Abstract: To detect a foaming contaminant in a moving container, an image of the moving container and any contents thereof is produced. Thereafter, image processing techniques are used to determine levels of low and high frequency spatial variations in intensity in the image. The levels of low and high frequency spatial variations in intensity are then compared to determine the presence of a foaming contaminant.

Abstract: To spectrally detect a contaminant in a moving container, a set of reference spectral information related to one or more containers having known contents is stored. Thereafter, radiant energy is directed at liquid near the bottom of the container so that the radiant energy is modified by the contents of the container and travels through the contents of the container in multiple paths of varying length. Spectral information from detected portions of the modified radiant energy is obtained, and is compared to the stored set of reference spectral information using correlation techniques. Based on the relationship between this spectral information and the stored set of reference spectral information, the presence or absence of a contaminant is indicated.

Abstract: To detect a contaminant in a moving container, radiant energy is directed into the moving container. Thereafter, a level of radiant energy scattered by contents of the moving container is detected. The presence of a contaminant is indicated when the detected level of scattered radiant energy differs from a threshold level. Scattered radiant energy detected by the system includes that scattered by turbid materials within the container and that scattered by foam within the container. Detection of turbid materials or foam may be combined with spectral contaminant detection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating contraband vapor/particle detection devices is described. The invention includes a desorb site onto which may be deposited solutions containing known concentrations of one or more of the specific compounds to be detected. The desorb site, which may be rapidly heated to vaporize the particles contained in the solution deposited on its surface, is housed in a sealable chamber. The vapor and/or particles become entrained in an air stream forced across the surface of the desorb site, and the airstream is then delivered through a snout to the contraband vapor particle detector.

Abstract: To detect a turbid contaminant in a moving container, radiant energy having a wavelength that is absorbed by contents of the moving container that include the turbid contaminant at a different level than energy having the wavelength is absorbed by contents of the moving container that include a non-contaminant is directed into the container. Thereafter, a level of radiant energy scattered by contents of the container is detected. The presence of a turbid contaminant is indicated when the detected level of scattered radiant energy differs from a threshold level.

Abstract: An in-line ram rejector system particularly for high speed bottling lines with unspaced plastic containers relies on a multi-beam optical system to keep track of the containers between a contamination detection station and a rejector station equipped with a ram rejector. The rejection station is also provided with an automatic side gate on the conveyor. When the leading edge of a tracked, identified container meets the beam, the side gate on the conveyor opens, and when the trailing edge of the same tracked identified container passes by the beam, the container, for example, a plastic beverage bottle is rammed out the open gate onto a neck rail, which catches the container upright.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting of the loss of motion in a transporting system regardless of the position in which the system stops. The apparatus incorporates one or more detection switches coupled with two timers operating in series or parallel and determines when motion has ceased.

Abstract: A dust detector ring assembly for detecting extremely small quantities of particulate contamination in air being taken into the carburetor of an engine is disclosed. The assembly includes a series of infrared light emitting diodes alternately interposed with a like series of infrared light detecting diodes and arranged in a circle around an interior surface portion of a frame defining a passageway of circular cross-section therethrough. A light beam generated by each of the emitters is directed against a different one of the detectors so that the light beams intersect one another at a common point in the passageway. The sensitivity of the assembly is thus greatest at the common point of intersection of the light beams and decreases proportionally moving away from the intersection point toward the defining surface of the passageway. A flexible circuit board is formed in a circle and is connected to the emitters and detectors. A flat circuit board is connected to the circular circuit board.

Abstract: A fluid pressure entry tap valve for use with pressurized pipes comprising a Wye device with an on-off valve of the ball type in each of two forks of the Wye. Preferably, one fork is in-line with the stem of the Wye while the other fork is at an angle thereto. The Wye stem is externally threaded for complementary engagement with a pipe saddle structure. The saddle structure is designed for either clamping to the pipe, or for being welded thereto.During use the Wye fork which is straight in-line with the stem has it's ball valve opened so a wet tap drill can be inserted to make an opening into the pipe under pressure. Then after removal of the drill the associated valve is closed. A curved guide directional shoe then is mounted upon the Wye, the valve opened again, and the guide inserted through the Wye into the pressurized pipe. Then the ball valve in the angled other fork of the Wye can be opened and a detector head of leak detector apparatus inserted therethrough into the pipe while still under pressure.

Abstract: An IR cell for the detection and measurement of breath alcohol is standardized by passing a dry gas carrier containing a known amount of alcohol through an IR cell the walls exposed to the standardizing mixture of which are, as to the alcohol, non-adsorbent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting leaks in pressurized mains comprising input coupling structures spaced along a main, each coupling permitting insertion of a detector head connected to a hose/cable of extended length, a reel and housing holding the hose/cable which is designed to input fluid into the hose and make electrical connections to microphone and transducer structure in the head. Leaks in the main are located by depressurizing the main, inserting the detector head through a coupling, feeding pressurized fluid through the hose into rearwardly projecting jets in the head for effecting travel thereof lengthwise of the main, stopping the fluid flow, again pressurizing the main to effect any leaks, energizing the microphone while slowly retracting the head by winding up the hose/cable on the reel at the input position, listening for leak noise as the head is retracted toward the insertion point, and upon leak noise being heard, stopping the retraction and then energizing the transducer within the head.

Abstract: A method of measuring breath alcohol includes blowing breath in a stream through an inlet line, hence through an orifice, past a thermistor exposed to the stream, changing the temperature of the thermistor to a predetermined temperature in response to a predetermined volume of breath. The thermistor provides an output signal to trigger the measurement of alcohol in the breath by an alcohol detecting device. The method and apparatus permit the purging of the system to provide a base line reference for the alcohol detection device, then testing to ensure that the breath inlet line is clear of contamination, then running an alcohol standard sample through the alcohol detecting device, again purging the system, again testing to ensure that the breath inlet line is clear of contamination, recording the result as a blank test, and thereafter blowing breath through the inlet line to obtain a demonstratably accurate measurement of breath alcohol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discriminating between alcohol and acetone in a breath sample and accurately measuring the alcohol level when acetone is present in the sample. The breath sample is measured with two different types of detectors and their outputs compared. One detector uses the principles of infrared (IR) absorption, the other detector is a semiconductor, commonly called a Taguci cell, or its equivalent. Automatic correction is provided for variations in sensitivity of the semiconductor.