Abstract: A garment inspecting and grading apparatus and methods of inspecting a garment are provided that preferably have a mounting member arranged to mount a garment thereon. A light emitter is positionally aligned closely adjacent the mounting member to emit light through a predetermined portion of a garment mounted thereon. A light detector is also positionally aligned with the light emitter to detect either the presence or absence of light traveling from the light emitter. A controller is positioned in electrical communication with the light detector and arranged to determine the presence and absence of defects in a predetermined portion of a garment responsive to electrical signals representative of the presence or absence of light received from the light detector. A grader and sorter are positioned downstream from the light emitter and the light detector for sorting an inspected garment into one of a plurality of predetermined quality groups.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for detecting a formation or change in the consistency of a moving sheet material. The apparatus includes a radiation source, a radiation receiver, a support base for the sheet material, and a signal processor for producing a signal in response to the detection of a formation in the material. The apparatus may be modified to include moving or stationary support bases, and may be further modified to include structure for automatically positioning the source and receiver to optimize the detection of formations.

Abstract: An optical inspection apparatus detects faults in a material coated on a moving web. Multiple cameras are positioned in an array across the width of the web transverse to the direction of the moving web. Each camera comprises a electronic camera and digital signal processor. An illumination source is preferably positioned to illuminate one side of the web. The camera array is positioned on the opposite side of the web aligned with the illumination source. The cameras in the array image the moving web along colas and collect image data from the web. The image is digitized and processed in real-time by averaging each column of image data to produce a profile of light intensity transmitted across the web width from which faults occurring in the longitudinal direction are detected in a host computer.

Abstract: A method of detecting a defect of a transparent sheet is provided in which light source casts light on a transparent sheet through a slit plate, a camera receives the light transmitted through the transparent sheet and produces an image for inspection of a defect, an image of the slit plate produced by the camera is out of focus and represented by a waveform which is representative of brightness of the light transmitting portions and shading portions of the slit plate, and the camera is set to focus on a point where the difference between a maximum brightness and a minimum brightness represented by the waveform becomes minimum or on a point adjacent thereto. An apparatus for detecting a defect of a transparent sheet is also provided.

Abstract: Process for monitoring a moving yarn sheet by means of a light beam, photodetectors and an electronic analyzer, whereby the yarn sheet is guided via thread guide rods before and after the monitoring site and the shadowing of the light beam caused by an increase in thread thickness is directed perpendicularly to the direction of travel of the yarn sheet for detection by photodetectors, and evaluated and recorded by the electronic analyzer, characterized in that the intensity of a single light beam is detected by at least two photodetectors arranged in series in the direction of travel of the yarn sheet and in that the evaluation by the electronic analyzer is such that a recording only takes place when the shadowing is detected by one or more of said photodetectors following in the direction of travel of the yarn sheet with a time delay corresponding to the running speed of the yarn sheet is disclosed.

Abstract: The assessment of the effects of yarn faults is carried out by simulating the fabric image. In a first step, the yarn is examined by a measuring member for parameters associated with the volume and/or the surface. In a second step, these parameters are converted into grey values or color values, and these values are assigned to image spots. Finally, the image spots are reproduced on a video display unit and/or a printer. An image is generated thereby, representing a simulation of a woven or knitted fabric produced from the examined yarn.

Abstract: A gel defect detection system for the optical inspection of defects in oriented transparent and translucent sheet. The system utilizes two polarizing filters with adjustable orientations so that the transmission axis is from about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees or from about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees. The system uses these polarization filters to help distinguish gel defects from the surrounding oriented sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for optically testing products such as condoms, gloves or any number of similar objects without contact and non-destructively. In testing for holes, a light source having a wavelength at which the product to be tested is relatively opaque is used to illuminate either the inner or outer wall of the product and a photo sensor sensitive to the particular wavelength is located to sense the amount of light passing through the wall of the product. In testing for embedded particles, a light source of visible light is used to illuminate the product to be tested and a photosensor senses any variation in the amount of light passing through the walls of the product.In the testing of products, such as condoms, for the presence of holes, the condom is mounted on a transparent mandrel or distended by inflating the condom with a jet of air.

Abstract: A disc defect inspection apparatus which can detect a defect of a disc, such as an optical disc, with high accuracy. A disc defect inspection apparatus includes a rotating portion for rotating a disc laser radiating optical portion for radiating laser lights on the disc rotated by the rotating portion under predetermined scanning conditions, sensors for detecting reflected laser lights from the disc, and a memory in which output signals of the sensors are stored together with address data generated in unison with the scanning of laser lights. Sensor outputs indicative of address positions of the disc are stored in the memory and sensor outputs near the address positions are read out and a defect of the disc is detected on the basis of a spatial difference among the nearby sensor outputs and the sensor output of the center address position.

Abstract: A method and device for counting and characterizing defects on a photographic support includes inspecting the support with an optical density measuring device. The defects present on the support are then detected, counted and then characterized.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a glass inspection system for inspecting a transparent web of glass of indeterminate length as it moves along a predetermined linear path of travel at a predetermined, regulated and/or controlled speed. The web of glass is illuminated such that any defect in or upon the glass web appears as a shadow moving upon a relatively white/bright background. A number of high resolution CCD cameras "look" downwardly through the transparent glass web and are focused upon the white background to detect moving defect shadows. Each camera creates a succession of image fields or frames through which a shadow of a defect will pass as the defect moves with the glass web through the scan area of each CCD camera. Each image field defines a nominal light area and each defect shadow is depicted as a defect area of light differing from the nominal light of each image field area.

Abstract: A number of sensors, each including a light source, illuminating and imaging optics and a detector, are arranged decentrally on a spinning or winding machine having a number of thread lines to provide online monitoring of the winding quality of a number of bobbins during the production of the bobbins. The sensors are preferably mounted on bobbin changers to traverse back and forth across a plurality of thread lines to examine a plurality of bobbins as they are being wound. These sensors are used on spinning or winding machines equipped with an electronic yarn-clearing system, with an interlinking of the measurement signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the degree of fiber variations in paper sheet has a formation meter for receiving an image of transmitted light on one side of an area of paper from a light source located on the other side of the area of paper, an image processing computing element for introducing the image from said formation meter for image processing and a fuzzy control unit for calculating and outputting optimum J/W ratio, optimum foil angle, and optimum deflector pushing degree and angle on the basis of results of image processing from said image processing computing element.

Abstract: An apparatus evaluates measuring values from a laminar material, wherein the laminar material is moving in a single plane in a predetermined direction, the laminar material being moved also being under test. The apparatus comprises a measuring platform which is being moved traverse to a direction of movement of the laminar material. Further, the measuring platform is tiltable about an axis which is normal to a plane of the laminar material, an angle of tilt (a) being determined by a traversing velocity (v.sub.t) of the measuring platform and velocity (v.sub.b) of the predetermined direction of the laminar material. A plurality of separated sensors and radiation emitters are mounted on the measuring platform, and in conjunction with the angle of tilt cause, the measuring valves acquired from the different sensors to be from the same measuring spot of the laminar material.

Abstract: In order to measure the optical quality of the surface of a transparent sheet, the second surface of the sheet is placed in contact with a flexible material which is wetted with an index liquid. In the case of soda lime glass, water is suitable. The optical measurement can be carried out by traditional methods, ombroscopy in particular.

Abstract: Crimped fibres of solvent-spun cellulose are made and checked for damage in a method in which:i) cellulose is dissolved in an amine oxide solvent to form a hot cellulose solution,ii) the hot cellulose solution is extruded through a die assembly to form a tow of continuous filaments,iii) the tow is passed through a water bath to leach out the amine oxideiv) the tow is crimped by passing through a stuffer box in which it is compressed to apply crimp,v) dry steam being injected into the stuffer box during the crimping process, andvi) the crimped tow leaving the stuffer box is passed through detection means in whichvii) a beam is projected across the path of travel of the tow and is received by receiving means on the opposite side of the tow, the receiving means being calibrated to initiate a signal if obscurement of the beam by the tow varies beyond a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A device for detecting defects (2, 3) in fibrous materials (4, 22) includes members (16, 17) for squeezing the material against a film (1), a separating member (24) downstream of the squeezing members for separating the fibrous material from the film, and an opto-electronic sensor (6) downstream of the separating member for imaging the film and defects. An image processing assembly (26, 44) is electrically connected to the output of the imaging assembly for sensing and counting the marks left on the film by the defects. A member (25) is provided for moving the film relative to the opto-electronic sensor. Various optical systems, particularly polarizers (9, 10), may be incorporated into the device.

Abstract: The installation for quality control of printed sheets (1) comprises means (8-13) for transferring said sheets, and cameras (2, 4, 6) for checking the print quality. The transfer means (8-13) are designed to transport the sheets in a plane and to allow the print quality of each of the faces of the sheet to be checked as well as a quality check using transparency to be carried out in succession and in a single pass. The means for checking each face are two cameras (2, 3) located on either side of said plane at two offset locations, the transfer means being designed to leave an open window at the side of each camera. A third camera (6) carries out the check using transparency.

Abstract: A system and method for electronically comparing yarn lengths to assist in grading yarn qualities, in which the yarn diameter or another yarn quality at a number of locations along the total length of the yarn is measured, and representations of the measured qualities are displayed to allow comparison of portions of the yarn.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and processing a web of textile materials which includes a plurality of entities including fibers, neps, seed coat fragments and trash. The web is monitored, preferably by an imaging unit, to produce a monitor signal. A computer receives the monitor signal and locates the position of entities of interest and controls a web processor in accordance with the location of the entities. Preferably, the web processor includes ejectors for ejecting entities from the web under the control of the computer. In one embodiment, the web is formed by a sampler and forming apparatus which removes a sample of fibers from a supply and reconfigures it into a desired configuration, such as a web, for being monitored.

Abstract: An image processor based system and method are provided for recognizing predefined-types of coating density imperfections in a web. Specific imperfection-types to be analyzed include continuous-type, as well as point-type, anomalies. Continuous-type imperfections are recognized in a moving continuous web through the accumulation and integration of density data on the web passing through a system imaging area. Depending upon the type of imperfection to be imaged, the light source provides either constant illumination or strobed illumination of the moving coated web. For most types of imperfections, transmissive illumination of the web is used, however, for point-type anomalies reflective illumination is possible, particularly if the web is static. A machine vision image processor contains predefined lookup tables which allow adaptive control of web illumination within the imaging area. An integrating sphere is used to provide for uniform web illumination.

Abstract: The surface of a yarn (G) is imaged on a sensor (7) having a plurality of sensor elements of differing structural arrangement. The signals of the individual sensor elements are compared with one another, and the structure of the examined yarn surface is determined on the basis of correspondence with the appropriate sensor element. The structure to be examined is formed both by the actual yarn surface and by the yarn edge, including projecting fibers and possible impurities, such as foreign fibers, included in the yarn.

Abstract: Test material (F) such as a textile yarn is illuminated and the light reflected from the test material is measured so that the presence of a foreign substance can be determined from a change in the reflected light. When detecting foreign substances which are darker than the test material (F), an image of the test material in front of a light background (4) is projected onto a sensor (3), and for the detection of lighter foreign substances an image of the test material in front of a dark background is projected onto the sensor. The apparatus and method may be used in combination with an electronic yarn clearer for the purpose of detecting foreign fibers in yarns.

Abstract: A hosiery inspecting and grading apparatus and a method of inspecting hosiery are provided that preferably has a boarding member arranged to mount a completed hosiery article thereon. The boarding member preferably is formed of a translucent material. An optical inspecting system is positioned adjacent the boarding form and is arranged to inspect a completed hosiery article mounted on the boarding member. The optical inspecting system preferably includes at least one light emitter positionally aligned with the boarding member to emit light through a predetermined portion of a completed hosiery article mounted thereon and at least one light detector positionally aligned with the at least one light emitter and the boarding member to detect the presence and absence of light traveling from the light emitter and through the predetermined portion of a completed hosiery article mounted on the boarding member so that presence and absence of defects in a completed hosiery article are thereby determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for monitoring the soundness and quality of a twisted yarn produced in a double twist spindle of a twisting frame.The invention also provides a device for implementing said monitoring of the soundness and quality of the twisted yarn which is produced in the spindle and undergoes the movement necessary to feed the bobbin under formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for detecting a formation or change in the consistency of a moving sheet material. The apparatus includes a radiation source, a radiation receiver, a support base for the sheet material, and a signal processor for producing a signal in response to the detection of a formation in the material. The apparatus may be modified to include moving or stationary support bases, and may be further modified to include structure for automatically positioning the source and receiver to optimize the detection of formations.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a light source for emitting a light beam, a light beam expander for expanding the light beam in a predetermined direction, and radiating the expanded light beam onto an object to be inspected, a scanning device for moving the object to be inspected relative to the light beam to be radiated onto the object to be inspected, and a photodetector for photoelectrically converting scattered light generated from a defect (including foreign matter) on the object to be inspected, and inspects the defect on the basis of a photoelectric conversion signal obtained from the photodetector. A light-shielding plate having a plurality of edges for limiting the light beam expanded by the light beam expander at the two end portions, in the expansion direction, of the light beam is arranged, and at least one of the plurality of edges is formed to be transverse to the relative scanning direction (Y direction).

Abstract: A fiber optic flaw detection system and method for detecting flaws in an optical fiber and for identifying the type of flaw as a lump, neckdown or other is provided. Three collimated beams of light rays illuminate the optical fiber substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis thereof. Each beam is scattered by a flaw-free optical fiber into an in-plane scattered light segment which is scattered in a radial plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. A flaw in the optical fiber scatters the light rays into an out-of-plane scattered light segment which is outside of the radial plane. A pair of photocells detects the out-of-plane scattered light segment for each of the beams. One photocell detects the portion of the out-of-plane light segment scattered opposite the direction of travel of the optical fiber. The other photocell detects the portion of the out-of-plane scattered light segment scattered toward the direction of travel of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and/or method for detecting and analyzing light intensities of reflected light from a surface of /a specimen, preferably a web, wherein light is directed onto the surface of the specimen, light reflected from the surface is detected by an array of photosensitive elements, and a signal generated by the array is analyzed to identify reflected light intensities that exceed at least one threshold for a sufficient number of photosensitive elements to warrant classification as indicative of a sufficiently pronounced change in the angularity or reflectance in the surface of the specimen. In particular, the pronounced change can be identified as a defect, for example, a crease, in the specimen surface. Preferably, the array is a CCD array. Preferably, the specimen is a video tape.

Abstract: A process and a device for inspecting glass including the use of a laser to illuminate successive cross section planes YX of a piece of glass to be inspected by relative displacement of a light curtain formed by the illumination source. A camera detects a reflective radiation emerging from the piece of glass in an observation direction which is oblique to the plane YZ of the light curtain in order to form images on the camera which include two lines corresponding to the upper and lower faces of the piece of glass and any possible luminous points situated between these two lines which would correspond to inclusions within the thickness of the glass.

Abstract: A light source casts light on a transparent sheet through a slit plate. A camera which is focused at a distance nearer than the transparent sheet or remoter than the slit plate, receives the light transmitted through the transparent sheet and picks up an image of a defect of the transparent sheet. An image processing unit inspects the image for a defect of the transparent sheet as "knots", "cords", etc.

Abstract: Improved systems for optical inspection are provided. The improved systems use modified camera boxes to provide increased, and more uniform, illumination of the objects being inspected through the use of illuminator windows. The lens arrangement of the improved camera boxes is contained within a self-contained, sealed housing that is separate from the camera to prevent particle contamination of the lens arrangement and provide improved flexibility during installation of the camera boxes on the inspection systems. The self-contained housing also provides for a reduction in the space required for the camera boxes. The light receiver of the housing is provided with the capability for preventing particle contamination of the receiver itself.

Abstract: The surface inspection system has a scanning head for scanning the laser beam along a predetermined scan line across the surface of an article. A collector receives the light reflected from the article surface along the scan line. The collector has a first mirror position for receiving light reflected from the article surface, a second mirror oriented with respect to the first mirror to receive light reflected from the first mirror, and the first and second mirrors being configured and oriented so as to concentrate the reflected light from a line into a spot. A photodetector is positioned for receiving the thus formed spot of light. The method of inspecting the surface of an article includes the steps of scanning a laser beam along a predetermined scan line across the surface of the article, collectively receiving the light reflected from the article surface along the scan line with a plurality of mirrors so as to concentrate the reflected light from a line into a spot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detector for measuring the characteristics of a linear product of very great length relative to its other dimensions, on a production machine or the like. The detector operates without contact with the linear product and is provided with at least one means (1) having zones (2 and 3) for measurement relative to a mean position of the moving filament (4) and measuring the variation of the complex morpho-dimensional and/or positional characteristics of the filament (4), this latter varying, either by vibrating movement, or by displacement induced by the mean position of the axis of movement. The invention is applicable to the field of the measurement of the characteristics of linear products of very great length.

Abstract: A defect detection system includes a video camera with defect detection circuits for detecting defects in video signals being outputted by corresponding sections of an array sensor such as a TDI CCD two-dimensional array sensor. Each defect detection circuit includes a subtraction circuit for subtracting a prior stored pixel from an incoming pixel to generate a difference. Comparators compare the difference with positive and negative limits defining an acceptable range of difference values. The prior stored pixel is updated to the succeeding pixel only when the difference value is acceptable. Memories store the defect pixels from the respective detection circuits along with X-coordinates and end of line bits. The memories are sequentially read up to their end of line bits, and the defect pixel values along with coordinates expanded to include section indicating bits are transferred from the camera to further processing facilities.

Abstract: A system for detecting flaws in an optical fiber includes a light source which generates a beam of collimated light rays to illuminate the optical fiber substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis thereof. The beam is scattered by a flaw-free optical fiber into an in-plane scattered segment which is scattered in a radial plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. A flaw in the optical fiber scatters the light rays into an out-of-plane scattered segment which are scattered outside of the radial plane. A light attenuator removes the in-plane scattered segment of the beam and a light detector detects the remaining out-of-plane scattered segment. An electrical circuit monitors the light detected by the light detector and determines whether a flaw is present in the optical fiber. To compensate for fluctuations in the power output of the light source, a linear light detector replaces the light attenuator to detect the in-plane scattered segment of the beam.

Abstract: The rapidly moving uniform surface being inspected is illuminated with either laser or wide-band light. The Fourier transform of the surface is produced upon the detector plane of an electronic camera. In the absence of defects, the transform light energy is produced only in the center of the detector plane but in the presence of defects light is produced in various non-centralized portions of the detector plane which can indicate the orientation and size of the defect.

Abstract: A device for detecting contaminant particles on a surface of a monochrome web of material of a first color imprinted with a second color different from said first color comprises a frame member with a feed roll of said web material and a takeup roll, with the web material passing from said feed roll to said takeup roll past an inspection stage between the feed roll and takeup roll. The inspection stage has a light detecting means mounted on it for collecting light transversely from the web as the web moves past the inspection stage. The light detecting means is communicated to a light analyzing means to observe variations in the collected light and the light analyzing means is communicated to a means for indicating that a variation beyond a threshold amount has been observed by the light analyzing means.

Abstract: To order to determine a distortion angle in a textile material fed in a specific feeding direction, the textile material is monitored by means of a first detection means, the output signal of which depends on an angular position of said means with respect to the feeding direction and to the distortion angle. This first output signal is filtered so that signal components that are at least statistically independent of the distortion angle are filtered out. The filtering means used comprise a band-pass filter which is adjustable with respect to its center band-pass frequency, its bandwidth and/or the shape of its filter-curve shape by means of a second output signal from a second detection means. The second output signal is dependent on the frequency characteristic of those signal components in the first output signal that are at least statistically dependent on the distortion angle.

Abstract: The test sample (G) is illuminated at at least two points (S 1, S2) and the reflection from the test sample (G) and also the diameter of the sample or the change therein are measured by receivers (E1, E2). The measurement signals thus obtained are linked together and the signal resulting from this process is examined for differences from a predetermined value. If a difference is detected, there is an impurity in the test sample (G). For use in combination with an electronic yarn clearer for the detection of foreign fibers in yarns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical scanning device for use in sawmills, to determine the severity and location of surface defects on lumber, for the purpose of grading and trimming, having a plurality of optical scanning means mounted to a frame and positioned above lumber transport means. The scanning means are adapted to scan at least one face of a predetermined segment of each board, and comprise a lens, means to convert an image resolved in the lens into electronic signals and means to transmit said signals to signal processing means adapted to assess surface defects on the board and determine a lumber grade of each board. The device may include means for rotating each board about its longitudinal axis to sequentially expose the longitudinal faces thereof to the scanning means.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for checking and detecting foreign matter on the surface of a semiconductor substrate with high and stable sensitivity, and with high precision. The respective reflectivities at which light of various wavelengths within a wide wavelength range is reflected from each multi-layer thin film substrate are measured, and light of a wavelength at which the light is reflected at a local-maximum reflectivity is selected as monitor light for foreign matter checking with respect to each substrate. The apparatus comprises, as a light source, a light source for generating light within a wide wavelength range and a filter for narrowing the wavelength range of light so as to obtain monitor light which is to be radiated onto a substrate to check foreign matter. Variations in detection sensitivity due to slight variations in the thickness of deposited films on semiconductor substrates can be restrained to thereby realize foreign matter checking with stable sensitivity.

Abstract: The apparatus has an optical reflecting sensor, an operational amplifier buffer with the electrical input connected to the output of the optical sensor, structure for averaging and delating a signal picked up at the output of the sensor, structure for the differential amplification of the signals on output respectively from the buffer and structure for comparing the signal outputting from the means with a known predetermined signal.

Abstract: A method for detecting both separated and non-separated edge cracks on a travelling product, such as a continuous paper web, and the like, and an apparatus for performing the invented method. The method includes directing air onto a travelling product with sufficient force to separate non-separated edge cracks and utilizing an optical signal device to detect edge cracks in the travelling product. A preferred embodiment of the method includes directing two streams of air toward opposite surfaces of the travelling product to effectively separate the non-separated edge cracks and orienting the optical device so that the direction of emitted optical signals forms an angle other than a right angle with the direction in which the product is travelling. The air used to separate the non-separated cracks is also directed across the optical signal device to prevent the build-up of foreign particles, thus improving the integrity of the method.

Abstract: For the detection of the presence of contaminants in yarn a first optical sensor is used to measure the amount of light reflected from the yarn. The signal from this sensor not only depends on the presence of contaminants but also on the diameter of the yarn. For eliminating the dependence on the yarn's diameter, a second signal is recorded, which depends essentially only on the yarn's diameter. By appropriate combination of these two signals in a microprocessor system the influence of the yarn's diameter in the first signal can be eliminated.

Abstract: A method of displaying a defect appearing on an elongated object conveyed in one direction. The method comprises the steps of scanning the object in the width direction thereof by means of a sensor camera, and obtaining object image data corresponding to the object, processing the object image data, to detect a defect in the object, storing the object image data in an image memory in a scroll manner, stopping the scroll storing of the object image data in the image memory and storing the object image data output subsequently from the sensor camera in the other image memory in response to the detection of the defect, and retaining the object image data including the defect in the image memories as still image data, and displaying the still image data read out from the image memories on a monitor screen as a still image such that the defect is displayed at a predetermined position on the monitor screen.

Abstract: An apparatus, and a method for its use, for measuring particulate contamination on a web (10) in a web-cleaning system having means for contacting and removing particles from the web (12). The means for contacting and removing particles has a particle-collecting surface (14). A light source (16) is positioned to direct a light beam against the particle-collecting surface. A sensor (18) senses the intensity of light reflected from the particle collecting surface and generates a signal R.sub.0 representative of the initial reflected light intensity prior to particle collection by the particle collecting surface and a signal R.sub.f representative of the reflected light intensity after particle collection by the particle collecting surface, the difference between R.sub.0 and R.sub.f being a measure of the particulate contamination level on the web.

Abstract: For the detection of contaminants, a yarn or a thread is led through a zone of measurement, which is formed as a flat slit in an optically transparent body. This transparent body has outer surfaces for diffusely or non-diffusely reflecting light back into the body. Light is led into the body from several sources of light, such that the yarn is diffusely illuminated from all sides. The sources of light are arranged and adjusted such that the brightness of the yarn detected by a sensor is equal to the brightness of the yarn's background field. In this way, the measurement becomes independent of the yarn's thickness. Due to the use of a flat slit for receiving the yarn, the yarn can be inserted into the zone of measurement by the same procedures as they are used in conventional yarn cleaners.

Abstract: An engineered lighting system for high speed video inspection includes an array of light emitting diodes including light emitting diodes for use in time delay integration (TDI) inspection of web materials. The light emitting diodes of the array are selectively controllable to accomplish sequential illumination and carefully controllable imaging of a specified section of a continuously moving specimen or specimens. LEDs with different wavelength light output, or multi-wavelength light LEDs are utilized for rapid and reliable inspection of surfaces with varying color or contour or detect characteristics. The system also includes an array of optional backlighting elements to aid in illumination of semi-opaque specimens to accomplish inspection thereof.

Abstract: An optical detection device for screening magnetic tape for physical defects. The device has three light emitting diodes in a row perpendicular to the direction of travel of the tape. Two rows of photovoltaic detectors having three and two detectors, respectively, are parallel to the row of diodes. The diodes direct light toward the surface of the tape. If no physical defects are present, the light is reflected at the tape surface to the detectors. If a physical defect is present, the light is scattered by the defect and the amount of light which reaches the detector is reduced.