초록 ▼

Detection of components (22-24) missing from sealed packages (16) is accomplished by combining a multiplicity of electrical outputs representing the mass in volumes of the package (16) and comparing the combined value with a standard value for packages (16) including all components (22-24). In the p

Detection of components (22-24) missing from sealed packages (16) is accomplished by combining a multiplicity of electrical outputs representing the mass in volumes of the package (16) and comparing the combined value with a standard value for packages (16) including all components (22-24). In the preferred form, the mass is represented by the absorption of x-rays, with the packages (16) being conveyed on a conveyor (18) between an x-ray radiator (12) generating a fan-shaped x-ray beam (14) and a line array (20) of individual detectors (20a, 20b, etc.). The detectors (20a, 20b, etc.) detect radiation after passing through the package (16) and provide a numerical electrical signal equal to the amount of radiation detected. If the sum of the multiplicity of numerical electrical signals is less than the standard value, the package (16) is rejected from the conveyor (18) by a rejection device (30).

대표청구항 ▼

1. Method for detecting if a package is within a range of manufacturing tolerances comprising: generating a multiplicity of electrical outputs representing the mass in volumes of the package; combining the multiplicity of electrical outputs to arrive at a combined value; identifying a standard value

1. Method for detecting if a package is within a range of manufacturing tolerances comprising: generating a multiplicity of electrical outputs representing the mass in volumes of the package; combining the multiplicity of electrical outputs to arrive at a combined value; identifying a standard value of a package within the range of manufacturing tolerances; comparing the combined value with the standard value; and rejecting the package where the combined value does not meet the standard value.