Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved gift wrap storage and dispensing device, comprising a container and a lid, which are rotatable with respect to one another. Wrapping paper is stored on dowels within the container and is dispensed through openings in the side wall of the container. The wrapping paper is cut using a cutting device positioned on the outside wall of the container. Similarly, the lid contains a dispensing housing for storing rolls of tape, ribbon, etc., which can be dispensed through openings in the side wall of the lid and cut using a cutting device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used to detect metallized containers or other objects in closed packages traveling in a conveyor stream. The apparatus includes a pair of coil units mounted in association with a packaging conveyor such that the closed packages will pass therebetween. Appropriate field generation circuitry are connected to the coil units for producing a magnetic field. When the metallized containers pass through the magnetic field, the impedance across the coils will vary. The varying impedance is measured continuously, thus giving an indication as to whether the metallized object has been detected. If the package is nonconforming, steps can be taken to automatically remove it from the conveyor stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used to detect metallized containers or other objects in closed packages traveling in a conveyor stream. The apparatus includes a pair of coil units mounted in association with a packaging conveyor such that the closed packages will pass therebetween. Appropriate field generation circuitry are connected to the coil units for producing a magnetic field. When the metallized containers pass through the magnetic field, the impedance across the coils will vary. The varying impedance is measured continuously, thus giving an indication as to whether the metallized object has been detected. If the package is nonconforming, steps can be taken to automatically remove it from the conveyor stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the amount of free water contained within a substance includes a waveguide having front and back sides disposed opposite each other. The waveguide defines a chamber for propagating a microwave signal therethrough. The waveguide has an end perpendicular to the front and back sides which forms a short within the chamber. The front and back sides each have an aperture for passing a substance therethrough. A microwave signal in the frequency range of 10-25 gigahertz is directed through the chamber wherein the generated microwave signal is reflected back from the short of the end. The generated and reflected signals form a ratio which is used by a microprocessor along with the measurement from an adjacent sensor that provides a dielectric constant measurement corresponding to the density of the substance in order to determine a weight of the substance compensated for free water.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing units of production enables the location of a splice to be accurately determined, so that only the unit of production containing the splice can be rejected without requiring additional units of production which are entirely free of defects to also be rejected. According to the method, first and second webs of material are spliced together so as to create a splice. The splice is marked with a magnetic marker. After the units of production are assembled, including a unit of production which contains the splice, the magnetic marker is magnetized. The magnetizing step occurs after the assembling step so that the orientation of the magnetic field remains parallel to the sensing direction until the magnetic field is detected. The magnetic marker is detected with a detector which has a plurality of closely spaced magnetic sensors.

Abstract: A monitor for measuring physical parameters of a slurry, utilizing microwave propagation within a waveguide, either in conduit or a storage facility. Switching circuitry and specially constructed waveguides are provided, which operate in combination to provide rapid, accurate measurement of such parameters as flow rate, and concentration of the slurry.

Abstract: A cylindrical microwave cavity 12 has a pinched center 28, 30. Two apertures 28, 30, one in the center. of each face of the cylinder 10, provide access for a gas/powder mixture 124 having a dielectric coefficient depending on its density or some other measurement of interest. The faces 20, 22 of the cylinder 10 are much farther apart at the unpinched periphery, which comprises most of the volume of the cavity. The wider spacing allows an antenna 34 to be placed in the cavity 12, and provides a high Q-factor to maximize the sensitivity of the cavity 12. At the same time, certain resonance modes are greatly affected by a change in the dielectric coefficient of the gas/powder mixture 124 in the pinched portion 28, 30. The density of the powder or any other convenient variable may thus be servoed to any desired value. The powder 124 may be blown through the cavity 10, encased in tube 120 affixed to the cavity 12.