Abstract: Systems and methods for in-line inspection of plastic blow molded containers. The inspection system may comprise a plurality of emitter assemblies arranged in a vertical array. Each emitter assembly may cyclically emit light energy in at least two different narrow wavelength bands at a container as the container passes through an inspection area. The system may also comprise a plurality of broadband photodetectors arranged in a vertical array, each photodetector facing at least one of the emitter assemblies with the inspection area therebetween such that the photodetectors are capable of sensing light energy that passes through the container when it is in the inspection area. The system may also comprise a processor in communication with the photodetectors for determining a characteristic of the container based on signals from the photodetectors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing and inspecting plastic containers. The apparatus may comprise a blow-molder comprising a plurality of molds and spindles for forming a plastic container from a preform. The apparatus may also comprise an inspection device, located in the blow-molder, for inspecting the plastic container after formation by the blow-molder.

Abstract: A method of inspecting wall thickness of blow-molded plastic containers includes providing a blow-molder having a plurality of molds and a plurality of associated spindles. The containers are inspected by impinging infrared light thereon and detecting the portion of the infrared light that passes through the container and converting the same into corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a microprocessor. The microprocessor compares the electrical signals with stored information regarding desired wall thickness of the container and emits output thickness information. The microprocessor receives signals from sensors associated with the blow-molder relating to the position of the molds, the identity of the molds and the identity of the spindles in order that the wall thickness information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The wall thickness information may be averaged over a period of time or a number of containers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing plastic containers. The method may comprise the steps of (1) forming a plastic container from a preform in a blow-molder, where the blow-molder comprises a plurality of molds and spindles; and (2) inspecting the plastic container after formation in the blow-molder. The containers are inspected by impinging infrared light thereon and detecting the portion of the infrared light that passes through the container and converting the same into corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives signals from sensors associated with the blow-molder relating to the position of the molds, the identity of the molds and the identity of the spindles in order that the information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The information may be visually displayed so as to provide feedback regarding the inspection process.

Abstract: A method of inspecting wall thickness of blow-molded plastic containers includes providing a blow-molder having a plurality of molds and a plurality of associated spindles. The containers are inspected by impinging infrared light thereon and detecting the portion of the infrared light that passes through the container and converting the same into corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a microprocessor. The microprocessor compares the electrical signals with stored information regarding desired wall thickness of the container and emits output thickness information. The microprocessor receives signals from sensors associated with the blow-molder relating to the position of the molds, the identity of the molds and the identity of the spindles in order that the wall thickness information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The wall thickness information may be averaged over a period of time or a number of containers.

Abstract: A method of determining a physical characteristic of a hollow transparent article includes positioning the article at an inspection station, creating a scanning light beam which is split into two inspection light beams which are caused to impinge on different portions of the article. A plurality of sensors receive light reflected from the external and internal surfaces of the wall of the article and convert the same into corresponding electrical signals. The electrical signals are based upon the elapsed time from the initiation of the light beam or scanning light beam until arrival of a reflected light beam at least two sensors. The transparent article may, for example, be a container or tube. The inspection light beams are preferably caused to impinge on the article from opposed directions with each impinging on the article within about 70° degrees and preferably about 60° degrees of a radial plane perpendicular to the article.

Abstract: Using a self-cleaning spray chamber for feed pellets including a dry mass flow meter operatively coupled to a hopper for feed pellet flow and a spray chamber. The spray chamber is configured so that the pellet flow leaving the dry mass flow meter strikes the side wall of the spray chamber that opposes the nozzles located within the spray chamber, thereby causing the pellets to frictionally clean the chamber side wall. This cleaning action substantially reduces the need for manually cleaning the spray chamber as the flow of pellets through the spray chamber removes the liquid additive and assists in the coating of the pellets within the spray chamber. The flow meter provides a wide, relatively thin ribbon of pellets to the wall of the spray chamber that opposes the nozzles. This provides a more even distribution of pellets for coating and better protects the sidewall from overspray coating.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a transparent container for refractive defects includes positioning a light source in spaced relationship with respect to a detector which is operatively associated with a processor for receiving electrical signals from the detectors responsive to light passing through the container being received by the detector. The method includes positioning a grid filter having a plurality of alternating dark and light bands adjacent the light source so as to provide a multiple intensity gradient to the container. The container is positioned between the light source and the detector with the grid filter serving to provide adjacent alternate light and dark bands of light impinging on the container. Refractive defects will cause a distortion of the intensity gradient which will be received by the detector. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of light and dark bands are generally horizontally oriented and produces a generally triangular wave having a constant absolute slope.

Abstract: A self-cleaning spray chamber for livestock and poultry feed pellets including a dry mass flow meter operatively coupled to a hopper for livestock and poultry feed pellet flow and a spray chamber mounted proximate to the outlet of the dry mass flow meter so the pellets strike the side wall of the spray chamber that oppose the nozzles of the spray chamber at a position where spray that misses the pellets in the pellet stream impinge on the spray chamber side wall. That is, the spray chamber is located so the pellet flow leaving the dry mass flow meter strikes the side wall of the spray chamber that opposes the nozzles located within the spray chamber so the pellets frictionally clean the chamber side wall of liquid additives emitted from the nozzles. In this manner, the cleaning action of the pellets substantially reduces the need for cleaning the spray chamber as the flow of pellets through the spray chamber removes the liquid additive and assists in the coating of the pellets within the spray chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for inspecting glass containers for checks. The container finish is illuminated from the exterior and light reflected from a check is detected by the apparatus. In one embodiment, the glass container finish is inspected for horizontal and related diagonal checks and, in another, the glass container finish is inspected for vertical and related diagonal checks. The checks redirect the normal beam of light and thereby permit the reflected light to be delivered to a detector which converts the received light into a corresponding electrical signal which is compared to a standard in order to determine whether the container should be rejected. The method eliminates incorrect inspection results due to reflection of light caused by threads, lugs, mold seams, takeout beads and the sealing surface of the container mouth. The vertical and horizontal embodiments may be combined into a single system which inspects for vertical, horizontal and diagonal checks.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting the wall thickness of non-round containers includes capacitive sensors which cooperate with oscillator means to provide voltage signals corresponding to container wall thickness to electronic processors which convert the voltage signals to corresponding thickness values and compare them with the desired thickness values. The apparatus subjects the containers to translational movement through the inspection zone while resisting rotational movement. The sensors have at least one sensor element having capacitive sensor portions that are not in the same plane as other capacitive sensor elements or a single sensor element having portions in more than one plane. The sensor elements may be individual sensor elements which are each adapted to inspect different portions of a container or may, in another embodiment, be a single sensor element. The sensors are adapted to be movably mounted so as to maintain efficient contact with non-round containers during inspection.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and associated methods for testing containers to determine if the containers have the desired fill point volume. In a preferred embodiment, the test container will be provided with fluid to the desired fill line and the volume of air in the container will be measured preferably by a differential pressure sensor in conjunction with a microprocessor with the corresponding volume of air in a reference container. The system provides suitable apparatus and an associated method for the supply of a fluid, which may be water, to the fill line in the container and the use of the distance between the fill line and container base or the distance between the fill line and the container mouth, or the percentage headspace in ascertaining the desired volume.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting containers has a support arm for supporting and transporting the containers. The support arm has a pair of movable arms defining a gap and having a recess for engaging the exterior of the finish or neck of the containers. A light source directs lights onto the movable arms and a detector receives light passing through the gap between the movable arms. The detector emits a responsive electrical signal to a processor which determines whether the container has a bulge and whether it is a reject. The movable arms are so structured and positioned as to enlarge the gap when a bulge is present on the exterior of the finish or neck of the container. One or more support arms are preferably disposed within a container forming machine which forms blow molded resinous plastic containers. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting non-round annular containers includes elongated capacitive sensors, cooperating oscillators, which convert the sensor signal to a voltage corresponding thereto, and an electronic processor which receives the voltage and determines thickness. A displaceable electromechanical member is operatively associated with the sensor and emits an electrical signal corresponding to the degree of displacement of the sensor by a container being inspected. The electronic processor corrects the thickness determination by an adjustment of container diameter at the specific location where thickness is being monitored in order to compensate for container diameter variations due to the non-round characteristic of the container. In a preferred embodiment, linkage members secured to the rear of the sensor at a plurality of locations cooperate with a single displaceable element which converts the mechanical displacement of the sensor into a corresponding electrical signal.

Abstract: Container handling apparatus includes container speed adjusting apparatus which cooperates with drive apparatus to sequentially deliver a plurality of containers into contact with the container speed adjusting apparatus. The container speed adjusting apparatus has one or more resiliently compressible components which facilitate alteration of the translational speed of the container, as well as alteration of the rotation thereof. Among the preferred approaches to providing such resiliently compressible means are to have endless belts supported and driven by primary pulleys with secondary resiliently compressible pulleys in engagement with said belt and disposed between the primary pulleys. The endless belts may be provided with specifically configurated resiliently deformable portions, such as weakened portions in the belt, openings in the belt, or radially outwardly projecting elements.

Abstract: Container handling apparatus includes container speed adjusting apparatus which cooperates with drive apparatus to sequentially deliver a plurality of containers into contact with the container speed adjusting apparatus. The container speed adjusting apparatus has one or more resiliently compressible components which facilitate alteration of the translational speed of the container, as well as alteration of the rotation thereof. Among the preferred approaches to providing such resiliently compressible means are to have endless belts supported and driven by primary pulleys with secondary resiliently compressible pulleys in engagement with the belt and disposed between the primary pulleys. The endless belts may be provided with specifically configurated resiliently deformable portions, such as weakened portions in the belt, openings in the belt, or radially outwardly projecting elements.

Abstract: Container handling apparatus includes container speed adjusting apparatus which cooperates with drive apparatus to sequentially deliver a plurality of containers into contact with the container speed adjusting apparatus. The container speed adjusting apparatus has one or more resiliently compressible components which facilitate alteration of the translational speed of the container, as well as alteration of the rotation thereof. Among the preferred approaches to providing such resiliently compressible components are to have endless belts supported and driven by primary pulleys with secondary resiliently compressible pulleys in engagement with the belt and disposed between the primary pulleys. The endless belts may be provided with specifically configurated resiliently deformable portions, such as weakened portions in the belt, openings in the belt, or radially outwardly projecting elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting the wall thickness of non-round containers includes capacitive sensors which cooperate with oscillator means to provide voltage signals corresponding to container wall thickness to electronic processors which convert the voltage signals to corresponding thickness values and compare them with the desired thickness values. The apparatus subjects the containers to translational movement through the inspection zone while resisting rotational movement. The sensors have at least one sensor element having capacitive sensor portions that are not in the same plane as other capacitive sensor elements or a single sensor element having portions in more than one plane. The sensor elements may be individual sensor elements which are each adapted to inspect different portions of a container or may, in another embodiment, be a single sensor element. The sensors are adapted to be movably mounted so as to maintain efficient contact with non-round containers during inspection.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting non-round annular containers includes elongated capacitive sensors, cooperating oscillators, which convert the sensor signal to a voltage corresponding thereto, and an electronic processor which receives the voltage and determines thickness. A displaceable electromechanical member is operatively associated with the sensor and emits an electrical signal corresponding to the degree of displacement of the sensor by a container being inspected. The electronic processor corrects the thickness determination by an adjustment of container diameter at the specific location where thickness is being monitored in order to compensate for container diameter variations due to the non-round characteristic of the container. In a preferred embodiment, linkage members secured to the rear of the sensor at a plurality of locations cooperate with a single displaceable element which converts the mechanical displacement of the sensor into a corresponding electrical signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for inspecting finish dimensions of and detecting finish defects on containers moving sequentially in a predetermined path. More than one container can be inspected simultaneously. The apparatus includes one or more inspection gauges suspended above the container path. A transport system is provided for aiding in moving containers through the gauges and simultaneously axially rotating the containers about a vertical axis. Rotation of the containers allows the inspection gauges to inspect the entire circumference of the containers at one or more levels on the container simultaneously. Defective containers are detected when the relative separation distance between the gauge plates of the inspection gauge falls outside predetermined limits. If a defective container is detected, a rejection assembly may be activated to physically remove the defective container from the container path.