Apparatus and method for inspecting containers

An integrated inspection method of a container adapted to hold pressurized gas, the method comprising (i) positioning the container for inspection, (ii) obtaining image data corresponding to the container using an imaging device configured to transmit the image data to a central station, (iii) transmitting a signal including image data to the central station by an electronic circuit in communication between the imaging device and the central station, (iv) processing the image data to detect defects in the container, (v) obtaining acoustic data corresponding to the container using a sound detecting device configured to transmit the acoustic data to the central station, (vi) transmitting a signal including acoustic data to the central station by an electronic circuit in communication between the sound detecting device and the central station, (vii) processing the acoustic data to detect defects in the container and/or the presence of liquids in the container, (viii) optionally obtaining odor data corresponding to the container contents using an odor detecting device configured to transmit the odor data to the central station, (ix) optionally transmitting a signal including odor data to the central station by an electronic circuit in communication between the odor detecting device and the central station, and (x) optionally processing the odor data to identify the container contents;

• wherein said central station comprises a data processing device configured to process data, a receiver configured to receive data transmitted from the imaging device, sound detecting device and odor detecting device, and a transmitter configured to transmit signals received by the receiver or data processed by the data processing device to an external communication network through an external network interface.