Abstract: A machine for orienting and stacking receptacles, such as cups having a base end and a mouth end, which machine includes a receiving area wherein the cups are initially received and are then fed to an upright, angularly disposed conveyor, the cups being received between bars presented by the conveyor. As the cups are moved upwardly by the conveyor, they come into engagement with an angularly disposed orienting roller which spans the width of the conveyor and contacts the cups to shift them into a common, oriented relationship with the mouths all facing in one direction and the bases in another. After orientation, the cups pass over the top of the conveyor and are removed therefrom and carried to a delivery location. The removal of the cups from the conveyor is accomplished by a vacuum which is drawn adjacent the top end of the conveyor.

Abstract: A machine for feeding injection molded plastic lids from a gathering area to which they have been delivered in either scrambled or stacked relationship to a delivery point where the lids are oriented for subsequent delivery to a lid stacking machine or to a point of use. The lid feeding machine comprises a first driven belt in a generally horizontal plane but slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal on its longitudinal axis and a second driven belt in a generally vertical plane but also slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal on its longitudinal axis, the belts being juxtaposed in approximately 90.degree.

Abstract: Improved apparatus is provided for use in detecting faults, such as cracks, "flashes," "short shots" and "grease" deposits, during the quality control inspection phase of the production of molded articles, such as cups, glasses, containers, lids or the like, especially those formed by injection molding from plastic material. The apparatus employs optical sensing and electrical signal handling techniques involving sensors for providing electrical signals (or signal controlling parameters) corresponding to the intensity of light transmitted through or/and reflected from an article being inspected, in conjunction with electrical, fault detection circuitry that responds equally well and produces a fault indicating, electrical output of like polarity for greater than threshold magnitude changes in either direction (decrease or increase) in the intensity of the light being sensed. The apparatus includes sensors permitting the detection of faults in either transparent or opaque articles.