Containers Or Enclosures (e.g., Packages, Cans, Etc.) Patents (Class 356/240.1)
  • Patent number: 11852519
    Abstract: An optical detection device of detecting a target container includes a linear light source, an optical sensor array and a processor. The linear light source is adapted to project a long strip illumination beam onto the target container. The optical sensor array includes a plurality of sensing units arranged as a long strip adapted to receive a long strip detection beam reflected from the target container. The processor is electrically connected to the optical sensor array. The processor is adapted to analyze intensity distribution of the plurality of sensing units to acquire a relative distance between the optical sensor array and a rim of the target container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: PixArt Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Feng-Chi Liu, Chi-Chieh Liao, Guo-Zhen Wang, Hung-Ching Lai
  • Patent number: 11791162
    Abstract: A processing method in one embodiment includes: a step that takes an image of the end face of a reference substrate, whose warp amount is known, over the whole periphery thereof using a camera to obtain shape data of the end face of the reference substrate; a step that takes an image of the end face of a substrate over the whole periphery thereof using a camera to obtain shape data of the end face of the substrate; a step that calculates warp amount of the substrate based on the obtained shape data; a step that forms a resist film on a surface of the substrate; a step that determines the supply position from which an organic solvent is to be supplied to a peripheral portion of the resist film and dissolves the peripheral portion by the solvent supplied from the supply position to remove the same from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yasuaki Noda, Tadashi Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 11587309
    Abstract: An object detection system includes a first detection device configured to control a first camera to acquire a first image of a container and detect an object in the container based on the first image, and a second detection device configured to control a second camera to acquire a second image of the container. The second image is a more detailed or accurate image than the first image for detecting the object in the container based on the second image. The first detection device is further configured to train a learning model for detecting the object in the container based on the first image using detection results from the second detection device as an indication of the correct result, and then use the trained learning model for detecting the object in the container based on the first image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Okamura
  • Patent number: 11415974
    Abstract: A factory management and monitoring system includes a processing unit structured to receive data from a plurality of sensors structured to monitor one or more factories or machines included in the factories, to analyze the received data, and to generate a user interface including the received data or information resulting from analysis of the received data, and a display structured to display the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Scott Saunders, Jr., Ian Kenneth Scholey, Karl S. Fleischer, Roberto Michel De Oliveira
  • Patent number: 11402420
    Abstract: A capacitor testing device includes a carrier with a plurality of clamping holes which are configured to carry capacitors to be tested; a conveying means being configured to convey the carrier; an image collection assembly, including an upper image collection assembly disposed above the conveying means and a lower image collection assembly disposed below the conveying means, the upper image collection assembly and the lower image collection assembly being configured to perform defect testing on outer surfaces of the capacitors to be tested; and a performance testing means, including a performance testing circuit board and a lifting assembly being configured to drive the performance testing circuit board to ascend or descend, and the performance testing means being configured to test electrical performances of the capacitors to be tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: SUZHOU APPARATUS SCIENCE ACADEMY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Delin Hu, Chun Hu, Min Zhang, Fengya Chen, Yitian Guan, Zhigang Xu, Xiaolei Xu, Hui Zhu
  • Patent number: 11314243
    Abstract: Provided are a failure prediction support device, a failure prediction support method, and a failure prediction support program, by which a user can easily know an abnormality in time series data relating to an apparatus. The failure prediction support device includes: a difference detection part, acquiring actual machine time series data being time series data relating to control of an apparatus and simulation time series data being time series data relating to control of the simulated apparatus, and detecting a difference between the actual machine time series data and the simulation time series data; a determination part, determining whether or not the difference satisfies a condition predetermined in relation to an abnormality in the actual machine time series data; and a notification processing part, notifying that the difference has been detected when it is determined that the difference satisfies the condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Keizo Tanaka, Haruna Shimakawa, Katsushige Ohnuki
  • Patent number: 11161248
    Abstract: A system for calibration of a robot includes an imaging system (136) including two or more cameras (132). A registration device (120) is configured to align positions of a light spot (140) on a reference platform as detected by the two or more cameras with robot positions corresponding with the light spot positions to register an imaging system coordinate system (156) with a robot coordinate system (150).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Aleksandra Popovic, Johannes Petrus Withagen, David Paul Noonan, Jurgen Jean Louis Hoppenbrouwers
  • Patent number: 11049237
    Abstract: A method and a device for optical examination of transparent bodies made of plastic, glass, or glass ceramic are provided. The examination is carried out by contactless detection and measurement of the body using optical imaging devices. For this purpose, a plurality of individual images are taken of the body during the examination in different positions relative to the imaging device, which are subsequently analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: SCHOTT SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Christian Kläger, Andreas Wirth, Jürgen Thürk
  • Patent number: 10832399
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting abnormal connectivity on a product are provided. The methods receive an inspection image of the product including a defect, match the inspection image with a template image of the product to locate a corresponding normal region in the template image and obtain a differential image between the inspection image and the normal region. The method further includes forming a regional mask image from component masks. Each of the component masks includes a binary image of the template image with only one kind of components of the product remaining. The regional mask image is a region in its corresponding component mask that corresponds to the normal region. The method further includes determining, based on a calculation using the differential image and the at least one regional mask image, at least one of: connectivity relationship, connectivity type and connectivity scale of abnormal connectivity on the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jing Chang Huang, Jun Zhu, Guo Qiang Hu, Peng Ji
  • Patent number: 10773901
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for picking items. Item picking devices are operably positioned on a rotatable frame portion so that they move in a rotary motion to pick items from a conveyor belt or other area as required. By moving item picking devices in a rotary motion in proximity to a conveyor belt or other area, embodiments of the present invention can more efficiently pick and place items for packaging, processing, shipment, or for further use and without being limited by space constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: James Laverdiere
  • Patent number: 10578557
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve the quality level discrimination accuracy of the grain G by a grain quality level discrimination device. The device includes an optical unit 3 that emits light to the grain G, receives reflected and/or transmitted light from the grain G by a photosensor, and obtains information for discrimination of the quality level of the grain G from the upper and lower surface side of the grain G, and a quality level discrimination unit 7 that discriminates the quality level of the grain G on the basis of the information. The information on the upper and lower surface sides can be acquired by one optical unit at the same time so that the divergence therebetween due to the displacement or variation of the attitude of the grain G can be avoided. The reference plate for the correction of the information is placed outside of the moving path of the grain G to prevent it from soiling or damaging. Thus the deterioration of information can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: SATAKE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Ishizuki, Akira Eto, Takahiro Doi, Hiroaki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 10545097
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for optically inspecting high temperature glass containers (2), the device comprising a lighting system (7) having a light-emitting surface that is adapted to emit both: a “flash” first light flux during a flash duration of less than 1 ms and at a wavelength longer than 650 nm; and also a “bottle-scanning” second light flux having wavelengths shorter than 650 nm and for a duration of not less than 2 s, the lighting system (7) being controlled: to emit the flash light flux so that the camera can take images of each container while back-lit by said flash light flux; and to emit the “bottle-scanning” light flux that is perceived by a human eye as being continuous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: TIAMA
    Inventors: Pascal Fillon, Florent Fougere, Adrien Chabert
  • Patent number: 10546182
    Abstract: A system for processing images captured in a retail store is provided. The system may include at least one processor configured to receive an image depicting a store shelf having at least one bottle displayed thereon and analyze the image to detect a representation in the image of the at least one bottle. The at least one bottle may have an outline design. The at least one processor is also configured to identify in the image two outline elements being associated with the outline design of the at least one bottle. Each of the two outline elements may have a specific length. The at least one processor may further be configured to determine a size of the at least one bottle based on a comparison of the lengths of the two outline elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventors: Yair Adato, Yotam Michael, Yonatan Adar, Maria Kushnir, Dror Yashpe
  • Patent number: 10393670
    Abstract: A container inspection system is described herein. The container inspection system includes a light source that emits a flash of light when a container is detected as being in an inspection region. The container inspection system further includes a light director element that receives a portion of the flash of light and forms a tapering field of light that illuminates an exterior surface of a sidewall of the container when the container is in the inspection region. The container inspection system further comprises a camera that generates an image of the exterior surface when such surface is illuminated by the tapering field of light. A computing system receives the image and outputs an indication as to whether or not the container is defective based upon the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Applied Vision Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Sones, Kris Brumbaugh, Michael Leo Kress, Bryan Murdoch
  • Patent number: 10395360
    Abstract: An inspection system for inspecting a workpiece includes: an omnidirectional camera; a movement device for causing the workpiece to circle around the omnidirectional camera in a state where a posture of the workpiece is maintained; an acquisition unit for outputting a capturing instruction to the omnidirectional camera at a plurality of timings while the movement device causes the workpiece to circle around the omnidirectional camera, and for acquiring, from the omnidirectional camera, a plurality of input images indicating the workpiece from different directions; and an inspector for inspecting the workpiece by using the plurality of input images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Kogawara
  • Patent number: 10288555
    Abstract: A tamper seal detection system for detecting a sealing sticker on a packaging box includes a housing at least partially bounding an inspection zone, the inspection zone being configured to receive the packaging box. A first sensor is configured to detect the presence of the first sealing sticker located on the packaging box when the packaging box is received within the inspection zone. A push guide is movable relative to the inspection floor between a first position and a spaced apart second position and can be used to push the packaging box out of the inspection zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Cody T. Kerschner, Christian S. Heaps, Justin J. Tomel, Shawn M. Regits
  • Patent number: 10074169
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting bubbles and/or creases on labeled containers. Bubbles/creases can be detected without comparison with a previously stored reference recording by virtue of the fact that a label to be examined is illuminated with a first flash of light, for example using the surface radiator, and is recorded in a first camera image, that the label is also illuminated with at least one second flash of light, for example using the directional radiator, with a changed directional characteristic and is recorded in a second camera image, and that a brightness difference between the first and second camera images is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Anton Niedermeier
  • Patent number: 9864096
    Abstract: A bag abnormality detection device includes a synchronous sensor, a first bag detection sensor, a second bag detection sensor and a controller. When the synchronous sensor detects a change, at a first detection point, from a state in which the bag is absent to a state in which the bag is present and the detection result of the first bag detection sensor indicates that the bag does not exist at a second detection point, the controller recognizes that the bag has an abnormality. When the synchronous sensor detects a change, at the first detection point, from a state in which the bag is present to a state in which the bag is absent and the detection result of the second bag detection sensor indicates that the bag does not exist at a third detection point, the controller recognizes that the bag has an abnormality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: TOYO JIDOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takehiro Fujitomi
  • Patent number: 9797710
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for establishing a geometry of a container for packaging a flowable medium, wherein a radiation apparatus for generating and emitting at least electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source of the radiation apparatus to a radiation sink of the radiation apparatus along a detection region is activated in order subsequently to rotate and/or swivel the container about an axis of rotation by means of a movement apparatus, wherein, at least from time to time during a rotational movement of the container, at least one container region is moved through at least one portion of the detection region. Then, a detection apparatus is used to detect a passage time of the container region through the detection region, which passage time is evaluated by means of an evaluation apparatus for establishing an external geometry of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Steinfurth Mess-Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Falkenstein
  • Patent number: 9176071
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inspecting the surface of an article having an edge with an end face, said device including: a support for supporting said article, a light source capable of emitting a light in a direction D, and a filter for stopping part of the light of said light source which is emitted or diffused out of direction D, said filter being provided with a hole intended to receive said article when said article is provided on said support, said support being positioned with respect to said light source and said filter so that, when said article is provided on said support, the end face of said edge is substantially perpendicular to said direction D. The invention also relates to a kit comprising such a device and to a method for inspecting the surface of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France
    Inventors: Romain Weil, Patrick Prochaska
  • Patent number: 9091533
    Abstract: The invention proposes an optical monitoring device for monitoring the activity of a tool in a monitoring area, having at least one camera (1). In order to improve the capture of the lateral regions of a three-dimensional object in the monitoring area (20), at least one mirror (2) is provided that is concavely bent in at least one partial region and that is disposed in the optical path between the monitoring area (20) and the camera (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: ISRA VISION AG
    Inventors: Alexander Bachem, Matthias Westenhoefer, Karlheinz Hohm
  • Patent number: 9019489
    Abstract: A method and system for optically inspecting parts are provided wherein the system includes a part transfer subsystem including a transfer mechanism adapted to receive and support a part at a loading station and to transfer the supported part so that the part travels along a first path which extends from the loading station to an inspection station at which the part has a predetermined position and orientation for inspection. An illumination assembly simultaneously illuminates a plurality of exterior side surfaces of the part with a plurality of separate beams of radiation. A telecentric lens and detector assembly forms an optical image of at least a portion of each of the illuminated side surfaces of the part and detects the optical images. A processor processes the detected optical images to obtain a plurality of views of the part which are angularly spaced about the axis of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: GII Acquisition, LLC
    Inventor: Michael G. Nygaard
  • Patent number: 8967041
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for aligning containers (1) comprising at least one detection system (7). In order to be able to apply identically orientated and aligned labels even to containers without embossings, the invention proposes that at least one detection system (7) is configured as a cover detection system (7) and is disposed so that a closure element (4) disposed on the container (1) can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Peter Hecktor, Marius Michael Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8947653
    Abstract: A method for detecting a coating on a bottle includes directing light at a first point of incidence on the bottle and detecting a first intensity of reflected light from the first point of incidence on the bottle. Further, light is directed at a second point of incidence on the bottle and a second intensity of reflected light from the second point of incidence on the bottle is detected. The first intensity is compared to the second intensity to determine whether the coating on the bottle has been uniformly deposited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Nano Scale Surface Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Thomas Felts, Christopher John Felts
  • Patent number: 8941825
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting commercial variations in at least a portion of an at least partially transparent container. A light pattern in an angular domain is established from signals generated by a plurality of light sensors, wherein a point in the light pattern is generated by a signal from a corresponding portion of the light sensors and represents a light intensity corresponding to a particular reflection angle of a light ray reflected off the container. Different types of commercial variations in the container can be differentiated by analyzing the light pattern in the angular domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: John W. Juvinall, James A. Ringlien
  • Publication number: 20140240699
    Abstract: A method and a device for inspecting containers and/or preforms. A scattering medium is provided in the interior of the containers or preforms and is irradiated in such manner that the scattering medium forms a bright field behind the container or preform wall area to be imaged. In this way, the wall area can easily be illuminated and imaged from different directions, so that inspection units can be created with a high degree of design freedom and with smaller dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Peter Lindner
  • Patent number: 8804113
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a container handling device comprising a centering device having a standing surface and a container gripper having a head side, a foot side, inspection openings on both said head side and said foot side, light-conducting elements, and a gripper bell having an inner area, a light source arranged to couple light into said light-conducting elements, a detection-and-control system comprising an optical system, and wherein said inner area can be illuminated by emerging light so that a cover side arranged at said foot side can be inspected by said optical system through said container gripper and by said light-conducting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Herrmann, Marius Michael Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8795452
    Abstract: An inspectable joint in a medical device is disclosed that includes at least one medical-grade tube having an end, a medical-grade fitting having at least one joining surface configured to accept the end of the tube, and a joining material disposed between the tube and the joining surface. The joining material includes a first component configured to couple the tube to the fitting and a second component configured to provide observable evidence of the presence of the joining material between the tube and the joining surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Carefusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Steven Alpert, Lisa Davis
  • Patent number: 8786865
    Abstract: Provided is an asperity detection device for a can which does not need an additional conveyance device for inspection, reduces increased inspection costs, and allows for quick detection of defective merchandise while conveying the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Can Corporation
    Inventor: Tadafumi Hirano
  • Patent number: 8711350
    Abstract: The invention relates to a test method for checking an inspection device, comprising at least the steps of: generating a prescribed number of faulty and/or correctly labelled containers or test containers; moving the faulty containers or test containers past the inspection device, which detects the faulty containers or test containers and generates a signal for ejecting the faulty containers or test containers, or indicates a value relative to the expected and the measured faulty and/or correctly labelled containers. The test method can be started or performed manually or automatically, and is suitable, for example, for checking a label seating inspection device for correct functionality, or optionally for confirming the faulty functioning thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Theo Motter, Frank Fischer
  • Publication number: 20140098365
    Abstract: Inspection equipment for mouth section of bottle-can, including: a rotating device which holds and rotates the bottle-can around a can-axis; a first illumination device which irradiates a first illumination light toward the curl portion in an imaging area; a second illumination device which irradiates a second illumination light having a different light color from that of the first illumination light toward the curl portion from an opposite side to the first illumination light with the imaging area therebetween; a third illumination device which irradiates a third illumination light having a different light color along an intersecting direction with the first and second illumination lights; an imaging device which is disposed toward the imaging area and obtains an inspection image including reflected lights at the curl portion; and an asperity-recognition device which detects an edge position of the curl portion based on the reflected light of the third illumination light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicants: UNIVERSAL CAN CORPORATION, KURASHIKI BOSEKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akio Kurosawa, Tadayuki Sota
  • Patent number: 8600148
    Abstract: A device for inspecting the external surfaces of containers using a radiation device which directs light onto a container to be inspected. The device includes a transport device for transporting the container with respect to the radiation device, and an image capturing device which captures the container illuminated by the radiation device, with a background being located behind the container with respect to the image capturing device, with respect which the container can be imaged. The background has both a lighter area and a darker area by comparison with this lighter area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Rainer Kwirandt
  • Patent number: 8593626
    Abstract: Method and system for inspecting the inside of a small channel, e.g. a flexible tube or hose, particularly for medical use, e.g. included in an endoscope, for the presence of inside contaminations on the wall of the tube, comprising providing the inside of the channel with a liquid having a refractive index which is higher than the refractive index of the channel wall, transmitting a signal into one end of the channel having a wavelength w, comparing the spectrum of the signal received at the other end of the channel with the wavelength w of the transmitted signal and determining, e.g. by a spectrum analyzer, whether the latter signal contains any wavelength w? which is unequal to the wavelength w of the transmitted signal, and indicating that, when not any wavelength w? is determined unequal to w, the channel is not contaminated or that, when any wavelength w? is determined unequal to w, the channel is contaminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventor: Egbert Anne Martijn Brouwer
  • Patent number: 8570504
    Abstract: A method and system for optically inspecting parts are provided wherein the system includes a part transfer subsystem including a transfer mechanism adapted to receive and support a part at a loading station and to transfer the supported part so that the part travels along a first path which extends from the loading station to an inspection station at which the part has a predetermined position and orientation for inspection. An illumination assembly simultaneously illuminates a plurality of exterior side surfaces of the part with a plurality of separate beams of radiation. A telecentric lens and detector assembly forms an optical image of at least a portion of each of the illuminated side surfaces of the part and detects the optical images. A processor processes the detected optical images to obtain a plurality of views of the part which are angularly spaced about the axis of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: GII Acquisition, LLC
    Inventor: Michael G. Nygaard
  • Publication number: 20130278927
    Abstract: A system for inspecting the closures of packaged products employing lasers and receivers to scan multiple sides of a package thereby measuring and determining a pass/fail status of a parameter of a package closure. In one embodiment, the system employs two lasers each emitting a beam that crosses one another, as well as a product inspection path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Make-All Corporation
    Inventors: Mitchell R. Johnson, David L. Rojas
  • Publication number: 20130271755
    Abstract: A method for checking an inspection device for a product flow, where the proper functioning of the inspection device can be checked even without using test containers specially provided for such checking, and having a radiation detector for measuring an inspection radiation after interacting with the products in order to detect a characteristic test radiation, and a further check is made as to whether the detected test radiation fulfills a target requirement characteristic of proper functioning of the inspection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Peter Lindner
  • Patent number: 8405826
    Abstract: A method for the inspection of bottles or containers in a bottling or container filling plant and an apparatus for the inspection of bottles or containers. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Till, Paul-Gerhard Kahlisch, Horst Böcker
  • Patent number: 8395767
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an Apparatus for inspection of concave elements, for detection of contaminations and/or defects, comprising means for lighting a concave element to be subjected to inspection, an image detection unit, such as a camera or like, an optic group and means for processing images acquired by said image detection unit, in order to individuate said contaminations and/or said defects of said concave element, characterized in that said lighting means comprise a first light source, suitable to generate a diffused lighting direct on the concave surface, and a second light source, suitable to generate a grazing lighting directed on the outer lateral surface of said concave element, and in that said optic group is placed so as to detect light emitted by concave surface and transmitting the same to said image detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa
    Inventors: Massimo Balducci, Sanzio Caroli
  • Patent number: 8390825
    Abstract: A system for measurement of a can seam of a can comprising a an end panel, the end panel comprising the seam, the seam comprising a circumference, a seam top, a seam bottom, a seam chuck wall part and an opposite seam wall essentially opposite the seam chuck wall part, the system comprising: a table comprising a table top; a rocker comprising an inner pin and an outer pin essentially parallel to each other, the rocker configured to allow, when the end panel of the can is facing the table top, slight pressure of the outer pin on the opposite wall forcing the chuck wall part on the inner pin, and/or slight pressure of the inner pin on the chuck wall part forcing the opposite wall on the outer pin, causing rocking movement of the pins, that settles the inner pin flush with the chuck wall part, and/or the outer pin flush with the opposite wall, respectively, such that the inner pin and outer pin are disposed at chuck wall angle; means for rotating the can, allowing the inner pin to settle flush with the chuck wal
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: Benny Laor, Nadav Leshem
  • Patent number: 8384889
    Abstract: An outer shape determination device includes: a mounting base having a rectangular mounting surface for placing an object to be subjected to determination thereon; a longitudinal light-emitting optical waveguide, a longitudinal light-receiving optical waveguide, a transverse light-emitting optical waveguide, and a transverse light-receiving optical waveguide which are provided along the periphery of the mounting surface; a heightwise light-emitting optical waveguide and a heightwise light-receiving optical waveguide which are erected upwardly from the mounting surface; a light source connected to light-emitting cores of the longitudinal, transverse and heightwise light-emitting optical waveguides; a photoelectric conversion element connected to light-receiving cores of the longitudinal, transverse and heightwise light-receiving optical waveguides; and an outer shape calculating means for receiving a light interception signal from the photoelectric conversion element to perform a computation process, thereby c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventor: Noriyuki Juni
  • Publication number: 20120314213
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a container handling device comprising a centering device having a standing surface and a container gripper having a head side, a foot side, inspection openings on both said head side and said foot side, light-conducting elements, and a gripper bell having an inner area, a light source arranged to couple light into said light-conducting elements, a detection-and-control system comprising an optical system, and wherein said inner area can be illuminated by emerging light so that a cover side arranged at said foot side can be inspected by said optical system through said container gripper and by said light-conducting elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Herrmann, Marius Michael Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20120293789
    Abstract: A method and system for optically inspecting parts are provided wherein the system includes a part transfer subsystem including a transfer mechanism adapted to receive and support a part at a loading station and to transfer the supported part so that the part travels along a first path which extends from the loading station to an inspection station at which the part has a predetermined position and orientation for inspection. An illumination assembly simultaneously illuminates a plurality of exterior side surfaces of the part with a plurality of separate beams of radiation. A telecentric lens and detector assembly forms an optical image of at least a portion of each of the illuminated side surfaces of the part and detects the optical images. A processor processes the detected optical images to obtain a plurality of views of the part which are angularly spaced about the axis of the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: GII ACQUISITION, LLC DBA GENERAL INSPECTION, LLC
    Inventor: Michael G. Nygaard
  • Publication number: 20120250012
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting a container having a mouth, and a base with a punt opposite of the container mouth. Light energy is directed into the container and through the container mouth, using at least one light source, and light energy transmitted through the container mouth is sensed. The at least one light source is disposed on at least one side of the container so that the light energy is directed through a side wall of the container and onto the punt of the container base such that at least a portion of the light energy is reflected off the punt to extend through the container mouth to the light sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: James A. Ringlien
  • Publication number: 20120200849
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an Apparatus for inspection of concave elements, for detection of contaminations and/or defects, comprising means for lighting a concave element to be subjected to inspection, an image detection unit, such as a camera or like, an optic group and means for processing images acquired by said image detection unit, in order to individuate said contaminations and/or said defects of said concave element, characterized in that said lighting means comprise a first light source, suitable to generate a diffused lighting direct on the concave surface, and a second light source, suitable to generate a grazing lighting directed on the outer lateral surface of said concave element, and in that said optic group is placed so as to detect light emitted by concave surface and transmitting the same to said image detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Sacmi-Cooperative Meccanici Imola-Societa' Cooperativa
    Inventors: Massimo Balducci, Sanzio Caroli
  • Publication number: 20120147366
    Abstract: A device for inspecting containers includes an illumination device that illuminates the containers; a transport device, which transports the containers along a predetermined transport path in relation to the illumination device; at least one first observation device, which observes a first region of the containers and records at least one image of the first observed region; and at least one second observation device, which observes a second region of the containers and records at least one image of the second observed region. At least one part of the illumination device serves both to illuminate the first region of the containers observed by the first observation device and to illuminate the second region of the containers observed by the second observation device. The first observation device and the second observation device record images of the regions of the containers at different positions of the containers along the transport path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Anton NIEDERMEIER
  • Patent number: 8134695
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Emhart Glass S.A.
    Inventors: William J. Furnas, Sarath K. Tennakoon, Gary C. Weber
  • Publication number: 20120038912
    Abstract: A liquid leakage detector includes: a first liquid detection unit provided at a member to be detected, the first liquid detection unit being configured to detect a liquid leaked from the member to be detected; a liquid impermeable member which covers the first liquid detection unit to protect the same from the ambient air; and a determining unit configured to determine whether the liquid is leaking from the member to be detected in response to a signal from the first liquid detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 8115928
    Abstract: A box inspector for detecting at an inspection station an unacceptable skew in, an item missing from, and/or an unacceptable gap in a box. The box inspector has pairs of aligned emitters and receivers generating a signal when an unacceptable skew is detected, at least two item present sensors corresponding to the number of items adapted to be located in a single row within the box and generating an item absent signal when an item is missing from the box, a gap detect sensor generating an unacceptable gap signal when the gap is larger than a predetermined gap size, and a box present sensor generating a box present signal when a box arrives at the inspection station. A controller receives signals from these components and generates indications when the box is unacceptably skewed, an item is missing from the box, and/or an unacceptable gap exists in the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Aaron C. Johnson, Philip Mutarelli
  • Patent number: 8085395
    Abstract: What is disclosed is an inspection device and a method wherein interconnected, substantially flat bags are provided, in which bags objects are present which are set vibrating, after which one or more images of the objects in the bag are recorded. The vibration is exerted on the objects in the plane of the interconnected bags, whilst a squeezing force effected by means of a pulling force on the bags is exerted on the vibrating objects. The combination of said vibration and said squeezing force on the objects, such as tablets, leads to a quiet and reliable inspection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: HD Medi B.V.
    Inventor: Minne Jorritsma
  • Patent number: 8022824
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is an anti-intrusion system for protecting electronic components (3) including a substrate (2) on which the electronic components are placed. A conducting enclosure (1) encapsulates the electronic components on the surface of the substrate (2). The system also includes a warning device. The system includes a transmitting antenna on the surface of the substrate (2), and a capacitive electromechanical microswitch. The microswitch is linked to the warning device by a signal line, so as to be able to activate it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventor: Afshin Ziaei