Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting and sorting transparent containers such as glass containers having defects in the container sidewalls, and for distinguishing between commercially acceptable and unacceptable defects on the basis of defect type and size. A light source is positioned to direct diffused illumination through the sidewall of a container under inspection as the container is rotated about its central axis with the intensity of the illumination varying across the light source transversely of such axis as a predetermined function of transverse position. In specific disclosed embodiments of the invention, the light intensity is filtered across the source to provide transversely spaced outer regions of uniform intensities, either equal or unequal, and an intermediate region of either uniform intensity different from that in the outer regions or transversely varying intensity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a translucent container to detect a radial reflective defect in the container is disclosed. The apparatus comprises means for illuminating a container by focusing a radiant beam of light into an elongated image extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container along a portion of the container being inspected. The apparatus also comprises means focused on the illuminated portion of the container for sensing the intensity of light reflected from the illuminated portion and for viewing the illuminated portion from a direction and forming an angle ranging from about 75 degrees to about 105 degrees from a path of the incident beam of light. The sensing means provides a plurality of the electrical signals each proportional to the reflected intensity from a corresponding position on the illuminated portion of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting glass containers in which an indexing starwheel moves a plurality of containers in series through a plurality of positions or stations where the containers are physically and optically examined.One station, or position, is described in detail as the position where a glass container that is in a vertical position is rotated about its vertical axis by engagement of the finish thereof with a driven wheel. Rotating worm means move the bottles into and out of the handling system and serve as means to time the bottle movements. A mechanism at the exit position assists the bottles out of the starwheel. At the station where the sidewall of the bottles is to be inspected, a light source in the form of a tall housing is positioned in a vertical, annular recess of the starwheel.

Abstract: This invention relates to method and apparatus for inspecting glass containers and other types of containers having transparent or translucent sidewalls for defects, and especially to inspecting the finish portion of glass containers for defects such as horizontal checks. The entire finish portion is illuminated by diffused light and the check-type defects reflect light upwardly into an Erfle eyepiece which is then imaged onto a matrix-type light sensor.

Abstract: This invention relates to inspecting glass containers and other types of containers for defects, such as horizontal checks, in the sidewall thereof. The invention involves both method and apparatus for inspecting for such defects, whereby radiant energy is directed from above to be transmitted through the sidewall as a vertical band or column while the container is rotated. A light-sensitive detector observes the sidewall for reflected light produced by the defect, energizing of the detector creating a reject signal for rejection of flawed containers.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein apparatus which views a glass container from above while the container is rotated about its vertical axis. A source of light, preferably a laser, has its beam swept diametrically back and forth across the bottom of the container to be examined. The inclusion of a piece of stuck or fused glass in the container will create a light output in the form of a pair of concentric halos of light above the container finish. The halos are sensed by two concentric arrays of solar cells positioned above the container. The output of the solar cells is fed to logic and reject electronics for selected rejection from a line of ware moving along a conveyor, depending upon whether or not the container has a piece of stuck glass therein.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting glass containers in which an indexing starwheel moves a plurality of containers in series through a plurality of positions or stations where the containers are physically and optically examined.One station, or position, is described in detail as the position where a glass container that is in a vertical position is rotated about its vertical axis by engagement of the finish thereof with a driven wheel. The container, as it is rotated, is viewed by a camera whose lens focuses the sidewall image of the bottle onto a vertical, linear array of light sensitive pick-ups in the camera. The camera is supported relative to the bottle handling system for adjustment up and down, back and forth and sideways so as to have the flexibility of viewing different size bottles. At the station where the sidewall of the bottles is to be inspected, a light source in the form of a tall housing is positioned in a vertical, annular recess of the starwheel.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting glass containers to determine the presence of the defect termed "birdswing". A container under inspection is rotated and a laser is directed so as to pass through the opening defined by the finish of the container and toward the base of the container. If no birdswing is present the laser beam will pass through the bottom of the container. However, if a birdswing is present, the rotation of the container will cause the laser beam to eventually strike the birdswing, causing scattering of the laser beam. The scattered light is detected by a circumferential photocell array which is positioned below the base of the container. The location of the array is such that it will not detect any of the laser light unless it strikes a birdswing. The detection of scattered light by the photocell array causes a reject signal to be generated.

Abstract: An improved device for detection of stones in the sidewalls of glass containers. Stones in the sidewalls of glass containers cause stress patterns to be formed. These patterns are visible if the glass container is viewed through crossed polarizing filters due to the refraction of polarized light. A television camera and electronic analysis circuit may be substituted for the human eye. The detection capability and reliability of the system is improved if the glass container is illuminated with primarily infra-red radiation. Then, polarizing filters which polarize infra-red radiation and remove visible light are used. A filter before the television camera lens removes far infra-red radiation and allows only near infra-red radiation to be measured. This makes the device insensitive to glass color, flutes or stippling and improves the signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the amount of lean present in a glass container. A glass container is mounted for rotation about its vertical axis. A pivotally mounted follower member is positioned to be in contact with the upper portion of the container. A fluidic position transmitter is mounted behind the follower and directs a stream of air from a nozzle against the rear face of the follower. The position transmitter will keep a constant gap between its nozzle and the follower by moving the nozzle. As the glass container is rotated, the follower will move in response to any deviation of the top portion thereof from a true vertical axis. The position transmitter will generate a back pressure signal in response to movement of its nozzle to maintain a constant spacing from the moving follower. This back pressure signal may then be processed to obtain a measure, in dimensional units, of the deviation of the top portion of the container from a true vertical axis.