Indirect contact container measurement
US6918285B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M3/36
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for in-line testing of the internal pressure of flexible containers traveling along a production line at high speeds. The apparatus inspects semi-rigid plastic and thin-walled liquid filled containers by analyzing the output from a load cell that indirectly measures the reaction force applied to a container through the intermediary of a load cell roller that, in turn, supports a flexible belt that directly contacts containers while moving them through an inspection station without interrupting the flow of the production line. Containers are contacted only by a flexible portion of a conveyor belt to minimize structural and aesthetic damage to them that might otherwise occur during the inspection process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.