Abstract: Optical method and apparatus for measuring angular orientation and uniformity of orientation of fibers within a nonwoven web.

Abstract: A system for activating an operating element with respect to a moving substrate comprises a tracking line formed on the substrate, the tracking line having an activation mark formed therein which reflects light of an intensity which is distinguishable from that reflected from the remainder of the tracking line. A photosensor is mounted in relation to the tracking line to sense the intensity of light reflected from the tracking line when the substrate is moving. The photosensor generates an output signal indicative of the passage of the activation mark with respect to the photosensor. The output signal is utilized to activate the operating element.

Abstract: The surface texture of a moving transparent film is determined by applying a beam of collimated electromagnetic radiation at an angle of incidence sufficient to produce detectable backscattered radiation; collecting the backscattered electromagnetic radiation while avoiding specularly reflected radiation; and evaluating the intensity of the collected radiation for two components, a first component corresponding to the haze percent of the film and arising from the scattering of the collimated electromagnetic radiation by microscopic and submicroscopic features of the film surfaces, and a second component produced by the scattering of the collimated electromagnetic radiation by macroscopic surface blemishes, gouges and gel-like particles on each surface of the transparent film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the on-line determination of the bonding strength of a plural layer laminate having at least one outer layer transparent to electromagnetic radiation, said method comprising: directing a collimated beam of electromagnetic radiation onto the substantially flat surface of said laminate at an incident angle substantially greater than a normal to the surface of said laminate; measuring the reflected intensity of said electromagnetic radiation at two substantially different diffuse reflectance angles; converting said reflected intensity to an intensity ratio by dividing the greater intensity value by the lesser intensity value to obtain a value which is proportional to the adhesion of the laminate based upon a pre-determined relationship of the bonding strength of said laminate and the value of said intensity ratio.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring the color of a sample material, and the system includes means for illuminating the sample and a sensor to measure light from the sample. The system also includes sample backing means to receive light transmitted by the sample and reflect the light back to the sample.

Abstract: In a method for measuring ink density of printed sheets by means of photodiodes which scan light reflection from measuring marks provided on printed sheets, the start of a dynamic measuring process during the running of the printing machine is released by the control of impulse flanks, and the reflected light is scanned by sensors having a short response time. A medium reflection value of the surface of the measuring mark is determined. The control of impulse flanks takes place by a leading edge of the mark printed on the sheet, and the signal, released by that control, switches on the photodiodes and the light source. A changed voltage occurring at the output of each photodiode is amplified, and its peak value is stored; and the photodiodes and the light source are switched off thereafter.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a gap in the junction area on a folded box which is made of a sheet of smooth corrugated fiberboard by folding the latter while both the folded ends are located opposite to one another with the gap interposed therebetween. The apparatus includes detectors which are disposed along the moving track of the folded box. Each of the detectors includes a slit formed on the moving track at a substantially right angle relative to the latter, the width of the slit being dimensioned more than that of the gap in the junction area on the box, two inclined passages formed in the detector to reach the slit, each of the inclined passages having the substantially same inclination angle relative to the moving track, a light beam emitting mechanism disposed in one of the inclined passages to emit light beam toward the slit and a number of optical fibers longitudinally disposed in the other inclined passage so as to allow reflected light beam to be transmitted therethrough.

Abstract: A densitometric head for measuring ink density of prints in a running printing machine includes a light source for transmitting light on the measured surfaces and sensors for receiving the remitted light. To simplify the construction and eliminate heat effects of the light source, the latter is arranged in one focal point of an elliptic reflector whereas the measured surfaces are situated in or close to the other focal point where an image light source is formed from the light reflected in the reflector. A heat protective filter is arranged between the two focal points to eliminate heat effects on the sensor.

Abstract: In a data base of inventoried fabric pieces (e.g. rolls) having associated predetermined color parameter value data, a target fabric piece is initially selected having color parameter values which substantially deviate from a nominal center point within the color parameter space. Thereafter, a subset of the inventoried fabric pieces is identified having associated color parameters sufficiently near to those of the identified target piece as to be commonly usable therewith (e.g. in the construction of a garment). The color parameters may include red/green difference (da*), yellow/blue difference (db*) and lightness difference (dL*) values.

Abstract: A web structure with electromagnetic radiation shifting indicia is disclosed. The indicia provide signals used in controlling various processes to be performed on the web as well as for controlling movement of the web. The preferred indicia are normally essentially invisible so that the physical appearance of the web is not affected. The indicia emit wave-shifted electromagnetic radiation in response to incident radiation of a given range to provide a means for determining the positioning of the web during movement as the processes are performed. Process and apparatus for making and using such webs are also disclosed.

Abstract: For controlling the dye receptivity or color absorption capacity of a running web of textile goods, a monitoring method by means of electromagnetic waves penetrating through the web of goods is used (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A measuring device for determining the pressure zone width and/or surface pressure between a web roll for a web and a further roll of a winding apparatus includes at least one reflex sensor emitting a radiation towards the web roll and receiving radiation reflected from the web roll. The reflex sensor is provided with a source emitting the radiation towards the web roll and a receiver which picks up beams reflected from the web roll. Source and receiver are embedded within the peripheral area of the further roll and are arranged adjacent to each other. During winding of the web, the reception of the radiation is interrupted when the web roll covers the source and/or the receiver. This interruption of the reception is a measure for the pressure zone width and in connection with other variables and constants for the roll firmness.

Abstract: The relative transverse position of a measuring device and the aperture patterns in a longitudinally and transversely moving strip of material is held constant. A platform, which supports the measuring device, moves transversely along with the strip. Multi-element energy sensors are supported on the platform at the longitudinal edges of the pattern. Different numbers of elements are illuminated when the strip is off center and a difference signal is provided. The difference signal is used to move the platform to maintain the desired constant transverse relative positioning.

Abstract: A device for sensing the longitudinal edges of an aperture pattern in a longitudinally and transversely moving opaque strip of material includes a transversely moveable platform. Arrays of detector elements are supported on the platform and positioned such that some elements of each array are opposite the aperture patterns and other elements of each array are opposite the opaque borders of the strip. Energy sources are individually arranged on the side of the strip opposite the arrays whereby the elements opposite the aperture pattern receive energy and the elements opposite the borders are shielded. The energy conditions of the elements are detected and the platform is moved transversely to maintain an equal number of elements in both arrays opposite the apertures whereby the platform tracks the transverse motion of the strip.

Abstract: A radiation sensor provides on-line measurement of web MD/CD fiber orientation ratio, formation indexes of multiple spatial frequencies, and optical density as it relates to basis weight. A light source illuminates one side of a substrate to be measured. The radiation passing through the substrate is detected by a pair of detectors having fields of view along narrow strips which are perpendicular to each other. The combined field of view is scanned in a repetitive pattern traversing an area on the substrate to be analyzed. The detector outputs are processed to provide fiber orientation ratio, formation, and basis weight measurements.

Abstract: An inspection device for detecting faulty prints on a printed matter running at a high speed. The prints on the printed matter are held as if they were stopped on account of the employment of an even-numbered polygonal prism which rotates in synchronism with the running speed of the printed matter and which allows an inspector's eye to catch successively the prints on an optical axis not only at their positions on said optical axis but also at their moving positions before and behind said optical axis.

Abstract: A method for determining a parameter that characterizes the cross sectional shape of a running multilobal filament or yarns thereof, by light scattering analysis. The analysis is based on detecting and measuring the intensity of light scattered from the yarn in the plane of the incident beam which is oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the yarn. By comparing the intensity of the scattered light with previously measured standard values for the particular yarn geometry being measured, using correlation techniques, the average cross sectional shape parameter can be determined.

Abstract: In a measurement device of photographic density of a film wherein a light source is provided on one side over a film carrier route and a plurality of light receiving elements for converting transmitted light of a film emitted from the said light source to an electrical signal are provided on the counter side of the light source forming a line, a device for measuring photographic density of the film comprising a means for obtaining a rate of change in the form of a ratio between a reference signal decided beforehand for each of the light receiving elements and an output signal of the light receiving elements when the film is carried, and a means for obtaining photographic density of the film in accordance with the obtained ratio.

Abstract: In an optical detection system for detecting a feature located at a predetermined lateral position on a banknote, for example, the banknote is moved along a flow path and a series of light receivers are arranged transversely across that portion of the flow path which the feature is expected to occupy, so that different ones of the light receivers will respond to the feature in the banknote depending on the lateral offset of the banknote at that portion of the flow path. The margins of the note are utilized in the detection system to gate the said light receivers so that for any position of lateral offset of the banknote only that light receiver which responds to the said feature of the banknote will produce an effective output signal. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, two sets of fibre optics are used to effect this gating, one set having its first ends (S1 to S5) opposite a light source at one margin of the sheet and its other ends (F1 to F5) adjacent the above mentioned light receivers (F1' to F5').

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the degree and direction of molecular orientation in film as it advances from a stretching zone. The apparatus includes a detection circuit which receives synchronous and sinusoidal reference and analytical signals based on a beam of rotating linearly polarized light.

Abstract: The present invention is an arrangement and a method to scan a printing plate and determine the ratio of areas which will carry ink, during a printing process, to areas which will not carry ink, during a printing process, so that adjusting means, at the various stations along an ink reservoir, can be properly set to effect correct ink flows at those various stations.

Abstract: A device for measuring the transverse dimension, such as the diameter of a textile thread, comprises a light source, a linear array of optoelectrical sensors, a clock for periodically scanning the linear array, and electronic circuitry for evaluating the serial signals furnished by the linear array. The electronic circuitry comprises amplifying means, a limiter such as a Schmitt-trigger, and means for integrating the pulse amplitudes furnished by the linear array over a plurality of scanning periods or cycles. Further, means are provided for automatically controlling the response of the electronic circuitry in inverse proportion to the averaged output of the integrating means.

Abstract: The apparatus for analyzing the surface of a fibrous web, such as a paper or a textile, includes a prism structure in which one surface is placed in contact with the fibrous web under a predetermined pressure. A collimated beam of light is directed into the prism on the contact surface. The light reflected from the contact surface through the prism is directed to a detector. The detector senses the light reflected by the contact surface as well as the light diffracted at the contact surface to indicate the surface condition of the fibrous web.

Abstract: A width of a selvage rubber portion extending in transversal direction of a coating sheet used for production of tire in which a plurality of cords arranged in substantially the equal interval and in parallel are integrally coated with rubber so that the cord portions are expanded, from the most externally positioned cord portion in said coating sheet, is precisely measured by transferring said coating sheet on a surface of a transferring member having a reflecting property different from that of the above described coating sheet in the longitudinal direction of said cord, emitting a light on a zone including at least the above described transferring member and the most externally positioned cord portion and detecting the light intensity distribution of the light reflected by the above described zone.

Abstract: A light source is energized by pulses controlled by a frequency standard taken from a resonant circuit output. The resonant circuit acts as a narrow-band filter and comprises the capacitance of a photoresponsive receiver and an associated inductor so that a desired filter frequency is obtained. The accurate coincidence of the light source pulse frequency and the resonant circuit acting as a narrow-band output filter permits optical interference acting on the measuring apparatus to be effectively suppressed.

Abstract: A moisture analyzer sequentially directs a transmitted reference energy beam and a transmitted measurement energy beam toward a mirrored surface background plate as spaced plastic sheets advance along a path through the beams. During the testing period, beams are reflected from the sheets and plate as sheet and plate reflected measured beams and during the non-testing period only from the plate as plate reflected reference and measured beams. The reflected beams generated during the testing period are measured using a detector circuit to determine moisture content of the sheets. The background plate is selected to provide during the non-testing period a value as indicated by the detector circuit that is within the acceptable range for sheets as indicated by the detector circuit operating on the reflected beams generated during the testing period to reduce response time of the detector circuit changing from the non-testing period to the testing period.

Abstract: An etch line for etching apertures in a sheet of material is controlled by measuring the energy transmission capabilities of the apertures immediately after initially rinsing the sheet. A second energy transmission capability measurement is made after the sheet is fully dried. The results of the two measurements are combined to produce a predicted transmission signal which is used to control a parameter of the etching process.

Abstract: A width gauge for measuring the width of self-radiating (i.e. hot) rolled material comprises a camera containing two linear arrays of photodiodes, the camera being arranged to produce on each array an image of a respective one of the edges of the material. To avoid problems in detecting the edges caused by dark spots which may be produced on the material by slag or uneven cooling, both arrays are scanned from the less illuminated end of the array to the more illuminated end.Other embodiments employ multi-camera arrangements to improve accuracy and/or correct errors due to changes in the position of the material, and a further embodiment employs a monochromatic light source to back-light the material and a filter in the camera matched to the light source.

Abstract: The apparatus generates two optical beams which are directed to a relatively moving solid surface where an interference pattern, having substantially parallel fringes, is formed. The light is scattered and thereby modulated by irregularities on the surface. This modulated light is received and the signal is processed to indicate the length of the surface or its relative speed. The signal processor converts the modulated light signal to a pulse train, and adds pulses to the pulse train when a drop-out in the signal is detected, i.e. when the time between pulses in the pulse train is greater than a factor times the average period of the pulse train. The corrected pulse train is a function of the length of the surface or the relative motion between the apparatus and the surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting transducer heads in a transducer measuring device that is used for measuring or monitoring characteristics of a continuously produced or processed strip material. The apparatus occupies a minimum amount of space and provides for angularly raising the upper transducer head from its measuring position in a direction which is coincident with the direction of travel of the strip material in order to minimize the danger of damage to the head and give ready access to the strip material.

Abstract: The apparatus employs two or more beams of radiation of different spectral composition which are transmitted through a sample and received by a detector which provides signals for computing the required parameter by ratio measurements. The beams are directed to a sample zone where a part is transmitted through, and a part is reflected by a sample. The invention provides diffusing means to receive the transmitted and reflected parts and pass the same onto a radiation responsive detector. The diffusing means may be a ground glass plate or a member made of fused alumina. A concave mirror may be used to reflect the reflected part back through the sample zone which is close to or at the center of curvature of the mirror. A beamsplitter may also be used so that the beams are directed substantially normal to a plane in the sample zone.

Abstract: A device for measuring the instantaneous value of the diameter or other transverse dimension of a traveling yarn comprises a linear array of photoelectric sensors and an electronic measuring device for digitally processing the electric signals furnished by the sensors in parallel form. A ground signal is taken with no yarn present and stored in the measuring device, and a measuring signal is taken with yarn present. The measuring device comprises logic circuitry for subtracting the stored ground signal from the measuring signal such as to eliminate the ground signal and to furnish a pure yarn signal representative of the yarn diameter.

Abstract: Loss of tension in individual warp threads is detected in the lease zone by directing a flow of air against one side of the warp threads within the lease zone to displace any relatively untensioned thread toward the opposite side of said zone and detecting such displacement photoelectrically. Preferably, the photoelectric detector is insensitive to disturbances other than thread displacement.

Abstract: A shuttleless loom incorporating a weft detecting device according to this invention includes a reed, and a number of guide plates arranged in spaced relationship along the reed, the guide plates being provided with aligned apertures to form a guide passage through which a weft is passed when it is inserted into a shed of warps. In order to detect whether or not the weft has been inserted into the shed, the weft detection device is provided with a photoelectric detecting unit disposed between the adjacent guide plates so as to be movable therewith. The detecting unit emits and receives a light beam advancing along a path which extends between the adjacent guide plates and across a path of the weft along which it moves relative to the guide plates after it has been passed through the guide passage.

Abstract: A device for measuring the instantaneous value of the diameter or other transverse dimension of a traveling yarn comprises a linear array of photoelectric sensors and an electronic measuring device for scanning the sensors and digitally processing the electrical scanning signals in serial form. The ground signal indicative of the condition "no yarn present" is eliminated by means for intermediately storing the scanning signal, means for delaying the latter and storing the delayed signal, and subtracting the stored undelayed signal from the delayed signal such as to eliminate the ground signal and to furnish a pure yarn signal representative of the yarn diameter.

Abstract: A radiation absorbing cone (34) affixed to an infrared pyrometer (31) has a pair of lateral apertures (36--36) therein through which a continuously moving heated wire (11) passes. The cone (34) blocks stray ambient radiation while substantially eliminating any reflected radiation from the wire (11) from impinging on the pyrometer (31) to provide an accurate and repeatable measurement of the wire temperature.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring light transmission through a continuous sheet having an aperture pattern thereon. A light source is positioned on one side of the sheet and a light sensor is positioned on the opposite side of the sheet. The improvement comprises bypassing a portion of the light from the light source around the sheet to the sensor. The bypassed light is used to update the calibration of the measurements.

Abstract: In an illustrated embodiment, brightness, color, opacity and fluorescent contribution to brightness are measured by an on-line sensing head providing for simultaneous measurement of transmitted and reflected light. By measuring two independent optical parameters, paper optical properties of a partially translucent web are accurately characterized substantially independently of paper grade and weight. The instrument is designed so as to be capable of transverse scanning of a moving paper web on the paper machine, and so as to monitor desired paper optical characteristics with sufficient accuracy to enable on-line control of the optical characteristics of the paper being manufactured. Advantageously, several sets of reflectance and transmittance values based on respective common spectral response functions are sensed continuously and/or simultaneously during movement of the web.

Abstract: Light beams directed toward each surface of a sheet are reflected therefrom as first reflected light beams and second reflected light beams. The intensity and/or density of the reflected light beams are acted on to compare the reflectivity of the sheet surfaces, e.g. to determine which surface of the sheet has a more reflective surface.

Abstract: The primary crimp frequency of crimped material is optically measured by utilizing the pattern of light reflections produced by the waviness of the material. The material is illuminated from one end thereof with light striking the material at a shallow angle to produce a pattern of bright and shadowed areas on the material. The light pattern is scanned by a reticon camera and an amplitude modulated output signal corresponding to the light pattern is obtained. The frequency of the output signal is measured to provide an indication of crimp frequency.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed to count and control crimps in a moving tow of yarn. The apparatus comprises a target (the tow of yarn), a stroboscopic light, condenser lens, mirror, transparent support for the target, focusing lens, diode array to sense variations in light intensity from the striations in the target, electronic board circuit with terminal board, programmable calculator, and read-out means, such as a light emitting diode display. When used to control the crimping apparatus it also comprises a controller, exit control gate of the crimper and means to exert pressure on the exit control gate. The method for use of this apparatus is to cause an intense light pulse to issue from the stroboscopic light, passing the pulse of light through the condenser lens against the mirror through the transparent support to reflect from the striations in the yarn tow back through the focusing lens into the diode array which counts the variations in light intensity caused by the striations.

Abstract: In a feedback color control system for controlling the flows of two colorants used to color an article, a first error signal is generated as a function of deviations in the color saturation of the article from a desired saturation, and a second error signal is generated as a function of deviations in the hue of the article from a desired hue. The flows of the dyes are varied in the same sense in response to the first error signal and are varied in opposite senses in response to the second error signal.

Abstract: The deviation of the weft threads in a fabric is ascertained to show the extent and angle of the deviation relative to a line extending at a right angle relative to the edge of a moving fabric web. For this purpose a sensor head or several sensor heads are movable across the web. Separate signals are produced for the left and right half of the web relative to a longitudinal center line of the web. A comparing unit compares the separate signals for forming a control value or signal.

Abstract: In an illustrated embodiment, brightness, color, opacity and fluorescent contribution to brightness are measured by an on-line sensing head providing for simultaneous measurement of transmitted and reflected light. By measuring two independent optical parameters, paper optical properties of a partially translucent web are accurately characterized substantially independently of paper grade and weight. The instrument is designed so as to be capable of transverse scanning of a moving paper web on the paper machine, and so as to monitor desired paper optical characteristics with sufficient accuracy to enable on-line control of the optical characteristics of the paper being manufactured.

Abstract: A device for indicating the fibre length distribution of a fibre sample for use with an apparatus which produces output signals representative of the number of fibres in a cross section of a fibre sample by slit-wise illumination of the sample, has a pulse generator to produce a pulse stream representative of the relative positions of the sample and illuminating beam, comparators to compare signals received by opto-electric converter with reference signals to stop counters driven by the pulse stream when predetermined values of the received signals are reached and an indicator for the contents of the counters. The reference signals are derived from the received light signals at predetermined relative positions of the sample and beams.

Abstract: In an illustrated embodiment, brightness, color, opacity and fluorescent contribution to brightness are measured by an on-line sensing head providing for simultaneous measurement of transmitted and reflected light. By measuring two independent optical parameters, paper optical properties of a partially translucent web are accurately characterized substantially independently of paper grade and weight. The instrument is designed so as to be capable of transverse scanning of a moving paper web on the paper machine, and so as to monitor desired paper optical characteristics with sufficient accuracy to enable on-line control of the optical characteristics of the paper being manufactured. Advantageously, several sets of reflectance and transmittance values based on respective common spectral response functions are sensed continuously and/or simultaneously during movement of the web.

Abstract: The degree of graininess or grainy edges of a traveling web may be discriminated utilizing the present invention which relates to a method and apparatus for generating a topographic signal by sensing scattered light from instantaneously illuminated areas of less than 1 mm in diameter on the surface of the web, processing at least a significant amount of said signal representative of topographic features of the web of selected lengths in the direction of travel of said web of at least 1.5 mm to determine the amount of such features of said selected length, said selected lengths contributing significantly to the graininess of the web, and thereby providing an indication of the graininess of said web.

Abstract: Device for attachment to gauging instruments such as optical measuring apparatus, which measure dimensional parameters of articles by scanning the surface or main profile of the article with a light beam as from a laser, the device employing a leaf spring assembly for bearing against and conforming to a portion of the surface of the article; the leaf spring assembly thereby forming a substitute profile over the main profile of the article or of a transparent article, and suppressing any surface anomalies projecting from the article surface, thus providing a reference surface which may be measured by such gauging instruments as representative of the dimensional parameter of the main profile of the article.

Abstract: A slit image extending in the lateral direction of a travelling object is projected onto the surface of the object from one direction by means of a projection lens. The slit image formed on the object is then projected by means of an image focusing optical system onto a grid to make a light section moire element. The optical axis of the image focusing optical system is different from that of the projection lens employed in the slit image forming optical system. The light section moire element is enlarged in the lateral direction by means of a condenser lens and an anamorphic lens and focused on another slit. Behind the slit is located a film to record a line of light spots which represent the surface irregularity of the object. The film is fed in synchronization with the travel of the object so that the surface irregularities of the object may be recorded on the film in the form of contour lines.

Abstract: The flanks of faults present in a surface produce abnormal reflection of a laser beam during linewise scanning of the surface by a laser beam. This apparatus deflects the angles of reflection from the surface, to indicate the presence of a flank, by a light conducting rod arranged parallel to the direction of linewise scanning for receiving reflected light on its surface and for conducting this light to its end face. The various light rays spread out transversely to the direction of scanning during their passage through the light conducting rod and are detected as they pass through a series of concentric annular apertures spaced from the end face of the light conducting rod. Each aperture is associated with a particular range of angles of incidence irrespective of the point on incidence along the surface of the rod and photoelectric detectors are used to sense the light passing through each aperture to provide the necessary indication of the presence or non-presence of a fault.