Method and apparatus for inspecting container sidewall contour

Apparatus for inspecting contour of a container sidewall, which includes:

• at least one light source for directing light energy onto a container sidewall as the container is rotated around an axis,
• at least one light sensor disposed to receive light energy from said at least one light source reflected from an outside surface of the container sidewall, and responsive to such reflected light energy to provide a signal indicative of position of the container sidewall relative to said sensor, and
• an information processor responsive to said signal for determining contour of the container sidewall in the direction of said axis as the container is rotated around said axis,
• wherein said at least one sensor is responsive to said reflected light energy to provide signals indicative of position of the container sidewall relative to said sensor at a first location adjacent to the container shoulder, a second location adjacent to the container heel and a third location between said first and second locations, and
• wherein said information processor determines contour of the container sidewall as a function of departure of sidewall position at said third location from a line between sidewall positions at said first and second locations.

A method of inspecting contour of a container side wall having a shoulder and a heel, which includes the steps of:

• (a) rotating the container around an axis,
• (b) directing light energy onto the container sidewall at at least a first location adjacent to the container shoulder, a second location adjacent to the container heel, and a third location between said first and second locations,
• {circle around (c)} directing light energy reflected from the container sidewall at at least said first, second and third locations onto at least one light sensor to provide signals indicative of position of the container sidewall at said first, second and third locations relative to said at least one sensor, and
• (d) determining sidewall contour of the container as a function of departure of sidewall positioned at said third location from a line between sidewall positions at said first and second locations.