Abstract: An improvement is provided in an article handling apparatus capable of receiving a continuous flow of articles such as can ends and automatically counting and separating a stack of articles of a prescribed number disposed in a facewise stacked relation for delivery to a packing station or the like. The apparatus comprises an elongate trough for handling a plurality of can ends in stacked, facewise engagement, a counting arrangement for counting the number of can ends passing a predesignated location up to a predetermined number, and a mechanism for separating this predetermined number from the flow of articles upon the counting thereof and transporting the articles from said counting station.

Abstract: The motor control for a universal or D.C. electric motor controlled by opposing SCRs in parallel includes a comparator for controlling timing of firing of the SCRs based on a comparison of a sensed motor speed error signal and a synchronous ramp and also includes a circuit for sensing motor current as representative of motor torque and generating a motor shut-down signal when the sensed torque or current is greater than a setpoint value. When the shut-down signal is generated, the sensed speed error signal is overridden or prevented from being input to the comparator by deactivation (reverse biasing) of a current switch (diode) and results in the SCRs being deactivated. When the motor is restarted, a soft start circuit provides an alternate gradually increasing speed signal to the comparator in lieu of the sensed speed error signal for a selected short time after restart to gradually increase motor speed.

Abstract: A guide for prevention of fouling of rope or cable wound on a capstan is a short helical ramp at the driven end of the capstan, which ramp guides the rope onto the cylindrical capstan body. The capstan rotates conventionally; the ramp is fixed concentrically. The ramp winds through an arc which is less than 360.degree.. In another embodiment, an arm connects to the ramp. The ramp with connected arm, is free to rotate near the driven base of the capstan. The rotatable ramp/arm assembly allows the rope to approach the capstan from any radial angle and be properly wound onto the capstan.

Abstract: A panel coupler for coupling together two facing panels at a predetermined distance from each other by passing a bolt through the panels and tightening a nut on the bolt comprises a panel clamp member having two facing planar portions coupled together by a U-shaped portion, the planar portions being provided with aligned holes through which the bolt is passed, and a cylindrical portion extending outwardly from the edge of the mounting hole of one of the planar portions, the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion being provided with a plurality of axial ribs, and a metal ring pressure fitted on the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: An inspection device for visually ascertaining the desired alignment of a contact lens in a tinting fixture comprises a base and a platform having a flat surface and mounted to the base for rotation relative thereto. The device also includes an arrangement for mounting the fixture for rotation in unison with the platform and for aligning the fixture relative to the platform flat surface in such a way as to maintain the contact lens in an alignment wherein substantially the entire peripheral edge thereof is located in a plane substantially parallel to the platform flat surface, if the contact lens is in the proper desired alignment in the tinting fixture, and such that the tinting fixture is centered relative to the center of rotation of the platform.