Method and apparatus for monitoring wall thickness of blow-molded plastic containers
US7378047B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2949/0715
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of inspecting wall thickness of blow-molded plastic containers includes providing a blow-molder having a plurality of molds and a plurality of associated spindles. 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 compares the electrical signals with stored information regarding desired wall thickness of the container and emits output thickness information. 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 wall thickness information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The wall thickness information may be averaged over a period of time or a number of containers. 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 si…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.