Abstract: A method and finish meter for detecting the presence of and measuring the thickness of a metal oxide coating at multiple locations on a sealing surface of a rim of a glass container. The finish meter includes a sensing head for directing a beam of light from a light source against a container and detecting reflected light and a means for positioning the light against the sealing surface of the glass container such that the longitudinal central axis of the sensing head is substantially perpendicular to the sealing surface of the rim of the glass container.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting containers is disclosed which has a number of adjustable structures such as the focus, orientation and zoom of a camera and mirrors which are used to direct an image to the sensor of the camera. The computer defines a gage for each adjustment and sequentially activates the gages on the computer screen.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting the sealing surfaces of containers that includes a light source positioned to direct a narrow beam of light energy at an acute angle onto the sealing surface of a container as the container is rotated about its central axis. A light sensor is disposed to receive the narrow beam of light energy reflected from the sealing surface, and provides an output signal that varies as a function of position of incidence of the reflected light beam on the sensor. The sensor is coupled to associated electronics for providing information indicative of container height, and a signal for controlling separation of a container from the conveyor system when height of the container, warp or dip of the container sealing surface, or cocked finish at the container exceeds predetermined standards.

Abstract: In an appearance examination apparatus for solid article such as capsules, tablets and the like, the solid articles are all oriented in the horizontal direction in the same manner in a plurality of feeding lines while they are transferred from a hopper to a feeding drum, a first restriction drum and a second restriction drum. The solid articles are continuously supplied to an examination drum which intermittently rotates at predetermined time intervals. The solid articles are held in predetermined positions between first and second examination rollers and are always rotated. An image pick-up device observes the entire surface of the solid articles and the inferior articles are removed.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting transparent containers having sidewall portions of differing optical properties that includes a pair of discrete light sources for directing light energy through the adjacent essentially discrete portions of the containers having the differing optical properties. A camera receives light energy directed through the container from both of the light sources as a single image of the entire portion of the container illuminated by both light sources. Commercial variations are detected as a function of variations in light intensity at the camera. The camera includes an array sensor that receives light energy transmitted through both of the container portions, and is scanned at increments of container rotation so as to develop an electronic image of the entire portion of the container illuminated by the light sources.

Abstract: A container inspecting apparatus for inspecting containers such as vials, ampuls, or the like has an inlet star wheel rotatable for admitting containers successively, and an outlet star wheel rotatable for discharging the containers successively. A plurality of feed units are movable along a circular path for successively receiving containers from the inlet star wheel, stopping the containers in respective inspecting positions, and successively transferring the containers to the outlet star wheel. A plurality of inspecting devices, each comprising an illuminating unit and an imaging unit, are disposed respectively in the inspecting positions for inspecting the containers in the respective inspecting positions. The feed units are intermittently moved along the circular path by a feeding and indexing device. A support mechanism is vertically mounted on each of the feed units for supporting bottoms of the containers on the feed units.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting the bottom of a glass container having an opening at the top thereof comprising means for delivering a glass container to an inspection station, the inspection station including a two dimensional camera having an imaging surface for viewing the bottom of the glass container through the opening of the bottle, a light source for directing light through the bottom of the container towards the imaging surface, a computer for evaluating the viewed bottom imaged on the imaging surface, and means for reducing the dynamic brightness range for the viewed bottom image including a spatial modulator located between the imaging surface and the light source and the computer complimenting and transferring the image of the glass container on the imaging surface to the spatial light modulator.

Abstract: A system for generating a solid model of the sidewall of the container. A mandrel selectively holds the container in first and second locations. In the first location, a non-contact measurement apparatus utilizing a digital camera produces digital information for generating a three dimensional sidewall surface profile of the container based upon shadow edge detection. In the second position, a contact measurement apparatus produces information for generating a three dimensional sidewall thickness map of the container. A computer collects the information from the contact and non-contact measurement apparatuses and produces an overall solid model of the sidewall of the container based upon sidewall surface profile and sidewall thickness. The computer generates can tilt, diameter, can ovality, and can squarity information.

Abstract: An optical transmission device for use on an apparatus for disposing a sleeve in encircling relation on an article unit is disclosed. Signals are sent and received between two data handling devices monitoring the machine. The first data handling device is positioned on a rotating portion of the apparatus and the second data handling device is positioned on another portion of the apparatus independent of the rotating portion. The optical transmission device comprises a first optical fiber element attached at a first end to the first rotating data handling device. The first element has an inner and an outer portion wherein the inner and outer portions are concentric. A second optical fiber element is also included and is attached at a first end to the second data handling device. The second element has an inner and an outer portion wherein the inner and outer portions are concentric and correspond to the inner and outer portions of the first element.

Abstract: A bottle stress analysis system using polarized light for determining stress levels of a transparent plastic bottle includes a rotation assembly for rotating the bottle. A polarized light source assembly is insertible into the bottle cavity to direct plane polarized light through the bottle wall and an analyzer assembly is positioned outside the bottle for measuring intensity of light passing through the bottle wall. In order to measure changes in polarization, the analyzer assembly has a polarization analyzer positioned to transmit the light to a photodetector. A mechanism for rotating either the polarized light source or the analyzer to determine maximum and minimum polarized light intensity at the photodetector facilitates determination of stress at a plurality of points along the bottle wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a photometric determination regarding the contents of a sample, such as the absorbance characteristic of a blood serum sample. The improvement allows measurements to be taken after a reduced warm-up period and compensates for variations in the lamp intensity during the period over which measurements are taken. A feedback circuit is provided between a reference photodetector and the light source for causing the light source intensity to asymptotically approach a final stable value in a smooth exponential curve. Signal processing means processes outputs of the reference and sample photodetectors taken at different times so as to compensate for variations in the source intensity over the time period during which the outputs are taken. Still further, the photometer allows resonant frequency mixing of the contents of a cuvette while disposed in the photometer by causing the entire optical assembly, in which the cuvette is mounted, to vibrate at its resonant frequency.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting commercial variations in transparent containers such as glass bottles that comprises a light source for directing diffused light energy through a container under inspection. A light sensing camera is positioned to receive an image of the light source transmitted through the container sidewall. A light control film is positioned adjacent to the light source between the light source and the container, and comprises a plurality of parallel slats spaced from each other so as to limit the angle from which the image of the light source can be viewed at the camera. Commercial variations are detected as a function of variations in light intensity received at the camera. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, first and second arrays of spaced parallel slats are positioned adjacent to the light source, with the slats of the first array being at an angle to the slats of the second array so as to project a moire fringe pattern through the container onto the camera.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting vertical checks in the finish of a translucent container that includes a light source for directing light energy onto the container finish from externally of the container finish laterally of the container axis over an angular portion less than the entire circumference of the container finish. An area array camera is positioned externally of the container at an angle to the container axis so as to receive an image of the illuminated portion of the container finish. The camera is oriented with respect to the light source such that a vertical check in the container finish reflects light energy from the source to the camera to create a bright a image of the check against a normally dark background. Vertical checks in the container finish are detected as a function of such reflected light energy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optically measuring the functional capacity of blood platelets and the blood clotting system. The invention includes a mechanical specimen-handling apparatus with one or more optical end-point detectors. The apparatus incubates a small quantity of diluted whole blood with added solid or liquid reagents at body temperature, and mixes the blood via rocking and rotational motions so as to expose the blood uniformly to the reagents. The optical end-point detectors then measure the activity of platelets within the blood specimen and the clotting cascade. Several intermediate measures are also available.

Abstract: A display generator presents a plot of rate of change of light intensity vs. number of containers and a threshold is located along this plot to separate acceptable from unacceptable containers. A rejection controller receives this threshold data and rejects containers having a higher intensity rate of change.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for the optical inspection of at least partially transparent objects, such as bottles or flasks, arranged in line on a moving horizontal table conveyor. A light source is located on one side of the conveyor and a linear electronic camera on the other. The camera comprises a line of photodetectors extending in a first direction. A lens forms on the camera an image of a portion of the object being inspected, the image being oriented so that as the object moves, the image moves in the same direction as the first direction. The image is scanned rapidly and repeatedly in the first direction by electronically scanning the line of photodetectors. The image is scanned in a second direction, preferably perpendicular to the first direction by a pivoting mirror which varies the portion of the object that is imaged onto the photodetectors.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus for differentiating between generally identically shaped objects based upon code indicia provided on a predetermined, relatively small surface area portion on the sidewall of each object, including: a transfer assembly for moving the objects in single file relationship along a transfer path; a spinning assembly for engaging an object in the transfer path and for spinning the engaged object about its longitudinal axis during a relatively short duration spinning period without removing the object from the transfer path; a trigger assembly for sensing the passage of a trigger indicia, located at a predetermined circumferential position on the surface of the object relative to the code indicia; a code indicia reading assembly for reading the code indicia printed on the object; a reading actuation assembly responsive to the trigger signal for actuating the code indicia reading assembly at a time when the code indicia on the object is positioned in indexed, readable relationship with the reading

Abstract: A comprehensive container inspection system includes axial container examining features, side wall inspection features and a controllable diverter for routing the containers to one of at least two sorting paths. Each stage of the inspection system is adapted to process moving containers, a continuous line of moving containers being processed and controllably diverted without stoppages. In an axial inspection area, containers are carried through rim, energy absorption and base inspection areas by means of side rollers bridging a gap in endless belt conveyor sections. In a side wall inspection area, containers are continuously rolled before a video detector operable to record and analyze images including at least three of the rolling bottles.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the profile of portions of an article located within a predefined plane. Each portion is scanned, such as by an optical micrometer providing a beam of radiant energy, to determine its dimension. The distance between each portion and a vertical reference is also scanned to determine its dimension. The article is rotated about an axis intersecting the predefined plane within the scan of the beam and is axially moved along an axis parallel to the intersecting axis within the scan of the beam so that the dimension of each portion and its distance from the vertical reference can be determined. The apparatus may be used in combination with a cavity identification system to control manufacturing employing multiple molds.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes back lighting optics to produce converging white light over an area larger than an area of the edge of the convex object being profiled by the present invention. Opposite the back lighting optics are located a shadow image detector which detects the shadow image of the edge of the convex object, which is located between the back lighting optics and the shadow image detector. The detector generates a plurality of pixel outputs from each of a plurality of vertical locations for the shadow image of the edge. A rotating stage provides relative movement between the convex object and the detector/optics arrangement. The output of the detector which is a high resolution camera is fed into a data processing system which determins a sub-pixel distance measurement for each of the plurality of vertical locations and arranges the sub-pixel distance measurements into rows and columns to construct a surface profile of the convex object.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting the sidewall of a bottle, comprises an illuminating unit for applying light to the sidewall of a bottle under rotating; a photoelectric conversion unit for photoelectrically converting a light transmitted image of the sidewall applied with light by the illuminating unit into electric signals; a defect detecting unit for detecting a defect point within the light transmitted image which has been photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit, based on the brightness of at least two points on an inspection scan line; and a judge unit for judging if the inspection scan line is a defective scan line based on the defect point detected by the defect detecting unit, judging if there is a defect on the sidewall of a bottle based on the state of continuation of defective scan lines.

Abstract: A portable shock-proof instrument for determining the presence of defects in the surface profile of a container. The instrument includes a portable housing having shock-mounted therein an optical table carrying a point source of light, mirrors for reflecting the light in an inverted U-shaped path thereby providing compactness to the instrument, a lens in the middle portion of the U-shaped path for collimating the light and directing it past an edge of the container thereby producing a shadow image of the edge, a rotating stage for selectively turning the container, a cylindrical telescope for magnifying the horizontal field of view of the shadow image in order to enhance the detection of defects, and a camera for capturing a plurality of shadow edge images as the container is being turned. A processor is connected to the rotating stage and to the camera for analyzing the captured plurality of shadow edge images for the presence of defects.

Abstract: An inspection machine for plastic bottles has a turn table rotatable about a vertical axis, and a plurality of inspection stations to receive the bottles to be inspected. Output signals from sensors are fed to evaluation electronics provided on the turntable itself. Each station has a plate on which a bottle can be rotated as a result of rotation of the turntable. During inspection each bottle executes an orbital movement about the vertical axis of the turntable and at the same time a rotation about the axis of bottle itself as a result of which each bottle is inspected more than once for perpendicularity of the bottom of the bottle and its neck as well. Volume and pressure tightness as well as height of the bottle and bottle color are also inspected.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the optical inspection of partially transparent articles. The apparatus comprises means for transporting the body to the inspection station and orienting it therein which comprises a horizontal plate having a vertical axis which is driven by a star wheel carrying rollers which permit rotation of the object at the inspection station by an exterior counter roller. The device further comprises a translucent diffusing screen; a receiver having a linear camera for observing the rear surface of the screen; and a fixed light emitter arranged outside the mounting of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting defects on a bottle mouth having a screw thread has an illuminating unit for applying light to the mouth of a bottle under rotation; a photoelectric conversion unit for photoelectrically converting a light transmitted image of the bottle mouth illuminated with light by the illuminating unit into electric signals; a defect detecing unit for detecting a defect within a predetermined area in the light transmitted image photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit, based on the brightness at predtermined at-least two points in a predetermined detection direction within the area; and a judge unit for calculating the number of defects detected by the defect detecting unit and judging the presence of any defect of the bottle mouth based on the number of defects.The apparatus detects defect points from the light transmitted image of the bottle mouth and judges based on the number of defect points whether or not there is a defect of a bottle.

Abstract: Apparatus and an associated method for inspecting translucent containers to determine whether haze or pearlescence exists include a light source and associated photodetectors which are in spaced relationship to permit passage of containers to be inspected therebetween. A processing unit determines whether a particular predetermined linear array of photodetectors has been illuminated to indicate the presence of pearlescence, whether a conical light beam has illuminated a circular array to indicate the presence of haze or whether neither defect exists. In a preferred embodiment, individual portions of the container less than the full circumference are tested with the results being cumulatively determined so as to minimize the likelihood that minor defects will provide a false reading of the presence of either haze or pearlescence.

Abstract: Empty bottles are checked for foreign bodies and other contamination by passing the bottles successively through two inspection zones in which they are optoelectronically scanned while they are on rotating disks that are mounted on a rotating table. When in one inspection zone a bottle is held stable on the disk by a rotatable socket that grips the bottle mouth to allow a clear view for inspecting down to the bottom. When in the other inspection zone the bottle is engaged by a ring at about shoulder height so there is a clear view for inspection of the bottle portion from the shoulder to the mouth. In transition regions between inspection zones the ring and socket both engage the bottle for a moment and then one gripper is withdrawn while the other remains to hold the bottle in the forthcoming inspection zone.

Abstract: Objects to be inspected are transferred successively in one direction on a conveyor and irradiated by a light source and photosensed by a single optical image sensor only, such as a video camera. The optical image sensor is so arranged that it simultaneously photosenses a plurality of the successively transferred inspected objects, and the conveyor is so constructed that during the period in which the objects pass through the visual field of the optical image sensor, the objects are rotated so that their entire round inspected surfaces are all respectively photosensed by the optical image sensor.

Abstract: A bottle mouth defect inspection apparatus having a ring-shaped light source for irradiating a ring-shaped bottle mouth portion to be inspected, a photo-electric conversion sensor for converting a reflected light from the bottle mouth portion into an electrical signal and an electronic processor for processing the electrical signal to thereby inspect the existence or not of defects on the bottle mouth portion, wherein the diameter of the ring-shaped light source is selected larger than the outer diameter of the bottle mouth portion, the optical axis of the photo-electric conversion sensor, the center axis of the ring-shaped light source and the center axis of the bottle mouth portion are coincided to each other, positions of the photo-electric conversion sensor, the ring-shaped light source and the bottle mouth portion along the axis are selected such that only the ring-shaped reflected lights from the outer and inner edge portions of the bottle mouth portion are incident on the photo-electric conversion sens

Abstract: A sealed reagent container structure that contains reagent material, has a body portion with length and width dimensions each greater than its height dimension and port defining neck structure upstanding from the upper wall of the body portion and asymmetrically located so that it is close to one endwall of the body portion. Coupling structure on the bottom wall of the body portion is provided for interengagement with a transport mechanism so that a series of reagent containers may be disposed on the transport mechanism for movement past a reagent station where the reagent material is transferred from the reagent container to the analysis cuvettes for mixing with sample material and analysis.

Abstract: A centrifugal analysis device in which film capillaries communicate with peripheral cells, with a hydrophilic capillary providing the cell inlet and a hydrophobic capillary providing the cell outlet.

Abstract: A lean detector comprises a first light source for determining the time of arrival of a container at an inspection site, a second light source for determining the time of arrival of a portion of the container at a predetermined position at the inspection site and a third light source for determining the time of arrival of another portion of the container at another predetermined position at the inspection site. The second and third light sources are perpendicular to each other. A guide rail laterally positions the container at the inspection site. Before real containers are inspected, a non-leaning test container is passed through the inspection site and the times of arrival of the corresponding second and third portions of the test container relative to the time of arrival of the container at the inspection site are determined to serve as reference values.

Abstract: An illumination system for video inspection of transparent and translucent bodies to be inspected sequentially while moving along a conveying path has a light source and light-transmitting block partly enclosing over the end of the bodies moving on the path. A light source, especially one or more strobe lamps is located along the conveying path, and light from the source is directed inwardly by the block to a diffuse surface defining side walls of a channel through which rims move along the conveying path. The diffuse side walls direct light inwardly and obliquely of the rim. The rim can be illuminated on the fore and aft sides in the channel by light emission from an additional block of material forming a connection web between the inwardly-reflective blocks, tending to evenly illuminate the rim.

Abstract: A glass bottle inspection unit includes an endless conveyor having a series of spaced roller members defining therebetween grooves for receiving glass bottles for inspection. The conveyor member carries the bottles through an inspection station and means are provided for rotating the rollers and bottles several times as they move through the inspection station to facilitate inspection. An inspection unit module may be tilted between horizontal and vertical positions to facilitate viewing at the inspection station. Illumination is provided as an aid to visual inspection of the bottles.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to rapidly and automatically scan the UPC, or bar code, from a series of containers and maintain tallies of the brands and types of containers processed. The containers are fed in end-to-end orientation onto the upper end of the trough between an inclined pair of parallel rollers. Both rollers are rotated in the same direction, causing each container to spin as it slides down the length of the rollers. The inclination of the rollers causes the containers to accelerate, increasing the spacing between containers as they reach the lower end of the rollers. A number of scanners are positioned above the lower end of the rollers to read the UPC from each container.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to rapidly and automatically scan the UPC, or bar code, from a series of containers and maintain talleys of the brands and types of containers processed. A guide is placed diagonally across the top of the conveyor to catch and direct any containers moving along the conveyor. Continued motion of the conveyor beneath the containers at an angle relative to the guide causes each container to rotate as it slides along the guide toward the edge of the conveyor. One or more UPC scanners are positioned to read the UPC from each container as it slides along the guide. Because of the rotation of the containers, the entire sidewall of each container is exposed to the scanners. Any containers that are not successfully read by the scanners are rejected for subsequent manual processing.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating centrifugal forces, preferably used in carrying out chemical testing, which includes counterweight means on a rotating plate of the apparatus to automatically balance the rotating plate wherein the counterweight means is displaced in response to centrifugal force and can automatically adjust for the weight, mass or absence of a sample processor card placed in a holding means which is free to rotate independently of plate member.

Abstract: In a method for detecting an inferior container, wherein: light beams are projected in different two directions upon a side of a transparent or a semitransparent test container while the container is rotatably driven; both of a transmitted beam which is one of the above light beams, having penetrated through the container, and a refelected beam which is the other of the above light beams, having reflected from the container are simultaneously received by a common photo-receptive surface; a composite image constructed of both of the transmitted beam and the reflected beam is projected upon this photo-receptive surface; and an inferior container is detected by means of a shadow formed in this image.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting "birdswing" flaws in glass containers. A container is illuminated using a beam of light introduced at its base. The column of light passes up through the container along its inner sidewall until it impinges upon a birdswing or like defect at the inner wall, which will cause light rays to be reflected through the outer wall. The light rays advantageously illuminate a zone at the base of the bottle which does not extend beyond the outer side wall, and are evenly distributed over a defined range of incident angles. Light reflected through the outer sidewall is detected as a bright spot by a suitable photodetector array, which monitors the entire container sidewall. This inspection technique effectively eliminates undesired indications of defects within the container wall, as well as of patterns embossed on the outer surface.

Abstract: A method for the photometric analysis of a liquid sample in which different path lengths of the sample are analyzed photometrically.In order to reduce the time needed for analyzing a large number of samples, the analysis is carried out with a light beam which is generated by an immobile light source; the sample is introduced into a cuvette which has at least two regions with different cross-section lengths; and the cuvette is continuously moved along a circular path in such a manner that in the course of the photometric measurement the light beam passes through at least two of the regions in succession.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting and sorting transparent containers such as glass containers having defects in the container sidewalls, and for distinguishing between commercially acceptable and unacceptable defects on the basis of defect type and size. A light source is positioned to direct diffused illumination through the sidewall of a container under inspection as the container is rotated about its central axis with the intensity of the illumination varying across the light source transversely of such axis as a predetermined function of transverse position. In specific disclosed embodiments of the invention, the light intensity is filtered across the source to provide transversely spaced outer regions of uniform intensities, either equal or unequal, and an intermediate region of either uniform intensity different from that in the outer regions or transversely varying intensity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optically inspecting and sorting transparent containers such as glass containers having defects in the container sidewalls, and for distinguishing unacceptable major refractive defects and opaque defects from each other and from commercially acceptable minor refractive defects. First and second sources of diffused illumination having differing source widths are sequentially directed onto a container while the container is rotated about its central axis for at least one revolution during each illumination. A camera which includes a plurality of light sensitive elements disposed in a linear array parallel to the axis of container rotation is positioned to receive light energy transmitted through the container sidewall.

Abstract: An apparatus to permit inspection of an object. The apparatus has a track with which the object can move. There is a carriage to carry the object along with the track. A clamp holds the object as it moves. An inspection zone is positioned on the track. There is a brake to stop the object moving along with the track at the inspection zone and the object is rapidly rotated in the inspection zone so it may be inspected, for example, by camera.

Abstract: In a defect detecting method and apparatus, the image of a bottle under inspection, which is conveyed while being spun, is divided into picture elements arranged in a matrix form, signals representative of the picture elements are generated sequentially and repeatedly, and the signals of the picture elements, on the same imaginary line perpendicular to the central axis of the image, are compared with each other, and the result of the comparison is used to detect a defect such as a foreign matter or a scratch.

Abstract: Container flaws are detected by repetitively sampling the output of a photosensor at a controlled rate dependent on the speed of inspection. Samples are digitized and stored in memory on a first in, first out basis. First in (oldest) and last in (newest) samples are used to provide a sliding computation of the slope or rate of change of the photosensor output. The computed slope is compared to an empirically determined preselected number. Containers are rejected or accepted based on the results of the comparison.

Abstract: A color monitoring device includes a mechanism for removing containers from a path and accurately positioning a preselected area with a color monitor. The color monitor produces an output signal representative of the area being monitored which is amplified and fed to a computer where it is compared with reference signals. If the output signal is outside prescribed limits, the container is rejected, and if it is within prescribed limits, the container is returned to the path. A shuttle mechanism is activated by the computer and automatically removes a container from the path while returning a previously inspected container to the path. Stepper motors are used to vertically and horizontally position a selected point in front of the colorimeter.

Abstract: Improved apparatus is provided for use in detecting faults, such as cracks, "flashes," "short shots" and "grease" deposits, during the quality control inspection phase of the production of molded articles, such as cups, glasses, containers, lids or the like, especially those formed by injection molding from plastic material. The apparatus employs optical sensing and electrical signal handling techniques involving sensors for providing electrical signals (or signal controlling parameters) corresponding to the intensity of light transmitted through or/and reflected from an article being inspected, in conjunction with electrical, fault detection circuitry that responds equally well and produces a fault indicating, electrical output of like polarity for greater than threshold magnitude changes in either direction (decrease or increase) in the intensity of the light being sensed. The apparatus includes sensors permitting the detection of faults in either transparent or opaque articles.

Abstract: A container such as a glass bottle is inspected for out-of-round condition while being rotated and moved in line through a test area. A transmitter transducer directs a signal such as a 40 Khz acoustic wave to the outer surface of the bottle. The signal (such as the acoustic wave) reflected from the outer surface of the bottle is received by a receiver transducer. Changes in the phase difference between the transmitted and received signals are detected while the bottle is rotated. The difference between the maximum and minimum values of the changes in phase difference is compared to a threshold value to determine whether an out-of-round condition is tolerable. The bottle is ejected from the line if the difference signal exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: This invention concerns an apparatus for detecting the presence of faults in a translucent container of the kind comprising a scanning zone in which a translucent container is rotated while being repeatedly scanned by a spot beam of light in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the container, a light collection apparatus being arranged to receive light from the beam after passing through the container.The light collection apparatus comprises a rectangular matrix of photosensitive devices disposed behind a light-diffusing screen upon whose front surface the light from the scanning beam falls after passing through the container. A rectangular grid of thin white walls is sandwiched between the screen and the photosensitive devices so as to define a plurality of boxes with a respective device being located at the rear of each box.

Abstract: Glass bottle inspection apparatus including optical neck finish defect detector and mechanism for rotating the container or bottle to facilitate checking of the finish throughout its circumference. Gripping and rotation of the bottle or container is accomplished by a mechanism, adapted to any symmetrical shape, including non-round shapes, which comprises a resilient ring which is lowered vertically over the neck of the bottle or container to be checked when the bottle or container arrives at the test location of the apparatus. The resilient ring is engaged by a non-resilient annular ring which is in turn driven for rotational movement of the assembly. The elevating and lowering mechanism for the annular gripping ring also includes a downwardly biased bearing and flange member to urge the bottle out of engagement with the ring as the ring is raised, following checking.