Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems and methods of their operation. An example optical system includes an optical component and one or more light sources configured to emit a light signal. The light signal interacts with the optical component so as to provide an interaction light signal. The optical system also includes a detector configured to detect at least a portion of the interaction light signal as a detected light signal. The optical system additionally includes a controller configured to carry out operations including causing the one or more light sources to emit the light signal and receiving the detected light signal from the detector. The operations also include determining, based on the detected light signal, that one or more defects are associated with the optical component.

Abstract: A method and a system of measuring air-tightness and a container measured thereby are provided. In the method, a first cover having a first contact surface and a first base having a second contact surface are provided. The two contact surfaces are used for engaging with each other to form an air-tight state. Further, a first contour curve relating to the first contact surface and a second contour curve relating to the second contact surface are acquired. Then, the two contour curves are brought into contact with each other, and the area of a first gap between the two curves is determined. When the area of the first gap is equal to or smaller than a threshold, the first cover and the first base are paired as a first combination of acceptable air-tightness so as to form the container.

Abstract: An automatic culture device which employs closed-system culture vessels and in which, when a passage part (2) and a rotational valve mechanism (3) are configured, the multiple culture vessels in a culture vessel part (1) can be rendered equal in liquid-feeding conditions by, for example, regulating the length of each passage. As a result, the evenness in quality of cells incubated in the multiple culture vessels is rendered possible. Furthermore, by providing a mechanism which enables a user to normally set passages in the device, the evenness in quality of the cells is rendered possible likewise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for optical characterization of a sample and/or of the material(s) of the same having an illumination unit that can be orientated to illuminate with incident light a sample spatial portion into which the sample can be introduced, a detection unit which is orientated or can be orientated to image the sample introduced into the sample spatial portion by receiving light reflected by the sample, and which is configured to detect at least two different, preferably orthogonal, polarization components in the reflected light, and an evaluation unit with which, in the imaging data recorded by the detection unit, those imaged surface elements (reflection elements) of the sample can be identified, and with which the detected different polarization components for these reflection elements can be evaluated for optical characterization.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying of plastics material pre-forms, with a plurality of holding devices which engage in apertures of the plastics material pre-forms and hold them, wherein these holding devices are movable along a pre-set conveying path, with a movement mechanism which has the effect that, in addition to the movement along the conveying path, the holding devices are also movable in a direction at a right angle to this conveying path. The apparatus has at least one detection device which is suitable for detecting a defective state of a plastics material pre-form held by a holding device, and at least one first removal apparatus arranged downstream along the conveying path of the at least one detection device and which—in reaction to a signal of the detection device—permits individual removal of a defective pre-form from the holding device.

Abstract: Inspection equipment for mouth section of bottle-can, including: a rotating device which holds and rotates the bottle-can around a can-axis; a first illumination device which irradiates a first illumination light toward the curl portion in an imaging area; a second illumination device which irradiates a second illumination light having a different light color from that of the first illumination light toward the curl portion from an opposite side to the first illumination light with the imaging area therebetween; a third illumination device which irradiates a third illumination light having a different light color along an intersecting direction with the first and second illumination lights; an imaging device which is disposed toward the imaging area and obtains an inspection image including reflected lights at the curl portion; and an asperity-recognition device which detects an edge position of the curl portion based on the reflected light of the third illumination light.

Abstract: A device for large-scale lyophilization of pharmaceutical solutions in medical hollow bodies, includes a lyophilization device and at least one camera. Images of at least one pharmaceutical solution to be lyophilized are recorded by the at least one camera. The images may be used for controlling and/or monitoring the lyophilization process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the quality control of a rotationally symmetrical body (2, 2, 2?) and a grip (4) of a handling system (5) for gripping a rotationally symmetrical body (2, 2, 2?). The aim of the invention is to improve the quality control of rotationally symmetrical bodies (2, 2, 2?) in such a way that it is faster, reliable and more economical. To this end, the grip (4) comprises grip fingers (26) having rotationally symmetrically holding elements (29, 31) for holding the body (2, 2, 2?), the holding elements (31) being mounted in the grip fingers (26) in such a way that they can be rotated about the rotational axes (29) thereof. In order to grip the body (2, 2, 2?), the grip fingers (26) are displaced on a circular path. A central drive mechanism (22; 35) is respectively provided for the rotational movement of the holding elements (29, 31) of all of the grip fingers and for the rotational movement of all of the grip fingers (26).

Abstract: A device for performing target activated transfer that includes a mounting surface for mounting a tissue sample; and a light source positioned to substantially uniformly irradiate both stained and unstained regions of the tissue sample with light energy that activates the reagent to selectively adhere the stained regions to a transfer surface. Also described is an automated system for transferring tissue from a tissue sample to a transfer substrate. The system includes means for holding a tissue section that includes targets specifically stained with an absorptive stain thereby resulting in a stained tissue surface, and a flexible transfer film that includes a lower thermoplastic layer in sufficient thermal contact with the stained tissue surface; an irradiating assembly configured to provide a predetermined uniform light dose to the entire tissue section; and means for applying a constant pressure to the transfer film during irradiation.

Abstract: A system for inspecting container bottoms with an observation device, which observe the container bottoms, with a plurality of viewing windows, which are arranged underneath the container bottoms and which have viewing sections, through which the observation device observes the container bottoms, where the viewing windows are mounted in a carrier plate. Also, holding devices are provided, which transport the containers a certain distance above the carrier plate, and the viewing sections are at least partially offset from a projection of the containers in a direction perpendicular to the carrier plate.

Abstract: An inspection machine for determining whether a bottle at an inspection station is “out of round”. A laser, spaced from the bottle to be inspected directs a laser beam towards the axis of the bottle to be inspected whereby a diffuse spot of energy will be defined on the surface of the bottle to be inspected. The bottle to be inspected is rotated about its axis and a CCD camera views the spot of energy on the surface of the bottle at a defined angle to the laser beam. A control determines the displacement of the spot of energy as the bottle to be inspected is rotated 360 degrees about its axis and issues a reject signal in the event the displacement exceeds a set limit.

Abstract: A machine for distinguishing blisters from checks on the finish of a glass container. The center of each captured object in an array is determined by a controller which determines the object centers in a plurality of adjacent bands. The band having the most object centers is determined and the objects in the band having the most object centers are deleted from the rest of the bands. The control repeatedly determines the band of the rest of the bands having the most object centers and deletes the objects in the band of the rest of the bands having the most object centers from the remainder of the bands until the objects in each band are unique. The maximum separation of objects in each band is defined and checks will be differentiated from blisters based on this separation.

Abstract: A method and system of irradiating a liquid-carrying container for inspection, including rotating the container, its contents or both around a rotation axis and irradiating the container with an electromagnetic radiation beam, wherein the irradiated cross-section of the container, irradiated by the electromagnetic radiation beam, is less than the cross-section of the container; and, a method and system for inspecting a liquid-carrying container for one or more test parameters of the container, the contents of the container, or both, including rotating the container, the contents or both around a rotation axis, irradiating the container with an electromagnetic radiation beam from a first direction along an irradiation center plane substantially parallel to the rotation axis, capturing a representation of a section of the container from a second direction along a detection center plane substantially parallel to the rotation axis, and processing the representation, wherein the irradiated cross-section of the con

Abstract: A glass bottle inspecting apparatus is presented which can detect a defect at a specific location of a bottle-mouth portion of a glass bottle. An inspecting apparatus detects a defect of a glass bottle by imaging light from the glass bottle while the glass bottle (2) is illuminated and rotated, and processes the obtained image. A glass bottle inspecting apparatus includes a lighting device (7) disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the glass bottle, a plurality of CCD cameras (11-20) disposed around the glass bottle for imaging a specific part of the glass bottle, an angle detection device (10) for detecting a rotation angle of the glass bottle with respect to a reference position, and an image processor (8) for processing the images obtained by the CCD cameras. The image processor stores rotation angle information detected by the angle detection device in such a manner that the rotation angle information corresponds to the image imaged by each of the CCD cameras.

Abstract: A device for inspecting filled and sealed containers consisting of a first carousel in which the containers to be inspected can be rotated about their longitudinal axis so that the contents in the containers begin to rotate with sufficient speed to stir up any foreign bodies that may be present from the bottom of the container and consisting of a second carousel following the first carousel in the direction of transport for bottom-free transport of the containers, at least one inspection device which operates by the dark field method being provided for detection of light scattering foreign bodies in the contents, whereby the two carousels are arranged side by side with their partial circles in tangent so that the containers can be transferred from the first carousel directly to the second carousel.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting lean of a container includes a light source positioned beneath a container for directing light energy onto the container bottom as the container is held in position and rotated around an axis. A light sensor positioned beneath the container receives portions of the light energy from the source reflected from the container bottom. An information processor is coupled to the light sensor for determining, as a combined function of the reflected light energy and container rotation, departure of the container bottom from a plane perpendicular to the axis. The container preferably is held in position and rotated around an axis by a drive roller that urges the container against axially spaced backup rollers so as to define an average axis of rotation as a function of the geometry of the container and spacing between the backup rollers.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus for imaging a liquid-filling container in which a light emitting unit is provided for emitting and irradiating light onto the container and a light receiving unit is provided for receiving the light transmitted through the container. The object of the present invention is to provide such a method and an apparatus for imaging a liquid-filling container. This method and apparatus assures reliable detection of the surface of liquid filled in a container or of foreign substance mixed in the liquid or present in the container or the container material not only when the container is transparent, but also when the container is a colored container of a dark color such as black, dark green or dark brown or the container has a frosted surface of when the liquid filled in the container has a dark color.

Abstract: In an inspection system, workpieces to be inspected are consecutively and automatically launched to pass unsupported through the field of view of a plurality of cameras. As a workpiece passes through the field of view of the cameras, a sensor is activated which communicates with a computer system to activate the cameras to capture an unobstructed image, or image data, of the workpiece. The image data is then analyzed by a computer program to verify whether the image data indicates that the workpiece does not meet established criteria and therefore is considered defective. If the image does not meet the established criteria, the workpiece is rejected and segregated from workpieces which have not been identified as defective.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting a container finish includes at least one light source for directing light energy onto the sealing surface of a container. At least one light sensor is disposed to receive light energy reflected from the sealing surface of the container, and is responsive to such reflected light energy to provide signals indicative of the level of the sealing surface at at least four points on the sealing surface spaced from each other around the axis of the container finish. An information processor is responsive to such signals for detecting variations in level at the sealing surface of the container. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the points on the sealing surface from which reflected energy is received at the sensor are at a nominal angle of 90° from each other. The information processor preferably is responsive to such signals for detecting warp, dip, off-level and overall height variations at the sealing surface.

Abstract: An optical assaying method and system having a movable sensor is described. In one aspect, the present invention is a sensing system having a rotating sensor disk coated with indicator dyes sensitized to a variety of substances. In this configuration the sensing system further includes a detector for sensing spectral changes in light received from one or more of the indicator dyes. In another aspect, the present invention is a sensing system having a surface plasmon resonance sensor disk having grooves extending radially from a center of the disk. In yet another aspect, the present invention is a sensing system including a diffraction anomaly sensor disk having a dielectric layer that varies in thickness. The present invention allows for construction of an inexpensive sensing system that is capable of easily detecting a variety of substances either in a sample or a surrounding environment.

Abstract: A device for crizzle detection, provided with a means for rotating a glass container placed at an inspection position, a data collecting means which has N light projectors and M light receivers arranged on a generally semispherical mointing jig around the mouth or thread of the glass container and which is adapted to collect N×M pieces of data for each scan over the glass container, a means for rearranging the collected data, and a means for differentiating the rearranged data. At regular intervals or each time a predetermined number of glass containers have passed, data on acceptable containers for all or part of N×M channels are automatically collected to update the threshold values initially registered for acceptable containers based on the collected data. Thus, the rate of detection of crizzled glass containers in not lowered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for carrying out mixing in a thin liquid layer, which is arranged between essentially parallel walls at a capillary distance from each other. The mixing is carried out by subjecting the walls to a motion essentially in the plane of the liquid layer, balancing the motion against the capillary force exerted by the walls on the liquid, and selecting the interface between the liquid layer and the surrounding medium so that it functions as an elastic membrane. The invention also concerns a cuvette which is designed for mixing according to the method.

Abstract: A machine vision inspection system for industrial parts such as plastic molded caps or the like can reliably detect defects at very high inspection rates on the order of 1600 per minute of a variety of cap colors and liners including previously difficult to inspect combinations. Advantageously, the system includes an inclined inspection ramp which provides separation between the caps which are processed through an inspection station to provide accurate imaging of each individual cap without interference from adjacent caps. Further, the inspection station includes a light source which is provided on the back side of the cap in the form of an infrared LED strobe light which provides accurate and reliable lighting for appropriate imaging of caps of any color to detect and identify defects therein.

Abstract: An imaging device for detecting breaks in the paper manufacturing process wherein a camera is disposed adjacent the paper web and is enclosed in a housing. Air under pressure flows through said housing across the lens of the camera so as to prevent accumulation of debris thereon.

Abstract: An optical assaying method and system having a movable sensor is described. In one aspect, the present invention is a sensing system having a rotating sensor disk coated with indicator dyes sensitized to a variety of substances. In this configuration the sensing system further includes a detector for sensing spectral changes in light received from one or more of the indicator dyes. In another aspect, the present invention is a sensing system having a surface plasmon resonance sensor disk having grooves extending radially from a center of the disk. In yet another aspect, the present invention is a sensing system including a diffraction anomaly sensor disk having a dielectric layer that varies in thickness. The present invention allows for construction of an inexpensive sensing system that is capable of easily detecting a variety of substances either in a sample or a surrounding environment.

Abstract: A check detector for the neck and finish portion of glass bottles is disclosed. The check detectors comprises means for rotating glass bottles successively conveyed to a fixed position and a slide block which can change position freely in the width direction and vertical direction of the bottle. A plurality of light emitters for illuminating the neck and finish potion of the glass bottle are mounted to the slide block. The light by from the plurality of the light emitters is converged to the illuminated region from difference directions, and there are a plurality of light receivers equipped with light sensors for detecting the light reflected by checks in the neck and finish portion of the bottle, the light reflected by the mold seam formed at the neck and finish portions, and the directly transmitted light passing through the neck and finish portion, via lenses mounted to the slide block.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus comprises a biosensor device (3) which forms the base of a sample chamber. A stirrer (8) extends into the sample chamber and moves within the chamber so as to homogenize a sample contained within the chamber in contact with the biosensor (3). Movement of the stirrer (8) is preferably reciprocal movement along an axis perpendicular to the surface of the biosensor (3).

Abstract: Apparatus for testing non-rotationally symmetrical hollow bodies for defects includes a conveyor for continuously conveying the hollow body through a test region past a detector for producing measurement values characterising the nature of the respective hollow bodies being tested, in dependence on the angle of rotation of the hollow body. An evaluator device compares the measurement values to predetermined values to decide whether the respective hollow body being tested suffers from defects. The conveyor has a receiving device which is fitted over the respective hollow body to embrace it. The receiving device with the hollow body is rotated through a predetermined angular amount while the hollow body is being transported past the detector device. The receiving device is removed from the hollow body again in the region where the conveyor conveys the hollow bodies out of the test region.

Abstract: An automatic device for determining print quality on bottles of circular, elliptical or polygonal cross-section, comprising at least one print quality inspection station in which a cylindrical portion of the image surface is photographed by a camera or video camera, means for transferring the object to successive inspection stations in succession, in each of which a further portion of the image is photographed, means for assembling the images acquired in each inspection station to obtain the overall image of all the photographed portions, comparator means for comparing the overall image with a reference image, and means for indicating non-conformity between the overall acquired image and the reference image and for operating an actuator which feeds the object carrying the non-conforming overall image to a rejected object collection line, in which a single inspection station comprises means for rotating the image-carrying object through an angle of at least 360° with continuity, one video camera arranged t

Abstract: The present invention relates to multifunctionalized alkoxy, the alkoxy functionality Y being introduced onto a suitable polyhydrooorganosiloxane by a dehydrogenation/condensation reaction from the alcohol from which Y derives and then the functionality W by a hydrosilylation reaction from the olefinic compound from which W derives. The multifunctionalized alkoxy polyorganosiloxanes can be used as antiadhesion modulators in silicone compositions and as silica covering agents in silicone compositions containing fillers.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting checks in the finish of a translucent container that includes a first optical subassembly in which a first light source directs light energy onto the container finish as it rotates and a first light sensor receives portions of the first light energy reflected from horizontal checks in the container finish, and second and third optical subassemblies include respective second and third light sources and associated second and third sensors for directing light energy onto the container finish and receiving energy reflected from vertical checks in the container finish. Each optical subassembly includes an associated mounting plate, by means of which the optical subassemblies are mounted at an inspection station with the first light source and sensor disposed in a vertical plane, and the second and third light sources and sensors disposed in opposed mirror-image arrays on opposite sides of the vertical plane.

Abstract: A container inspection system wherein diffused light and collimated light provide backlighting to image a container (10) by a color camera (18). Light strobed through a ring light (36) and parabolic reflector (39) is diffused at a diffusion laminate (46). Light strobed through a ring light (60) and parabolic reflector (64) is collimated at lens (68) and aligned with the diffused light by reflector laminate (48). Diffused light is filtered by a blue band-pass filter (42) and collimated light is filtered by a red band-pass filter (66) and camera (18) segregates the container image according to blue and red color planes.

Abstract: A spectroscopic fluid sample cell for the transmission and detection of radiation with the key components being a housing; a centripetal acceleration chamber formed by the housing and extending through the housing for circulating a fluid through the housing over a curvilinear flow path about a rotational axis; a pair of windows aligned along a common axis intersecting a portion of the chamber and parallel to the rotational axis; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet in communication with the centripetal acceleration chamber; and a flow director positioned in the housing to induce centripetal acceleration on fluid passing through the chamber and establish a radial composition gradient across the fluid chamber has been developed.

Abstract: A bottle inspection method is provided which is capable of compensating for random variations in the orientation and position of objects being inspected, such as glass bottles on a conveyor. The inspection device creates an image of the object and then analyzes the image to determine the amount of variation in orientation and position. The desired measurements are made from the image and then adjusted relative to the variation previously determined. Also provided is an improved housing for the imaging devices which eliminates the need for clear panels which are prone to dirtying.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting the sealing surface area of a container finish that includes a structured light source positioned to direct a collimated line-shaped light beam onto the sealing surface area of a container as the container is moved relative to the light source. The line-shaped light beam at the container sealing surface area has a long dimension orthogonal to the container axis that extends chordally across the sealing surface area, and a narrow dimension tangential to the container axis. A light sensor is disposed to receive portions of the line-shaped light beam reflected from the sealing surface area, and provides an electrical output signal that varies with height or level of the sealing surface with respect to the light source and sensor. The sensor is coupled to associated electronics for providing information indicative of sealing surface height.

Abstract: An optical assaying method and system having a movable sensor is described. In one aspect, the present invention is a sensing system having a rotating sensor disk coated with indicator dyes sensitized to a variety of substances. In this configuration the sensing system further includes a detector for sensing spectral changes in light received from one or more of the indicator dyes. In another aspect, the present invention is a sensing system having a surface plasmon resonance sensor disk having grooves extending radially from a center of the disk. In yet another aspect, the present invention is a sensing system including a diffraction anomaly sensor disk having a dielectric layer that varies in thickness. The present invention allows for construction of an inexpensive sensing system that is capable of easily detecting a variety of substances either in a sample or a surrounding environment.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting a container for variations that affect commercial acceptability of the container that includes a light source for directing diffuse polarized light energy through a container while the container is rotated about its axis. A first camera is disposed to receive diff-use polarized light energy transmitted from the light source through a portion of the container, so that the first camera receives an image of the container portion in which opaque variations appear dark against an otherwise bright background. A second camera receives light energy transmitted from the light source through substantially the same portion of the container, and includes a polarizer at cross-orientation to the polarizer at the light source. The second camera receives a bright image of stress variations in the container, which alter polarization of the diffuse polarized light energy passing through the container, against an otherwise dark background.

Abstract: A spectroscopic fluid sample apparatus for the transmission and detection of radiation with the key components being a housing; a helical bore formed by the housing and extending through the housing for conducting the sample fluid through the bore to induce centripetal acceleration on the sample fluid and establish a radial composition gradient across the sample fluid in the bore; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet each in fluid communication with the helical bore; and a spectroscopic sample interface in fluid communication with the fluid outlet has been developed.

Abstract: A check detector is provided for the neck and finished portions of a bottle which comprises a rotating means which is capable of rotating an inspection bottle; a plurality of emitters and a plurality of receivers arranged on an approximately hemispherical fixture arranged around the neck and finished portions of an inspected bottle as a center; means for obtaining N.times.M data per single scan against the inspected bottle, wherein N is a number of emitters, and M is a number of receivers; means for assorting the data obtained; and means for differentiating the data. Setting of job change depending on bottle types can be conducted automatically, and detecting checks in the neck and finished portions of a bottle can be conducted overall with no relation to the portion and type of defects. Detecting of a bubble, a contaminant, a chipped and unfilled thread and deformation which are known defects in the neck and finished portions of a bottle can be achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting the sealing surface area of a container finish that includes a structured light source positioned to direct a collimated line-shaped light beam onto the sealing surface area of a container as the container is moved relative to the light source. The line-shaped light beam at the container sealing surface area has a long dimension orthogonal to the container axis that extends chordally across the sealing surface area, and a narrow dimension tangential to the container axis. A light sensor is disposed to receive portions of the line-shaped light beam reflected from the sealing surface area, and provides an electrical output signal that varies with height or level of the sealing surface with respect to the light source and sensor. The sensor is coupled to associated electronics for providing information indicative of sealing surface height.

Abstract: The present invention describes a blood culture vial and bottle having an agitation paddle that enhances liquid agitation within the container, when the container is rotated on a turntable instrument. In particular, a flexible paddle is inserted into the container and is slightly oversized to be held in position within the container. In addition, the agitation paddle can have a variety of structures including a star shape or a helix shape.

Abstract: The present invention describes an automated blood culture apparatus having a bell-shaped hollow rotatable drum for holding a number of blood culture bottles. All bottles are interrogated by sensor stations located within the drum with the whole system having only one moving part, and no flexible electric or optic cables. Consequently, the expected reliability is high, and the production cost should be low. The apparatus also includes an "auto-unloading" and sorting mechanism for sorting final "negative" and "positive" bottles.

Abstract: The present invention describes an automated blood culture apparatus having a bell-shaped hollow rotatable drum for holding a number of blood culture bottles. All bottles are interrogated by sensor stations located within the drum with the whole system having only one moving part, and no flexible electric or optic cables. Consequently, the expected reliability is high, and the production cost should be low. The apparatus also includes an "auto-unloading" and sorting mechanism for sorting final "negative" and "positive" bottles.

Abstract: A centrifuge has a drive unit, a separation chamber which can be inserted into the drive unit, and a scanning device for recognizing the position of the separation chamber which is rotated by the drive unit. The separation chamber is constructed as a disposable chamber and is provided with a marker element which is arranged in a scanning region extending annularly around the rotation axis of the chamber. The position of a phase boundary window is detected by sensing the position of the marker with a phase boundary detector portion of the scanning device whereby the chamber can be inserted into the drive unit in any position.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus comprises a biosensor device (3) which forms the base of a sample chamber. A stirrer (8) extends into the sample chamber and moves within the chamber so as to homogenize a sample contained within the chamber in contact with the biosensor (3). Movement of the stirrer (8) is preferably reciprocal movement along an axis perpendicular to the surface of the biosensor (3).

Abstract: A photogrammetric process for the three-dimensional monitoring of moving objects can utilize at least two cameras and a triangulation system for detecting the position and orientation of the object. The object is additionally illuminated, e.g. by a flash lamp or a triggered laser to eliminate the influence of ambient light.

Abstract: A method is for inspecting a vial in the course of conveying the vial by a rotary table, comprising the steps of inspecting the vial's lower half at a station of the vial's lower portion while the vial is rotated from above with its head being chucked, inspecting the vial's upper half at a station of the vial's upper portion while the vial is supported and rotated from below by a rotary belt adapted to be brought into contact with the vial, and combining these inspections of lower and upper halves to inspect the whole vial from its head to its bottom.

Abstract: A sorting system (10) propels a stream of randomly arranged PET and PVC articles (12, 14) through an inspection zone (20) including a first light polarizer/analyzer combination (24, 26), an article-detecting gap (G), and a second light polarizer/analyzer combination (28, 30). The first and second polarizer/analyzer combinations are oriented to extinguish normally incident light in the absence of articles in the inspection zone and are offset 45 degrees relative to each other such that at least one polarizer/analyzer combination detects a principal axis of birefringence of PET articles. The gap is employed to detect the presence of an article in the inspection zone. A video camera (22) includes first, second, and third CCD arrays (58, 60, 62) positioned to receive respective light rays (48, 64, 50) from the first light polarizer/analyzer combination, the gap, and the second light polarizer/analyzer combination and to generate first, second, and third video signals representative of the light each receives.

Abstract: To photograph the mouth region of a bottle, a light-emitting surface is arranged below the mouth region to be photographed. The light-emitting surface is illuminated by means of an illuminating device and the image of the illuminated mouth region is directed to a camera by a mirror arrangement (5,6,11). The light-emitting surface makes it possible to image the mouth region in transmitted light, facilitating detection of defects and soiling in the mouth region from the interpretation of the image recorded by the camera.

Abstract: In order to perform all-around inspection of vials in particular, it is proposed that said vials (1) be dynamically mounted in an air-cushion bearing (13) with bearing shells (21a, 21b), that they be rotated with the air of a suction cup (15) that is radially rubber-elastic, and that the vial walls be inspected with the air of a scanning device such as a line camera using working beam (29).