Abstract: A method and an apparatus for optical inspection of transparent articles. The method and apparatus use a light beam scanning field which is separated into at least two portions. The field portions are directed at the article at differing angles of incidence such that they eliminate blind spots caused by portions of the apparatus which block the passage of the light through the article. A feature of the invention is its provision of a folded optical path to increase the length the beam travels between the beam generator and the object beyond the physical distance between the beam generator and the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for diverting an object from a main path of movement which shall have been sensed as displaying a defect or irregularity includes a pusher fixedly located along the main path and an auxiliary conveyor which extends into the main path. The auxiliary conveyor includes a belt disposed substantially parallel to the axis of the object, having a plurality of contiguous cups providing a passive suction for retention of the object, and the auxiliary conveyor moves along a path at least slightly oblique to the main path. The pusher includes an operator movable rapidly through a stroke of movement whose length is less than the diameter of the object to divert the object from the main to the auxiliary path of movement.