Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the wall thickness of transparent articles using uniform diverging light in the form of a small point source or elongated narrow line of light, measuring the spacial separation of the reflections from the nearest and furthest surface by means of a two-dimensional image sensor and a computational device to calculate the geometrical corrections needed to provide accurate thickness measurements. In situations where significant thickness variations occur, a symmetrical two view embodiment using two uniform diverging light sources and two image sensors at equal but opposite angles of incidence from the same side of the object, provides a means to correct for errors caused by internal prism effects as a result of undulations of either the nearest or furthest surface. This system provides accurate thickness measurements over a wide range of object movement.

Abstract: A method for measuring the wall thickness of plastic containers during a container manufacturing process includes providing a plastic container, the plastic container having a longitudinal axis and at least two side walls spaced radially from the longitudinal axis. The side walls are formed of a material that absorbs light energy in a predetermined molecular absorption band. Light energy is then directed from a source through the at least two side walls of the plastic container in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the plastic container. A portion of the light energy that passes through the sidewalls of the plastic container is sensed, and a signal representing a thickness of the sidewalls of the plastic container is generated from the sensed portion of the light energy.

Abstract: A method for measuring the wall thickness of plastic containers (16) during a container manufacturing process includes providing a plastic container (16), the plastic container (16) having a longitudinal axis and at least two side walls spaced radially from the longitudinal axis. The side walls are formed of a material that absorbs light energy in a predetermined molecular absorption band. Light energy is then directed from a source unit (32) through the at least two side walls of the plastic container (16) in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the plastic container (16). A portion of the light energy that passes through the sidewalls of the container (16) is sensed by a sensor (34), and a signal representing a thickness of the sidewalls of the plastic container is generated from the sensed portion of the energy by a computer (56).

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the wall thickness of transparent articles using non-collimated and diverging light in the form of a small point source or elongated narrow line of light, measuring the spacial separation of the reflections from the nearest and furthest surface by means of a two-dimensional image sensor and a computational device to calculate the geometrical corrections needed to provide accurate thickness measurements. In situations where smooth thickness variations occur, a symmetrical two view embodiment using two non-collimated and diverging light sources and two image sensors at equal but opposite angles of incidence from the same side of the object provides a means to correct for errors caused by internal prism effects as a result of undulations of either the nearest or furthest surface.

Abstract: A method for measuring the wall thickness of plastic containers (16) during a container manufacturing process includes providing a plastic container (16), the plastic container (16) having a longitudinal axis and at least two side walls spaced radially from the longitudinal axis. The side walls are formed of a material that absorbs light energy in a predetermined molecular absorption band. Light energy is then directed from a source unit (32) through the at least two side walls of the plastic container (16) in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the plastic container (16). A portion of the light energy that passes through the sidewalls of the container (16) is sensed by a sensor (34), and a signal representing a thickness of the sidewalls of the plastic container is generated from the sensed portion of the energy by a computer (56).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inspecting the finish of transparent containers, particularly glass containers, which include facility for directing diffused light energy laterally through the container finish as the container is rotated about its central axis. A camera includes a plurality of light sensitive elements disposed in a linear array angulated with respect to the container axis to view the external and internal finish wall surfaces, the latter through the open container mouth. Individual elements of the camera linear array are sampled by an information processor at increments of container rotation, and corresponding data indicative of light intensity at each element is stored in an array memory as a combined function of element number and scan increment. Such data is compared following completion of container rotation to standard data indicative of acceptable container finish, and a reject signal is generated if such comparison exceeds an operator adjustable threshold.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method of recovering a portion of the waste heat produced in a high temperature industrial process, such as a glass melting furnace, where the furnace has at least a pair of regenerators which are alternately used to preheat the combustion air and serve as hot exhaust heat storage means. The hot exhaust gases from the process are passed through a heat exchanger where the heat is indirectly transferred to the clean compressed air at 100 psi from the compressor of a Brayton cycle energy recovery system with the hot compressed air being expanded in a high performance turbine. The exhaust from the turbine will be at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature between 750.degree. F. and 900.degree. F. This turbine exhaust is fed to the opposite side regenerator as clean preheated combustion air.

Abstract: A high voltage electric power transmission line having an electrical power carrying capacity of 50 megawatts or more. An electrical power conductor is contained within a substantially rigid dielectric casing formed of a plurality of elongated tubular glass casing sections hermetically bonded together linearly end to end forming a continuous elongated casing around the conductor. The casing is loosely contained in an outer duct which permits lateral movement of the casing in the duct but places a maximum limit on such movement.

Abstract: A high voltage electric power transmission line having an electrical power carrying capacity of 50 megawatts or more. An electrical power conductor is contained within a substantially rigid dielectric casing formed of a plurality of elongated tubular glass casing sections hermetically bonded together linearly end to end forming a continuous elongated casing around the conductor. The casing is loosely contained in an outer duct which permits lateral movement of the casing in the duct but places a maximum limit on such movement.