Abstract: A first sensor at a first location along a conveyor provides a first signal indicating whether or not a container is present at the first location while a second sensor similarly provides a second signal indicating whether or not a container is present at a second nearby location. The first and second signals are input to a logic circuit which outputs a count pulse only if the the inputs are of a proper form in a proper sequence designed so that dither is ignored. The sensors are diffuse reflection type sensors operating at different frequencies. They are mounted so their sensing axes converge at about a 15 degree angle and the sensor lenses are about 3.5 inches from the point of conveyance. A mounting system allows the sensors to be moved up/down and in/out with respect to the conveyor and maintain a position perpendicular with both the container sidewall and the container flow direction.

Abstract: The specification discloses extension nipple formation at acute angles on tubular engine exhaust manifold bodies for lap weld attachment of side runners. An articulated or single axis mandrel is inserted axially into the tubular body, each mandrel portion being in an angular body portion. Precut holes in the body are of oval shape. Laterally extensible forming dies are positioned in guide recesses in respective mandrel portions to be aligned with the precut holes and extensible at acute angles to the body and at an angle to each other. Drawing rods are extensible by transfer actuator cylinders into the dies where the rods are interlocked with the dies by rotary actuators. Power forming actuators then shift the rods and dies outwardly to form cylindrical nipples, the forming actuators temporarily overcoming the transfer actuators, and then returning the dies into the mandrel. The rods are then released from the dies and retracted, and the mandrel with dies withdrawn.