Optical inspection of containers

US9335274B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc. · US

Inventors

• George H. Hall · Westford, US
• Benjamin Daniel · Pforzheim, DE
• Stephen M. Graff · Maumee, US
• John W. Juvinall · Iron River, US
• Timothy A. Kohler · Waterville, US
• Thomas F. Michalski · Maumee, US
• James A. Ringlien · Maumee, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 29, 2011
• Grant date: May 10, 2016
• Expiry date: Jun 5, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N21/9054
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus and method for inspecting a container having a base and a mouth, wherein light is directed through the container base into the container, and out of the container through the container mouth, using at least first and second light sources operatively disposed adjacent to each other beneath the container base and having differing operating characteristics. Light transmitted through the container mouth is sensed, and a composite image of the container mouth may be produced from two or more images of portions of the container mouth.