Method and apparatus for inspecting glass containers
AssigneeOwens-Illinois, Inc.
InventorsArthur L. Dorf, Sam Lovalenti
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention relates to inspecting glass containers and other types of containers for defects, such as horizontal checks, in the sidewall thereof. The invention involves both method and apparatus for inspecting for such defects, whereby radiant energy is directed from above to be transmitted through the sidewall as a vertical band or column while the container is rotated. A light-sensitive detector observes the sidewall for reflected light produced by the defect, energizing of the detector creating a reject signal for rejection of flawed containers.
Claims7
The method of inspecting glass containers and the like for horizontal checks in the sidewall thereof wherein
- the containers are moved successively in upright position to and through an inspection station,
- and are rotated about their vertical axes thereat, comprising
- directing a source of light to which the said container is transparent, downwardly onto the top surface of the finish of said container at a limited position thereof during its rotation to illuminate a vertical section of the wall,
- viewing the illuminated vertical section of the wall with a vertical, linear, diode array and electronically scanning the diode array while the container is rotated through at least 360.degree. of rotation whereby a complete scan of the sidewall is made.
An apparatus for inspecting glass containers and the like for horizontal checks in the wall thereof which comprises means for moving upright containers successively into and through an inspection station, means at said inspection station for rotating said container about its vertical axis at said inspection station, means at said inspection station for directing a source of radiant energy to which the said container is transparent downwardly into the top surface of finish portion of said container at a specific radial position during its rotation, thereby illuminating a vertical section of the container wall, light sensitive means mounted at said inspection station and facing the illuminated portion of said container wall, said light sensitive means being a vertical, linear diode array, and means connected to said array for creating a signal in response to the energization of a diode in said light sensitive device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.