Abstract: System and method for inspecting a container for defects. A first polarizer positioned between a light source and the container polarizes light provided by the light source for illuminating the container. A second polarizer positioned between the container and a camera polarizes the light transmitted through the container to the camera. As positioned, the axes of transmission of the first and second polarizers are non-parallel relative to each other. An image processor processes an image generated by the camera as a function of an optical characteristic of the image to detect defects in the container.

Abstract: Systems and methods of operation thereof for identifying containers handled by a container handling apparatus. Each container has a portion that includes one of a plurality of identifying patterns. A camera generates an image of at least the portion of the container including the identifying pattern wherein the image includes a pattern image corresponding to the identifying pattern. An image processor detects an optical characteristic of the image within a defined region of the image and detects the pattern image as a function of the detected characteristic. The defined region of the image includes the pattern image corresponding to the identifying pattern. The image processor determines the container's identifying pattern as a function of the pattern image detected by the image processor thereby to identify the container.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a moving container on a conveyor. An encoder assembly detects movement of the conveyor and generates a signal representative of the speed of the container as a function of the movement of the conveyor. A light source adjacent the conveyor illuminates the container and a camera adjacent the conveyor generates a plurality of successive images of portions of the illuminated container. The images each include a plurality of pixels, each having a value representative of an optical characteristic of the images. The camera is controlled to generate the successive images as a function of the speed of the moving container. An image processor acquires a two-dimensional image of the container from the successive images generated by the camera and processes the two-dimensional image as a function of the pixel values to detect edges in the image for inspecting the container.

Abstract: System and method of operation thereof for inspecting glass containers handled by a glass container handling apparatus to determine a height of a bottom of at least one of the containers. The system includes a base adapted to be positioned adjacent the container handling apparatus and adapted to receive the bottom of the containers handled by the container handling apparatus. At least one of the containers is positioned on the base and a capacitive sensor on the base provides an electric field adjacent the capacitive sensor and senses a capacitance affected by the container bottom being positioned in the electric field. The capacitive sensor generates a signal representative of the sensed capacitance which is a function of the height of the container bottom relative to the base. In response to the signal from the capacitive sensor, the processor determines the height of the container bottom based on the sensed capacitance as indicated by the signal.