Abstract: In a method of and an apparatus for detecting three-dimensional defects in he automatic inspection of moving surfaces by means of a color vision system the surface of a moving test specimen which is to be inspected is illuminated with light of different colors simultaneously from at least two different directions, such that edges of three-dimensional defects on the surface appear with a different coloring, and on the basis of the altered coloring, at least two channels of the color image are evaluated to detect three-dimensional defects and to differentiate same from planar defects.

Abstract: The present invention is a dual section liquid-cooled panel that lines a portion of the interior surface of a metallurgical furnace. The invented panel has a primary section disposed proximate to the center of the furnace and a secondary or back-up section adjacent the primary section. A three-way valve is controls the flow of fluid to the operating section of the panel. Initially, the primary section is operational and the valve is set to permit the flow of fluid to the primary section. If the primary section suffers structural damage, the valve can be used to re-direct the cooling fluid to the secondary section of the invented panel and the secondary section becomes operational until regular maintenance is scheduled to occur. Also disclosed is a method for repairing a damaged dual section liquid-cooled panel.

Abstract: A method for applying a plurality of solder globules to a substrate has a solder-globule fixing method, a plurality of glass fibers and a fibre holder. The solder-globule fixing method has provided therein a plurality of passages whose cross-sectional areas are smaller than the cross-sectional areas ofthe solder globules to be applied. The fibre holder is arranged relative to the solder-globule fixing device in such a way that between the fibre holder and the solder-globule fixing device a cavity is formed, which is adapted to be acted upon when submitted to pressure via a pressure-transmitting conduit. The fibre holder holds the glass fibres in alignment with the passages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting counter homeostasis oscillation perturbation signals (CHOPS) found within the wave form of human speech that reflects either arousal in the autonomic nervous system or other biological processes. The apparatus is a speech analysis system for obtaining biofeedback information from human speech samples having variable duration. The speech analysis system comprises means for digitizing the human speech samples, storage means for receiving the digitized speech samples from the digitizing means and storing the digitized speech samples, processing means for detecting and analyzing CHOPS in the digitized speech samples and display means for presenting the analyzed speech samples in a visual representation. The speech analysis system may further include transducer means for collecting and transducing human speech samples into electrical signals and input means for configuring the analysis parameters of the processing means.

Abstract: A pollutant emissions monitoring system and a method of measuring pollutant emissions, particularly fly ash, of gas passing through stacks of coal-fired boilers. An all optical-based emission monitor has an opacity monitor and a flow rate monitor connected to a remote data processing facility by a single fiber optic cable. A timing/calibration wheel assembly initiates measurement cycles and calibrates the opacity monitor. A first beamsplitter polarizes a collimated light beam from a light source into two collimated light beams, an upstream and a downstream beam. A second beamsplitter receives the collimated light beams, reflects a portion of the light beams to the flow rate monitor and passes the remainder of the light beams to a retro-reflector.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexographic printing apparatus for printing single images on a continuous web of material using a belt-type printer and for easily and rapidly creating flexible packaging by bringing the printing operation in-line with the bag converting or packaging material machines. In a preferred embodiment, the printing apparatus includes a frame having an impression cylinder and a nip roller rotatably mounted to the frame in close proximity to the impression cylinder such that the nip roller bears on the impression cylinder, a printer mounting attached to the frame and movable laterally relative to the impression cylinder, a belt-type printer mounted on the printer mounting and means for transferring rotation of the impression cylinder to the printer. The frame may be fixed to a post-printing processing machine or may be free-standing for easily moving the invented apparatus to various locations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat treating of hazardous waste by heating the waste in a pyrolyzing chamber and forming an off-gas, heating the off-gas for a sufficient time to destroy dioxins and furans, then reducing and cooling the off-gas in a secondary treating chamber having a graphite stack and recovering metallics by distillation.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for joining two or more thin sheets of thermoplastic materials along a welded seam includes a welding assembly and a means for feeding the thermoplastic sheets to the working area of the welding assembly. The welding assembly includes a heated platen welding press coupled with a welding tool, an energy generator electrically connected to the welding tool and control means electrically connected to the welding press, the welding tool and the energy generator. The welding press includes a pair of opposed platens, means for heating each of the platens and pressing means for displacing at least one of the opposed platens in the thickness direction of the thermoplastic sheets. Pressure is applied to the thermoplastic sheets by using the pressing means to displace at least one of the heated platens in the thickness direction of the thermoplastic sheets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved control of continuous electric arc furnace steelmaking in which a charge velocity detector measures charge velocity of metallic charge introduced to the furnace. A charge mass detector measures a charge mass of metallic charge introduced to the furnace. A computer determines a feed rate based on the charge velocity and the charge mass. An automatic bath level probe detects a steel bath. The computer determines a steel bath level and optimal positions to insert a temperature probe and an oxygen lance, and further predicts new bath levels from one tapping time to the next tapping time. The temperature probe is inserted to an optimal measurement position based on the steel bath level and measures a steel bath temperature. The oxygen lance is positioned and maintained at an optimal oxygen injection position and injects oxygen into the bath.