Indentification of a molded container with its mold of origin
US4967070A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 1989 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB07C5/3412
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Apparatus for reading a mold-identifying code in the form of a plurality of surface irregularities extending in an arcuate array around the container heal concentrically with the container axis. A starwheel conveyor sequentially moves a series of containers in an arcuate path about a conveyor axis to and through a reading station. A belt positioned adjacent to the conveyor periphery engages containers at the reading station and is driven so as to rotate the containers about their central axes. A light source is imaged at the conveyor axis through container heel. A scanning mirror is positioned to receive an image of the light source transmitted through the container heel and to reflect such image onto a camera. The scanning mirror is driven as a function of conveyor rotation so as to follow a container traveling through the reading station and reflect onto the camera an image of that circumferential portion of the illuminated container heel closest to the conveyor axis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.