Abstract: A grain damage analyzer illuminates a grain sample with longwave, ultraviolet radiation, causing the exposed starch of the damaged portions to fluoresce and a video camera views the illuminated grain. The video signal from the camera is digitized into an array of pixels. The number of percentage of pixels which have an intensity exceeding a predetermined threshold represents the extent of damage to the sample.

Abstract: In order to compensate for worn or distorted wafer cassettes and missing wafers, the cassette of wafers is scanned through a beam. The timing of the interruptions of the beam is used to inventory the wafers present and measure the exact position of each wafer relative to the base of the cassette.

Abstract: A controller controlling the dispensing of paper currency including a microprocessor for controlling motors which feed a predetermined mix of paper currency from each dispensing device to a common acceleration device which advances bills to an output stacker. Each individual dispensing device dispenses the proper number of bills to the acceleration device. Apparatus multiplexes the control signals to the stepper motor. After the bills have been dispensed, the stepper motor is halted, and a home positioning sensor determines if the stepper motor has been halted in the proper position. Sensors provided at spaced intervals along the common acceleration device determine if bills have reached the acceleration device. The dispensing operation is repeated if bills do not reach the sensor. The sensors perform the dual function of sensing advancement of a bill and detecting overlapping or multiple fed bills. The adaptive technique compensates for changes in the sensor such as component aging and dust accumulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the passage of sheets past at least one sensing assembly (48,49). The sensing assembly (48,49) generates an output signal whose level varies in accordance with a characteristic of the sheets, for example the thickness of the sheets. The method comprises for the or each sensing assembly, presetting a first threshold (62) spaced by a predetermined amount from a datum output signal level (57) when no sheet is sensed, the predetermined amount being such that the first threshold (62) is not passed as a result of random noise variations in the output signal but is passed during the passage past the sensing means of all sheets which it is desired to monitor. The size of the output signal from the sensing means (48, 49) relative to the datum level is monitored when the output signal first passes the first threshold (62) corresponding to the passage of a first sheet.

Abstract: Sensors in the infeed and output stackers, under control of the microprocessor, monitor the sheets. The apparatus is started automatically by placing sheets in the infeed. A count of the sheets is developed and displayed as the sheets are fed. When the infeed is empty and the output contains sheets, the count is retained. If sheets are removed from the outfeed, the count is retained and is reset only after more sheets are placed in the input. The same rules obtain for batching. The sensors cooperate with singles, holes and doubles detectors and have their again adjusted depending upon sheet density. Automatic threshold adjustment circuits compensate for dust build-up and component aging. Upon sheet detection, the sensing circuit threshold level is instantaneously shifted to prevent an abrupt change in intensity from the sheet covering the sensor to provide an erroneous indication of the presence of a subsequent sheet or sheets.

Abstract: Sensors in the infeed and output stackers, under control of the microprocessor, monitor the sheets. The apparatus is started automatically by placing sheets in the infeed. A count of the sheets is developed and displayed as the sheets are fed. When the infeed is empty and the output contains sheets, the count is retained. If sheets are removed from the outfeed, the count is retained and is reset only after more sheets are placed in the input. The same rules obtain for batching. The sensors cooperate with singles, holes and doubles detectors and have their gain adjusted depending upon sheet density. Automatic threshold adjustment circuits compensate for dust build-up and component aging. Upon sheet detection, the sensing circuit threshold level is instantaneously shifted to prevent an abrupt change in intensity from the sheet covering the sensor to provide an erroneous indication of the presence of a subsequent sheet or sheets.

Abstract: An infrared dryer is provided for a printing press which uses a series of carriers, each comprising one or more gripper bars, on a conveyor to respectively carry printed sheets past the dryer. The sensor produces different binary signals in response to the presence or absence of material, viz, a gripper bar structure or carried sheets in the path, each carrier producing a predetermined number of transitions between the presence and absence signals, the only change between an empty carrier and one carrying a sheet being the duration of the presence and absence signals. A microprocessor is programmed to cyclically count from zero to the predetermined number of transitions, with each count cycle representing the passage of a carrier. The microprocessor also measures and compares the total durations of the presence and absence signals during each count cycle. If the presence signal duration exceeds the absence signal duration, then the heater is actuated to a preselected operating intensity.

Abstract: Two emitters, producing light at different wavelengths, and a single receiver provide an optical sensor useful for detecting the presence or position of objects having surfaces which do not totally reflect incident light.

Abstract: There is a sorting apparatus for mixed envelopes according to whether or not the envelopes are face-up, and whether or not they are upside-down. Each envelope is carried lengthwise and a parallel light beam is radiated on the envelope from the right and left oblique directions with respect to the carrying direction of the envelope. When the light beam is radiated on the backside of the envelope from the upper side of the envelope, the shadow of the flap is formed on the envelope. Whether or not the envelope is face-up and whether or not the envelope is rightside-up is determined by this shadow detection.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with directly measuring belt speed by placing two high resolution single fiber optical reflectometers a known distance apart on a line parallel to the belt motion. The signal from the first reflectometer is delayed and the cross correlation function of the two signals is calculated in real time. The cross correlation function can be maximized by varying the delay. When the maximum is observed, the belt velocity may be found by dividing the reflectometer separation by the delay.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a label strip or the like which includes an elongated web and a plurality of labels with the labels being on the web and being separated by a gap. The label strip is moved through a label sensing station, and light is directed toward the label strip at the label sensing station so that the light impinges sequentially on the labels and the web in the gaps. The light is directed against the label strip at an acute angle of incidence which is sufficiently small so that an optical signal is reflected from the web in the gap at the sensing station. The optical signal is detected to indicate the presence of the gap at the sensing station. A barrier cooperates with the labels to block light other than the optical signal from being conducted from the light source to the detector.

Abstract: An optical detecting system for a machine for counting individual articles and delivering a preselected quantity of articles into receptacles. The system optically illuminates individual article receiving locations on an endless conveyor made up of elongated article receiving flights and produces optically-detectable indications of the presence or absence of an article at one or more article receiving locations. A reflector displays the optically-detectable indications to an optical detector, such as a camera, which generates an electronic signal representative of the optically-detectable indication. Associated circuitry generates a second electronic signal indicative of the presence or absence of an article in one or more receiving locations. The second electronic signal may be used to derive a count of articles delivered into the receptacles, and to actuate ejection of receptacles which are under-filled.

Abstract: During the packaging of cigarettes, cigarette groups (10) assigned to a pack are checked to ensure that all the cigarettes are present. For non-contact monitoring, optical transmitters (22) and receivers (23) are arranged in a support (cantilever 21) located above the path of movement of the cigarette groups (10), in such a way that, when the cigarettes in the top layer (17) are present and properly formed, a check beam (26) from the transmitter (22) is received as a reflected beam (27) by the receiver (23).

Abstract: This invention distinguishes coins by electronically checking their various masses, diameters and thicknesses. The coins are subjected to a constant acceleration force, i.e., gravity, and slide along a side of a ramp, which results in different velocities for different kinds of coins. The speeds of the coin are measured at two different times at one location on the ramp, or alternatively at two different adjacent locations along the ramp. The width and thickness of the coin are also measured. It has been found that an accurate determination can be made of the designation of the coin based on correspondence between the acceleration (which is related to the mass), the width (which is specifically the diameter of a round coin), and the thickness, or a proportional section of the width and thickness with predetermined ranges of acceleration, width and thickness.

Abstract: One or more microswitches (9) are mounted on the back wall (2) of an aircraft electronics equipment pallet or tray, to be actuated by the rear panel (7) of a slide-in electronics unit (6) when the latter's rear panel connectors correctly mate with the connectors on the back wall of the receiving tray, thus electrically or optically connecting photosensitive means with luminous indicating means.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of detecting and signifying the presence or absence of a product identity mark or the like on a transparent sheet includes detecting facilities having a first part including light transmitting facilities and a second part including light detecting facilities, the first and the second parts mutually spaced apart from a predetermined portion of the sheet that should have the product identity mark applied thereto. If the mark is present at least a portion of light transmitted by the light transmitting facilities will be interrupted by the mark and prevented from reaching the light detecting facilities. Signalling facilities functionally connected to the light detecting facilities generate a "yes" signal when the light detected by the detecting facilities is above a predetermined level and a "no" signal otherwise.

Abstract: The apparatus measures the transmission of light in successive falling objects. A beam is projected, wide enough to bathe all the facing surface of the object. An integrating sphere is on the other side of the object and its inlet and outlet apertures provide cut-offs so that only a hollow cone of flux scattered from the object is trapped in the integrating sphere, this flux being measured by a detector. The detector is connected to a micro-processor whose output is a measure of the clarity of the object. When the object is not in the beam, the beam falls on a detector so that the reduction in flux sensed by the detector is a measure of the projected area of the object. The micro-processor divides the signal from the detector by the reduction in flux, thereby making the output substantially independent of the size of the object.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining two or more superimposed film sheets, particularly X-ray film sheets, in a transport after their withdrawal from the film sheet stack, has a light barrier with a light source at one side of the transport path and a photoreceiver at the other side thereof, and an evaluating circuit connected with the photoreceiver for producing a signal corresponding to the presence of two or more sheets and including a computer supplied with a value of the density of a first or test sheet introduced into the light barrier between the light source and the photoreceiver, so that the supplied value serves as a reference signal for measuring the next film sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the passage of sheets (48) through a nip (24), comprises a pair of guide surfaces (20,27) defining the nip (24); means (17,20) for passing sheets (48) through the nip (24); and sensing means formed by pairs of light emitting diodes (37) and phototransistors (38) (37,38) for sensing the deflection of one guide surface relatively to the other. Monitoring means (41,42,43) are provided for monitoring the output of the sensing means (37,38) and for storing a guide surface profile corresponding to the sensing means output when no sheet (48) is present. Comparison means (44) compares subsequent test profiles generated by the monitoring means (41,42) with the stored profile; and detection means (42) detects the presence of a sheet in the nip (24) only when there is a substantially uniform difference between the stored and test profiles.

Abstract: A coin sizing circuit and method of operation therefor for use with a coin-operated vending system for distinguishing between various deposited coins as they travel along a predefined path, comprising first and second spaced sensors positioned to detect the movement of a deposited coin thereby, the sensors being responsive to movement of the deposited coin to produce an initial sensing status signal and two further sensing status signals as the coin moves along the predefined path by the sensors and reaches particular positions relative thereto, a memory having predetermined coin sizing data stored therein, and processing circuitry, preferably a programmed microprocessor, operatively connected to the sensors to receive the sensing status signals produced thereby and also operatively connected to the memory to permit the retrieval therefrom of the data stored therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grading generally spherical articles, and specifically fruit such a oranges, which do not orient along a predetermined axis when rotated on a roller conveyor comprises a pair of side scan cameras disposed on opposite sides of the fruit. An overhead camera provides plural data signals representative of the surface quality of the fruit. The side scan cameras provide data indicative of the surface quality of side portions of the fruit. A processor and processing algorithm computes a surface quality indication based upon the data from the overhead camera and modifies the surface quality indication depending upon the data provided by the side scan cameras.

Abstract: In a bag-making macine where a base is formed on an end of a tube section by folding and successively folded tube sections are conveyed transversely at intervals with the main part of each tube section flattened and its folded base perpendicular thereto, photocells are provided to scan the leading and trailing folded edges of each base. The photocells and a light source are disposed on opposite sides of each base and an arcuate disc rotatable about its center of curvature at a circumferential speed equal to the conveying speed of the tube sections bridges the intervals between the bases of successive tube sections so that the photocells remain unexposed unless the bases are deformed.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically scanning a moving cigarette rod for the presence of defects in its external surface has two annularly arranged groups of diodes which emit green light in the wavelength range of between 0.49 and 0.58.mu. and direct such light from the opposite sides of a plane that is normal to the moving rod so that the incident light is reflected by successive annular portions of the external surface of the rod into the aforementioned plane. The reflected light is focused by systems of lenses upon discrete photosensitive transducers through discrete slit diaphragms on the transducers themselves or on a thin metallic ring which is adjustably mounted on the support for the diodes and the systems of lenses.

Abstract: A novel apparatus is provided for inspecting defects in cigarette bundles layered in buckets which are fixed to a bucket conveyor. The defects include tip fall state where the top content of cigarette piece is dropped off, loss of filter and shortage in the number of cigarette pieces. The apparatus consists of a gate time measuring device, a dark time measuring device, a computing device and a comparison device. The gate time measuring device measures gate time showing the passing time of the internal length of buckets, and the dark time measuring device measures dark time showing the passing time of a defective part of cigarette and of spaces between cigarette pieces. The computing device selects the maximum value of the dark time and computes a percentage of the gate time to the maximum value. The comparison device then compares the computed value with a predetermined value so as to determine whether or not there are defects in cigarette piece bundles.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device for checking the number of cigarettes making up an orderly group of cigarettes to be packed, and/or the regularity of the cigarette ends, includes a box-like cigarette-checking head (1) in which a number of feeler pins (2) are axially slidably mounted, the said feeler pins (2) being pressed against the cigarette ends, and controlling a number of intercepting screens (4) located between light sources (10), such as light emitting diodes, and photosensitive elements (11), such as phototransistors. Air under pressure is fed into the box-like cigarette-checking head (1), and is caused to first sweep the light sources (10) and the photosensitive elements (11). Thus, dust is prevented from settling down on the light sources (10) and on the photosensitive elements (11), and the air under pressure flowing out of the box-like cigarette-checking head (1) through the feeler pin-guiding bores (3, 8), will remove any dust from said bores and guarantee the slidability of the feeler pins (2).

Abstract: A double sheet detection method and apparatus for a sheet-fed rotary press is proposed wherein a theoretical reference value is set as a difference between an intermediate value between a first theoretical amount of light transmitted through one sheet and a second theoretical amount of light transmitted through two sheets and the first theoretical amount of light; the theoretical reference value is stored in correspondence with the amount of light transmitted through a sheet; a difference is calculated between an amount of light transmitted through an nth sheet and an amount of light transmitted through an (n+1)th sheet when actual printing is performed; the theoretical reference value which corresponds to the amount of light transmitted through the nth sheet and which is defined as an actual reference value is read out; the difference calculated when actual printing is performed is compared with the actual reference value; and double sheet detection is performed in accordance with a comparison result.

Abstract: Double sheet detection method and apparatus of a sheet-fed rotary press, wherein a theoretical reference value is set as an intermediate value between a first theoretical amount of light transmitted through one sheet and a second theoretical amount of light transmitted through two sheets, respectively; the theoretical reference value is subtracted from the first amount of light to obtain a theoretical subtracted value; the theoretical subtracted value is subtracted from an actual amount of light transmitted through one sheet to obtain an actual reference value; and an actual amount of light transmitted through a current sheet is compared with the actual reference value to perform double sheet detection.

Abstract: In a conveyor system for conveying articles, such as a system for conveying cigarettes from a cigarette-manufacturing machine along a plurality of channels to a packaging machine, the level of cigarettes in one or more of the channels is measured by an analog-type level detector which generates a continuous output signal used to continuously control the speed of the conveyor system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sensing device for a printing apparatus which has a printing head that moves line-wise along a recording medium that is conducted across a reflective surface. The sensing device includes a source of radiation projected onto an area of the reflective surface adjacent to the area or spot of printing and a radiation receiving device for receiving a reflected beam of radiation from the spot, which receiving device has a convergent lens system positioned in the path of the reflected beam of radiation and positioned with the focal point being approximately at the reflective spot or area so that the lens system directs beams deflected from the desired path onto the receiving surface due to deformations in the reflective surface.

Abstract: In an apparatus for storing articles, bins have a sensor for detecting the presence of an article in a bin and an optical code reader for reading a bar code on the article. The presence detector and the optical code reader are coupled to a circuit which provides an indication of the identity and location of a coded article. The apparatus is particularly well suited for use in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, when wafer cassette boxes are provided with a suitable bar code. Alternatively, the bins may be disposed upon a remotely guided vehicle, thereby making the apparatus useful in an automated manufacturing process.

Abstract: In a stop-and-display station in document-handling equipment wherein a document in a track is stopped and viewed through a transparent first wall, whereagainst it is supported by a non-transparent second wall, a reflective photosensor assembly is angled relative to the back wall such that a light beam from a light-emitting diode cannot be specularly reflected onto a phototransistor either from a document or from the inner surface of the transparent first wall. The phototransistor intercepts a portion of the scatter-reflected light from the document. The light from the light-emitting diode is modulated with a predetermined frequency, and the output signal from the phototransistor is filtered by a band-pass filter before threshold detection to provide indication of the presence of a document. A turn-off delay circuit prevents loss of indication of the presence of a document unless signals from the phototransistor have been absent for longer than a predetermined period.

Abstract: A sensor for counting articles, such as seeds, moving through a conduit includes an array of infrared LEDs generating a uniform diffuse beam of radiation which entirely illuminates a cross sectional volume of the conduit. The beam is detected by a planar photo diode which extends across the opposite side of the conduit. A pair of mirrors extend along opposite sides of the conduit between the array and the photo diodes. Slits narrow the beam and limit the amount of radiation which can impinge upon the photo diode. The signal from the photo diode is integrated by a signal processing unit so that the sensor can count a plurality of seeds in a group of seeds which simultaneously pass through the beam. The signal processing unit automatically compensates for changes in the steady state photo-diode output and for changes in seed size.

Abstract: Sheet sensing apparatus comprises a shaft (9); two roller assemblies (20) mounted on the shaft (9) by means including a resilient portion (30), the roller assemblies contacting guide surfaces (27) provided by drive rollers (17). Sensing means (37,38) are provided within the shaft (9) for sensing deflection of the resilient portion (30) relatively to the shaft in response to the passage of one or more sheets (44) through the nips (24) between the roller assemblies (20) and the drive rollers (17). Monitoring means (not shown) connected to the sensing means monitors the sensed deflections of the resilient portion (30).

Abstract: Strict care must be taken in the mass production of high packing density, disc-shaped information carriers such as represented, for example, by the manufacture of compact discs, that no mix-ups occur of workpieces having different informational content during the production sequence. Proceeding on the basis that disc magazines are employed for conveying the disc-shaped workpieces from work station to the next, it is proposed that the disc magazines have a processing sequence for the workpiece stack they contain which is rigidly defined for all work stations by means of fitting parts. Also, each workpiece stack and thus each disc magazine accepting a workpiece stack therein is accompanied by an identifier disc whose shape corresponds to the shape of a workpiece. The identifier disc thus assumes the initial position in the rigidly defined hierarchy of a workpiece stack within a disc magazine.

Abstract: The presence and/or desired orientation of a sheet of material is sensed by normally passing the sheet under the first of two spaced rollers of identical diameter, the rollers being mounted on a common support for rotation independently of one another. The second roller will rotate only in the absence of or misalignment from under the first roller of the sheet material. Rotation of the second roller is detected and causes generation of a fault warning.

Abstract: A parts sensing device for use in the operation of parts forming equipment to sense the presence or absence of parts, the parts sensing device comprising at least one optoelectronic sensor positioned to sense the presence or absence of at least one newly formed part, operably coupled to a control means which determines at least one of whether all parts have been sensed as present and whether all parts have been sensed as absent.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting capsules comprises a carrier belt which is formed into an endless belt configuration and can carry the capsules, with the capsules received separately in through-holes in the belt, and a plurality of parallelly disposed rotatable rollers which have axes of rotation extending substantially in parallel with the flow direction of the capsules being carried by the carrier belt. The rollers rotate the capsules which are in contact therewith. An optical inspecting device is provided for optically inspecting the surfaces of the capsules which are rotated in contact with the rotary rollers. The apparatus can accurately inspect very small defects on the surfaces of the capsules irrespective of the type of capsules, and is simple as well as compact in construction.

Abstract: In a continuous printing plant a timer unit is provided with indication whenever a first control is operated to supply power to the printing plant and whenever a second control is operated to inch a new batch of paper into the printer. The timer unit commences a first timing operation of a first predetermined period whenever indication is received from the first or second controls and switches off power to the entire printer if no reset signal is received within the first predetermined period. A sensor detects the movement of a printed paper web between the printer and a set of takeup rollers and indicates the movement to the timer unit. The timer unit initiates a second timing operation whenever it receives indication from the sensor and switches off power to the takeup rollers if indication is not received from the sensor or from the first and second controls within a second predetermined period, thereby independently switching off the takeup rollers in the event of a failure in the printer.

Abstract: The coin rolls on a track of triangular section with a vertical side and an oblique side, in which it penetrates as a function of its thickness. The difference in time between the beginnings (or ends) of occultation of the upper cells determines the mean speed and from the duration of this occultation is deduced the length of the chord (PQ) at the upper level (Y-Y'). Knowing the mean speed, the cell of the second level (Z-Z') makes it possible to determine the corresponding chord (RS). From (PQ) and (RS) are deduced the heights (h.sub.1, h.sub.2) above the plane of roll (X-X') and the diameter and thickness of the coin may then be calculated. More simply, (PQ) and (RS) may be compared electronically with recorded values to reject the coin or accept it and possibly record its value.

Abstract: An optical inspection system for articles moved by a conveyor, in which photo-electric transducers of one or more cameras are directed onto a transverse viewing area to detect light variations in individual articles. A threshold system permits correction for light signals in relation to the angular distance between the article being observed and the camera optical axis. A two-step inspection involves first detecting anomalous light levels, and subsequently detecting the size of each defect.

Abstract: A sheet detector having an emitter (lamp), detector (phototransistor), operational amplifier and an RC network. As contamination is deposited on the emitter or detector, a feedback loop provides more drive to the lamp providing sufficient drive to hold the emitter of the phototransistor at its desired stage. As a first copy paper is passed between the emitter and detector, the RC network of a common mode operational amplifier detects a change and generates an output. As a subsequent sheet enters the system, the transmissibility abruptly changes again causing the common mode operational amplifier to provide a subsequent pulse indicating the presence of a multiple feed.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting cracked rice grains. The apparatus has conveyor means by which the rice grains to be examined are moved in at least one row extending in the direction of movement, a light-transmitting window formed in the conveyor means and adapted to pass a coherent light beam of a width smaller than the diameter of the rice grain, a light source means adapted to apply the coherent light, light-receiving means including light-receiving elements adapted to detect the quantities of lights transmitted through the leading half part and trailing half part of the rice grain when the latter passes over the light-transmitting window, and a circuit means adapted to measure and compare the quantities of light received by the light-receiving means in comparison with predetermined reference threshold values.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the size of elongated objects, specifically logs. The logs (4) are floated in a water filled canal (5) and advanced past a measuring device 13 by cranes 8 or water jets. The size of the logs is determined by radiation sensitive devices (21) actuated by light sources 22 or mechanical transducers (54, 55, 56, 57). In another embodiment the log is held stationary while the measuring device is moved longitudinally past the log.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously inspecting the physical characteristics of particulate matter having a collection and conveying system, a sampling compartment, and a camera system. The collection and conveying system transports particulate matter, in the form of snowflakes, for example, to a viewing area in the sampling compartment. The camera system monitors the viewing area in order to provide single or multiple images of the snowflakes on single video frames at suitable magnification in order to analyze the crystalline characteristics of the snowflakes under naturally occurring conditions.

Abstract: Checking device for protecting against faults arising from a paper wind-up in a rotary printing machine having a printing unit with a blanket cylinder and a printing-unit protecting grid, the checking device including at least one control device disposed in stationary relationship with respect to and adjacent the blanket cylinder and upstream in travel direction of paper through the printing machine, of a location at which the paper wind-up is produced and including a photoelectric sensor formed as a contrast measurement detector for scanning the blanket of the blanket cylinder and generating a signal when a print product is present, the sensor being mounted on the protecting grid at a lower region thereof and being foldable away together with the protecting grid.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for a seed sensor which includes a light source and a light responsive element respectively positioned along a path of travel of seeds for producing a momentary change in signal level from the light responsive element in response to a momentary change of level of light incident thereupon from the light source due to the passage of one or more seeds therebetween. In accordance with the invention, the circuit comprises a pulse-producing circuit responsive to the change in signal level from the light responsive element for producing a discrete pulse signal in response to each change in the direction of the change in signal level. Predetermined ones of the discrete pulse signals are selected for counting.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the alignment of leads extending from a body of an integrated circuit package, including an optical system for producing data having information of the spacing between the leads and a data processor for determining the spacing between the leads in response to the data. A package handler sorts the package under control by the data processor.

Abstract: The quality of a product, for example the degree of filling of cigarette papers, is non-destructively tested using reflectivity measurement. Compensation is provided for the effects of stray light in the measuring zone and the signals commensurate with the measurements performed on individual units of the object being tested are compared with the average of signals obtained through measurements performed on a preselected number of units of acceptable quality. The state of operability of the test apparatus may be self-checked during incremental periods between the testing of units.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of a single banknote or a double banknote (5) comprises a cylindrical roller (1) biased by way of a pivot arm (2) against a moving surface (6) which conveys banknotes under the roller (1). The other end of the pivot arm is connected to the core of a linear variable differential transformer (4) which is activated by an oscillator (7). The output of the L.V.D.T. (4) is proportional to the displacement of the roller (1) normal to the surface (6) and is thus indicative of the thickness of any banknotes passing under the roller. In order to compensate of mechanical and electrical drift in the thickness level corresponding to the absence of a banknote, the auto-reference circuit (9) derives first and second threshold values for single and double notes respectively by adding predetermined potentials to the reference potentials. These predetermined differentials may be controlled manually by a variable resistor (11) within a thickness control circuit (10).

Abstract: A system is disclosed for checking on the presence or absence of inserted leads of a component into the openings of a printed circuit board. The system is utilized within a component insertion machine wherein a plurality of optical lead sensors are preferably located within the cut and clinch mechanism. A computer system associated with the optical lead sensors compares the optical readings of the lead sensors with predefined data relating to the presence or absence of leads for each particular component being inserted.