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: 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.