Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a conveyance of printed products are provided according to which the printed products are conveyed continuously and in successive manner in a conveying direction into a region adjacent a circuit when the circuit is open. The circuit includes at least two conductor parts and a voltage source. The printed products are scanned by simultaneously bringing the two conductor parts into scanning contact with a metallic contact portion of either a printed product or of a support therefore where such support is provided. The circuit is thus closed for allowing electric current to flow in the circuit. An actual time behavior of the electric current flowing in the circuit is monitored and a control signal in response to a divergence of the actual time behavior of the electric current from a desired time behavior of the electric current is generated.

Abstract: Page sensor apparatus for producing a signal related to a thickness of a sheet of paper may comprise a base plate and a foot plate positioned in opposed relation. The base and foot plates are arranged to allow the paper to pass therebetween, so that the base and foot plates become separated by a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the sheet of paper. Capacitance sensing apparatus connected to the base plate and the foot plate senses changes in the electrical capacitance of the base and foot plates and generates an output signal related thereto, the output signal being related to the plate separation, thus paper thickness.

Abstract: A motion indicating device used especially to monitor the movement of sheets of paper, which are moved via conveyor paths. A scanning device has a rotatably mounted scanning member, which lies on the scannable surfaces of the moving sheet of paper and is set into rotation by same, and which is provided with signal elements, which generate motion signals in a stationary electronic signal transmitter by their rotary movements. The scanning member is a ball (8) with uneven weight distribution or a hollow ball (81, 82). The ball is guided freely rotatably in a guide cage (7) and has at least one signal element. A signal transmitter is arranged on a side located diametrically opposite the contact point (19) of the ball (8) and is directed in this plane of rotation toward the ball (8).

Abstract: In order to correctly detect whether an individually supplied part is actually mounted on a part-receptive member, a part detector is disposed at a position close to a part-holding member of a part-supply rod. Positionwise relationship between this part detector and the part-receptive member is predetermined in order that the part mounted on the part-receptive member can activate operation of the above-identified part detector to generate a signal for identifying presence of the delivered part while the part-supply rod retreats.

Abstract: A carton glue monitoring system includes a conveyor moving a plurality of cartons in a first direction. An encoder provides pulses at a rate proportional to conveyor line speed. A glue applicator applies a glue strip having a fluorescent material added thereto to the cartons on the conveyor. A glue check station includes a UV source for illuminating the fluorescent material in the glue and a UV sensor for sensing the fluorescent material. The glue station further includes a glue skip detector and an excess glue detector for generating a glue flag and for holding the glue flag until the carton exits the glue station. A glue shift register includes Y registers and is connected to the UV sensor and the encoder for shifting the glue flag in the Y registers. Y is proportional to the encoder rate and a distance between the rejection marking device and the glue station exit minus the carton length.

Abstract: The apparatus described in the present disclosure is fitted above a support (30) on which printed products are transported as a scale-like stream (31). It has two measuring points (M.1 M.2) placed at a distance from each other, which scan the surface of the scale-like stream. In the method described in the present disclosure, this apparatus measures the difference in the level of the surface of the scale-like stream between the two measuring points, records it as a measuring signal, and uses it to detect faults in the scale-like stream. The difference of levels is large when there is an edge of a product between the two measuring points and small when both the measuring points are on the stone product, but the total thickness of the scale-like stream in no case affects the difference of level.

Abstract: The identification of pneumatic tires by electromagnetic coupling with a nsponder embedded in the thickness of the pneumatic tire is made possible by a suitable interrogation antenna so that, regardless of the position of the transponder in the pneumatic tire, a position which is unknown, the coupling is always of the same quality. Such an antenna may take the form of a figure eight or of a closed torus.

Abstract: A workpiece clamping apparatus for clamping various types of workpieces comprises a pair of finger members adapted to be moved toward and away from each other, a first command position setting device for setting a first command position according to the outer configuration of a workpiece to be clamped, a second command position setting device for setting a second command position closer to the position of the workpiece than the first command position and, a driving device for moving the finger members to the second command position past the first command position.

Abstract: An article tracking system includes a delivery zone transmitter associated with at least one physical article delivery location for transmitting data identifying that physical location, a zone detector carried by at least one manually operated article delivery vehicle for detecting the physical proximity of the vehicle to the delivery zone, and a signal device operatively associated with the zone detector for outputting a signal indicating the physical proximity of the vehicle to the delivery zone. Therefore, an operator of the vehicle is informed that the vehicle is in the proper delivery zone for delivery of an article.

Abstract: A method and a system for counting irregularly shaped articles that are being moved along a path into and out of a machine. A microprocessor is responsive to three external devices with the first device being located at the input stage of the machine and detecting the leading and the trailing edges of the articles being moved into the machine and respectively generating start and stop events to the microprocessor. The second device is a distance sensing means used to determine the length of each of the articles being moved. The third device detects the movement of the articles in their formed state, such as a box, out of the machine. The microprocessor in response to the first occurring start event initiates the counting of the incremental changes from the distance sensing means and terminates the counting in response to the first occurring stop event.

Abstract: A plurality of light-emitting/receiving sections respectively include light-emitting sections arranged to correspond to substrates to be detected and light-receiving sections for receiving beams from the light-emitting sections. The substrates to be detected are a predetermined number of substrates arranged and accommodated at predetermined intervals in a substrate accommodating section. A moving section relatively moves the plurality of light-emitting/receiving sections and the substrates to be detected in directions cross or perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detecting of metal parts (12) which move relative to a metal sensitive sensor arrangement has at least two part sensors which transmit an electrical pulse to an electronic evaluation circuit for a particular approach by a metal part (12). Several part sensors are connected spatially in series with one another so that a specific metal part (12) causes the part sensors to respond in sequence. The electronic evaluation circuit (13) then transmits a signal when and only when it detects the pulse sequence which arises through sequential response of the part sensors.

Abstract: In a safety device for an IC handler in which a carrier arm and a carrier head, which carry IC elements to testing stations and carry tested IC elements from said testing stations to another position, are covered with covers for safety in such a manner that they can freely be opened and closed, a cover lock mechanism for locking the covers in their closed state and a cover unlock switch are provided. When it is detected, in the ON state of the cover unlock switch, that the IC handler is not in operation, the cover lock mechanism is unlocked by the detected output and the drive current to a motor for driving the carrier arm and the carrier head is cut off, and then it is displayed that the covers may be opened.

Abstract: A sheet paper feed unit comprises an actuator, which is formed of a piezoelectric device, and an idling roller, and sheet paper is clamped between the actuator and idling roller and transported by the vibration of the piezoelectric device. A control unit determines information pertinent to a parameter specific to the sheet paper to be transported, and imparts a drive condition which complies with the information to the piezoelectric drive unit. The piezoelectric device is activated in the condition which complies with the paper specific parameter, whereby the sheet paper is transported at a stable speed.

Abstract: A method of detecting failure to tighten screws against works includes steps of detecting every screw tightening operation against a work after start of a screw tightening step, counting the number of times of the screw tightening operations detected in the previous step, detecting the completion of the screw tightening step, and comparing a counted value at the time of the completion of the screw tightening step with a predetermined value, thereby informing of a result of comparison.

Abstract: The invention includes a device and a method for recognizing the instantaneous position of a plurality of mechanical parts, the parts being linearly and incrementally movable between a departure position and an arrival position. The device includes a plurality of radiation modifying tags respectively associated and movable with the mechanical parts. There are a plurality of pairs of radiation emitters and receivers located on the opposite sides of the parts at incremental positions, whereby the pressence of a tag between a given pair causes modification of the radiation received by an associated receiver. The device further provides for generating detect signals from the receivers, and for recognizing that corroborating detect signals from the receivers correspond to a specific set of positions of the mechanical parts.

Abstract: A pair of opposed teeth combs hold a first plurality of waters at a first upper location. A lift platform on a machine engageably holds and lifts a second plurality into position to be interleaved into the spaces of the first wafer group. The combs are pivotably mounted such that a skewed water in the group of wafers on one platform comes into contact with a comb and causes the combs to pivot slightly upwardly, or a skewed wafer creates a separation-diminishing force on separated portions of a platform. Moveable suspensions floatably position corners of the separated platform parts relative to each other; and these platform parts react away from an error-initiated contact. Transmitter/receiver units are positioned in optical alignment and a skewed water or a piece of foreign matter causes any one of a plurality of light beams to be broken so that error corrective action is achieved.

Abstract: A method monitors the length of sheets, such as banknotes, passing a predetermined position. The length of a sheet is monitored at two laterally spaced locations, and the difference between the monitored lengths is compared. If the difference is small, this indicates that both monitored lengths are an accurate indication of the length of the sheet. An average of the two monitored lengths is determined and compared with at least one predetermined reference value to determine the acceptability of the sheet. If the average falls within a predetermined range, the sheet is acceptable.

Abstract: An impact detector for use with a grain loss monitor of a harvesting machine includes a damped detector plate member and a transducer associated with a surface of said detector plate member. The detector plate member is provided with signal damping means only around its periphery, whereby a substantial area of the detector plate member is delimited which is void of any signal damping means.

Abstract: An improved audible alarm system for a document counter having an internal oscillator for producing a binary coded output in response to count signals applied to the counter in response to sheets moving along a path in which the counter internal oscillator is coupled to an audible alarm in response to a misfeed.

Abstract: A millimeter wave detector for detecting missing cigarette packs or other types of objects in a set of objects is provided. The detector uses millimeter wave radiation at about 90 GHz to resolve small features of the objects being scanned. The detector can detect defects or missing packs in configurations that would not be detected by previously known detectors.

Abstract: According to the invention, each detecting element pair of a wafer detector is constituted by light-emitting and light-receiving elements of transmission-type and is arranged at a position corresponding to a fitting edge portion of one of a plurality of wafers. The number of detecting element pairs is equal to the number of wafers which can be stored in the wafer counter. Light emitted from a light-emitting element to a light-receiving element is kept substantially perpendicular to a surface of a wafer and is shielded when a wafer is engaged in a wafer counter. A change in the amount of light received by the light-receiving element is detected by a signal processor electrically connected to each of the detecting element pairs. The positions and number of a large number of wafers can be accurately and instantaneously detected with an extremely simple structure.

Abstract: An inspection controller for an object includes a plurality of sensors for providing a set of input signal states representing characteristics of the object, a plurality of output terminals, a memory for storing a set of output signal states corresponding to each possible set of input signal states of the sensors, and a control device for selecting a set of output signal states stored in the memory and producing a set of output signal states at the output terminals corresponding to a set of the input states.

Abstract: In a conveyor for continuously conveying linens or like materials one by one as gripped at a plurality of points by chucks moving along a rail, a first sensor for detecting passage of the chuck is disposed at a predetermined position along the rail, and two or more second sensors for detecting existence of a linen are disposed at two or more predetermined positions. Means is provided for expanding a distance between adjacent chucks being moved continuously in the proximity of the first sensor. In response to detection signals issued from the sensors, the condition of the chucks gripping the linens can be recognized whether a given chuck is gripping a front corner, a rear corner or a middle point on an upper edge of a linen, it is gripping only one point of a linen, or it is gripping nothing (that is, idle).

Abstract: A cutlery detector device is provided for detecting metal objects discarded as trash along with non-metallic trash material. The detector device includes a metal detecting ring or the like mounted at the top of a trash receptacle, in combination with circuitry adapted to trigger an alarm upon passage of a metal object such as a cutlery item into the trash receptacle. A counter may also be provided to count the number of metal objects placed into the trash receptacle.

Abstract: A detector for use in a mail sorter is positioned along a path over which articles (letters, postcards, etc.) travel while in an upright position. A problem with such paths is that sometimes articles are overlapped, and sometimes small articles are hidden behind large articles. The invention detects such overlaps by (1) detecting height changes of any single article which trips a detector only once, and (2) forcibly displacing one article relative to the other of two overlapped articles. The change of length resulting from the forced displacement is detected.

Abstract: A device for detecting the passage of the edge (4a) of a piece of material (4), not parallel to the advancing direction (A) of the material for a sewing machine including a presser foot (2), a needle (1) and a needle plate (3). The device comprises a sensor (7) for generating a magnetic field and a sensor (10) responsive to this magnetic field. A magnet is coupled to the presser foor (2) so that it is on the one hand, applied to the piece of material (4) at a point situated at a distance and in front of the needle (1) of the sewing machine relatively to the advancing direction (A) of the material, and on the other hand, is moved with respect to the presser foot (2) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the needle plate (3). The sensor is mounted opposite the magnet and fixedly in the sewing machine, under the needle plate (3).

Abstract: A counting device for counting the number of objects such as folded box blanks in a flow of folded box blanks characterized by a sensor having a portion engaging a leading edge of a blank in the flow and being moved to activate a pulse generating device. The device also includes an arrangement to lift the portion of the sensor out of engagement after the pulse has been generated to enable resetting the pulse generator and engaging the next following object of the flow.

Abstract: A glue detecting system uses linear filament lamps and photodiodes mounted in the ends of nonreflective tubes to distinguish between diffuse and specular reflections from the surface of a moving article. Sensor photodetectors are positioned directly over the locations where glue beads are intended to be present; reference photodiodes observe the surface where no glue is intended. The spacing between certain photodiodes in the direction of movement of the article may be used to determine the velocity of the article, and the intensity of the reflections is used to determine the presence of glue in the desired areas, and the presence of unwanted glue in other areas; the duration of the specular reflections is used to determine the volume of glue present. An alarm circuit indicates an insufficient amount of glue in the desired areas or the presence of unwanted glue in undesired areas.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the passage of sheets (1) through a nip formed by rollers (5 and 6), includes means for sensing the deflection of one roller relative to the other, the sensing means including an oscillator (18) providing a train of signals the frequency of which varies with the amount of the relative deflection of the rollers, and a counter (19) counting the signals from the oscillator in a fixed time interval. Means (23) are provided for storing counts representing the relative deflections of the rollers in a cycle of movement of the rollers when no sheet is present, and for comparing the difference between a subsequent count and a stored count for a corresponding position in the cycle of rotation of the rollers, with a predetermined threshold, to establish the presence or absence of a sheet between the guide members. The sensing means may comprise a core (14), moving with the shaft of one of the rollers, and a solenoid (15) connected to the oscillator circuit.

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: A microprocessor-controlled machine and method for automatically removing adjacent pieces from a stack of fabric plies, properly orienting these pieces adjacent one another, and joining these pieces by sewing at least one stitch or seam, to form a partially sewn garment such as a T-shirt sewn at the shoulder seams. The machine includes fabric positioning and engaging mechanisms, and a transport means for engaging and conveying fabric pieces while maintaining engaged portions thereof in predetermined alignment.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting the proper transfer of nails within a nailing machine. The disclosed system includes optical sensors attached to feed tubes within the nailing machine. Signals produced by the optical sensors are processed in such a manner as to alert the operator of the machine at a predetermined time when an improper transfer of nails has occurred.

Abstract: An illegal-sheet-material detecting apparatus, which is adapted to detect whether the property of each of the passing sheet materials is legal or not in a sheet manufacturing machine, provided with a comparison circuit for detecting the lag of the same detection value of the n th+ first sheet material with respect to the detection value showing the property such as thickness, size or the like of the optional portion of the n th sheet material memorized in the memory circuit as an electric signal. When the lag detected by the comparison circuit has exceeded a predetermined range, the counting operation of the sheet material is caused to stop thereby to use the detection value of the n th sheet material as a reference value for comparing it with the n th+ first sheet detection value.

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: A display device has a display panel in which patterns are impressed in conformity to the layout of a master instrument. With this display device, a pattern indicating a prescribed condition of the master instrument which is to be detected and a pattern representing a countermeasure for the prescribed condition are impressed on the display panel. Patterns related to the conditions of the master instrument which can be coped with without cutting off a power switch are displayed in a first color and patterns related to the conditions of the instrument which cannot be coped with unless the power switch is cut off are displayed in a second color. When particular conditions of the master instrument are detected, then patterns denoting the detected conditions and patterns representing countermeasures for the detected conditions are visually indicated to teach the operator to take a proper action.

Abstract: A sensor element and a counter-element are arranged opposite one another on opposite sides of a stream of printed products or the like. The sensor element is a deflecting feeler element. In order to detect multiple occupied positions and still be able to transport the stream of printed products practically without permanent contact by the sensor element in the absence of multiple occupied positions, the counter-element is intermittently advanced toward the side of the product stream opposite the sensor element at the tempo of the sequential or successive continuously transported printed products. The least distance between the undeflected sensor element and the counter-element in its advanced position corresponds to the thickness of one of the printed products or to an integer multiple thereof. A signal generator is associated with the sensor element and responds to its deflection.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a single sensor transmitter and receiver connected to a pneumatic bus. The pneumatic bus includes a plurality of sensor locations or ports disposed at various points along the paper path in a machine. The acoustic impedance characteristic at each port is modified by the absence or close proximity of a sheet of paper. In a twin tube pneumatic bus version of the invention, there is a transmitting transducer connected to a transmitting tube and a receiving transducer connected to a receiving tube. Communication between the transmitting and receiving tubes is made through the oppositely disposed orifices or ports disposed along the paper path. Each of the transmitting and receiving tubes includes associated, oppositely disposed orifices, each pair of oppositely disposed orifices providing a port for determining the presence or absence of a sheet of paper.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing a missing or broken wafer in an automated wafer transfer system. The apparatus includes means for moving a wafer transfer mechanism from a first position along a prescribed path. A counter coupled to an oscillator is enabled when the wafer transfer mechanism and a wafer are moved away from the first position. A photosensor senses the presence of the wafer at a second position along the prescribed path and inhibits the counter. The count stored in the counter is compared with a predetermined count corresponding to the time required for movement of an unbroken wafer to the second position. If the counts do not agree, a missing or broken wafer is indicated and corrective action is taken.

Abstract: A mail tracing apparatus contains only input and output mail article detectors at the beginning and end of a mail transport path, respectively. By comparing the "on" and "off" times of the detectors at either end of the path, it can be determined, for example, if an initially doubled item has been separated into distinct mail articles, or if a mail article has dropped out of the path during transport.In either event, an error code is generated in the event of a non sequitur, and the tracing of subsequent mail articles may proceed without error.

Abstract: A metal detector device for an auger feed granulator is provided in association with the auger trough and comprises a plurality of first conductive plate elements in spaced-apart disposition axially along the bottom portion of the auger trough and a plurality of second conductive plate elements in spaced apart disposition axially along the bottom portion of the auger trough with each second plate element being disposed between adjacent pairs of first plate elements. The first and second plate elements are electrically insulated and have an upper portion disposed adjacent but spaced from the outer circumferential edge of the auger. An electrical circuit for detecting any metal object simultaneously contacting any one of the first plate elements and any one of the second plate elements is electrically connected thereto.

Abstract: A single ultrasonic generator is employed for detecting objects, particularly copies processed in photographic devices. The sound-radiating surface of the generator is spaced apart from a reference plane about a distance equal to an integer multiple of half the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves. The changes of damping of the ultrasonic resonance circuit resulting from the acoustic load variations are measured in an electronic evaluation circuit.

Abstract: A system for detecting missing or superimposed sheets fed to a sheet processing machine uses a measuring device for generating a signal increasing with the number of superimposed sheets and an evaluating device for emitting an electrical signal when irregularities occur. A pulse transmitter is synchronized to the sheet feed mechanism and operates to emit an initial and final pulse timed to the sheet feed. Electronic storage is reset upon the initial pulse, and operates to integrate values of the measured signal until the final pulse is received. Upon receipt of the final pulse, the stored value is compared to a reference value to detect any irregularities. Preferably a microcomputer is used for signal processing.

Abstract: An optical detection device particularly suitable for use in a bank note counting apparatus is provided. By the use of the optical detection device of this invention, the influence of dust or change in power of the light emitting element due to change in temperature or other factors is excluded to maintain the quantity of light received by the light receiving element at a constant level. The control circuit incorporated in the device of this invention includes a comparator for comparing the quantity of light actually received or sensed by the light receiving element with the pre-set value to generate an output signal instructing to stepwisely lower the power of the light emitting element. In actual operation, the power of the light emitting element is firstly raised to the maximum value and then stepwisely lowered to the same value as that pre-set by the operator.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the performance of a currency dispenser by detecting the displacement of a roller caused by the thickness of a record member. This displacement is measured by the movement of a graded density translucent member between the photodiode and sensor of a detector. Electronic circuitry associated with the detector indicates the presence of a record member between the rollers, and also the presence of multiple record members. The fabrication of the member allows the circuitry to detect only the displacement from the static position of the rollers, eliminating the necessity for adjustment due to wear, temperature, and other mechanical factors.

Abstract: A controller monitors and controls the operation of the document transporting portions of a document processor. It employs sensors which detect the passage of the trailing edges of documents and timers which measure the time taken for a document to pass successive sensors. Whenever this time period is too long, the controller determines that the document being timed has jammed and provides signals to stop the operation of sections of the system in an orderly fashion designed to minimize the effects of jamming.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the flow of a stack of cigarettes in a conveyor system using a television camera tube or light-sensitive detectors positioned adjacent the ends of the cigarettes, preferably in an array or row covering the whole height of the stack, to monitor the formation of the stack and to produce pulse signals representing the articles present. The sensors are scanned by control circuitry which produces control signals in response to the number or speed of articles detected.

Abstract: A plurality of sensors (61), (62), (63), (64) are spaced along a sheet feed path (14) to sense the presence of a copy sheet (13) adjacent thereto. A timing signal generator (53) feeds timing signals to the sensors (61), (62), (63), (64) at times when the sheet (13) should be present at the sensors (61), (62), (63), (64), the timing signals enabling the sensors respectively. The outputs of the sensors (61), (62), (63), (64) are connected in a wired-OR configuration to produce a logical sum output. Each sensor (61) typically comprises a light source (88), a photosensor (91) and a power switch such as a transistor (86). Each power switch (86) is constructed to connect the light source (88), the photosensor (91) or both to a power source (+V) in response to the respective timing signal.

Abstract: An abnormal feed condition-detecting apparatus for a printing device in which sheets are delivered one by one from a feeder to the printing section at the prescribed time interval, the detecting apparatus comprising a first paper passage detector disposed near the fender and a second paper passage detector positioned near the outlet port of the printing device and being designed to detect the passage of the respective succeeding sheets on the prescribed length of time, and, in the occurrence of an abnormal feed condition, sending forth an abnormality signal only after all the sheets delivered from the feeder before the detection of the abnormal feed condition have been drawn out of the printing device.

Abstract: A system for use with a document processor enabling the detection of jamming at its inception, prevention of additional jamming and routing of documents in the processor to selected pockets. When jamming conditions are detected, the receipt of further documents through the machine feeder into the processor is stopped, documents already in the processor which are located upstream from the point where jamming has occurred are routed to their proper pockets if they belong in upstream pockets, documents downstream from the point where jamming has occurred are routed to their proper pockets, and the remaining documents are routed to a pocket designated to receive missorted documents. Displays are illuminated to indicate jamming and to identify pockets into which missorted documents have been routed.