Method for manufacturing and inspecting blow-molded plastic containers
US7374713B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2949/0715
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of manufacturing plastic containers. The method may comprise the steps of (1) forming a plastic container from a preform in a blow-molder, where the blow-molder comprises a plurality of molds and spindles; and (2) inspecting the plastic container after formation in the blow-molder. The containers are inspected by impinging infrared light thereon and detecting the portion of the infrared light that passes through the container and converting the same into corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives signals from sensors associated with the blow-molder relating to the position of the molds, the identity of the molds and the identity of the spindles in order that the information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The information may be visually displayed so as to provide feedback regarding the inspection process. In a preferred embodiment wall thickness measurements are taken at several vertically spaced positions simultaneously. Corresponding apparatus is provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.