Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for the optical inspection of at least partially transparent objects, such as bottles or flasks, arranged in line on a moving horizontal table conveyor. A light source is located on one side of the conveyor and a linear electronic camera on the other. The camera comprises a line of photodetectors extending in a first direction. A lens forms on the camera an image of a portion of the object being inspected, the image being oriented so that as the object moves, the image moves in the same direction as the first direction. The image is scanned rapidly and repeatedly in the first direction by electronically scanning the line of photodetectors. The image is scanned in a second direction, preferably perpendicular to the first direction by a pivoting mirror which varies the portion of the object that is imaged onto the photodetectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the optical inspection of partially transparent articles. The apparatus comprises means for transporting the body to the inspection station and orienting it therein which comprises a horizontal plate having a vertical axis which is driven by a star wheel carrying rollers which permit rotation of the object at the inspection station by an exterior counter roller. The device further comprises a translucent diffusing screen; a receiver having a linear camera for observing the rear surface of the screen; and a fixed light emitter arranged outside the mounting of the body.