Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of surface irregularties in transparent articles, especially spikes on the inside base of glass containers.The containers (5) are passed rotatably over a slit (7) having an opaque line (11) situated centrally about the longitudinal axis of the slit. A pair of light sources (15) are positioned beneath the slit and to either side of the opaque line (11) so that, in the absence of surface irregularities, light is refracted at an oblique angle through the container base. A diode-array camera (13) situated vertically above the slit and focussed thereon normally receives no light from the light sources. In the presence of a defect, diffraction of light occurs into the area of view of the camera causing a "defect present" signal to be produced which is processed electronically, enabling the defective container to be rejected.

Abstract: There is described a deadplate comprising a support having a plurality of spaced channels in which are retained article-contacting strips of a material which stand proud of lands between the channels, the material being lubricious and of low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: The apparatus is particularly suited for identifying mould cavity numbers formed in binary code in the stippling on the base of glass containers. It comprises light beam detection means (2), such as a photodiode array, which scans an area of the article to provide an output characteristic of the code; means (12) are provided for creating at least one window in time within each scan period by selecting which diodes in the array commence and terminate the window. Only output signals from the light beam detection means within the window in time are decoded to provide the code on the article. Preferably, the window is selected manually, e.g. by thumbwheel stores (14), and, further, a true decoding is arranged to arise for "1" in the binary code (presence of a stippling mark) only if a predetermined number of photodiodes within the window are activated at any one time. This true decoding reduces errors due to refraction of light from defects in the glass.

Abstract: A moulding material is described, comprising a polyimide resin and a carbon filler, e.g. carbon fibres and/or graphite. The material is for manufacturing shaped articles for handling hot ware, e.g. hot glassware.