Abstract: An inspecting apparatus inspects a tampon that includes a tampon main body that has a cord and an applicator that is cylindrical and that accommodates the tampon main body in such a manner that the cord is exposed from a rear end of the applicator. The inspecting apparatus includes a suction mechanism that extends the cord along a longitudinal direction of the tampon by sucking air, and a cord-length inspecting mechanism that inspects a length of the cord while the suction mechanism is sucking the air.

Abstract: Web supports (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 330, 332, 334, 336, 338, 340) form a first web path (46, 48, 346, 348) in which a web is presented opposite to a camera (26, 326) and an alternative second web path (46, 48, 346, 348) in which the web (230) is overturned prior to being presented opposite to the camera (26, 326).

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging an imprinted substrate on a printing press is provided. One method comprises sensing light reflected by the substrate using a contact image sensor to produce data representative of the imprinted substrate. The substrate has been imprinted with different colors at a plurality of printing units of the printing press. Each printing unit comprises a plate cylinder. The data representative of the imprinted substrate is output by the contact image sensor as analog voltage signals. The method further comprises receiving the analog voltage signals from the contact image sensor at a sensor interface circuit and converting the analog voltage signals to digital signals using an analog-to-digital converter of the sensor interface circuit. The method further comprises processing the digital signals using the sensor interface circuit to produce corrected digital signals and storing data based on the corrected digital signals in a memory.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a web inspection system using data from a calibrated point sensor, using a frequency spectra-based analysis. A sensor measures a web property of interest, which is then converted into the frequency domain, as is information from a web inspection system. A correlation model is then created to allow calibration of the web inspection system.

Abstract: A gas blowing cellulose pulp dryer is operative for drying a web of cellulose pulp using gas supplied from gas outlets of blow boxes of a first drying section. The cellulose pulp dryer has an inspection device with at least a first radiation sensor arranged to detect reflected radiation at the first drying section to detect at least one of a position of the web during operation of the dryer, and the occurrence of any residue of the web.

Abstract: Radiation scattering is one of the main contributors to the uncertainty of near infrared (NIR) measurements. Enhanced absorption-measurement accuracy for NIR sensors is achieved by using a combination of NIR spectroscopy and time-of-flight techniques to select photons that are the result of a given mean free path within a moving sample target. By measuring absorption as a function of path length or by windowing signals that are attributable to excessive scattering of NIR radiation within the sample, this technique affords the calculation of more accurate and more universal calibrations. The NIR sensor employs short or ultra-short laser pulses to create NIR that is directed to the moving sample and emerging radiation is detected over time. Windowing effectively truncates non-contributing measurements.

Abstract: A system includes a first sensor unit having multiple solid-state light sources each configured to generate light at one or more wavelengths, where different light sources are configured to generate light at different wavelengths. The first sensor unit also includes a mixer configured to mix the light from the light sources and to provide the mixed light to a web being sampled. The first sensor unit further includes a controller configured to control the generation of the light by the light sources. The system also includes a second sensor unit comprising a detector configured to measure mixed light that has interacted with the web. The second sensor unit could also include a second controller configured to determine one or more characteristics of the web (such as moisture content and fiber weight) using measurements from the detector.

Abstract: Optical radiation sources functioning on different optical bands radiate on different optical bands and focus optical radiation on a region in a web surface as pulses in such a manner that illumination areas of the pulses overlap on the plane of the web. At most one optical radiation band is focused on the web from the direction of the normal. The spatial intensity distribution of at least one optical band differs from the uniform distribution and the intensity distributions of at least two different optical bands differ from one another in a predetermined manner. A camera forms still images of the web surface region on each optical radiation band. An image-processing unit determines the surface topography of the web on the basis of the images. In addition, a controller may control the paper manufacturing process on the basis of the determined surface topography.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a physiological parameter includes a garment that includes a fabric that exhibits both a light transmission property and a light reflection property. The amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, such as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one source of radiation having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers and at least one detector responsive to such incident radiation. The source and detector are associated with the fabric such that the reception of incident radiation by the detector is directly affected by a change in the amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric when the fabric stretches.

Abstract: In a method for keeping clean a sensor window of an optical sensor for detecting value documents and/or at least one property of value documents which is disposed with at least one portion in a beam path of the sensor, a gas film attached to a surface of the portion is generated on the portion of the sensor window from gas moving relative to the portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for indicating the displacement of a flexible web are described. An elongated, flexible web includes an integral scale having scale features configured to modulate energy directed towards the web. A transport mechanism provides relative movement between the web relative to a transducer. The transducer detects energy modulated by the scale features and generates a signal indicting a continuous web displacement based on the modulated energy.

Abstract: A running yarn line inspection method inspects yarn lines running in parallel in the same surface. The running yarn line inspection method is provided with a first illumination means and a line sensor for imaging the yarn lines on the side of the first surface of the running surface of the yarn lines and a second illumination means on the side of the second surface, and comprises a data processing means which processes data obtained by the line sensor and a recording means which records data processed by the data processing means with time.

Abstract: A method and/or an apparatus for controlling the register between print and three-dimensional structures, such as creases in the forming of a package, and a method and/or the apparatus for controlling a unit for repeated cutting-out or perforation of a material web from which the packages are formed. In the control, a focused, high intensive light beam, such as a laser line, is laid in a bisecting direction to relevant creases. The position of the crease or the creases is determined by sensing of a deflection of the projected laser line. Diffuse light from the laser line may be used in order to register the position of a register marking. If the difference between the register marking and crease differs more than a predetermined value, the creasing tool and/or printing press is automatically adjusted.

Abstract: One measuring part of a traversing measuring unit measures at least one characteristic of a web with a first radiation type from a plurality of measuring locations during a traversing movement at successive moments in time. At least two measuring parts of an array measuring unit measure at least one characteristic of the web with another radiation type during each traversing movement at a plurality of different moments in time by directing the measurement to a plurality of measuring locations in the web at each moment in time. A signal processing unit is arranged to estimate at least one characteristic measured by the traversing measuring unit with at least one measurement of the array measuring unit.

Abstract: A substrate characterization device is provided which includes an optical sensor module and a processor. The optical sensor module includes a light emitting source and a light receiving detector for communicating with the substrate and providing an indication of the diffusion of light through the substrate. The indication of the diffusion of light through the substrate is a signal provided to a processor in communication with a memory module for making a comparison of the signal generated by the optical sensor module with a reference signal to determine the quality of the substrate.

Abstract: An active viewport assembly for use in detecting substrates conveyed through a vapor deposition system includes a casing configured for mounting to a wall of a vapor deposition module. The casing further includes an enclosed chamber, an exterior side port, and an interior side port. A lens assembly is disposed within the chamber and extends through the interior side port. A heater element is configured on the lens assembly within the chamber. One of an active transmitter or an active signal receiver is configured with the exterior side port external of the chamber and is axially aligned with and spaced from the lens assembly.

Abstract: A method of imaging an imprinted substrate on a printing press is provided. The method comprises sensing light reflected by the substrate using a contact image sensor to produce data representative of the imprinted substrate. The substrate has been imprinted with different colors at a plurality of printing units of the printing press. Each printing unit comprises a plate cylinder. The method further comprises storing the data representative of the imprinted substrate in a memory.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for controlling the relative positions or phasing of advancing substrates and/or components in absorbent article converting lines. The systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate component placement detections and placement control on an absorbent article converting process. The systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control the substrate position. As such, the controller may be programmed to the relative positions of substrates and components along the converting line without having to account for undeterminable delays.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for controlling the registration of advancing substrates in absorbent article converting lines. The systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate registration feature detections and substrate speed control on an absorbent article converting process. The systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control the substrate speed. As such, the controller may be programmed to track registration features on substrates and components along the converting line without having to account for undeterminable delays.

Abstract: A garment and system includes a monitoring fabric that exhibits a light reflection property and substantially no light transmission property when the fabric is illuminated with light having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers. The amount of useful light reflected by the fabric into an aperture of acceptance defined with respect to an imaginary axis extending from the fabric relative to the amount of light lost to the aperture of acceptance detectably changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector, with the detector disposed in the aperture of acceptance.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for detecting and rejecting defective absorbent articles from a converting line. In particular, the systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate inspection results and measurements from an absorbent article converting process. As such, the systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control a reject system on converters of absorbent articles. In some embodiments, the controller will reject only defective absorbent articles without the need to reject non-defective absorbent articles.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a paper sheets inspection apparatus includes a transfer mechanism configured to transfer paper sheets through an inspection position, a guide member including a guide surface opposed to the paper sheet at the inspection position, a standard plate on the guide member, including a reflection surface exposed on the guide surface at the inspection position, an air supply device configured to spout air flowing from a lateral position of the standard plate along the reflection surface, and form an air curtain between the standard plate and the paper sheet, a light source configured to radiate inspection light toward the reflection surface, and a photoreceptor configured to receive the inspection light reflected from the reflection surface of the standard plate and the inspection light reflected from a surface of the paper sheet at the inspection position.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for image-based measurement and inspection of pre-engineered structural components, such as building trusses and wall panels. A system can include: a light source; a camera; a first memory storage; a second memory storage; and a processing unit configured to (i) detect a characteristic of the structural component, (ii) compare the characteristic to a corresponding characteristic of at least one reference data, and (iii) indicate a result of the comparison. A method can include: causing a light source to illuminate a portion of the structural component, receiving a reflection of the light source from the illuminated portion of the structural component, and storing data corresponding to the intensity of the reflection; comparing the stored data to at least one reference data; and indicating a result of the comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining fiber orientation parameters of a sheet of material during a production process includes a polarized radiation generating system operable for providing polarized radiation having a frequency of at least 1×108 Hz. The radiation is aligned to be incident on a sheet material to be characterized. A polarimeter is aligned to receive the radiation transmitted by the sheet material. A photodetector is provided for measuring radiation received after polarization processing by the polarimeter. A processor is coupled to the photodetector for calculating Stokes parameters of the sheet material based upon intensities of the radiation received and determines at least one parameter relating to fiber orientation of the sheet material based upon the Stokes parameters.

Abstract: A system for detecting the lateral movement of thread includes an optical device configured to emit an optical signal. The optical device includes a resonant cavity. The system further includes a driver configured to drive the optical signal. A mechanical guide is configured to receive a moving thread that scatters the optical signal such that a portion of the optical signal is reflected back into the resonant cavity of the optical device; causing a change in the optical signal. An optical detector is configured to detect the changed optical signal. Lateral movement detection circuitry is configured to detect lateral movements such as vibrations.

Abstract: A wrapping paper inspection apparatus includes a nozzle arranged in a wrapping-paper discharge path, in which wrapping paper is wound and continuously discharged, for wetting one side of the wrapping paper with a liquid; an image pickup section for irradiating light to the wrapping paper wetted with the liquid by the nozzle, detecting light transmitted through or reflected from the wrapping paper, and generating an image signal; and a wrapping paper inspection section for determining defects in wrapping paper portions applied or affixed with a low flame spread material, from the image signal generated by the image pickup section, to thereby inspect such defects easily and reliably. This inspection apparatus can be mounted to a tobacco wrapping machine.

Abstract: A method of inspecting an imprinted substrate on a printing press comprises illuminating a portion of the substrate which has been imprinted with different colors at a plurality of printing units of the printing press. The method further comprises sensing light reflected by the substrate using a contact image sensor to produce data representative of the imprinted substrate, and comparing the data representative of the printed substrate with stored reference data.

Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one scanner. Each scanner includes a plurality of sensors, and each sensor is capable of measuring one or more characteristics associated with a portion of a substrate. The substrate has printing produced by a printing system. The apparatus also includes a controller capable of receiving at least some of the measurements from the plurality of sensors and determining a quality of the printing on the substrate using the received measurements. The substrate could represent paper, and the printing system could represent an offset printing system. At least one of the sensors may be in a fixed position and/or at least one of the sensors may be movable over part of a surface of the substrate. The determined quality of the printing could involve density, dot area, dot gain, contour sharpness, doubling, mottling, ghosting, misregister of different colored inks, slur, or improper positioning of the printing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for detecting a tear in a fibrous web in a drying section of a machine for producing the fibrous web, whereby the fibrous web is passed through the drying section by way of at least one dryer fabric, whereby the tear is detected by at least one optical web tear detection device, which includes at least one luminous source and one detector, and whereby a cut-off apparatus for the fibrous web is directly or indirectly activated by the web tear detection device. The optical web tear detection device is operated over an extended wave length range in order to detect a tear in the fibrous web reliably. In addition, the invention relates to an apparatus for performing the inventive method.

Abstract: Web supports (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 330, 332, 334, 336, 338, 340) form a first web path (46, 48, 346, 348) in which a web is presented opposite to a camera (26, 326) and an alternative second web path (46, 48, 346, 348) in which the web (230) is overturned prior to being presented opposite to the camera (26, 326).

Abstract: A reflection characteristic measuring apparatus capable of scanning a specimen surface of a sheet specimen at a high speed is provided. The reflection characteristic measuring apparatus includes a group of illuminating and light-receiving systems for directing illuminating light onto the specimen surface of the sheet specimen held by a specimen holding roller pair and for receiving reflected light from the specimen surface. The illuminating and light-receiving systems measure a spectral characteristic of the received reflected light. The illuminating and light-receiving systems are disposed over one-dimensional arrays of color samples which extend in the longitudinal direction of the sheet specimen, and scan the one-dimensional arrays in a direction opposite to a direction in which the sheet specimen is transported.

Abstract: An active viewport assembly for use in detecting substrates conveyed through a vapor deposition system includes a casing configured for mounting to a wall of a vapor deposition module. The casing further includes an enclosed chamber, an exterior side port, and an interior side port. A lens assembly is disposed within the chamber and extends through the interior side port. A heater element is configured on the lens assembly within the chamber. One of an active transmitter or an active signal receiver is configured with the exterior side port external of the chamber and is axially aligned with and spaced from the lens assembly.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring color of a moving web. The web is measured by reflectance measurement and transmittance measurement, wherein the reflectance measurement is carried out by illuminating a surface of the web in a measuring area, where on the other side of the web at the measuring area resides a solidly attached backing element and measuring the radiation reflected from the web. The transmittance measurement is carried out by illuminating the web and measuring the radiation transmitted through the web. The radiation measured in the transmittance measurement is transmitted through the backing element.

Abstract: A method for detecting at least one value at least indirectly characterizing the properties of a surface in a material web treatment device. The method includes the steps of illuminating the surface at least at two measuring points with at least one emission source, simultaneously detecting at least one value at least indirectly characterizing a reflectivity of the surface at said each of the at least two measuring points with a detector device and evaluating the reflectivity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a web inspection system.

Abstract: An apparatus for detection of the accuracy of format of a web of corrugated cardboard moved in a conveying direction comprises a light source which emits a light band to the surface of the web of corrugated cardboard in a direction crosswise of the conveying direction and at an angle to the web of corrugated cardboard. A measuring camera detects the different light intensities of the light reflected by the plane portions and the profiled patterns of the web of corrugated cardboard. This electronic image in the camera is evaluated by an evaluation device for determining the distance of the profiled patterns from each other.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the wear of a moving conveyor chain includes a first detector for detecting a leading end of a first link of the chain and providing a first signal corresponding thereto, a second detector for detecting a trailing end of the first link and providing a second signal corresponding thereto, and a third detector for detecting a leading end of a third link of the chain and providing a third signal corresponding thereto. The system processes the signal so as to determine a first distance D1 which is the distance between the leading end and trailing end of the first link, a second distance D2 which is the distance between the trailing end of the first link and the leading end of the third link, and a third distance D3 which is the distance between the leading end of the first link and the leading end of the third link.

Abstract: Methods for identifying array areas in dies formed on a wafer and methods for setting up such methods are provided. One method for identifying array areas in dies formed on a wafer includes comparing an array pattern in a template image acquired in one of the array areas to a search area image acquired for the wafer. The method also includes determining areas in the search area image in which a pattern is formed that substantially matches the array pattern in the template image based on results of the comparing step. In addition, the method includes identifying the array areas in the dies formed on the wafer based on results of the determining step.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for determining the shape of a glass sheet during and/or after the forming process. In one example, a system for determining the shape of a glass sheet defining an interior bulk can include a light source, an image capture device and a processor that are configured to calculate the location of an energy centroid within a selected portion of the bulk of the glass sheet.

Abstract: An object is to improve production efficiency as well as reducing the burden on an operator. Light is radiated on a crystalline silicon film used for a thin-film silicon device, reflection light reflected by the crystalline silicon film is detected, a parameter of the luminance of the detected reflection light is measured, and film quality evaluation of the crystalline silicon film is performed in accordance with whether the parameter of the luminance is within a predetermined proper range or not.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for illuminating an object and projecting its image on a ground glass screen. Optical comparators conventionally use incandescent illumination, either mercury arc or halogen. The use of an array of high intensity LED devices, provides many options for packaging the required optical components used in comparators.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a composite material laid onto a substrate by a lamination machine. An imaging assembly attached to a rear portion of a delivery head of the machine obtains an image of at least a portion of the laid material beneath the imaging assembly. A processor inspects the image to detect a flaw. This system can provide an image of laid tape obtained close to a tape compaction point and can be implemented as a retrofit or as original equipment in lamination machines.

Abstract: A sensor is provided that measures web caliper using optical and magnetic measuring devices. The optical measuring devices may employ a confocal chromatic aberration method to accurately determine the distance to the moving web and the magnetic devices may be ferrite core coil and target. Means of stabilizing a moving web are included for improving dynamic measurement accuracy.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for determining capabilities of an on-line sensor are disclosed. The exemplary method may comprise the following acts. The method may generate an image of a sample texture with known characteristics. The method may transfer the image to an on-line sensor. The method may also analyze data generated by the on-line sensor to determine measured characteristics. The method may compare the measured characteristics to the known characteristics.

Abstract: Housing (1) for an optical measurement device, in particular for yarn monitoring, and a method for producing such housing, from a plastics material by prototyping and receiving components of the measurement device such as a light source, sensor or lens. According to the invention, a glass insert (3) is arranged on the housing (1) and is used for the protection of the components from environmental influences, and the glass insert (3) is fitted into the housing (1) by means of the shrinkage occurring during prototyping in such a way that the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus (200) for determining fiber orientation parameters of a sheet of material during a production process includes a polarized radiation generating system (201, 202) operable for providing polarized radiation having a frequency of at least 1×108 Hz. The radiation is aligned to be incident on a sheet of material to be characterized (203). A polarimeter (204, 205) is aligned to receive the radiation transmitted by the sheet of material (203). A photodetector (206) is provided for measuring radiation received after polarization processing by the polarimeter. A processor (207) is coupled to the photodetector (206) for calculating Stokes parameters of the moving sheet (203) based upon intensities of the radiation received and determines at least one parameter relating to fiber orientation of the moving sheet based upon the Stokes parameters.

Abstract: Fiber distribution characteristics such as the bulk average orientation of fibers in composite fibrous materials can be evaluated based on the variation in the speed with which polarized electromagnetic signals propagate through the material as a function of angle. The electromagnetic radiation may comprise terahertz radiation. The composite fibrous materials may be wood-containing materials such as oriented strand board or particle board.

Abstract: A register mark detecting apparatus detects a transparent register mark printed on a conveyed transparent web. The register mark detecting apparatus includes a light source, a parallel light flux irradiation optical system, a collective optical system, a knife-edge, and a light receiving element. The parallel light flux irradiation optical system converts a light flux from the light source into a parallel light flux to irradiate a transparent web with the parallel light flux. The collective optical system collects the light flux transmitted through the transparent web. The knife-edge is disposed near a back focus of the collective optical system. The knife-edge interrupts the light flux going straight in the transparent web and causes only the light flux refracted by being transmitted through the transparent register mark to pass by. The light receiving element receives the light flux transmitted through the knife-edge.

Abstract: A system for sorting articles includes a detector system having a plurality of narrow bandwidth sources of electromagnetic energy sequentially illuminating articles passing through the detector system, the detector system further including a collector for collecting electromagnetic energy reflected from the articles; a deflector for deflecting selected articles toward an alternative destination; and a control system, operably connected to the collector and the deflector, for actuating the deflector in response to a sensed parameter of the electromagnetic energy collected in the collector.

Abstract: A method for using optical media for identification purpose including the steps of exposing a portion of the optical media to a source of radiation; detecting an imperfection in the portion of the optical media; and, quantifying the imperfection to create a unique identifier. An apparatus for using an optical media for identification purposes, including a light source for exposing a portion of the optical media to a radiation; and, a receptor for receiving the radiation through the portion of the optical media, wherein the receptor measures a change in radiation that is received once the radiation has passed through the portion of the optical media.