Abstract: A system for generating a solid model of the sidewall of the container. A mandrel selectively holds the container in first and second locations. In the first location, a non-contact measurement apparatus utilizing a digital camera produces digital information for generating a three dimensional sidewall surface profile of the container based upon shadow edge detection. In the second position, a contact measurement apparatus produces information for generating a three dimensional sidewall thickness map of the container. A computer collects the information from the contact and non-contact measurement apparatuses and produces an overall solid model of the sidewall of the container based upon sidewall surface profile and sidewall thickness. The computer generates can tilt, diameter, can ovality, and can squarity information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting multilayer articles. An article to be inspected is clamped in a liquid filled tank between a pair of focused transducers. An ultrasonic pulse is introduced to a cross section of the article from each transducer sequentially. Reflections from the surfaces and interfaces within the article are received by each transducer and transmitted to a computer for analysis. The thicknesses of the innermost layers of the article are determined by calculating the mean of the measurements from each transducer for each inner layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-destructively measuring the thickness of an internal coating in a container and when the internal coating is defective the area of exposed metal. The apparatus uses a frequency source which is capable of generating two sinusoidal signals of predetermined frequency and of constant amplitude wherein the two sinusoidal signals are ninety degrees apart in phase. One of the two signals is applied across a predetermined area at a selected interior configuration in the container. The applied signal has its phase and amplitude varied as a function of the thickness of the internal coating and as a function of exposed surface metal from defects in the coating. Applied signal as varied is converted to a voltage in a current-to-voltage amplifier and delivered into an electronic circuit which combines it with the second signal from the frequency source in order to produce a capacitive output indicative of the thickness of the internal coating being measured in the predetermined area.

Abstract: A motion analysis tool for viewing the repetitive motion of an object having a video camera for producing images of the object as it moves, a strobe directed at the object for illuminating the object while the image is taken, a controller for capturing a series of video images over a number of cycles of the object wherein only one image is captured in a cycle and each successive image is advanced a predetermined step of time in successive cycle so that when the series of images is displayed a slow motion view of the object is provided while the object moves in the repetitive motion. The analysis tool provides a viewing window wherein the full cycle or only a selected portion of the cycle can be repeatedly viewed. The predetermined steps of time can be varied to increase the resolution.