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: A video inspection system with collimated viewing of plural containers has a conveyor for continuously transporting bodies disposed immediately adjacent one another to an inspection zone at which the bodies are backlighted. A video detector for capturing and analyzing a digital image of successive containers views the containers through a preferably fresnel collimating lens disposed between the bodies and the video detector, whereby an elevation view of the bodies is achieved. A data processing device operable to correlate the portions of successive images corresponding to a single body proceeding through the inspection zone analyzes the images and operates a downstream apparatus for segregating the bodies based upon visible features.