Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting contour of a container sidewall includes at least one light source for directing light energy onto the container sidewall and at least one light sensor disposed to receive light energy from the light source reflected from the container sidewall. The light sensor is responsive to such reflected light energy to provide signals indicative of position of the container sidewall relative to the sensor at at least two locations on the container sidewall spaced from each other in the direction of the container axis. An information processor is responsive to such signals to determine contour of the container sidewall as a function of sidewall positions at such locations. The at least two locations on the container sidewall preferably are nominally aligned with each other in a direction parallel to the container axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting a container includes an optical inspection device having at least one light source for directing light energy onto the container as the container is rotated around an axis, and at least one light sensor for receiving light energy from the light source following interaction with the container. An image processor is coupled to the sensor for detecting rotation of the container as a function of fluctuations in the output from the sensor. Rotation of the container will cause some fluctuation in the output of the sensor due to interaction of the light energy with the container. The absence of any detected fluctuations in the sensor output is interpreted as an indication that the container is not rotating, either due to malformation of the container, malfunction of the mechanism for rotating the container, or some other reason.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a container having a central axis and a sidewall with circumferentially extending external ribs. The apparatus includes a light source for directing a line-shaped light beam onto an external surface of the container, a light sensor disposed to receive reflected portions of the line-shaped beam, and an information processor coupled to the light sensor to determine a geometric characteristic of the sidewall as a function of the reflected light energy. The line-shaped light beam preferably has a long dimension parallel to the container axis, and sufficient length to illuminate at least one rib peak and at least one valley between the rib peaks. The sensor may be a linear array sensor that is particularly useful for measuring out-of-round, or an area array sensor for measuring out-of-round and sidewall thickness.