Container sealing surface area inspection
US5896195A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/9054
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for inspecting the sealing surface area of a container finish that includes a structured light source positioned to direct a collimated line-shaped light beam onto the sealing surface area of a container as the container is moved relative to the light source. The line-shaped light beam at the container sealing surface area has a long dimension orthogonal to the container axis that extends chordally across the sealing surface area, and a narrow dimension tangential to the container axis. A light sensor is disposed to receive portions of the line-shaped light beam reflected from the sealing surface area, and provides an electrical output signal that varies with height or level of the sealing surface with respect to the light source and sensor. The sensor is coupled to associated electronics for providing information indicative of sealing surface height. The elongated dimension of the line-shaped light beam at the container sealing surface area accommodates wobble or misalignment at the sealing surface with respect to the light source and sensor. Furthermore, the elongated radial dimension of the line-shaped light beam at the container sealing surface area produces a reflect…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.