Abstract: An apparatus for detecting spoilage of the contents of a packet is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of holding panels (125, 130) disposed in opposed spaced relationship with each other to define a gap therebetween in which the packet (102) is retained with one packet sidewall facing one holding panel and the other packet sidewall facing the other holding panel. At least one squeezing member (178, 180) is operable to squeeze at least a portion of the packet while the packet is retained between said holding panels. A cutting member (160) is movable to cut at least one inlet in the packet. A probe (150) is moveable relative to the panels for insertion through the at least one inlet in the packet to position the probe within the packet, and the probe is operable to assess at least one characteristic of the contents of the packet indicative of spoilage of the contents of the packet.

Abstract: A motor control system for controlling the operating speed and direction of a three-phase induction motor. The invention particularly finds use for bringing a rotary printing cylinder precisely into register for processing products in sheet form, such as for printing sheets of corrugated cardboard in a machine for printing corrugated boxes. A three phase induction motor is single phase powered by an AC drive through a first and a second electrical conductor. Direction switching signals and time delay speed switching signals are applied to the appropriate terminals of the AC drive by the second and a third electrical conductor. This allows motor powering and control using only three conductors, such from as the slip rings on industry standard corrugated box printing equipment.