Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the character of a translucent container including a light source for directing a beam of light along an optical axis through a container. A first optical analyzer is provided for analyzing the color of light passing through a container. The first optical analyzer includes one or more detectors for generating signals in response to light incident thereon. A first directing means directs one or more portions of the beam of light passing through the container toward the one or more detectors. Means are provide for determining the color of the container depending upon the relative magnitudes of the signals from the one or more detectors.

Abstract: A method and system for temporarily halting an article for sensing with a fixed sensing system without altering its average speed. While halted, the article's orientation is manipulated for seeking and presenting a specific area thereon for sensing. The time available for manipulation results from accelerating each article relative to the average speed of articles prior to sensing. The sensing of the article includes visually reading a label thereon to identify the article, and inspection of the article for determining its physical condition. If desired, the physical condition of the article such as a glass bottle may also be evaluated without halting movement thereof. Once the article has been identified and inspected, the article is categorized based on the visual information obtained. Articles in certain categories are rejected from those evaluated.

Abstract: Light-transmitting plastic and/or glass bottles are tested at a station where selected portions of their internal surfaces scatter radiation issuing from a beam of monochromatic radiation. The scattered radiation is intercepted and monitored for the generation of signals which denote the presence or absence of impurities on the selected portions of the internal surfaces and/or certain substances in the walls adjacent the selected portions of the internal surfaces of tested bottles. Such signals are processed, and the processed signals are utilized to classify the bottles according to their defects and/or to segregate unsatisfactory bottles from acceptable bottles and/or to segregate glass bottles from plastic bottles and/or to classify satisfactory plastic bottles in accordance with the nature of their plastic materials. The scattered radiation can constitute Raman, Rayleigh and/or fluorescence radiation.

Abstract: The device has a guide cylinder (8) receiving the cup (5), with a window (11) provided in the sidewall of the cylinder, further a reflective light beam detector (12) arranged outside the guide cylinder (8) close to the window (11), with a detection region directed through the window (11) into the interior space (13) of the guide cylinder (8), which detector in combination with a following signal processing circuit detects and evaluates the marking (4) located on the cup (5), and a catch member (17) and a positioning member (20), which are both arranged in axial projection diametrically opposite the window (11) and in the direction of the axis (16) of the guide cylinder (8) below the window (11), with the positioning member (20) between the window (11) and the catch member (17), and with each movable into and/or out of the interior space (13) of the guide cylinder (8) by its own controllable drive member (18, 21).

Abstract: An article collection system includes a housing having a port for receiving articles, such as aluminum cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles. The assembly also includes a mechanism for classifying the articles, and for densifying the articles.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting a container has an inspection conveyor for gripping and conveying containers delivered thereto at one speed. A feed conveyor delivers containers to the inspection conveyor at a slower speed. A container sensed on the inspection conveyor is brought to a stop at a selected location so that an inspection can take place.

Abstract: A method and device for detection and identification of liquid, solid, and gaseous foreign substances of beverages and/or beverage residues in re-usable bottles, especially in plastic bottles and other containers. Electromagnetic radiation traverses the walls of the bottles and containers at least once, and by areas of residual liquid, areas with liquid films, solid films on the inside wall and areas with contamination inside the wall are detected by the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the physical condition of a moving article, such as a glass bottle, in a stream of articles of manufacture which are moving at a predetermined speed. A light source illuminates a portion of the moving article to be analyzed at an illumination angle, and a camera obtains an image of the illuminated portion of the article. The camera is disposed to view the article at a viewing angle that is distinct from the illumination angle, thereby substantially reducing the amount of reflected light received by the camera. A transparent surface is interposed between the camera and the article and angled to reduce the amount of reflected light received by the camera. A computer or the like processes the image to evaluate the physical condition of the article, and categorizes the article into distinct categories based upon the physical condition of the article.

Abstract: An in-line ram rejector system particularly for high speed bottling lines with unspaced plastic containers relies on a multi-beam optical system to keep track of the containers between a contamination detection station and a rejector station equipped with a ram rejector. The rejection station is also provided with an automatic side gate on the conveyor. When the leading edge of a tracked, identified container meets the beam, the side gate on the conveyor opens, and when the trailing edge of the same tracked identified container passes by the beam, the container, for example, a plastic beverage bottle is rammed out the open gate onto a neck rail, which catches the container upright.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the selective on-line identification and distinguishing of pollutants and contents in bottles/containers in filling systems in the beverage or drinks industry using the absorption, reflection and scattering of electromagnetic waves from the UV to the microwave range, characterized in that characteristic value pairs/ranges of wavelength and amplitude are used for identification and distinguishing.

Abstract: A device for detecting contaminants in returned bottles, particularly in a high-speed bottle line, is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, a sample chamber is rotated on a carousel unit between top and bottom bulkheads. The surfaces of the bulkheads facing the chamber are flat and substantially parallel, and the chamber has two open ends which face the two bulkheads, respectively. A blast of air is directed into the mouth of the bottle to be sampled, forcing the contents of the bottle through an aperture in the lower bulkhead and into the sample chamber. In the preferred embodiment, the analyzer contains a UV absorption analyzer and a photoionization detector. The carousel unit contains four sample chambers which rotate between a sampling station, the two detectors, and a purge station. The analyzer is controlled by a computer which issues a reject instruction to a bottle reject mechanism if the level of contaminants detected by either detector exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: In the grading of shell eggs passing in a stream through a candling bed, images of the eggs are compared with image data characteristic of eggs of known grade so as to assign a grade to each egg in the stream. Positional information representative of the movement of the eggs is combined with the assigned grade to control a mechanical egg routing device. Images of multiple egg streams may be multiplexed and processed together. The images may be Fourier transformed before comparison.

Abstract: Electromagnetic radiation is projected through various types of plastics materials such as plastic containers. The readings from the electromagnetic radiation transmitters are received by a sensor array. Plural readings are taken from each plastic bottle as it passes under the sensor. The measurements from the sensor array output are then fed into a computer. The materials are then separated into three classes. The first class contains polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene teraphalate (PET) containers. The second class contains polypropylene (PP) and natural (primarily milk containers) high density polythylene (HDPE) containers. The third class contains opaque materials such as rigid, mixed color high density polythylene (HDPE) containers, opaque polyvinyl chloride (PVC) containers, opaque polystyrene (PS) containers, and opaque polypropylene (PP) containers. The groups of plastics contained in each of the classes are then separated out using the same or other detection means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting plastic bottles for recycling wherein if it is first determined that a bottle is clear, the bottle will be ejected. If the bottle is not determined as being clear, the apparatus or method next determines if the bottle is colored. If the bottle is colored, the bottle will be ejected. The above method may also be accomplished by use of a truth table which analyzes the characteristics of a bottle. Also provided is a detector for detecting the presence of chlorine in a plastic bottle by means of X-ray fluorescence. A sorter device sorts the bottles into small diameter and large diameter bottles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distinguishing and separating material items having different levels of absorption of penetrating electromagnetic radiation by utilizing a source of radiation for irradiating an irradiation zone extending transversely of a feed path over which the material items are fed or passed. The irradiation zone includes a plurality of transversely spaced radiation detectors for receiving the radiation beams from the radiation source. The material items passing through the irradiation zone between the radiation source and the detectors measures one or more of the transmitted beams in each item passing through the irradiation zone to produce processing signals which are analyzed by signal analyzers to produce actuated signals for actuating a separator device in order to discharge the irradiated items toward different locations depending upon the level of radiation absorption in each of the items.

Abstract: The invention is preferably used for detecting the positions of articles made to advance on a belt conveyor or the like. The device comprises a radiation emitter located so that its radiation is propagated through the conveyor belt. The detection is preferably effected by a pair of detectors arranged adjacent each other so as to generate a signal which indicates that two articles are spaced apart only when both of the detectors are struck simultaneously by the radiation generated by the emitter.

Abstract: A reverse vending apparatus (10) for receiving returnable beverage containers includes a housing (12) having an opening (20) through which an empty beverage container is inserted in exchanger for a redeemable coupon. Inside the housing (12), a V-shaped support trough cradles the container while a conveyor belt (38) rotates the container. An optical scanner (32) inspects the rotating container to identify its origin, and upon recognition that the container is properly returnable electronically signals the apparatus (10) to issue a coupon. The container falls from the support trough and is diverted by a moveable diverter (60) plate to either of two compaction roller sets (56, 58), depending upon the material composition of the container. Wedge-shaped guides (96, 96') funnel the container into the center of the nip between a first (62, 62') and a second (66, 66') compaction roller to flatten the container. A cleated steel band (82, 82') surrounds the first compaction roller (62, 62').

Abstract: A method of sorting a mixed group of plastic articles, such as PET and PVC containers, involves individually subjecting each article to a beam of electromagnetic radiation, and detecting a change in the intensity of the beam. The measured intensity varies in a manner indicative of the crystallinity of the plastic from which the article is made, and hence identifies the type of plastic the article is made of. Each article is then sent to one of a plurality of destinations, such as recycling collection bins, according to the type of plastic. The method is particularly useful in separating PET and PVC used in containers, since these plastics are very difficult to sort by conventional methods.

Abstract: An acoustic device and related method for measuring the shape of an object. The device includes a plurality of transmitters for transmitting acoustic waves at an object to be measured and a plurality receivers for receiving the acoustic waves reflected by the object. A phase detector measures phase data of the reflected acoustic waves, the phase data being processed to calculate a value representing a shape of the object as a function of the phase data. This value is then compared with known reference value to accurately identify the shape of the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting line-over defects at the finish of a glassware container. A bifurcated fiber optic bundle includes sender and receiver fiber branches; one of the branches terminates at a modulated visible red high intensity LED light source, the other at a photosensor. The non-bifurcated, probe end of the fiber optic cable terminates in a rectangular pattern of sending and receiving fibers in a random mix. The probe end of the fiber optic bundle is positioned directly over the container finish and pointed straight down. An intervening lens assembly produces a focused 1:1 image of the rectangular pattern at the bottle finish with the long axis of the rectangle oriented radially across the finish. An electronic assembly modulates the LED, demodulates the photodetector output, and detects sharp reductions in the intensity of light reflected back to the receiver fibers, indicative of line-over defects.

Abstract: An apparatus and process permit the material of construction and the color of transparent and partly transparent containers to be determined rapidly and accurately. To determine the material of construction, polarized light is passed through the container, portions of the transmitted beam are analyzed by parallel and cross polarizers, the intensities of the analyzed beams are measured, and the sum and difference of the analyzed beams are determined. Preferably, the determination is made with at least two wavelengths of polarized light, and the sums and differences of the intensities of the different wavelengths are determined. Glass containers do not alter the polarization of the transmitted light, while many types of plastic containers do alter the polarization, and this difference serves as the basis for the differentiation.

Abstract: A comprehensive container inspection system includes axial container examining features, side wall inspection features and a controllable diverter for routing the containers to one of at least two sorting paths. Each stage of the inspection system is adapted to process moving containers, a continuous line of moving containers being processed and controllably diverted without stoppages. In an axial inspection area, containers are carried through rim, energy absorption and base inspection areas by means of side rollers bridging a gap in endless belt conveyor sections. In a side wall inspection area, containers are continuously rolled before a video detector operable to record and analyze images including at least three of the rolling bottles.

Abstract: Apparatus for examining the shape and/or dimensions of an object wherein an object is fed to a test station (12) on a stepping conveyor (14), the object is illuminated within the test station and scanned by two linear charge-coupled camera devices (18, 20) acting in mutually perpendicular directions across and along the conveyor. Logic circuitry processes the video signals to provide raw measurement signals fed into a microprocessor for analyzing the signals and for providing control signals for a downstream reject mechanism.

Abstract: In a capsule-sealing machine comprising a slat conveyor for carrying capsules over liquid binder application wheels and a bucket conveyor for receiving the sealed capsules and carrying them through the air drying chamber, a set of photoelectric inspection heads is positioned adjacent to the slat conveyor, and solenoid valves and air nozzles are positioned adjacent to the bucket conveyor. Signals produced by the inspection heads are delayed, and used to operate the solenoid valves to eject defectively sealed capsules from the bucket conveyor. The inspection heads are carried on a bar supported by brackets having inverted L-shaped slots which allow the bar to be moved upwardly and out of the way so that the slat conveyor can be cleaned or repaired. When the bar is in the inspection position adjacent to the slats, a slot in a lower edge of the bar fits over an adjusting wheel which permits fine adjustment of the positions of the inspection heads relative to the slats.

Abstract: A lean detector comprises a first light source for determining the time of arrival of a container at an inspection site, a second light source for determining the time of arrival of a portion of the container at a predetermined position at the inspection site and a third light source for determining the time of arrival of another portion of the container at another predetermined position at the inspection site. The second and third light sources are perpendicular to each other. A guide rail laterally positions the container at the inspection site. Before real containers are inspected, a non-leaning test container is passed through the inspection site and the times of arrival of the corresponding second and third portions of the test container relative to the time of arrival of the container at the inspection site are determined to serve as reference values.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and an apparatus for automatic inspection of transparency contrast, consisting of illuminating the body of a container transversely to its axis (8), placing the container (3) against the light simultaneously with the aid of two charge transfer cameras, the sighting axes (11) of which are off-set angularly, of eliminating with the aid of an electronic window appropriate for each type of container, all signals originating in elementary points of the photosensitive matrix devices of said cameras (10) located outside the window, of analyzing successively each elementary point of the window by taking into account a predetermined number of immediately surrounding elementary points, of comparing the electric level of each elementary point weighted in this manner with a reference level pre-established for each type of container and of actuating the rejection of the container being inspected when the number of elementary points detected out of reference is higher than a predetermined n

Abstract: A method for measuring a curvature of a reflective surface includes the steps of directing a pair of collimated light beams onto a substantially smooth portion of the reflective surface and measuring the separation of the light beam images reflected from the surface as a representation of the curvature of the surface. An apparatus utilizing this method includes a pair of lasers for producing respective collimated light beams, a laser mount arranged to direct the separate light beams from the lasers as substantially parallel light beams onto a substantially smooth portion of a reflective surface being measured to produce respective bright spots on the surface, receiving images of the bright spots onto a diffuse target surface, viewing these bright spot images with a sensor to produce a light intensity pattern encompassing the spots and calculating the separation of the bright spot images from the light intensity pattern as a measure of the curvature of the surface.

Abstract: Method for performing the automatic contactless inspection of objects manufactured at a high speed by an automatically controlled machine, in particular high-temperature glass objects, the objects moving in front of an optical measuring device, consisting in illuminating the moving objects with a non-coherent white light, sensing the transmitted light by means of an optical sensor (5) provided with a linear measuring strip (2) comprising a plurality of receptor photodiodes (3), the strip (2) being arranged with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the movement of the objects (6) and to the focal point of a focusing lens (9), and storing the result of the sensing operation for a given number of objects.

Abstract: A system for automatically detecting sidewall and dimensional defects in a transparent container includes a laser scanning system positioned astride a conveyor in a production line. In an upstream inspection zone a laser beam vertically scans a portion of the side wall of the container. Photosensors positioned in a detection chamber detect the specific effect which any defect has upon the laser beam by determining the location of light passing through the container and comparing its intensity against pre-set thresholds. A flaw signal is generated when a threshold is exceeded. The number of flaw signals is counted and when the count equals a pre-set value a reject signal is generated to eject the defective container from the conveyor. If a container is not rejected, it passes through a rotator assembly which rotates the container precisely 90.degree..

Abstract: A computer vision apparatus for automatically inspecting printed labels is disclosed. A television type camera views a label under inspection and inputs an image thereof to a pattern recognition and analysis circuit for verification. A monitor with viewing screen, joystick and keypad is connected to the pattern recognition and analysis circuit for operator supervision of the system.

Abstract: Inspection of a procession of ware such as bottles on a moving conveyor for "down" bottles and bottles which are "stuck" and tilted is accomplished by maintaining an average of detected dimensions for acceptable bottles and by comparing a sensor signal which is indicative of bottle dimension to thresholds which are preselected percentages of the average. Variations in detected bottle dimension, due to different or changing production conditions or variations in conveyor speed, are automatically compensated for.

Abstract: Sorting and inspection apparatus and methods which may be used for the identification and separation of articles of different characteristics, or the inspection of articles of similar characteristics to reject those of below minimum standards. A typical system will include a transport system for individually transporting the articles past a television camera so that the camera may view the distinctive portions of the articles to be sorted or the area of the articles to be inspected. The output of the television camera is digitized based upon the number of transitions of light to dark (or dark to light) in the scan lines. A correlator then performs a specialized correlation between the digitized image and various previously digitized images representing the different items being sorted or inspected, to determine which of the previously stored images best correlates with the digitized image from the television camera.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the liquid level in each of a plurality of containers in which each bottle passes in succession on a conveyor belt past a measuring station and between a radiation source and detector at the station. Each bottle is detected as it reaches the station to trigger actuation of the radiation source for a given number of time periods. Each period is of fixed duration and the time between periods is varied in accordance with the speed of belt and container so that each container receives the same radiation regardless of its speed.

Abstract: An inspection device is disclosed which includes a color sensor which has a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements each being responsive to respective different wave lengths of light from an object to be inspected and producing an electrical signal, a zero balance setter which processes the output signal from the color sensor and then takes a zero balance, a tolerance range setter which receives the output of the zero balance setter and produces an abnormal signal in conjunction to a tolerance range of the object to be inspected, a detector which produces an electrical signal to notify when the object arrives at a predetermined location; and a detection location timing section which passes the output of the tolerance range setter by the output signal from the detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for detecting water-based residues in translucent bottles, in which energy in two parts of the spectrum in and near the infra-red region, in one of which parts (0.8 to 0.9 microns) water is relatively transparent and the other of which parts (1.2 to 1.6 microns) water is more strongly absorbent is transmitted through a bottle, and the intensities of the emergent energies in the two parts are separately measured by a silicon detector and a germanium detector, associated with respective collimator tubes and filters, and are compared to produce a signal indicative of the presence of water in the bottle.

Abstract: Glass bottle inspection apparatus including optical neck finish defect detector and mechanism for rotating the container or bottle to facilitate checking of the finish throughout its circumference. Gripping and rotation of the bottle or container is accomplished by a mechanism, adapted to any symmetrical shape, including non-round shapes, which comprises a resilient ring which is lowered vertically over the neck of the bottle or container to be checked when the bottle or container arrives at the test location of the apparatus. The resilient ring is engaged by a non-resilient annular ring which is in turn driven for rotational movement of the assembly. The elevating and lowering mechanism for the annular gripping ring also includes a downwardly biased bearing and flange member to urge the bottle out of engagement with the ring as the ring is raised, following checking.

Abstract: A dual wavelength spectrophotometer for ampoule content inspection, in particular for ampoule leak detection wherein leaks are initially "flagged" via the dye bath immersion technique. Light transmitted through the ampoule is received by a bifurcated fiber optic cable providing via a random mix arrangement substantially identical ampoule optical signature signals. Each is directed through preselected interference filters, chosen on the one hand on the basis of the dye being used and the glass ampoule and its contents on the other hand. Associated with the filters are respective photodetectors, the output signals of which are connected to a difference amplifier stage. The output (if any) of the latter is compared to a preestablished (dye) threshold signal, which represents the minimum level (of dye) from which to effect a reject status. The ampoule contents or a particular component thereof may also be investigated in this manner.

Abstract: In an apparatus for scanning the markings on foils on the necks of the bottles in a bottle labeling machine having a photoelectric scanner including a light source and a lens for illuminating the foil on the bottle neck, a one-way mirror in the path of the light, a photosensitive receiver and a first amplifier connected thereto, the improvement wherein the photosensitive receiver comprises a pair of photoelectric elements respectively provided on the upper and lower edges of the lens, and an integrating amplifier operatively connected to each output of the pair of photoelectric receivers. The photoelectric elements are preferably photocells located either within or outside the lens in a line parallel to the bottle axis and diametrically to the lens. A selector switch may be provided to switch from the integrated output-scanning to auto-collimation.

Abstract: A light source, a light projecting body, a plurality of optical fiber bundles and a sensor is provided. The light projecting body is provided with a central bore along which the sensor is aligned and a plurality of passages for a respective fiber bundle extending therethrough in communication with the central bore. The central bore is equal to or larger than the mouth of the bottle to be examined and the apertures terminate in connection with the central bore at a point lying in a circle on the central bore corresponding substantially to the periphery of mouth of the bottle, the longitudinal direction of the passages are substantially coincident with a tangent to their associated terminal point.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting the side walls of transparent bottles for the detection of dirt or foreign bodies therein which eliminates the necessity of rotating the bottle during inspection. The inspection is effected by projecting a plurality of images of the side walls of a bottle, as viewed from at least two different directions in plan, on to at least one integrated circuit device comprising an array of photodiodes arranged in a plurality of rows in combination with means to interrogate each diode in turn, along each row in turn, to provide a video signal comprising a sequence of electrical signals corresponding to the light energy each diode has received. The video signal is differentiated and unwanted signals outside of the limits of the side walls to be inspected are gated out, whereby to generate a video output pulse representative of dirt in the bottle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for observing containers which are transported through an illumination station, and generating a recognition signal on the basis of leading edge scanning information. Leading edge scanning information is produced by a trigger photodetector and a plurality of vertically arranged registration photodetectors. A container which is to be recognized is carried through the illumination station by a conveyor, and the conveyor generates conveyor clock pulses corresponding to actual movement of the container through the illumination station. The trigger photodetector senses the leading edge of the container, and it generates a trigger signal which enables a counter to begin counting conveyor clock pulses. The registration photodetectors are positioned downstream from the trigger photodetector and are connected for terminating the counting of conveyor clock pulses upon detection of the container leading edge at their respective positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bottle inspection apparatus wherein an image of an area, such as the base, of the bottle to be inspected is projected on to an integrated circuit device comprising an array of photodiodes arranged in a plurality of rows in combination with means to interrogate each diode in turn, along each row in turn, to provide a video signal comprising a sequence of electrical signals corresponding to the light energy each diode has received, and wherein the video signal is differentiated and means are provided for gating-out unwanted signals outside the area of the bottle to be inspected whereby to generate a differentiated video output signal representative of dirt or foreign bodies in the bottle.

Abstract: A novel container sorting and handling system is provided for sorting a plurality of diverse types of containers into preselected types for either reuse, reclamation or disposal depending upon the type of container. The sorting system comprises a housing having a sorting station defined therein and an infeed conveyor for sequentially and individually transporting containers to the sorting station. At the sorting station the individual containers are rotated by a roller in order to bring the UPC Code, bar code or other code on each container into alignment with an optical scanner at the sorting station. The optical scanner produces an output signal representative of the bar code and this is in turn fed to a computer which compares the signal from the optical scanner with a plurality of prestored values in the computer. As a result of this comparison, the computer generates an output signal representative of the type of container at the sorting station.

Abstract: A radiation beam that passes through a container but which is severely attenuated or blocked by particulate material within the container is scanned across a container at a desired top layer of particulate material. Radiation emerging from the container during the scanning is detected as to intensity level. Alternatively, a radiation beam is reflected from the material to a detector. The intensity level is sampled at periodic intervals during the scan to determine at periodic positions across the container whether the height of the material therein is above or below the desired fill level. The proportional number of points that are above and below the fill level are compared to a desired threshold for either accepting the container as properly filled or rejecting it as improperly filled.

Abstract: An inspection system for detecting excessive particulate matter in serially presented liquid filled vials. Vials are advanced by an in-feed star wheel, a rotating vial deck and an out-feed star wheel having the same number of vial locations and vial orbit speed. Along the vial deck orbit, each vial is successively clamped to a rotatable puck, spun momentarily to swirl the liquid therein, inspected for particulate content, and unclamped. Further rotating decks carry circumferentially arranged television cameras and light sources, respectively. Each camera looks radially inward, axially through an orbiting periscope and then radially outward to inspect a vial. Light from each light source passes radially inward and then axially to bottom light its vial. A separation unit enhances the camera video portion corresponding to swirling particles in the vial.

Abstract: The characteristics of detecting and screening foreign matters that might be present in samples (e.g., ampoules containing a medical fluid) are improved by subjecting samples to more than two foreign matter detectors consecutively, applying the output signals from the detectors to paired comparators in which the comparing reference voltage is set to a high level and a low level, with the detectors being connected to the signal delay circuits that adjust with one another the output time of signals from the comparators, applying all the output signals from the comparators of the high level to an AND circuit and applying all the output signals from the comparators of low level to an OR circuit and further applying the output signals from the AND circuit and the output signals from the OR circuit to another OR circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting containers such as bottles according to their shape, size or color in which there is a conveyor along which the containers pass with a plurality of exits. Container recognition apparatus is provided which controls means to direct the different containers to selected ones of the exits.

Abstract: This invention relates to the inspection of glass ampules to determine whether or not a complete score line is present. A laser beam is directed to the point on the ampule where a score line would be located. The laser beam is reflected in a diffuse or specular fashion depending upon whether or not a score line is present. By detecting the amount of light which is diffusely reflected in a particular direction, determination of the presence of a score line is possible. The same inspection may be utilized to determine whether the constriction on an ampule is of the proper diameter.