Abstract: A machine for distinguishing blisters from checks on the finish of a glass container. The captured objects are located in a band to define a cluster. The cluster is evaluated to determine whether it is a multiple cluster and each defined cluster is evaluated to distinguish a check from a blister.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measurement of the stress in and thickness of the walls of glass containers is disclosed that uses fluorescence to quickly and accurately ascertain both the thickness of the stress layers and the wall thickness in addition to the stress curve in glass containers. The apparatus and method may be used to quickly and accurately measure both the stress in and the thickness of the side walls of glass containers throughout the circumference of the glass containers. The apparatus and method are adapted for large scale glass container manufacturing, and are capable of high speed measurement of the stress in and the thickness of the side walls of glass containers.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting the finish of a glass container rotating at an inspection station. A pair of light sources, which are repeatedly turned on and off, have horizontal light axes which are orthogonally related and intersect the container axis. The light sources illuminate the container finish to identify checks. The illuminated checks are imaged by a camera which has a camera axis coincident with the container axis and the intersecting light axes. The camera axis makes an angle of 45 degrees with both light axes and the horizontal. The camera is exposed through multiple images.

Abstract: A foil lid inspection system for detecting and separating defective foil lids on a container in a production line includes one or more light sources, an inspection camera, and inspection software. The light sources are positioned to direct light in an upward direction to illuminate the container. The inspection camera is positioned above the foil lid, and the camera includes one or more outputs. The inspection software is in communication with the inspection camera. The inspection software is constructed and arranged to determine if the foil lid on the container is defective. A reject signal is applied to an output if the software determines that the foil lid is defective.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for determining the possible presence of contamination of a container with a decorative exterior, for instance provided with a labelling and/or relief patterns, for liquids such as a drink such as beer or a soft drink. The device includes an irradiating device for irradiating the container with at least a first wavelength (for instance visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, x-radiation), and a recording device for recording a radiation sample of radiation after it has had interaction with at least a part of the container. Further, an orientation determining device is included for determining the orientation of the container relative to the recording device, along with a comparing device for comparing the sample to a reference matching the orientation of the container relative to the recording device during the recording to determine the possible presence of contamination.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for containers, comprising a first illumination device which directs light having first characteristic properties onto the base of the container, a second illumination device which directs light having second characteristic properties, which differ at least partially from the first characteristic properties, onto the base of the container, and at least one image recording device which receives at least a portion of the light directed onto the base of the container and transmitted by the latter. At least the second illumination device illuminates the base of the container in an indirect manner.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed for inspecting the wall of a bottle which is delivered by a conveyor sequentially to an inspection station. A light source defines a plurality of vertical row groups each having no black row, a white row and a plurality of adjacent rows where the intensity systematically decreases to a lowest level where light blocking defects can be seen and than increases systematically to the next white row.

Abstract: A machine for distinguishing blisters from checks on the finish of a glass container. The captured objects are located in a band to define a cluster. The cluster is evaluated to determine whether it is a multiple cluster and each defined cluster is evaluated to distinguish a check from a blister.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating a quality assurance test conducted on display devices used for diagnostic imaging. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an automated mechanical system for scanning a light meter over a test pattern displayed on a display device. In another embodiment, the method comprises an automated method of comparing the measured data from the light meter with an ideal image. In another embodiment, the method comprises obtaining a digital image of the test pattern displayed on the display device, and the digital image is compared with an ideal image.

Abstract: A machine for distinguishing blisters from checks on the finish of a glass container. The center of each captured object in an array is determined by a controller which determines the object centers in a plurality of adjacent bands. The band having the most object centers is determined and the objects in the band having the most object centers are deleted from the rest of the bands. The control repeatedly determines the band of the rest of the bands having the most object centers and deletes the objects in the band of the rest of the bands having the most object centers from the remainder of the bands until the objects in each band are unique. The maximum separation of objects in each band is defined and checks will be differentiated from blisters based on this separation.

Abstract: A system for inspecting container bottoms with an observation device, which observe the container bottoms, with a plurality of viewing windows, which are arranged underneath the container bottoms and which have viewing sections, through which the observation device observes the container bottoms, where the viewing windows are mounted in a carrier plate. Also, holding devices are provided, which transport the containers a certain distance above the carrier plate, and the viewing sections are at least partially offset from a projection of the containers in a direction perpendicular to the carrier plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device for a control station for determining the presence of defects on the image of the surface(s) of the collar of a transparent or translucent container. The inventive device comprises at least one illumination system quasi-constantly illuminating each point of a surface encompassing the collar surface(s) according to the totality or parts of incidences included in at least one part of a 2?-steradian solid angle and means for blocking at least one part of light beams which illuminate outside of the surface(s) of the collar and can bring about stray reflections in the collar image.

Abstract: An illumination device for use with a product inspection machine inspecting products according to at least one characteristic using pulsed illumination for inspection in two wavelengths. The invention includes a plurality of arrays of semiconductor light sources from which a wavelength may be selected, either specifically or by combination of specific semiconductor light sources, for impinging on passing product and at least one array of semiconductor light sources from which the same wavelength may be selected and which provides intensity equal to the plurality of arrays impinging on a background surface for detection and comparison.

Abstract: A device and a method for detection of characteristic features of a medium that is wholly or partly transparent, wherein said medium is placeable in an observation area in a light path extending between a light source and a light detector, wherein said medium is illuminated by the light source in the observation area, wherein at least one light-directing optical element is arranged in connection with the observation area. Light transmitted through said medium, which is deflected by said medium when it is in said area and thus causes a change of light direction in said area, is detected. Characteristics of said medium are determined by spectrometry of the received light-deflected light, and a wavelength-sensitive element is used at a position in the light path, either at or as a part of the light source or the light detector.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting a rotating glass container for defects wherein the image evaluated for defects is a critical addition of a plurality of additions each defined by a plurality of time spaced images.

Abstract: An illuminating device is provided that includes, but is not limited to a cylindrical lighting unit with a cylindrical slit diaphragm arranged in the interior thereof. The lighting unit includes, but is not limited to a cylindrical light source with a cylindrical diffusor arranged therein, and the slit diaphragm has a cylinder with axially extending slits that are arranged in such a way that incident beams coupled in perpendicular to the slit diaphragm axis (O) converge in a point (M) that is spaced apart from the cylinder axis in the interior of the slit diaphragm through the slits.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting blisters in a container wall includes a light source for directing light energy onto a container wall in such a way that portions of the light energy are reflected from surfaces of the container wall, including surfaces of blisters in the container wall. A light sensor is disposed to receive light energy reflected from the container wall, and an information processor is coupled to the sensor to detect a blister in the container wall as a bright image against a darker background. Light energy reflected from the inner and outer surfaces of the container wall preferably establish the darker background, and light energy reflected from surfaces of blisters within the container wall establish the bright image.

Abstract: An inspection machine for determining whether a bottle at an inspection station is “out of round”. A laser, spaced from the bottle to be inspected directs a laser beam towards the axis of the bottle to be inspected whereby a diffuse spot of energy will be defined on the surface of the bottle to be inspected. The bottle to be inspected is rotated about its axis and a CCD camera views the spot of energy on the surface of the bottle at a defined angle to the laser beam. A control determines the displacement of the spot of energy as the bottle to be inspected is rotated 360 degrees about its axis and issues a reject signal in the event the displacement exceeds a set limit.

Abstract: A control module including means for controlling an article, means for regulating at least one parameter of the article control means, and means for driving the article towards the control means. More specifically, the module is movable and includes a releasable means of connection with a fixed frame. Preferably the drive means includes a carousel having at least one cell for housing the article, for example a glass bottle.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting glass containers rotating at an inspection station. A camera images an area of interest on the glass container and continuous illumination of that area is provided by strobing a light source a number of times while the area is imaged on a camera the entire period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging optical system for imaging the peripherally extending lateral surfaces (9) of an object (10) on to an imaging plane, comprising a reflecting element (6) and a first angle-reducing element (3, 17) which is arranged downstream of the reflecting element in the beam direction and which reduces the angle between a light beam emanating from the object (10) and the optical axis (12). In order to provide an imaging optical system for imaging the peripherally extending lateral surfaces of objects, which is both simple and inexpensive to produce and also has a large acceptance angle for the incident radiation and which is tolerant in relation to inaccurate positioning of the object, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that arranged upstream of the reflecting element (6) in the beam direction is a second angle-reducing element (13) which reduces the angle between a light beam (1, 1) emanating from the object (10) and the optical axis (12).

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting contour of a container sidewall includes at least one light source for directing light energy onto the container sidewall and at least one light sensor disposed to receive light energy from the light source reflected from the container sidewall. The light sensor is responsive to such reflected light energy to provide signals indicative of position of the container sidewall relative to the sensor at at least two locations on the container sidewall spaced from each other in the direction of the container axis. An information processor is responsive to such signals to determine contour of the container sidewall as a function of sidewall positions at such locations. The at least two locations on the container sidewall preferably are nominally aligned with each other in a direction parallel to the container axis.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for examining a container mouth for defects in a mouth sealing surface. A light source emits light beams having a direction component impinging tangentially upon the sealing surface. The tangential light beams are scattered as they impinge upon a defect in the sealing surface. At least some of these scattered light beams are detected by a sensor. The tangential direction component is produced by an optical deflecting element disposed between the light source and the mouth. The optical deflecting element is transparent at least to light of certain wavelengths and deflects impinging light beams accordingly. The invention renders it possible to amplify contrasts between defects and other reflections from the sealing surface during the detection of defects in the sealing surface.

Abstract: A machine for distinguishing blisters from checks on the finish of a glass container. The center of each captured object in an array is determined by a controller which determines the object centers in a plurality of adjacent bands. The band having the most object centers is determined and the objects in the band having the most object centers are deleted from the rest of the bands. The control repeatedly determines the band of the rest of the bands having the most object centers and deletes the objects in the band of the rest of the bands having the most object centers from the remainder of the bands until the objects in each band are unique. The maximum separation of objects in each band is defined and checks will be differentiated from blisters based on this separation.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting glass bottles for wire edges. A bottom light directs light vertically upwardly to image a Camera imaging the glass bottle from above. A beam splitter redirects light from a second light source which issues horizontal light, vertically downwardly towards the sealing surface. The bottle hole appears white, the sealing surface appears gray and the annular step appears black with a wire edge on the step appearing gray.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for mass and/or volume measurements of manufactured articles. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for mass and/or volume measurements that can be performed on-line in a part manufacturing process. On-line measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of the manufactured items is performed 100% on-line. Real-time process control information is based on real-time measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of a manufactured item. Automated quality control inspection for manufactured articles is based on real-time measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of manufactured items.

Abstract: A machine for optically inspecting a transparent or semi-transparent workpiece composed of a material having a known, predetermined optical absorption property, that includes a light energy transmitting module having at least one light energy transmitting element disposed therein for transmitting light energy at a frequency tuned to the known, predetermined absorption property and along a predetermined axis, a support for securely engaging the workpiece and positioning it in the path of the predetermined axis, and a light energy collection module having a filter in tune with the known, predetermined absorption property and at least one light energy sensor contained therein, wherein the support is positioned between the light energy transmitting module and the light energy collection module.

Abstract: In an optical method for determining surface defects and/or material shortage on the neck ring (3) of a container having an axis of symmetry (X) comprises illuminating the surface(s) of the neck ring (3) of the container with an incident light beam, a uniform ring of light (C) is obtained that converges towards a point of convergence located on the axis of symmetry (X) of the container with a variable diameter (D) and/or variable width (E). The diameter (D) of the convergent ring of light (C) at a given value in relation to a desired mean angle of incidence (?) to illuminate the surface of the neck ring (3) of the container and/or the width (E) of the convergent uniform ring of light (C) at a given value in relation to the width (L) of surface of the neck ring (3) of the container are selected.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting the finish of a glass container rotating at an inspection station. A pair of light sources have horizontal light axes which are orthogonally related and intersect the container axis. The light sources illuminate the container finish. The illuminated checks are seen by a camera which has a camera axis coincident with the container axis and intersects the light axes making an angle of 45 degrees with both light axes and the horizontal.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting sidewall thickness of non-round transparent containers includes a conveyor for holding a container in stationary position and rotating the container around an axis. A light source directs light energy onto a sidewall of the container on the conveyor. An anamorphic lens system having a lens system axis directs onto a light sensor energy reflected from portions of the inside and outside surfaces of the container sidewall that are substantially parallel to the lens system axis. An information processor is responsive to the sensor for determining sidewall thickness at increments of container rotation as a function of separation at the sensor between light energies reflected from the inside and outside surfaces of the container sidewall.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting glass containers rotating at an inspection station. A camera images an area of interest on the glass container and continuous illumination of that area is provided by strobing a light source a number of times while the area is imaged on a camera the entire period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the particle diameter of foam on a malt alcoholic drink, which can detennine the quality of the foam of the malt alcoholic drink objectively, are provided. The apparatus for measuring the particle diameter of foam on a malt alcoholic drink according to the present invention includes a laser light source for irradiating a linear laser beam onto the surface of a foam layer created on a malt alcoholic drink, an imaging device for imaging a laser line reflected on the surface of the foam layer to obtain an image of the laser line, and a calculating device for obtaining edge information of the laser line from the image of the laser line to calculate the particle diameter of foam in the foam layer based on the edge information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method of detecting impurities in a cylindrically shaped transparent medium, wherein the cylindrically shaped transparent medium is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation, and the radiation having components emerging radially from the medium, and at least some of the components are received by a detector for detecting impurities of the medium. The components are detected at a multiplicity of relative angular positions around the symmetry axis of the cylinder, so as to form an impurity diagram that may be analyzed to detect and measure impurities in the medium.

Abstract: An inspection device and a method of checking on correct functioning of the inspection process of containers such as bottles, cans or the like, where a container to be inspected is detected optically at least in part, and the image data thus detected is analyzed with an analysis program to detect defective containers. An especially simple and reproducible function test of the analysis program is made possible by the fact that reference image data is input into the analysis program, this reference image data corresponding structurally to the detected image data and being analyzed by the analysis program with the same parameter settings of the analysis program.

Abstract: A glass bottle inspecting apparatus is presented which can detect a defect at a specific location of a bottle-mouth portion of a glass bottle. An inspecting apparatus detects a defect of a glass bottle by imaging light from the glass bottle while the glass bottle (2) is illuminated and rotated, and processes the obtained image. A glass bottle inspecting apparatus includes a lighting device (7) disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the glass bottle, a plurality of CCD cameras (11-20) disposed around the glass bottle for imaging a specific part of the glass bottle, an angle detection device (10) for detecting a rotation angle of the glass bottle with respect to a reference position, and an image processor (8) for processing the images obtained by the CCD cameras. The image processor stores rotation angle information detected by the angle detection device in such a manner that the rotation angle information corresponds to the image imaged by each of the CCD cameras.

Abstract: The invention provides a device to inspect an illumination optical device and a method to inspect an illumination optical device that make it possible to efficiently inspect illumination optical devices and to control manufacturing cost. A lens array inspecting device is provided with a light source device to emit a parallel luminous flux, lens array holders to retain lens arrays, which are test objects that split the parallel luminous flux into a plurality of partial luminous fluxes, and a ground glass on which the optical images of the luminous fluxes emitted through the lens arrays are projected. On the ground glass, a parting frame appropriate to a design illumination region is formed. Therefore, whether the lens arrays are defective or non-defective can be determined by checking whether the optical images projected onto the ground glass include the area of the parting frame.

Abstract: A camera based inspection system for inspecting glass bottles made in a glass-forming machine. A single picture shows the heat distribution of an inspected portion of the bottle over a period of time whereby the operator will see a loss of stability in the glass process.

Abstract: A container mouth inspection device which can produce an ideal optical image that reliably provides information on the inner contour of the container mouth, and which enables accurate and speedy measurement of the inside diameter or the like of the container mouth. The container mouth inspection device includes a light source (2) for emitting diffused light to the bottom (99b) of the container (99) having a mouth (99a), and an optical system (1) in which a lens (10) and a diaphragm (11) are arranged along an optical axis (5) extending through the center of the mouth (99a) of the container (99) such that the diaphragm (11) is positioned behind the lens (10). The diaphragm (11) is offset backward from a back focus of the lens (10) along the optical axis (5) by a predetermined distance d so as to form an optical image of the mouth (99a) in a position behind the diaphragm (11).

Abstract: A method for visual inspection of printed matter on moving lids is disclosed. An associated visual inspection system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and a method for automatically inspecting objects traveling in an essentially monolayer flow. The device comprises a detection unit through which the object flow passes, consisting of the following: elements for applying electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the plane of conveyance of the objects and defining a lighting plane, the intersection of the lighting plane and plane of conveyance defining a detection line; a receiver device periodically scanning each point on the detection line and receiving radiation reflected by an elementary measuring zone, the plane defined by the detection line and the optical input center being known as the scanning plane; elements for transmitting the reflected radiation. The radiation emitted is concentrated in the region of the lighting plane and the lighting plane and the scanning plane merge, whereupon the joint plane is inclined in relation to the normal of the plane of conveyance.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a container having a central axis and a sidewall with circumferentially extending external ribs. The apparatus includes a light source for directing a line-shaped light beam onto an external surface of the container, a light sensor disposed to receive reflected portions of the line-shaped beam, and an information processor coupled to the light sensor to determine a geometric characteristic of the sidewall as a function of the reflected light energy. The line-shaped light beam preferably has a long dimension parallel to the container axis, and sufficient length to illuminate at least one rib peak and at least one valley between the rib peaks. The sensor may be a linear array sensor that is particularly useful for measuring out-of-round, or an area array sensor for measuring out-of-round and sidewall thickness.

Abstract: A method and a device of inspection of the transparent bottom of a bottle or similar item by using an optical system which shows the bottom of the bottle, for recording by a camera, in front of a surface which is illuminated by an illumination device, and the surface being located at a distance from the bottom of the bottle, whereby foreign bodies in the bottle can be detected. The illuminated surface can be the liquid level surface in the bottle, the bottom of foam in the bottle, or the bottom of the bottle closure member. The surface in the bottle can be illuminated from below or above the bottle.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting lean of a container includes a light source positioned beneath a container for directing light energy onto the container bottom as the container is held in position and rotated around an axis. A light sensor positioned beneath the container receives portions of the light energy from the source reflected from the container bottom. An information processor is coupled to the light sensor for determining, as a combined function of the reflected light energy and container rotation, departure of the container bottom from a plane perpendicular to the axis. The container preferably is held in position and rotated around an axis by a drive roller that urges the container against axially spaced backup rollers so as to define an average axis of rotation as a function of the geometry of the container and spacing between the backup rollers.

Abstract: An inspection system completes two inspections with a single camera. In one inspection polarized light illuminates the side wall of a bottle, passes through a pair of electrode surfaces on either side of a ferroelectric crystal which do not change the polarity and passes through a polarizer to image on the camera. In a second inspection the polarized light is rotated 90° by the same structure so that only light rotated as a result of stress in the bottle passes through the polarizer and images on the camera as a defect.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for inspecting multi-layer plastic containers (10). More particularly, the invention relates to such an apparatus and method whereby optical energy absorbing compounds are added to the materials comprising the layer(s) of the container (10) to facilitate inspection thereof. Apparatus comprises a sensor unit (40), an illumination unit (30) for illuminating a portion of electromagnetic spectrum at a near IR wavelength to an inspection zone (20) which is located between the sensor unit (40) and the illumination unit (30). A processing unit (50) which receives an output of the sensor unit (40) and determines the attributes of the multilayer plastic containers (10).

Abstract: An inspection system is provided comprising at least one detection element (60) sensitive to electromagnetic radiation (20) at a wavelength wherein the object (10) to be inspected is rendered opaque by naturally occurring material molecular absorptions. As such, material defects such as cracks and voids can be detected.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for mass and/or volume measurements of manufactured articles. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for mass and/or volume measurements that can be performed on-line in a part manufacturing process. On-line measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of the manufactured items is performed 100% on-line. Real-time process control information is based on real-time measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of a manufactured item. Automated quality control inspection for manufactured articles is based on real-time measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of manufactured items.

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

Abstract: Enclosed is an apparatus for analyzing micro-bubbles inside a high-purity glass tube by using a laser light dispersion. The apparatus includes: an optical base having a sample stage in a substantially horizontal orientation; a glass tube rotably mounted on the optical base in a substantially vertical orientation, the glass tube being rotated and translated in a vertical direction at a predetermined speed via the sample stage; a light generator disposed at one side of the glass tube for selectively irradiating a laser light onto an outer surface of the glass tube at a prefixed angle; and, a detector disposed at the other side of the glass tube for detecting the distribution and amount of micro-bubbles of the glass tube using the laser light passed through the glass tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring sidewall thickness of a container includes a conveyor for moving the container transversely of its axis through an inspection station and simultaneously rotating the container about its axis. A light source and an illumination lens system direct onto the sidewall of the container a line-shaped light beam having a long dimension perpendicular to the axis of the container and parallel to the direction of movement of the container through the inspection station. A light sensor and an imaging lens system direct onto the sensor light energy reflected from portions of the outer and inner sidewall surfaces that are perpendicular to the illumination light energy. An information processor is responsive to light energy directed onto the light sensor by the imaging lens system for determining the thickness of the container between the outer and inner sidewall surfaces.