Abstract: An interface for use in serial digital data systems incorporates photo-coupling devices. The interface comprises three photo-couplers in the input and output circuits of a data station. Light emitting elements of two photo-couplers are connected in series with the driven element of a third coupler across a reference power supply. The driven element of the third coupler is connected to the output of one data station and also is shunted by the output from a preceding station. Either output causes a current flow to produce light outputs from the two light emitting elements. The light, in turn, operates the driven elements of the other two couplers. The driven element of one of the two couplers supplies data to the one data station, the driven element of the other coupler retransmits data to the next station. The interface is adaptable for use in a closed loop data system by adding a fourth photo-coupler.

Abstract: An improved microcomputer controlled winder for attenuating a plurality of streams of molten glass issuing from a bushing into fibers and for collecting a strand of such attenuated fibers into a package. A constant speed motor drives a winder collet through an electromagnetically actuated clutch. The microcomputer controls the phase angle firing of an SCR circuit which drives the clutch to in turn control the winder collet speed.

Abstract: An improved microcomputer controlled winder for attenuating a plurality of streams of molten glass issuing from a bushing into fibers and for collecting a strand of such attenuated fibers into a package. The microcomputer controls the winder speed in accordance with error between programmed data and a winder collet speed signal from a tachometer. The tachometer signal is modified to compensate for temperature variations in the bushing when a package is started after the bushing has been shut down for a period of time.