Patent · US Expired

System and method for inspecting cans

US6519356B1 · kind B1 · utility

6Cited by
19References
33Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 3, 1999
Grant dateFeb 11, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 3, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01N21/9054
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A system and method inspects containers and cans and includes a conveyor for advancing a plurality of containers into an inspection area. A sensor senses when a can has advanced into the inspection area. At least one light source illuminates the exterior of the can and interior of the can through the top opening after sensing that a can has advanced into the inspection area. The top camera has a field of view looking down into the top opening for obtaining a pixel image of the top and interior of the can and opposing side cameras obtain pixel images in elevation of the container. A processor processes the pixel images and calculates eccentricity, diameter of the opening, and flange width measurements based on the pixel image of the top and the interior of the container. The processor calculates height and flange angle measurements based on the pixel images obtained in the elevation of the container. The processor includes a circuit for comparing the calculated measurements with a threshold measurement requirement.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.