Apparatus and an associated method for detecting haze or pearlescence in containers

Abstract

Apparatus and an associated method for inspecting translucent containers to determine whether haze or pearlescence exists include a light source and associated photodetectors which are in spaced relationship to permit passage of containers to be inspected therebetween. A processing unit determines whether a particular predetermined linear array of photodetectors has been illuminated to indicate the presence of pearlescence, whether a conical light beam has illuminated a circular array to indicate the presence of haze or whether neither defect exists. In a preferred embodiment, individual portions of the container less than the full circumference are tested with the results being cumulatively determined so as to minimize the likelihood that minor defects will provide a false reading of the presence of either haze or pearlescence. Counters, which are preferably electronic in nature to afford adequate speed of response may be used to total separately the number of sensors illuminated in the haze category, pearlescence category or no defect category and a comparison made to determine which of the characteristics exist for a particular container.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.