Abstract: A quick disconnect electrical coupler for connecting an electrical cable, or cord, to circuitry in a closed housing forms a sealed, high strength, impact resistant connection between the housing and a flexible conduit within which the electrical lead is disposed. The quick disconnect electrical coupler includes a conduit adapter in sealed engagement about an aperture in the housing which is coupled to the conduit by means of a threadable compression connection. Electrical leads coupled to circuitry in the housing terminate in a plurality of conductive pins disposed within an inner connector housing adapted for mating engagement with a conventional socket-type lead connector coupled to the electrical cable. A connector adapter is disposed about the inner connector housing and within the conduit adapter and is in sealed engagement with these two components.

Abstract: An electrical coupler is adapted for connecting a multi-lead cable to circuitry, such as a senor circuit, in a closed housing. The coupler includes an inner threaded multi-pin quick disconnect cable connector disposed within a barbed cylindrical hose fitting which is inserted in an aperture in a housing wall and forms a watertight seal about the aperture. A reinforcing plate may be attached to the hose fitting on the inner surface of the housing wall to strengthen the installation. A vinyl or rubber hose is affixed to the barbed end of the hose fitting by means of a suitable clamp to environmentally seal the inner electrical connector from liquid and gas containments. The electrical coupler is easily disconnected such as for connecting another senor to the cable and provides a fluid-proof, rugged, quick disconnect electrical coupling through a solid structure such as a wall.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operating speed of a can machine having an input conveyor for temporarily storing cans while moving them along a path toward the machine includes a metal wire capacitance sensor. The wire may be formed in a repeating pattern and serve as an area mass sensor. The capacitance formed by the sensor wire and the can is connected in a capacitance bridge circuit which is excited by an oscillator. A detector circuit coupled to the bridge circuit generates an output signal representative of the number of cans in the conveyor. Output drive circuitry including an optical coupler for isolating the detection circuitry from the machine under control, transmits a signal for a desired control function to a remotely located variable speed drive controller for controlling either the machine to which the cans are being fed or a machine which is feeding the cans to keep the size of the can queue at a desired value.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operating speed of a can machine having an input conveyor for temporarily storing cans while moving them along a path toward the machine includes a metal wire capacitance sensor. The wire may be arranged either as a linear sensor if it is desired to determine the number of cans in a single file queue; or it may be formed in a repeating pattern and serve as an area mass sensor. The capacitance formed by the sensor wire and the can is connected in a capacitance bridge circuit which is excited by an oscillator. A detector circuit coupled to the bridge circuit generates an output signal representative of the number of cans in the conveyor.

Abstract: In a mass conveying system a variable branch of an electrical bridge network is sensitive to changes in the numerical density of articles within a predetermined portion of the system. The bridge network is responsive to an imbalance therein to generate a signal corresponding to the imbalance. Means responsive to the signal act to control delivery of articles to the system.