Method and apparatus for detecting foreign particles in full beverage containers

A system for detecting foreign particles in an optically-transparent liquid-filled container comprising:

• a. conveyor means for transporting a plurality of said containers in seriatum through at least first and second inspection stations;
• b. first camera means disposed at said first station for detecting a first optical image of each of said containers when the fluid and foreign particles therein are in a substantially static condition;
• c. means for storing said first image in a memory;
• d. agitation means disposed between said first and second stations for generating motion of said foreign particles in said fluid-filled containers;
• e. second camera means disposed at said second station for detecting a second optical image of said container after said foreign particles have been set into motion;
• f. means for storing said second optical image in a memory;
• g. means for comparing said first and second images stored in said memories;
• and
• h. means responsive to said means for comparing for generating a reject signal when said first and second optical images differ by a predetermined degree.

A system for detecting the presence of foreign particles in a liquid-filled optically transparent container comprising:

• means for detecting a first optical image of said container when the fluid and foreign particles therein are in a substantially static condition;
• memory means for storing said optical characteristics of said container containing said substantially static fluid;
• means for rotating said container about a horizontal axis passing through said container to generate both heavy and light foreign particle movement in the fluid therein;
• means for detecting a second optical image of said container after the container has been rotated;
• memory means for storing said second optical image;
• and
• means for comparing said first and second optical images of said container to determine a predetermined degree of difference between said images indicative of the presence of moving foreign particles in the fluid in said container.