Abstract: A method of manufacturing filled containers includes providing at least a first and a second part of the container, providing a product within at least one of the first and second parts, and assembling the first and second parts by bonding a portion of the first part to a portion of the second part, thereby generating a bond area. Scanning along the bond area is performed with a transmitted beam of a pulse train of ultrasonic energy. A reflected pulse train of ultrasonic energy from the bond area is sensed and a time derivative of at least one of time lag and of amplitude of the sensed pulse train is determined. A signal indicative of the quality of the bond along the bond area is generated by comparing at least one of the time derivatives with a predetermined threshold valve. If the indicative signal indicates a bond along the bond area is inaccurate, the container is separated. An apparatus for testing filled containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing filled containers includes providing at least a first and a second part of the container, providing a product within at least one of the first and second parts, and assembling the first and second parts by bonding a portion of the first part to a portion of the second part, thereby generating a bond area. Scanning along the bond area is performed with a transmitted beam of a pulse train of ultrasonic energy. A reflected pulse train of ultrasonic energy from the bond area is sensed and a time derivative of at least one of time lag and of amplitude of the sensed pulse train is determined. A signal indicative of the quality of the bond along the bond area is generated by comparing at least one of the time derivatives with a predetermined threshold valve. If the indicative signal indicates a bond along the bond area is inaccurate, the container is separated. An apparatus for testing filled containers is also disclosed.