Abstract: Systems and methods determine and modify stress crack performance in containers. The method comprises the steps of receiving bottle yield pressure data describing a bottle yield pressure of a first container and receiving stress crack performance data describing a stress crack performance of a second container. The method further comprises the steps of determining a threshold bottle yield pressure based at least in part on the stress crack performance data and determining that the bottle yield pressure of the first container is less than the threshold bottle yield pressure. The method further comprises the step of displaying an indication that the bottle yield pressure of the first container is less than the threshold bottle yield pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the operation of a blow molder are disclosed. An indication of a crystallinity of at least one container produced by the blow molder may be received along with a material distribution of the at least one container. A model may be executed, where the model relates a plurality of blow molder input parameters to the indication of crystallinity and the material distribution and where a result of the model comprises changes to at least one of the plurality of blow molder input parameters to move the material distribution towards a baseline material distribution and the crystallinity towards a baseline crystallinity. The changes to the at least one of the plurality of blow molder input parameters may be implemented.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for measuring a thickness of a container. For example, a control device may receive data indicating a surface topology of the container and based on the surface topology of the container, instruct a multi-axis positioning system to position a sensor relative to a first point of the container such that: a distance from the sensor to a surface at the first point is about equal to a predetermined distance; and the sensor direction is about normal to the surface at the first point. Data indicating the thickness at the first point may be received from the sensor.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for measuring a thickness of a container. For example, a control device may receive data indicating a surface topology of the container and based on the surface topology of the container, instruct a multi-axis positioning system to position a sensor relative to a first point of the container such that: a distance from the sensor to a surface at the first point is about equal to a predetermined distance; and the sensor direction is about normal to the surface at the first point. Data indicating the thickness at the first point may be received from the sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for in-line inspection of plastic blow molded containers. The inspection system may comprise a plurality of emitter assemblies arranged in a vertical array. Each emitter assembly may cyclically emit light energy in at least two different narrow wavelength bands at a container as the container passes through an inspection area. The system may also comprise a plurality of broadband photodetectors arranged in a vertical array, each photodetector facing at least one of the emitter assemblies with the inspection area therebetween such that the photodetectors are capable of sensing light energy that passes through the container when it is in the inspection area. The system may also comprise a processor in communication with the photodetectors for determining a characteristic of the container based on signals from the photodetectors.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for generating section weights for blow-molded containers on-line. An inspection device may take a plurality of measurements of one or more container characteristics across a profile of a container while the container is on-line. A programmable processor may be programmed to receive the plurality of measurements and derive a material distribution of the container based on the plurality of measurements. The programmable processor may additionally be programmed to derive a relationship between the measured material distribution and section weights of a plurality of sections of the container and apply the relationship to determine section weights for the plurality of sections of the container.

Abstract: Systems and methods for in-line inspection of plastic blow molded containers. The inspection system may comprise a plurality of emitter assemblies arranged in a vertical array. Each emitter assembly may cyclically emit light energy in at least two different narrow wavelength bands at a container as the container passes through an inspection area. The system may also comprise a plurality of broadband photodetectors arranged in a vertical array, each photodetector facing at least one of the emitter assemblies with the inspection area therebetween such that the photodetectors are capable of sensing light energy that passes through the container when it is in the inspection area. The system may also comprise a processor in communication with the photodetectors for determining a characteristic of the container based on signals from the photodetectors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for in-line inspection of plastic blow molded containers. The inspection system may comprise a plurality of emitter assemblies arranged in a vertical array. Each emitter assembly may cyclically emit light energy in at least two different narrow wavelength bands at a container as the container passes through an inspection area. The system may also comprise a plurality of broadband photodetectors arranged in a vertical array, each photodetector facing at least one of the emitter assemblies with the inspection area therebetween such that the photodetectors are capable of sensing light energy that passes through the container when it is in the inspection area. The system may also comprise a processor in communication with the photodetectors for determining a characteristic of the container based on signals from the photodetectors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing and inspecting plastic containers. The apparatus may comprise a blow-molder comprising a plurality of molds and spindles for forming a plastic container from a preform. The apparatus may also comprise an inspection device, located in the blow-molder, for inspecting the plastic container after formation by the blow-molder.

Abstract: Systems and methods for in-line inspection of plastic blow molded containers. The inspection system may comprise a plurality of emitter assemblies arranged in a vertical array. Each emitter assembly may cyclically emit light energy in at least two different narrow wavelength bands at a container as the container passes through an inspection area. The system may also comprise a plurality of broadband photodetectors arranged in a vertical array, each photodetector facing at least one of the emitter assemblies with the inspection area therebetween such that the photodetectors are capable of sensing light energy that passes through the container when it is in the inspection area. The system may also comprise a processor in communication with the photodetectors for determining a characteristic of the container based on signals from the photodetectors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing and inspecting plastic containers. The apparatus may comprise a blow-molder comprising a plurality of molds and spindles for forming a plastic container from a preform. The apparatus may also comprise an inspection device, located in the blow-molder, for inspecting the plastic container after formation by the blow-molder.

Abstract: A method of inspecting wall thickness of blow-molded plastic containers includes providing a blow-molder having a plurality of molds and a plurality of associated spindles. The containers are inspected by impinging infrared light thereon and detecting the portion of the infrared light that passes through the container and converting the same into corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a microprocessor. The microprocessor compares the electrical signals with stored information regarding desired wall thickness of the container and emits output thickness information. The microprocessor receives signals from sensors associated with the blow-molder relating to the position of the molds, the identity of the molds and the identity of the spindles in order that the wall thickness information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The wall thickness information may be averaged over a period of time or a number of containers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing plastic containers. The method may comprise the steps of (1) forming a plastic container from a preform in a blow-molder, where the blow-molder comprises a plurality of molds and spindles; and (2) inspecting the plastic container after formation in the blow-molder. The containers are inspected by impinging infrared light thereon and detecting the portion of the infrared light that passes through the container and converting the same into corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives signals from sensors associated with the blow-molder relating to the position of the molds, the identity of the molds and the identity of the spindles in order that the information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The information may be visually displayed so as to provide feedback regarding the inspection process.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling a container manufacturing machine include a thickness monitor (10) for determining an average wall thickness of containers produced by the machine. The system uses the average wall thickness to adjust machine control to change operation of the machine and adjust the quality of the containers being produced. The system also responds to feedback from pneumatic devices (104), heaters (103), mechanical devices and temperature sensors (108, 109) to determine corrections to be made to the machine operation.

Abstract: A method of inspecting wall thickness of blow-molded plastic containers includes providing a blow-molder having a plurality of molds and a plurality of associated spindles. The containers are inspected by impinging infrared light thereon and detecting the portion of the infrared light that passes through the container and converting the same into corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a microprocessor. The microprocessor compares the electrical signals with stored information regarding desired wall thickness of the container and emits output thickness information. The microprocessor receives signals from sensors associated with the blow-molder relating to the position of the molds, the identity of the molds and the identity of the spindles in order that the wall thickness information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The wall thickness information may be averaged over a period of time or a number of containers.

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: The subject invention involves a compressor starting torque converter (CSTC) to enable starting up single-shaft gas turbine driven compressor sets, such as in a liquified natural gas (LNG) plant. The system includes a single-shaft gas turbine with an output shaft coaxially connected to the input shaft of the CSTC's torque converter, in turn whose output shaft drives the process load centrifugal compressor. The CSTC operates as a fluid coupling whereby the gas turbine and the compressor shafts are coupled via the working fluid (oil). Once the process load compressor is up to speed, a lock up device is engaged to mechanically couple the gas turbine directly to the compressor and then the torque converter is drained. The impeller and turbine wheel of the CSTC are undersized with regard to the maximum shaft power requirement of the compressor.