Linear optical sensor for a closure

A system for generating a plurality of digital data samples indicative of the vertical position of a closure on a container passing through an inspection station, said system comprising:

• a light source configured for horizontally projecting a beam of light, said beam of light being substantially linear and vertically oriented;
• a substantially linear and vertically oriented light receiver for receiving said substantially linear beam of light as said closure passes through said inspection station;
• an optical sensor connected to said light receiver for generating an analog signal, the magnitude of said analog signal proportional to the amount of light received;
• and
• a processor for receiving and sampling said analog signal, thereby generating a plurality of digital data samples comprising a trace profile for said closure.

A method for determining whether a closure is properly seated on a container conveyed through a package inspection station in a first horizontal direction, said method comprising:

• projecting a vertically oriented and rectangular beam of light to said package inspection station in a second horizontal direction, said second horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to said first horizontal direction
• receiving said vertically oriented and rectangular beam of light;
• generating a trace profile of said closure area as said package moves through said scan area, wherein said trace profile corresponds to the vertical orientation of said closure;
• and
• determining, based upon said trace profile, whether said closure is properly seated.