Abstract: A device for measuring the profile of a body wherein three expanded planar laser beams are provided, each of the planar beams being relatively disposed at angles of 45.degree. and directed towards the path of a moving body. Respective photocells are arranged to be illuminated by the beams after passage across the path of the moving body. Relative movement is effected between the body and the laser beams, such that the body successively passes through the beams and effectively masks respective ones of the beams from their associated photocells for a time period indicative of the diameter of the body at the photodetector height. The photodetector thus provides an electrical signal representative of such period. The diameter of the body is measured at a plurality of heights to provide a profile of the body in a vertical plane perpendicular to the plane of the light beam.

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing in single file and for spacing objects moving on a conveyor belt, including two vertically staggered chains. The chains are driven about pinioned shafts having axes perpendicular to the conveyor belt and each is provided with removable symmetrical fingers parallel to and overlying the belt. The fingers are spaced at predetermined distances on the chain, in accordance with the diameter of the objects. The fingers engage the object to, in effect, accelerate or slow down the object's motion to provide predetermined spacing between objects. The fingers engage the objects at points in a plane parallel to the direction of motion of the conveyor belt, whereby the stability of the object is maintained.