Abstract: An access control device controller and method of operation are provided which provide in a first aspect of the invention, a novel way in which to set controller network addresses providing a visually perceivable digital readout to assist installers in setting the correct address, in a second aspect of the invention, automatic configuration of end of line termination resistors, line biasing resistors and earth ground connection to the network medium shield, in a third aspect of the invention, automatic configuration of a controller/host computer data communications link, in a fourth aspect of the invention, a novel method and apparatus for monitoring ambient RF noise levels, and in a fifth aspect of the invention, a novel method of detecting environmental conditions likely to lead to a system failure.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting vertical checks in the finish of a translucent container that includes a light source for directing light energy onto the container finish from externally of the container finish laterally of the container axis over an angular portion less than the entire circumference of the container finish. An area array camera is positioned externally of the container at an angle to the container axis so as to receive an image of the illuminated portion of the container finish. The camera is oriented with respect to the light source such that a vertical check in the container finish reflects light energy from the source to the camera to create a bright a image of the check against a normally dark background. Vertical checks in the container finish are detected as a function of such reflected light energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the outer diameters, ovality and eccentricity of the finish of a container is disclosed. The invention can be practiced in either a one-camera or a two-camera embodiment. The one-camera embodiment comprises means for illuminating the finish with a collimated beam of light to produce a transmitted beam containing a shadow of the finish and means for focusing the transmitted beam containing the shadow of the finish to produce the image thereof. The apparatus further comprises a line-scan camera for periodically scanning sequential segments of the image from one periphery to the other periphery as the container rotates for providing a plurality of pixel signals for each scan, and a data circuit responsive to the magnitudes of the pixel signals in each of the scans for counting the number of signals in the peripheries of the image to provide a left periphery count and a right periphery count for each scan.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the aperture size of a valve in a fluid exhaust line from an individual section of glass forming machine is disclosed. The apparatus controls the aperture size of the valve in response to first and second control signals and comprises a driver connected to the valve for decreasing the aperture of the valve from a preset size to a restricted size by a series of discrete steps and then for increasing the aperture of the valve from the restricted size back to the preset size by a series of discrete steps. The driver is responsive to a directional signal and a series of electrical pulses each actuating a corresponding discrete step to decrease the size of the aperture when the directional signal is applied thereto and to increase the size of the aperture when the directional signal is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting glass tubes for fire checks and other defects is disclosed. Each tube is positioned on transport equipment and moved through an inspection area as it is rotated about its longitudinal axis by a spinner mechanism. A broad source of diffused light illuminates each tube in the inspection area. A camera is positioned above the moving line of tubes and includes an array of photosensitive diodes arranged parallel to the longitudinal axes of the tubes. A check in a tube will reflect a higher intensity light to the camera than a non-defective portion of the tube. By averaging the signals from the first few diodes for each longitudinal scan of the camera, a reference voltage level can be electronically determined for each scan. Any signal generated by a diode element of the camera which is greater than the sum of the reference signal and a predetermined signal indicates the presence of a defect in the tube.

Abstract: An improved cycle monitor is disclosed for measuring the peak force exerted by a machine in each of a series of operating cycles. The force exerted by the machine is measured and applied to a peak detector which stores a signal proportional to the highest force exerted by the machine. The peak detector is automatically reset at the beginning of each cycle and the peak detector output is transferred to and stored in a suitable utilizing device, such as a display and alarm circuit, after the highest pressure occurs in each cycle.

Abstract: An electronic recognition and identification system for recognizing and identifying any one of a family of electrically-coded external objects. The system comprises internal electronics including a pulse widening circuit which enables the system to be responsive to each of the codes of the family of external objects.