Abstract: An inspection device calibration method includes mounting a laser-operated calibration device to a calibration fixture including an adjustable target having alignment indicia; illuminating the adjustable target with laser light from the calibration device; adjusting the adjustable target to operatively align the alignment indicia with the laser light; removing the calibration device from the calibration fixture; mounting to the calibration fixture, an inspection device including one or more adjustable features; and operating the optical inspection device, including adjusting the inspection device to operatively align the inspection device with the adjustable target.

Abstract: An inspection device calibration method includes mounting a laser-operated calibration device to a calibration fixture including an adjustable target having alignment indicia; illuminating the adjustable target with laser lien from the calibration device; adjusting the adjustable target to operatively align the alignment indicia with the laser light; removing the calibration device from the calibration fixture; mounting to the calibration fixture, an inspection device including one or more adjustable features; and operating the optical inspection device, including adjusting the inspection device to operatively align the inspection device with the adjustable target.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting blisters in a container wall includes a light source for directing light energy onto a container wall in such a way that portions of the light energy are reflected from surfaces of the container wall, including surfaces of blisters in the container wall. A light sensor is disposed to receive light energy reflected from the container wall, and an information processor is coupled to the sensor to detect a blister in the container wall as a bright image against a darker background. Light energy reflected from the inner and outer surfaces of the container wall preferably establish the darker background, and light energy reflected from surfaces of blisters within the container wall establish the bright image.

Abstract: An apparatus for optical inspection of containers includes a light source having at least one light emitting diode with a light emitting die surface. Lenses and/or mirrors focus the light emitting die surface onto a selected portion of a container, and a light sensor receives an image of the selected portion of the container illuminated by the light source. An information processor is coupled to the light sensor for detecting commercial variations in the illuminated portion of the container as a function of the image received at the sensor. The image can be developed by transmission of the light energy through the selected portion of the container, and/or by reflection and/or refraction of the light energy at the selected portion of the container.