Abstract: A mechanism for automatically inspecting the condition of the lip of a container. A beam or pulse of energy is directed by a first energy guide to impact upon a portion of the lip of a container. The amount of energy, reflected off the lip and through a second energy guide, is measured by a sensor located at the end of the second guide. The sensor produces an output signal having a magnitude proportional to the amount of reflected energy received by the sensor. Appropriate electrical circuitry compares the magnitude of the sensor output to a preselected magnitude. If the sensor output is greater it generates a first signal indicating a first condition of that portion of the lip of the container and, if the sensor output is less it generates a second signal indicating a second condition of that portion of the lip. A plurality of such reflected beams and sensors and electrical circuits may be employed around the perimeter of the lip to determine the condition of substantially the entire lip.

Abstract: Force balanced actuator for mechanically actuated container grippers such as may be used in bottle handling apparatus are disclosed. The actuator is disposed so as to cooperatively engage an actuating member of a gripper assembly moving with respect thereto. The actuator is supported so as to yield in response to engagement with the actuating member of a gripper assembly and to engage a second member mounted on the same structure as the gripper assembly so that the actuation force required by the gripper assembly is provided, not by the structure supporting the actuator, but by the second member supported on the same structure as the gripper assembly. In this manner noise, vibration and structural rigidity requirements of such equipment are substantially reduced.

Abstract: An optical system for automatic sorting and inspection machines for providing an improved two dimensional image of a three dimensional object to a camera or a camera-like device is disclosed. The optical system utilizes two spaced apart mirrors for receiving light primarily from different areas of the object to be viewed. Each mirror is positioned to reflect that light toward an optical axis. Positioned between the first and second mirrors are third and fourth mirrors positioned to reflect the light received thereby along the optical axis of the camera system. In this manner the image viewed by the camera will represent two separate views or image portions of the object being viewed, which image portions may or may not overlap as desired. By proper positioning of the mirrors, one can obtain an image of a three dimensional object which includes image portions of minimum distortion which effectively start to reach around the object and therefore not otherwise viewable from the camera position.

Abstract: An improved rejector for selectively transferring articles from a conveyor or conveyor-like device, to a delivery region such as a second conveyor based upon one or more signals which may be associated with any of the articles to be so transferred. The system utilizes a further conveyor-like device running substantially parallel to the conveyor carrying the articles to be transferred, the conveyor-like device having a plurality of pusher members substantially transverse to the direction of motion of the conveyor-like device, and slideable by a guide between a normally withdrawn position and an extended position passing over the conveyor carrying the articles to be transferred so as to transfer an article therefrom to the delivery device.

Abstract: Gripper apparatus and method of gripping containers for use in uncasers and the like for controllably gripping containers for transport and release as desired. Each individual gripper utilizes an over center toggle mechanism held to the open position by the toggle and triggerable by the contact of the center of the member with the top of one or more containers to allow a spring to cause the gripper to close on the container walls therebetween. The containers are releasable onto a delivery conveyor by depression of the center member at that point to reset the over center mechanism. The grippers and method are intended to provide for the gripping of multiple containers, typically two, by a single gripper so as to reduce the number of grippers required and to provide for the easy handling of containers not otherwise easily individually gripped. Alternate forms of grippers are described.

Abstract: A full depth uncaser for automatically removing bottles from a case having a depth substantially equal to the bottle height, and delivering the bottles to a delivery conveyor. The uncaser utilizes a system of individual grippers arranged in the general pattern of the bottles in the cases, with the various rows of grippers supported by continuous chains at each side of a gripper assembly. Each individual gripper utilizes an over-center toggle mechanism held to the open position by the toggle, and triggerable by the contact of the center member with the top of a bottle to allow a spring to cause the gripper to close on the neck of the bottle. Bottles are released onto the delivery conveyor by depression of the center member at that point to reset the over-center mechanism. Provisions for synchronizing the cases with the gripper motion as well as other features, embodiments and improvements for such equipment are provided.

Abstract: An improved internal gripper apparatus for use in uncasers and the like for controllably gripping bottles or other containers from within for transport and release as desired. The internal grippers are spring-loaded to an outer position though automatically retract as required for insertion into the mouth of a container, gripping the container near the top, or at the ridge adjacent the top of the container characteristic of many containers. The improvement comprises a guide ring on the gripper at an elevation approximately equal to the highest relative position of a container during normal operation of the gripper apparatus. The guide ring may limit the uppermost position of any part of the container top or confine the radial position thereof, preferably both, to positively locate the container top and prevent cocking thereof. Chamfering of the lower edge of the ring provides a guide to encourage the gripper and container into axial alignment as the gripper proceeds into a container.