Abstract: A frame for being seated upon the fabric carries first and second spaced apart sensors capable of detecting the leading front of an acceleration wave as it passes each sensor. The first and second sensors each have an output, responsive to the presence of the acceleration wave, which can be coupled to a timer for measuring the time of flight of the acceleration wave between the two sensors. The velocity of the acceleration wave being determined by dividing the time of flight by the distance separating the sensors. An acceleration wave generating mechanism may also be carried by the frame and can include a solenoid oriented so that its armature impacts the fabric perpendicular thereto. Preferably the solenoid is energized by a pulse controlled by a solenoid energizing circuit. A noise immunity circuit connected to the sensors aids in discriminating against noise and transients.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting the level of molten glass in a glass melting furnace comprising transmitting an electromagnetic wave towards the surface of the molten glass, detecting the electromagnetic wave reflected from the surface of the molten glass, determining the amount of time elapsed from the transmission of the electromagnetic wave to the detection of the reflected electromagnetic wave, and generating a signal responsive to the amount of elapsed time as an indication of the level of molten glass in the furnace.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting the level of molten glass in a glass melting furnace comprising: positioning two members in the molten glass in the furnace; supplying a source of alternating current to the members; detecting the impedance of a circuit comprising the two members and the electrical connection therebetween through the molten glass; and generating a signal responsive to the detected impedance as an indication of the level of molten glass in the furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the level of the glass batch in a glass-melting furnace. The apparatus comprises means for transmitting an ultrasonic signal toward the surface of the batch in the furnace, means for receiving the ultrasonic signal after it has been reflected by the surface of the batch, and means for distrubing a thermal inversion layer in the path of the ultrasonic signal in the gaseous medium between the means for transmitting and the surface of the batch. The means for transmitting, means for receiving and means for disturbing are positioned above the glass batch.

Abstract: In an electro-optical strand motion detecting device the improvement comprises an optically transparent tubular shield surrounding the path of said strand at said sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring tension in linearly extended flexible material. The apparatus comprises: a support means; a first member having one end attached to the support means; means associated with the first member for engaging tensioned material to impart a bend thereto, thereby causing strain in the first member, such strain being produced by first and second moments, with the first and second moments being separate moments; and means associated with the engaging means for sensing the strain caused in the first member by only the first moment and for generating a signal responsive thereto as an indication of the tension in the material.

Abstract: A guide eye is provided for a filament or strand material. An electro optical control mounted on a guide, to detect the presence of a filament or strand material, has its focus on the inner surface of the guide eye closest to the sensor. The filament or strand material moving within the guide eye, causes light to reflect from the sensor light source to the light sensor creating a signal indicating the presence of filament or the strand.

Abstract: A pipe insulation is made between an inner and outer mold core from a liquid which foams and then forms a solid. The foaming action may cause movement in the inner mold which is detected and then adjusted accordingly to maintain concentricity between the inner and the outer wall of the pipe insulation. The insulation may be used alternatively as pipe.

Abstract: A glass-melting furnace is provided with means for sensing the batch in the furnace. More specifically, the sensor determines the level or height of the batch in the furnace without physical contact therewith and with the aid of this value, the thickness of the batch can be determined. With the batch thickness known, the power input for the electrodes of the furnace can be changed or the supply of batch to the furnace can be altered to maintain the batch thickness at a constant value in the furnace or to maintain the glass level constant.

Abstract: A flat compressible material is roll-formed into a cylindrical package by a belt drive. The diameter of the rolled package is controlled so that a fixed predetermined length of material forms a rolled package of a predetermined diameter. The length of belt drive in contact with the material is proportionate to the length of the material fed into the belt drive, and holds the finished package size to a predetermined diameter.

Abstract: A guide is placed between a strand of fibers and a winder, which twists the strand as it is wound. The guide is circular so the strand may be maintained in an unconstrained twisting path between the receiver and the supply as it is being wound and twisted and includes an optical sensor mounted about the area of movement of the filament to detect the presence of the filament and stop the winding process if the strand breaks.