Method and apparatus for inspecting liquid filled hollow transparent articles
US11872743B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 7, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2049/78715
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An article-inspection apparatus includes a light source for directing light energy with multiple wavelengths at the article and multiple sensors to receive light reflected from external and internal surfaces of the wall of the article, with the reflections being used to compute a physical characteristic, e.g., wall thickness, of the container, due to the light absorption characteristics of the material of the wall of the article. A single light sensitive sensor may be used if the light source wavelengths can be selectively transmitted. The apparatus can be used for inspecting transparent plastic containers that are filled (with a liquid) or unfilled. The apparatus may determine the wall thickness of transparent plastic containers even if they have in-molded features or decorations that make their inner and outer walls non-parallel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.