Abstract: A system and process for inspecting an underlying edge of a composite article, such as a disposable absorbent article. The article has first and second panels in at least partially opposed, overlapping engagement with each other. The process and system determine whether the panels of the article are present and/or properly positioned. Also disclosed is a process and system for detecting whether one or more components are present and/or properly positioned in the composite article by use of infrared radiation. Also disclosed is a process and system for defining a window in an image of the article, scanning the defined window to determine a position of the edge and redefining the window in the event that the edge is not located within the defined window during scanning of the defined window.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for detecting impurities in a material, infrared rays or a plurality of specific wavelength components of the infrared rays are applied to a material (T) on a conveyor (2), the respective reflection intensities of the specific wavelength components reflected by the material (T) are measured, the measured reflection intensities and the reflection intensities of specific wavelength components inherent to the material (T) are compared, and impurities in the material (T) are detected according to the result of the comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus for detection of format accuracy of a web of corrugated board that comprises a first and second smooth liner and a corrugated paper web disposed there-between, is equipped with at least one sensor which detects grooves running in a conveying direction of the web of corrugated board, and/or a lengthwise cut, and/or lateral edges.

Abstract: Equipment for determining the surface uniformity of film or sheet material, in which the material is arranged to pass over a rotating measuring shaft, a light source being arranged to illuminate the horizon formed by the outer surface of the material exactly where it is in contact with the periphery of the measuring shaft, and also a light detector for detecting light transmitted from the light source and emitting corresponding electric signals to subsequent signal-processing apparatus in order to determine the dimensions, number and locations of the irregularities from the shadows produced by the surface irregularities. In a method for calibrating equipment of this type, at least one calibration shaft (10, 12) is produced with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the measuring shaft and the thickness of the material being calibrated, after which a number of elevations (No.1, No.2, No.3) are produced on the peripheral surface of the shaft and the actual dimensions of the elevations are determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting properties of a moving web of paper, more specifically for production control in the paper making process, with an infrared lighting device suited for illuminating the web of paper with infrared light and provided with a light exit portion, with a detector device for detecting infrared light reflected or transmitted by the web of paper which is provided with a light input portion and with a housing a) which is arranged in immediate proximity to the paper web, b) which is provided with a front face facing the web of paper and c) which accommodates the light exit portion and/or the light input portion provided with optical fibers. A plurality of n spherical lenses is arranged in a sealed manner in the front face, said spherical lenses being each optically coupled to an allocated optical fiber within the housing, said spherical lenses constituting, together with the corresponding optical fibers, the light exit portion and/or the light input portion.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for collecting radiation. An electromechanical radiation collection device is disposed in a roll to collect radiation directed at the roll. The invention is also an apparatus comprising a roll having an outer surface. An electromechanical radiation collection device is disposed in the roll.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided by which a sheet-forming web may be characterized in four dimensions. Light images of the web are recorded at a point adjacent the initial stage of the web, for example, near the headbox in a paperforming operation. The images are digitized, and the resulting data is processed by novel algorithms to provide a four-dimensional measurement of the web. The measurements include two-dimensional spatial information, the intensity profile of the web, and the depth profile of the web. These measurements can be used to characterize the web, predict its properties and monitor production events, and to analyze and quantify headbox flow dynamics.

Abstract: A defective roll in a strip processing line, e.g. an aluminum alloy strip cleaning line, may create an undesirable mark on the strip material. Where a plurality of rolls are in use, the defective roll is identified by providing a downstream inspection station which includes a data processor. When a mark on the strip passes the inspection station, the processor is activated whereby the rolls go through a timed opening and closing sequence. During this sequence, if no mark is observed on the strip at the time when a repeat of the mark would be expected, the lapsed time is compared to a data base and the defective roll is thereby identified.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring properties of a paper web, whereby at least one property of the paper web is measured at least at two locations in the cross direction of the paper web simultaneously. Adjacent measuring devices are calibrated by traversing a reference sample in the cross direction such that the reference sample is impinged by the measuring beam from each of the measuring devices.

Abstract: Method of measuring a distortion angle between the longitudinal extent of the weft threads or rows of stitches in a textile strip (T) that is being continuously transported in a transporting apparatus (M) and the perpendicular to the transport direction, by means of a lighting arrangement (100A), a photoelectric sensor arrangement (107) with a plurality of sensor elements and an evaluation device (115) connected to the sensor arrangement for processing the values sampled from the sensor fields in order to obtain the distortion angle, wherein an arrangement of sensor elements with a plurality of rows and columns is used in which individual elements can be accessed as desired, and in a sequence of scanning steps different predetermined groups of sensor elements are interrogated, each of which is situated substantially on a sensor-field line, the groups involved in each scanning step being determined such that the scanned sensor-field lines are positioned at progressively altered angles with respect to the trans

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for evaluating defects in flat textile structures. To be able to provide a method and a device which permit the repeated and unambiguous evaluation of defects in flat textile structures, the invention provides for an image (1) of a flat structure to be generated such that at least two representations of defects (2-17) in the flat structure appear in the image which differ in terms of the length and contrast of the defect. On the basis of said representations a decision is taken as to whether a defect in the flat structure is admissible or inadmissible. To this end a tabular or matrix-like arrangement of representations of different kinds of defects is created and an image of a defect-free flat surface is used as background.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for determining the properties of a material web. The apparatus includes at least one radiation source, and at least one detection device adapted to detect radiation emitted from the at least one radiation source that at least one of penetrates and is reflected by the material web. The detection device can include at least one detection area unevenly divided into a plurality of individual sensors. Further, the material web can be a paper web. The invention relates to a device and a process for determining the properties of a material web, particularly a paper web, having at least one radiation source and at least one detection device for radiation that is emitted by the radiation source and that penetrates and/or is reflected by the material web, said detection device having at least one detection area unevenly divided into a large number of individual sensors.

Abstract: A defective roll in a strip processing line, e.g. an aluminum alloy strip cleaning line, may create an undesirable mark on the strip material. Where a plurality of rolls are in use, the defective roll is identified by providing a downstream inspection station which includes a data processor. When a mark on the strip passes the inspection station, the processor is activated whereby the rolls go through a timed opening and closing sequence. During this sequence, if no mark is observed on the strip at the time when a repeat of the mark would be expected, the lapsed time is compared to a data base and the defective roll is thereby identified.

Abstract: A method for measuring the quality properties of paper and/or board on moving webs is disclosed. The present invention utilizes a staged evaluation method in which the basic properties of the paper or board and further properties are determined via multi-stage modeling.

Abstract: A device serves for optically scanning a moving material web. The device is formed by a CCD camera comprising a lens and a CCD receiving element, which is provided with photodiodes. So as to be able to exactly adjust the area of the material web scanned by means of the device, the CCD receiving element can be adjusted transversely in relation to the optical axis of the lens. For adjusting the CCD receiving element, a template with a structure is provided. This structure is detected by the photodiodes, and the signals emitted by the photodiodes act on a controlling device. The controlling device adjusts the CCD receiving element so that it is aligned with the structure of the template.

Abstract: The width measuring apparatus according to this invention includes a light emitting element, a pair of light receiving elements, a measurement support table for fixing them and calculating device, where a pair of partial laser beams of the laser beam from the light emitting element which are not projected over a traveling elongated object to be measured are received by the light receiving elements, and a width of the elongated object calculated from the received light quantities of the pair of partial laser beams. The width measuring apparatus according to this invention further includes a single light emitting element, pairs of light receiving elements, a measurement support table for fixing and calculating devise, where pairs of partial laser beams of the laser beams from the light emitting element which are not projected over traveling elongated objects are received by the light receiving elements, and widths of the elongated objects are calculated from light quantities of the received partial laser beams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the composition of a moving web product on a real-time basis during the manufacturing process. Spectrometric monitoring equipment operates to derive information regarding physical and/or chemical properties of the web at multiple locations in the web's cross direction. Data from a plurality of spectral regions can be combined to produce a vector containing accurate information regarding the web's composition. This information is derived using multivariate mathematical techniques to yield a spatial data matrix for each component of interest. Composition information contained in the spatial data matrix can be reprojected as a “virtual composition map,” or compared against ideal profiles stored in a computer memory.

Abstract: There is provided a sheet thickness and swell measurement method and apparatus to calibrate a characteristic map of a reference plane with accuracy and on demand, and to provide a simpler construction of means for creating the characteristic map of the reference plane and means for calibrating the characteristic map. Measurement heads 2 are moved to the width direction of sheet 9, and the thickness of the sheet is measured by the sheet thickness measurement sensors 3 installed in the measurement heads 2. The measured values of the sheet thickness are calibrated by a characteristic map MP of the moving mechanism 4 of the measurement head 2 with respect to the sheet width direction, which has been created in advance. Highly directional electromagnetic waves emitting means is arranged on one side of the main frame 1 for emitting highly directional electromagnetic waves 5a, such as light or beam, which define a reference plane for creating the characteristic map.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring properties of a moving web. Web properties are measured with a measuring apparatus where at least one sensor element is arranged to a rotating measuring roll. The measuring roll is in contact with the web to be measured, and the circumferential speed of the measuring roll is arranged to substantially equal the web speed, the web being substantially in non-slipping contact with the measuring roll for an arc of the rotation of the measuring roll.

Abstract: An illumination system including at least one reflector subtending an angle with respect to a location on a surface of an article, and first and second light sources, the first and second light sources each providing a light output, the light outputs from both of the first and second light sources being directed to impinge on the location on the surface of an article within the angle, at least one of the light outputs being reflected by the reflector.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring properties of a paper web, whereby at least one property of the paper web is measured at least at two locations in the cross direction of the paper web simultaneously. Adjacent measuring devices are calibrated by traversing a reference sample in the cross direction such that the reference sample is impinged by the measuring beam from each of the measuring devices.

Abstract: A structure is described having an optical element having a cylindrical shape adapted for rolling in contact with a surface of a material, a source of electromagnetic radiation coupled into one portion of the cylinder to interact with the surface, and exiting at another portion of the optical element for detection. An apparatus is described for applying electromagnetic radiation to a surface having a cylindrical roller formed from a material transmissive to the electromagnetic radiation; the cylindrical roller adapted for rolling on the surface; and the cylindrical roller adapted for receiving the electromagnetic radiation for reflecting the electromagnetic radiation therein and for directing the electromagnetic radiation towards a detector for detection. The structure and apparatus is directed for use with in-line or real-time process monitoring technology.

Abstract: This invention relates to a loose draw detector for a paper machine wet press. Such structure of this type, generally, use laser triangulation displacement sensors mounted and positioned to measure the point of web release from the center roll and measure paper web wrinkles in the form of rapid fluctuations/decreases in the standoff distance between sensors and the web passing over the leadout roll to determine loose draw.

Abstract: There is provided a monitoring apparatus for preventing paper breakage. For this monitoring apparatus, a light source 9 is disposed on the upper side of a wet paper 1, and a light emitting face thereof faces downward. An operation-side camera 5a and a drive-side camera 5b are disposed on the side opposite to the light source 9 with respect to the wet paper 1, and a lens face thereof faces upward. Light 9a of the light source 9 passes through the wet paper 1 after being reflected from a mirror 11, and is caught by the cameras 5a and 5b. Thus, the cameras 5a and 5b photograph a silhouette (image) of the light 9a of the light source 9, which has passed through the wet paper 1. This image is sent to an image processing unit 6, where the image is processed. The coordinates of a boundary line such that the wet paper 1 separates from a center roll 2 is detected from the images photographed from two directions. This coordinate value is sent to a computer 8.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the edge step and edge form of a test belt during production are provided. A gauge on a test belt provides belt edge information. A belt edge determination controller for a testing device determines the edge step and edge form of the test belt to stabilize or eliminate the steps on subsequently produced belts. The testing device includes a sensor mounted at one end of the belt module which sends sensor signals to the belt edge determination controller to determine the edge step and edge form of the belt. The belt edge determination controller then determines whether the determined edge step and edge form are appropriate for subsequent production.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for detecting impurities in a material, infrared rays or a plurality of specific wavelength components of the infrared rays are applied to a material (T) on a conveyor (2), the respective reflection intensities of the specific wavelength components reflected by the material (T) are measured, the measured reflection intensities and the reflection intensities of specific wavelength components inherent to the material (T) are compared, and impurities in the material (T) are detected according to the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining the position of an edge of a moving web of material travelling along a predetermined travel path. the sensor system comprising a transmitter/receiver assembly, a beam reflector assembly and sensor signal processing. The transmitter/receiver assembly is positioned adjacent to the travel path of the moving web of material. The transmitter/receiver assembly has a transmitter transmitting a light curtain across at least a portion of the travel path, and a receiver receiving a shifted light curtain transmitted across at least a portion of the travel path and generating video output signals indicative of the position of the edge of the moving web of material. The beam reflector assembly is also positioned adjacent to the travel path of the moving web of material such that the travel path passes between the transmitter/receiver assembly and the beam reflector assembly.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for determining the angles of oblique and arched distortion in a textile fabric or similar, with the use of at least one optical detector. It consists of the acquisition, in digital form, of a real image of an area of the fabric or similar which is illuminated for just the time necessary to acquire the image; the possible rotation of the image; the storing of the image inside the optical detector; the application of appropriate algorithms to the image in order to increase the reliability of the results, and the determination of the angle of local distortion through analysis of the two-dimensional spectrum of the Fourier transformation, in order to calculate the distortion angles, starting from the angles of local distortion.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining the position of at least one edge of a web of material traveling along a predetermined path. The sensor system has a transmitter assembly capable of selectively transmitting at least one collimated light curtain and a receiver assembly capable of generating output signals in response to receiving portions of the collimated light curtain transmitted by the transmitter assembly. The receiver assembly is spaced a distance from the transmitter assembly so as to define a travel path therebetween whereby at least a portion of the web of material traveling along a predetermined travel path blocks at least a portion of the collimated light curtain transmitted by the transmitter assembly. The output signal generated by the receiver assembly is indicative of the position of the web of material as the same is moved along the travel path between the transmitter assembly and the receiver assembly.

Abstract: A method for measuring the quality properties of paper and/or board on moving webs is disclosed. The present invention utilizes a staged evaluation method in which the basic properties of the paper or board and further properties are determined via multi-stage modeling.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring web defects along a moving web of paper involves determining a dimension of a web defect as the paper web moves along an established paper path in a machine direction. A distance from a side edge of the paper web to a location of the web defect is also determined as the paper web moves along the established paper path. A value indicative of a likelihood of paper web failure at the web defect is then established based at least in part upon both the determined dimension and the determined distance. A determination of whether to stop the moving paper web for repair of the web defect can then be made based at least in part upon the determined failure likelihood indicative value. An alternative technique involves establishing a plurality of paper web width regions. A dimension of a web defect is determined as the paper web moves along an established paper path in a machine direction. The web defect is categorized as falling into one of the established paper web width regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring paper color. Paper color is measured from the surface of a paper roll on a winder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the color and/or composition of a material. A sample of the material is illuminated with at least three illumination bands singly or in combination, said illumination bands collectively substantially spanning at least the visible range. The light reflected or transmitted by the sample is measured with at least four light detector elements responsive to light in wavelength bands which substantially span the visible range when the sample is illuminated. The measured reflected or transmitted light is compared to the light reflected or transmitted by a reference material of known apparent emissivity or transmissivity and the apparent emissivity or transmissivity of the sample is calculated therefrom.

Abstract: A web inspection system for analysis of a moving web of material records and stores continuous sequences of the web. The web inspection system includes a camera for recording the continuous sequence of the web, an encoder for synchronizing movements of the web with the video image being recorded, and an Image Processing System (IPS) including a real time video disk for storing the image of the web and for displaying the continuous sequence web image on a video display. The IPS is also utilized for detecting faults or features and for categorizing the faults or features detected. The entire web is recorded and the image can be viewed either interactively while the image is being recorded or at a later time. The recorded image of the web can be played back at a slower speed to allow for a more detailed inspection of the web. The sequence image can be analyzed to build a defect image database. The web inspection system can also be utilized for sorting and displaying defect information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting impurities (F) in a fiber stream (1) of mainly textile fibers, wherein the fiber stream and at least one reference quantity (15) are artificially visually sensed. To enable even impurities which are difficult to detect to be removed with improved efficiency, the reference quantity is to be adapted at least periodically.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining the position of at least one edge of a web of material traveling along a predetermined path. The sensor system has a transmitter assembly capable of selectively transmitting at least one collimated light curtain and a receiver assembly capable of generating output signals in response to receiving portions of the collimated light curtain transmitted by the transmitter assembly. The receiver assembly is spaced a distance from the transmitter assembly so as to define a travel path therebetween whereby at least a portion of the web of material traveling along a predetermined travel path blocks at least a portion of the collimated light curtain transmitted by the transmitter assembly. The output signal generated by the receiver assembly is indicative of the position of the web of material as the same is moved along the travel path between the transmitter assembly and the receiver assembly.

Abstract: A single gloss sensor which can perform both DIN gloss measurement and DIN high gloss measurement, using the same hardware, and with minimal delay between the two measurements. The invention functions by directing light beams from a source to two different positions, either concurrently, or sequentially, between a position which measures gloss (75°) and a position which measures high gloss (45°).

Abstract: The invention provides a simple and efficient method and apparatus for carrying out a quantitative measurement of waviness in a sample of paper. This is done by stretching the paper sample to the point where all waviness is removed and measuring the elongation produced at that point. The observation of waviness and its removal is facilitated by illumination of the paper sample with low incidence light while the sample is being stretched.

Abstract: A station optically inspects banded cigarette paper by directing an elongated beam of white light laterally across a web of the cigarette paper. The elongated beam impinges on the surface of the cigarette paper and forms reflections. A plurality of line scan camera containing linear CCD arrays receive the reflections and generate output signals. One or more processing units process the output signals to generate data indicative of the spacing between bands, the width of the bands, and the contrast of the bands. These calculations can be periodically transferred to a separate computer workstation over a network. The workstation generates statistical reports on the basis of the calculations, such as the band width, band spacing and band contrast as a function of lane number, and as a function of time. The statistical reports provide a convenient way of quickly detecting irregularities in application of the bands.

Abstract: A comparison of the specular and diffused radiation reflected from a coating can be used in ratio to locate the gel point of the coating, and to monitor coating drying characteristics. This same system may be used to monitor the drying process of the coatings in a lab setting to characterize the drying process, optimize coating quality or optimize mill efficiency. A system implementing the Applicant's method uses a radiation source to illuminate a measurement location on the coating, and then provides a first and second radiation detectors to detect reflected radiation from the coating, originating from the radiation source. One of the radiation detectors is arranged to collect specular radiation. The second detector is arranged to collect only diffused radiation. The ratio of these two values represents information about the location of the gel point for the coating, and coating drying characteristics.

Abstract: A method and a measuring machine for analyzing at least one property of a paper web (7). According to the invention a jumbo roll (5) from a paper machine is placed in a measuring machine and its paper web (7) is conveyed from an unreeling section (1), through a measuring section (3) to a reeling section (2). A measuring sequence is performed which comprises stepwise feeding of the paper web and measuring the property in the measuring section, when the paper web is stationary, within a web-width measuring area which in the machine direction corresponds to said step length, by scanning traversing a measuring sensor. The values recorded are transmitted to a computer unit for processing and conversion to a visual form.

Abstract: An apparatus for delooping fibers in a fluid flow preferably includes a cyclone for receiving entities from a fiber individualizer and delivering individual fibers to a sensor. The fluid flow rate to the cyclone is set to optimize operation of the individualizer and the flow rate from the cyclone is set to optimize operation of the sensor. A nozzle is provided in the sensor for mechanically delooping the fibers so they are sensed in a straight condition. In addition, electronics associated with the sensor detects sensor signals corresponding to looped fibers and electronically “deloops” the fibers to produce data, such as the actual length of a fiber that was presented to the sensor in a looped condition.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining the position of at least one edge of a web of material traveling along a predetermined path. The sensor system has a transmitter assembly capable of selectively transmitting at least one collimated light curtain and a receiver assembly capable of generating output signals in response to receiving portions of the collimated light curtain transmitted by the transmitter assembly. The receiver assembly is spaced a distance from the transmitter assembly so as to define a travel path therebetween whereby at least a portion of the web of material traveling along a predetermined travel path blocks at least a portion of the collimated light curtain transmitted by the transmitter assembly. The output signal generated by the receiver assembly is indicative of the position of the web of material as the same is moved along the travel path between the transmitter assembly and the receiver assembly.

Abstract: A control system for an optical sheet sensor device, including at least one light emitter and at least one light detector associated therewith for sensing a sheet in a sheet travel path for automatically controlling the sheet sensor device in order to provide an intensity of light from the light emitter to compensate for varying background reflectance and background-to-light emitter distance. The control provided for determining a light emitter current level corresponding to an operating condition where a sheet is known to be absent from the sheet travel path and where there is a close, reflective background to the light emitter. A light emitter current operating level corresponding to a reduced level with respect to the above determined current level is stored. A current startup error level at a preset amount off-set from the stored current level is determined.

Abstract: Monitoring unit with one light beam for monitoring the postion of and/or forming material webs or blanks. Monitoring units of this type usually consist of a transmitter, for example, a LED and a receiver, for example, a photocell. The operation of the machine entails the light emitting and receiving units being covered by dust and other contamination. In order to avoid this, a flow of gas or air is directed onto the translucent housing surrounding the same. The air is supplied via an air line in which an electrical cable to supply power to the monitoring unit is also accomodated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multifunctionalized alkoxy, the alkoxy functionality Y being introduced onto a suitable polyhydrooorganosiloxane by a dehydrogenation/condensation reaction from the alcohol from which Y derives and then the functionality W by a hydrosilylation reaction from the olefinic compound from which W derives. The multifunctionalized alkoxy polyorganosiloxanes can be used as antiadhesion modulators in silicone compositions and as silica covering agents in silicone compositions containing fillers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring properties of a moving web. A stimulus is directed onto the moving web by an excitation element and the effect of the web on the stimulus is measured with a detection element. At the measuring point the web is supported by a measurement support sheet. The measurement support sheet comprises at least two regions having different but known responsiveness to one or more forms of stimulus or causing different but known transformation to one or more forms of stimulus.

Abstract: The quality of printed, processed material is assessed by passing the processed material through an inspection device. The material for inspection is illuminated with directional light beams. The light rays reflected from the processed material are reflected almost completely into a CCD camera.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting defects in textile webs. In order to rapidly adapt devices of this type to widely varying textile webs and to be able to operate such devices simply, brightness values are determined from the web and are supplied directly to a filter constructed as a neural network. The output results of the neural network can be displayed as grayscale values to indicate detected defects.

Abstract: An opto-electronic device (S) for detecting the movement of yarn (Y) (10) passing transversely through a detection zone (11) on the storage drum (3) of a yarn feeder (F), has at least one light source (L) directed on the detection zone (11), at least one reflector (B) fitted on the storage drum (3) a short distance away on the side of the detection zone (11) away from the light source (L) and at least one signal-generating receiver (R) directed towards the detection zone. The opto-electronic device also has a reflector which includes (B) at least one narrow and approximately flat reflection area (15, 15', 15") extending essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the yarn and in the circumferential direction of the storage drum (3). The reflection area is bounded at its longitudinal sides by either a strip diaphragm fitted between the reflector (B) and the yarn passage plane (13), or diaphragmed regions (17) arranged approximately in the reflector plane.