Abstract: The method and apparatus for correcting the dynamic balance of a rotating body, whereby the correction of the dynamic balance of a rotating body is achieved by fixing a correcting agent on the rotating body after the position of the dynamic unbalance and the amount of the dynamic unbalance in the rotating body are measured, are so constructed as to detect whether or not the correcting agent fixed on the rotating body is protruding from a prescribed configuration of the rotating body. Therefore, the method and the apparatus are capable of not only correcting a dynamic unbalance of a rotating body, but also detecting the protrusion of the correcting agent fixed on the rotating body.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention permit the accurate sensing of the height of a solder nozzle above a circuit board during operation of the solder nozzle. A non-contact limit switch, which provides an indication of the presence of a planar surface at a preselected proximity, is mounted in a fixed relationship with a solder nozzle which is manipulatable by means of a robotic arm. A reference surface is provided which includes a proximity sensor, such as a through beam fiber optic switch. The proximity sensor is mounted a predetermined distance above the reference surface and is utilized to detect the solder nozzle as it is moved toward the reference surface.

Abstract: A strip or roll of thermal transfer type recording sheet has a base film on one side of which a hot-melt ink layer is formed for recording on paper or other surface by thermal transfer. An end mark or marks to be detected optically for warning the user of the fact that the recording roll is being used up is/are formed adjacent one end of the strip by gravure printing with use of a light-reflective ink. The end mark or marks produced by gravure printing are of such constant thickness, and with the bounding edges so sharply defined, that they permit positive detection by an optical sensor.For the production of the end marks by gravure printing, a web of base film with the hot-melt ink layer formed on one side thereof, with a width several times greater than that of each strip of recording sheet to be manufactured, is fed through a printing unit of a gravure printing section.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for marking letter mail or mail pieces to provide a fast and convenient way of determining zip code breaks in a stack of letter mail. The mail pieces have marks printed on the edges thereof indicative of the continuity of the same zip codes thereon. The marks are visible when the mail pieces are stacked. Adjacent envelopes with the same zip codes will have an edge mark at the same location, but upon the zip code changing, the next envelope will have a mark placed at a different location. Numbers in sequence can be printed on each of the letters so that a mail clerk can inspect the last letter within a zip code group to determine if there is a sufficient number of mail pieces within that zip code set to allow a postal discount.In an alternative embodiment, the markings on the side of the mail pieces are printed in a pattern so as to form numbers when a stack is viewed from the side. In addition to forming numbers, a pattern line can extend between the numbers.

Abstract: An apparatus for waxing vehicles for use in conjunction with commercial "car wash" operations. Vehicles are transported by a chain driven conveyor mechanism through a wax application station, passed to a second conveyor mechanism for movement through a drying station, and on to a third conveyor mechanism for passage through a polishing station. A computer system controls the waxing process and operates various pneumatic positioning devices, positioning wax application heads, drying blowers, and polishing heads adjacent the vehicle, a using knowledge of the size, shape, and dimensional parameters of the vehicle. These parameters are stored within the computer system according to manufacturer, model, and year, specified when the vehicle enters the apparatus.

Abstract: A spray marking nozzle includes features allowing it to perform well for fast marking of materials. The nozzle utilizes gas as a transport medium to carry liquid to the target material as a spray. Features of the nozzle allow it to be constructed economically in a compact size and to be controlled at high speed with little or no carry over spray and over a wide range of liquid and gas pressures.

Abstract: A device as disclosed for spraying a protective coating onto the white sidewall portion of tires. The apparatus includes a support for supporting a tire for rotation within a predetermined spray area and a spray head mounted above the spray area wherein the spray head may be moved into close proximity to the white sidewall portion of the tire. The spray head includes a pair of sensors for sensing the height of the spray head above the tire and the particular location of the white sidewall portion along the side of the tire. In addition, a pair of motor controlled actuators are provided for moving the spray head in response to signals received from the sensors such that the spray head is accurately positioned prior to the spraying operation.

Abstract: A patterned gluing apparatus and method. The apparatus comprises a rotatable shaft supporting a plurality of glue nozzles arrangeable in different configurations about its periphery. The shaft has a hollow portion and holes communicating with the glue nozzles so that glue may be fed to the nozzles. The shaft is supported above an article conveyor so that the glue nozzles contact articles under the shaft as they are rotated past. The glue nozzles have depressable ball bearings closing off their tips so that they dispense glue on contact with an article. A controller monitors the position of the articles on the conveyor and controls rotation of the shaft so that lines and dots of glue are dispensed to programmed locations on the articles.

Abstract: A moistening arrangement for moistening the flap of an envelope includes a moistening device for moistening the flap of the envelope, a source of first signals that are a function of the width of the flap, a motor coupled to provide relative movement between the nozzle and the flap, and a control arrangement responsive to the first signals for controlling the motor to vary the relative positions of the flap and nozzle in a direction for moistening the flap at determined positions thereof. The control arrangement comprises an arrangement responsive to the signals for determining the rate of change of the first signals, an arrangement responsive to the rate of change below a determined rate of change for controlling the motor to move in a servo mode, and an arrangement responsive to the rate of change above the determined rate of change for controlling the motor to move in a torque mode.

Abstract: A first distance measurement device for measuring a height of the surface of a substrate with respect to a reference plane of a drawing machine which drawing a pattern on the substrate by issuing paste-like material from a nozzle is mounted on a revolution member rotating about the nozzle, and the first distance measurement device is always positioned in the moving direction of the nozzle and measures a height of the surface of the substrate at a slightly preceding position from the nozzle, on the other band a second distance measurement device substantially measures a height of the nozzle from the reference plane, thus, a position of the nozzle is controlled on the basis of both the measured result, and an interval between the nozzle and the surface of the substrate is kept within a predetermined value.

Abstract: An automated machine for continuously puttying the side edges of a plurality of elongated plywood boards is disclosed. The device includes a laterally adjustable conveyor system for accommodating boards of various widths. Also included are a pair of opposed putty applicator heads for simultaneously applying putty under pressure to both side edges of the plywood boards as the boards pass thereby. Excess putty striking or wiping devices are included for wiping excess putty from the side edges of the boards which is applied by the putty applicator heads. The machine quickly, efficiently and completely putties the side edges of large numbers of plywood boards rapidly and continuously in a mass production operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating cores has an endless conveyor operable with discrete intermittent movements between a plurality of preselected positions defined in a predetermined course of the endless conveyor with a preselected dwell period between each of the discrete intermittent movements, respectively. A set of drives for the endless conveyor includes a coupler associated with each drive for engagement with the endless conveyor only during the preselected dwell periods, and means for intermittently moving the drives only when the couplers are engaged with the endless conveyor, respectively.

Abstract: A moistening arrangement for moistening a flap of an envelope has a nozzle directed to spray a liquid at the envelope flap along a given locus in the plane in response to signals that are a function of the width of the flap for moistening the flap at determined positions thereof. A sensor is positioned to detect the presence of liquid emitted from the nozzle. A control arrangement controls application of liquid to the nozzle while an envelope is adjacent thereto, and liquid is momentarily directed to the nozzle prior to movement of an envelope adjacent to the nozzle for providing an indication of operability of the nozzle and liquid applying arrangement.

Abstract: A moistening arrangement for moistening the flap of an envelope moving in a first direction in a given plane, includes a nozzle directed to spray a liquid at an envelope flap along a given locus in the plane. A source of first signals that are a function of the position of the edge in the plane is provided. An arrangement responsive to the first signals moves the nozzle in a direction substantially parallel to the plane for moistening the flap at positions thereof. The source comprises a source of first signals corresponding to the edge positions of the flap at a position spaced a given distance from the locus in a second direction opposite the first direction. A source of a second signal corresponding to the velocity of the envelope is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating a coating applied to an automobile body is disclosed. The apparatus includes radiant heating elements for generating radiant heat. Controls separately control zones of the elements in response to characteristics of the body to uniformly heat treat the body.

Abstract: This magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) character coating system makes use of the application of an inexpensive lubricant that is selectively applied to the document, solely in the area where the MICR characters are printed. The lubricant of choice used in this apparatus is sodium stearate (soap). The lubricating apparatus includes a pair of rollers, between which the printed documents are fed. One of the rollers is a drive roller that advances the documents. Opposite of and spring loaded against the drive roller is a free running lubricating roller that is manufactured from a solid lubricant, which lubricating roller is of length equal to the length of the MICR character field that is printed on the document. In the printing of the document, a sensor mark is printed on the document and is used to indicate the beginning of the MICR character field.

Abstract: A moistening arrangement for moistening the flap of an envelope moving in a first direction in a given plane, wherein a nozzle directed to spray a liquid at an envelope flap along a given locus in the plane, a source of first signals is provided that are a function of the position of the edge in the plane. An arrangement responsive to the first signals moves the nozzle in a direction substantially parallel to the plane for moistening the flap at positions thereof. The nozzle comprises a hollow needle having a bore sufficiently small that the flow of liquid therethrough is substnatially independent of pressure applied to the liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting strip including metal strip includes inspection elements for monitoring a plurality of properties of the strip, a transport unit for passing the strip by the inspection elements and signal generators on the inspection elements for emitting a signal to a strip processing unit which emits a signal to a strip marking unit when one or more properties departs from predetermined limits. The strip marking system provides markings in one or more of a plurality of longitudinal zones on the strip responsive to signals indicating that one or more properties have departed from the desired limits with the particular zone identifying the particular property. A strip edge detector determines the edge of the strip and an actuator positions the marking unit in the desired transverse position relative to the strip so as to establish the zones where desired. The system may provide a printout identifying undesired properties and the particular longitudinal section of the strip where these appear.

Abstract: A device for applying glue to the cut leading end of a veneer sheet which is applicable to use in a veneer jointing apparatus is disclosed herein. The device has hold-down means for holding the veneer sheet adjacent its cut leading end against a support surface on which a glue deposit is formed previously along a line across the veneer feeding direction, so that the end is straightened against said support surface at least while the glue is picked up by the cut surface on the moving leading end. It is so controlled that said holding means is shifted to its holding position before the cut leading end of the veneer sheet reaches the glue deposit and also that it is shifted away from the holding position only after the glue has been picked up by the cut leading end.

Abstract: At least one complete surface of at least one metallic part of a can is given a uniform coating of corrosion-preventing lacquer and this part is subsequently worked such that the metal of the part is exposed at regions at least immediately adjacent the coated surface. Dots of lacquer are sprayed by the ink-jet method substantially only on the exposed regions of the part after working thereof and so that the dots together form a continuous layer covering the exposed regions. According to the viscosity of the lacquer the surface coating can be achieved by partially overlapping adjacent dots of the applied lacquer or without overlapping by the running together of the adjacent dots of the liquid, with no excess material having to be applied to and subsequently removed from the regions to be coated.

Abstract: A moving part has material initially applied to it a predetermined distance from its leading edge. Whenever a sensor senses a notch in a flange of the moving part, application of material to the moving part is stopped for a predetermined distance prior to the start of the notch to a predetermined distance beyond the notch. Application of material to the moving part is finally stopped a predetermined distance prior to its trailing edge. Two separate sensors are used to control each of three spray guns for applying the material in the selected areas.

Abstract: A plate member locating-and-feeding system comprises a locating system for locating a plate member fed to a locating station, a position sensor for detecting the position of the plate member located by the locating system, a suction feeding system for holding the locating plate member under a suction force and feeding it to a working station, a working robot provided at the working station for performing a predetermined process and a controller which stores regular working position data, and corrects the regular working position data on the basis of difference between the position data represented by the output signal of the position sensor and the regular working position data, and controls the working robot to perform the predetermined process according to the corrected working position data.

Abstract: A device for applying adhesive material to card blanks in a packeting machine, comprising a gumming roller and a pressing roller which are substantially mutually tangential and between which the blanks are led in succession to receive traces of adhesive material in predetermined zones. Should the packeting machine halt for a time exceeding a predetermined time limit, detachment means withdraw from the gumming roller that blank disposed between the two rollers in order to prevent it becoming stuck to the gumming roller.

Abstract: In electrographic apparatus a magnetic brush development station has a housing with a sump for holding a supply of developer material, and a magnetic brush that applies developer material from the sump to a latent image on a photoconductor. A rotatable transport roller is located between the sump and the magnetic brush. A magnet in the roller attracts developer material from the sump to the roller so that rotation of the roller can move the material toward the magnetic brush. A gating and metering member in the form of a cylindrical tube is positioned around the roller and spaced from it. The tube has two elongate, spaced slots, and the tube is rotatable between first and second positions. When the tube is in one of its positions developer material from the sump can pass through one of the slots to the roller and be transported to the other slot where it is metered to the magnetic brush.

Abstract: A marking device used in conjunction with a tire inspection machine in order to allow a tire to be marked at the location of irregularities detected by the tire inspection means.

Abstract: A dispensing nozzle tip is advanced into engagement with the particular position of the circuit board to which material is to be applied, and a reactive force on the nozzle tip from the circuit board is sensed by variation in the output from a load cell such that an exact spacing may be provided between the nozzle tip and that portion of the surface to which material is to be dispensed. Having provided such spacing between the tip and surface, the flowable material is dispensed and a reactive force from the surface, via the flowable material, is sensed by the load cell arrangement to provide for metering of a dose of the flowable material. Such surface location and dispensed dosage sensing is performed for every dose of material to be applied.

Abstract: The specification describes a process and apparatus for charging eye rods with solutions or suspensions of active substance. The latter are applied dropwise, by means of a micrometering device, to specific points on the eye rods which are set in rotation, and simultaneously or subsequently the solvent or suspension agent is removed.

Abstract: A system which dispenses sauce or the like onto selected areas of plates moving in a train beneath a dispenser. The areas upon which the sauce is to be dispensed may for example be those containing meat portions of non-uniform width in directions normal to the direction of motion of the plate or the conveyor. A slot-shaped dispensing aperture on the lower side of the dispenser is automatically opened and closed progressively by a movable closure in such manner that the length of the open portion of the slot matches the corresponding dimension of the areas to be dispensed upon as they move beneath the dispenser. This enables complete coverage of these areas with the sauce, without dispensing it upon other portions of other areas where it is not desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively plating on an elongated metal strip, at intervals of a predetermined length in the lengthwise direction, while the strip is being fed in the lengthwise direction. The apparatus includes: strip feeder which discharges the strip from a reel in a direction in which the strip is fed and a sensor for detecting the amount of slack in the strip. A pre-treating station treats the strip, before being plated, while it is continuously fed. A plating station intermittently feeds the strip and selectively plates it, while the strip is stopped during its intermittent movement. An after-treating station treats the strip by again continuously feeding the strip and a strip take-up section winds the strip onto a reel after it has been treated. Tension mechanisms are disposed between the continuous feeding station and the intermittent feeding station to impart a predetermined tensile force to the strip.

Abstract: An industrial robot comprises an arm, a driving source for driving the arm, an operation unit provided at a tip end of the arm, and a sensor unit provided at the tip end of the arm, in a vicinity of the operation unit. The sensor unit comprises a sensor for detecting a workpiece which is to be subjected to an operation carried out by the operation unit, a shutter for opening and closing a front of the sensor, and a mechanism for causing the shutter to open the front of the sensor at least while the sensor carries out a detecting operation to detect the workpiece, and for causing the shutter to close the front of the sensor at least while the operation unit carries out the operation.

Abstract: Partially assembled spacer frames formed by a plurality of joined spacer frame segments are advanced past a sealant applying station defined by first and second sealant extrusion nozzles positioned for applying sealant to opposite spacer frame segment sides and a third sealant extrusion nozzle positioned for applying sealant to the exterior spacer frame side. Extrusion nozzle controllers render the nozzles operative to apply sealant to the spacer frame segments in response to control signals. A spacer frame detection system produces signals indicating the presence of the spacer frame at the sealant application station. A signal processor coupled to the detection system and to the nozzle controller produces control signals for intermittently operating the third extrusion nozzle in response to the presence of the leading end of the spacer frame segments at said station, and the approach of the junctures of subsequent spacer frame segment ends and the trailing frame end.

Abstract: In a liquid dispensing system which applies a liquid to a product moving past a liquid dispensing applicator, the improvement comprising dispensing a predetermined quantity of liquid per unit length of liquid dispensed by controlling the liquid operating pressure to coincide with a predetermined liquid pressure and by providing a flow bypass line which permits a continual flow of liquid through a liquid flow pump controlling the liquid operating pressure when the liquid dispensing applicator is not activated.

Abstract: A device which provides an economical means for coating offset plates on one side with a solvent based coating. An offset plate is advanced along a feed table by a suction belt toward a roller assembly consisting of a fountain roller, a metering roller, a coating roller and an impression roller. The fountain roller transfers liquid from a supply of coating liquid to the metering roller which transfers a predetermined amount of liquid to a moving plate by the coating roller. The impression roller forces the plate into engagement with the coating roller. A photoelectric sensor detects the leading edge of the plate as it moves through the roller assembly and moves the impression roller toward the coating roller to begin the coating application. The sensor detects the trailing edge of the moving plate and retracts the impression roller to stop the coating application. The speed of the feed belt, discharge belt and rollers are synchronized to accurately control the thickness of the coating applied to the plate.

Abstract: An improvement in apparatus for applying a coating to a surface of a moving workpiece including a coating dispenser having at least one coating outlet for dispensing a stream of coating. A dispenser control unit is operatively coupled with the dispenser for normally initiating and terminating the dispensing of the stream of coating as predetermined parts of the workpiece surface come into alignment with the coating outlet in response to the speed and position of the workpiece surface. The invention provides a minimum coating control coacting with the dispenser control unit for depositing a coating of a selectable minimum length to at least one portion of the workpiece surface, said selectable minimum length being substantially less than that achievable by said dispenser control unit alone.

Abstract: A device for preventing trailing of glue extruded by an exclusion nozzle following termination of the dispensing of the glue. A pair of spaced apart orifices are positioned to direct a thin jet of air for a brief period of time on either side of the stream of glue being dispensed at the moment of glue cut-off to momentarily entrain the stream and draw it generally in the direction of the path of travel of the workpiece. The air jets are oriented so as not to touch or impinge on the glue stream, thereby preventing break-up of the glue stream.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for accurately aligning a processing device with respect to a predetermined reference location on semiconductor lead frame. The apparatus is especially suitable for use with a plating head for plating the pads of a lead frame. The apparatus includes a drive motor having a precision lead screw for attachment to the processing device to shift the device through a small distance to accurately position the device with respect to the predetermined reference positions on the lead frame. The drive motor is coupled to a rotary encoder which is rotated in response to the movement of a pin positioned to enter a reference hole in the lead frame. As the lead frame is advanced by an indexing device, the pin enters a reference hole in the lead frame near the end of the travel of the lead frame, causing the rod to rotate the encoder and supply a signal which for comparison with a reference signal.

Abstract: A device for controlling the glue nozzles of a machine for gluing together at least two paper webs provided with recurring form designs to produce multi-part sets of continuous forms. The control device has at least one sensing element and at least one glue nozzle which are both connected to a computer. Also connected to the computer is a displacement transducer for determining the position of the beginning of a form with respect to the respective glue nozzle. In a "read-in" mode, the sensing elements senses a specially treated read-in form, and the values obtained are stored in the computer. In a second mode, the "glue" mode, the computer activates the glue nozzles precisely when the displacement transducer provides an address for which a "glue" instruction was stored during read-in.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controllably applying a liquid substance to the surfaces of a plurality of discrete fruit moving along a path at a selected rate of speed and in accordance with the quantity of fruit on said path, the application of liquid substance to the fruit being by more than one nozzle movable transversely over the path at a selected rate of speed. The apparatus includes sensors for determining the speed of advancement of the fruit, that is the speed of the conveyor, a plurality of fingers engageable by the fruit to determine, by absence of engagement of fruit, the quantity of fruit moving along the path, and a control system for regulating the amount of liquid discharged from the nozzles and to correlate the amount of liquid discharged to the speed of advancement of the fruit and the quantity of fruit being advanced. In the method, an optimum effective volume of liquid substance is applied at selected pressures to the sensed quantity of fruit on the path.

Abstract: An adhesive compound coating apparatus for coating an adhesive compound on leading and trailing beveled end faces of a rubber strip material, comprising: a conveyor unit for conveying the strip material in its longitudinal direction; a coating roller disposed to have a center axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip material and rotatable about its center axis with respect to the conveyor unit, the coating roller being movable with respect to the conveyor unit between a first position having the center axis of the coating roller positioned below the upper surface of the conveyor unit and a second position having the peripheral surface of the coating roller positioned above the upper surface of the conveyor unit; a drive unit for driving the coating roller to rotate about its center axis; an adhesive compound supplying unit for supplying and applying the adhesive compound on the peripheral surface of the coating roller; a detecting unit operative to detect the positions of th

Abstract: An apparatus for processing objects includes means for orienting an object to a predetermined rotational position, and control means for controlling the operation of the orienting means for orienting the rotational position of the object.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and process for ultrasonically identifying and coating articles having differing dimensional characteristics wherein, a series of such articles are moved in a random sequence past a predetermined point where the presence of each article is electronically sensed. At least two ultrasonic wave transmitters located at known distances from this point impinge waves on each article when it arrives at said point. One of the wave transmitters is positioned above the article. Waves reflected from the articles are received by ultrasonic receivers and are compared to and matched with similar code-number-identified wave patterns contained in a computer data base to identify each article's dimensional characteristics and select a predetermined control sequence program for a means for coating the articles.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a coating to a surface of a moving workpiece comprises a coating dispenser having at least one coating outlet spaced apart from the workpiece surface for dispensing a stream of coating. A dispenser control unit is operatively coupled with the dispensing means for initiating and terminating the dispensing of the stream of coating as predetermined parts of the workpiece surface come into alignment with the coating outlet. The invention provides an anti-tailing device coacting with the stream of coating intermediate the outlet and the workpiece surface for substantially preventing tailing of the stream of coating following termination of dispensing thereof.

Abstract: A control for regulating the application of glue to a defined area of a moving paper board box blank includes a sensor for detecting the presence of the leading and trailing edges of a moving defined glue application area; a glue applicator spaced a fixed distance from the sensor; a pulse generator providing pulses indicative of movement of the application area; and counting means which are connected to the sensor, glue applicator and pulse generator. The sensor initiates a counting action at detection of the leading edge of a glue application area. The counting means initiates glue application after a predetermined number of counted pulses representative of the fixed distance between the sensor and glue applicator. The sensor initiates a second counting action at detection of the trailing edge of a glue application area and the counting means stops glue application after the same predetermined number of pulses representative of the sensor glue applicator fixed distance.

Abstract: A means for detecting the application of glue to a defined area of a moving box blank includes a capacitance device, one plate of which is formed by a sensing surface positioned adjacent the path of box blank movement, with the other plate being formed by the defined area of the box blank and the applied glue. There are means for applying an electric signal to the sensing surface and means for sensing variations in said signal caused by the presence or absence of glue. There is a control circuit for enabling the detector, which control circuit enables the detector after a glue application and after a period of delay consistent with movement of the box blank from the glue applicator to the detector.

Abstract: A vacuum deposit device for use in producing thin film depositions. A metallic mass is accelerated along a pair of rail-type electrodes. The discharge current passing through the mass during acceleration is controlled as to magnitude and time duration to insure that the magnetic pinch pressure produced by the current exceeds the thermal expansion pressure of the mass thereby maintaining the mass in a solid, non-vapor state during acceleration. The device permits control over mass exit velocities and permits deposition areas of well defined shoulders.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying sealant to a side seam in a container sidewall formed by overlapping portions of the sidewall is provided. The apparatus includes conveying means operable for moving a container into and away from a sealing station. Sensing means is located adjacent the conveying means and is operable for sensing the rotational position of a container sidewall. Drive means is operable for selectively rotating a container to a predetermined rotational position. A sealant dispensing means is positioned adjacent the conveying means at the sealing station and is operable for dispensing sealant onto the seam along substantially the entire length of the seam by a movement of the dispensing means relative to the container. A second sealant dispensing means and station can be provided adjacent the conveying means for applying sealant to a seam between a bottom member and the sidewall of the container.

Abstract: A coating system for automatically discharging a coating material from a nozzle onto objects moving relative to the nozzle in a path past the nozzle. Each object receives two separately located quantities of the coating material from the single nozzle. A first sensor detects the presence of an object at a first point upstream of the nozzle, and a second sensor detects the presence of the object at a second point downstream of the first point and yet upstream of the nozzle. A delay timer is responsive to either of the sensors to produce a delay signal after a delay time corresponding to a predetermined distance of travel by the sensed object. A duration timer is responsive to the delay signal to produce a duration signal for a duration time corresponding to a predetermined distance of travel by the sensed object. The duration signal is used to create a control signal for effecting discharge of the coating material from the nozzle onto each object.

Abstract: An automatic self-adjusting processing apparatus for plating an object is described. The apparatus has a plating head, an apparatus coupled to the plating head which is responsive to the presence of the object for indicating the relative position of the plating head and the object, and an apparatus coupled to the indicating apparatus for automatically adjusting, if necessary, the relative position of the plating head and the object to a predetermined relative position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for marking a rotating tire, for example, to indicate the point of maximum radial force variation. The apparatus includes a marker head which is pivotable into contact with an inking pad in a direction similar to the direction of rotation of the tire at the point of contact of the marker head with the tire and which is also retractable from the tire.

Abstract: Although the method and apparatus of the present invention can be utilized to apply either a uniform or a nonuniform covering of material over many different workpieces, the apparatus (20) is advantageously utilized to apply a thermal barrier covering (64) to an airfoil (22) which is used in a turbine engine. The airfoil is held by a gripper assembly (86) while a spray gun (24) is effective to apply the covering over the airfoil. When a portion of the covering has been applied, a sensor (28) is utilized to detect the thickness of the covering. A control apparatus (32) compares the thickness of the covering of material which has been applied with the desired thickness and is subsequently effective to regulate the operation of the spray gun to adaptively apply a covering of a desired thickness with an accuracy of at least plus or minus 0.0015 inches (1.5 mils) despite unanticipated process variations.