Apparatus for inspecting containers having a dual optical transmission means, a dual light sensing means and a rotating head
AssigneeOwens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
InventorsJames A. Kirkman, James A. Ringlien
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus for inspecting containers that includes an inspection head positioned for rotation about a fixed axis adjacent to a container under inspection. A light source and a camera are carried by the head for directing illumination energy onto the container and receiving energy from the container after interaction with the container. The camera is connected to interface electronics for controlling camera operation and receiving data signals from the camera. The light source, camera and interface electronics are mounted on the head and rotate continuously, with the light source and interface electronics being connected by optical commutation to external control devices.
Claims13
Apparatus for inspecting containers comprising:
- an inspection head including means for rotating said head adjacent to a container about a fixed axis,
- a light source disposed in fixed position adjacent to said head,
- first optical transmission means on said head and aligned with said light source for receiving illumination light energy from said source and projecting said illumination energy onto the container,
- first light sensing means on said head for receiving at least a portion of said light energy following interaction of said light energy with the container and generating a first electrical signal as a function thereof,
- second optical transmission means on said head responsive to said first electrical signal for generating light energy as a function thereof,
- second light sensing means disposed in fixed position adjacent to said head in alignment with said second optical transmission means for receiving light energy generated by said second optical transmission means and generating a second electrical signal as a function thereof, and
- means responsive to said second electrical signal for detecting commercial variations in the container.
Apparatus for inspecting containers comprising:
- an inspection head including means for rotating said head adjacent to a container about a fixed axis,
- light source means on said head for projecting illumination light energy onto the container adjacent to said head,
- first light sensing means on said head for receiving at least a portion of said light energy following interaction of the light energy with the container,
- electronic means carried by said head and responsive to said first light sensing means for generating electrical signals as a function thereof,
- at least one optical transmitter carried by said head at fixed radius to said axis and responsive to said electrical signals,
- annular light sensing means at fixed radius around said axis and opposed to said at least one optical transmitter, and
- means coupled to said annular light sensing means for detecting commercial variations in the container as a function of said electrical signals.
A method of inspecting containers comprising the steps of:
- (a) rotating an inspection head continuously about a fixed axis adjacent to a container,
- (b) generating light energy externally of said head,
- (c) commutating said light energy onto said head to illuminate the container,
- (d) generating optical signals on said head as a function of interaction of illumination light energy with the container,
- (e) providing information processing electronics externally of said head, and
- (f) commutating said optical signals off of said head to said information processing electronics.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.