Abstract: A position sensing system for sensing a position of an input shaft of a variable differential transformer (VDT), comprising said VDT, which comprises first and second AC signal output means that are configured to output a first AC output signal and a second AC output signal respectively. The sensing system further comprises AC/DC converting means configured to convert said first AC output signal to a first DC output signal and an AC/DC converting means configured to convert said second AC output signal to a second DC signal. The first and second DC output signals each indicate an individual position of said input shaft.

Abstract: A conveyor system for sorting articles being conveyed in a conveying direction. A first conveyor section includes a plurality of inclined conveyors for de-stacking articles. A second conveyor section includes at least one indexing conveyor for spacing a first group of articles from upstream articles. A third conveyor section includes a chicane conveying path for forming the first group of articles into a single row generally aligned with the conveying direction. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for contact measurement of dimensional parameters of a container in which rollers coupled to LVDT sensors are placed in contact with a container as the container is rotated about its central axis so that the sensors develop analog signals that vary as a function of variations in geometry of the container. The sensor output signals are fed through multiple input channels to an a/d convertor/multiplexer, which is controlled by a central microcontroller for selecting in turn among the plurality of sensor signals. Within the microcontroller, each sensor signal is compared to a threshold indicative of maximum acceptable deviation of the corresponding dimensional parameter, and the container under test is rejected if the parameter exceeds such threshold. The microcontroller includes facility for real-time display of measured parameters in English or metric units at the selection of an operator, and for communication of measurement data to a remote computer.

Abstract: A gauge having a substantially circular band capable of being deformed out-of-round from the application of a predetermined force and having a specified inner circumferential length to be compared with the length of a circumference around an object. The gauge further includes a support body adapted to connect with the band so as not to enable positioning the band in coaxial alignment with the object circumference and allow the band to flex and deform in circumscribing the circumference when the band is moved axially to accomplish such circumscribing.

Abstract: A kinescope envelope which rests on a fixture is positioned at a location where the envelope size is determined. The envelope is removed from the fixture and positioned at a preselected position where the panel-funnel offset is determined. The size and offset of the envelope are provided to a controller and the offset is compared to a stored designed offset to determine an offset difference. The offset difference is compared to an offset tolerance and a reject signal is provided when the offset tolerance is exceeded. The reject signal is used to place a reject mark on the envelope and to dispense an identification article onto the potentially defective fixture.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting the chimbs of cylindrical articles such as kegs or drums comprises means for rotating a keg about its cylindrical axis and sensing means arranged to engage the chimb of the keg and to sense displacement of the chimb from a predetermined position. In the preferred embodiment, a lower sensing unit 18 has two actuating arms 132 and 232 pivoted about horizontal axes. Each arm has at one end a roller (136,236) which engages the chimb 302 of a keg 300 under the resilient bias of a spring (154,254). At the other end the arm has a steel plate (138,238) moving over a proximity sensor (152,252). Deformation of chimb 302 at any point in its circumference causes the plate on one or other arm to move away from the proximity sensor which gives an appropriate signal to electrical control circuitry of the apparatus. An upper sensing unit 20 is provided so that the upper and lower chimbs of a keg can be inspected simultaneously.

Abstract: In the inspection of generally round glass containers where the containers are indexed into the gauging stations or positions by the movement of a starwheel mechanism, the containers are held in a generally upright attitude with their bottoms engaging a pair of spaced rollers extending through a slide plate at the gauging station. Each roller is biased in an upward direction against the container bottom. The containers are rotated, in station, by engagement of the sidewall thereof by a rotating wheel mounted on an axis that is somewhat out-of-vertical to aid in holding the container down against the rollers and slide plate. The gauging rollers each have their vertical movements drive the core of a separate differential transformer. The output of the transformers are amplified, alegebraically summed and fed to a discriminator.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting whether the top panel of a container cap is properly depressed as capped containers are conveyed along a travel path. The apparatus is of the type comprising a floating shoe disposed over the travel path and carrying a proximity sensor. The shoe includes a reference portion arranged to be contacted by the caps to conform the shoe to the orientation of the cap. The floating shoe is mounted for lateral movement and includes guide flanges. The flanges extend generally fore-to-aft and are arranged to be contacted by the caps to shift the shoe laterally so as to position the proximity sensor over the same portions of successive caps. If caps of non-metallic material are being sensed, a metal spring member is carried by the shoe and is arranged to be contacted by the top panel of each cap and assume a spacing from the proximity sensor in accordance with the degree of depression of the top panel. The proximity sensor is directed toward the spring member to sense the latter.