Abstract: A bottle bottom inspection apparatus in which an image sensor is located above a mouth of a bottle to pick up an image of the bottle bottom and the bottle bottom is irradiated upwardly by a light source and the bottle bottom is picked up by the image sensor via the bottle mouth thereby to inspect said bottle bottom. In this case, an optical device is disposed between the light source and the bottle bottom, wherein the optical device is operated to prevent the light from the light source from being directly incident on the bottle bottom but to cause the light to be incident upwardly on the bottle bottom with a predetermined incident angle from the outside of the bottle bottom.

Abstract: A computerized bottle checker which detects the reflection or transmission of light from a rotating bottle to be checked for flaws. A bottle is rejected if the light exceeds a predetermined threshold level for a time period falling between a minimum and a maximum time. The threshold level can be automatically determined by testing a standard bottle with a known flaw and setting the threshold level to a constant fraction of the peak level for a complete rotation of the bottle. The minimum and maximum times can be set to constant fractions of the time period for which the light from the standard bottle exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: A method and a device for inspecting the sidewall of a bottle is disclosed. In the method and device for inspecting the sidewall of the bottle, an elongate illumination portion is moved to irradiate illumination light to the sidewall of the bottle to be inspected, an elongate observation portion moved synchronously with the elongate illumination portion to observe the illumination light transmitted through the sidewall of the bottle, and based on an image of the transmitted light, the presence of defects is judged. Light blocking defects and refractional defects on the sidewall of the bottle can be detected with high precision.

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: An article inspection system especially useful for containers having threaded ends includes a video camera, digitizer and data processor operable to analyze a video image collected through a lens system. The lens system has several alternatives, in each case including a wide aspect object lens, wider than the end of the article being inspected, with a refracting and/or reflecting light ray path operable to produce a two dimensional image including both the end of the article and the sides of the article adjacent the end. The optics produce a distorted image in which the sides of the article appear folded upwardly into the two dimensional image such that a two dimensional data array adequately represents the image of the end and the adjacent sides.

Abstract: Position responsive apparatus for determining the proper characteristics of an object within its field of view utilizing a pair of crossed detector arrays, one of which operates to detect the position of an image of the object as it moves in a first direction with respect to a first of the arrays and the other of which observes the desired characteristic of the object at successive positions of the image.

Abstract: Inspection equipment for inspecting products including medicines such as phials and ampuls and foods such as drinking water. The products are placed on the pedestals of an indexing turn table to be intermittently transferred. The products are held on their peripheral surface by a disk turn table and a pair of rollers and rotated on their own axes by the turn of the disk turn table. The products intermittently transferred are lighted on their surface to be inspected for each stop, inspected by being imaged with an imaging device, and sorted into a nondefective products group and a defective products group with a sorting device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the integral optical examination of damaging mechanical stresses arising in the bottom-part of bottles and hollow glasswares. In accordance with the process the bottom-part of the glasses/bottles/is illuminated with a light bundle from the mouth, the cross-sectional intensity distribution is controlled by the aid of a light bundle with predetermined angle of aperture, with the integral optical system the bottom is illuminated with a light with quasi-homogeneous intensity. The passing light is modulated and led into the photodetector, the signal of which is analysed through a band-filter. The invention includes the apparatus for the implement of the process according to the invention. The apparatus has a laser (1), a laser bundle (2) emitted therefrom, a polar filter (3), connected with a light-chopper (4), a bundle stretcher consisting of the collecting lenses (5,6), the diaphragm (8), a polar filter (14) and the photodetector (15).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the profile of portions of an article located within a predefined plane. Each portion is scanned, such as by an optical micrometer providing a beam of radiant energy, to determine its dimension. The distance between each portion and a vertical reference is also scanned to determine its dimension. The article is rotated about an axis intersecting the predefined plane within the scan of the beam and is axially moved along an axis parallel to the intersecting axis within the scan of the beam so that the dimension of each portion and its distance from the vertical reference can be determined. The apparatus may be used in combination with a cavity identification system to control manufacturing employing multiple molds.

Abstract: A method is proposed for detecting foreign bodies in fluids to investigate the fluids such as infusion liquids for foreign bodies which can lead to the plugging of infusion needles or other dangers for a patient. In the method light is directed onto the fluid and the light departing from this fluid is detected. The fluid is illuminated evenly with polarized light, and the light penetrating through the fluid is further dimmed by further polarization. The light intensity of individual measuring regions is measured through photo-electric sensing and the measured intensity is compared with an adjustable threshold so that when the threshold is exceeded at any given time during a measuring interval, corresponding signals are produced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting transparent objects is disclosed. The apparatus employs preconditioned radiation to detect defects having small radii of curvature or other such highly refractive surfaces and discriminate them from desirable markings having larger radii of curvature. The apparatus comprises a radiation source, means for selecting angular spectrum ranges, means for modifying average angles of incidence, radiation detection means and processing means.

Abstract: An object is sensed by a photoelectric conversion sensor having a photoelectric conversion screen expressed as an XY coordinate grid such that the symmetrical axis of the object is parallel to one axis of the XY coordinate, coordinates at a plurality of right left points which respect to the other axis of the XY coordinate at which an external contour of the object intersects a plurality of straight lines perpendicular to the symmetrical axis are determined. Coordinates at a plurality of center points between the right and left points with respect to the other axis are determined, and the maximum frequency coordinate among the coordinates of center points in designated as a standard center coordinate, and the standard center coordinate is compared with each of the plurality of center coordinates.

Abstract: Object identifying device, e.g. a bottle receiving device, comprising a transport apparatus for transporting the objects such as bottles, an identifying device with a data processing unit for identifying and accepting bottles having certain given shapes, and a recording device for recording accepted bottles. The identifying device comprises a principally stationary illuminating device for illuminating the bottles, a detector for examining the bottles, and a conveyor for moving the bottles past the detector. A mirror system is interposed between the illuminating device and the detector, with which the optical length of the entire system can be increased without increasing the structural dimensions thereof.

Abstract: An engineered lighting system for use in an inspection system is comprised of an array of light emitting diodes. A specimen is brought into the viewing area, and a current pulse is provided to the diodes of the array to selectively flash all or a portion of the diodes of the array. Reflected light from the specimen is sensed and a digitized image is generated therefrom. An illumination level of the digitized image is adjustable, in whole or in part, by varying the effective lighting intensity of one or more of the diodes of the array during a flash period. The digitized image of the specimen is compared to data indicative of acceptability of the specimen, and acceptance or rejection of the specimen is decided on a basis of a comparison therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting the bottom of a transparent container for defective conditions, such as internal stuck glass, internal loose glass or foreign material. The container is provided in an inspection zone and a linearly extending line of light from a light source is focused to pass through the container bottom with the line of light extending the length of the inspection zone and hence the length of the container bottom. The linearly extending line of light enters the container through the exterior surface of the container bottom. The intensity of the light reflected from defects in or within the container and through the container side wall at a predetermined angle is detected. The detected intensity of the reflected light is compared with a predetermined threshold value that provides a measure of the acceptability of the container.

Abstract: A surface inspection apparatuses having a light source for irradiating an uneven surface of an object to be inspected, a photoelectric conversion sensor for picking up the uneven surface of the object and generating a video signal thereof, and an electronic processor for processing the video signal to inspect the surface of the object, in which an optical mask is located in front of the light source so as to restrict the passage of the light from the light source with a predetermined pattern, whereby the irregular light reflection of the light from the light source, which passed through the optical mask, on the uneven surface becomes substantially uniform.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting the sidewall of a bottle, comprises an illuminating unit for applying light to the sidewall of a bottle under rotating; a photoelectric conversion unit for photoelectrically converting a light transmitted image of the sidewall applied with light by the illuminating unit into electric signals; a defect detecting unit for detecting a defect point within the light transmitted image which has been photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit, based on the brightness of at least two points on an inspection scan line; and a judge unit for judging if the inspection scan line is a defective scan line based on the defect point detected by the defect detecting unit, judging if there is a defect on the sidewall of a bottle based on the state of continuation of defective scan lines.

Abstract: Glassware inspection apparatus comprises a first light emitting diode position to illuminate a first region of the ware, a first driver for driving the first light emitting diode in a first modulated mode, a first photodetector positioned for receiving light of the first light emitting diode which illuminates the first region of the container, and a first demodulator for the output of the first photodetector. The apparatus also comprises a second light emitting diode positioned to illuminate a second region of the container, a driver for driving the second light emitting diode in a second modulated mode, a second photodetector positioned for receiving light of the second light emitting diode which illuminates the second region of the container, and a second demodulator for the output of the second photodetector. The two modulation modes minimize cross-talk between the first and second light emitting diodes.

Abstract: An inspection machine for plastic bottles has a turn table rotatable about a vertical axis, and a plurality of inspection stations to receive the bottles to be inspected. Output signals from sensors are fed to evaluation electronics provided on the turntable itself. Each station has a plate on which a bottle can be rotated as a result of rotation of the turntable. During inspection each bottle executes an orbital movement about the vertical axis of the turntable and at the same time a rotation about the axis of bottle itself as a result of which each bottle is inspected more than once for perpendicularity of the bottom of the bottle and its neck as well. Volume and pressure tightness as well as height of the bottle and bottle color are also inspected.

Abstract: A vacuum degree inspecting device wherein a high degree of accuracy is not required for positioning of an object vessel and the degree of vacuum of an object vessel can be detected with a high S/N ratio under a reduced influence of fluctuations in size or configuration of a top (lid) wall of an object vessel. The device comprises a great diameter lens for refracting rays of light from a light source into rays of light to be irradiated upon an area including a lid wall of a sealed up vessel held at a predetermined inspection position, a beam splitter for passing part of rays from the great diameter lens therethrough and for reflecting reflected rays from the lid wall of the sealed up vessel, a condenser lens for condensing reflected rays from the beam splitter, an image sensor for detecting the thus condensed rays, and a comparator circuit for comparing an output voltage of the image sensor with a reference voltage to develop a signal representing that the sealed up vessel is acceptable or to be rejected.

Abstract: In the case of a device for mechanically accepting empties, more particularly bottles subject to a deposit, with a conveying device and a sensing device associated therewith, a high degree of reliability and a simple design are made possible inasfar as such conveying means comprises a conveying passage which comprises two parallel sections which are offset in relation to each other in the direction of conveying and have conveying belts placed side by side and arranged to be driven at different speeds, and an intermediate member extending obliquely in relation to the direction of motion of the conveying belts so as to bridge over a gap between the adjacent conveying belts, an outlet end part of the section with the more rapid conveying belt under it extending past the sensing means, which has a number of vertically offset sensing elements, aligned so as to be generally parallel to the plane of conveyance and adapted to sense the diameter of the empties.

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.

Abstract: In the context of a device for mechanically receiving empties in the form of bottle crates and other containers for bottles subject to a deposit, comprising a frame, at least one conveying device forming the lower limit of a conveying passage and which is adapted to move the empties past a sensing device improved functional reliability is achieved by an arrangement in which the sensing device comprises a sensing head extending over the conveying device, said sensing head being able to be raised and lowered by means of an actuator operated by the passage of an article moved by the conveying device and cooperating with a measuring device responding to its stroke, said sensing device comprising sensing elements arranged in the form of a row arranged to extend perpendicularly to the direction of conveying and arranged in relation to a fixed plane of an aligning device aligning the passing articles so as to be parallel to the conveying direction, said sensing elements being arranged to be actuated by articles unde

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting defects on a bottle mouth having a screw thread has an illuminating unit for applying light to the mouth of a bottle under rotation; a photoelectric conversion unit for photoelectrically converting a light transmitted image of the bottle mouth illuminated with light by the illuminating unit into electric signals; a defect detecing unit for detecting a defect within a predetermined area in the light transmitted image photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit, based on the brightness at predtermined at-least two points in a predetermined detection direction within the area; and a judge unit for calculating the number of defects detected by the defect detecting unit and judging the presence of any defect of the bottle mouth based on the number of defects.The apparatus detects defect points from the light transmitted image of the bottle mouth and judges based on the number of defect points whether or not there is a defect of a bottle.

Abstract: A mold number reader for detecting code marks at the heel of a transparent bottle or the like, such code marks desirable being in the form of dots or balls protruding from the bottle's heel. During rotation of the bottle, its heel portion is illuminated with a structured light source in the form of a narrow rectangle, which light is selectively reflected by code marks and collected by field-type optics. The use of a well defined light source of small area provides a high input signal level, while the field optics enjoys a high depth of field and hence decreased sensitivity to bottle placement during inspection. The light source may be a modulated laser diode and the signal processing electronics may include a demodulator to process the photodetector output signal. The use of heterodyned signal processing decreases the sensitivity to ambient light and other sources of noise in the output signal.

Abstract: A vessel opening top inspection apparatus which can accurately detect presence or absence of an overpress finish of a vessel such as a bottle. The apparatus comprises a projector, an image sensor, a memory, a top detecting means including a top width detecting means and a width judging means, and an overpress finish detecting means. Light projected by the projector and reflected from an opening top of a vessel in position for inspection is received by the image sensor outputs of cells of which are stored as digital amounts individually into cells of the memory specified by corresponding addresses whereafter the digital amounts are judged one after another to detect the opening top and then the digital amounts are judged one after another for addresses after such detection to detect presence or absence of an overpress finish on the vessel depending upon the magnitude of the digital amounts.

Abstract: Contamination, either in the form of particulate matter (46), e.g., dust and non-wetting liquid, or surface discontinuities (48), such as a smooth film or cratering, is collected on an explosed glass plate (12). Illumination at an angle incident with respect to a surface (14) of the glass plate causes the particulate matter to scatter light. A further light source illuminates the inside volume of the glass, causing light to scatter from the surface discontinuities. Either source of light scattering is detected by an optically sensitive detector (18) positioned beneath the glass plate. A bandpass filter (24) between the glass plate and the detector rejects spurious radiation.

Abstract: A bottle is moved over a sector of a circular path and simultaneously rotated around its longitudinal axis for the opto-electronic inspection of the mouth area for chipping of the glass. The bottle is guided through the beam path of a measuring apparatus on its way over the circular path. A measuring beam passes at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the bottle in the area of the mouth opening. The location dependent scanning signal generated by the measuring apparatus during each scan corresponding to every discrete angular position of the bottle displays a characteristic intensity modulation. The presence of a chip in the glass may be recognized in the scanning signal by the absence of the intensity maximum present at the location of a chip. The absence of the intensity maximum may be ascertained by measuring the distance between two adjacent intensity maxima and comparing the measured distance with a reference value.

Abstract: Apparatus and an associated method for inspecting translucent containers to determine whether haze or pearlescence exists include a light source and associated photodetectors which are in spaced relationship to permit passage of containers to be inspected therebetween. A processing unit determines whether a particular predetermined linear array of photodetectors has been illuminated to indicate the presence of pearlescence, whether a conical light beam has illuminated a circular array to indicate the presence of haze or whether neither defect exists. In a preferred embodiment, individual portions of the container less than the full circumference are tested with the results being cumulatively determined so as to minimize the likelihood that minor defects will provide a false reading of the presence of either haze or pearlescence.

Abstract: Empty bottles are checked for foreign bodies and other contamination by passing the bottles successively through two inspection zones in which they are optoelectronically scanned while they are on rotating disks that are mounted on a rotating table. When in one inspection zone a bottle is held stable on the disk by a rotatable socket that grips the bottle mouth to allow a clear view for inspecting down to the bottom. When in the other inspection zone the bottle is engaged by a ring at about shoulder height so there is a clear view for inspection of the bottle portion from the shoulder to the mouth. In transition regions between inspection zones the ring and socket both engage the bottle for a moment and then one gripper is withdrawn while the other remains to hold the bottle in the forthcoming inspection zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting the sealing surface of a container for dips, saddles and lean is disclosed. While the container is rotated, a beam of light is projected horizontally above and through a finish portion of said container. An optical detector detects the height of said sealing surface by detecting the location of a minimum in the light beam. Dips in the height indicate dips or saddles. Alternately, an opaque bearing member is lowered onto the sealing surface in the path of the light beam to provide a reference indicative of the prevailing height of the sealing surface. Light passing between the underside of the bearing member and the sealing surface indicates a dip or saddle.

Abstract: A bottle mouth defect inspection apparatus having a ring-shaped light source for irradiating a ring-shaped bottle mouth portion to be inspected, a photo-electric conversion sensor for converting a reflected light from the bottle mouth portion into an electrical signal and an electronic processor for processing the electrical signal to thereby inspect the existence or not of defects on the bottle mouth portion, wherein the diameter of the ring-shaped light source is selected larger than the outer diameter of the bottle mouth portion, the optical axis of the photo-electric conversion sensor, the center axis of the ring-shaped light source and the center axis of the bottle mouth portion are coincided to each other, positions of the photo-electric conversion sensor, the ring-shaped light source and the bottle mouth portion along the axis are selected such that only the ring-shaped reflected lights from the outer and inner edge portions of the bottle mouth portion are incident on the photo-electric conversion sens

Abstract: An electrooptical system in which workpieces are illuminated from a generally uniform source of light and are line scanned for light intensity deviations characteristic of defects. Pulse trains from photoelectric detectors of a line array have pulse magnitudes which are a function of the light on discrete areas of the workpiece. Pulses having magnitude deviations from adaptively established signal levels are considered events characteristic of the defects. At the beginning of each scan the initial signals are rejected and the pulse train video signal is validated only after the video signal passed by a low pass filter exceeds a threshold. Thereafter data for the event signals of the scan are stored. In order to facilitate storage and processing of data, those event signals which occur for contiguous pulses are identified as event strings, and when an event string achieves greater than a threshold number of events, the stored data is compressed.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting defects on a bottle mouth has an annular illuminator, a reflecting mirror for forming a planar image of the bottle mouth, a CCD camera for detecting the planar image and an operation unit for operating electric signals produced by the CCD camera to judge existence of the defects on the bottle mouth. Detecting operation of defects can be carried out instantly without rotating the bottle.

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: A video inspection system with collimated viewing of plural containers has a conveyor for continuously transporting bodies disposed immediately adjacent one another to an inspection zone at which the bodies are backlighted. A video detector for capturing and analyzing a digital image of successive containers views the containers through a preferably fresnel collimating lens disposed between the bodies and the video detector, whereby an elevation view of the bodies is achieved. A data processing device operable to correlate the portions of successive images corresponding to a single body proceeding through the inspection zone analyzes the images and operates a downstream apparatus for segregating the bodies based upon visible features.

Abstract: A soft drink maker has a supply of soda water and various flavors housed in a cabinet. A user puts a container in a selected station on the cabinet and selects the size and flavor of the drink to be made and starts the machine. The machine senses the presence of the container in the station, dispenses soda water into the container in two measured and consecutive quantities, and dispenses into the container a measured quantity of the selected flavor syrup between the consecutive in-flows of soda water. Upon removal of the container from the station, the operation can be repeated. Various electrical interlocks make sure the proper sequence or cycle is followed.

Abstract: A bottle cap inspection apparatus having a circular shaped light source which is placed to irradiate a cap on a bottle mouth from above; a photoelectric conversion sensor above the cap for receiving the light reflected from the cap; and, an electronic processor for processing an electrical signal from the photoelectric conversion sensor to detect defects in the cap. The bottle is placed under the photoelectric conversion sensor in a manner such that the center axis of the bottle coincides with the optical axis of the photoelectric conversion sensor, and the center of the circular light source coincides with the optical axis. An optical mask is located between the light source and the cap on the bottle mouth such that it defines an outer peripheral surface of a visual field of the photoelectric conversion sensor looking at the bottle mouth as well as an inner peripheral surface of the irradiation range onto the bottle mouth from the circular light source as different conical shapes.

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: An illumination system for video inspection of transparent and translucent bodies to be inspected sequentially while moving along a conveying path has a light source and light-transmitting block partly enclosing over the end of the bodies moving on the path. A light source, especially one or more strobe lamps is located along the conveying path, and light from the source is directed inwardly by the block to a diffuse surface defining side walls of a channel through which rims move along the conveying path. The diffuse side walls direct light inwardly and obliquely of the rim. The rim can be illuminated on the fore and aft sides in the channel by light emission from an additional block of material forming a connection web between the inwardly-reflective blocks, tending to evenly illuminate the rim.

Abstract: A method of checking defectively fused ampoules wherein a head portion of a fused ampoule is projected on a light receiving screen so as to focus an image of the heat portion thereon, a focused image is scanned with a plurality of scanning lines running in the diametral direction of the focused image and sequentially sweeping in the longitudinal direction thereof to produce a plurality of edge signals corresponding to the scanning lines, the number of edge segments and the inner and outer widths are measured from each of the edge signals, measured values are compared with predetermined logical references set for the number of edge segments and inner and outer widths, and the fused ampoule is judged defective when the measured values are incongruous to the logical references.

Abstract: A mold number reader for detecting code marks at the heel of a transparent bottle or the like, such code marks desirable being in the form of dots or balls protruding from the bottle's heel. During rotation of the bottle, its heel portion is illuminated with a structured light source in the form of a narrow rectangle, which light is selectively reflected by code marks and collected by field-type optics. The use of a wall defined light source of small area provides a high input signal level, while the field optics enjoys a high depth of field an hence decreased sensitivity to bottle placement during inspection. The light source may be a modulated laser diode and the signal processing electronics may include a demodulator to process the photodetector output signal. The use of heterodyned signal processing decreases the sensitivity to ambient light and other sources of noise in the output signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inspecting the finish of transparent containers, particularly glass containers, which include facility for directing diffused light energy laterally through the container finish as the container is rotated about its central axis. A camera includes a plurality of light sensitive elements disposed in a linear array angulated with respect to the container axis to view the external and internal finish wall surfaces, the latter through the open container mouth. Individual elements of the camera linear array are sampled by an information processor at increments of container rotation, and corresponding data indicative of light intensity at each element is stored in an array memory as a combined function of element number and scan increment. Such data is compared following completion of container rotation to standard data indicative of acceptable container finish, and a reject signal is generated if such comparison exceeds an operator adjustable threshold.

Abstract: A lighting device for apparatus detecting flaws in objects having a photoelectric sensor aligned with the object and a processor responsive to the sensor for determining the light received by the sensor. The lighting device includes a ring-shaped lamp and an opaque shield having predetermined light paths controlling the direction of the light from the lamp in a selected direction, so that the light irradiates the object to be inspected in a manner whereby the light is reflected from the object to the sensor only when the object is flawed.

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 container inspection apparatus for inspecting coating integrity includes an electrical control system that produces an output signal representative of the reflectivity of an inner surface of the container which is fed to a microprocessor and is compared with lower and upper limit references. If the output signal is outside the limit references, an ejector mechanism located in a path for moving containers is activated to remove the defective container from the path. The ejector mechanism includes flipper rods pivoted at one end and located in an inclined portion of the path so that the defective containers are removed by gravity feed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting the sidewalls of containers on a continuously-moving conveyor includes recording instantaneous upper and lower angularly-spaced images of the bottles as they pass. Data on the images is stored as numeric data indicating the grey shade of each pixel in a matrix of pixels, which matrix is examined for edges and then divided based on detected edges into inspection windows. The windows are subject to separate criteria between typically scuffed areas and open areas. The occurrence of pixels in at least three grey ranges reflecting clear glass, opaque glass, and scuffed glass, together with the correlation of such occurrences between angularly-spaced views and upper and lower views, is processed to detect defects. A memory stores a status indication in a queue representing the acceptability of the bottles being examined, which are then segregated by a downstream reject kicker mechanism.

Abstract: A defect inspection apparatus for bottles made of transparent material in which a light source is located under a bottle made of transparent material and to be inspected for irradiating a bottom of the bottle, a photoelectric conversion sensor is installed above the mouth of the bottle for receiving such a light that enters the bottle from its bottom, passes through the inside of the sidewall of the bottle and then is emitted upwards from the mouth of the bottle and, an electric processor is provided for electrically processing the responsive electrical signal from the photoelectric conversion sensor to thereby inspect defects of the bottle.

Abstract: To inspect objects which are symmetrical, as for example the rims of bottles, the video signal representing a field of view within which the rim is imaged is divided into portions which should contain mirror image portions of the rim image. These two image portions are compared electronically to determine the deviation, if any, from such mirror image symmetry. If the deviation is sufficiently great, the object being inspected is earmarked for rejection. The division into image portions is by the top and bottom of a strip of the composite image in which the strip is perpendicular to the raster lines of the field of view and by left- and right-hand portions of the composite image on either side of the strip. The electronic comparison is effected by counting the scanning points along a raster line, line by line, containing the image of the rim and comparing the counts obtained from the two image portions to each other. The image of the rim should be centered within the field of view.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for checking containers, e.g. bottles or pots by means of a transport apparatus for transporting the containers along a predetermined path and a lighting apparatus positioned at a side of said path, e.g. at least one flash light means, and a sensing apparatus, e.g. at least one video camera positioned on a corresponding position, said transport apparatus being provided, in the area of said lighting apparatus and said sensing apparatus a part, in which the containers are hung by their collars. The invention proposes to adapt an apparatus of the type mentioned in the preamble in such a way that in said part of said transport apparatus the path is rectilinear, thus avoiding the need of using means to counteract the oblique position necessary in prior art apparatus, in which the path is curved, and avoiding mechanical load due to centrifugal forces.