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: 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 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 for inspecting the thickness of a container wall, such as a glass or plastic container wall including a plurality of elongated sensors disposed in a linear array in spaced end to end relationship. The containers are urged into intimate contact with the sensor elements and are rotated thereover. The containers are moved from sensing element to sensing element with each element inspecting a portion of the circumference. Oscillators convert the change in capacitance to a corresponding voltage which, in turn, in a processor is converted to an actual thickness reading which is compared with desired predetermined thickness levels. By segmenting the sensors in this manner, a plurality of containers may be inspected simultaneously with a processor combining the individual segments of sensor readings so as to reconstruct the complete thickness evaluation of the container. A corresponding method is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and an associated method for inspecting a container neck for the desired shape includes an upper body portion having an elongated bore therethrough, and a downwardly projecting lower body portion having a passageway generally aligned with the bore. The lower body portion has an outer surface corresponding to the desired shape of the inner portion of the container neck but of a size corresponding to the minimum permissible inside diameter of the container neck. In one embodiment the lower body portion has at least one vent opening to facilitate improved container neck inspection. Sealing material is provided such that when the container neck is of the desired shape the lower body portion will be received within the neck in such a manner that the passageway will be in sealed communication with the container interior.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and an associated method for testing containers for volume and leaks by employing a pump which provides rapid pressurized pulses simultaneously to a container being tested and a standard volume which may be a container. Acoustic impedance materials are interposed between the pump and the two containers to isolate the containers from each other. A differential pressure monitor is interposed between the two containers to provide output to electronic processing apparatus which may serve to either determine (a) solely if a leak exists or (b) in the alternative if no leak exists to determine whether the desired volume is present within the container.