Walter D McComb

Title: Walter D. McComb: Innovator in Glass Inspection Technology

Introduction

Walter D. McComb is a notable inventor based in Oregon, Ohio, recognized for his contributions to the field of glass inspection technology. With a total of three patents to his name, McComb has developed innovative devices that enhance the quality control processes in glass manufacturing.

Latest Patents

One of McComb's latest patents is a device for monitoring characteristics of a film on a substrate. This apparatus is designed to determine and display selected characteristics of a film formed on the surface of a glass ribbon. It features a scanning head mounted on a track, which moves above the filmed surface. The scanning head utilizes a source of light pulses generated from a tungsten lamp, filtered to simulate daylight, and focused on the filmed surface. An integrating sphere collects a portion of the reflected light, and optically filtered detectors generate output signals representing the 'Y' and 'Z' components of the collected light on the CIE X,Y,Z, tristimulus scale. A programmed microprocessor processes these signals to generate visual displays of characteristics such as reflectivity and overcoat thickness.

Another significant invention by McComb is an apparatus and method for inspecting glass. This inspection apparatus detects surface distortion in sheets of material, such as glass, and indicates whether the level of distortion is acceptable. It includes a light source that directs a beam of light toward the sheet at an oblique angle, causing a reflected beam to be received by a light detector. The detector generates output signals that represent the width of the light pattern, which correlates with the surface distortion. A control circuit processes these signals to generate an overall distortion signal, which is compared with a reference signal to determine the acceptability of the inspected sheet.

Career Highlights

Walter D. McComb has made significant strides in his career, particularly through his work at Libbey-Owens-Ford Company. His innovative contributions have played a crucial role in advancing glass inspection technologies, ensuring higher quality standards in the industry.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, McComb has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Andrew W. Rudolph and Richard D. Schave. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment that has led to the development of groundbreaking technologies in glass inspection.

Conclusion

Walter D. McComb stands out as an influential inventor in the field of glass inspection technology. His