Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the profile of portions of an article located within a predefined plane. Each portion is scanned, such as by an optical micrometer providing a beam of radiant energy, to determine its dimension. The distance between each portion and a vertical reference is also scanned to determine its dimension. The article is rotated about an axis intersecting the predefined plane within the scan of the beam and is axially moved along an axis parallel to the intersecting axis within the scan of the beam so that the dimension of each portion and its distance from the vertical reference can be determined. The apparatus may be used in combination with a cavity identification system to control manufacturing employing multiple molds.

Abstract: A rotating, vertically adjustable wheel is positioned above a linear conveyor chain in an operative position to move containers from a linear conveyor chain to an off-line station and then back to the linear conveyor chain downstream of the off-line station. The rotating wheel is movable to an inoperative position away from the linear conveyor chain when it is not desired to divert the containers from the linear conveyor chain. A base plate positioned adjacent to the linear conveyor chain adjustably supports flexible support bands in spaced relation to the peripheral face of the center of the rotating wheel. The bands are biased toward the rotating wheel so that when a container moving in a linear conveyor chain contacts the face of the rotating wheel, it is engaged by the edge of the wheel and the bands and is moved to the off-line station. The flexible support bands are adjustably positioned to accommodate various sizes and shapes of containers so as to preclude change of parts and downtime.

Abstract: A device for interrupting the travel of an object, such as a container, on a conveyor belt during a manufacturing operation includes a driven wheel and at least one idler resiliently urged towards the drive wheel. Both wheels are spaced apart a distance less than the diameter of the object. The drive wheel turns in a direction tending to move an object in the pocket in the direction of the conveyor. By stopping rotation of the idler, the object is rolled through the space between the wheel and the idler, the idler giving way for it.