Abstract: An article-inspection apparatus includes a light source for directing light energy with multiple wavelengths at the article and multiple sensors to receive light reflected from external and internal surfaces of the wall of the article, with the reflections being used to compute a physical characteristic, e.g., wall thickness, of the container, due to the light absorption characteristics of the material of the wall of the article. A single light sensitive sensor may be used if the light source wavelengths can be selectively transmitted. The apparatus can be used for inspecting transparent plastic containers that are filled (with a liquid) or unfilled. The apparatus may determine the wall thickness of transparent plastic containers even if they have in-molded features or decorations that make their inner and outer walls non-parallel.

Abstract: An article-inspection apparatus includes a light source for directing light energy with multiple wavelengths at the article and multiple sensors to receive light reflected from external and internal surfaces of the wall of the article, with the reflections being used to compute a physical characteristic, e.g., wall thickness, of the container, due to the light absorption characteristics of the material of the wall of the article. A single light sensitive sensor may be used if the light source wavelengths can be selectively transmitted. The apparatus can be used for inspecting transparent plastic containers that are filled (with a liquid) or unfilled. The apparatus may determine the wall thickness of transparent plastic containers even if they have in-molded features or decorations that make their inner and outer walls non-parallel.

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor for detecting a combustible analyte includes a first sensing element including a first conductive element in electrical connection with an electronic circuitry, a first support structure in operative connection with the first conductive element, a catalyst supported on the first support structure for catalyzing a reaction of the analyte, and a system for measuring a variable related to the reactance of the first sensing element. Changes in the measured variable over time provide an indication of an operational status of the first sensing element.

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor for detecting a combustible analyte includes a first sensing element including a first conductive element in electrical connection with an electronic circuitry, a first support structure in operative connection with the first conductive element, a catalyst supported on the first support structure for catalyzing a reaction of the analyte, and a system for measuring a variable related to the reactance of the first sensing element. Changes in the measured variable over time provide an indication of an operational status of the first sensing element.

Abstract: A photoionization detector includes a housing, electrical contacts within the housing and an easily removable and replaceable photoionization chamber within the housing. The photoionization chamber includes a cathodic electrode and an anodic electrode which may be coated with a thin layer of material. The photoionization chamber and the associated cathodic electrode and anodic electrode are removable from within the housing as a unit. The photoionization chamber makes electrical connection with the contacts when seated within the housing regardless of the orientation of the photoionization chamber about an axis.

Abstract: A method of determining a physical characteristic of a hollow transparent article includes positioning the article at an inspection station, creating a scanning light beam which is split into two inspection light beams which are caused to impinge on different portions of the article. A plurality of sensors receive light reflected from the external and internal surfaces of the wall of the article and convert the same into corresponding electrical signals. The electrical signals are based upon the elapsed time from the initiation of the light beam or scanning light beam until arrival of a reflected light beam at least two sensors. The transparent article may, for example, be a container or tube. The inspection light beams are preferably caused to impinge on the article from opposed directions with each impinging on the article within about 70° degrees and preferably about 60° degrees of a radial plane perpendicular to the article.

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 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.