Abstract: The invention comprises a system for continuously inspecting the surface of a moving object for defects therein while illuminating the surface of the moving object with both specular and/or diffused light of selected wavelengths, automatically detecting the presence of a defect, and automatically transmitting a visual image of a defect, when detected, to a storage vehicle capable of subsequent permanent display and electronic characterization of the visual image containing the defect.

Abstract: A method of more accurately measuring the true surface temperature of metal alloy objects without contacting the same. The surfaces of the objects have unknown emissivities that change and that are less than unity. The method includes the step of providing objects having surfaces that radiate infrared energy. The radiated energy is measured at two wavelengths, and a first measurement is provided that is a function of the ratio of the energies at the two wavelengths. The radiated energy is also measured at a single, narrow band wavelength, and a second measurement is provided that is a function of the radiated energy. The two measurements are then electrically combined to provide measurements of radiated energy and thus temperature measurements that are or at least are closer to the true temperature than either of the first or second measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of continuously drawing and annealing wire in a slip mode. The method comprises the steps of directing a wire successively through a plurality of drawing dies of a continuous wire drawing machine, and from the next to the last die of the machine continuously directing the wire to and through apparatus for annealing the wire. From the annealing apparatus the wire is continuously returned to the machine for a final drawing operation. Before the wire is returned to the machine, however, the temperature of the wire is controlled to provide the wire with metallurgical properties suitable for further processing, such as the final drawing operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting imperfections in a semi-conductive strand shield applied to an electrical conductor. The method comprises the steps of applying AC current between a bare portion of the conductor and apparatus applying a jacket of insulating material over the strand shield, as the conductor and shield move through the apparatus. The current and the voltage applying the current are measured to determine the impedance of the circuit of the conductor and apparatus applying the insulating jacket. Changes in the impedance are then monitored, such changes being indicative of changes in the quality of the strand shield applied to the conductor.

Abstract: An apparatus for making compacted, helically stranded cable having a circular configuration in cross-section. The apparatus comprises a first set of opposed rollers each having a peripheral concave edge and surface such that when the edges of the rollers are placed together, the concave surfaces provide an opening having a major and a minor axis located perpendicular to each other across the cross-section of the opening. A second set of opposed rollers having peripheral concave surfaces provides a second opening, the second set of rollers and opening being located downstream from the first set of rollers and in line with the first opening. The concave surfaces of the second opening have a relief along an axis that is rotated approximately 90.degree. from the major axis of the first opening.

Abstract: A system for continuously determining the eccentric characteristics of a tube wall, including a positioning assembly supported by the tube when it travels in its lengthwise direction. Two thickness sensors are supported by the positioning assembly and have sensing axes disposed in a predetermined angular relation with respect to one another about the periphery of the tube. The two sensors continuously measure the wall thickness of the tube at the predetermined angular locations as the tube moves in its lengthwise direction. Signal processing circuits are provided for continuously computing the eccentricity characteristics of the tube based entirely upon the comparative values of the thickness readings of the sensors.

Abstract: A system for determining the eccentric characteristics of a tube wall comprising a positioning assembly supported by the tube which is moving in its lengthwise direction, and a plurality of thickness sensors supported by the positioning assembly having sensing axes disposed in predetermined angular relation with respect to one another for continuously measuring the wall thickness of the tube at predetermined angular locations about its periphery as it moves in its lengthwise direction. A signal processing means is provided for continuously computing the eccentricity characteristics of the tube based entirely upon the comparative values of the thickness readings of the sensors.