixed master object. A plurality of test sensors are arranged in the same pattern as the plurality of master sensors for sensing major landmarks and the orientation of a test object and for producing an output representative of the orientation and major landmarks of the test object. In addition, a comparison device compares the output of the plurality of master sensors to the output of the plurality of test sensors for providing a signal to indicate incorrectness of the test object corresponding to the desired characteristics of the fixed master object and subsequent ejection of the incorrect test object from the processing line.

Abstract: A method of electro-optically inspecting cigarettes, whereby the cigarettes are fed along a route defined by two counter-rotating conveyors, each having substantially cylindrical peripheral seats designed to cooperate with opposite halves of the lateral outer surface of the cigarettes. The exposed surface portion of each cigarette is inspected by an electro-optical device, such as a telecamera, as it travels over each conveyor, and the end of the cigarette inspected by at least a further electro-optical device; the resulting images produced by the aforementioned electro-optical devices being compared with a specimen image, and the result of said comparison being employed for determining acceptance or rejection of each cigarette.

Abstract: Fish sex discrimination equipment and method comprising an automatic supplying unit, a light projection and reception detection unit, a discrimination control unit, a discharge unit, and a first conveyor and a second conveyor, and also comprising the steps of automatically supplying fish to be discriminated, transmitting light to a genital gland area of the fish, scanning the light, discriminating the sex of the fish based on the quantity of light tramsmitted, for example, a mean value or integrated value, and discharging the fish through the first or second conveyor which corresponds to the sex of the fish.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an inspection method, apparatus and system for identifying cigarettes having insufficient tobacco at their lighting end in which cigarettes are conveyed serially through a beam of infrared radiation. The amount of infrared radiation passing perpendicularly through the end portion of each cigarette is compared to a predetermined value to determine whether or not the cigarette is defective. The method, apparatus and inspection system of the invention is both accurate and reliable and can be employed in combination with cigarette manufacturing systems operating at speeds in excess of 7,000-8,000 cigarettes per minute.

Abstract: Objects are dropped in succession through a viewing zone, where they are viewed in bright field illumination by three viewers along mutually orthogonal axes, using radiation of different wave-lengths (or viewing in rapid succession). The viewers sense the presented area. The presented areas are compared in a microprocessor in order to obtain a rough determination of the shape of the object. The presented areas can, for example, be summated to obtain a rough determination of the size of the object.

Abstract: A light sensor device along a sheet transport track, having light emitting and sensing means in one of the track's two spaced apart walls, for emitting light energy and sensing the light energy reflected back from a sheet interposed between the walls and in the path of the emitted light energy. The sensor device also includes light absorbing means in the other wall of the track for absorbing the light energy emitted from the light emitting and sensing means when the sheet is not interposed between the light emitting and sensing means. The light absorbing means includes a transparent cylindrical member having a polished end surface for receiving the emitted light energy, the cylinder's other end surface and the cylinder's cylindrical surface being light energy absorbent.

Abstract: A check Sorter-Imager-Processor with two (or more) imaging sites, each lit by a beam through a fibre-optic array--with a lens focusing the beam on each array such that a shift in lens-focus reduces output light from the array,--the two sites being thus "matched" in light-intensity by merely focus-adjusting these lenses.