Abstract: A system and method for determining the measurements needed to fabricate prescription eyeglasses. A person is scanned with a time-of-flight scanner while wearing the eyeglass frames. This produces depth maps from known distances. Common measurement points are identified within at least some of the scans. The positional changes of the common measurement points and the known distance to the imaging camera are utilized to map three dimensional coordinates for the measurement points using an actual measurement scale. Fabrication measurements are calculated between the various three-dimensional coordinates in the same scale.

Abstract: A sensor system for evaluating an item as it moves includes a sensor assembly including a plurality of emitters and a plurality of detectors disposed about an item movement path. A controller is configured for selectively operating the sensor assembly to set up a first active detection pattern through the item movement path by sequentially and rapidly checking an occlusion status of each of a first plurality of emitter to detector light paths that make up the first active detection pattern, such that only one emitter to detector light path of the first plurality of emitter to detector light paths is checked for occlusion at a given instance.

Abstract: A method of obtaining ophthalmic measurements. An individual wears frames. Control simulations are performed to determine an average far gaze view line, average intermediate gaze view line, and average near gaze view line. The average far gaze view line intersects the lens plane at a second intersection point. The average intermediate gaze view line intersects the lens plane at a third intersection point. The average near gaze view line intersects the lens plane at a fourth intersection point. The far region extends from a first position above the first intersection point to a second position below the second intersection point. The intermediate region extends from the second position to a third position below the third intersection point. The near region extends from the third position to a fourth position below the fourth intersection point. The control simulation takes into account the height and stature to fit the natural viewing dynamic.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the measurements needed to correctly fabricate prescription eyewear for an individual who is purchasing the eyewear. The individual is provided with an initial set of frames. The initial set of frames is fitted to the requirements of the individual to obtain a fitted frame. An eye exam is also conducted to obtain a proper lens prescription for the fitted frames. The individual is imaged while the fitted frames are being worn. This creates reference images. At some point, the individual may select a subsequent set of frames. Once the subsequent set of frames is selected, a retailer recalls the reference images and obtains fitting measurements from the reference images. The online retailer can also recall the lens prescription for the initial fitted frames. Utilizing the fitting measurements, the retailer can custom fit the subsequent set of frames.

Abstract: A sensor system for evaluating an item as it moves includes a sensor assembly including a plurality of emitters and a plurality of detectors disposed about an item movement path. A controller is configured for selectively operating the sensor assembly to set up a first active detection pattern through the item movement path by sequentially and rapidly checking an occlusion status of each of a first plurality of emitter to detector light paths that make up the first active detection pattern, such that only one emitter to detector light path of the first plurality of emitter to detector light paths is checked for occlusion at a given instance.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the measurements needed to fabricate prescription eyeglasses. A person is scanned with a time-of-flight scanner while wearing the eyeglass frames. This produces depth maps from known distances. Common measurement points are identified within at least some of the scans. The positional changes of the common measurement points and the known distance to the imaging camera are utilized to map three dimensional coordinates for the measurement points using an actual measurement scale. Fabrication measurements are calculated between the various three-dimensional coordinates in the same scale.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a laundry detergent sheet. Preferably, the laundry detergent sheet is capable of dissolving in a laundry cycle of an automatic washing machine. The method comprises the steps of preparing a first shelf-stable solution, preparing a second non-shelf-stable solution comprising a portion of the first shelf-stable solution, applying the second non-shelf-stable solution onto a surface, and drying the second non-shelf-stable solution on the surface.

Abstract: A method of obtaining ophthalmic measurements. An individual wears frames. Control simulations are performed to determine an average far gaze view line, average intermediate gaze view line, and average near gaze view line. The average far gaze view line intersects the lens plane at a second intersection point. The average intermediate gaze view line intersects the lens plane at a third intersection point. The average near gaze view line intersects the lens plane at a fourth intersection point. The far region extends from a first position above the first intersection point to a second position below the second intersection point. The intermediate region extends from the second position to a third position below the third intersection point. The near region extends from the third position to a fourth position below the fourth intersection point. The control simulation takes into account the height and stature to fit the natural viewing dynamic.

Abstract: A capping machine for screwing a threaded cap on a threaded container having a threaded finish, the capping machine receiving the threaded cap from a cap distributor. The capping machine includes a cap guiding element provided above cap screwing belts, both being provided above a conveyor. The cap guiding element is movable between an upper position and a lower position. The cap guiding element is configured for abutting downwardly against the threaded cap when the threaded cap is in register therewith and maintaining the threaded cap in a predetermined attitude for at least part of the screwing process. The cap guiding element moves towards the lower position as the cap screwing belts screw the threaded cap on the threaded container.

Abstract: A capping machine for screwing a threaded cap on a threaded container having a threaded finish, the capping machine receiving the threaded cap from a cap distributor. The capping machine includes a cap guiding element provided above cap screwing belts, both being provided above a conveyor. The cap guiding element is movable between an upper position and a lower position. The cap guiding element is configured for abutting downwardly against the threaded cap when the threaded cap is in register therewith and maintaining the threaded cap in a predetermined attitude for at least part of the screwing process. The cap guiding element moves towards the lower position as the cap screwing belts screw the threaded cap on the threaded container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a laundry detergent sheet. Preferably, the laundry detergent sheet is capable of dissolving in a laundry cycle of an automatic washing machine. The method comprises the steps of preparing a first shelf-stable solution, preparing a second non-shelf-stable solution comprising a portion of the first shelf-stable solution, applying the second non-shelf-stable solution onto a surface, and drying the second non-shelf-stable solution on the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a laundry detergent sheet. Preferably, the laundry detergent sheet is capable of dissolving in a laundry cycle of an automatic washing machine. The method comprises the steps of preparing a first shelf-stable solution, preparing a second non-shelf-stable solution comprising a portion of the first shelf-stable solution, applying the second non-shelf-stable solution onto a surface, and drying the second non-shelf-stable solution on the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a laundry detergent sheet. Preferably, the laundry detergent sheet is capable of dissolving in a laundry cycle of an automatic washing machine. The method comprises the steps of preparing a first shelf-stable solution, preparing a second non-shelf-stable solution comprising a portion of the first shelf-stable solution, applying the second non-shelf-stable solution onto a surface, and drying the second non-shelf-stable solution on the surface.

Abstract: A flexible laundry sheet made of a mixture of at least a thickening agent, detergent, water and polyvinyl alcohol. The thickening agent is comprised of polymers such as starch, modified starch, or cellulose that, when dried, produce a material that remains solid and flexible when dry, yet dissolves completely in water. The constituents, once mixed in the proper proportion, produce a liquid that is poured onto a drying plate, and after drying results in a flexible, dry, laundry sheet which may be added to laundry. Once in contact with water the laundry sheet dissolves and releases its active ingredients, which may include detergents, surfactants, water softeners, chelating agents, dyes, fragrances, clothes softeners and bleaching agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a cap relatively to a container. The container moves along a predetermined path at a container speed. The cap has a first and a second cap engagement location. The first and second cap engagement locations are circumferentially spaced apart relative to each other. The apparatus includes a first cap engaging component, the first cap engaging component including a first component cap engaging surface for engaging the cap at the first cap engagement location and applying a first substantially tangential force thereto. The first cap engaging surface moves at a first speed when substantially in register with the first cap engagement location. A second cap engaging component includes a second component cap engaging surface for engaging the cap at the second cap engagement location and applying a second substantially tangential force thereto. The second cap engaging surface moves at a second speed when substantially in register with the second cap engagement location.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a cap relatively to a container. The container moves along a predetermined path at a container speed. The cap has a first and a second cap engagement location. The first and second cap engagement locations are circumferentially spaced apart relative to each other. The apparatus includes a first cap engaging component, the first cap engaging component including the first component cap engaging surface for engaging the cap at the first cap engagement location and applying a first substantially tangential force thereto. The first cap engaging surface moves at a first speed when substantially in register with the first cap engagement location. A second cap engaging component includes a second component cap engaging surface for engaging the cap at the second cap engagement location and applying a second substantially tangential force thereto. The second cap engaging surface moves at a second speed when substantially in register with the second cap engagement location.

Abstract: A cottoner having a wadding section forming station, the station having: a carrier, a holder, and a feed mechanism mounted on a base in series. Moving means on the base reciprocate the a carrier toward and away from the feed mechanism. An operating controller on the base open and close the holder. The carrier has a gripper for gripping a length of wadding material to carry it from the holding means toward the feeding means when the carrier is moved toward the feed mechanism while the holder is open. The carrier releases the length of wadding material when moved away from the feed mechanism while the holder is closed to hold the length of wadding material. The cottoner includes an inserting station for inserting each section of wadding material formed at the wadding section forming station into a container. The cottoner also has a sensing station for sensing if the wadding material has been inserted, and inserted properly, into the container at the inserting station.

Abstract: A cottoner having a wadding section forming station, the station having: carrier means, holding means, and feeding means mounted on a base in series. Moving means on the base reciprocate the carrier means toward and away from the feeding means. Operating means on the base open and close the holding means. The carrier means has gripping means for gripping a length of wadding material to carry it from the holding means toward the feeding means when the carrier means is moved toward the feeding means while the holding means is open. The carrier means releases the length of wadding material when moved away from the feeding means while the holding means is closed to hold the length of wadding material.