Abstract: A method and apparatus is reported for detecting inhomogeneities in semi-plastic substances such as toilet bars containing soap. An ultrasound probe is utilized to test the substance at an exit orifice of an extruder. Best results are obtained by utilizing a ceramic ultrasonic probe, rectangular in shape including a transducer having a concave curvature on a lower surface thereof. The probe includes a theromplastic delay material. Ultrasonic waves directed through the probe preferably have a frequency between 1 and 2.25 MHz. Wedging of the extruded substance is also useful to improve contact with the probe as it passes through the extruder exit orifice.

Abstract: An improved induction motor control system. Single-phase and three-phase AC induction motors are controlled in accordance with the equation y=m=x+b, where y is the phase angle, m is the slop, x is the firing delay and b is the offset. Subsequently, the firing delay is increased by predetermined amounts, the behavior of the phase angle is evaluated for several cycles, and the motor is controlled based on the results of the evaluation, thereby minimizing energy consumption.

Abstract: A character recognition method comprising the steps of (1) acquiring a two dimensional array of pixels, (2) locating a character, (3) determining the size of the character, (4) reducing the number of pixels associated with the character by scaling it down to a smaller dot matrix and (5) thresholding the matrix dots using a histogram to form a binary character representation.

Abstract: A user-friendly video measuring system employing a TV camera having a two-axis array of photosensors, a memory, a monitor, a keyboard and a joystick. The camera takes a first picture, which is stored in memory and displayed on the monitor. In response to a series of menus, an operator uses the joystick to manipulate a cursor on the monitor to locate a series of start search points for the first picture, and to select gradient threshold for one or more features. Both the start search points and gradient thresholds are stored. The operator also selects and stores tolerances for the measurements. A second picture is taken and examined, commencing with the stored start search points, to determine whether the gradients exceed the stored threshold.

Abstract: A video inspection system comprising a TV camera for producing a digital video image of a subject, an interface, having a direct memory access channel, for structuring the digital data, a high speed random access memory for storing the digital data, a bus oriented processor for performing high speed processing of the digital data in the memory, a digital computer for controlling the operation of the system and an operator terminal for communicating with the system.

Abstract: A digital self-calibrating power factor controller for an AC induction motor. During start-up a first number corresponding to the actual phase angle between motor voltage and current is determined and compared with a second number corresponding to a desired delay in energizing the motor. The second number is varied until both numbers are approximately equal. A third number corresponding to a desired phase angle is determined and stored and the system switches from start-up to run. The first number corresponding to the actual phase angle is now compared with the third number corresponding to the desired phase angle. The second number corresponding to a desired delay is now varied with motor load so as to keep the actual phase angle equal to the desired phase angle.

Abstract: A video inspection system comprising a TV camera for producing a digital video image of a subject, an interface, having a direct memory access channel, for structuring the digital data, a high speed random access memory for storing the digital data, a bus oriented processor for performing high speed processing of the digital data in the memory, a digital computer for controlling the operation of the system and an operator terminal for communicating with the system.

Abstract: An automatic process controller and method for automatically controlling in real time the formation of an object having boundaries which change with time. A TV camera provides a video image of the object. An interface circuit detects first and second boundaries of the object by analyzing the analog video signal and generates first and second digital numbers corresponding to the first and second boundaries. A programmable digital processor determines the maximum difference between the first and second digital numbers, compares that difference with a target object size and produces a control signal based on the comparison for controlling the continued formation of the object.