Abstract: A method for detecting one or more foreign substances in one or more containers filled with liquid, comprising of: transporting the containers filled with liquid in a substantially straight line at relatively high speed in a production environment; —illuminating each container with content with one or more fixedly disposed light sources; and —inspecting the container with content from preferably two or more different orientations using two or more cameras, wherein cameras and lighting are disposed substantially fixedly relative to each other, while the cameras and light sources are mutually connected such that in a short time two or more images of a container filled with liquid can be recorded with mutually differing illumination and/or angle of incidence; —comparing the foreign substances in the two or more images; and —wherein a container filled with liquid is rejected on the basis of the probability distribution obtained from the comparisons, wherein above a determined probability it is concluded that the

Abstract: An inspection device (1) for inspecting container closures (10), having an illumination device (4) which is situated above the container closures (10) to be inspected and illuminates the container closures, an image recording device (2) which is situated above the container closures (10) to be inspected and which records the radiation directed from the illumination device (4) onto the container closures (10) and reflected back by the container closures (10) and outputs a locally resolved image of the container closures. The distance between the image recording device (2) and the container closure (10) to be inspected is less than ten times the height of the container closure (10), and the image recording device (2) has a lens (8) which has a focal length of less than 10 mm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing luggage screening equipment operators is provides. A sequence of images of contents of luggage items derived from a device that scans the luggage items with penetrating radiation are received. The image generation device is characterized by introducing a certain distortion into these images of contents of luggage items. A display device is caused to display images derived from this sequence of images. Occasionally, the display device is caused to show a simulated threat in a luggage item by displaying a combined image derived based at least in part on an image in the sequence of images and a distorted threat image. The distorted threat image was derived by applying a distortion insertion process to a reference threat image wherein the distortion insertion process tends to approximate the certain distortion introduced in the images of contents of luggage items by the device that scans the luggage items with penetrating radiation.

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.

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 for monitoring blockage of a turret in a cryomagnet, at least one monitoring unit that functionally interacts with a state of the inside of the turret of a cryomagnet is provided to monitor the inside of the turret.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to recognize features on bottom surfaces of containers on a container production line, detect defects in the containers, and correlate the defects to specific production equipment of the container production line, based in part on the recognized features. The system includes imaging apparatus, programmable processing devices, and controllers. The methods include imaging techniques and estimation techniques.

Abstract: An inspection station identifies defects such as artifacts (e.g., dust, hair, particles) in the sealing areas of sealed sterile packages. A multi-head optical scanner can include at least two fiber optic sensors each comprised of a bundle of optical fibers arranged into a linear face coupled to an image processing module and oriented towards a scanning area of sealed packages moving through a conveyance system. An image processing module can analyze input from the at least two fiber optic sensor arrangements to identify artifacts in the sealing areas of the sealed packages.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to recognize features on bottom surfaces of containers on a container production line, detect defects in the containers, and correlate the defects to specific production equipment of the container production line, based in part on the recognized features. The system includes imaging apparatus, programmable processing devices, and controllers. The methods include imaging techniques and estimation techniques.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to recognize features on bottom surfaces of containers on a container production line, detect defects in the containers, and correlate the defects to specific production equipment of the container production line, based in part on the recognized features. The system includes imaging apparatus, programmable processing devices, and controllers. The methods include imaging techniques and estimation techniques.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to recognize features on bottom surfaces of metal containers on a metal container production line, detect defects in the metal containers, and correlate the defects to specific production equipment of the metal container production line, based in part on the recognized features. The system includes imaging apparatus, programmable processing devices, and controllers. The methods include imaging techniques and estimation techniques.

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 a test vessel (1) for a monitoring device for vessels, comprising a plurality of first marking rings (2) which surround the bottle body (7) at least in some sections at predefined fixed heights, and a plurality of marking lines (4) which run in a longitudinal direction (L) of the test vessel (1). According to the invention, the first marking rings (2) are respectively arranged at constant, predefined distances from one another in the longitudinal direction (L) of the test vessel (1). The marking lines (4) intersect at least some of the first marking rings (2), and the marking lines (4) are respectively arranged at predefined distances from one another in a circumferential direction of the test vessel (1).

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for remotely inspecting and/or treating welds, pipes, vessels and/or other components used in reactor coolant systems or other process applications to, among other things, mitigate stress corrosion cracking in the welds, pipes, vessels and/or other components. The tool is placed at the entrance to a pipe or vessel and walks into the pipe or vessel to a pre-selected weld, pipe or vessel location or other component. Upon reaching the pre-selected weld, pipe or vessel location or other component, the tool anchors itself, then advances an end effector to inspect and/or treat the pre-selected weld, pipe or vessel location or other component.

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 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.

Abstract: A device for monitoring blockage of a turret in a cryomagnet, at least one monitoring unit that functionally interacts with a state of the inside of the turret of a cryomagnet is provided to monitor the inside of the turret.

Abstract: A method of detecting unwanted objects or faults in containers containing a fluid or liquid includes: (a) moving the containers along a path of travel; (b) providing; a light source emitting light of a specific spectral distribution, wherein the containers and their contents are at least partly transparent or translucent at the specific spectral distribution; (c) providing a camera for detecting light at the specific spectral distribution, wherein (1) the path of travel intersects a field of view defined by the camera, and (2) the camera registers a sequence of digital images as the containers pass between the light source and the camera; (d) selecting a part of each of the digital images that corresponds to the outline of a specific container; and (e) processing a sequence of the parts of the digital images so as to detect the unwanted objects or faults in the specific container.

Abstract: An automated system for illuminating and inspecting the inner surface areas of tubular samples, especially stents, is disclosed. The system comprises rotatable means for receiving the sample to be inspected; at least one fluorescent surface area arranged in the immediate vicinity of the sample to be inspected; an UV-light source for illuminating the at least one fluorescent surface area; an electronic line-scan camera for inspecting the sample; and a computer based electronic imaging system, functionally connected to the camera, whereby the imaging system creates a line-by-line image of an area extending along the length of the sample as it rotates under the camera.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting a defect in a finish ring of a glass article are described. The actual position of the finish ring is measured and enables a photographic device to be accurately positioned in relation to the finish ring, whereby the optical axis of the photographic device passes through the center of the finish ring. A sample of the finish ring is made and processed via an analyzing device configured so as to automatically detect an optical signature of the defect.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatic cleaning of diesel particulate filters (DPF). First and second nozzle members direct flows of compressed air into the axially-extending filter cells from both ends of the filter, the nozzle members generally being offset so as to avoid blowing directly towards one another. The flows form the nozzles impinge only relatively small areas of the end faces of the filter media, e.g., only one or a few cells at a time. The nozzle members are moved over substantially the entirety of the first and second end faces, so that as cleaning progresses compressed air is directed into substantially all of the filter cells from opposite directions. The nozzles may be translated on reciprocated arms while the filter is rotated simultaneously on a turntable or rollers, so that the nozzles sweep over the whole surface of each end; other mechanisms, such as various combinations of gears or pistons, may be used for relative movement between the nozzles and filters.

Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus and method for automated inspection of formed metal containers. More specifically, it pertains to the use of machine vision systems to identify and correlate manufacturing defects occurring in formed food and beverage containers to specific manufacturing paths or sources of origin (eg., body makers) used in the container forming process. The disclosed invention is enabled by the placement of a machine-readable code on specific portions of the can body during the forming process and the use of illumination exposure techniques.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to recognize features on bottom surfaces of containers on a container production line, detect defects in the containers, and correlate the defects to specific production equipment of the container production line, based in part on the recognized features. The system includes imaging apparatus, programmable processing devices, and controllers. The methods include imaging techniques and estimation techniques.

Abstract: A method for detecting one or more foreign substances in one or more containers filled with liquid, comprising of: transporting the containers filled with liquid in a substantially straight line at relatively high speed in a production environment; —illuminating each container with content with one or more fixedly disposed light sources; and —inspecting the container with content from preferably two or more different orientations using two or more cameras, wherein cameras and lighting are disposed substantially fixedly relative to each other, while the cameras and light sources are mutually connected such that in a short time two or more images of a container filled with liquid can be recorded with mutually differing illumination and/or angle of incidence; —comparing the foreign substances in the two or more images; and —wherein a container filled with liquid is rejected on the basis of the probability distribution obtained from the comparisons, wherein above a determined probability it is concluded that the

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to recognize features on bottom surfaces of metal containers on a metal container production line, detect defects in the metal containers, and correlate the defects to specific production equipment of the metal container production line, based in part on the recognized features. The system includes imaging apparatus, programmable processing devices, and controllers. The methods include imaging techniques and estimation techniques.

Abstract: An inspection device (1) for inspecting container closures (10), having an illumination device (4) which is situated above the container closures (10) to be inspected and illuminates the container closures, an image recording device (2) which is situated above the container closures (10) to be inspected and which records the radiation directed from the illumination device (4) onto the container closures (10) and reflected back by the container closures (10) and outputs a locally resolved image of the container closures. The distance between the image recording device (2) and the container closure (10) to be inspected is less than ten times the height of the container closure (10), and the image recording device (2) has a lens (8) which has a focal length of less than 10 mm.

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 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: 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 optoelectronic process for inspection of an area of revolution of a receptacle presenting an axis of revolution, includes: illumination of the surface to be inspected using a lighting system presenting an axis of revolution that is located in the extension of the axis of revolution of the receptacle, formation of an image of the inspected surface using a camera, and analysis of the image formed with a view to checking the characteristics of the surface to be inspected. The illumination is over at least three angular sectors, each emitting a given radiation spectrum that is separate from all the spectra of the other sectors. Only the light rays returned by the surface to be inspected are selected and one of the said given radiation spectra are presented to eliminate the parasitic light rays whose radiation spectrum does not correspond to that selected for the said angular sector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a reference image (template) used in a glass bottle inspecting apparatus for detecting a defect at a specific location of a bottle-mouth portion and the like of a glass bottle, and used for being compared with the image obtained from the glass bottle to be inspected in the inspecting apparatus. According to a method of producing a reference image of the present invention, plural images are formed by using a CCD camera to image a plurality of glass bottles as samples which may contain defective glass bottles, and a reference image is provided from the obtained plural images, a range of brightness when light is applied to a non-defective glass bottle being specified in said reference image.

Abstract: A method for the substantially complete detection and measurement of all particles, within a predetermined size, range, contained in an injectable solution comprising the steps of: a) rotation of the container causes substantially all of the particles in the injectable solution in the container to be set in motion; b) uniformly illuminating the background around the container with light; and c) detecting at least one of light scatter, light reflection and light extinction caused by said particles, with detectors having a depth of focus of detection in a specified volume of the container. Wherein the detectors are positioned, relative to the container whereby the optical path and field of view allows the sensor sufficient focus to view substantially all of the bottom interior surface of the container and substantially all of the solution volume within the container.

Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus and method for automated inspection of formed metal containers. More specifically, it pertains to the use of machine vision systems to identify and correlate manufacturing defects occurring in formed food and beverage containers to specific manufacturing paths or sources of origin (e.g., body makers) used in the container forming process. The disclosed invention is enabled by the placement of a machine-readable code on specific portions of the can body during the forming process and the use of machine vision reading techniques.

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

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting containers having a sidewall with a shoulder and a heel includes a device for positioning a container for inspection, a light source on one side of the container positioning device, and a camera having a light sensor and an entrance pupil on an opposing side of the container positioning device. A fresnel lens is disposed between the camera and the positioning device. The fresnel lens is positioned with respect to the entrance pupil of the camera so that the light sensor has a field of view that is directed by the fresnel lens through the container sidewall onto the light source at a first converging angle through the shoulder and at a second converging angle through the heel. The positioning device preferably is such that the front surface of the container is positioned adjacent to the fresnel lens, and such that the fresnel lens has a focal point disposed between the front surface and the light source.

Abstract: Method of optical inspection of closures on containers in which the outer edge of a closure is illuminated obliquely from above over the full circumference, and a photograph of the top side of the closure is made perpendicularly from above, and this photograph is used to detect the outer edge of the mouth, which appears brighter, and to check on the position of the cover logo relative to this edge of the mouth either directly or indirectly, and a signal is generated in the event an unacceptable eccentricity is found.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting chamber leakage by measuring the reflectivity of an oxidized thin film. In a preferred embodiment, a method of detecting leaks in a chamber includes providing a first monitor workpiece, placing the first monitor workpiece in the chamber, and forming at least one film on the first monitor workpiece. The reflectivity of the least one film of the first monitor workpiece is measured, wherein the reflectivity indicates whether there are leaks in the at least one seal of the chamber. In another embodiment, the method includes providing a second monitor workpiece, placing the second monitor workpiece in the chamber, and forming at least one film on the second monitor workpiece. The reflectivity of the at least one film of the second monitor workpiece is measured, and the second monitor workpiece film reflectivity is compared to the first monitor workpiece film reflectivity.

Abstract: A device for checking a container neck for the presence of an incline is disclosed. A pressure-contact head, which can be lowered onto the container, has means for holding and centering the container. A checking part, which can be moved angularly relative to the horizontal, is urged onto the neck and correlates in its angular position relative to the horizontal plane with the incline of the neck. Means for scanning the angular position of the checking part relative to the horizontal plane are provided along with an evaluating unit which uses measurement values provided by the scanning means to generate an information signal relating to the incline of the neck. An actuator, controlled by the evaluating unit, screens the container and rejects it if the information signal is beyond a permissible threshold value.

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: A machine for inspecting a container which is being conveyed along a linear path. The machine has spaced left hand and right hand cabinets in front of the linear path with the space therebetween being space in which an operator can stand to be proximate to the linear path. The machine has left hand and right hand inspection stations which include a left-hand assembly located in front of the linear path and a right hand assembly located in front of the linear path. These assemblies are pivotally mounted about vertical axes so that they can be pivoted from a closed position proximate the liner path to a retracted position away from the linear path. At the retracted position an operator can enter the machine and service the inspection stations.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring the presence of an analyte in a closed vial wherein a sample contained within the closed vial is conveyed to an analyzer. The analyzer determines a value of a spectral property dependent on analyte concentration at a position within a headspace formed above the sample within the vial. An indicator is used to compare the measured value of the spectral property with a predetermined limit criteria to determine the presence or absence of the analyte. Vials wherein the presence of the analyte is detected are indicated as product vials whereas vials wherein the absence of the analyte is detected are indicated as rejected vials. The rejected vials are conveyed by a transferrer to a rejected vial station. A first portion of the product vials are conveyed by a sampler to a sample collection station. A second portion of the product vials are conveyed to a labeler.

Abstract: A certain percentage of sheet metal blanks (20) for cars are not bounded by straight cuts. These so-called contour blanks are cut by form dies to optimize material usage of sheet metal coils. During the tryout process of the press tools the final contour for the blanks is determined in an iterative process. The manually size-optimized blank contour has to be digitized for blank nesting and the construction of a form die to cut the blank from the coil in production. The present invention discloses a low-cost measurement system based on a digital camera (21). This camera allows taking pictures of blanks (20) on-site in the plant and process them off-line to regenerate geometrical information by use of photogrammetric principles. This method yields a significant reduction of lead-time by eliminating the need for a slow coordinate measuring machine (CMM).

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting a container finish includes at least one light source for directing light energy onto the sealing surface of a container. At least one light sensor is disposed to receive light energy reflected from the sealing surface of the container, and is responsive to such reflected light energy to provide signals indicative of the level of the sealing surface at at least four points on the sealing surface spaced from each other around the axis of the container finish. An information processor is responsive to such signals for detecting variations in level at the sealing surface of the container. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the points on the sealing surface from which reflected energy is received at the sensor are at a nominal angle of 90° from each other. The information processor preferably is responsive to such signals for detecting warp, dip, off-level and overall height variations at the sealing surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for marking cigarette packets, comprising a transport device for conveying at least one cigarette packet to a marking station for marking cigarette packets, and the following features: the transport device grasps a batch of adjacent, aligned cigarette packets and moves them to the marking station, where the transport device releases the batch; and the released cigarette packets are marked on at least one exposed area.

Abstract: A process for inspecting transparent containers (B), in which every container is illuminated and at least two exposures of the same container are produced by means of a single CCD camera (K) and evaluated, whereby one exposure images the container profile and the other exposure images the container wall, the exposure time of the CCD camera (K) is changed, between the two exposures, from an exposure time for a container to an exposure time for a container profile. A control device (C2) for changing the sensitivity of exposure of the CCD camera (K) is produced.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting a container which is being conveyed along a linear path. The machine has spaced left hand and right hand cabinets in front of the linear path with the space therebetween being space in which an operator can stand to be proximate to the linear path. The machine has left hand and right hand inspection stations which include a left-hand assembly located in front of the linear path and a right hand assembly located in front of the linear path. These assemblies are pivotally mounted about vertical axes so that they can be pivoted from a closed position proximate the liner path to a retracted position away from the linear path. At the retracted position an operator can enter the machine and service the inspection stations.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting chamber leakage by measuring the reflectivity of an oxidized thin film. In a preferred embodiment, a method of detecting leaks in a chamber includes providing a first monitor workpiece, placing the first monitor workpiece in the chamber, and forming at least one film on the first monitor workpiece. The reflectivity of the least one film of the first monitor workpiece is measured, wherein the reflectivity indicates whether there are leaks in the at least one seal of the chamber. In another embodiment, the method includes providing a second monitor workpiece, placing the second monitor workpiece in the chamber, and forming at least one film on the second monitor workpiece. The reflectivity of the at least one film of the second monitor workpiece is measured, and the second monitor workpiece film reflectivity is compared to the first monitor workpiece film reflectivity.