Abstract: The identification of a mold in which a vessel made from an optically transparent material has been molded. The vessel is provided with a plurality of marks disposed about a path on the wall of the vessel. There is a first set of marks disposed above the path and a second set disposed below the path. One of the first or second sets contains code marks for providing an indication of the mold and the other set contains timing marks suitable for the sequential reading of the code marks. The marks are illuminated by a light path as the vessel is moved and the diffraction or reflection of the light caused by the marks is evaluated. Time impulses are generated in response to the evaluation of the timing marks for sequential reading of the code marks.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the surface quality of a vessel mouth including a test head adapted to be placed over the vessel mouth, a line connecting the test head to a supply of test gas, a passageway through the test head for introducing gas into the vessel, and a pressure measuring instrument connected to the gas line for generating an electrical signal when a pressure change of a predetermined tolerance value occurs. A sealing washer of spring stiffness is mounted on the test head for bearing against the vessel mouth and a valve is provided in the test head to open the passageway when the washer is pressed against the vessel and to close the passageway when the test head is removed from the vessel. In addition, the sealing washer and valve may be pivotable and means for generating a fault signal may be provided for generating a signal when the washer has been pivoted a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Containers are diverted from a conveyor onto a base where each container is rolled into an inspection station defined by three rollers. A side belt rolls the containers against a rail and one of the three rollers projects beyond the rail at said inspection station. The other two rollers are independently mounted on oscillating arms which move the side belts into contact with the container to rotate it at said inspection station. An improved inspection head is also disclosed, and the method of fabricating said head whereby the machine can be set-up for inspecting containers of various configuration with a minimum downtime of the machine, all of the light emitters and sensors being frozen in a block in a head for a particular container configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying and turning articles is provided by the combination of a through belt which extends along the path of the articles parallel to a conveyor belt and cooperates therewith for the purpose of conveying the articles in a line, and a control roller and a pair of pressing rollers which trap the article therebetween and turn it at least one complete revolution in place.