Abstract: A defect inspection system in which a reflector body is arranged at such an angle relative to an object to be inspected that in spite of any parallel movements of the image does not overlap the inspected object. The inspected object and the image thereof are both simultaneously picked up by the same television camera. Then, the video signal from the television camera is fed to a processor which then inspects whether or not the object to be inspected contains defects or flaws.

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: A method of and apparatus for compensating for signal drift in container inspection apparatus using radiant energy emitters and detectors for scanning the containers in combination with a processing circuit associated with the emitters and detectors for synchronizing the scanning signals and processing the signals in subcircuits such that the signals generated during intervals when no container is being scanned are constantly being examined for drift and signals compensated for drift, if any, are used for comparison with container inspection scan signals to determine if a container needs to be rejected.

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: 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: An apparatus and a method for identifying defects in objects, such as glass bottles, utilizing data signals generated from a photodiode camera and light source. Event signals are generated when the magnitudes of adjacent data signals differ by an amount which exceeds a threshold level. Signals are also generated to identify the location of each event signal with respect to a corresponding photodiode and to identify during which vertical sweep of the object the event signal was generated to associate the event signal with a point on the object. The event signals are processed to identify defects. Events in proximity in the same sweep are identified as a string. Event magnitudes and totals in a string are compared with predetermined values to identify defects. Strings in proximity are identified as a blob. Event magnitudes and totals and blob width are compared with predetermined values to identify defects.

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: An apparatus for displaying an output of an inspection device for objects such as glass bottles and the like is connected to a source of data signals each proportional in magnitude to the amount of light received from an associated point on the object being inspected. The data signals are inputs to a storage means and an adder for generating a signal representing the difference between each one of the data points and an adjacent one of the data points stored in the storage means. Each difference signal is compared with a threshold signal to generate an event signal when the magnitudes differ. The event signals are displayed as a two-dimensional representation of the surface of the object as if it had been cut and unwrapped. The operator can repeat the inspection utilizing different threshold values to optimize the defect detection performance of the inspection device.

Abstract: In general, used beer, alcoholic drink, soft drink or medical bottles are collected to be used again. Such used returnable bottles often have foreign matters or contaminants such as dust and leavings or cracks, and they must be removed from the bottling line before or after the bottle cleaning process. This invention positively satisfies such a requirement. The foreign matter detecting device comprises: a photoelectric conversion device having a number of light receiving elements; and a video signal processing device for successively subjecting to comparison and discrimination the detection signals of variable two adjacent points which are detected by the photoelectric conversion device, to determine whether or not the bottle has a foreign matter.

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: The invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting the side walls of transparent bottles for the detection of dirt or foreign bodies therein. 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 two optical paths are so folded that over part of their lengths they are parallel and vertical, thus enabling both path lengths to be varied simultaneously by a common adjustment means, thereby to shorten or lengthen the object distance to obtain the appropriate magnification over a range of bottle sizes and make full use of the potential resolution of the photodiode array.

Abstract: This invention concerns an apparatus for detecting the presence of faults in a translucent container of the kind comprising a scanning zone in which a translucent container is rotated while being repeatedly scanned by a spot beam of light in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the container, a light collection apparatus being arranged to receive light from the beam after passing through the container.The light collection apparatus comprises a rectangular matrix of photosensitive devices disposed behind a light-diffusing screen upon whose front surface the light from the scanning beam falls after passing through the container. A rectangular grid of thin white walls is sandwiched between the screen and the photosensitive devices so as to define a plurality of boxes with a respective device being located at the rear of each box.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of surface irregularties in transparent articles, especially spikes on the inside base of glass containers.The containers (5) are passed rotatably over a slit (7) having an opaque line (11) situated centrally about the longitudinal axis of the slit. A pair of light sources (15) are positioned beneath the slit and to either side of the opaque line (11) so that, in the absence of surface irregularities, light is refracted at an oblique angle through the container base. A diode-array camera (13) situated vertically above the slit and focussed thereon normally receives no light from the light sources. In the presence of a defect, diffraction of light occurs into the area of view of the camera causing a "defect present" signal to be produced which is processed electronically, enabling the defective container to be rejected.

Abstract: A method of determining physical characteristics of a surface. Light or other electromagnetic radiation is directed onto a first portion of a surface and the reflected radiation is received such as by a photodiode. The radiation is also directed onto at least two further portions of the surface and located on either side of and proximate to the first portion. The radiation reflected by the further portions is also received. The radiation reflected from the first portion is compared with the radiation reflected from the two further portions. The radiation and comparison steps are repeated and the comparisons are used to determine a physical characteristic of the surface, such as the presence of one or more flaws. In another embodiment, light or other electromagnetic radiation is used to determine object dimension, such as bore dimension.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the wall thickness of a plastic article, particularly of a hollow rotation-symmetrical plastic article. According to the method, the wall of the plastic article is subjected to infra-red radiation and the intensity of, e.g., the continuously transmitted radiation is measured at preselected points, said intensity being a function of the wall thickness to be measured. At the same time, on one hand, the plastic article and, on the other hand, a radiation source and/or a radiation detector are set in an axial and rotational movement in relation to each other.

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: Transparent objects having at least a localized region with symmetry of revolution are optically inspected by moving them to an examining station, locally illuminating each of them at the examining station with a plurality of circularly scanned fixed light beams, and detecting light from each by a plurality of successively interrogated fixed detection areas. In a preferred embodiment, the illumination is carried out by circular scanning in successive steps about the object with a plurality of differently-oriented, fixed light beams. At least one detection area is interrogated for each illumination step.

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: An apparatus for receiving and handling empty beverage containers. The empty containers may be received either individually or in cartons upon a moving conveyor. An alignment mechanism separates the containers and moves them to one side of the conveyor. A switch arrangement senses cartons, so that the system can process cartons of empty containers in a different manner than individual empty containers. The containers, whether individually or in cartons, pass through an illumination station wherein they interrupt illumination falling upon a row of photocells. Output signals from the photocells are transmitted to identification circuitry together with clock signals generated in synchronism with the movement of the conveyor. The identification circuitry generates registration signals, which are used to compute value of the containers being received. A paddle mechanism shifts the cartons to a separating station, which forwards properly filled cartons to a storage area.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting containers for foreign matter so as to insure the same being free of such matter that could affect the contents when the containers are filled, such apparatus incorporating an inspection system in which a prism is able to rotate non-collimated light without introducing distortion since it does not depend on plane wave fronts and is thus able to greatly expand the field of view, thereby providing more dependable detection of foreign matter at the center and in the peripheral areas of container bottoms and lower side walls.

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: An apparatus for receiving and handling empty beverage containers. The empty containers may be received either individually or in cartons upon a moving conveyor. An alignment mechanism separates the containers and moves them to one side of the conveyor. A switch arrangement senses cartons, so that the system can process cartons of empty containers in a different manner than individual empty containers. The containers, whether individually or in cartons, pass through an illumination station wherein they interrupt illumination falling upon a row of photocells. Output signals from the photocells are transmitted to identification circuitry together with clock signals generated in synchronism with the movement of the conveyor. The identification circuitry generates registration signals, which are used to compute value of the containers being received. A paddle mechanism shifts the cartons to a separating station, which forwards properly filled cartons to a storage area.

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: 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: In this disclosure is described apparatus for automatic pattern or object recognition in which objects or goods with optically recognizable patterns are optically scanned for the pattern by passing the objects in front of optical sensor means where the light reflected from the object is received by the sensor means. In this disclosure there is described in detail apparatus for identifying and sorting various types of returnable bottles such as soft drink bottles by scanning across the bottles, the light reflected from the bottle graphics providing a coded signal or signature representing the bottle type. The identification is accomplished by considering such signature features as number of peaks, largest gap, area under curve, summation of difference between consecutive data points and the ratio of the area to the difference summation. The values obtained for the features are then matched with known feature bounds to provide the identification.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting foreign matters by illuminating foreign matters which swirl together with a liquid in a transparent container and measuring transmitted light. Transparent containers filled with liquid are fed one by one to the receiving seats on the transferring board which moves continuously at a fixed speed. The transparent container on the receiving seat, upon arrival at a certain position, is turned at a high speed, while being transferred continuously. Foreign matters that might be preset in liquid are caused to suspend in the liquid. The transparent container, with foreign matters suspended, is moved to the position where the optical detector is located, then the optical detector begins to move in synchronism with the transferring board. During this synchronous movement the container is illuminated by the light source in the optical detector and the light which has been transmitted through the liquid is received by the optical detector.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for diverting articles being moved by a conveyor in a line extending along a predetermined path to at least one additional conveyor moving along at least one additional path extending from a diverting station located adjacent to the first path. A different diverting signal corresponding to each additional path can be generated, causing a diverter to switch a given article to a selected additional path. The diverters includes a plurality of engaging devices supported in spaced relation and driven in a closed path that is adjacent to the conveyor at the diverting station. The engaging devices are programmed in response to corresponding diverting signals to divert specific articles on the conveyor by enabling assemblies at an enabling station located along the closed path ahead of the diverting station. The diverting signals may be generated as each article passes a sensing station located along the predetermined path ahead of the diverting station.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining which of a plurality of molds produced a particular container. A specific concentric ring code is molded into the bottom of each container as it is produced. This code is defined by absence or presence of rings at possible ring positions. No rings are formed in adjacent positions. The containers are then passed by a reading station, where light whose intensity is proportional to the angle of incidence is projected onto the bottom of the container. The variation of intensity of light reflected to a particular point is used to determine the position of the rings on the container and suitable electronics may then decode the ring position to determine the container code, thus permitting identification of the mold which produced each container.

Abstract: An electronic bottle inspector having particle and liquid detection capabilities through the use of sensing systems in the visible and infra-red light range. For particle inspection in the visible light range, light from a source, typically an incandescent source passing through the bottom of a bottle, is focused above the neck of the bottle to preset an image of the bottom of the bottle on a rotating scanner characterized by a generally non-reflective background having one or more reflecting segments thereon. The scanner rotates at high speed so that the reflecting segment or segments scans the image focused thereon, with at least the reflective segments being contoured so the light falling thereon from the respective portion of the bottle bottom image is focused onto a detector. The particulate matter on the bottom of the bottle will block the light, creating a dip in detector output when that portion of the image is scanned.

Abstract: A region of a glass bottle is inspected for flaws or checks by scanning the region with a light beam. The passage of a flaw or check through the beam causes a fluctuation in the intensity of the light beam at two spaced apart locations. At each location, a sensor senses the fluctuation in beam intensity caused by the flaw or check. A difference amplifier generates a difference signal based on the sequential detection of the fluctuation in intensity of the light beam at the two locations. The difference signal is rectified and inverted. The inverted difference signal is rectified and combined with the rectified difference signal to produce a combined signal. If the combined signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value within a predetermined time interval, a reject signal is generated to operate a mechanism which removes the bottle by conventional means.

Abstract: A container crown ring chip detector applying opto-electronic means for detecting the presence of chips in the container crown ring finish consisting of support means straddling the path of travel of the container crown ring, photo elements in opposing alignment and surrounding a substantial portion of the crown ring inspection station, electronic control means driving photo emitters which emit inspection rays detected by cooperating photo transistor receivers, and sequential driver circuits and synchronous detector circuits.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting glass fragments within closed filled jars on a production line. A plurality of jars is conveyed in serial fashion past an inspection station. Prior to arrival at the inspection station the jars are tilted by an acute angle of approximately 45.degree. to define a lowermost portion of the jar bottom into which glass fragments and the like settle. A light source illuminates this lowermost portion at the inspection station, and a television camera is precisely focused on the lowermost portion. The camera relays a signal for producing a magnified image on a monitor so that an operator can divert jars containing foreign matter out of the line.

Abstract: A method for controlling the rate of filling bottles as they are moved by a rotary table, in which position indicating devices are attached to the pistons which move the filling nozzles up and down in the vertical direction, the position indicating devices are detected just before the bottles are discharged from the rotary table to determine whether filling of the bottles is completed by means of two piston position detecting devices A and B which devices are circumferentially spaced-apart so as to define an included angle .theta. of 10.degree. to 30.degree. with respect to the center of the rotary table, and the rotation speed of the rotary table is increased or decreased so that the proportion of completely filled bottles detected by the first or leading detecting device A during each rotation of the rotary table is less than 100% but the proportion of completely filled bottles detected by the second or trailing detecting device B during each rotation of the rotary table is 100%.

Abstract: The identification of a mold in which a vessel made from an optically transparent material has been molded. The vessel is provided with a plurality of marks disposed about a path on the wall of the vessel. There is a first set of marks disposed above the path and a second set disposed below the path. One of the first or second sets contains code marks for providing an indication of the mold and the other set contains timing marks suitable for the sequential reading of the code marks. The marks are illuminated by a light path as the vessel is moved and the diffraction or reflection of the light caused by the marks is evaluated. Time impulses are generated in response to the evaluation of the timing marks for sequential reading of the code marks.

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: Apparatus for reading an alphanumeric code molded into the bottom of a glass container. The code characters are sequentially illuminated, and a plurality of images of the illuminated character are formed in a given plane. An optical mask is disposed in a given plane, having thereon at least one character corresponding to each possible character in the code. The mask characters are respectively aligned with one of the plural images and are opposite contrast to the image. The image of the illuminated character is formed on one face of a bundle of small diameter optical fibers, the ends of which are cut in common planes and polished. The image passed by the optical fiber bundle is received by a large diameter lens projecting the image to infinity, and a plurality of small diameter lenses in hollow opaque tubes are interposed between the large diameter lens and the mask to provide the plural images.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system of determining which of a plurality of molds produced a particular container. A concentric ring code is molded into the bottom of each container as it is produced. The containers are then passed by a reading station, where light whose intensity is proportional to the angle of incidence is projected onto the bottom of the container. Readings are taken of the variation of intensity of light reflected to a particular point in order to determine the position of rings on the container. Suitable electronics then decode the ring position to determine the container code, thus allowing identification of the mold which produced each container.

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: An apparatus of the invention for inspecting bottles for detecting flaws or contamination in the bottles relies upon the light converging function performed by one open-sided elliptic cylinder having reflective inner surface and two foci. The point or line to be inspected of the bottle is positioned at one of the two foci, while at least one light receiving element is disposed at the other focus. A beam of light is applied to the point or line to be inspected of the bottle, so that, if there is any defect such as flaw or contamination, the light is reflected irregularly by the bottle in indefinite direction. The irregularly reflected fractions of light are reflected by the inner surface of the elliptic cylinder and converge on the light receiving element disposed at the other focus, so as to be effectively received by the same element. the presence of the defect, if any, is detected from the output of the light receiving element.

Abstract: A device for measuring the profile of a body wherein three expanded planar laser beams are provided, each of the planar beams being relatively disposed at angles of 45.degree. and directed towards the path of a moving body. Respective photocells are arranged to be illuminated by the beams after passage across the path of the moving body. Relative movement is effected between the body and the laser beams, such that the body successively passes through the beams and effectively masks respective ones of the beams from their associated photocells for a time period indicative of the diameter of the body at the photodetector height. The photodetector thus provides an electrical signal representative of such period. The diameter of the body is measured at a plurality of heights to provide a profile of the body in a vertical plane perpendicular to the plane of the light beam.

Abstract: The invention refers to an apparatus of the type for automatic identification and registration of bottles of different sizes and/or shapes advanced one after the other along a path, at least some bottles having glass of a high light transparency. The bottles pass through the ray path of a light source-photocell arrangement forming a detector unit. According to the invention, the detector unit comprises a matrix having a universally and systematically grouped array of photo cells in the side and height directions of the bottles, each of said photo cells being actuable by a different and directed light ray from a point-shaped light source, and being, by means of a programming unit, programmable to respond in predetermined patterns, corresponding to the bottle types to be identified, a plurality of detecting operations being performed at points determined by the matrix while a bottle is advanced a certain distance.

Abstract: An article monitoring and reject apparatus is disclosed that is particularly well suited for monitoring or inspecting glass containers and automatically rejecting defective containers. The system includes a monitoring unit having a plurality of scan diodes and associated phototransistors with each diode being individually caused to emit a plurality of light pulses and the diodes being successively energized to scan that portion of the article to be monitored. The associated phototransistor produces a plurality of electrical pulses when a defect is sensed, as indicated by light reflected from the portion of the article then being monitored, and a defect signal is produced only if a predetermined plurality of pulses are generated from each of a plurality of diodes indicative of a defect. An inspection window is established by a separate light emitter and sensor at the monitoring area and the signal produced is processed in dual paths to reject device circuitry.

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: Newly made glass containers received on a conveyor belt in random orientation are conveyed and brushed into transversally separated columns in lying-down orientation, mouths randomly forwards and rearwards. An escapement periodically addresses the leading row of the columns and sets all the containers of this row in a mouth-upwards upright condition. These upright containers are transferred, several at a time, to individual pockets of an indexing rotary table. Typically, the table has four positions, in which the containers are respectively loaded into pockets, plug gauged, photoelectrically inspected, and unloaded. The relative position of inspection-failing containers is stored in a memory and, in connection with unloading the rotary table, these containers are culled. Apparatus for accepting and automatically packing the inspection-passing containers in boxes is preferably juxtaposed with the unloading station of the rotary table.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a photoelectric sensor associated with a predetermined zone of a hollow glass article to be examined for faults. During one testing operation, the photoelectric sensor successively detects all faults in that zone and generates for each a fault signal whose value is dependent upon the characteristics of the fault. The fault signals are applied to a threshold circuit which generates an output signal only when the fault-signal value exceeds a threshold-signal level. The setting-up procedure involves performing at least one preliminary testing operation upon a preselected sample or standard article having acceptable faults. Each threshold-circuit output signal automatically results in a circuit adjustment which reduces by a predetermined amount the extent to which the respective fault-signal value exceeds the threshold-signal level.

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.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting foreign particles in the liquid of a full soft drink bottle are described. The bottle under inspection is first passed by a first electronic camera means which memorizes the optical characteristics of a bottle and the fluid contained therein and records these characteristics in the memory of a computer. The bottle under inspection is then rotated either about its vertical axis, or in a preferred embodiment about a horizontal axis to invert the bottle, and just after rotation is moved into the field of view of a second electronic camera means which records in the computer memory the image of the test bottle at this point in time. Any foreign particles within the bottle will tend to undergo movement due to the rotation or inversion of the bottle. Thus, the image detected by the second electronic camera will be different from the image detected by the first electronic camera and indicative of the presence of moving foreign particles within the bottle.