Apparatus and associated method for inspecting containers for bulges
US5844677A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/9081
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for inspecting containers has a support arm for supporting and transporting the containers. The support arm has a pair of movable arms defining a gap and having a recess for engaging the exterior of the finish or neck of the containers. A light source directs lights onto the movable arms and a detector receives light passing through the gap between the movable arms. The detector emits a responsive electrical signal to a processor which determines whether the container has a bulge and whether it is a reject. The movable arms are so structured and positioned as to enlarge the gap when a bulge is present on the exterior of the finish or neck of the container. One or more support arms are preferably disposed within a container forming machine which forms blow molded resinous plastic containers. An associated method is disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.