Method and device for inspecting empty bottles

US4790662A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Krones AG Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik · DE

Inventors

• Reiner Bischkopf · Neutraubling, DE
• Karl Griesbeck · Karlsruhe, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 26, 1987
• Grant date: Dec 13, 1988
• Expiry date: Jun 26, 2007

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N33/0081
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Empty bottles are checked for foreign bodies and other contamination by passing the bottles successively through two inspection zones in which they are optoelectronically scanned while they are on rotating disks that are mounted on a rotating table. When in one inspection zone a bottle is held stable on the disk by a rotatable socket that grips the bottle mouth to allow a clear view for inspecting down to the bottom. When in the other inspection zone the bottle is engaged by a ring at about shoulder height so there is a clear view for inspection of the bottle portion from the shoulder to the mouth. In transition regions between inspection zones the ring and socket both engage the bottle for a moment and then one gripper is withdrawn while the other remains to hold the bottle in the forthcoming inspection zone.