Abstract: A component handler including a supporting structure and a holder on the supporting structure for holding a plurality of components to be tested. After a group of the components in the holder are tested, they are automatically released from the holder and allowed to fall under the influence of gravity along associated component paths. A memory which is located along these component paths is programmed in accordance with the test results. As the components fall along the component paths, the memory automatically directs the components into collection zones whereby the components are sorted in accordance with the test results.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing timing signals for photometric measurement by utilizing light transmitted through samples to be analyzed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting defective knitting needles in a circular knitting machine wherein the knitting needles are advanced along a circular path between a light source and upper and lower vertically spaced photoelectric detector devices. The direction of the light beams from the source to the two photoelectric devices is inclined at an angle to the tangent of the circular path at the beam intercept with the circular path, such that the advancing needles pass successively through the beams and a shadow of the hook end of each needle is cast on the upper photoelectric device before any shadow of any other part of the needle is cast on the lower photoelectric device, when a nondefective intact needle enters the beams. Needles with broken off hooks or closed needle latches cause a shadow to be cast on the lower photoelectric device before any shadow reaches the upper photoelectric device to activate an alarm and/or stop the knitting machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of extraneous matter and/or cracks in translucent containers and in particular translucent containers when the colour density and/or wall thickness of the translucent containers vary significantly from container to container which includes a vertical spot beam of light which is projected through the container to generate an electrical inspection signal corresponding to the amount of light passing through the container. This electrical inspection signal is compared with a predetermined electrical acceptance signal, which is a function of the vertical position of the spot beam of light relative to the container. There is an ambient light correction and for colored containers either the inspection signal or the acceptance signal is altered during the inspection process to take account of the colored density and/or wall thickness.

Abstract: A system to locate selected vehicles traveling on standard streets or highways which periodically and automatically determines the location of the vehicle relative to a pre-established reference such as a map using fixed passive optical arrays as sign posts and means on the vehicles to read the sign posts and communicate the locational information thereon to a central monitoring station.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous monitoring of the condition of the needle heads of a circular knitting machine which move past a predetermined point one after the other at a definite frequency comprising an illuminating component for producing a light spot in the form of a line situated in the plane of an illuminated needle head without light projecting laterally beyond it, said light spot being projected into an aperture substantially the size of the image of the light spot, a photo-receiver disposed behind said aperture and adapted to emit an electrical pulse signal in proportion to the luminous flux passing through the aperture, and a threshold value electronic device for receiving said signal, which when a pulse falls below a predetermined value and/or when there is a change in the predetermined time spacing of two successive pulses, delivers a warning signal.