Abstract: A fibre band or sliver is passed through a defined opening of a measuring station. Said opening has a cross section smaller than the diameter of the fibre band, so that the band contacts the walls of said opening which thereby defines a measuring cross section. The fibre band while passing said opening is transilluminated by at least one light source. The transmitted light intensity is measured by a light receiver and is detected as a measure for the quantity of the fibre material present in said cross section.

Abstract: A fiber testing apparatus includes two support members for holding a fiber and a positioning mechanism to facilitate placement of the fiber into engagement with the support members. A translation apparatus moves the two support members apart while a monitor records at least one characteristic of the fiber as it is tensioned. In one embodiment, the two support members are first and second clamps and the positioning apparatus includes first and second suctions oriented to draw the fiber in opposite directions and place the fiber in a substantially linear configuration adjacent to both clamps. In another embodiment, a hook and clamp configuration is utilized, and in yet another embodiment a vacuum groove is employed to facilitate positioning of the fiber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-line color measurement of continuously moving fiber material, during a fiber material process, by using a color measuring device. The moving fiber material is compressed at a processing position. At the processing position, the fiber material is illuminated by a light probe, thereby defining a measuring position. The light reflected from the fiber material is detected and evaluated to thereby obtain a color measurement of the advancing fiber material.

Abstract: A non-contacting optical imaging system for seam or other periodic pattern detection for a web of material such as a strip of fabric is disclosed in which a line scan camera is used to capture a seam or other periodic pattern image and the electrical output from the camera is converted to an alternating current signal and then to a direct current signal which is proportional to the presence or absence of a seam other periodic pattern. The DC signal is integrated and then compared to a preset reference value to produce a signal for driving an alarm, display or machine control devices.

Abstract: There are described a process and apparatus for measuring the degree of filament intermingling of an intermingled multifilament yarn. The intermingled yarn is moved through a self-conveying fluid jet (air jet). The yarn substantially fills out the jet channel and emerges from the jet in a virtually tensionless state. Owing to the pressure difference at the jet outlet, noncohesive yarn zones expand explosively in the manner of a balloon. After expansion, the yarn passes before a sensor means, preferably an electronic camera, which detects the lightness differences or light diffraction phenomena due to the yarn filaments and sends as a function thereof a signal to a signal processing means. The method of measurement of the invention makes it possible to obtain very accurate information about the nature of the intermingling (spot type or continuous) and also about the geometry of intermingling (for example number and spacing of intermingling nodes in the case of spot type intermingling).

Abstract: A method for producing multiple fiber data from a plurality of single fiber tests. A plurality of individual fibers are subjected to tension tests such that the individual fibers are elongated tensioned and broken while characteristics of the fiber are monitored. Multiple fiber data are obtained by testing a number of fibers from a sample and superimposing the graphical representation of tensile characteristics of the individual fibers upon one another to obtain a composite representation which constitutes multiple fiber data. Characteristics of individual fibers which may be combined to obtain a composite representation constituting multiple fiber data include such characteristics as tension, elongation and cross-sectional characteristics of the fiber.

Abstract: A non-contact, transmissive energy sensor is utilized for determining the thickness of paper sheets in a feed path. The sensor includes an energy emitting source and an energy detector, the output of the energy detecting source being proportional to the amount of energy received by the energy detector. The signal output level of the detector is utilized in a model to determine the basis weight of paper in the detecting zone of the detector. Heuristic sampling techniques can be utilized to reduce or eliminate the effects of images printed on the paper and flutter of the paper as it moves. An automatic calibration routine utilizing boundary coefficients is used to calibrate the paper basis weight detection system. The paper basis weight determination is utilized to control subsequent operations to which the paper sheet is subjected in order to optimize image quality and sheet handling, and to control finishing operations.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for controlling the quality of printing, wherein measuring marks (11, 12, 13 and 14) are placed on the printing base, such as a paper web, beside and/or among the actual printing are employed. A lighting unit (1) and an electronic camera (2) trained on the paper web (3) and the operation of the camera at least is synchronized with the transport speed in the printing process. With the camera (2) an image is recorded from a measuring area (9) on the paper web (3), which area contains measuring marks (11, 12, 13 and 14). The image is stored in an image memory (5). The image is taken from the image memory (5) to be processed, whereat the measuring marks are identified and located therein and on their basis the printing quality is checked.

Abstract: A bobbin discharge apparatus having a device for detecting a remaining yarn of a bobbin. A non-contact type sensor such as a photo sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the remaining yarn on a bobbin is arranged on a carrier passage of bobbins, and the bobbin and the sensor are provided relatively movably.

Abstract: A system for providing a measure of the smoothness of a moving web in which light from a source is focused on a spot on the moving web. Light from an arc of substantially 360.degree. around the optical axis is collected and light from 120.degree. sectors of the collected light is reflected to three detectors the outputs of which are processed to provide the smoothness measure.

Abstract: A device for characterizing the formation of a sheet material is described. The device comprises a basis weight sensor for measuring the basis weight of the sheet material as the material passes through the sensor and signal processing circuitry which receives a signal from the basis weight sensor indicative of the measured basis weight and which produces three types of outputs, which outputs characterize: (1) the magnitude of variation in the sheet basis weight; (2) the strength of the weakest portion or portions of the sheet; and (3) the size of the flocs comprising the sheet. The basis weight sensor includes a light pipe which is held against the sheet, as the sheet moves through the sensor, and which directs a small spot of light transmitted through the sheet to a light detecting device. The magnitude of variation in the sheet basis weight is computed to be proportional to the true root-mean-square variation in the basis weight of the sheet.

Abstract: The stack reflectance is predicted from an on-line, wavelength dependent measurement of the sheet reflectance and the on-line measurement of the sheet opacity at a wavelength interval. The stack reflectance Rst is then used to predict and/or control stack color, preferably by using the parameter K/S=(1-Rst.sup.2)/2 Rst where K is the dye absorption coefficient and S is the dye scattering coefficient.

Abstract: A surface inspection apparatus used for inspecting defects of sheet material surfaces includes an optical scanner, a lens unit, a filter, and a photoelectric converter. The lens unit has a plurality of convex lenses arranged in the scanning direction of the optical scanner and adjoining each other. Partitions are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the direction of arrangement of the convex lenses, extending from both ends of the lens unit and from the adjoining portions between the adjoining convex lenses towards the filter.

Abstract: A paper weight sensor system is intended for use on a paper-making machine having a headbox with a slice-lip mounted thereon for forming a moving web of material. Plural slice-lip actuators are provided for setting the slice-lip gap to control the amount of material in the web and are mounted on the headbox. Plural stationary optical sensors are located at a first station and extend across the width of the web in a continuous array for detecting the transmissivity of the web in a one-to-one relationship with the slice-lip actuators at an aligned location downstream of each actuator. Each sensor includes plural light detectors therein which are operable to generate a first transmissivity signal representing the transmissivity of the web for discrete regions thereof adjacent each light detector corresponding to a given actuator.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the velocity and/or length of endless webs of textile goods are described. The textile web is irradiated with a light beam of which one deflects a first portion prior to impinging on the surface of the textile web and one directs the deflected light beam to evaluation means. The light beams reflected from the surface of the textile web are directed through a convex lens and are also directed to the evaluation means so that the corresponding light beams are superimposed. The velocity and/or the length of the web of textile goods are determined from the frequency of the interference formed by the superposition of the light beams.

Abstract: A high speed scanning system for scanning a moving target. Comprising rotating a polygonal mirror with a plurality of mirrored sides about an axis of rotation at the center thereof directing a first laser beam at the polygonal mirror along a first path intersecting one mirror face at a time and reflecting at a given useful angle to scan a target moving in at least one direction with a first scan by each mirror face in one scan direction, wherein an imaginary line extending the first path beyond the intersected mirror face is offset from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The device contains a measuring gap, which is provided for the passage of the test material, the measuring gap having two side walls each of which is provided with a measuring electrode forming part of a capacitive measuring element. An optical measuring element having a light source arranged on one side of the measuring gap and having a photoelectric element is provided in addition to the capacitive measuring element, and both measuring elements form part of a common measuring head. The fluctuations in accuracy of previous measuring heads having only one measuring element are thereby reduced and automatic checking of the measuring head output can be preformed. In addition, parameters which could not be determined with previous measuring heads can be measured and monitored in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: Systems for the on-line optical measurement of properties of a translucent moving web, such as paper or plastic, as it is continually produced, colored or otherwise converted. Measured properties include color, reflectance and opacity. A backing roll has a cylindrical or approximately cylindrical surface which comprises at least one optical standard. The roll is positioned such that a circumferential portion of the roll surface contacts the back web surface where the web characteristic is to be measured, with the web curving around the circumferential portion. An optical sensing device is positioned so as to view the front web surface backed by the optical standard or standards. In several embodiments, two sets of reflectance data are collected, one with a "white" optical standard backing and the other with a "black" optical standard backing.

Abstract: A method for quantifying size encapsulation of yarn on a slasher comprising measuring the hairiness of yarn entering a slasher prior to the application of size to the yarn, measuring the hairiness of the yarn leaving the slasher and solving the equation: ##EQU1## Apparatus for quantifying the size encapsulation of yarn on a slasher comprises an entry hairiness sensor positioned at the entry side of a slasher, a delivery hairiness sensor positioned at the delivery side of the slasher, the entry and delivery sensors producing signals proportional to the hairiness of the yarn at the entry and delivery sides of the slasher respectively, and a computer for solving the above indicated equation and producing an output signal representative of size encapsulation.

Abstract: A test body is illuminated by at least one light source obliquely to its direction of travel, and the reflected light is imaged onto a diaphragm and fed to a photoelectric receiver. Its signal is investigated, in an evaluating unit, for periodicties which are caused by irregularities included in the test body as a result of the twist and the wavelength of which represents a measure of the twist. A rapid and precise measurement of the twist of yarns is made possible thereby.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the visual inspection of at least partly specularly reflective surfaces, such as metal surfaces, which are in continuous motion, by means of a receiver apparatus (5) and an image-analysis apparatus (6). In order to eliminate from the image produced in the received apparatus (5) the uneven illumination caused by variations in the height and orientation of the surface (4) being inspected, the view angle (30) of the received apparatus is adjusted in such a manner that the length of the image of the source of light, formed by means of a perforated lens (3) in front of the source of light (1) is greater than the diameter of the input pupil of the lens of the received apparatus (5).

Abstract: Apparatus and method particularly suitable for use with the close loop color to color registration system of a commercial web printing apparatus utilizes a CCD camera for identifying registration marks. The registration mark composed of a pattern of dot pairs is acquired by the camera and each dot pair of the mark is identified by scoring various attributes of possible dot pairs including color, size and position. This results in highly stable and reliable acquisition of a registration mark on a printed web which may then be processed by an automated registration control system.

Abstract: According to a method and apparatus for detecting a kind of a recording sheet, a light source for emitting a beam on the recording sheet and a photosensitive element for detecting an amount of beam are used. The photosensitive elements located at predetermined positions are caused to detect amounts of beams reflected by upper and lower surfaces of the recording sheet. The kind of upper or lower surface of the recording sheet is discriminated on the basis of a difference between the amounts of beams reflected by the upper and lower surfaces or one of the amounts of beams.

Abstract: A method to count the courses and/or picks of a moving fabric by utilizing a fiber optic device to shine light on a fabric and detect the reflectance of same to provide a signal for comparison with the rate of travel of the fabric to provide a continuous count of the courses and/or picks of the fabric.

Abstract: For optical monitoring of a knitted article for faults during the manufacture thereof in a knitwear processing machine, the knitted article is scanned line by line by the optical scanner. The scan signals generated in the process are delivered to a digital processing circuit. In a reference mode, the scan signals are stored as pattern signals in the digital processing circuit. In a subsequent operating mode during manufacture of the knitted article, the scan signals are compared as operating scan signals with the pattern signals corresponding to the scan position, to check if they match. If they do not match, a fault signal is generated.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing characteristics of a traveling yarn in response to the shadow cast by the yarn includes a light emitting element and a pair of light sensing elements in opposed relation to the light emitting element. The yarn travels through a slot between the light emitting element and the pair of light sensing elements and is guided such that only a selected one of the light sensing elements is shadowed. An aperture assembly can be positioned between the light emitting element and the slot to channel the emitted light. The aperture assembly includes a plurality of apertures increasing in area in the direction away from the light emitting element and being framed by surfaces inclined away from the light emitting element and decreasingly inclined from frame to frame in the direction away from the light emitting element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for the on-line measurement of fiber orientation in a translucent sheet. To measure the fiber orientation, coherent light is directed onto one surface of the sheet in a pattern of sufficient intensity to produce a second pattern on the other surface of the sheet. The shape of the second pattern is determined, at least in part, by the orientation of the fibers in the sheet. A sensing apparatus including a video camera and frame grabber, views the second pattern and produces a freeze frame image signal. Even though the second pattern may be moving, the sensing apparatus freezes this motion and produces the freeze frame image signal to represent a stationary image of the second pattern. The freeze frame image signal is analyzed to determine the shape of the second pattern and from this shape the orientation of the fibers in the sheet is determined. Also disclosed is an apparatus for using the method and an improved system for making paper using the method.

Abstract: The yarn (3) is illuminated by a transmitter (1) and the light reflected by the yarn surface is fed to a detector (5) and evaluated, the optical path being selected such that the receiver (5) receives light only from that side of the yarn (3) that is not illuminated.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) and methods for measuring dark and bright reflectances of translucent sheet material (2) are disclosed. The apparatus (10) comprises first optical means for illuminating one side of the sheet material (2) with a source of electromagnetic radiation. A portion of the radiation is transmitted through the sheet material (2) and another portion of the radiation is reflected by the sheet material. The apparatus (10) also comprises optical gating means (30) that is positioned adjacent the other side of the sheet material (2) in a fixed position relative to the first optical means. The optical gating means (30) absorbs substantially all of the transmitted portion of the radiation when switched to a dark state and reflects substantially all of the transmitted portion of the radiation back through the sheet material (2) when switched to a bright state.

Abstract: An optical web monitoring device is described for which a directed illumination is realized by means of a mirror strip which fully illuminates the pupil of the camera objective of a diode row camera with the image of the illuminating pupil. All contrasting methods can thus be used also for the finding of surface faults in running webs. Several cameras or one camera with pupil division and two diode rows can be simultaneously illuminated using one illuminating device.

Abstract: A device for calibrating an apparatus for measuring the formation index of a sheet of paper in which an emitted light beam is directed through the sheet of paper and detected and electronically processed into a modulated output signal. The device has a frosted glass for diffusing the measuring beam of light and an opaque rod mounted for rotation in and out of the beam of light so as to provide a modulation of the detected light of a known amount which can then be used to calibrate the measuring apparatus by adjusting the various parameters of the apparatus to yield the desired known output modulation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a reflectance measuring apparatus for making contactless measurements on structured test objects wherein the measuring result is independent of the distance of the test object within a difference range (d). The illumination arrangement and the measuring arrangement have a common center axis (z) which extends perpendicularly to the surface of the test object. At least the illumination arrangement or the measuring arrangement includes at least three radiation transmitters or three radiation receivers having optical axes arranged on at least one cone (c) concentric with respect to the common center axis (z). Of the set of radiation transmitters and the set of radiation receivers, one of the sets is configured to have a parallel ray bundle with a core area (k) and the other one of the sets is configured to have a bundle having a limited aperture with the area (m) covered by the limited aperture or apertures being smaller than the core area (k) within a distance range (d).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of testing the propensity of a paper or board to dust. The method is one which includes pressing a reference surface to the surface to be tested at a predetermined pressure. The dust adhering to the reference surface is then measured such that an indicative reading is obtained.

Abstract: The invention is a process and an apparatus for measuring the weft threads and draft angle for a continuously moving textile sheet. At least one long narrow section of the sheet is monitored by transmitted or reflected illumination. The long narrow section has a small width and long length in comparison with the thickness of the weft threads. The longitudinal axis of the section has a defined, constant angle in relation to the transport direction. The illuminated section is monitored by a sensor array. The brightness values within the section are divided in two classes (bright, dark), and those sensors within the field in which brightness values are the same, and that there be determined either the number of (total) length of the sensors within the same class or speed at which the sensors of one class move in the section, and that the draft angle of the weft thread is determined therefrom.

Abstract: A method of testing security papers with respect to the positions of a safety thread and water marks to detect errors in the paper is performed by a linewise scanning of a finished paper web. The web has at least two point like measuring marks inserted into it in addition to the water marks, whereby impulses which are originated from these measuring marks are evaluated and the sheet width and the sheet distortion are calculated by comparing the x-y positions of the individual measuring marks with each other. The measuring marks are sharpe edged and rich in contrast. The given edge impulse is evaluated.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a tape splice for defects in which the splice region between two sheets is irradiated with a light beam, the tapes are longitudinally conveyed relative to the light beam, a one-dimensional light detector means receives the portion of the light beam transmitted or reflected by a linear region of the sheets inclined at a prescribed angle to the transverse direction of the sheets, and the presence/absence of a splice defect is discriminated from change or lack of change in the quantity of light received by the light detector means; and an apparatus for carrying out this method.

Abstract: A weft feeding device for weaving looms regulates the motor speed, according to the amount of yarn wound on the drum at least two photoelectric cells (11, 12) are provided one of which (11) checks the amount of yarn (3) wound on the drum (1), while the other (12) measures the transparency of the protection glass (15) provided on the cells. These photoelectric cells (11, 12) cooperate with an electronic circuit, which processes their signals (31, 32) in order to automatically compensate the transparency variations in the protection glass (15), thereby allowing a more uniform regulation of the motor speed of the weft feeding device.

Abstract: A method for inspecting, detecting and distinguishing sides of fabrics by reflecting light off the fabric and measuring the intensities relatively or absolutely, of such reflected light and comparing such measurements with pre-determined calibrations or other appropriate standards of comparison, so that the fabric can be properly oriented for sewing like sides to like sides, relying on different light reflecting characteristics of the two sides of the fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the distance between center lines in pairs of cords located in a web of cords. A laser beam passes through an expander which enlarges the beam. The enlarged beam is directed by mirrors to a prism and cylindrical lens through a cube beam splitter to form a line of light. The prism, cylindrical lens and beam splitter are mounted in a carriage. The carriage moves along a track which is orthogonal to the cords in the fabric, with the fabric either being stationary or moving with respect to the track. The line of light is directed against the cords by a lens and the reflected light is collected by the cube beam splitter and converted by an electronic detector into a wave form, amplified and has its apex detected by an analog picking circuit. A train of short pulses is generated, the apexes of which correspond to the center lines of the cords.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for examining a moving web composed of an interconnected plurality of articles to determine a location of a selected component thereof. The apparatus includes an indicating mechanism for providing marker data corresponding to the presence of a selected article. A metering mechanism generates gauge data corresponding to selected incremental lengths along the article in the movement direction of the web. A designating mechanism provides reference data corresponding to a selected reference point on the article, and a locating mechanism detects position data corresponding to a position of a selected component of the article. An evaluating mechanism processes the reference data, location data and gauge data to determine a spaced distance between the component and the reference point.

Abstract: An optical sensor includes a vortex diffuser bearing for support of the optical elements thereof in a fixed, spaced apart and angular relationship relative to a subjacent surface. The sensors are readily adapted to be fabricated into matrices adapted for high volume scanning of surfaces, as for example to detect irregularities in the coatings thereof. The sensors are also adaptable for use in photogrammetry, microdensitometry, or other applications wherein precise, stable and repeatable positioning is required.

Abstract: A measuring method and apparatus wherein the value of a physical quantity is measured by means of a first measuring device (2, 3) producing at its output an electrical voltage or current, which is a function of the value of the said physical quantity; wherein, simultaneously, a reference value for this physical quantity is measured by means of a second measuring device (2, 4), which is identical to the said first measuring device; wherein the output voltage or current of the said first measuring device (3) is applied to one of the measuring inputs (10, 11) of an analog/digital converter (9) with a variable threshold value; wherein the output voltage or current of the said second measuring device (4) is applied to the other measuring input (11, 10) of this analog/digital converter (9) and wherein the digital output signal of the said analog/digital converter (9) is applied to a processing and/or data display device (14).

Abstract: The average color, and excursions outside predetermined acceptable color limits, of non-solid-shade fabrics, such as denim, can be determined utilizing a filter colorimeter, an A/D convertor, and computer. A swatch of fabric having a length greater than its width is continuously moved past the colorimeter, and is continuously sampled at the rate of at least about 100 readings per second until the length of the entire swatch has been sampled and analog signals have been generated for all readings. Analog signals are continuously passed from the colorimeter to the A/D convertor, and from the convertor as digital signals to storage in the computer. After sampling is completed the stored digital signals are analyzed. The voltage of the electric light source of the colorimeter is monitored to calibrate the digital signals depending on the voltage to the light source.

Abstract: A system and method for optically measuring parameters including dry basis weight, basis weight and moisture content of fibrous sheet materials during manufacture without scanning. The system includes means for reflecting modulated light as parallel rays perpendicularly incident upon one surface of a traveling web, and means to detect light transmitted through the web at least at four distinct bands of wavelengths.

Abstract: A system for measuring the weft or mesh serial position in textiles, in which the angular position of the weft/mesh series is measured for determining the angle of distortion passing over a partial amount of the length thereof, includes an illumination measuring system which measures values of light from a light source either passing through or reflected from the textile fabric to be tested, in a substantially linear range, and an adjusting assembly which reciprocally and oscillatingly rotates the linear range about a central angle to adjust the linear range at an angle relative to the textile fabric; rotating or measuring the reflection or transmission values in several discrete equidistant angular units; a group of memories for storing the measured values corresponding to at least a few angular units; and a digital unit connected to the memories for comparing the stored values in calculating a distortion angle in response to such comparison.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing between the front and back surfaces of a slide which includes an image on the front surface, comprises reflecting a light beam from each surface of the slide at an acute angle, measuring scattered light around the reflected light beam after the light beam has been reflected repeatedly, and comparing the measurements of the scattered light for the respective surfaces of the slide to detect which of the two measurements is larger. The surface whose measurement is larger is thus determined to be the front surface of the slide.

Abstract: A device for characterizing the formation of a sheet material is described. The device comprises a basis weight sensor for measuring the basis weight of the sheet material as the material moves through the sensor and signal processing circuitry which receives a signal from the basis weight sensor indicative of the measured basis weight. The basis weight sensor includes a light source for directing a beam of light at the moving sheet and a light detector which detects the beam after it passes through the sheet. This detector produces a signal indicative of the intensity of the detected beam and transmits the signal to the signal processing circuitry. To calibrate the signal processing circuitry, a rotatable opaque wheel having a plurality of slots is positioned in the path of the light beam. The rotating wheel alternately blocks the light beam and allows the beam to pass through the slots to the detector.

Abstract: A system and method for optically measuring parameters such as dry basis weight of fibrous sheet materials during manufacture without scanning. The system includes mirror sections for reflecting modulated light as parallel rays perpendicularly incident upon one surface of a traveling web, and a plurality of light detection devices to detect light transmitted through the web at two distinct wavelengths. The system further includes ducts to environmentally isolate the mirror sections and the light detection devices.

Abstract: A reflectance measuring apparatus for contactless measurement is described, in which the result of measurement is not dependent on the distance from the test object within a predetermined range. This is attained by disposing the light source in the focus of a condenser, and by providing that the measuring area is smaller than the core region inside the irradiated area on the surface of the test object.

Abstract: Optical apparatus which compares the transmittance of radiation through a coated product with the transmittance of radiation through only the base material of the coated product to measure the coating weight of the coating on the coated product. A dichroic filter or similar device is included to minimize or even eliminate radiation losses, due to reflections from the coated product, which affect the accuracy of the apparatus. The apparatus can be modified to measure selected characteristics of the base material instead of the coating.