초록 ▼

An integrated leak and vision inspection system is provided that accurately and efficiently inspects a bottle or other container for manufacturing defects. The system provides a series of visual inspection stations with cameras and lighting that are integrated onto a rotary inspection system for on-

An integrated leak and vision inspection system is provided that accurately and efficiently inspects a bottle or other container for manufacturing defects. The system provides a series of visual inspection stations with cameras and lighting that are integrated onto a rotary inspection system for on-line inspection of containers. A microprocessor in data communication with each of the inspection stations receives and analyzes image data of the particular area or parameter of the container being inspected or tested, and generates data relating to the container based upon predetermined criteria. The stations are arranged to provide an integrated and fully automated and efficient inspection system. In the preferred embodiment, the system is structured with a first station integrated with an entry starwheel to inspect the top seal surface of the container. As the container moves out of the starwheel, a probe from a leak test assembly seals the container opening and the container is tested for leaks as it moves on a main turntable into and through a second station to visually inspect the neck finish. The container is then transported on the turntable to a third station integrated with an exit starwheel to visually inspect the base of the container. The exit starwheel shifts the container onto the line conveyor to a reject station, which removes any containers that are below the set standards.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An integrated inspection system for visually inspecting a container for defects, the container having a mouth with a top seal surface, neck, shoulder, side surface, and base; the system comprising:a series of visual inspection stations, each comprising a surface to support the container thereon,

1. An integrated inspection system for visually inspecting a container for defects, the container having a mouth with a top seal surface, neck, shoulder, side surface, and base; the system comprising:a series of visual inspection stations, each comprising a surface to support the container thereon, and an assembly to inspect a select portion of the container; an infeed mechanism to move the container into the system; an exit mechanism to move the container out of the system; a conveyor to move the container through the system; and a microprocessor to receive and analyze data signals received from the visual inspection stations and generate data relating to the container; wherein the series of visual inspection stations, includes: a) a first visual inspection station to inspect the top seal surface of the container, the top seal surface inspection assembly including: a light source mounted in a vertical orientation to illuminate the top seal surface of the container when positioned on the support surface; a camera mounted in a vertical orientation to image the top seal surface of the container when positioned on the support surface; and a data signaling device connected to the camera and the microprocessor, to receive a data signal from the camera representative of the camera image of the top seal surface of the container and transmit the data signal to the microprocessor; b) a second visual inspection station to inspect the neck finish of the container, the neck finish inspection assembly including: a light source mounted horizontally to direct illumination over the support surface; a reflective surface positioned to receive and reflect the illumination toward the neck of the container when positioned on the support surface; a camera mounted horizontally to image the neck of the container when positioned on the support surface; a data signaling device connected to the camera and the microprocessor, to receive a data signal from the camera representative of the camera image of the neck of the container and transmit the data signal to the microprocessor; and c) a third vial inspection station to inspect the base of the container, the support surface structured to allow light to pass therethrough, and the base inspection assembly including: a light source mounted beneath the support surface to illuminate the base of the container when positioned on the support surface; a camera mounted in a vertical orientation to image the base of the container through the neck when the container is positioned on the support surface; and a data signaling device connected to the camera and the microprocessor, to receive a data signal from the camera representative of the camera image of the base of the container and transmit the data signal to the microprocessor; and wherein the conveyor comprises the infeed mechanism to convey the container into the first visual inspection station and the exit mechanism to convey the container out of the third visual inspection station.