Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting a defect in a sealed container are provided. The method includes: placing the sealed container in a pressure chamber; filling the chamber with a liquid that is saturated by a test gas such that the sealed container is fully submerged; subjecting the chamber to a pressurized volume of a gaseous mixture that includes the test gas, and then removing the sealed container from the chamber; performing a laser-based headspace analysis of the sealed container in order to measure a partial pressure of the test gas; and using a result thereof to determine whether the sealed container has the defect. The defect may be located on a body of the sealed container that is at or below a level of a product that is contained within the sealed container.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting a defect in a sealed container are provided. The method includes: placing the sealed container in a pressure chamber; filling the chamber with a liquid that is saturated by a test gas such that the sealed container is fully submerged; subjecting the chamber to a pressurized volume of a gaseous mixture that includes the test gas, and then removing the sealed container from the chamber; performing a laser-based headspace analysis of the sealed container in order to measure a partial pressure of the test gas; and using a result thereof to determine whether the sealed container has the defect. The defect may be located on a body of the sealed container that is at or below a level of a product that is contained within the sealed container.

Abstract: A split shaft screw system includes a screw configured to convey an article along a movement path. The screw includes a plurality of threads, each thread having a crest, a root and a pair of sidewalls, wherein the root and pair of sidewalls are configured to capture the article. Provided are a first screw segment connected to a first drive shaft configured to be driven by a first motor, and a second screw segment immediately adjacent to the first screw segment and connected to a second drive shaft concentric to the first drive shaft, the second drive shaft configured to be driven by a second motor independently of the driving of the first screw segment.

Abstract: A split shaft screw system includes a screw configured to convey an article along a movement path. The screw includes a plurality of threads, each thread having a crest, a root and a pair of sidewalls, wherein the root and pair of sidewalls are configured to capture the article. Provided are a first screw segment connected to a first drive shaft configured to be driven by a first motor, and a second screw segment immediately adjacent to the first screw segment and connected to a second drive shaft concentric to the first drive shaft, the second drive shaft configured to be driven by a second motor independently of the driving of the first screw segment.

Abstract: A system and method for nondestructive detection of gas in a sealed container. The system includes a light source housed in a light source housing and configured to emit a light beam for absorption in a substance to be measured, a detector housed in a detector housing and configured to detect the emitted light beam, a zone that accepts one or more of the sealed containers, each container being substantially optically transparent and containing the substance to be measured, the zone located between the detector and the light source, the light source configured to transmit the light beam through the zone, and a light source purging system comprising a light source channel surrounding the light source and positioned between the light source and the housing, the light source channel configured to expel purge gas from a purge gas source into the zone.

Abstract: A system and method for nondestructive automated headspace analysis. The system includes a container conveyor that conveys a plurality of generally optically transparent sealed test containers through a pre-inspection region, an inspection region and a post-inspection region of the container conveyor, and that conveys at least one sealed reference container, through the inspection region. Also included is a zone including a laser emitter and a sensor located in the inspection region and arranged such that the laser source emits a laser beam such that it intersects with a container movement path. The conveyor alternatingly conveys test containers and reference containers through the zone.

Abstract: A system and method for nondestructive automated headspace analysis. The system includes a container conveyor that conveys a plurality of generally optically transparent sealed test containers through a pre-inspection region, an inspection region and a post-inspection region of the container conveyor, and that conveys at least one sealed reference container, through the inspection region. Also included is a zone including a laser emitter and a sensor located in the inspection region and arranged such that the laser source emits a laser beam such that it intersects with a container movement path. The conveyor alternatingly conveys test containers and reference containers through the zone.

Abstract: A system and method for nondestructive detection of gas in a sealed container. The system includes a tunable diode laser source that provides a uncollimated laser beam for absorption in a substance to be measured, a detector that detects the laser beam, and a zone that accepts one or more of the selected containers. Each container is substantially optically transparent and may contain the substance to be measured. The zone is located between the detector and a laser source configured to transmit the laser beam through the zone. The invention also includes a collection lens that focuses the laser beam onto the detector, the collection lens being located between the zone and the detector.