Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering process materials in a bulk delivery system includes a plurality of pumps arranged in series along a material supply line, wherein the capacity of each pump is such that less than all of the pumps operating simultaneously can provide a desired level of system performance for a given application. In at least one preferred embodiment, a plurality of pumps include three pumps are arranged in series. Preferred embodiments provide several benefits over a parallel arrangement of two larger pumps including, in the case of a single pump failure, that the remaining pumps are signaled to increase speed to restore system performance to restore supply line pressure with less perturbation than that realized in a two-pump, parallel arranged system. Methods are also provided herein for determining which of the three pumps is a failed pump in such a case.

Abstract: An optical inspection apparatus capable of adjusting an incident angle of a detected light beam and adjusting a detecting angle for detecting the detected light beam. A driving mechanism is used to actuate two arms having a light source and a detector disposed thereon respectively to conduct a relative movement between the two arms so as to control the incident angle and the detecting angle. By means of the embodiments, mechanism for adjusting the angle is simplified so that the apparatus is capable of being adapted to combine with the application of micro sensors such that practicality of modularization design and microminiaturization and convenience of operation are capable of being greatly improved and that the cost can be reduced.

Abstract: A method and system of compensating for environmental effect when detecting signals using a structural health monitoring system includes collecting baseline data signals for one or more values of the environmental effect variable from signals transmitted along selected paths between transducers in an array attached to the structure. A threshold is selected based on the baseline data for determining if the signal is detected. Current data signals are collected and matched to the best fit baseline data. The value of the environmental effect variable is determined on the basis of the matching. A signal is detected according to the selected threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying agrochemicals within a geographical area includes a dispensing system configured for dispensing the agrochemicals and a variable rate controller operatively connected to the dispensing system and configured to control dispensement of agrochemicals from the dispensing system. The variable rate controller is programmed with an algorithm which uses a plant growth stage appropriate plug value for an initial calibration. A method for applying agrochemicals within a geographical area includes acquiring a growth stage appropriate plug value for an initial calibration, using the growth state appropriate plug value in the initial calibration, and applying agrochemicals to the geographical area according to the initial calibration.

Abstract: Provided are a device, a system, and a method for determining a fitting condition of a connector, which are capable of improving the accuracy for determining the coupling condition of the connector. A connector fitting condition determination device (10) includes an input section (11) that is attached to an operator and receives detection results including sound information and acceleration information that are measured at a time of fitting a connector; a sound information determination section (13) that determines whether the sound information satisfies predetermined conditions based on the detection results input to the input section (11); and an acceleration information determination section (15) that determines whether the acceleration information satisfies predetermined conditions, on detection results satisfying the conditions in the sound information determination section 13.

Abstract: A device for final calibration of tapered tubular shafts, wherein a number of pressure rollers are fitted to an annular support radially with respect to an axis of the annular support, are arranged about the axis to define a calibration passage for a tapered shaft, and are movable, with respect to the annular support and under control of a cam pressure device common to all the pressure rollers, in respective radial directions to vary the size of the passage alongside variations in the section of the tapered tubular shaft travelling through the passage.

Abstract: An in-line inspection tool comprising sensors mounted on inspection assemblies is disclosed. Each inspection assembly may be connected to the rest of the in-line inspection tool by two linkages. A first linkage may pivotally connect at one end thereof to a first end of an inspection assembly and pivotally connect at the other end thereof to the rest of the in-line inspection assembly. A second linkage may pivotally connect at one end thereof to a second end of the inspection assembly and pivotally connect at the other end thereof to the rest of the in-line inspection tool. The second linkage may comprise a first section and a second section pivotally connected to one another. Accordingly, the first and second linkages may support, exclusively through pivoting, both translational and rotational movement of the inspection assembly within a radial plane containing the central axis of the in-line inspection tool.

Abstract: A testing device (100) configured for testing a multihole workpiece (10) with a plurality of holes (12), includes a detecting station (120) and an inspecting box (140). The detecting station positions a plurality of detecting pins (124) and a plurality of detecting apparatus (128). The detecting pins correspond to the holes of the multihole workpiece. The detecting apparatus respond for the multihole workpiece and sending detecting signals. The inspecting box receives the detecting signals from the detecting apparatus of the detecting station, and deals with and shows detecting results.

Abstract: An instrumentation and monitoring system for a cryogenic material transfer system incorporates a pipe-in-pipe configuration with either a vacuum or a nanoporous or microporous insulating layer filling the annulus between the inner and outer pipe. The insulating layer is of sufficient flexibility to absorb the expansion or contraction of the inner pipe due to thermal effects from the flow of cryogenic material. The monitoring system typically includes a multitude of fiber optic sensors that measure leaks, temperature, pressure and strain. The invention includes the fiber optic sensors, conventional sensors, cabling, connectors/splice assembles, ingress/egress methods, ruggedization methods, data acquisition and analysis.

Abstract: A mount state of components is inspected in a mounting apparatus 1b at total two divisions of a component mounting division b where the mounting apparatus 1b performs mounting and a component mounting division a where a mounting apparatus 1a disposed on an upstream side performs the mounting; the mount state of components is inspected in a mounting apparatus 1c at total three divisions of a component mounting division c where the mounting apparatus 1c performs the mounting and the component mounting divisions a and b where the mounting apparatus 1a and 1b disposed on the upstream side perform the mounting; and the mount state of components is inspected in a mounting apparatus 1d at total four divisions of a component mounting division d where the mounting apparatus 1d performs the mounting and the component mounting divisions a, b, and c where the mounting apparatus 1a, 1b, and 1c disposed on the upstream side perform the mounting.

Abstract: Automatic devices that determine when pollutant deposits have accumulated in ductwork may be employed to notify maintenance personnel or automated cleaning equipment of the need for ducts to cleaned or replaced. Various detection devices may be employed to detect a property of accumulated grease and generate an indication of an accumulation. The detection device may present a surface to the fume stream inside a duct. The surface may be cooled to a temperature that represents a worst case temperature so that the accumulation due to condensation on the detector surface is at least as high as the coolest surface in the ductwork which is being monitored. Alternatively, the detection device may be located external to the duct. The detection device may interrogate the surface of the duct through contact or noncontact measurements to determine the thickness of an accumulated grease layer on the interior of the duct.

Abstract: A device. The device includes a sensor portion and a chassis portion. The sensor portion includes a plurality of sensing devices. The chassis portion is connected to the sensor portion and includes a first track and a second track. The second track is positioned adjacent the first track. The first and second tracks cooperate to substantially cover an entire width of the chassis portion.

Abstract: An inspection device 1 is provided to inspect a headrest return prevention mechanism 50 that prevents return of a headrest at a position supporting the head of a seated person by moving forward at a rear collision. The headrest return prevention mechanism 50 is provided with a bracket 52 and an engagement piece 51 which can return to a normal position again after being displaced from the normal position to a fixed position. The inspection device 1 comprises a base 11, a clamp mechanism 12 that fixes the bracket 52 to the base 11, a load applying mechanism 13 that applies a load to the engagement piece 51 so as to displace it from the normal position to the fixed position, a displacement sensor 14 that measures the fixed position when the engagement piece 51 is displaced from the normal position to the fixed position, and a computer 15 that determines whether the engagement piece 51 has been displaced to a predetermined fixed position or not based on the fixed position measured by the displacement sensor 14.

Abstract: Inspection systems and methods for their use comprise: a movable carrier with spaced receptacles, each sized to accept a sample; a first pin positioned proximate to the movable carrier and connected to a first movable member capable of reciprocally moving the first pin alternately into and out of contact with a first end of a sample disposed in one of the spaced receptacles; a second pin positioned proximate to the movable carrier and connected to a second movable member capable of reciprocally moving the second pin alternately into and out of contact with a second end of the sample disposed in the one of the spaced receptacles; a measurement sensor capable of determining a value associated with the sample disposed in the one of the spaced receptacles; and an evaluation device in communication with the measurement sensor for receiving the value, the evaluation device providing a comparison between the value and a predetermined value.

Abstract: An in-line pipe inspection tool has one or more inspection platforms (28, 30) which are connected to an elongate wheeled trolley by link arms (20 to 26). The trolley unit (10, 12) has drive means for driving the point of connection of the first link arm (20, 22) to the trolley (10) relative to the point of connection of the second link arm (24, 26) to the trolley (12), thereby to move the inspection platforms (28, 30) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the trolley (10, 12). Thus the inspection platforms (28, 30) are movable which is relative to the trolley (10, 12) to permit the tool to be adapted to pipelines of different diameters. Moreover, the platforms (28, 30) preferably have permanent magnets which contain a rotatable magnet. The rotatable magnet permits the net magnetic field generated by the platform to be varied.

Abstract: The test procedure for measuring a geometric feature of a test specimen employs a replicating compound to obtain a casting with a negative image of the geometric feature followed by forming a protective covering over the casting from a replicating compound having a contrasting color. The casting and protective covering unit is cut to obtain a test piece and a flat bed scanner is used to scan the profile of the test piece and obtain an electronic two-dimensional image of the profile for analysis.

Abstract: A pipeline apparatus has a body configured to fit inside a pipeline. A flow channel is formed within the body and includes an inlet, an outlet, and a bypass channel connecting the inlet and the outlet, the inlet being configured to receive a portion of a fluid flowing through the pipeline, and the outlet being configured such that the fluid flowing through the bypass channel flows out of the bypass channel through the outlet. A flow control valve is attached to the body and has a sleeve configured to move to vary a flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the outlet. A conduit is connected between the flow control valve and a back face of the body and configured to communicate a high pressure of the fluid to the flow control valve.

Abstract: Methods and systems for an in-situ inspection system includes at least one source of an inspection fluid, a source of an atomizing fluid, a control panel configured to control a flow of at least one of the inspection fluid and the atomizing fluid, and a mixing box configured to mix the inspection fluid with the atomizing fluid.

Abstract: A lightweight portable motorized oil filter inspection device comprising a housing, a drive plate having a plurality of gear teeth, an oil filter size adapter mounting adaptable to receive at least one of a plurality of interchangeable oil filter size adapters, at least one drive pin assembly mounting for accepting at least one adjustable drive pin assembly having a plurality of detents, a cutting blade assembly and a means to rotate the drive plate. The drive pin assembly having a plurality of detents enables precise alignment of at least one drive pin with at least one of the oil flow apertures of an oil filter canister. The drive plate is directly driven by a motor drive gear having a plurality of compatible gear drive teeth, mounted on an electric motor shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method which is used to detect defects on a component of a turbine. Said method comprises the following steps; at least one ultrasonic signal is emitted and captured by means of a group beam examination head on a flat region of the component which is to be examined. The invention is characterized according to the following steps: the group of the beam examination heads are distributed into several virtual examination heads and at least one ultrasonic signal is emitted and captured by at least two of the virtual examination heads which is directed to an individual flat region which is to be examined.

Abstract: A universal dynamic gear quality and consistency verification inspection system and method is provided. The system and method provides a dynamic gear verification inspection station including a Double Flank master gear and a probe for inspecting gear features and an electronic plug having pre-reference pads and mechanical rests for supporting and locating the part to be inspected. The probes are provided to verify all angles and functional parameters relayed to appropriate software for evaluation and record maintenance. A probe may also be provided for face checking.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: An improved wheelchair and a method of security screening a wheelchair are disclosed. The wheelchair is constructed of plastic and includes an antimicrobial agent. The wheelchair also includes a plurality of safety features. In a method, the wheelchair is tested for compliance with safety and security standards. If compliant, the wheelchair is certified by locating certification information on the wheelchair and the wheelchair is provided for use. Before each use, the wheelchair is validated by confirming the existence of the certification information. The wheelchair is then used to transport a user to and through a security checkpoint while the user remains seated in the wheelchair, including as the wheelchair passes through checkpoint screening.

Abstract: Methods for measuring thickness of an epitaxial layer of a wafer. An example method applies photoresist over the epitaxial layer, and then portions of the photoresist within a sacrificial region of the wafer are removed. Next, the epitaxial layer is isotropically etched through the removed portions of the photoresist until a portion of the silicon handle layer is exposed. The remaining photoresist layer is removed. Then, the silicon handle layer is anisotropically etched to form a well. Profile information of the epitaxial layer and the etched handle layer generated. Next, the thickness of the epitaxial layer is determined based on the profile information. The acceptability of the epitaxial layer may be determined based on the determined thickness of the epitaxial layer. If the epi layer is acceptable, then the geometry of devices that are to be etched into the epitaxial layer are determined based on the determined thickness.

Abstract: A tag includes an integrated circuit thereon, including memory, antenna means for RF transmission of data acquired by the integrated circuit, a sensor sensing environmental conditions to which the sensor is subjected, the sensor providing signals based on the environmental conditions to the integrated circuit, a thermistor device of increasing the accuracy of the tag by confining on-board calculation data to a resistance domain and leaving conversion of the data to a temperature domain for an external device once the data is retrieved from the tag's memory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the bending of a shaft, particularly a shaft in a mixing kneader, the shaft having a bearing at least on one side. In a first step, the deviation of the shaft from the radial position is measured on at least one position different from the bearing of the shaft. In a further step, a reference value is optionally determined from the measured deviation from the radial position. In a third step, the deviation from the radial position as measured in the first step or the reference value found in the second step is compared with a predetermined limit value.

Abstract: A production line used to assemble and test some electronic elements includes a first assembly line used to assemble some electronic elements requiring a relatively high requirements of cleanliness factor, a second assembly line used to assemble some electronic elements requiring a relatively low requirements of cleanliness factor, a first testing line used to do some testing items with a relatively high requirements of lightness, a second testing line used to do some testing items with a relatively low requirements of lightness, and a third testing line do some testing items requiring a relatively high requirements of cleanliness factor, the first assembly line, the second assembly line, the first testing line, the second testing line, and the third testing line are located adjacent to each other and connected together in series.

Abstract: A system comprises a sensing node that includes a sensor, a processor, an energy harvesting circuit, a time keeper, a first energy storage device, and a second energy storage device. The energy harvesting circuit is connected for recharging the first energy storage device. The processor is connected for receiving all its power derived from the energy harvesting circuit. The second energy storage device is connected for powering the time keeper.

Abstract: Systems and methods can automatically inspect a workpiece. Non-destructive inspection sensors are mounted on a frame mounted on a transport device. Position of a first predetermined location of a workpiece is measured with a tracking system. The transport device is moved to position the non-destructive inspection sensors proximate the first predetermined location of a workpiece. A first portion of a workpiece proximate the first predetermined location is non-destructively inspected with the non-destructive inspection sensors. Position of a second predetermined location of a workpiece can be measured with the tracking system. The transport device can be moved to position the non-destructive inspection sensors proximate the second predetermined location of a workpiece, and a second portion of a workpiece proximate the second predetermined location can be non-destructively inspected with the non-destructive inspection sensors.

Abstract: A remote-controlled dynamoelectric machine inspection vehicle that can fit and travel within a narrow air gap between a stator and rotor of a dynamoelectric machine. The inspection vehicle has an effectuator that can remotely activate a hammer driven by a high pressure pneumatic three-stage miniature piston that propels the hammer against a stator slot wedge creating an impact force that causes the wedge to vibrate. The vibrations are sensed to determine the tightness of the wedge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for separating articles from a group of articles. The apparatus includes a container for containing one or more articles coupled to a suitable fluidizer for suspending articles within the container and transporting articles to an induction tube. A portal in the induction tube introduces articles singly into the induction tube. A vacuum pulls articles through the induction tube separating the articles from the group of articles in the container. The apparatus and method can be combined with one or more unit operations or modules, e.g., for inspecting articles, assessing quality of articles, or ascertaining material properties and/or parameters of articles, including layers thereof.

Abstract: A method to determine eccentricity of a rotor in a turbine including: collecting sensor data of rotor eccentricity for a plurality of startup operations; establishing a baseline eccentricity value using the sensor data corresponding to a selected startup operation; determining an eccentricity value using the filtered sensor data for each of a plurality of startup operations subsequent to the selected startup operation; determining a rotor eccentricity difference between the baseline eccentricity value and each of the eccentricity values for the plurality of startup operations subsequent to the selected startup operation, and reporting a rotor eccentricity condition based on the rotor eccentricity difference.

Abstract: Methods for controlling admission to amusement park rides include electronically measuring each child's height (and optionally weight) and comparing the measured data to a database which specifies minimum requirements for each ride in the amusement park. Upon completing the comparison, several optional steps are provided including encoding a data carrier with the child's measured data and/or a list of rides which are appropriate for the child. The data carrier may be a “swipe card” or other machine readable device which must be presented at the entrance to each ride. The entrance to each ride is provided with an electronic entry control gate which is operated by the data carrier. Optionally, a list of appropriate rides is printed for the child and/or the child's parents. Apparatus for performing the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self propelled, endoscopic apparatus formed of a flexible, fluid-filled toroid and a motorized or powerable frame The apparatus may be used to advance a variety of accessory devices into generally tubular spaces and environments for medical and non-medical applications. The apparatus when inserted into a tubular space or environment, such as the colon of a patient undergoing a colonoscopy, is advanced by the motion of the toroid. The toroid's surface circulates around itself in a continuous motion from inside its central cavity along its central axis to the outside where its surface travels in the opposite direction until it again rotates into its central cavity. As the device advances within the varying sizes, shapes and contours of body lumens, the toroid compresses and expands to accommodate and navigate the environment. The motion of the toroid can be powered or unpowered and the direction and speed may be controlled.

Abstract: In a method of authenticating a package, an origin noise level of the package is determined based upon one or more identifying characteristics, where the origin noise level is a deviation from a normal condition caused by the one or more identifying characteristics. In addition, the package is authenticated based upon the origin noise level of the package.

Abstract: A method and device for the contactless detection of flat objects, particularly in sheet form, such as paper, films, foils, plates, labels, splices, break points, tear-off threads and similar flat materials or packs. A sensor device, such as a receiver-following evaluating device, is supplied with at least one correction characteristic, by means of which a measuring signal input voltage characteristic in the receiver is simulated as a function of the gram weight or weight per unit area of the flat objects as a target characteristic in such a way that there is obtained a linear or almost linear dependence or a characteristic approximated to the ideal single sheet detection characteristic in the form of a target characteristic.

Abstract: Ultrasonic inspection system, method, and apparatus for subsurface ultrasonic inspection of curved objects. The inspection system includes an apparatus having a support structure for supporting a selected transducer and a selected acoustic mirror adapted for immersion in a coupling fluid. The total inspection path distance for the ultrasonic radiation includes a first portion defined by the transducer-to-mirror distance, and a second portion including the mirror-to-object distance. The first and second portions may be relatively adjusted within a constant total inspection path distance to focus the ultrasonic radiation at a desired subsurface depth. Selection of the transducer is at least partly dependent on subsurface depth of the desired inspection zone. Selection of the acoustic mirror is at least partly dependent on the selected transducer, the total inspection path distance, and curvature of the inspection object.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for measuring the deflection of a rotating shaft in a wireless manner. The system includes a non-contact-type angle division device, a plurality of wireless contact-type displacement sensors, a plurality of wireless transmitters, a relay, and a data reader. The non-contact-type angle division device is placed on a vertical rotating shaft and measures and transmits the angle of rotation of the rotating shaft. The wireless contact-type displacement sensors are installed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft, and measure the strain of the rotating shaft. The wireless transmitters transmit data about the displacement of the rotating shaft measured by the wireless contact-type displacement sensor. The relay receives and relays transmission signals from the non-contact-type angle division device and the wireless transmitters. The data reader receives the transmission signals from the relay, and performs simulation reading.

Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention are pest control devices (1010, 1110, 1210) each operable to detect the presence of pests. The pest control device (1010, 1110, 1210) has a bait (1032) that is consumed or displaced by one or more species of pest, a pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252), and a monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269). The pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252) can be altered by pest activity. The monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269) detects this alteration and reports it automatically or in response to an external stimulus or interrogation to indicate pest presence.

Abstract: A measuring device for detecting the state of wear of the bore walls of two interpenetrating housing bores, having mutually parallel bore axes, of at least two-shaft screw extruders has a carriage provided with rear drive wheels, front guide wheels and contactlessly operating distance sensors which can each be pivotally driven about a bore axis and can be positioned at a distance from the respective bore wall.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the remote control of a robot which incorporates interchangeable tool heads. Although applicable to many different industries, the core structure of the system includes a robot with a tool head interface for mechanically, electrically and operatively interconnecting a plurality of interchangeable tool heads to perform various work functions. The robot and tool head may include several levels of digital feedback (local, remote and wide area) depending on the application. The systems include a single umbilical cord to send power, air, and communications signals between the robot and a remote computer. Additionally, all communication (including video) is preferably sent in a digital format. Finally, a GUI running on the remote computer automatically queries and identifies all of the various devices on the network and automatically configures its user options to parallel the installed devices.

Abstract: A method of inspecting containers for contamination in a container filling plant, and an arrangement therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A foreign material detecting method for detecting a foreign material attached to a substrate surface includes a spraying step of spraying an organic solvent or an oil-phase material containing a halogen element to the substrate surface, a condensing step of emphasizing the foreign material by condensing the sprayed organic solvent or oil-phase material around the foreign material attached to the substrate surface by controlling a temperature of the substrate surface, and a surface inspecting step of detecting the foreign material emphasized by the condensation of the organic solvent or the oil-phase material by a surface inspecting device.

Abstract: Sticking of a substrate occurs in a reaction chamber for processing the substrate placed on a surface of a substrate-supporting device provided with lift pins for moving the substrate up and down with respect to the surface of the substrate-supporting device. A method of detecting the occurrence of the sticking of the substrate includes: monitoring a vibration propagating in or through the reaction chamber by a sensor, which vibration is indicative of or specific to sticking of the substrate on the surface of the substrate-supporting device when being moved up from the surface of the substrate-supporting device with the lift pins; and initiating a pre-designated sequence if the vibration is detected while processing the substrate in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method and device for the contactless detection of flat objects, particularly in sheet form, such as paper, films, foils, plates, and similar flat materials or packs. At least one correction characteristic is supplied to an evaluating device downstream of a sensor device, specifically a receiver, by means of which the characteristic of an input voltage of a measuring signal in the receiver is so simulated as a function of the gram weight or weight per unit area of flat objects as a target characteristic that there is a linear or almost linear dependence or a characteristic approximated to the ideal characteristic for single sheet detection in the form of a target characteristic.

Abstract: A catheter is provided that has at least one lumen which extends from a proximal end of the catheter to a distal end of the catheter. The catheter also has a catheter hub that has a body with a proximal end, a distal end, an exterior surface, and defining an interior cavity. The exterior surface of the body further defines at least one opening. At least one opening is defined therein the proximal end, and at least one opening is defined therein the distal end. The catheter also has a means for measuring and displaying the number of times that the catheter is injected with an infusate at a pre-determined pressure.

Abstract: A method for locating the surface of a solid growth culture medium in a plate in a plate work position, the plate work position including a sensor and having a datum level fixed in one dimension (z), the method including: ˜placing the plate in the plate work position; ˜using the sensor to sense the medium surface for the positioned plate and measuring the distance to the medium surface; and ˜referencing the measured distance to the datum level to determine a surface positional reference, relative to the datum level, in one dimension (z) for the surface of the medium in the positioned plate.

Abstract: A chute for inspection and sorting apparatus has first and second flat sections, with the lower end of the first section being disposed over the second section to form a step from which product falls onto the second section. Additional sections may be included. In one variant a third channelled section is included, with the lower end of the second section being disposed over the third section forming a second step from which product falls onto the third section.

Abstract: A method for determining a physical property of an object in a multi-path clutter environment comprises transmitting an RF interrogation signal to a wireless sensor physically coupled to the object or the fluid in the multi-path clutter environment, wherein the wireless sensor is operable to receive the RF interrogation signal, produce a reference signal and a measurement signal, and transmit the reference signal and the measurement signal in the multi-path clutter environment. The reference signal and measurement signal are delayed by the wireless sensor by an amount of time that may be a function of the unknown physical property. The method also comprises receiving the transmitted reference signal and the transmitted measurement signal and comparing them in the time domain in order to determine the unknown physical property of the object or the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rotating glass containers and like wares for purposes of inspection is disclosed that uses a compact, modular apparatus which has a drive system that automatically accelerates the wares to full rotation speed while applying only the amount of contact force to the wares that is required to rotate them. The apparatus of the present invention is compact and thus consumes minimal volume in the area near the glass container being rotated. The apparatus for rotating glass containers of the present invention has an outstanding ability to move quickly into contact with a glass container and accelerate it to its full speed without damaging it or being damaged by it, and presents a low degree of impact to glass containers.