Abstract: Apparatus and method for container leak detection employs a tank of liquid and a conveyor assembly with a drive therefor to convey containers through the tank beneath the surface of the liquid. A light source illuminates the liquid in an observation region. At least on optical detector has a view line across the tank to monitor for bubbles of a selected size. A contrasting background may be used to enhance detection, and magnetic devices may be used to hold the containers on the advance portion of the conveyor. The optical detector in the exemplary embodiments is a imaging processor. Access doors are provided to permit removal of leaking container upon its detection. The system may be automated with controls to stop the conveyor upon detection of a leaking container and to generate an alarm. The method involves the steps performed by this apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting containers to be processed in a manufacturing operation includes a transfer assembly that transfers containers from a load area on an upstream conveyor assembly to a discharge on downstream conveyor assembly for further processing. The upstream conveyor assembly may include longitudinally extending first and second conveyors oriented at an angle to one another. The transfer assembly may include a rotating wheel that picks containers from a chute and moves them, one at a time, to the downstream conveyor assembly. The downstream conveyor assembly may be in the form of an elevator that has bays that are sized to receive individual containers. The bays are formed by vanes on a moving belt. The method includes steps inherent in the structure, including receiving a bulk supply of containers, moving them horizontally, columnizing them into a single file, elevating them and thereafter discharging them.